If I slay him, my brother's gratification as well as mine
will only be momentary. But if I slay him not, I can enjoy with him for
ever and ever.' Thus saying, the Rakshasa woman, capable of assuming form
at will, assumed an excellent human form and began to advance with slow
steps towards Bhima of mighty arms. Decked with celestial ornaments she
advanced with smiles on her lips and a modest gait, and addressing Bhima
said, 'O bull among men, whence hast thou come here and who art thou? Who,
besides, are these persons of celestial beauty sleeping here? Who also, O
sinless one, is this lady of transcendent beauty sleeping so trustfully in
these woods as if she were lying in her own chamber? Dost thou not know
that this forest is the abode of a Rakshasa. Truly do I say, here liveth
the wicked Rakshasa called Hidimva. Ye beings of celestial beauty, I have
been sent hither even by that Rakshasa--my brother--with the cruel intent
of killing you for his food. But I tell thee truly that beholding thee
resplendent as a celestial, I would have none else for my husband save
thee! Thou who art acquainted with all duties, knowing this, do unto me
what is proper. My heart as well as my body hath been pierced by (the
shafts of) Kama (Cupid). O, as I am desirous of obtaining thee, make me
thine. O thou of mighty arms, I will rescue thee from the Rakshasa who
eateth human flesh. O sinless one, be thou my husband. We shall then live
on the breasts of mountains inaccessible to ordinary mortals.
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