03.250
Vaiśampāyana said.
Then Draupadī, the princess, replied—having been questioned by the chief of the Śibis. She gently looked, released the branch, and took up the kauśika upper garment. (03-250-1)
O prince, I recognize you with my intellect; someone like me is not worthy to address you. Nor, I think, is there anyone here, whether man or woman, who is fit to reply to your words. (03-250-2)
I, alone now, indeed give you these words; truly, O auspicious one, understand this. How could I, alone in the forest and absorbed in my own dharma, speak to you alone? (03-250-3)
I know you as the son of Suratha, whom men also know as Koṭikāśya. Therefore, I, Shaibya, will likewise tell you about the relatives; understand that. (03-250-4)
I am the daughter of King Drupada, and people—descendants of Śibi—know me as 'Kṛṣṇā'. Therefore, I choose as husbands those five men who are known to have gone to Khāṇḍavaprastha. (03-250-5)
Yudhishthira, Bhimasena, Arjuna, and the two sons of Madri, all foremost among men—having settled me here and dividing the four directions among themselves, the Pandavas have gone hunting. (03-250-6)
The king faces east; Bhīmasena to the south; Jaya to the west; the sons of Yama to the north. Yet, I think that for these foremost chariot-warriors, death itself has now come upon them from all directions. (03-250-7)
After you have been honored, you may go with them as you wish; have the vehicles let loose and make them enter the water. The dear guest, the great-souled son of Dharma, will be pleased when he sees you all. (03-250-8)
After saying this, Drupada's daughter, who was moon-faced and reassured by the son of Śaibya, entered the excellent leaf-hut, thinking of their duty toward guests. (03-250-9)
