Sexual Life in Ancient India: A Study in the Comparative History of Indian Culture v2.c20.13.2

v2.c20.13.2

‘As father of the house I will overcome Death,’¹ this vow was undertaken by him so rich in insight, him that blazed with flames. To Oghavatī spoke the son of fire : ‘Unto a guest thou must nowise do anything that might displease him. Whatever it be whereby a guest would be gladdened, be it even the giving of thyself—thou must never harbour hesitation or scruple. This pious rule (vrata) is ever astir in my heart. For him that dwells in the house, O thou of the lovely hips, there is nothing higher than the guest. If my word is to thee as a guiding thread, thou of the lovely thighs, thou shining one, then do thou keep this speech of mine ever fast in thine heart with mind firm-set. Whether I happen to have gone away, or to be here, O sweet one, O blameless one, thou must not disregard the guest, if I have to decide for thee.’ To him spoke Oghavatī, her hands folded humbly on her forehead : ‘For me there is nought that I would not do without question at thy bidding.’ But since Death now wished to overcome Sudarçana in his house, he, ever following, went after him into it, and sought a bare spot on him.