Then Narad said: "Well is it, Lord of Gods, With us, and with our world; and well with those Who rule the peoples, O thou King in Heaven!" But He that slew the Demons spake again:-- "The princes of the earth, just-minded, brave, Those who, in battle fearing not to fall, See death on the descending blade, and charge Full front against it, turning not their face-- Theirs is this realm eternal, as to me The cow of plenty, Kâmadhuk, belongs. Where be my Kshatriya warriors? Wherefore now See I none coming of those slaughtered lords, Chiefs of mankind, our always honored guests?" And unto Indra Narad gave reply:-- "King of the Air! no wars are waged below; None fall in fight, to enter here. The Lord Of high Vidarbha hath a daughter, famed For loveliness beyond all earthly maids, The Princess Damayanti, far-renowned. Of her, dread Sakra! the Swayamvara Shall soon befall, and thither now repair The kings and princes of all lands, to woo-- Each for himself--this pearl of womanhood. For oh, thou Slayer of the Demons, all Desire the maid." Drew round, while Narad spake, The Masters, th'Immortals, pressing in With Agni and the Greatest, near the throne, To listen to the speech of Narada; Whom having heard, all cried delightedly, "We, too, will go." Thereupon those high gods, With chariots, and with heavenly retinues, Sped to Vidarbha, where the kings were met. And Nala, knowing of this kingly tryst, Went thither joyous, heart-full with the thought Of Damayanti. Thus it chanced the gods Beheld the Prince wending along his road, Goodly of mien, as is the Lord of Love. The world's Protectors saw him, like a sun For splendor; and, in very wonder, paused Some time irresolute, so fair he was; Then in mid-sky their golden chariots stayed, And through the clouds descending called to him:-- "Abo! Nala of Nishadha! Noblest Prince, Be herald for us; bear our message now." "Yea!" Nala made reply, "this will I do"-- And then--palm unto palm in reverence pressed-- Asked: "Shining Ones, who are ye? Unto whom, And what words bearing, will ye that I go? Deign to instruct me what it is ye bid." Thus the Prince spake, and Indra answered him:-- "Thou seest th'immortal gods. Indra am I, And this is Agni, and the other here, Varuna, Lord of Waters; and beyond, Yama, the King of Death, who parteth souls From mortal frames. To Damayanti go; Tell our approach. Say this: 'The world's dread lords, Wishful to see thee, come; desiring thee-- Indra, Varuna, Agni, Yama, all. Choose of these powers to which thou wilt be given.'" But Nala, hearing that, joined palms again, And cried: "Ah, send me not, with one accord For this, most mighty Gods! How should a man Sue for another, being suitor too?