03.069
Bṛhadaśva said.
King Ṛtuparṇa, having heard Sudeva's words, consoled Bāhuka with gentle speech and spoke to him. (03-69-1)
I wish to go to Vidarbha for Damayantī's svayamvara. If you consider it possible, O Bāhuka, can the journey be completed in one day, O knower of horses? (03-69-2)
O son of Kunti, thus addressed by King Nala, his mind broke from sorrow, and the great-minded one brooded. (3-69-3)
Damayantī, being deluded by grief, may do this; for our sake, either this may happen, or this great means has been considered. (03-69-4)
Indeed, the ascetic princess of Vidarbha, desirous to act, has been offended by me, who am low, sinful, and lacking understanding. (03-69-5)
The nature of women is fickle in this world, and my fault is severe; even so, she might act in this manner, being helpless and having lost affection. The slender-waisted lady, distressed by my sorrow and overcome by hopelessness. (03-69-6)
One should never act thus, especially when children are involved; I will go and find out for certain what is true and proper here. For Ṛtuparṇa's desire and for myself, I am doing this. (03-69-7)
Having thus resolved in his mind, Bāhuka, with a dejected heart and joined palms, spoke these words to King Ṛtuparṇa. (03-69-8)
I truly promise you, O king, that in one day, O tiger among men, you will reach the city of Vidarbha. (03-69-9)
Then, O king, Bāhuka examined the horses by going to the stable as ordered by the king with a broken voice. (03-69-10)
Bāhuka, repeatedly urged on by Ṛtuparṇa, drove the lean but capable horses, enduring along the road. (03-69-11)
They were possessed of brilliance and strength, noble in lineage and character, lacking any with defective marks, having broad jaws and great chins; faultless, with ten whorls, born from the river, and possessing the speed of the wind. (03-69-12)
Seeing them, the king, with some anger, said: 'What is this request? Do you think we are to be easily obtained by you?' (03-69-13)
How will these horses of mine, who have little strength and vitality, be able to carry (me)? The journey is long and must be made by horses—how can it be done with animals like these? (3-69-14)
Bāhuka said.
These horses will reach Vidarbha; there is no doubt here. But if you wish others, O King, tell me which ones I shall yoke for you. (03-69-15)
Rituparṇa said.
You alone are the expert and knower of the nature of horses, O Bāhuka. Whomever you consider capable, yoke only those quickly. (03-69-16)
Bṛhadaśva said.
Then, the skillful man harnessed to the chariot four good horses of noble lineage, good character, and great speed. (03-69-17)
Then, the king yoked the chariot and, full of urgency, mounted it. Thereafter, those excellent horses circled about on the ground with their knees. (03-69-18)
Then the noble Nala, best among men and prosperous king, O lord of the people, consoled those horses endowed with vigor and strength. (03-69-19)
Harnessing the reins and preparing thoroughly, Nala wished to depart; after seating the charioteer Vārṣṇeya and adopting the greatest speed, he set out. (03-69-20)
Urged skillfully by Bāhuka, the excellent steeds seemed to leap into the sky, as if bewildering the charioteer. (03-69-21)
But when he saw those horses moving at wind-like speed, the wise lord of Ayodhyā was filled with utmost wonder. (03-69-22)
But when he heard the sound of the chariot and the horse-mustering, the descendant of Vṛṣṇi considered Bāhuka's skill with horses. (03-69-23)
Is this person perhaps Mātali, the charioteer of the king of gods? For such a great mark is seen in the hero Bāhuka. (03-69-24)
Is it then that Śalihotra, the knower of the essence of the horse lineage, has assumed a most beautiful human form? (03-69-25)
Or perhaps it may be King Nala, the conqueror of enemy cities; thus he thought, 'This king has arrived.' (03-69-26)
Now, the knowledge that Nala possesses, that same knowledge is possessed by Bāhuka. Indeed, I perceive the knowledge of Bāhuka and Nala as equal. (03-69-27)
Indeed, I think this one is of equal age to Nala; but this is not the Nala of great strength—rather, he will be one possessing his knowledge. (03-69-28)
Truly, great souls wander this earth in disguise, endowed by divine ordinance and with marks of deformation as prescribed by the scriptures. (03-69-29)
But let there be for me a difference of opinion concerning bodily deformity; however, it is my opinion that to lack the proper standard is worse. (03-69-30)
The measure of age is the same, but there is a difference in form. I think Bāhuka is inwardly Nala, endowed with all virtues. (03-69-31)
Thus, O great king, the descendant of Vṛṣṇi, who was the charioteer of the illustrious one, repeatedly pondered in his heart. (03-69-32)
But King Rituparna, O king, contemplating Bāhuka's expertise with horses, felt delight, together with his charioteer Vārṣṇeya. (03-69-33)
Having seen that strength, energy, eagerness, skill in horse management, and supreme effort, he became filled with great joy. (03-69-34)
