So, thinking it were wiser to be content with the kingdom and let Draupadi go—
“Ask,” he said, “a boon, and it shall be granted.”
“I ask then,” said Draupadi, “for the freedom of Yudhisthira.”
“Granted,” said the enemy, for he did not dare break his word. But he marvelled that she did not ask for herself; so, “Ask again” he said.
“Ask”, he said, “a boon, and it shall be granted”
“And for the freedom of his brothers with their weapons and chariots of war.”
“It is granted: but I give you a third boon. Will you not ask for your own freedom?”
“By no means,” said Draupadi. “The Pandavas, armed and free, can conquer the world. It is they who will rescue me. They need owe nothing to a boon; nor, with the Pandavas free, need I either, any longer.”