The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Translated into English Prose: Sabha Parva
Religion
The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Translated into English Prose: Sabha Parva
Epic literature, Sanskrit
his last struggles in the tiger's claws), of one who is a co-wife, and
of one who hath been deprived of his property by false witnesses, have
been said by the gods to be uniform in degree. These different sorts of
grief are his who speaketh false. A person becometh a witness in
consequence of his having seen, heard, and understood a thing.
Therefore, a witness should always tell the truth. A truth-telling
witness never loseth his religious merits and earthly possessions
also." Hearing these words of Kasyapa, Prahlada told his son,
"Sudhanwan is superior to thee, as indeed, (his father) Angiras is
superior to me. The mother also of Sudhanwan is superior to thy mother.
Therefore, O Virochana, this Sudhanwan is now the lord of the life." At
these words of Prahlada, Sudhanwan said, "Since unmoved by affection
for thy child, thou hast adhered to virtue, I command, let this son of
thine live for a hundred years."'
"Vidura continued,--'Let all the persons, therefore, present in this
assembly hearing these high truths of morality, reflect upon what
should be the answer to the question asked by Draupadi.'"
Vaisampayana continued,--"The kings that were there hearing these words
of Vidura, answered not a word, yet Karna alone spoke unto Dussasana,
telling him. Take away this serving-woman Krishna into the inner
apartments. And thereupon Dussasana began to drag before all the
spectators the helpless and modest Draupadi, trembling and crying
piteously unto the Pandavas her lords.
SECTION LXVIII
"Draupadi said,--'Wait a little, thou worst of men, thou wicked-minded
Dussasana. I have an act to perform--a high duty that hath not been
performed by me yet. Dragged forcibly by this wretch's strong arms, I
was deprived of my senses. I salute these reverend seniors in this
assembly of the Kurus. That I could not do this before cannot be my
fault.'"
Vaisampayana said,--"Dragged with greater force than before, the
afflicted and helpless Draupadi, undeserving of such treatment, falling
down upon the ground, thus wept in that assembly of the Kurus,--
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account