Sexual Life in Ancient India: A Study in the Comparative History of Indian Culture v1.c6.147

v1.c6.147

Like them, the old blind king Dhṛtarāṣṭra, wringing his hands, and sighing so deeply that a mist, as it were, rises from him, bewails the death of his sons, fallen on the battle-field (ix, 2): “When I think of their youth and of their childish play, of all the slain sons, then my heart is bursting. Since with my want of eyes I have not seen their form, that love springing from tenderness towards children was kept ever for them. When I heard how they were coming beyond childhood’s years, were entering on the bloom of youth, were reaching the middle years of life, I was filled with joy. When now I learn that they are cut down, robbed of their lordship and of their strength, I find rest nowhere, overwhelmed by my soul’s anguish for my sons. Come, come, my son, to me who am shelterless! How shall it be for me without thee! Thou that wast the refuge of thy kindred and friends, whither wilt thou go, leaving me behind, an old, blind man? Who will now say: ‘Father dear’ to me, when I have risen? Put thine arms around my neck once more with eyes dimmed with love, and speak those good words to me: ‘Bid me!’”