The Raja of Vidarbha is my sire,
Bhima his name, and--Best of Twice-born!--know
My husband is Nishadha's Chief, the famed,
The wise and valiant and victorious Prince,
The high and lordly Nala; of the gods
A steadfast worshipper; of Brahmanas
The friend; his people's shield; honored and strong,
Truth-speaking, skilled in arms, sagacious, just;
Terrible to his foes, fortunate, lord
Of many conquered towns; a godlike man,
Princeliest of princes--Nala--one that hath
A countenance like the full moon's for light,
And eyes of lotus. This true offerer
Of sacrifices, this close votary
Of Vedas and Vedangas, in the war
Deadly to enemies, like sun and moon
For splendor--by some certain evil ones
Being defied to dice, my virtuous Prince
Was, by their wicked acts, of realm despoiled--
Wealth, jewels, all. I am his woful wife,
The Princess Damayanti. Seeking him
Through thickets have I roamed, over rough hills,
By crag and river and the reedy lake,
By marsh and waterfall and jungle-bush,
In quest of him--my lord, my warrior,
My hero--and still roam, uncomforted.
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