04.011
Vaiśampāyana said.
Then, another Pāṇḍava lord appeared — as he looked upon King Virāṭa's horses. The people saw him rushing forth, like the solar orb emerging from a cloud. (04-11-1)
He indeed saw the horses here and there; observing them, the king of the fish also saw. Then the destroyer of enemies said to his followers: From where does this man, shining like the immortals, come? (04-11-2)
He observes my horses intently; surely, he is a wise judge of horses. Let him be quickly brought near to me; this hero indeed shines like a god. (04-11-3)
Having approached the king, the enemy said, "Victory be yours, O king, and may you have well-being. I am always skilled and approved in the handling of horses, O king; let me become your charioteer." (4-11-4)
Virāṭ said.
I will give vehicles, wealth, and a dwelling; you are worthy to become my charioteer. From where are you, to whom do you belong, how have you come here? Tell me what skill you possess and which (it is). (04-11-5)
Nakula said.
Yudhishthira, the eldest king among the five sons of Pandu; by him, I was formerly appointed among the horses, O destroyer of enemies. (04-11-6)
I know entirely the nature of horses and their discipline; I also understand completely the methods and treatments for even the wicked ones. (04-11-7)
My vehicle could never be timid, nor do I even have a wicked mare — let alone horses! Yet people, and even the Pāṇḍava Yudhishthira, have called me by the name "Granthika" (Knotty). (04-11-8)
Virata said.
Whatever horse-drawn vehicle I have, let it all be under your authority today. And whoever among my horse-trainers and charioteers there are, let them all depend upon you for me. (04-11-9)
If this desired thing, indeed godlike, is yours, tell me what wealth you seek that you have carefully considered. The horse-related action is not befitting for you; you shine like a king, indeed esteemed by me. (04-11-10)
The sight of you, O Priyadarsha, is truly as pleasing to me as seeing Yudhiṣṭhira himself. But how does that blameless son of Pandu, deprived of his attendants, live and find joy in the forest? (04-11-11)
Vaiśampāyana said.
Thus, he, a youth like the foremost of the Gandharvas, was joyfully honored by King Virāṭa. Yet none of the others knew him in any way, as he, beloved and charming, moved about among them. (04-11-12)
Thus, the Pāṇḍavas indeed dwelt in the land of Matsya, steadfast and true to their vows, moving about incognito as men of flawless vision, and the kings, whose realms extended to the ocean, were exceedingly distressed. (04-11-13)
