_Sharv._
Blame for my sin I laid upon the night;
I conquered sleep and watchmen of the king;
But darkness wanes, and in the sun's clear light
My light is like the moon's--a faded thing. 1
And again:
Whoever cast at me a passing look,
Or neared me, anxious, as they quickly ran,
All such my laden soul for foes mistook;
For sin it was wherein man's fear began. 2
Well, it was for Madanika's sake that I did the deed of sin.
I paid no heed to any one who talked with serving-men;
The houses ruled by women-folk--these I avoided most;
And when policemen seemed to have me almost in their ken,
I stood stock-still and acted just exactly like a post.
A hundred such manoeuvres did I constantly essay,
And by such means succeeded in turning night to day. 3
[_He walks about._]
_Vasantasena._ Girl, lay this picture on my sofa and come back at
once with a fan.
_Madanika._ Yes, mistress. [_Exit with the picture._
_Sharvilaka._ This is Vasantasena's house. I will enter. [_He does so._]
P. 101.11]
I wonder where I can find Madanika. [_Enter Madanika with the
fan. Sharvilaka discovers her._] Ah, it is Madanika.
Surpassing Madana[50] himself in charm,
She seems the bride of Love, in human guise;
Even while my heart the flames of passion harm,
She brings a sandal[51] coolness to my eyes. 4
Madanika!
_Madanika._ [_Discovers Sharvilaka._] Oh, oh, oh, Sharvilaka! I am so
glad, Sharvilaka. Where have you been?
_Sharvilaka._ I will tell you. [_They gaze at each other passionately._]
_Vasantasena._ How Madanika lingers! I wonder where she is. [_She
looks through a bull's-eye window._] Why, there she stands, talking
with a man. Her loving glance does not waver, and she gazes as
if she would drink him in. I imagine he must be the man who
wishes to make her free. Well, let her stay, let her stay. Never interrupt
anybody's happiness. I will not call her.
_Madanika._ Tell me, Sharvilaka. [_Sharvilaka looks about him uneasily._]
What is it, Sharvilaka? You seem uneasy.
_Sharvilaka._ I will tell you a secret. Are we alone?
_Madanika._ Of course we are.
_Vasantasena._ What! a deep secret? I will not listen.
_Sharvilaka._ Tell me, Madanika. Will Vasantasena take a price for
your freedom?
_Vasantasena._ The conversation has to do with me? Then I will
hide behind this window and listen.
_Madanika._ I asked my mistress about it, Sharvilaka, and she said
that if she could have _her_ way, she would free all her servants for
nothing. But Sharvilaka, where did you find such a fortune that
you can think of buying my freedom from my mistress?
_Sharvilaka._
A victim to my pauper plight,
And your sweet love to win,
For you, my timid maid, last night
I did the deed of sin. 5
[60.16. S.
_Vasantasena._ His face is tranquil. It would be troubled, if he had
sinned.
_Madanika._ Oh, Sharvilaka! For a mere nothing--for a woman--you
have risked both things!
_Sharvilaka._ What things?
_Madanika._ Your life and your character.
_Sharvilaka._ My foolish girl, fortune favors the brave.
_Madanika._ Oh, Sharvilaka! Your character was without a stain.
You didn't do anything _very_ bad, did you, when for my sake you
did the deed of sin?
_Sharv._
The gems that magnify a woman's charm,
As flowers the creeping plant, I do not harm.
I do not rob the Brahman of his pelf,
Nor seize the sacrificial gold myself.
I do not steal the baby from the nurse,
Simply because I need to fill my purse.
Even as a thief, I strive with main and might
For just distinction 'twixt the wrong and right. 6
And so you may tell Vasantasena this:
These ornaments were made for you to don,
Or so it seems to me;
But as you love me, never put them on
Where other folks may see. 7
_Madanika._ But Sharvilaka, ornaments that nobody may see, and
a courtezan--the two things do not hang together. Give me the
jewels. I want to see them.
_Sharvilaka._ Here they are. [_He gives them to her with some uneasiness._]
_Madanika._ [_Examining the jewels._] It seems to me I have seen
these before. Tell me. Where did you get them?
P. 104.15]
_Sharvilaka._ What does that matter to you, Madanika? Take them.
