some god or Yaksha or Gandharva?’ And those foremost of women, confounded by Nala’s splendour and bashfulness would not accost him at all in speech.  And Damayanti although herself struck with amazement, smilingly addressed the warlike Nala who also gently smiled at her, saying, ’What art thou, O thou of faultless features, that hast come here awakening my love?  O sinless one, O hero of celestial form, I am anxious to know who thou art that hast come hither.  And why hast thou come hither?  And how is it that thou hast not been discovered by any one, considering that my apartments are well-guarded and the king’s mandates are stern.’  Thus addressed by the daughter of the king of the Vidarbhas, Nala replied, ’O beauteous lady, know that my name is Nala.  I come here as the messenger of the gods.  The celestials, Sakra, Agni, Varuna and Yama, desire to have thee.  O beautiful lady, do thou choose one of them for thy lord.  It is through their power that I have entered here unperceived, and it is for this reason that none saw me on my way or obstructed my entrance.  O gentle one, I have been sent by the foremost of the celestials even for this object.  Hearing this, O fortunate one, do what thou pleasest.’”

SECTION LVI

“Vrihadaswa said, ’Damayanti, having bowed down unto the gods, thus addressed Nala with a smile, ’O king, love me with proper regard, and command me what I shall do for thee.  Myself and what else of wealth is mine are thine.  Grant me, O exalted one, thy love in full trust.  O king, the language of the swans in burning me.  It is for thy sake, O hero, that I have caused the kings to meet.  O giver of proper honour, if thou forsake me who adore thee, for thy sake will I resort to poison, or fire, or water or the rope.’  Thus addressed by the daughter of the king of the Vidarbhas, Nala answered her saying, ’With the Lokapalas present, choosest thou a man?  Do thou turn thy heart to those high-souled lords, the creators of the worlds, unto the dust of whose feet I am not equal.  Displeasing the gods, a mortal cometh by death.  Save me, O thou of faultless limbs!  Choose thou the all-excelling celestials.  By accepting the gods, do thou enjoy spotless robes, and celestial garlands of variegated hues, and excellent ornaments.  What woman would not choose as her lord Hutasana—­the chief of the celestials, who compassing the earth swalloweth it?  What woman would not choose him as her lord the dread of whose mace induceth all creatures to tread the path of virtue?  And what woman would not choose as her lord the virtuous and high-souled Mahendra, the lord of the celestials, the chastiser of Daityas and Danavas?  Or, if thou couldst choose in thy heart Varuna amongst the Lokapalas, do so unhesitatingly.  O accept this friendly advice.’  Thus addressed by Naishadha, Damayanti, with eyes bathed in tears of grief spake thus unto Nala, ’O lord of the earth, bowing to all the gods, I choose thee for my