Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (Volume 1).pdf/376

362 also why thou stayest here? Thereupon Hidimva replied, 'This extensive forest that thou seest, of the hue of blue cloud, is the abode of a Rakshasa of the name of Hidim va as also of mine. O handsome lady, know me as the sister of that chief of the Rakshasa. Reverend dame, I had been sent by that brother of mine to kill thee with all thy children. But on arriving here at the command of that cruel brother of mine, I beheld thy mighty son colour like pure gold. Then, O blessed lady, I was brought under the control of thy son by the deity of love who pervadeth the nature of every being, and I then (mentally) chose that mighty son of thine as my husband. I tried my best to convey you hence, but I could not (because of thy son's opposition).. Then the cannibal, seeing my delay, came hither to kill all these thy children. But he hath been dragged hence with torce by chat mighty and intelligent son of thine-my husband ! Behold now that couple-man and Rakshasa-both endued with great strength and prowess, engaged in combat, grinding each other and filling the whole region with their shouts.

Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing those words of hers, Yudhishthira suddenly rose up and Arjuna also and Nakula and Sahadeva of great energy and they beheld Bhima and the Rakshasa already engaged in fight, eager to overcome each other and dragging each other with great torce, like two lions endued with great might. The dust raised by their feet in consequence of that encounter looked like the smoke of a forest-conflagration. Covered with that dust their buge bodies resembled two tall cliffs enveloped in mist. Then Arjuna, beholding Bhima rather oppressed in the fight by the Rakshasa, slowly, said, with smiles on his lips-'Fear not, O Bhima of mighty arms 1 We (had been asleep and therefore) knew not that thou wast engaged with a terrible Rakshasa and tired in fight. Here do I stand to help thee, let me slay the Rakshasa, and let Nakula and Sahadeva protect our mother. Hearing him, Bhiwa said.--"Look on this encounter, O brother, like a stranger 1 Fear no for the result! Having come within the reach of my arms, he shall not escape with life.' Then Arjuna said, 'What need, O Bhima, for keeping the Rakshasa alive so long ? O oppressor of enemies, we are to go hence, and cannot stay here longer. The east is reddening, the morning twilight is about to set in. Rakshasa became stronger by break of day, therefore, hasten, O Bhima ! Play not (with thy victim), but slay the terrible Rakshasa soon. During the two twilights Raksbasas always put forth their powers of deception. Use all the strength of thy arms 1'

Vaisampayana continued.--"At this speech of Arjuna, Bhima blazing up with anger, summoned the might that Vayu (his father) puts forth