_Madanika._ [_Angrily._] If you can't trust me, why do you wish to
buy my freedom?
_Sharvilaka._ Well, this morning I heard in the merchants' quarter
that the merchant Charudatta--
[_Vasantasena and Madanika swoon._]
_Sharvilaka._ Madanika! Come to yourself! Why is it that now
Your figure seems to melt in limp despair,
Your eyes are wildly rolling here and there?
That when I come, sweet girl, to make you free,
You fall to trembling, not to pitying me? 8
_Madanika._ [_Coming to herself._] O you reckless man! When you
did what you ought not to have done for my sake, you didn't kill
anybody or hurt anybody in that house?
_Sharvilaka._ Madanika, Sharvilaka does not strike a terrified man
or a man asleep. I did not kill anybody nor hurt anybody.
_Madanika._ Really?
_Sharvilaka._ Really.
_Vasantasena._ [_Recovering consciousness._] Ah, I breathe again.
_Madanika._ Thank heaven!
_Sharvilaka._ [_Jealously._] What does this "Thank heaven" mean,
Madanika?
I sinned for you, when love had made me pine,
Although my house was good since time began;
Love took my virtue, but my pride is mine.
_You_ call me friend and love another man? 9
[_Meaningly._]
A noble youth is like a goodly tree;
His wealth, the fruit so fair;
The courtezan is like a bird; for she
Pecks him and leaves him bare. 10
Love is a fire, whose flame is lust,
Whose fuel is gallantry,
Wherein our youth and riches must
Thus sacrificèd be. 11
[62.16. S.
_Vasantasena._ [_With a smile._] His excitement is a little out of
place.
_Sharvilaka._ Yes!
Those men are fools, it seems to me,
Who trust to women or to gold;
For gold and girls, 'tis plain to see.
Are false as virgin snakes and cold. 12
Love not a woman; if you ever do,
She mocks at you, and plays the gay deceiver:
Yet if she loves you, you may love her too;
But if she doesn't, leave her. 13
Too true it is that
A courtezan will laugh and cry for gold;
She trusts you not, but waits your trustful hour.
If virtue and a name are yours, then hold!
Avoid her as you would a graveyard flower. 14
And again:
As fickle as the billows of the sea,
Glowing no longer than the evening sky,
A woman takes your gold, then leaves you free;
You're worthless, like cosmetics, when you're dry. 15
Yes, women are indeed fickle.
One man perhaps may hold her heart in trust,
She lures another with coquettish eyes,
Sports with another in unseemly lust,
Another yet her body satisfies. 16
As some one has well said:
On mountain-tops no lotuses are grown;
The horse's yoke no ass will ever bear;
Rice never springs from seeds of barley sown;
A courtezan is not an honest fair. 17
Accursèd Charudatta, you shall not live! [_He takes a few steps._]
P. 107.11]
_Madanika._ [_Seizing the hem of his garment._] O you foolish man!
Your anger is so ridiculous.
_Sharvilaka._ Ridiculous? how so?
_Madanika._ Because these jewels belong to my mistress.
_Sharvilaka._ And what then?
_Madanika._ And she left them with that gentleman.
_Sharvilaka._ What for?
_Madanika._ [_Whispers._] That's why.
_Sharvilaka._ [_Sheepishly._] Confound it!
The sun was hot one summer day;
I sought the shadow, there to stay:
Poor fool! the kindly branch to pay,
I stole its sheltering leaves away. 18
_Vasantasena._ How sorry he seems. Surely, he did this thing in
ignorance.
_Sharvilaka._ What is to be done now, Madanika?
_Madanika._ Your own wit should tell you that.
_Sharvilaka._ No. For you must remember,
Nature herself gives women wit;
Men learn from books a little bit. 19
_Madanika._ Sharvilaka, if you will take my advice, restore the
jewels to that righteous man.
_Sharvilaka._ But Madanika, what if he should prosecute me?
_Madanika._ No cruel heat comes from the moon.
_Vasantasena._ Good, Madanika, good!
_Sharvilaka._ Madanika,
For what I did, I feel no grief nor fear:
Why tell me of this good man's virtues high?
Shame for my baseness touches me more near;
What can this king do to such rogues as I? 20
Nevertheless, your suggestion is inconsistent with prudence. You
must discover some other plan.
