the blessed
king Nala began to soothe horses endued with energy and strength. And
raising them up with the reins and making the charioteer Varshneya sit
on the car, he prepared to set out with great speed. And those best of
steeds, duly urged by Vahuka, rose to the sky, confounding the occupant
of the vehicle. And beholding those steeds gifted with the speed of the
wind thus drawing the car, the blessed king of Ayodhaya was exceedingly
amazed. And noticing the rattle of the car and also the management of
the steeds, Varshneya reflected upon Vahuka's skill in guiding horses.
And he thought, "Is he Matali, the charioteer of the king of the
celestials? I find the same magnificent indications in the heroic
Vahuka. Or, hath Salihotra versed in the science of horses taken this
human shape so beautiful? Or, is it king Nala the reducer of hostile
towns that hath come here? Or, it may be that this Vahuka knoweth the
science that Nala knoweth, for I perceive that the knowledge of Vahuka
is equal to that of Nala. Further, Vahuka and Nala are of the same age.
This one, again, may not be Nala of high prowess, but somebody of equal
knowledge. Illustrious persons, however, walk this earth in disguise in
consequence of misfortune, or agreeably to the ordinance of the
scriptures. That this person is of unsightly appearance need not change
my opinion; for Nala, I think, may even be despoiled of his personal
features. In respect of age this one equals Nala. There is difference,
however, in personal appearance. Vahuka, again is endued with every
accomplishment. I think, therefore, he is Nala." Having thus reasoned
long in his mind, O mighty monarch, Varshneya, the (former) charioteer
of the righteous Nala, became absorbed in thought. And that foremost of
kings Rituparna, also, beholding the skill of Vahuka in equestrian
science experienced great delight, along with his charioteer Varshneya.
And thinking of Vahuka's application and ardour and the manner of his
holding the reins, the king felt exceedingly glad.'"

SECTION LXXII

"Vrihadaswa said, 'Like a bird coursing through the sky, Nala soon
crossed rivers and mountains, and woods and lakes. And while the car was
coursing thus, that conqueror of hostile cities, the royal son of
Bhangasura, saw his upper garment drop down on the ground. And at soon
as his garment had dropped down the high-minded monarch, without loss of
time, told Nala, "I intend to recover it. O thou of profound
intel