90 CRADLE TALES OF HINDUISM
to her, ^'O Damayanti, seeking Nala, the King of the Nishadas, I came to the city of Ayodhya, and appeared before Rituparna. But though I repeatedly sang thy songs, neither that King nor any of his courtiers answered anything. Then, when I had been dismissed by the monarch, I was accosted by one of his servants, Vahuka the charioteer. And Vahuka is of uncomely looks and figure, and possessed of very short arms. But he is skilful in the management of horses, and is also acquainted with the art of cookery.
- And this Vahuka, with many sighs and some
tears, came up to me and asked about my welfare. And then he said, * She should not be angry with one whose garment was carried ofiF by birds, when he was trying to procure food for both I The honour of a woman is its own best guard. Let her not be an-angered, against one who is consumed with grief. Noble women are ever faithful, ever true to their own lords, and whether treated well or ill, they will forgive one who has lost all he loved ! ' Hearing this, O Princess, I hastened back to tell thee. Do now what seemeth best unto thyself."
Words cannot describe the joy of Damayanti as she heard this news. She knew now where Nala was, and the task with which he was entrusted. It lay only with her woman's wit to find some means of bringing him to her father's house.