[64.16. S.
_Madanika._ Yes, there is another plan.
_Vasantasena._ I wonder what it will be.
_Madanika._ Pretend to be a servant of that gentleman, and give
the jewels to my mistress.
_Sharvilaka._ And what then?
_Madanika._ Then you are no thief, Charudatta has discharged his
obligation, and my mistress has her jewels.
_Sharvilaka._ But isn't this course too reckless?
_Madanika._ I tell you, give them to her. Any other course is too
reckless.
_Vasantasena._ Good, Madanika, good! Spoken like a free woman.
_Sharvilaka._
Risen at last is wisdom's light.
Because I followed after you;
When clouds obscure the moon by night,
'Tis hard to find a guide so true. 21
_Madanika._ Then you must wait here a moment in Kama's shrine,
while I tell my mistress that you have come.
_Sharvilaka._ I will.
_Madanika._ [_Approaches Vasantasena._] Mistress, a Brahman has
come from Charudatta to see you.
_Vasantasena._ But girl, how do you know that he comes from
Charudatta?
_Madanika._ Should I not know my own, mistress?
_Vasantasena._ [_Shaking her head and smiling. Aside._] Splendid!
[_Aloud._] Bid him enter.
_Madanika._ Yes, mistress. [_Approaching Sharvilaka._] Enter, Sharvilaka.
_Sharvilaka._ [_Approaches. With some embarrassment._] My greetings
to you.
P. 110.8]
_Vasantasena._ I salute you, sir. Pray be seated.
_Sharvilaka._ The merchant sends this message: "My house is so
old that it is hard to keep this casket safe. Pray take it back."
[_He gives it to Madanika, and starts to leave._]
_Vasantasena._ Sir, will you undertake a return commission of mine?
_Sharvilaka._ [_Aside._] Who will carry it? [_Aloud._] And this commission
is--
_Vasantasena._ You will be good enough to accept Madanika.
_Sharvilaka._ Madam, I do not quite understand.
_Vasantasena._ But I do.
_Sharvilaka._ How so?
_Vasantasena._ Charudatta told me that I was to give Madanika to
the man who should return these jewels. You are therefore to
understand that he makes you a present of her.
_Sharvilaka._ [_Aside._] Ah, she sees through me. [_Aloud._] Good,
Charudatta, good!
On virtue only set your heart's desire;
The righteous poor attain to heights whereto
The wicked wealthy never may aspire. 22
And again:
On virtue let the human heart be set;
To virtue nothing serves as check or let
The moon, attaining unattainable, is led
By virtue to her seat on Shiva's head. 23
_Vasantasena._ Is my driver there? [_Enter a servant with a
bullock-cart._]
_Servant._ Mistress, the cart is ready.
_Vasantasena._ Madanika girl, you must show me a happy face.
You are free. Enter the bullock-cart. But do not forget me.
_Madanika._ [_Weeping._] My mistress drives me away. [_She falls at
her feet._]
_Vasantasena._ You are now the one to whom honor should be
paid.[52] Go then, enter the cart. But do not forget me.
[66.17. S.
_Sharvilaka._ Heaven bless you! and you, Madanika,
Turn upon her a happy face,
And hail with bended head the grace
That gives you now the name of wife.
As a veil to keep you safe through life. 24
[_He enters the bullock-cart with Madanika, and starts away._]
_A voice behind the scenes._ Men! Men! We have the following
orders from the chief of police: "A soothsayer has declared that
a young herdsman named Aryaka is to become king. Trusting to
this prophecy, and alarmed thereat, King Palaka has taken him
from his hamlet, and thrown him into strict confinement. Therefore
be watchful, and every man at his post."
_Sharvilaka._ [_Listening._] What! King Palaka has imprisoned my
good friend Aryaka? And here I am, a married man. Confound it!
But no,
Two things alone--his friend, his wife--
Deserve man's love below;
A hundred brides may forfeit life
Ere he should suffer so. 25
Good! I will get out [_He does so._]
_Madanika._ [_Folding her hands. Tearfully._] My lord, if you must,
at least bring me first to your parents.
_Sharvilaka._ Yes, my love. I will. I had the same thought in mind.
[_To the servant._] My good fellow, do you know the house of the
merchant Rebhila?
