Proudly mounting on the chariot--onward urged the rapid steeds. But that tree by Kali entered--since that time stands aye accursed. Those fleet horses, forward flying--like to birds, again, again, All his soul elate with transport--Nala swifter, swifter drove; With his face towards Vidarbha--rode the raja in his pride: And when forward Nala journeyed--Kali to his home returned. So released from all his sufferings--Nala went, the king of men, Dispossessed by Kali, wanting--only now his proper form. BOOK XXI. With the evening in Vidarbha--men at watch, as they drew near, Mighty Rituparna's coming--to king Bhima did proclaim. Then that king, by Bhima's mandate--entered in Kundina's walls, All the region round him echoing[128]--with the thunders of his car. But the echoing of that chariot--when king Nala's horses heard, In their joy they pawed and trampled[129]--even as Nala's self were there. Damayanti, too, the rushing--of king Nala's chariot heard. As a cloud that hoarsely thunders--at the coming of the rains. All her heart was thrilled with wonder--at that old familiar sound. On they seemed to come, as Nala--drove of yore his trampling steeds: Like it seemed to Bhima's daughter--and e'en so to Nala's steeds. On the palace roofs the peacocks--th' elephants within their stalls, And the horses heard the rolling--of the mighty monarch's car. Elephants and peacocks hearing--the fleet chariot rattling on, Up they raised their necks and clamoured--as at sound of coming rain.[130] DAMAYANTI _spake_.