Her good conduct and lustre made every one believe in her story about the gandhar- vas, but Kichaka was not to be frightened so easily and he sought persistently to seduce Draupadi.

His persecution became so intolerable that at last she complained of it to Queen Sudeshna, and implored her protection. Kichaka, of course, had greater influence over his sister, and he shamelessly con- fided to her his unlawful passion for her maid and sought her aid to compass his wish.

He represented himself as dying of desire. "I am so full of torment," he said, "thatfrom the time I met your maid, I do not get any sleep or rest. You must save my life by managing somehow to make her receive my advances favorably."The queen tried to dissuade him but Kichaka would not listen; and finally Sudeshna yielded. Both of them decided upon a plan to entrap Draupadi.

One night, many sweetmeats and intoxi- cating drinks were prepared in the house of Kichaka and a great feast was arranged. Sudeshna called Sairandhri to her side and handing her a beautiful golden jug bade her go and bring her a jug of wine from Kichaka's house.