Blessed dame, these pangs, of which Bhimasena hath been the cause,
are torturing me. I had hitherto borne these insufferable pangs, waiting
for the time (when thy son could assuage them). That time is now come,
when I expected I would be made happy. Casting off my friends and
relations and the usage of my race, I have, O blessed lady, chosen this
son of thine, this tiger among men, as my husband. I tell thee truly, O
illustrious lady, that if I am cast off by that hero or by thee either, I
will no longer bear this life of mine. Therefore, O thou of the fairest
complexion, it behoveth thee to show me mercy, thinking me either as very
silly or thy obedient slave. O illustrious dame, unite me with this thy
son, my husband. Endued as he is with the form of a celestial, let me go
taking him with me wherever I like. Trust me, O blessed lady, I will again
bring him back unto you all. When you think of me I will come to you
immediately and convey you whithersoever ye may command. I will rescue you
from all dangers and carry you across inaccessible and uneven regions. I
will carry you on my back whenever ye desire to proceed with swiftness. O,
be gracious unto me and make Bhima accept me. It hath been said that in a
season of distress one should protect one's life by any means. He, that
seeketh to discharge that duty should not scruple about the means. He,
that in a season of distress keepeth his virtue, is the foremost of
virtuous men. Indeed, distress is the greatest danger to virtue and
virtuous men.
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