Having heard these expressions of that infatuated braggart, king Nala became filled with rage and desired to sever his head by the sword. King Nala smilingly, though his eyes were red with anger, addressed him, saying,
श्रुत्वा तु तस्य ता वाचो बह्वबद्धप्रलापिनः॥ इयेष स शिरश्छेत्तुं खड्नेन कुपितो नलः। स्मयंस्तु रोषताम्राक्षस्तमुवाच नलो नृपः॥