upon the earth,
    And eyes a-wink, stood Nala.  One by one
    Glanced she on those divinities, then bent
    Her gaze upon the Prince, and, joyous, said:—­
    “I know thee, and I name my rightful lord,
    Taking Nishadha’s chief.”  Therewith she drew
    Modestly nigh, and held him by the cloth,
    With large eyes beaming love, and round his neck
    Hung the bright chaplet, love’s delicious crown;
    So choosing him—­him only—­whom she named
    Before the face of all to be her lord. 
      Oh, then brake forth from all those suitors proud,
    “Ha!” and “Aho!” But from the gods and saints,
    “Sadhu! well done! well done!” And all admired
    The happy Prince, praising the grace of him;
    While Virasena’s son, delightedly,
    Spake to the slender-waisted these fond words:—­
    “Fair Princess! since, before all gods and men,
    Thou makest me thy choice, right glad am I
    Of this thy mind, and true lord will I be. 
    For so long, loveliest, as my breath endures,
    Thine am I!  Thus I plight my troth to thee.” 
    So, with joined palms, unto that beauteous maid
    His gentle faith he pledged, rejoicing her;
    And, hand in hand, radiant with mutual love,
    Before great Agni and the gods they passed,
    The world’s protectors worshipping. 
                                       Then those,
    The lords of life, the powerful Ones, bestowed—­
    Being well-pleased—­on Nala, chosen so,
    Eight noble boons.  The boon which Indra gave
    Was grace, at times of sacrifice, to see
    The visible god approach, with step divine;
    And Agni’s boon was this, that he would come
    Whenever Nala called—­for everywhere
    Hutasa shineth, and all worlds are his;
    Yama gave skill in cookery, steadfastness
    In virtue; and Varuna, King of Floods,
    Bade all the waters ripple at his call. 
    These boons the high gods doubled by the gift
    Of bright wreaths wove with magic blooms of heaven;
    And those bestowed, ascended to their seats. 
    Also with wonder and with joy returned
    The Rajas and the Maharajas all,
    Full of the marriage-feast; for Bhima made,
    In pride and pleasure, stately nuptials;
    So Damayanti and the Prince were wed. 
      Then, having tarried as is wont, that lord—­
    Nishadha’s chief—­took the King’s leave, and went
    Unto his city, bringing home with him
    His jewel of all womanhood, with whom
    Blissful he lived, as lives by Sachi’s side
    The slayer of the Demons.  Like a sun
    Shone Nala on his throne, ruling his folk
    In strength and virtue, guardian of his state. 
    Also the Aswamedha Rite he made
    Greatest of rites, the Offering of the Horse,
    As did Yayati; and all other acts
    Of worship; and to sages gave rich gifts. 
      Many dear days