"Vrihadaswa said, 'After a long time had passed away, a Brahmana named
Parnada returned to the city (of the Vidarbhas), and said unto the
daughter of Bhima, "O Damayanti, seeking Nala, the king of Nishaidhas, I
came to the city of Ayodhya, and appeared before the son of Bhangasura.
And, O best of women, I repeated those words of thine in the presence of
the blessed Rituparna. But hearing them neither that ruler of men, nor
his courtiers, answered anything, although I uttered them repeatedly.
Then, after I had been dismissed by the monarch, I was accosted by a
person in the service of Rituparna, named Vahuka. And Vahuka is the
charioteer of that king, of unsightly appearance and possessed of short
arms. And he is skillful in driving with speed, and well acquainted with
the culinary art. And sighing frequently, and weeping again and again,
he inquired about my welfare and afterwards said these words, 'Chaste
women, although fallen into distress, yet protect themselves and thus
certainly secure heaven. Although they may be deserted by their lords,
they do not yet become angry on that account, for women that are chaste
lead their lives, encased in the armour of virtuous behaviour. It
behoveth her not to be angry, since he that deserted her was overwhelmed
with calamity, and deprived of every bliss. A beautious and virtuous
woman should not be angry with one that was deprived by birds of his
garment while striving to procure sustenance and who is being consumed
with grief. Whether treated well or ill, such a wife should never
indulge in ire, beholding her husband in that plight, despoiled of
kingdom and destitute of prosperity, oppressed with hunger and
overwhelmed with calamity.' Hearing these words of his, I have speedily
come here. Thou hast now heard all. Do what thou thinkest proper, and
inform the king of it."
"'O king, having heard these words of Parnada, Damayanti with tearful
eyes came to her mother, and spake unto her in private, "O mother, king
Bhima should not, by any means, be made acquainted with my purpose. In
thy presence will I employ that best of Brahmanas, Sudeva! If thou
desirest my welfare, act in such a way that king Bhima may not know my
purpose. Let Sudeva without delay go hence to the city of Ayodhya, for
the purpose of bringing Nala, O mother, having performed the same
auspicious rites by virtue of which he had speedily brought me into the
midst of friends." With these words, after Parnada had recovered from
fatigue, the princess of Vidarbha worshipped him with profuse wealth and
also said, "When Nala will come here, O Brahmana, I will bestow on thee
wealth in abundance again. Thou hast done me the immense service which
none else, indeed, can do me, for, (owing to that service of thine), O
thou best of the regenerate ones, I shall speedily regain my (lost)
lord." And thus addressed by Damayanti, that high-minded Brahmana
comforted her, uttering benedictory words of auspicious import, and then
went home, regarding his mission to have been successful. And after he
had gone away, Damayanti oppressed with grief and distress, calling
Sudeva, addressed him, O Yudhishthira, in the presence of her mother,
saying, "O Sudeva, go thou to the city of Ayodhya, straight as a bird,
and tell king Rituparna living there, these words: 'Bhima's daughter,
Damayanti will hold another _Swayamvara_. All the kings and princes are
going thither. Calculating the time, I find that the ceremony will take
place tomorrow. O represser of foes, if it is possible for thee, go
thither without delay. Tomorrow, after the sun hath risen, she will
choose a second husband, as she doth not know whether the heroic Nala
liveth or not.'" And addressed by her, O monarch thus, Sudeva set out.
And he said unto Rituparna, all that he had been directed to say.'"