Satyawati -10

10. The Body Another day is another lesson. That evening, we had a visitor A Special one, to me a suitor! Maharaja Santanu of Hastinapura The ruler of even our remote hamlet. He had seen me bathing in the river Followed me to the forest Where I spent my day in penance Or recited the scripts I knew. So, now my body has another suitor. Santanu was polite; He could Take me by force if he so desired. But he appealed to my father For my hand in marriage. Unsure of my response Father did not consent the king. "I need time", he said "to discuss with her and the elders." For a poor fisherwoman, It was a great honour To be asked in marriage By the king of Hastinapura.