03.067
Damayanti said.
O mother, if you wish me to live, I speak the truth to you: it is in bringing here that heroic man Nala. (03-67-1)
Brihadashva said.
O king, thus addressed by Damayantī, the sorrowful lady, her voice choked with tears, gave some reply. (03-67-2)
But when they saw her in that state, the entire inner palace was filled with great wailing, and everyone wept intensely. (03-67-3)
Then Bhīma's wife said to the great king: "Damayantī, your daughter, grieves for her husband." (03-67-4)
O king, having cast off her modesty, she herself said: "Let your servants endeavor to obtain a sight of the virtuous one." (03-67-5)
Prompted by her, the king sent the obedient brāhmaṇas in all directions, saying, "Strive to find Nala." (03-67-6)
Then, by the command of the king of Vidarbha, the foremost Brāhmaṇas, after seeing Damayantī, set out, and then they said thus. (03-67-7)
Then the daughter of Bhīma spoke to them: 'In all kingdoms, say these words in the gatherings of people, here and there, repeatedly.' (03-67-8)
Where indeed are you, deceitful one, having cut off half the garment and departed from me, leaving in the forest your beloved who was sleeping and devoted, dear? (03-67-9)
She, indeed, as she was instructed, remains there longing for you, the young girl tormented intensely, covered only with half a garment. (03-67-10)
Because of her constant weeping and that grief, O king, grant your favor and give a reply, O hero. (03-67-11)
This too and other matters should be spoken; show compassion as for me. Indeed, fire stirred by wind burns a forest. (03-67-12)
A wife must always be supported and protected by her husband; how then could both be lost by you, who are righteous and virtuous? (03-67-13)
You, who are always famous, wise, noble-born, and compassionate, have now become pitiless. I suspect this is because my good fortune has waned. (03-67-14)
Therefore, O mighty archer, show compassion to me, O best of men. I have indeed heard from you that non-cruelty is the highest dharma. (03-67-15)
If, while speaking thus, anyone replies to you, that man should be thoroughly found out — who he is and where he lives. (03-67-16)
O best of the twice-born, whatever reply any man says after hearing your words, take that reply and quickly inform me. (03-67-17)
Just as your return, while following Bhīma's command, should not be known, so too this must be accomplished with diligence. (03-67-18)
Whether he is prosperous or impoverished, or even desires wealth—it should be known what he wishes to do. (03-67-19)
Thus addressed, the Brāhmaṇas then departed in all directions to search for the king Nala, who was afflicted. (03-67-20)
O King, the twice-born, searching for Nala, went through ancient districts, villages, hamlets, and also hermitages. (03-67-21)
O lord of people, all the brahmans everywhere caused that message, as spoken by Damayantī, to be proclaimed. (03-67-22)
