NALA AND DAMAYANTI 89
Wise thou wast, and famous,
High-bom and full of kindness.
Why didst thou then deal to me this blow ?
Alas, the fault was mine I My good fortune had departed from me 1 Yet even so, thou greatest, thou noblest Amongst men, even so, have pity.
Be merciful to me 1 "
- If, after ye have sung in this wise,** said
Damayanti to the Brahmins, ** any should chance to speak with you, oh, bring me word of him 1 I must know who he is, and where he dwelleth. But take ye great heed that none may guess the words ye speak to be at my bidding, nor that yc will afterwards return to me. And do not fail, I beseech ye, to seek out all that is to be known regarding that man who shall answer to your song I "
Having received these orders, the Brahmins set out in all directions to do the bidding of Damayanti. And their quest led them far and near, through cities and villages, into strange kingdoms, amongst forests, hermitages, and monasteries, and from one camp of roving cowherds to another. And wherever they went they sang the songs and played the part that Damayanti had laid upon them, seeking in every place, if by any means they might bring back to her news of Nala.
And when a long time had passed away, one of these Brahmins returned to Damayanti, and said
