Milman, Henry Hart, 1791-1868 / 2008-09-13 00:00:00
"O my guardian, thus unguarded--in this savage forest seized,
Seized by this terrific serpent--wherefore art not thou at hand?
How will't be, when thou rememberest--once again thy faithful wife,
From this dreadful curse delivered--mind, and sense, and wealth returned?
When thou'rt weary, when thou'rt hungry--when thou'rt fainting with fatigue,
Who will soothe, O blameless Nala--all thy weariness, thy woe."
Then a huntsman as he wandered--in the forest jungle thick,
As he heard her thus bewailing--in his utmost haste drew near.
In the grasp when he beheld her--of that long-eyed serpent fell,
Instant did the nimble huntsman--rapidly as he came on,
Pierce that unresisting serpent--with a sharp and mortal shaft:
In her sight he slew that serpent--skill'd in slaughter of the chase.
Her released he from her peril--washed he then with water pure,
And with sylvan food refreshed her--and with soothing words address'd:
"Who art thou that roam'st the forest--with the eyes of the gazelle;
How to this extreme of misery--noble lady, hast thou fallen?"
Damayanti, by the huntsman--thus in soothing tone addressed,
All the story of her misery-told him, as it all befell;
Her, scant-clothed in half a garment--with soft swelling limbs and breast,
Form of youthful faultless beauty--and her fair and moonlike face,
And her eyes with brows dark arching--and her softly-melting speech,
Saw long time that wild beast hunter--kindled all his heart with love.
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