Shloka 21
दमयन्ती–बाहुकसंवादः
Damayantī’s Dialogue with Bāhuka; Recognition and Disclosure
तस्यास्तत् प्रियमाख्यानं प्रवदस्व महामते । तदेव वाक्यं वैदर्भी श्रोतुमिच्छत्यनिन्दिता,“महामते! इसके उत्तरमें आप दमयन्तीको प्रिय लगनेवाली कोई बात कहिये। साध्वी विदर्भकुमारी आपकी उसी बातको पुनः सुनना चाहती हैं!
tasyāstat priyamākhyānaṃ pravadasva mahāmate | tadeva vākyaṃ vaidarbhī śrotumicchatyaninditā ||
โอ้ผู้มีปัญญายิ่ง จงกล่าวถ้อยคำที่นางจะฟังแล้วชื่นใจ พระธิดาแห่งวิทรภะผู้ปราศจากมลทินปรารถนาจะได้ยินพระวาจาเดิมนั้นของท่านอีกครั้ง
बाहक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights ethical speech: one should respond with words that are truthful yet considerate—aimed at what is beneficial and pleasing to the listener, especially when the listener is distressed or yearning.
Bāhuka urges the interlocutor to repeat a comforting, pleasing account, because Damayantī (the Vidarbha princess) wants to hear the same words again—showing her intense longing and the careful, indirect communication typical of the Nala–Damayantī episode.