Mackenzie, Donald Alexander: Indian myth and legend: with illustrations by Warwick Goble and numerous monochrome plates (London, 1913)

NALA IN EXILE 361

So the rajah marvelled and thought, while he rejoiced
in the matchless skill of the misshapen charioteer.

Swiftly they went. Over hills and rivers and over
forests and lakes the chariot glided like to a bird through
the air. . . . Of a sudden the rajah's robe was swept
away, and he cried to the charioteer, saying: " Stop at
instant, so that Varshneya may hasten back and recover
my garment."

Nala paused not, and said: " Thy robe is now five
miles behind us, and we cannot wait to recover it."

So they went on with all speed. Ere long Rituparna
beheld a lofty fruit tree, named Vibhitak, and he said to
Vahuka: "Now, skilful charioteer, thou shalt perceive
my ability in numbers. No single mind is accomplished
in every kind of knowledge. On two branches of yonder
fruit tree are fifty million leaves and two thousand and
ninety-five berries."

Vahuka said: " The leaves and the fruit are invisible
to me. But I will tear off a branch and count the berries
while Varshneya doth hold the bridle."

"But," urged the rajah, "we cannot pause on our
journey."

Vahuka said: "Thou mayst stay with me, or thou
canst let Varshneya drive thee at full speed."

Then the rajah spoke soothingly, saying: " O match-
less charioteer! I cannot go on without thee to Vidarbha.
I trust in thee. If thou wilt promise that we will
reach the city ere night falls, I will do even as you
desire."

The transformed Nala made answer: " I will indeed
make haste when I have counted the berries."

So the horses were drawn up, and Nala tore a branch
from the tree. Having counted the berries, he found
they were in number even as the rajah had said, and he