"Vrihadaswa continued, 'Having heard the words of Sudeva king Rituparna,
soothing Vahuka with gentle words, said, "O Vahuka, thou art
well-skilled in training and guiding horses. If it pleases thee, I
intend to go to Damayanti's _Swayamvara_ in course of a single day."
Thus addressed, O son of Kunti, by that king, Nala felt his heart to be
bursting in grief. And the high-souled king seemed to burn in sorrow.
And he thought within himself, "Perhaps Damayanti in doing this is
blinded by sorrow. Or, perhaps, she hath conceived this magnificent
scheme for my sake. Alas, cruel is the deed that the innocent princess
of Vidarbha intends to do, having been deceived by my sinful and low
self of little sense. It is seen in the world that the nature of woman
is inconstant. My offence also hath been great; perhaps she is acting
so, because she hath no longer any love for me owing to my separation
from her. Indeed, that girl of slender waist, afflicted with grief on my
account and with despair, will not certainly do anything of the kind,
when especially, she is the mother of offspring (by me). However whether
this is true or false, I shall ascertain with certitude by going
thither. I will, therefore, accomplish Rituparna's and my own purpose
also." Having resolved thus in his mind, Vahuka, with his heart in
sorrow, spake unto king Rituparna, with joined hands, saying, "O
monarch, I bow to thy behest, and, O tiger among men, I will go to the
city of the Vidarbhas in a single day, O king!" Then, O monarch, at the
command of the royal son of Bhangasura, Vahuka went to the stables and
began to examine the horses. And repeatedly urged by Rituparna to make
haste, Vahuka after much scrutiny and careful deliberation, selected
some steeds that were lean-fleshed, yet strong and capable of a long
journey and endued with energy and strength of high breed and docility,
free from inauspicious marks, with wide nostrils and swelling cheeks,
free from faults as regards the ten hairy curls, born in (the country
of) Sindhu, and fleet as the winds. And seeing those horses, the king
said somewhat angrily, "What is this, that thou wishest to do? Thou
shouldst not jest with us. How can these horses of mine, weak in
strength and breath, carry us? And how shall we be able to go this long
way by help of these?" Vahuka replied, "Each of these horses bears one
curl on his forehead, two on his temples, four on his sides, four on his
chest, and one on his back. Without doubt, these steeds will be able to
go to the country of the Vidarbhas. If, O king, thou thinkest of
choosing others, point them out and I shall yoke them for thee."
Rituparna rejoined, "O Vahuka, thou art versed in the science of horses
and art also skillful (in guiding them). Do thou speedily yoke those
that thou thinkest to be able." Thereupon the skillful Nala yoked upon
the car four excellent steeds of good breed that were, besides, docile
and fleet. 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.'"