_Servant._ Certainly.
_Sharvilaka._ Bring my wife thither.
_Servant._ Yes, sir.
_Madanika_. If you desire it, dear. But dear, you must be very
careful. [_Exit._
P. 113.6]
_Sharvilaka._ Now as for me,
I'll rouse my kin, the kitchen cabinet.
Those high in fame by strength of good right arm,
And those who with the king's contempt have met,
And royal slaves, to save my friend from harm:
Like old Yaugandharayana
For the good king Udayana. 26
And again:
My friend has causeless been confined
By wicked foes of timid kind;
I fly, I fly to free him soon,
Like the eclipse-oppressèd moon. [_Exit._] 27
_Maid._ [_Entering._] Mistress, I congratulate you. A Brahman has
come with a message from Charudatta.
_Vasantasena._ Ah, this is a joyful day. Show him every mark of
respect, girl, and have him conducted hither by one of the pages.
_Maid._ Yes, mistress. [_Exit._
* * * * *
[_Enter Maitreya with a page._]
_Maitreya._ Well! Ravana, the king of the demons, travels with his
chariot that they call the "Blossom." He earned it by his penances.
Now I am a Brahman, and though I never performed any penances,
I travel with another sort of a blossom--a woman of the town.
_Maid._ Sir, will you inspect our gateway.
_Maitreya._ [_Gazes admiringly._] It has just been sprinkled and
cleaned and received a coat of green. The threshold of it is pretty
as a picture with the offerings of all sorts of fragrant flowers. It
stretches up its head as if it wanted to peep into the sky. It is
adorned with strings of jasmine garlands that hang down and toss
about like the trunk of the heavenly elephant. It shines with its
high ivory portal. It is lovely with any number of holiday banners
that gleam red as great rubies and wave their coquettish fingers as
they flutter in the breeze and seem to invite me to enter. Both
sides are decorated with holiday water-jars of crystal, which are
charming with their bright-green mango twigs, and are set at the
foot of the pillars that sustain the portal. The doors are of gold,
thickly set with diamonds as hard to pierce as a giant's breast.
It actually wearies a poor devil's envy. Yes, Vasantasena's house-door
is a beautiful thing. Really, it forcibly challenges the attention
of a man who doesn't care about such things.
[68.16. S.
_Maid._ Come, sir, and enter the first court.
_Maitreya._ [_Enters and looks about._] Well! Here in the first court
are rows of balconies brilliant as the moon, or as sea-shells, or as
lotus-stalks; whitened by handfuls of powder strewn over them;
gleaming with golden stairways inlaid with all sorts of gems: they
seem to gaze down on Ujjayini with their round faces, the crystal
windows, from which strings of pearls are dangling. The porter sits
there and snoozes as comfortably as a professor. The crows which
they tempt with rice-gruel and curdled milk will not eat the
offering, because they can't distinguish it from the mortar. Show
me the way, madam.
_Maid._ Come, sir, and enter the second court.
_Maitreya._ [_Enters and looks about._] Well! Here in the second
court the cart-bullocks are tied. They grow fat on mouthfuls of
grass and pulse-stalks which are brought them, right and left, by
everybody. Their horns are smeared with oil. And here is another,
a buffalo, snorting like a gentleman insulted. And here is a ram[53]
having his neck rubbed, like a prize-fighter after the fight. And
here are others, horses having their manes put in shape. And here
in a stall is another, a monkey, tied fast like a thief. [_He looks in
another direction._] And here is an elephant, taking from his drivers
a cake of rice and drippings and oil. Show me the way, madam.
_Maid._ Come, sir, and enter the third court.
_Maitreya._ [_Enters and looks about._] Well! Here in the third court
are these seats, prepared for young gentlemen to sit on. A half-read
book is lying on the gaming-table. And the table itself has
its own dice, made out of gems. And here, again, are courtezans
and old hangers-on at court, past masters in the war and peace of
love, wandering about and holding in their fingers pictures painted
in many colors. Show me the way, madam.
P. 117.4]
_Maid._ Come, sir, and enter the fourth court.
