Sexual Life in Ancient India: A Study in the Comparative History of Indian Culture v2.c18.97

v2.c18.97

Also Kuntī's fiery words seem not to have died out to no purpose. When she wishes to go off into the forest with Dhṛitarāṣṭra, Yudhishṭhira says to her: "Formerly thou didst spur us on through the words of Vidulā, and we have listened to thy views, slain the foe, and won the kingdom; do not, then, leave us" (xv, 16.20-21). And she gives a short description of the dishonouring events we already know of, goes into a longer account of all that befell Draupadī in the gaming-hall, reminds her sons how unworthy of themselves their wretched inaction was, and how sore their plight, and declares that it is for this, not that she may herself enjoy royal splendour, that she goaded them on with Vidulā's speeches, tried to arouse their heroic strength (xv, 17).¹