Sexual Life in Ancient India: A Study in the Comparative History of Indian Culture v2.c13.80.2

v2.c13.80.2

I have no yearning to have a wife in thee, that hast already belonged to another, O lovely-faced one. How could a king such as I bring home a woman that has had to do with a stranger, for I have the knowledge and teach the law to others? Go just as thou wishest, my friend; let not this time go by thee unused.' Ambā spoke to him, tormented by the arrows of love: 'Speak not thus to me, O herdsman of the earth. It is in no wise so. I was not carried off by Bhīshma, rejoicing in my love, O harasser of thy foes. By force was I carried away by him, as I wept, and he put the princes to flight. Love me, O lord of the Çālvas, who love thee, and am young and innocent. For to repel those that love one is a thing not praised in the laws. I made prayer to Gaṅgā’s son, to him that never turned his back in the fight, and with his leave I came hither at all speed. Bhīshma, the strong-armed, wants me not; it was for his brother’s sake that Bhīshma’s deed was done, so I have been told. My two sisters, Ambikā and Ambālikā, whom Gaṅgā’s son carried off, he handed over to his younger brother Vicitravīrya. I touch my head, O lord of the Çālvas, as I swear that but for thee, thou man-tiger, I have never thought, nor think, of another bridegroom. And it is not as one that has already had to do with another man that I have come to thee;