Whence no sin to thee, O raja,--may by any chance arise. Thou, O noblest of all mortals--and the gods by Indra led, Come and enter in together--where the Swayembara meets; Then will I, before the presence--of the guardians of the world, Name thee, lord of men! my husband--nor to thee may blame accrue." By the maiden of Vidarbha--royal Nala thus addressed, Back again returned, where waited--eager, the expecting gods. Him, the guardians of the world, the mighty--ere he yet drew near, beheld, Him they saw, and bade him instant--all his tidings to unfold-- "Was she seen of thee, O monarch--Damayanti with soft smile? Spake she of us all? what said she?--tell, O blameless lord of earth." NALA _spake_. To the bower of Damayanti--on your solemn mission sent, Entered I the lofty portal--by the aged warders watched; Mortal eye might not behold me--there as swift I entered in; None save that fair raja's daughter--through your all prevailing power. And her virgin handmaids, saw I--and by them in turn was seen; And they all in mute amazement--gazed upon me as I stood. I described your godlike presence--but the maid with beauteous face Chooses me, bereft of reason--O most excellent of gods! Thus she spake, that maiden princess,--"Let the gods together come, Come with thee, Oh king of mortals,--where the Swayembara meets; There will I, before their presence--choose thee, raja, for my lord. So to thee, O strong armed warrior--may no blame, no fault ensue." Thus it was, even as I tell you--word for word did it befall. Plainly have I spoke, the judgment--rests with you, of gods the chief! BOOK V.