Sexual Life in Ancient India: A Study in the Comparative History of Indian Culture v2.c18.72

v2.c18.72

But the most dreadful blow for her is the death of her five sons, who are surprised in their sleep and slaughtered by Aṣvatthāman in the night, following the ending of the many days' contest of the nations. Yudhishṭhira at the awful fate of these youths has nothing more to show than his usual swoon, and then after coming back to himself his still more usual loud and tearful cries of woe. Draupadī on the other hand, soon recovers from her great sorrow, utters scornful words for her husband, and goes on to say: "But I am burnt up with sorrow. If the son of Droṇa, the evil-doer, together with his following is not to-day bereft of his life by thee in stout fight in the battle, then shall I sit on in this place, and starve to death. Hear ye that, sons of Pāṇḍu!" Yudhishṭhira seeks to quiet her by saying that her sons and kinsmen have lost their lives honourably in battle, so that there is no reason for her to mourn. Moreover, the slayer has taken refuge in the forest fastness. But she will not be put off: "I have heard that Droṇa's son bears a jewel on his head, that was born with him. Only if the dastard is slain, and I see this jewel brought hither, and fastened to thy head, O king, will I live.¹ That is my resolve." She then entrusts Bhīma—whom she a long time ago put to trial as a rescuer in need, and whom she now, therefore, praises and spurs on—with carrying out the revenge (x, 10.24 ff.).²