Sexual Life in Ancient India: A Study in the Comparative History of Indian Culture v2.c20.71.3

v2.c20.71.3

is it the power of secret knowledge, or the power of roots; is it prayers, sacrifices, or remedies? Let me learn of it, princess of the Pañcālas, the means which brings renown and wedded happiness, that Kṛṣṇa, too, may be under my sway.” Draupadī spoke: “Thou askest me after that which evil women do. . . . So soon as the husband learned that his wife found her welfare in magic spells and roots, he would be filled with fear of her, as of a snake in the house. Most dreadful sicknesses sent by foes (they bring on their husbands); for they who wish to kill them give them poison through the magic of roots. What the husband touches with his tongue or his skin, on that they sprinkle a fine powder, and so quickly kill him; of that is no doubt. Thus have women made their husbands dropsical, lepers, old men, without manhood, weak-minded, blind, and deaf.¹ I leave thought of self behind me, and no less constantly desire and anger, and ever serve the Pāṇḍavas with earnest zeal, and their wives also. I keep my inclinations in the background, and shut my own self into my self, obedient, without pride, heedful of my husband’s thoughts, fearful and watchful lest I speak unlovely words, show myself unlovely, cast unlovely looks, be unlovely as I sit, be unlovely as I walk, show an unlovely play of features. Before my husband has eaten I do not eat; before he has bathed I do not bathe; before he has taken his seat I do not take mine; and this is my way with the servants, too.