As they heard sad Damayanti--uttering thus her piteous prayer, At her high resolve they wonder--steadfast truth and fervent love, Holiness of soul, and wisdom--to her lord her constant faith. As she prayed, the gods obedient--stood with attributes revealed: With unmoistened skins the Immortals--saw she, and with moveless eyes;[47] Fresh their dust-unsullied garlands--hovered they, nor touched the earth. On his shadow garland-drooping[48]--soiled with dust and moist with sweat, On the earth Nishadha's monarch--stood confessed, with twinkling eyes; On the gods an instant gazed she--then upon the king of men; And of right king Bhima's daughter--named Nishadha's king her lord. Modestly the large-eyed maiden--lifted up his garment's hem, Round his shoulders threw she lightly--the bright zone of radiant flowers; So she chose him for her husband--Nala, that high-hearted maid. Then alas! alas! burst wildly,--from that conclave of the kings, And "well done, well done," as loudly--from the gods and sages broke; All in their extatic wonder--glorified Nishadha's king. Then to royal Damayanti--Virasena's kingly son, To that slender waisted damsel--spake he comfort in his joy; "Since thou'st own'd me for thine husband--in the presence of the gods, For thy faithful consort know me--aye delighting in thy words. While this spirit fills this body--maiden with the smile serene! Thine am I, so long thine only--this the solemn truth I vow." Thus he gladdened Damayanti--with the assurance of his faith; And the happy pair devoutly[49]--worshipped then the present gods. Chosen thus Nishadha's monarch--the bright guardians of the world, In their gladness all on Nala--eight transcendant gifts bestowed; To discern the visible godhead--in the sacrifice, a gait Firm and noble, Sachi's husband--Indra to king Nala gave. Agni gave his own bright presence[50]--whensoe'er the monarch called. All the worlds instinct with splendour--through his power Hutasa gave. Subtle taste in food gave Yama--and in virtue eminence; Varun gave obedient water--to be present at his call; Garlands too of matchless fragrance;--each his double blessing gave.[51] Thus bestowed their gracious favours--to the heavens the gods returned; And the rajas, who with wonder--Nala's marriage saw confirmed With the gentle Damayanti--as they came, in joy returned. Thus the kings of earth departed;--Bhima in his joy and pride, Solemnized the stately bridals--of the maiden and the king. Fitting time when there he'd sojourned,--best of men, Nishadha's king; Courteous parting with king Bhima--to his native city went. Having gained the pearl of women--the majestic lord of earth Lived in bliss, as with his Sachi,[52]--he that those old giants slew. In his joy the elated monarch--shining radiant as the sun,