03.076
Bṛhadaśva said.
Then, after passing the night, King Nala, well-adorned and together with Vaidarbhi (Damayantī), saw the lord of the earth in the morning. (03-76-1)
Then Nala, reverently, saluted his father-in-law; after him, Damayanti, the auspicious one, bowed to her own father. (03-76-2)
Bhima received him like a son, with great joy. After honoring him appropriately, the lord consoled Damayanti, the chaste wife, who was there accompanied by Nala. (3-76-3)
King Nala, having received her honors as prescribed, duly made known to him his own service. (03-76-4)
Then, in the city, a very great joyful sound arose from the exceedingly delighted people upon seeing Nala arrive in this manner. (03-76-5)
At that time, the city adorned with rows of banners and flags was made resplendent, and the royal roads, sprinkled, well-cleaned, and richly decorated with flowers, were prepared. (03-76-6)
At every door of the townspeople, flower arrangements were set up; all the shrines of the deities were also worshipped. (03-76-7)
King Ṛtuparṇa too heard that Nala, disguised as Bāhuka, had been reunited with Damayantī, and the king rejoiced. (03-76-8)
After bringing him, King Nala forgave the king. In turn, he also forgave Nala, in accordance with reasons sanctioned by intelligence. (03-76-9)
The honored king, filled with wonder, rejoiced to Nala, saying, 'By good fortune, you are reunited with your own wives.' (03-76-10)
But I hope I have not done any offense to you, O Naiṣadha, while you were dwelling incognito in my house, O lord of the Niṣadhas. (03-76-11)
If I have done any wrong deeds, whether intentionally or unintentionally, you ought to forgive those of mine. (03-76-12)
Nala said.
O king, you have not committed even the slightest offence against me. Even if any were done, I have no anger toward you; indeed, whatever needs to be forgiven by me is forgiven. (03-76-13)
Before, you have indeed been my friend and my relative, O king. But from now on, you ought to win even more of my affection. (03-76-14)
O King, all my desires have been well-fulfilled, and I have lived happily with you; I am not so in my own house as I always am in your house. (03-76-15)
This very knowledge of horses belonging to you abides in me. If you think it proper, O king, I wish to return that favour. (03-76-16)
Bṛhadaśva said;
Thus having spoken, the king of Niṣadha (Nala) gave the knowledge to Ṛtuparṇa, and he in turn accepted it through the proper prescribed ritual. (03-76-17)
Then, having taken the horse's heart, the king, whose voice was broken, took another charioteer and surely went to his own city. (03-76-18)
When Ṛtuparṇa had gone back, King Nala, O lord of the people, stayed in the city of Kuṇḍina for what seemed not a very long time. (03-76-19)
