Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/275

Rh it was not hers. And, O king, upon this, between them, and Sharmishta, then occurred a dispute. And said, 'O daughter of the Asura (chief), why dost thou take my attire, being, as thou art, my disciple? Destitute of good behaviour, nothing good can happen to thee!' Sharmishta, however, quickly replied, 'Thy father occupying a lower seat always adoreth, with downcast look like a hired chaunter of praises, my father whether when he sitteth at his ease or reclineth at full length. Thou art the daughter of one that beggeth, one that chaunteth the praises of others, of one that accepteth alms. I am the daughter of one who is adored, one who bestowed alms instead of ever accepting them. Begger woman as thou art, thou art free to strike thy breast, to use ill words, to vow enmity to me, to give way to thy wrath. Thou art perfectly harmless, whereas, if so minded, I can harm thee. Thou desirest to quarrel. But know thou that I do not reckon thee as my equal.

Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing these words because exceedingly angry and began to pull at her clothes. Sharmishta thereupon threw her into a well, and went home. Indeed, the wicked Sharmishta believing that  was dead, bent her steps homewards in a wrathful mood.

"After Sharmishta had left, Yayati the son of Nahusha soon came to that spot. And the king had been out [sic]ahunting. And the couple of horses harnessed to hihis [sic] car and the other single horses with him were all fatigued. And the king himself was thirsty. And the son of Nahusha saw a well that was by. And by saw that it was dry. But in looking within it, he saw a maiden who in splendour was like unto the blazing fire. And beholding her within it, the best of kings addressed that girl of the complexion of the celestials, soothing her with sweet words. And he said, 'Who art thou, O fair one, of nails bright as burnished copper, and with ear-rings decked with celestial gems? Thou seemest to be greatly anxious. Why dost thou weep in affliction? How, indeed, hast thou fallen into this well covered with creepers and long grass? And O slender-waisted girl, answer me truly whose daughter thou art!' 31