“Hearing these words of Arjuna, Urvasi answered, saying, ’O son of the chief of the celestials, we Apsaras are free and unconfined in our choice.  It behoveth thee not, therefore, to esteem me as thy superior.  The sons and grandsons of Puru’s race, that have come hither in consequence of ascetic merit do all sport with us, without incurring any sin.  Relent, therefore, O hero, it behoveth thee not to send me away.  I am burning with desire.  I am devoted to thee.  Accept me, O thou giver of proper respect.’

“Arjuna replied, ’O beautiful lady of features perfectly faultless, listen.  I truly tell thee.  Let the four directions and the transverse directions, let also the gods listen.  O sinless one, as Kunti, or Madri, or Sachi, is to me, so art thou, the parent of my race, an object of reverence to me.  Return, O thou of the fairest complexion:  I bend my head unto thee, and prostrate myself at thy feet.  Thou deservest my worship as my own mother; and it behoveth thee to protect me as a son.’”

Vaisampayana continued, “Thus addressed by Partha, Urvasi was deprived of her senses by wrath.  Trembling with rage, and contracting her brows, she cursed Arjuna, saying, ’Since thou disregardest a woman come to thy mansion at the command of thy father and of her own motion—­a woman, besides, who is pierced by the shafts of Kama, therefore, O Partha, thou shalt have to pass thy time among females unregarded, and as a dancer, and destitute of manhood and scorned as a eunuch.’”

Vaisampayana continued, “Having cursed Arjuna thus, Urvasi’s lips still quivered in anger, herself breathing heavily all the while.  And she soon returned to her own abode.  And that slayer of foes, Arjuna also sought Chitrasena without loss of time.  And having found him, he told him all that had passed between him and Urvasi in the night.  And he told Chitrasena everything as it had happened, repeatedly referring to the curse pronounced upon him.  And Chitrasena also represented everything unto Sakra.  And Harivahana, calling his son unto himself in private, and consoling him in sweet words, smilingly said, ’O thou best of beings, having obtained thee, O child, Pritha hath to-day become a truly blessed mother.  O mighty-armed one, thou hast now vanquished even Rishis by the patience and self-control.  But, O giver of proper respect, the curse that Urvasi hath denounced on thee will be to thy benefit, O child, and stand thee in good stead.  O sinless one, ye will have on earth to pass the thirteenth year (of your exile), unknown to all.  It is then that thou shalt suffer the curse of Urvasi.  And having passed one year as a dancer without manhood, thou shalt regain thy power on the expiration of the term.’

“Thus addressed by Sakra, that slayer of hostile heroes, Phalguna, experienced great delight and ceased to think of the curse.  And Dhananjaya, the son of Pandu, sported in regions of heaven with the Gandharva Chitrasena of great celebrity.