03.251
Vaiśampāyana said.
Then, as all those kings were sitting there, O Bhārata, upon hearing Koṭikāśya's words, the king of Sauvīra addressed Śaibya. (03-251-1)
How is it that, although you have withdrawn from the chief among married women, my mind delights in her whenever she speaks? (03-251-2)
O mighty-armed one, having seen her, all other women seem to me just like the wives of forest deer; truly, I tell you this. (03-251-3)
Truly, just by seeing her, my mind has been completely captivated by her. Please tell me if that auspicious woman is a human belonging to the Śaibya lineage. (03-251-4)
Koṭikāśya said.
This indeed is Draupadī, called Kṛṣṇā, the renowned princess, exceedingly honored as the chief wife of the five sons of Paṇḍu. (03-251-5)
She who is dear and highly regarded by all the sons of Pṛthā; go to Sauvīra with her, having joined the noble heroes, and be very happy. (03-251-6)
Vaiśampāyana said.
Thus spoken to, he replied, "Let us see Draupadī." Jayadratha, the wicked-natured lord of the Sauvīras and Sindhus. (03-251-7)
He, like a wolf entering an empty lion's lair, entered the empty hermitage and, himself being the seventh brother, said this to Kṛṣṇā. (03-251-8)
Are you well, O beautiful-thighed lady? Are your husbands also healthy? And are those whose welfare you wish for, are they also well? (03-251-9)
Draupadi said.
The Kuru descendant, the son of Kuntī, King Yudhiṣṭhira, is well; I and his brothers, and those others about whom you inquire, are well. (03-251-10)
O prince, please accept water for washing feet and this seat; I shall give you fifty deer as your morning meal. (03-251-11)
Antelopes, spotted deer, hump-backed animals, deer, wild bulls, hares, white-footed antelope, stags, sambar deer, wild oxen, and many other animals. (03-251-12)
Yudhiṣṭhira, the son of Kuntī, will himself give you boars, buffaloes, and any other kinds of deer. (03-251-13)
Jayadratha said.
All respect for the morning meal and your welfare has been rendered by me. Come, mount my chariot, and attain only comfort. (03-251-14)
You ought not to restrain the sons of Pṛthā, who have lost their prosperity, have been deprived of their kingdom, are wretched and dispirited, and are living in the forest. (03-251-15)
A wise woman does not choose a husband who has lost his fortune. She should choose one who is prospering; she should not remain where wealth is in decline. (03-251-16)
Being deprived of prosperity and ruined of the kingdom for many long years; it is enough for your sons of Paṇḍu to endure hardship with devotion. (03-251-17)
Become my wife, O beautiful-hipped one; abandon these and obtain happiness. Acquire all the Sindhu-Sauvīra people with me. (03-251-18)
Vaiśampāyana said.
When thus addressed by the king of Sindhu with words that caused her heart to tremble, Kṛṣṇā departed from that place with a frowning face. (03-251-19)
Having disregarded his words and censuring them, the slender-waisted Kṛṣṇā (Draupadī) said to Saindhava (Jayadratha), "Not so," and also, "Feel shame." (03-251-20)
The blameless woman, yearning for the approach of her husbands, captivated them deeply by skilfully stringing together her words. (03-251-21)
