Thereupon the Naga (the king of the snakes), with folded hands and trembling with fear, addressed Nala. 'O king! know me that I am Naga (snake), Karkotaka by name. O lord of men! the great sage, Narada, observing rigid austerity, was once deceived by me; and who, again, filled with rage, coursed me, saying: Remain here like some immovable thing, until king Nala leads you hence. And, indeed, wherever shall he take you, there shall you be released from my curse.'