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98 CRADLE TALES OF HINDUISM left me, and for that only, have I come hithw ! But, Damayanti, was there ever a true woman who, like thee, could choose a second husband ? At this moment have the messengers of thy father gone out over the whole world, crying, * Bhima's daughter will choose again a husband who shall be worthy of her/ For this it is that Rituparna is come hither I *'

Then Damayanti, trembling and affrighted, folded her hands before Nala, and said, ** O dear and blessed lord, suspect me not of evil I This was but my scheme to bring thee hither. Excepting thee, there was none in the whole world who could drive here quickly enough. Let the gods before whom I chose thee, let the sun and the moon and the air, tell thee truly that every thought of mine has been for thee 1 " And at the words, flowers fell from the sky, and a voice said, *' Verily Damayanti is full of faith and honour I Damayanti is without stain ! "

Then was the heart of Nala at peace within him. And he remembered his change of form, and drawing forth the enchanted garments, he put them on, keeping his mind fixed on the great Naga. And when Damayanti saw Nala again in his own form, she made salutation to him as her husband, and began to weep. Then were their children brought to them, and the Queen-mother gave her blessing, and hour after