How can I be prepared to give up the
innocent daughter upon whom rest the regions of bliss obtainable by me in
after life and my own lineage and perpetual happiness? If, again, I
sacrifice myself and go to the other world, I should scarcely know any
peace, for, indeed, it is evident that, left by me these would not be able
to support life. The sacrifice of any of these would be cruel and
censurable. On the other hand, if I sacrifice myself, these, without me,
will certainly perish. The distress into which I have fallen is great; nor
do I know the means of escape. Alas, what course shall I take today with
my near ones. It is well that I should die with all these, for I can live
no longer.'"
SECTION CLX
(Vaka-vadha Parva continued)
"Vaisampayana said, "On hearing these words of the Brahmana, his wife said,
'Thou shouldst not, O Brahmana, grieve like an ordinary man. Nor is this
the time for mourning. Thou hast learning; thou knowest that all men are
sure to die; none should grieve for that which is inevitable. Wife, son,
and daughter, all these are sought for one's own self. As thou art
possessed of a good understanding, kill thou thy sorrows. I will myself go
there. This indeed, is the highest and the eternal duty of a woman, viz.,
that by sacrificing her life she should seek the good of her husband. Such
an act done by me will make thee happy, and bring me fame in this world
and eternal bliss hereafter. This, indeed, is the highest virtue that I
tell thee, and thou mayest, by this, acquire both virtue and happiness.
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