Sexual Life in Ancient India: A Study in the Comparative History of Indian Culture v2.c13.80.4

v2.c13.80.4

I have brought this evil on myself, since I did not throw myself then from Bhīshma's chariot while the dreadful fight for Çālva was going on ; this is the result which now shows itself—that I have come to the wretched plight of some blind woman. Shame on Bhīshma ! Shame on my foolish father with his blinded mind, who has put me on offer like a public harlot for the purchase price of heroic strength !¹ Shame on myself ! Shame on the king of the Çālvas ! Shame, too, on the Maker ! For through their evil conduct² I have fallen into the very depths of disaster. Come what may, man gets his allotted fate. But the beginning of this misfortune of mine is Bhīshma, son of Çāntanu. I look on it as right and fitting to make Bhīshma pay for it, whether my instrument be asceticism or the fight ; for I hold him to be the cause of my suffering.' ”