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Mackenzie, Donald Alexander
Indian myth and legend: with illustrations by Warwick Goble and numerous monochrome plates — London, 1913

DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.638#0296
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THE CHOICE OF DRAUPADI 217

advanced from the priestly band to lift the bow. The
Brahmans applauded him, shaking their deerskins.

Said the rajahs: " Can a weakly Brahman, who is a
mere stripling, accomplish a feat which is beyond the
strength of mighty warriors."

Others said: " The Brahman knoweth best his own
skill. He would not go forward if he were not confident
of success."

An aged priest endeavoured to restrain Arjuna, lest
he should by his failure bring ridicule upon the Brah-
mans; but the hero would not be thwarted. He strode
forward like to a stately elephant and bared his broad
shoulders and ample chest. He was nimble as a lion,
and calm and self-possessed.

Ere he lifted the bow, he walked round it; then he
addressed a prayer to the gods. . . . He stood up un-
moved and serene as a mountain peak, and he bent the
^ow and fixed an arrow in it. . . .

All eyes watched him. He drew the cord, and the
arrow flew upwards with a hissing sound; it hit the
target eye, and the golden fish fell over and clashed
upon the ground.

Like distant thunder arose the plaudits of the multi-
tude ; hundreds of Brahmans shouted in ecstasy and
waved their scarfs; a thousand trumpets clamoured in
triumph, and the drums were beaten loud. . . .

The heart of Draupadi was filled with joy, and,
smiling coyly, she advanced towards Arjuna and flung
the golden bridal garland over his shoulders. Celestial
blossoms fluttered, descending through the air, and the
sound of celestial music was heard.

Drupada was well pleased, because he had already re-
cognized the hero in his Brahman guise; but the jealous
rajahs stormed in fury, and each said unto the other:
 
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