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bosom of the sky was filled with a mass of darkness. It was impossible to distinguish water, dry land, trees, mountains, and hollows. Nevertheless, Nala, being eager to reach his city, did not desist from his advance. Then the darkness went to its lair, and the army proceeded on its course without an obstacle. One day, as Nala and Davadantí were advancing, they came in sight of a hermit in the statuesque posture, the whole of whose body was being devoured by bees. Nala and Davadantí delivered him from the bees, and refreshed him with pure* food. After taking respectful leave of the hermit, Nala reached the environs of the city of Koçalá in a few unimpeded journeys. Nala said to Davadantí: 'Queen, this is my city, named Koçalá, in a region adorned with temples of the Jina.' She said: 'I am fortunate ; having obtained Nala for a husband, I will continually worship the gods.' Then, on an auspicious day, Nala entered his city, in which vast wealth was displayed on platforms of many kinds, and on every house a dancing flag kissed the sky with its border, which filled the atmosphere with the sound of various drums, which was densely crowded with bands of dancing girls, and at every step he received a special welcome. And then Nala, accompanied by Davadanti, bowed before his father and mother. Then Prince Nala at one time amused himself with Davadantí by sporting in the water ; at another time he enjoyed the delights of swinging ; at another time he himself interweaved perfumed flowers, and so made for her an ornamental braid of elaborate construction; at another time he amused himself with dice; at another time he played on the tabor, beating it himself, and made Davadantí dance to the music in private. Thus inseparable from Davadantí, he passed the time in ever fresh enjoyments. One day King Nishada placed Nala in his own office, and made Kúvara crown prince, and took a vow; then Nala ruled the realm, being, like fire, irresistible in the expansion of his splendour. One day he asked his ministers : ‘Do I rule the territory acquired by my father, or
* I have translated prácuka by pure.
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