Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/481

these are lying asleep in these woods! The strong scent of man pleaseth my nostrills. Slaughtering all these men bring them unto me. They sleep within my dominion. Thou needst have no fear of them. Do my bidding soon, for we shall then together eat their flesh tearing it off their bodies according to our pleasure. And after feasting to our fill on human meat we shall then dance together to various measures.'

"Thus addressed by Hidimva in those woods, Hidimvā, the female cannibal, at the command of her brother, went, O thou bull of the Bharata race, to the spot where the Pandavas were. And going there she beheld the Pandavas asleep with their mother and the invincible Bhima-sena sitting awake. And beholding Bhima-sena unrivalled on earth for beauty and like unto a vigorous Shal tree, the Rakshasa woman immediately fell in love with him. And she said to herself, 'This person of hue like heated gold and mighty arms, of broad shoulders as the lion, and so resplendant, of neck marked with three lines like a shell and eyes like lotus leaves, is worthy of being my husband. I shall not obey the cruel mandate of my brother. A woman's love for her husband is stronger than her affection for her brother. 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 any form at will, assumed an excellent human form and began to advance with slow steps towards Bhima of mighty arms. Decked in celestial ornaments, she advanced with smiles on her lips and a modest gait, and addressing Bhima, said, 'O thou bull amongst men, whence hast thou come here and who art thou? Who, besides, are these persons of celestial beauty sleeping here? Who also, O thou 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 ye for his food! But I tell