yet like one amongst those that riding on chariots wander about equipped
with mail and bow and arrows and decked with garlands and fine hair. I
am old and desirous of relinquishing my burden. Be thou like my son, or
rule thou like myself all the Matsyas. It seemeth to me that such a
person as thou can never be of the neuter sex.'

"Arjuna said, 'I sing, dance, and play on instruments. I am proficient
in dance and skilled in song. O lord of men, assign me unto (the
princess) Uttara. I shall be dancing-master to the royal maiden. As to
how I have come by this form, what will it avail thee to hear the
account which will only augment my pain? Know me, O king of men, to be
Vrihannala, a son or daughter without father or mother.'

"Virata said, 'O Vrihannala, I give thee what thou desirest. Instruct my
daughter, and those like her, in dancing. To me, however, this office
seemeth unworthy of thee. Thou deservest (the dominion of) the entire
earth girt round by the ocean.'"

Vaisampayana continued, "The king of the Matsyas then tested Vrihannala
in dancing, music, and other fine arts, and consulting with his various
ministers forthwith caused him to be examined by women. And learning
that this impotency was of a permanent nature, he sent him to the
maiden's apartments. And there the mighty Arjuna began giving lessons in
singing and instrumental music to the daughter of Virata, her friends,
and her waiting-maids, and soon won their good graces. And in this
manner the self-possessed Arjuna lived there in disguise, partaking of
pleasures in their company, and unknown to the people within or without
the palace."