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## Chapter 40
The Padma Purana states that the man who can string this Vajravart bow is the most excellent man, and he shall be chosen by you, O Kumari! (223)
Those who were proud and boasted about themselves, adorned with beautiful ornaments, were brought to the Vajravart bow by the attendant. (224)
As the bow approached the princes, it released fire, resembling a flash of lightning, with hissing serpents. (225)
Some princes, blinded by the flames of the bow, covered their eyes with their hands and quickly retreated. (226)
Others, seeing the serpents, stood still, their bodies trembling, their eyes closed. (227)
Some were overcome with fever and fell to the ground, some lost their voices, some fled quickly, and some fainted. (228)
Some were blown away by the serpents' breath like dry leaves, some became stiff, and some were left with their pride extinguished. (229)
Some said, "If we can return to our own place, we will give alms to living beings. O God, give me two feet, give me the strength to run away!" (230)
Others said, "If we survive, we will serve other women. What use is this beautiful one?" (231)
Some said, "Surely some wicked person has used this great illusion to kill the kings." (232)
Others said, "What use do we have for lust? We will spend our time in celibacy like the virtuous." (233)
Then, those who desired the excellent bow, like rutting elephants, approached it with slow, heavy steps. (234)
The virtuous Rama, with his beautiful ornaments, approached the bow, gentle and respectful like a student to his teacher. (235)