In their age they still are equal--though unlike that form misshaped, Nala gifted with all virtues--Vahuca I needs must deem." Thus the charioteer Varshneya--sate debating in his mind; Much, and much again he pondered--in the silence of his thought. But the royal Rituparna--Vahuca's surpassing skill, With the charioteer Varshneya--sate admiring, and rejoiced. In the guiding of the coursers--his attentive hand he watched, Wondered at his skill, consummate--in consummate joy himself. BOOK XX. Over rivers, over mountains--through the forests, over lakes, Fleetly passed they, rapid gliding--like a bird along the air. As the chariot swiftly travelled--lo, Bhangasuri the king Saw his upper garment fallen--from the lofty chariot seat; Though in urgent haste, no sooner--he his fallen mantle saw, Than the king exclaimed to Nala--"Pause, and let us take it up: Check, an instant, mighty-minded!--check thy fiery-footed steeds, While Varshneya, swift dismounting--bears me back my fallen robe." Nala answered, "Far behind us--doth thy fallen garment lie; Ten miles,[122] lo, it lies behind us--turn we not, to gain it, back." Answered thus by noble Nala--then Bhangasuri the king, Bowed with fruit, within the forest--saw a tall Vibhitak[123] tree: Gazing on that tree, the raja--spake to Vahuca in haste, "Now, O charioteer, in numbers, thou shalt see my passing skill. Each one knows not every science--none there is that all things knows: Perfect skill in every knowledge--in one mind there may not be. On yon tree are leaves how many?--Vahuca, how many fruit? Say, how many are there fallen?--one above a hundred, there. One leaf is there 'bove a hundred--and one fruit, O Vahuca! And of leaves are five ten millions[124]--hanging on those branches two. Those two branches if thou gather--and the twigs that on them grow, On those two are fruits two thousand--and a hundred, less by five." Then, when he had check'd the chariot--answered Vahuca the king, "What thou speakest, to mine eyesight--all invisible appears; Visible I'll make it, counting--on yon boughs the leaves and fruit: Then, when we have strictly numbered--I mistrust mine eyes no more. In thy presence, king, I'll number--yonder tall Vibhitak-tree. Whether it may be, or may not--this not done, I cannot know. I will number, thou beholding--all its fruits, O king of men, But an instant let Varshneya--hold the bridles of the steeds." To the charioteer the raja--answered, "Time is none to stay." Vahuca replied, all eager--his own purpose to fulfil, "Either stay thou here an instant--or go onward in thy speed, With the charioteer Varshneya--go, for straight the road before." Answered him king Rituparna--with a bland and soothing voice: "Charioteer! on earth thine equal--Vahuca, there may not be;