Page:Tales from the Indian Epics.djvu/59

Rh into Damana's lap. The rishi was pleased and he in turn promised the royal couple that they would be blessed with three sons and a daughter. In due time the rishi's promise came to pass, and Bhima's queen bore him three sons and a daughter. And to honour the rishi the king called one son Dama, another Danta and the third Damana, and the daughter he called Damayanti. The three sons grew up strong and brave and tall, as befitted Aryan princes. But Damayanti grew into a maid so fair and so beautiful that all India could not furnish another to match her.

Now at this time there ruled over the country of the Nishadas a king named Nala. He was still quite a youth. But by his valour he had raised his kingdom to the highest pitch of glory. And in beauty he surpassed all the youths of India, just as Damayanti surpassed all the maids. And the comeliness of the prince and princess became a byword, so that Nala often heard speak of the loveliness of Damayanti. And in Damayanti's presence men often praised the handsome features and bold heart of the King of the Nishadas. In this way a passion for Damayanti entered Nala's heart, and a deep, pure love for Nala grew in Damayanti's maiden bosom. One day King Nala, restless because of his passion and unable to attend to his royal duties, wandered idly about his gardens. Suddenly he saw in front of him a flock of wild swans. And looking at them closely he saw that their wings were of pure gold. Swift as thought he rushed at one of them and before it could fly out of reach he held it fast. "O King," said the swan, speaking with a human voice, "do not kill me, I pray you. Spare me and in my turn I will render you a service." "What service," asked Nala, "could you, a swan, ren-