DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.638#0448
CHAPTER XXIII
The Homecoming of the King
Damayanti's Suspicions—Maid Interviews the Charioteer—The Message
Repeated—A Husband's Emotion—Wonders Performed by Nala—Wife's
Final Test—Children Visit their Father—Interview in the Palace—Nala Re-
proaches Damayanti—Her Confession and Vindication—Message from the
Gods — Husband and Wife Reunited — Nala Returns to Nishadha—The
Second Gambling Match—Nala Wins back his Kingdom—Erring Brother
Forgiven—King and Queen Once More.
With sorrowful anxiety Damayanti ascended to the roof
terrace of the lofty palace to gaze upon the chariot as
it entered the middle court. She saw Rituparna stepping
down, and Varshneya, who followed him, while Vahuka
began to unyoke the foaming steeds.
King Bhima, who knew naught of his daughters
stratagem, received the royal Rajah of Ayodhya with
much courtesy, and said: "I bid thee welcome, O king.
. . . "Why hast thou come hither?"
Now Rituparna wondered greatly that he beheld no
kings or kings' sons, or even signs that a swayamvara
was about to be held, but he kept his counsel and said:
" I have come to salute thee, O Bhima."
The royal sire of Damayanti smiled thereat and said
unto himself: " He hath not come so speedily through
many cities for such a purpose. But we shall know be-
times why he hath made this journey."
Rituparna was conducted to his chamber for rest and
The Homecoming of the King
Damayanti's Suspicions—Maid Interviews the Charioteer—The Message
Repeated—A Husband's Emotion—Wonders Performed by Nala—Wife's
Final Test—Children Visit their Father—Interview in the Palace—Nala Re-
proaches Damayanti—Her Confession and Vindication—Message from the
Gods — Husband and Wife Reunited — Nala Returns to Nishadha—The
Second Gambling Match—Nala Wins back his Kingdom—Erring Brother
Forgiven—King and Queen Once More.
With sorrowful anxiety Damayanti ascended to the roof
terrace of the lofty palace to gaze upon the chariot as
it entered the middle court. She saw Rituparna stepping
down, and Varshneya, who followed him, while Vahuka
began to unyoke the foaming steeds.
King Bhima, who knew naught of his daughters
stratagem, received the royal Rajah of Ayodhya with
much courtesy, and said: "I bid thee welcome, O king.
. . . "Why hast thou come hither?"
Now Rituparna wondered greatly that he beheld no
kings or kings' sons, or even signs that a swayamvara
was about to be held, but he kept his counsel and said:
" I have come to salute thee, O Bhima."
The royal sire of Damayanti smiled thereat and said
unto himself: " He hath not come so speedily through
many cities for such a purpose. But we shall know be-
times why he hath made this journey."
Rituparna was conducted to his chamber for rest and