Sexual Life in Ancient India: A Study in the Comparative History of Indian Culture v2.c11.44

v2.c11.44

here. As they are sleeping in our domain, thou hast nought to fear from them. When we have eaten to our heart's desire of the men's flesh, we will both of us dance many dances together in time.” Hiḍimbā went quickly off; but when she saw the mighty Bhīmasena watching over the sleepers, and towering up like a young ҫāla-tree, she fell in love with him, the one without compare in form on earth. “This dark, strong-armed, lion-breasted, lotus-eyed one would be a fitting mate for me. I could never carry out my brother's cruel order. The love for a husband is mighty beyond all, not so is the friendship for a brother. Were my brother to slay them, he would be sated but for a moment. If they live, then I have gladness for years unending.” As she could change her shape at will, she put on that of a glorious human being, and softly drew nigh the long-armed Bhīmasena. As though shy, playfully, dight with divine ornament, she spoke these words, as she smiled, to Bhīmasena : “Whence hast thou come, and who art thou? And who are these that are sleeping here? Here dwells the evil-minded Rākshasa called Hiḍimba. He has sent me, and means to eat you. But now that I have beheld thee, that shinest like a child of the gods, there is none other whom I will have as a husband. Do thou love me who love, whose soul and body are wounded by passion. I will save thee from the man-eater, and we will live together in the mountain wilds.” But Bhīmasena said that he could not leave his kindred to be eaten by the Rākshasa, and go off like one love-sick. She made answer: “Wake them, I will save them from the monster.” 1 “How should I wake them that sleep so calmly? What could a Rākshasa like this do to me? Go or stay, my dear, or do whatever thou wishest. Or send thy man-eating brother here.” She drew a picture of the dreadfulness of the Rākshasa, and offered herself to carry them all away through the air on her hip. Bhīma once more made boast: “I will slay him before thine eyes. The wretched Rākshasa is no match for me. See these round arms of mine, like elephants’ trunks, my thighs