Satyawati -26

26. The Progeny The funeral rites were over Conducted by Devabrata I was back on the throne as queen And he, the Commander-in-Chief. I declared a year of mourning Leaving us enough time to think. I asked him to marry the princesses I knew they desired him. Whenever he was in Antapura They had their longing eyes Full of desire, always set on him Like bees on honey blossoms. I am sure that he was aware Of their beautiful eyes on him. Any man would accept the invitation But he was well past that stage. As expected, he refused. I tried to invoke his vow To protect the interest Of the nation; the dynasty. He just laughed it off. Leaving all inhibitions Of a mother, I asked him To father them children So, Puruvamsam survives. It is provided in the scripts, His vow notwithstanding, I reasoned. But he answered unflinchingly, His vow to celibacy stays.