Sexual Life in Ancient India: A Study in the Comparative History of Indian Culture v1.c5.246

v1.c5.246

arms. These rulers of men will, that they may win the victory, give many presents there, treasures, cows, hard and soft food of every kind. All this we are going to receive, to see the Svayamvara, take our share in the festival, and then go off again whither we desire. Mummers, vaitālikas, sūtas, māgadhas,¹ dancers, and strong wrestlers will come there from all the quarters of the world. When ye high-souled ones have thus sated your curiosity,² looked on the festival, and received the gifts, then ye can come back again with us. And if Kṛṣṇā (that is, Draupadi) sees you all standing there so handsome and with godlike stature, then she may by the working of chance choose one of you as bridegroom. This brother of thine is splendid, worthy to behold, strong-armed; if he is commissioned for the victory he will perhaps get much wealth thereby, and assuredly increase the measure of your joy.” Yudhiṣṭhira spoke: “We wish to see the most splendid enjoyment and the great festival, all together with you to see the Svayaṃvara of the maiden.”