For whose sake through ways all trackless--terrible, have I set forth, In this drear, appalling forest--where the lynx and tiger range, If I see not noble Nala--ere few days, few nights are o'er, I to happiness will join me--from this mortal frame set free. Reft of him, my princely husband--what have I to do with life-- How endure existence longer--for my husband thus distressed." To the lady thus complaining--lonely in the savage wood, Answered thus those holy hermits--spake the gifted seers the truth:-- "There will be a time hereafter--beautiful, the time will come, Through devotion now we see him[88]--and thou too wilt see him soon; That good monarch of Nishadha--Nala, slayer of his foes; That dispenser of strict justice--Bhima's daughter! free from grief, From all sin released, thou'lt see him--glittering in his royal gems, Governing that noble city--o'er his enemies supreme. To his foemen causing terror--to his friends allaying grief, Thou, oh noble, shalt thy husband--see, that king of noble race." To the much-loved wife of Nala--to the princess speaking thus, Vanished then those holy hermits--with their sacred fires, their cells. As she gazed upon the wonder--wrapt in mute amaze she stood; Damayanti, fair-limbed princess--wife of Virasena's son; "Have I only seen a vision--what hath been this wondrous chance? Where are all those holy hermits--where the circle of their cells? Where that pure and pleasant river--haunted by the dipping birds? Where those trees with grateful umbrage--with their pendant fruits and flowers?" Long within her heart she pondered--Damayanti with sweet smile, For her lord, to grief abandoned--miserable, pale of hue; To another region passed she--there with voice by weeping choked, Mourns she, till with eyes o'erflowing--an Asoca tree she saw. Best of trees, the Asoca blooming[89]--in the forest she approached, Gemmed all o'er with glowing fruitage--vocal with the songs of birds. "Ah, behold amid the forest--flourishes this happy tree, With its leafy garlands radiant--as the joyous mountain king. O thou tree with pleasant aspect--from my sorrow set me free. Vitasoca, hast thou seen him--hast the fearless raja seen, Nala, of his foes the slayer--Damayanti's lord beloved? Hast thou seen Nishadha's monarch--hast thou seen mine only love, Clad in half a single garment--with his soft and delicate skin; Hast thou seen th' afflicted hero--wandering in the forest lone. That I may depart ungrieving--fair Asoca, answer me. Truly be thou named Asoca[90]--as the extinguisher of grief." Thus in her o'erpowering anguish--moved she round the Asoca tree. Then she went her way in sadness--to another region dread. Many a tree she stood and gazed on--many a river passed she o'er; Passed she many a pleasant mountain--many a wild deer, many a bird;