"In Vidarbha the just monarch--Bhima, in his glory dwells. Of that king is she the daughter--Damayanti is her name; And the raja of Nishadha--Nala, Virasena's son, Of that king is she the consort--Punyasloka named, the Wise. Him in play his brother worsted--spoiled of realm the king of earth: He set forth with Damayanti--whither is unknown of men. For the sake of Damayanti--wander we about the earth; Till I found yon noble woman--in the palace of your son. Like to her of mortal women--is there none, her beauty's peer; In the midst, between her eyebrows--from her birth a lovely mole, Dark was seen, and like a lotus--that hath vanished from my sight, Covered over with defilement--like the moon behind a cloud. This soft mark of perfect beauty--fashioned thus by Brahma's self, As at change the moon's thin crescent--only dim and faintly gleams. Yet her beauty is not faded--clouded o'er with toil and mire Though she be, it shines apparent, like the native unwrought gold. With that beauteous form yon woman--gifted with that lovely mole, Instant knew I for the Princess--as the heat betrays the fire." VRIHADASVA _spake_. To Sudeva as she listened--uttering thus his strange discourse: All the dust that mole concealing--young Sunanda washed away. By the obscuring dust unclouded--shining out that mole appeared; On the brow of Damayanti--like the unclouded moon in heaven. Gazing on that mole, Sunanda--and the mother of the king, Wept as fondly they embraced her--and an instant silent stood. Then her tears awhile suppressing--thus the royal mother spake: "Thou art mine own sister's daughter--by that beauteous mole made known; I, Oh beauteous, and thy mother--of that lofty-minded king, Are the daughters, king Sudaman--he that in Dasarna[116] reigns; She was wedded to king Bhima--and to Viravahu I. In my fathers home, Dasarna--once I saw thee, newly born. As to me thy father's lineage--is akin, so mine to thee; Whatsoe'er my power commandeth--Damayanti, all is thine." To the queen did Damayanti--in the gladness of her heart, Having bowed in courteous homage--to her mother's sister, speak: "While unknown I might continue--gladly dwelt I here with thee; Every want supplied on th' instant--guarded by thy gentle care. Yet than even this pleasant dwelling--a more pleasant may there be; Long a banished woman, mother!--give me leave from hence to part, Thither where my infant children--dwell my tender little ones, Orphaned of their sire, in sorrow--orphaned, ah, how long of me! If thou yet wilt grant a favour--o'er all other favours dear, To Vidarbha would I journey--quick the palanquin command." "Be it so," her mother's sister--joyful, instant made reply. Guarded by a mighty army--with th' approval of her son, Sent the queen, that happy lady--in a palanquin, by men