03.058
Bṛhadaśva said.
But then, after the Vārṣṇeya had departed, as the virtuous-famed one was sporting, Puṣkara took away his kingdom and whatever other wealth there was. (03-58-1)
Having won away the kingdom from Nala, O King, the smiling Puṣkara said: 'Let the dice game proceed again. What stake do you have?' (03-58-2)
Only Damayantī remains for you, all the others have been taken by me. Let Damayantī's wager proceed, if you think it proper. (3-58-3)
When thus addressed by Puṣkara, the heart of Puṇyaśloka felt as if torn apart by anger, yet he did not say anything to him. (03-58-4)
Then, having seen Puṣkara, the greatly renowned Nala, full of intense anger, discarded all ornaments from his limbs. (03-58-5)
Wearing only one garment, and uncovered, thus increasing the grief of his friends, the king then departed, having abandoned his vast prosperity. (03-58-6)
Damayantī, dressed in a single garment, followed him as he was going, from behind. Together with her, Naiṣadha (Nala) stayed outside for three nights. (03-58-7)
But, O great king, Puṣkara had it proclaimed throughout the city: Whoever supports Nala shall be put to death by my order. (03-58-8)
O Yudhiṣṭhira, however, because of Puṣkara's words and hostile acts, the townspeople did not show him any respect. (03-58-9)
Thus, near the city, the king, though worthy of honor, was not honored. For three nights he remained there, subsisting only on water. (03-58-10)
But Nala, afflicted by hunger, on a day having many tithis, saw some birds with plumage like gold. (03-58-11)
Then the powerful king of Niṣadha thought, "Today there is food for me; this wealth too will be mine." (03-58-12)
Then he fully covered them with his undergarment. Taking his undergarment, all of them departed through the sky. (03-58-13)
The birds came near and then spoke to Nala, seeing him standing on the ground, dejected, naked, and with his face cast down. (03-58-14)
O very unintelligent one, we gamblers came wishing to take over your dwelling, but our affection does not remain when the dweller (you) is gone. (03-58-15)
Having examined them—the played-out dice, and himself deprived of his garment—the virtuous king then addressed Damayantī. (03-58-16)
O blameless one, by the anger of those whose power I have been deprived of, I do not find a means of sustenance and I am suffering, tormented by hunger. (03-58-17)
Because the people of Naishadha did not honor me, these—having become birds—are even carrying off my clothing. (03-58-18)
I, your husband—having reached supreme distress, afflicted and insensible—tell you these words for your own benefit. (03-58-19)
These many paths lead to the southern route, passing through Avanti and the Ṛikṣavanta mountain after crossing the mountain. (03-58-20)
Here is the Vindhya, the great mountain; Payoshni, which flows to the ocean; and these hermitages of the great sages, full of flowers and fruits. (03-58-21)
This is the road of the Vidarbhas; it leads to Kosala. Beyond this point, the country to the south is called Dakṣiṇāpatha (the southern region). (03-58-22)
Then Damayanti, worn thin with sorrow, spoke piteous words to Nala of Nishadha with a voice choked by tears. (03-58-23)
My heart is agitated, and all my limbs collapse completely, as I reflect again and again on your resolve, O king. (03-58-24)
How could I abandon you, who have lost your kingdom and wealth, are deprived of garments, afflicted by hunger and hardship, and go alone in a lonely forest? (03-58-25)
O great king, in this terrible forest, I shall remove your fatigue born of weariness, hunger, and anxious thought, and bring you happiness. (03-58-26)
There is nothing equal to a wife in the opinion of physicians. Medicine is a remedy for all sorrows — this is true, I say to you. (03-58-27)
Nala said.
It is exactly as you have said, O Damayanti, O slender-waisted one. For an afflicted man, there is no friend or remedy equal to a wife. (03-58-28)
I am not at all desirous of leaving you, so why, timid one, do you have doubts? I might abandon myself, but certainly not you, O blameless one. (03-58-29)
Damayanti said.
If, O great king, you do not wish to abandon me here, then why are you telling me the way to the land of the Vidarbhas? (03-58-30)
I understand, O king, and you should not abandon me. If your mind is disturbed, O great lord, you might forsake me. (03-58-31)
O best of men, you indeed keep telling me the path repeatedly; therefore, for this reason, you increase my grief, O lord among immortals. (03-58-32)
O king, if this is indeed your intention that we should go, then let us both together proceed to Vidarbha, if you think so. (03-58-33)
There, the king of Vidarbha will honor you, O bestower of honor. Being honored by him, O king, you will happily dwell in our house. (03-58-34)
