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 Hutâsa 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 Śachi'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 Aśwamedha Rite he made Greatest of rites, the Offering of the Horse, As did Yayâti; and all other acts Of worship; and to sages gave rich gifts. Many dear days of much delicious love, In pleasant gardens and in shadowy groves, Passed they together, sojourning like gods. And Damayanti bore unto her lord A boy named Indrasen, and next, a girl Named Indrasena. So in happiness The good Prince governed, seeing all his lands Wealthy and well, in piety and peace. Now at the choosing of Nishadha's chief By Bhima's daughter, when those lords of life-- The effulgent gods--departed, Dwapara They saw with Kali, coming. Indra said-- The Demon-slayer--spying these approach:-- "Whither, with Dwapara, goest thou to-day, O Kali?" And the sombre Shade replied:-- "To Damayanti's high Swayamvara I go, to make her mine, since she hath passed Into my heart." But Indra, laughing, said:-- "Ended is that Swayamvara; for she Hath taken Raja Nala for her lord, Before us all," But Kali, hearing this, Breaks into wrath--while he stood worshipping That band divine--and furiously cries:-- "If she hath set a man above the gods, To wed with him, for such sin let there fall Doom, rightful, swift, and terrible, on her!" "Nay," answered unto him those heavenly ones, "But Damayanti chose with our good-will; And what maid but would choose so fair a prince, Seeing he hath all qualities, and knows Virtue, and rightly practises the vows, And reads the four great Vedas, and, what's next, The Holy Stories, whilst, perpetually, The gods are honored in his house with gifts? No hurt he does, kind to all living things; True of word is he, faithful, liberal, just; Steadfast and patient, temperate and pure;