Sexual Life in Ancient India: A Study in the Comparative History of Indian Culture v1.c6.28

v1.c6.28

like evil-doers; and when we have fallen down together with all our kindred, then he, too, will go unto hell. Penitence, or sacrifice, or whatever other mighty means of purification there is, all these are not to be set by the side of continuing the family. If thou seest him, tell him what thou hast seen, that he may take a wife and beget sons. But who then art thou to pity¹ our race, the race of his kindred, like thine own race and as if a kinsman?" In a voice choked with tears, Jaratkāru spoke: "Ye are my forbears: fathers and grandfathers. I am Jaratkāru, your sinful son. Punish me, an evil-doer without nobility of soul!" "What a happiness that thou shouldst have chanced to come into this neighbourhood, O son! And wherefore hast thou taken no wife?" "In my heart was ever this one purpose, to bring my body in full chastity into that other world. But since that I have seen you hanging like birds, my mind has now turned away from fleshly continence. I will do what ye so strongly wish, and settle down to domestic life, if I find a maiden having the same name with me, who is offered me of her own accord as a gift, and whom I have not to support. But not otherwise. The child that is born to us shall save you. Eternal and knowing no decay shall my forefathers remain."