Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/285

Rh busy with her thoughts, the king wandering listlessly came to that very forest of Asokas, and beholding Sharmishta before him, stood there in silence. Then Sharmishta of beautiful smiles seeing the monarch before her with nobody to witness what might pass, approaching the monarch said, joining her hands, 'O son of Nahusha, no one can behold the ladies that dwell in the inner apartments of Shoma, of Indra, of Vishnu, of Yama, of Varuna, and of thine. Thou knowest, O king, that I am both handsome and well-born. I solicit thee, O king! My season hath arrived: see that it goeth not in vain.'

"Yayati answered, 'Well do I know that the honor of birth is thine, born as thou art in the proud race of the Danavas. Thou art also gifted with beauty. Indeed, I do not see even the speck of a fault in thy features. But Usana commanded me while I was united with that never should Vrishaparva's daughter be summoned to my bed.'

"Sharmishta then said, 'It hath been said, O king, that it is not sinful to lie on the occasion of a joke, in respect of women sought to be enjoyed, on occasions of marriage, in prospect of immediate death and of the loss of one's whole fortune. Lying is excusable on these five occasions. O king, it is false that he is fallen who speaks not the truth when asked. Both and myself have been called hither as companions to serve the same purpose. When, therefore, thou hadst said that thou wouldst confine thyself to one only amongst us, that was a lie thou hadst spoken.' Yayati replied, 'A king should ever be a pattern in the eyes of his people. That monarch certainly meets with destruction who speaks untruths. As for myself, I do not dare speak an untruth even if the greatest loss threatens me.' Sharmishta answered, 'O monarch, one may look upon her friend's husband as her own. One's friend's marriage is the same as one's own. Thou hast been chosen by my friend as her husband. Thou art as much my husband therefore.' Yayati then said, 'It is, indeed, my vow to always grant what one asketh. Thou askest me. Therefore tell me what am I to do! Sharmishta then said, 'Absolve me, O king, from sin! Protect my virtue! Becoming a mother