f the Cid. Another poem called Naishadha, in
twenty-two books, does not complete the story, but only carries it as
far as the fifteenth book. There is a Tamulic version of the same
story, translated by Kindersley, in his specimens of Hindu Literature.
The third book of the poem of Sriharsha, containing 135 slokas, is
entirely occupied with the conversation between Damayanti and the
swans (the geese), in which the birds to excite her love, dwell with
diffuse eloquence on the praises of Nala.

NALA AND DAMAYANTI.

BOOK I.

Lived of yore, a raja, Nala,--Virasena's mighty son,
Gifted he with every virtue,--beauteous, skilled in taming steeds:
Head of all the kings of mortals--like the monarch of the gods,
Over, over all exalted[1]--in his splendour like the sun:
Holy, deep-read in the Vedas[2]--in Nishadha lord of earth;[3]
Loving dice, of truth unblemished[4]--chieftain of a mighty host.
The admired of noble women--generous, with each sense subdued.[5]
Guardian of the state; of archers--best, a present Manu[6] he.
So there dwelt in high Vidarbha[7]--Bhima, terrible in strength,[8]
With all virtues blest, but childless--long for children had he pined.
Many an holy act, on offspring[9]--still intent, had he performed.
To his court there came a Brahmin,--Damana the seer was named.
Him the child-desiring Bhima--in all duties skilled, received,
Feasted with his royal consort--in his hospitable hall.[10]
Pleased on him the grateful Daman,--and his queen a boon bestowed,
One sweet girl, the pearl of maidens--and three fair and noble sons.
Damayanti, Dama Danta--and illustrious Damana,
Richly gifted with all virtues--mighty, fearful in their might.
Damayanti with her beauty--with her brilliance, brightness, grace,
Through the worlds unrivalled glory--won the slender-waisted maid.
Her, arrived at bloom of beauty,--sate a hundred slaves around,
And a hundred virgin handmaids--as around great Indra's queen.[11]
In her court shone Bhima's daughter--decked with every ornament,
Mid her handmaids, like the lightning[12]--shone she with her faultless
form;[13]
Like the long-eyed queen of beauty--without rival, without peer.
Never mid the gods immortal--never mid the Yaksha race,[14]
Nor 'mong men was maid so lovely--ever heard of, ever seen,
As the soul-disturbing maiden--that disturbed the souls of gods.