Page:Tales from the Indian Epics.djvu/86

80 to Ayodhya. When the chariot had gone, the evil god Kali slunk out of the Vibhitika tree and went shamefacedly to his own kingdom. But the Vibhitika tree which he had possessed withered away and rotted to the ground.

The same evening—such was the mettle of King Rituparna's steeds and the skill of King Nala as a driver—the chariot thundered through the gates of King Bhima's city. So furious was the speed and so loud the roar of the chariot wheels as they crushed over the paving-stones, that Damayanti, listening in her chamber, felt sure that the driver was none other than her beloved husband. So, too, did the animals in the royal parks. And the peacocks cried with delight and the elephants trumpeted and the horses whinnied. For Nala had always loved animals, and all animals loved him and knew the sound of his chariot wheels as he drove through the city. The chariot bore King Rituparna to the gates of the royal palace. But as he went he was filled with amazement. For he saw no signs of the coming Swayamwara of the Lady Damayanti. No tents whitened the plain to afford shelter to the heroes who would try to win her. Nor was any arena to be seen outside the city walls.

When he reached the gates of the palace King Bhima greeted him saying, "My Lord the King, you are most welcome. But do not take it amiss if I ask you to tell me what business has led you to my kingdom." Rituparna was still more astonished for now he felt sure that no Swayamwara would be held. But he was ashamed to own his error. So he answered with a courteous smile, "My Lord King Bhima, I have only come