"Go, Kesinia, go, enquire thou—who is yonder charioteer,
On the chariot seat reposing—all deformed, with arms so short?
Blessed maid, approach, and courteous—open thou thy bland discourse:
Undespis'd, ask thou thy question—and the truth let him reply.
Much and sorely do I doubt me—whether Nala it may be,
As my bosom's rapture augurs—as the gladness of my heart.
Speak thou, ere thou close the converse—even as good Parnada spake
And his answer, slender-waisted—undespis'd, remember thou."
Then to Vahuca departing—went that zealous messenger,
On the palace' loftiest terrace—Damayanti sate and gazed.
Kesinia spake.
"Happy omen mark thy coming—I salute thee, king of men:
Of the princess Damayanti—hear, O lord of men, the speech:
'From what region came ye hither—with what purpose are ye come?'
Answer thou, as may beseem you—so Vidarbha's princess wills."
Vahuca spake.
"Soon a second Swayembara, heard the king of Kosala,
Damayanti holds: to-morrow—will it be, the Brahmin said:
Hearing this, with fleetest coursers—that a hundred yojanas' speed,
Set he forth, the wind less rapid,—and his charioteer am I."
Kesinia spake.
"Who the third that journeys with you—who is he, and what his race?
Of what race art thou? this office—wherefore dost thou undertake!"
Vahuca spake.
"'Tis the far-renowned Varshneya—Punyasloka's charioteer:
He, when Nala fled an exile—to Bhangasuri retired.
Skilful I in taming horses—and a famous charioteer.
Rituparna's chosen driver—dresser of his food am I."
Kesinia spake.