Hearing his contemptuous language--franticly thus pouring forth, With his sword th' indignant Nala--fain had severed off his head. But with haughty smile, with anger--glaring in his blood-red eyes, "Play we now, nor talk we longer--conquered, thou'lt no longer talk." Then of Pushkara the gaming--and of Nala straight began: In a single throw by Nala--was the perilous venture gained; Pushkara, his gold, his jewels--at one hazard all was won! Pushkara, in play thus conquered--with a smile the king rejoined: "Mine again is all this kingdom--undisturbed, its foes o'ercome. Fallen king! Vidarbha's daughter--by thine eyes may ne'er be seen. Thou art now, with all thy household--unto abject slavery sunk. Not thyself achieved the conquest--that subdued me heretofore! 'Twas achieved by mightier Kali--that thou didst not, fool, perceive. Yet my wrath, by him enkindled--will I not 'gainst thee direct; Live thou henceforth at thy pleasure--freely I thy life bestow, And of thine estate and substance--give I thee thy fitting share. Such my pleasure, in thy welfare--hero, do I take delight, And mine unabated friendship--never shall from thee depart. Pushkara, thou art my brother--may'st thou live an hundred years!" Nala thus consoled his brother--in his conscious power and strength, Sent him home to his own city--once embracing, once again. Pushkara, thus finding comfort--answered to Nishadha's lord, Answered he to Punyasloka--bowing low with folded hands: "Everlasting be thy glory! may'st thou live ten thousand years! That my life to me thou grantest--and a city for mine home!" Hospitably entertained--there a month when he had dwelt, Joyful to his own proud city--Pushkara, with all his kin, With a well-appointed army--of attendant slaves an host, Shining like the sun departed,--in his full meridian orb. Pushkara thus crowned with riches--thus unharmed, when he dismissed,[138] Entered then his royal city--with surpassing pomp, the king: As he entered, to his subjects--Nala spake the words of peace. * * * * *