thou shall find me near thee, to soothe thy weariness I Remember what the physicians say, * In sorrow is there no physic equal to the wife ' 1 Is it not true, O Nala, that which I say unto thee?"
"O my gentle Damayanti," answered Nala, ** it is even as thou sayest. Truly there is no friend, no medicine, equal unto the wife. But I am not seeking to renounce thee. Why dost thou tremble so ? I could forsake myself, beloved, but thee I could not forsake. Wherefore, my timid one, shouldst thou dread this ? "
But on Damayanti lay the prevision of the wife, and she answered, " I know, O King, that thou wouldst not willingly desert me. Yet maddened and distracted, many things are pos- sible. Why dost thou repeatedly point out to me the way to my father's home ? Or if thou really desirest to place me with my kindred, then let us wend together to the country of the Vidarbhas. Thou shalt there be received with honour by the King, and, respected by all, shalt dwell happily in our home." ** Surely," answered Nala, ** thy father's kingdom is to me even as my own. Yet could I not by any means go there at such a crisis. Once did I appear there in fortune, bringing glory upon thee. How could I go in this misery, causing thee shame ? "
Talking together in this fashion, Damayanti had contrived to share her own clothing with her
