‘Then, for those who strive in dharma and keep their pledge, great dharma will perish: I shall no longer be your wife. When the wife is protected, offspring are protected; when offspring are protected, one’s own self is protected. I have heard brahmins speak of the duties of the varnas: the constant dharma of a kshatriya is nothing other than the destruction of enemies. Before the very eyes of the King of Dharma, Kichaka struck me with his foot — and before your eyes too, mighty Bhimasena. You rescued me from that dreadful Jatasura, and you likewise conquered Jayadratha together with your brothers. Slay this sinner too, who insults me because of his closeness to the king — Kichaka, the cause of my grief, O Bharata. Shatter him, drunk as he is with desire, like a jar against a stone — him, the cause of so many of my misfortunes, O Bharata. If the sun rises tomorrow morning and finds him still alive, I shall stir poison and drink it, rather than fall under Kichaka’s power. Death before you, Bhimasena, would be better for me.’ Vaishampayana said: Having spoken thus, Krishna wept, clinging to Bhima’s chest. And Bhima embraced her, offered her great comfort, and in his mind went forth to Kichaka, licking the corners of his lips.