into exclamations of Oh! and Alas!  And, O Bharata, the gods and the great Rishis in wonder cried Excellent!  Excellent!, applauding the king the while.  And, O Kauravya, the royal son of Virasena, with heart filled with gladness, comforted the beauteous Damayanti, saying, ’Since thou, O blessed one, hast chosen a mortal in the presence of the celestials, know me for a husband even obedient to thy command.  And, O thou of sweet smiles, truly do I tell thee this that as long as life continueth in this body of mine, I will remain thine and thine alone.  Damayanti also, with folded hands paid homage unto Nala in words of like import.  And the happy pair beholding Agni and the other gods mentally sought their protection.  And after the daughter of Bhima had chosen Naishadha as her husband, the Lokapalas of exceeding effulgence with pleased hearts, bestowed on Nala eight boons.  And Sakra, the lord of Sachi, bestowed on Nala the boon that he should be able to behold his godship in sacrifices and that he should attain to blessed legions thereafter, and Hutasana bestowed on him the boon of his own presence whenever Naishadha wished, and regions also bright as himself.  And Yama granted him subtle taste in food as well as pre-eminence in virtue.  And the lord of waters granted Nala his own presence whenever he desired, and also garlands of celestial fragrance.  And thus each of them bestowed upon him a couple of boons.  And having bestowed these the gods went to heaven.  And the kings also, having witnessed with wonder Damayanti’s selection of Nala, returned delighted whence they had come.  And on the departure of those mighty monarchs, the high-souled Bhima, well pleased, celebrated the wedding of Nala and Damayanti.  And having stayed there for a time according to his desire, Naishadha, the best of men, returned to his own city with the permission of Bhima.  And having attained that pearl of a woman, the virtuous king, O monarch, began to pass his days in joy, like the slayer of Vala and Vritra in the company of Sachi.  And resembling the sun in glory, the king, full of gladness, began to rule his subjects righteously, and give them great satisfaction.  And like unto Yayati, the son of Nahusha, that intelligent monarch celebrated the horse sacrifice and many other sacrifices with abundant gifts to Brahmanas.  And like unto a very god, Nala sported with Damayanti in romantic woods and groves.  And the high-minded king begat upon Damayanti a son named Indrasena, and a daughter named Indrasena.  And celebrating sacrifice, and sporting (with Damayanti) thus, the king ruled the earth abounding in wealth.’”

SECTION LVIII