Page:Cradle Tales of Hinduism .djvu/343

Rh "Next," said Draupadi, "I beg the same for his four brothers, with all their weapons."

"This I also grant," said the blind King ; "and what is your demand in gold and other wealth ? "

"Nay," said the stately Draupadi, with a flash of mingled scorn and pride, "I ask no more! The Pandavas, being free, can right themselves — they need owe no man anything!"

Dritarashtra shuddered, as if a cold blast had swept over him, even while he bent before the courage of the Queen. For her refusal to accept his amends seemed to him as a terrible curse upon his house. But Duryodhana's soul had be- come Winder by reason of his enmity, than were the bodily eyes of his two parents. He pressed forward eagerly.

"Nay, O my father!" he cried, thrusting him- self before Dritarashtra, "I also will consent to this restoration if thou wilt grant me but one condition more! Let these Pandavas and their wife go forth free, but let them live in the forests, as a forfeit, for twelve years, and spend their thirteenth year in disguise, wherever they will. At the end of these thirteen years, if they are not dis- covered by me or by my friends, let them be indeed free. But if in their thirteenth year we track them out, another twelve years of exile pays the penalty. One throw more of the dice to settle it!"

All waited, breathless, for the King's answer.