03.077
Bṛhadaśva said.
Having spent a month, O son of Kunti, and having bid farewell to Bhīma, the prince of Niṣadha departed from the city for Niṣadha with a small retinue. (03-77-1)
With one chariot, sixteen beautiful white elephants, fifty horses, and six hundred foot-soldiers. (03-77-2)
He, the king, greatly enraged and of lofty mind, hurriedly entered as if shaking the earth itself with his force. (03-77-3)
Then Nala, the son of Vīrasena, went to Puṣkara and said, "Let us play dice again; I have acquired much wealth." (03-77-4)
Damayanti and whatever other wealth I have acquired, this indeed is my renunciation; but the kingdom is yours, Pushkara. (03-77-5)
My mind is resolved: "Let dice be played again." With one stake—good for you—let us wager even our very lives. (03-77-6)
If one conquers and takes away another's wealth or kingdom, compensation should be provided; for another's wealth is indeed called so. (03-77-7)
If you do not desire that game of dice, let the battle-casting begin. Let there indeed be peace by a chariot duel, either for you or for me, O king. (03-77-8)
This kingdom, to be enjoyed by the lineage, should be sought by any means whatsoever; by whatever method it is obtained, thus is the command of the elders. (03-77-9)
Let the decision between the two be made today, Puṣkara: either let it be settled by deceit in dice-play or let the bow be bent in battle. (03-77-10)
But when addressed thus by Naiṣadha, Puṣkara, as if smiling and assuming his own victory was certain, replied to the king. (03-77-11)
Fortunately, the wealth acquired by you has been recovered, O prince of Nala. And fortunately, the wicked deed affecting Damayantī has come to an end. Also, by fortune, you are now supported, O king, together with your wife, O destroyer of enemies. (03-77-12)
With this wealth, Vaidarbhi, having been won and beautifully adorned, will certainly serve me just as the apsarās serve Indra in heaven. (03-77-13)
I always remember you and constantly wait for you, O Naiṣadha. Even during games, I do not feel affection for those who are not my friends. (03-77-14)
Having won today Damayantī of beautiful hips, who is blameless, I will have accomplished my purpose; for she is indeed always in my heart. (03-77-15)
But having heard his many incoherent ramblings, Nala, angered, sought to cut off his head with a sword. (3-77-16)
But smiling, with his eyes red with anger, the king then said to him: "Why are you boasting about the stakes? You will speak only when you win indeed." (03-77-17)
Then, the game of dice between Puṣkara and Nala began. With a single stake, O fortunate one, he was defeated by Nala; he staked his collection of jewels, treasures, and even his very life. (03-77-18)
After conquering Puṣkara, the king smiled and said, "Now all this kingdom of mine is calm and with all thorns removed." (03-77-19)
The princess of Vidarbha cannot be looked upon by you, a king's lackey. You and your whole family, O fool, have come to be slaves to her. (03-77-20)
That action by which I was previously defeated was not done by you. It was done by Kali, but you, O fool, do not understand. I will never lay the fault committed by another upon you. (03-77-21)
Live as you wish; I set your life free. Likewise, my affection for you, O hero, is without doubt. (03-77-22)
The brotherhood between us will surely never be abandoned by me because of you. Puṣkara, you are indeed my brother—may you live for a hundred years. (03-77-23)
Thus, Nala, who was truly valiant, soothed his brother, embraced him repeatedly, and sent him back to his own city. (03-77-24)
Thus consoled by Nala, Puṣkara replied to him—having bowed with joined hands, the illustrious king then spoke. (03-77-25)
May your fame be imperishable; may you live happily for ten thousand years. O king, you are the one who grants me life and support. (03-77-26)
Thus, after being honored by the king and having stayed a month, Puṣkara, delighted and accompanied by his family, departed for his own city. (03-77-27)
O bull among men, O king, (he was) attended by a great army of well-trained attendants, shining in appearance like the sun. (03-77-28)
After sending Puṣkara, the wealthy and healthy king entered the greatly adorned city. Having entered, the lord of Niṣadha comforted the citizens. (03-77-29)
