03.068
Bṛhadaśva said.
Then, after a long period, the twice-born named Parṇāda indeed, having arrived at the city, spoke these words to Bhaimī. (03-68-1)
Damayanti hunted in the kingdom of Nishadha day and night. Having gone to the city of Ayodhya, the one with the broken voice has arrived. (03-68-2)
O beautiful lady, your statement has also been announced by me in the great assembly as stated, to Ṛtuparṇa, the most fortunate one. (03-68-3)
Having heard that, King Ṛtuparṇa did not say anything, nor did any of the courtiers, though I repeatedly spoke to them. (03-68-4)
But permitted by the king, someone spoke to me in a secluded place: the man of Ṛtuparṇa named Bāhuka by name. (03-68-5)
The charioteer of that king was ugly and short-armed; he was skilled in driving swiftly, very capable, and an excellent cook. (03-68-6)
He sighed deeply many times, wept repeatedly, and after asking about my well-being, then spoke the following words. (03-68-7)
Even when faced with adversity, noble women protect themselves on their own. Truly, they are conquerors of heaven—there is no doubt. Even when deprived of their husbands, they never become angry. (03-68-8)
A woman abandoned by a man who is suffering adversity, deluded, and deprived of happiness, should not become angry in such a situation. (03-68-9)
Śyāmā should not be angry at a person, suffering due to afflictions, whose clothing was taken away by birds while he struggled just to keep alive. (03-68-10)
Whether honored or dishonored, even after seeing her husband come in such a state—deprived of kingdom and bereft of prosperity—the dark-complexioned woman should not be angry. (03-68-11)
Having heard his statements, I quickly came here. After hearing this evidence, you should convey it to the king as well. (03-68-12)
Having heard this, with her eyes full of tears, Damayantī, after coming in private from the leaf, addressed her mother, O lord of the peoples. (03-68-13)
O mother, Bhima must not know of this matter in any way. In your presence, I will carefully observe Sudeva, the best of Brahmins. (03-68-14)
Just as King Bhīma would not accept my opinion, in the same way, you must make an effort, if you wish to please me. (03-68-15)
Just as I have swiftly brought the relatives through Sudeva, let Sudeva himself, with auspiciousness, quickly go and bring Nala and mother to the city of Ayodhya from here without delay. (03-68-16)
Then, after Parṇāda, the foremost of Brāhmaṇas, had rested, Vaidehi, the exceedingly beautiful woman, worshipped him with wealth. (03-68-17)
When Nala comes here, O brāhmaṇa, I will again give you wealth, for you have done for me much that no one else would do. I shall soon be reunited with my husband, O best of brāhmaṇas. (03-68-18)
Having been thus addressed, he worshipped her with blessings and auspicious words; then, the great-minded one, his purpose accomplished, also went home. (03-68-19)
Then, having brought that brāhmaṇa, Damayantī, filled with sorrow and grief, spoke to Yudhiṣṭhira in her mother's presence. (03-68-20)
Go, Sudeva, to the city and speak to King Ṛtuparṇa of Ayodhya: "Damayantī, daughter of Bhīma, is desiring another husband and will hold a svayaṁvara again." (03-68-21)
There, kings and princes all go together; when the computed time arises tomorrow, it will happen. (03-68-22)
If it is possible for you, go quickly, O subduer of foes. At sunrise, she will choose another husband. For that heroic Nala is not recognized as living or dead. (03-68-23)
Thus, as instructed by her, Sudeva the Brahmin went and addressed King Rituparna, O great king, at that time. (03-68-24)
