And after the steeds had been yoked, the king without loss of time mounted upon the car, when those best of horses fell down upon the ground on their knees.  Then, O king, that foremost of men, the blessed king Nala began to soothe horses endued with energy and strength.  And raising them up with the reins and making the charioteer Varshneya sit on the car, he prepared to set out with great speed.  And those best of steeds, duly urged by Vahuka, rose to the sky, confounding the occupant of the vehicle.  And beholding those steeds gifted with the speed of the wind thus drawing the car, the blessed king of Ayodhaya was exceedingly amazed.  And noticing the rattle of the car and also the management of the steeds, Varshneya reflected upon Vahuka’s skill in guiding horses.  And he thought, “Is he Matali, the charioteer of the king of the celestials?  I find the same magnificent indications in the heroic Vahuka.  Or, hath Salihotra versed in the science of horses taken this human shape so beautiful?  Or, is it king Nala the reducer of hostile towns that hath come here?  Or, it may be that this Vahuka knoweth the science that Nala knoweth, for I perceive that the knowledge of Vahuka is equal to that of Nala.  Further, Vahuka and Nala are of the same age.  This one, again, may not be Nala of high prowess, but somebody of equal knowledge.  Illustrious persons, however, walk this earth in disguise in consequence of misfortune, or agreeably to the ordinance of the scriptures.  That this person is of unsightly appearance need not change my opinion; for Nala, I think, may even be despoiled of his personal features.  In respect of age this one equals Nala.  There is difference, however, in personal appearance.  Vahuka, again is endued with every accomplishment.  I think, therefore, he is Nala.”  Having thus reasoned long in his mind, O mighty monarch, Varshneya, the (former) charioteer of the righteous Nala, became absorbed in thought.  And that foremost of kings Rituparna, also, beholding the skill of Vahuka in equestrian science experienced great delight, along with his charioteer Varshneya.  And thinking of Vahuka’s application and ardour and the manner of his holding the reins, the king felt exceedingly glad.’”

SECTION LXXII

“Vrihadaswa said, ’Like a bird coursing through the sky, Nala soon crossed rivers and mountains, and woods and lakes.  And while the car was coursing thus, that conqueror of hostile cities, the royal son of Bhangasura, saw his upper garment drop down on the ground.  And at soon as his garment had dropped down the high-minded monarch, without loss of time, told Nala, “I intend to recover it.  O thou of profound intelligence, retain these steeds endued with exceeding swiftness until Varshneya bringeth back my garment.”  Thereupon Nala replied unto him, “The sheet is dropped down far away.  We have travelled one yojana thence.  Therefore, it is incapable of being recovered.”  After