Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (Volume 1).pdf/372

358 heated gold and of mighty arms, of broad shoulders as the lion, and so resplendent, of neck marked with three lines like a conch-shell and eyes like lotus-petals, is worthy of being my husband. I shall not obey the cruel mandate of my brother. A woman's love for her husband is stronger than her affection for ber brother. If I slay him, my brother's gratification as well as mine will only be momentary. But if I slay him not, I can enjoy with him for ever and ever.' Thus saying, the Rakshasa woman, capable of assuming form at will, assumed and excellent human form and began to advance with slow steps towards Bhima of mighty atms. Decked with celestial ornaments she advanced with smiles on her lips and a modest gait, and addressing Bhima said-'O bull among men. whence hast thou come here and who art thou? Wbo, besides, are these persons of celestial beauty sleeping here? Who also, O sinless one, is this lady of transcendent beauty sleeping so trustfully in these woods as if she were lying in her own chamber? Dost thou not know that this forest is the abode of a Rakshasa. Truly do I say, here liveth the wicked Rakshasa called Hidimval Ye beings of celestial beauty. I have been sent hither even by that Rakshasa---my brother-with the cruel intent of killing you for his food. But I tell thee truly that bebolding thee resplendent as a celestial, I would have none else for my husband save thee! Thou who act acquainted with all duties, knowing this, do unto me what is proper! My heart as well as my body hath been pierced by (the shafts of) Kama (Cupid)! O, desirous as I am of obtaining thee, make me thine ! O thou of mighty arms, I will rescue thee from the Rakshasa who eateth buman flesh ! O sinless one, be thou my husband.' We shall then live on the breasts of mountains inaccessible to ordinary mortals. I can range the air and I do so at pleasure. Thou mayest enjoy great felicity with me in those regions !

"Hearing these words of hers, Bhima replied,-'O Rakshasa woman, who can, like a Muni having all his passions under control, abandon his sleeping mother and elder and younger brothers? What man like me would go to gratify his lust, leaving his sleeping mother and brothers as food for a Rakshasa ?"

"The Rakshasa woman replied.—O, awaken all these, I shall do unto you all what is agreeable to thee! I shall certainly rescue you all from my cannibal brother?

"Bhima then said, -"O Rakshasa woman, I will not, from fear of thy wicked brother, awaken my brothers, and mother sleeping comfortably in the woods 1 timid one, Rakshasas are never able to beat the prowess of my arms. And, Othou of handsome eyes. neither men, nor Gandharvas, nor Yaksakas are able to bear my might. O amiable one,