husband, it hath also been said by those acquainted with the rules of morality that a wife, when her monthly season cometh, must ever seek her husband, though at other times she deseryeth liberty. The wise have declared this to be the ancient practice. But, be the act sintul or sinless, those acquainted with the Vedas have declared that it is the duty of wives to do what their husbands bid them do. Especially, O thou of faultless feature, I, who am deprived of the power of procrea. tion, having yet become desirous of beholding offspring, deserve the more to be obyed by thee. O amiable one, joining my palms furnished with rosy fingers, and making of them a cup as of lotus leaves, I place them on my head to propitiate thee ! O thou of fair look, it behoveth thee to raise offspring, at my command, through some Brahmana possessed of high ascetic merit! For them, owing to thee, O thou of fair hips, I may go the way that is reserved for those that are blessed with children !"
Vaisampayana continued,"Thus addressed by Pandu, that subjugator of hostile cities, the handsome Kunti, ever attentive to what was agreeable and beneficial to her lord, then replied unto him, saying, 'In my girlhood. O lord, I was in my father's house engaged in attending upon all guests. I used to wait respectfully upon Brahmanas of rigid vows and great ascetic merit. One day I gratified with my attentions that Brahmana whom people call Durvasas, of mind under full control and possessing knowledge of all the mysteries of religion. Pleased with my services, that Brahmana gave me a boon in the form of a mantra (formula of invocation) for calling into my presence any one of the celestials I liked. And the Rishi, addressing me, saidAny one among the celestials whom thou callest by this, shall. O girl, approach thee and be obedient to thy will, whether he liketh it or not. And, O princess, thou shalt also have offspring through his grace !-O Bharata, that Brahmana told me this when I lived in my father's house. The words uttered by the Brahmana can never be false. The time also hath come when they may yield frut. Commanded by thee, O royal sage. I can by that mantra summon any of the celestials. so that we may have good children. O foremost of all truthful men, tell me which of the celestials I shall summon. Know that, as regards this matter, I wait your commands !'
Hearing this, Pandu replied.'O handsome one, strive duly this very day to gratify our wishes ! Fortunate one, summon thou the good of justice! He is most virtuous of the celestials. The god of justice and virtue will never be able to pollute us with sin. The world also, O beautiful princess, will then think that what we do can never be unholy. The son also that we shall obtain from him shall in virtue
