ght. And burying her face in his
bosom, the beauteous Damayanti of large eyes began to sigh heavily,
remembering her griefs. And overwhelmed with sorrow, that tiger among
men stood for some time, clasping the dust-covered Damayanti of sweet
smiles. And, O king, the queen-mother then, with a glad heart, told
Bhima all that had passed between Nala and Damayanti. And the mighty
monarch answered, "Let Nala pass this day in peace, to-morrow I shall
see him after his bath and prayers, with Damayanti by his side." And, O
king, they passed that night pleasantly, in relating to each other the
past incidents of their life in the forest. And with hearts filled with
joy, the princess of Vidarbha and Nala began to pass their days in the
palace of king Bhima, intent upon making each other happy. And it was in
the fourth year (after the loss of his kingdom) that Nala was re-united
with his wife, and all his desires gratified, once more experienced the
highest bliss. And Damayanti rejoiced exceedingly in having recovered
her lord even as fields of tender plants on receiving a shower. And
Bhima's daughter, thus recovering her lord, obtained her wish, and
blazed forth in beauty, her weariness gone, her anxieties dispelled and
herself swelling with joy, ever like a night that is lit by the bright
disc of the moon!'"

SECTION LXXVII

"Vrihadaswa said, 'Having passed that night, king Nala decked in
ornaments and with Damayanti by his side, presented himself in due time
before the king. And Nala saluted his father-in-law with becoming
humility and after him the fair Damayanti paid her respects to her
father. And the exalted Bhima, with great joy, received him as a son,
and honouring him duly along with his devoted wife, comforted them in
proper words. And duly accepting the homage rendered unto him, king Nala
offered his father-in-law his services as became him. And seeing Nala
arrived, the citizens were in great joy. And there arose in the city a
loud uproar of delight. And the citizens decorated the city with flags
and standards and garlands of flowers. And the streets were watered and
decked in floral wreaths and other ornaments. And at their gates
citizens piled flowers, and their temples and shrines were all adorned
with flowers. And Rituparna heard that Vahuka had already been united
with Damayanti. And the king was glad to hear of all this. And calling
unto him king Nala, he asked his forgiveness. And the intelligent Nala
also ask