brimmed the pots. 
    Then, having washed the meats, he hastened forth
    In quest of fire, and, holding towards the sun
    A knot of withered grass, the bright flame blazed
    Instant amidst it.  Wonderstruck was I
    This miracle to see, and hither ran
    With other strangest marvels to impart:—­
    For, Princess, when he touched the blazing grass
    He was not burned, and water flows for him
    At will, or ceases flowing; and this, too,
    The strangest thing of all, did I behold—­
    He took some faded leaves and flowers up,
    And idly handled them; but while his hands
    Toyed with them, lo! they blossomed forth again
    With lovelier life than ever, and fresh scent,
    Straight on their stalks.  These marvels have I seen,
    And fly back now to tell thee, mistress dear!”
      But when she knew such wonders of the man,
    More certainly she deemed those acts and gifts
    Betokened Nala; and so-minded, full
    Of trust to find her lord in Vahuka,
    With happier tears and softening voice she said
    To Keshini:  “Speed yet again, my girl;
    And, while he wots not, from the kitchen take
    Meat he hath dressed, and bring it here to me.” 
    So went the maid, and, waiting secretly,
    Broke from the mess a morsel, hot and spiced,
    And, bearing it with faithful swiftness, gave
    To Damayanti.  She (O Kuru King!)—­
    That knew so well the dishes dressed by him—­
    Touched, tasted it, and, laughing—­weeping—­cried,
    Beside herself with joy:  “Yes, yes; ’tis he! 
    That charioteer is Nala!” then, a-pant,
    Even while she washed her mouth, she bade the maid
    Go with the children twain to Vahuka;
    Who, when he saw his little Indrasen
    And Indrasena, started up, and ran,
    And caught, and folded them upon his breast;
    Holding them there, his darlings, each as fair
    As children of the gods.  Then, quite undone
    With love and yearning, loudly sobbed the Prince. 
      Until, perceiving Keshini, who watched,
    Shamed to be known, he set his children down,
    And said:  “In sooth, good friend, this lovely pair
    So like mine own are, that at seeing them
    I am surprised into these foolish tears. 
    Thou comest here too often; men will think
    Thee light, or me; remember, we are here,
    Strangers and guests, girl!  Go thy ways in peace!”
      But seeing that great trouble of his soul,
    Lightly came Keshini, and pictured all
    To Damayanti.  She, burning to know
    If truly this were Nala, bade the girl
    Seek the Queen’s presence, saying thus for her:—­
    “Mother! long watching Vahuka, I deem
    The charioteer is Nala.  One doubt lives—­
    His altered form.  I must myself have speech
    With Vahuka; thou, therefore, bid him come,
    Or suffer me to seek him.