"How the rolling of yon chariot--filling, as it seems, th' earth, Thrills my soul with unknown transport--it is Nala, king of men. If this day I see not Nala--with his glowing moonlike face, Him, the king with countless virtues--I shall perish without doubt. If this day within th' embraces--of that hero's clasping arms, I the gentle pressure feel not--without doubt I shall not live. If 'tis not, like cloud of thunder--he that comes, Nishadha's king, I this day the fire will enter--burning like the hue of gold. In his might like the strong lion--like the raging elephant, Comes he not, the prince of princes--I shall perish without doubt. Not a falsehood I remember--I remember no offence; Not an idle word remember--in his noble converse free. Lofty, patient, like a hero--liberal beyond all kings, Nought ignoble, as the eunuch--even in private, may he do. As I think upon his virtues--as I think by day, by night, All my heart is rent with anguish--widowed of in own beloved." Thus lamenting, she ascended--as with frenzied mind possessed, To the palace roof's high terrace--to behold the king of men. In the middle court high seated--in the car, the lord of earth, Rituparna with Varshneya--and with Vahuca she saw, When Varshneya from that chariot--and when Vahuca came down, He let loose those noble coursers--and he stopped the glowing car. From that chariot-seat descended--Rituparna, king of men, To the noble monarch Bhima--he drew near, for strength renowned. Him received with highest honour--Bhima, for without due cause, Deemed not he, the mighty raja--with such urgent speed had come. "Wherefore com'st thou! hail and welcome"--thus that gracious king enquires; For his daughter's sake he knew not--that the lord of men had come. But the raja Rituparna--great in wisdom as in might, When nor king within the palace--nor king's son he could behold, Nor of Swayembara heard he--nor assembled Brahmins saw. Thus within his mind deep pondering--spoke of Kosala the lord. "Hither, O majestic Bhima--to salute thee am I come." But king Bhima smiled in secret--as he thought within his mind, "What the cause of this far journey--of a hundred Yojanas. Passing through so many cities--for this cause he set not forth; For this cause of little moment--to our court he hath not come: What the real cause, hereafter--haply I may chance to know." After royal entertainment--then the king his guest dismissed: "Take then thy repose," thus said he--"weary of thy journey, rest." He refreshed, with courteous homage--of that courteous king took leave, Ushered by the royal servants--to th' appointed chamber went: There retired king Rituparna--with Varshneya in his suite. Vahuca, meantime, the chariot--to the chariot-house had led, There the coursers he unharnessed--skilfully he dressed them there,