Page:Tales from the Indian Epics.djvu/92

86 parting words of Karkotaka the snake king, "When you wish to look like your former self, put on these two pieces of cloth and let your thoughts rest on me." So he put on the two pieces of cloth, for he had brought them with him, and he let his thoughts rest on the snake king Karkotaka. Instantly the weariness of age and of travel fell off him like a worn-out garment. And Damayanti saw by her side the beautiful youth who had won her hand and her heart in the Swayamwara years before. She burst into tears. And King Nala embraced her tenderly and then embraced his son Indrasena and his daughter Indrasena. Damayanti's mother found them locked in each others' arms and hastened gladly to tell King Bhima. But King Bhima said wisely, "Let Damayanti and Nala be together to-day. To-morrow I shall receive him in court with Damayanti at his side."

That day King Nala and Damayanti spent in great happiness telling each other all that had happened to them since their separation. And next day King Nala paid his homage to King Bhima. And the citizens, overjoyed at the return of Damayanti's lord, decked the streets with flags and flowers and garlands. But King Rituparna marvelled more than ever. For not only was no Swayamwara held, but his charioteer Vahuka had proved to be King Nala. So he asked for an audience of his former servant and begged his forgiveness for having treated him in a way unbefitting to a king. Nala reassured him. "King Rituparna," he said, "had you done me any wrong I should gladly pardon you. But I cannot forgive you when you have committed no error." Not long afterwards King Rituparna appointed another man charioteer in Vahuka's place and after bidding farewell to King Bhima and