she left home, filled with heavy sorrow, and went into a dense and solitary forest that was the haunt, O king, of a very formidable Yaksha called Sthunakarna.  From fear of that Yaksha men never went into that forest.  And within it stood a mansion with high walls and a gateway, plastered over with powdered earth, and rich with smoke bearing the fragrance of fried paddy.  Entering that mansion, Sikhandini, the daughter of Drupada, O king, began to reduce herself by foregoing all food for many days.  Thereupon, the Yaksha named Sthuna, who was endued with kindness, showed himself unto her.  And he enquired of her, saying, ’For what object is this endeavour of thine?  I will accomplish it, tell me without delay!’ Thus asked, the maiden answered him, repeatedly saying, ‘Thou art unable to accomplish it!’ The Guhyaka, however, rejoined, without a moment’s delay, saying, ’Accomplish it I will!  I am a follower of the Lord of treasures, I can, O princess, grant boons!  I will grant thee even that which cannot be given!  Tell me what thou hast to say!’ Thus assured, Sikhandini represented in detail everything that had happened, unto that chief of Yakshas called Sthunakarna.  And she said, ’My father, O Yaksha, will soon meet with destruction.  The ruler of the Dasarnakas marcheth against him in rage.  That king eased in golden mail is endued with great might and great courage.  Therefore, O Yaksha, save me, my mother, and my father!  Indeed, thou hast already pledged thyself to relieve my distress!  Through thy grace, O Yaksha, I would become a perfect man!  As long as that king may not depart from my city, so long, O great Yaksha, show me grace, O Guhyaka!’”

SECTION CXCV

“Bhishma said, ’Hearing, O bull of Bharata’s race, those words of Sikhandini, afflicted by destiny, that Yaksha, said after reflecting in his mind, these words, ’Indeed, it was ordained to be so, and, O Kaurava, it was ordained for my grief!’ The Yaksha said, ’O Blessed lady, I will certainly do what thou wishest!  Listen, however, to the condition I make.  For a certain period I will give thee my manhood.  Thou must, however, come back to me in due time.  Pledge thyself to do so!  Possessed of immense power, I am a ranger of the skies, wandering at my pleasure, and capable of accomplishing whatever I intend.  Through my grace, save the city and thy kinsmen wholly!  I will bear thy womanhood, O princess!  Pledge thy truth to me, I will do what is agreeable to thee!’ Thus addressed, Sikhandini said unto him, ’O holy one of excellent vows, I will give thee back thy manhood!  O wanderer of the night, bear thou my womanhood for a short time!  After the ruler of the Dasarnakas who is cased in a golden mail will have departed (from my city) I will once more become a maiden and thou wilt become a man!’