Shloka 24
Damayantī’s Lament, Serpent-Seizure, Rescue by the Hunter, and the Curse
आमन्त्र्य भीम॑ राजानमार्त: शोचन् नल॑ नृपम् । अटमानस्ततो<योध्यां जगाम नगरीं तदा,वहाँ पहुँचकर उसने घोड़ोंको, उस श्रेष्ठ रथ-को तथा उस बालिका इन्द्रसेनाको एवं राजकुमार इन्द्रसेनको वहीं रख दिया तथा राजा भीमसे विदा ले आर्तभावसे राजा नलकी दुर्दशाके लिये शोक करता हुआ घूमता-घामता अयोध्या नगरीमें चला गया
āmantyra bhīmaṁ rājānam ārtaḥ śocan nalaṁ nṛpam | aṭamānas tato ’yodhyāṁ jagāma nagarīṁ tadā ||
Having taken leave of King Bhīma, the distressed narrator laments the pitiable condition of King Nala. Then, wandering on in sorrow, he proceeded to the city of Ayodhyā. The scene underscores the ethical weight of loyalty and compassion: even when one must depart, one does not abandon concern for a righteous person fallen into misfortune.
बृहृदश्चव उवाच