03.074
Bṛhadaśva said.
Keśinī, after observing all the changes in the wise and virtuous one, quickly came and reported them to Damayantī. (03-74-1)
Damayantī, tormented by grief and anxiously longing due to concern for Nala, once again sent Keśinī to her mother. (03-74-2)
I have tested Bāhuka many times, suspecting him to be Nala; but regarding his appearance, I have only one doubt left, which I wish to resolve myself. (03-74-3)
O mother, either let him be allowed to enter or grant permission to me. Whether it is known or understood by my father, let it be arranged accordingly. (03-74-4)
Having thus been addressed by the princess of Vidarbha, the noble lady spoke to Bhīma. The king understood his daughter's intention as well. (03-74-5)
O bull among the Bharatas, having obtained permission from her father and mother, she caused Nala to enter the place where her abode was. (03-74-6)
But when Damayantī saw Nala in that condition, the beautiful-complexioned lady was overcome by intense sorrow. (03-74-7)
Then Damayantī, wearing ochre robes, with matted hair and covered in dirt, O great king, spoke words to Bāhuka. (03-74-8)
Previously, you saw a man named Bāhuka, who knew dharma; he abandoned a sleeping woman in the forest and left. (03-74-9)
Who would abandon his blameless beloved wife, fatigued and bewildered, in a lonely place, except the celebrated Nala? (03-74-10)
What offense or duty, indeed, have I committed against the lord of the earth? He who has gone, having abandoned me, who was taken away by sleep, in the forest. (03-74-11)
How could I, who long ago chose him over the very gods, now abandon a devoted and desirous wife who has given me a son? (03-74-12)
Having taken your hand in the fire and abided by the promise of the swans, after promising truthfully "I will support," where has that promise gone? (03-74-13)
As Damayantī spoke all this, O subduer of foes, much unhappy tear-water, born of sorrow, flowed from her eyes. (03-74-14)
Seeing that water dripping from his excessively dark and bloodshot eyes, the Fire god, afflicted by grief, spoke these words. (03-74-15)
My kingdom is destroyed—not by me, I did not do it myself. It was caused by Kali, O fearful one, and it was also that I abandoned you. (03-74-16)
But, O best among upholders of dharma, formerly I was struck by a curse by you, as I lived in the forest, grieving, distressed, and clothed as an exile. (03-74-17)
Kali, having entered my body, remained there, being burned by your curse. Always burned by your curse, he was absorbed as one is in fire. (03-74-18)
Through my determination and penance, suffering has certainly been overcome; by this end of sorrow, O auspicious one, indeed, happiness is destined for both of us. (03-74-19)
After releasing me, that wicked one left; so I have come here. O broad-hipped lady, I have no other purpose but you. (03-74-20)
How could a woman, devoted and attached to her husband, ever abandon him and choose another, as you, timid one, have done? (03-74-21)
Messengers are traversing the entire earth on the king's command. It is said that Bhaimī will choose a second husband. (03-74-22)
Acting on her own, just as she wished and as suited her nature; when she heard this, Bhāṅgasvari quickly came. (03-74-23)
But Damayanti, hearing that lamentation of Nala, with joined palms, trembling and fearful, spoke these words. (03-74-24)
