And in the sky the moon, the night-maker, Glitters to view. Seeing the spot awhile, Sunandâ and the mother of the King Gazed voiceless; then they clasped her neck and wept Rejoicing, till the Queen, staying her tears, Exclaimed: "My sister's daughter, dear! thou art, By this same mark. Thy mother and myself Were sisters by one father--he that rules Daśarna, King Sudâman. She was given To Bhima, and to Virabahu I. Once at Daśarna, in my father's house, I saw thee, newly born. Thy race and mine, Princess, are one: henceforward, therefore, here As I am, Damayanti, shalt thou be." With gladdened heart did Damayanti bend Before her mother's sister, answering thus:-- "Peaceful and thankful dwelled I here with thee, Being unknown, my every need supplied, My life and honor by thy succor safe, Yet, Maharajni, even than this dear home One would be dearer: 'tis so many days Since we were parted. Suffer me to go Where those my tender little ones were led; So long--poor babes!--of me and of their sire Bereft. If, lady, thou dost think to show Kindness to me, this is my wish: to wend Unto Vidarbha swiftly; wilt thou bid They bear me thither?" Was no sooner heard That fond desire, than the queen-mother gave Willing command; and soon an ample troop, The King consenting, gathered for her guard. So was she sent upon a palanquin, With soldiers, pole-bearers, and meat and drink, And garments as befitted--happier--home. Thus to Vidarbha came its Pride again, By no long road; and joyously her kin Brought the sweet Princess in, and welcomed her. In peace and safety all her house she found; Her children well;--father and mother, friends. The gods she worshipped, and to Bráhmanas Due reverence made, and whatso else was meet That Damayanti did, regal in all. To wise Sudêva fell the thousand cows By Bhima granted, with the village-lands, And goodly gifts beside. But when there passed One night of rest within the palace-walls, The wistful Princess to her mother said:-- "If thou wouldst have me live, I tell thee true, Dear mother, it must be by bringing back My Nala, my own lord; and only so." When this she spake, right sorrowful became The Rani, weeping silently, nor gave One word of answer; and the palace-girls, Seeing this grief, sat round them, weeping too, And crying: "Haha! where is gone her lord?" And loud the lamentation was of all. Afterwards to the Maharaja his Queen Told what was said: "Lord! all uncomforted Thy daughter Damayanti weeps and grieves, Lacking her husband. Even to me she spake Before our damsels, laying shame aside:-- 'Find Nala; let the people of the court Strive day and night to learn where Nala is.'"