_Maitreya._ [_Enters and looks about._] Well! Here in the fourth
court the drums that maiden fingers beat are booming like the
thunder; the cymbals are falling, as the stars fall from heaven when
their merit is exhausted;[54] the pipe is discoursing music as sweet
as the humming of bees. And here, again, is a lute that somebody
is holding on his lap like a girl who is excited by jealousy and
love, and he is stroking it with his fingers. And here, again, are
courtezan girls that sing as charmingly as honey-drunken bees,
and they are made to dance and recite a drama with love in it.
And water-coolers are hanging in the windows so as to catch the
breeze. Show me the way, madam.
_Maid._ Come, sir, and enter the fifth court.
_Maitreya._ [_Enters and looks about._] Well! Here in the fifth court
the overpowering smell of asafetida and oil is attractive enough
to make a poor devil's mouth water. The kitchen is kept hot all
the time, and the gusts of steam, laden with all sorts of good
smells, seem like sighs issuing from its mouth-like doors. The
smell of the preparation of all kinds of foods and sauces makes me
smack my lips. And here, again, is a butcher's boy washing a mess
of chitterlings as if it were an old loin-cloth. The cook is preparing
every kind of food. Sweetmeats are being constructed, cakes
are being baked. [_To himself._] I wonder if I am to get a chance to
wash my feet and an invitation to eat what I can hold. [_He looks
in another direction._] There are courtezans and bastard pages,
adorned with any number of jewels, just like Gandharvas[55] and
Apsarases.[56] Really, this house is heaven. Tell me, who are you
bastards anyway?
[70.13. S.
_Pages._ Why, we are bastard pages--
Petted in a stranger's court.
Fed on stranger's food,
Stranger's money makes us sport--
Not so very good.
Stranger women gave us birth.
Stranger men begot;
Baby elephants in mirth,
We're a bastard lot. 28
_Maitreya._ Show me the way, madam.
_Maid._ Come, sir, and enter the sixth court.
_Maitreya._ [_Enters and looks about._] Well! Here in the sixth
court they are working in gold and jewels. The arches set with
sapphires look as if they were the home of the rainbow. The jewelers
are testing the lapis lazuli, the pearls, the corals, the topazes,
the sapphires, the cat's-eyes, the rubies, the emeralds, and all the
other kinds of gems. Rubies are being set in gold. Golden ornaments
are being fashioned. Pearls are being strung on a red cord.
Pieces of lapis lazuli are being cleverly polished. Shells are being
pierced. Corals are being ground. Wet bundles of saffron are being
dried. Musk is being moistened. Sandalwood is being ground
to make sandal-water. Perfumes are being compounded. Betel-leaves
and camphor are being given to courtezans and their lovers.
Coquettish glances are being exchanged. Laughter is going on.
Wine is being drunk incessantly with sounds of glee. Here are
men-servants, here are maid-servants, and here are men who forget
child and wife and money. When the courtezans, who have
drunk the wine from the liquor-jars, give them the mitten, they--drink.
Show me the way, madam.
P. 121.5]
_Maid._ Come, sir, and enter the seventh court.
_Maitreya._ [_Enters and looks about._] Well! Here in the seventh
court the mated doves are sitting comfortably in their snug dovecotes,
billing and cooing and nothing else, and perfectly happy.
And there is a parrot in a cage, chanting like a Brahman with a
bellyful of curdled milk and rice. And here, again, is a talking
thrush, chattering like a housemaid who spreads herself because
somebody noticed her. A cuckoo, her throat still happy from tasting
all sorts of fruit-syrups, is cooing like a procuress. Rows of
cages are hanging from pegs. Quails are being egged on to fight.
Partridges are being made to talk. Caged pigeons are being provoked.
A tame peacock that looks as if he was adorned with all
sorts of gems is dancing happily about, and as he flaps his wings,
he seems to be fanning the roof which is distressed by the rays
of the sun. [_He looks in another direction._] Here are pairs of flamingos
like moonbeams rolled into a ball, that wander about after
pretty girls, as if they wanted to learn how to walk gracefully.
And here, again, are tame cranes, walking around like ancient
eunuchs. Well, well! This courtezan keeps a regular menagerie of
birds. Really, the courtezan's house seems to me like Indra's heaven.
Show me the way, madam.
_Maid._ Come, sir, and enter the eighth court.
_Maitreya._ [_Enters and looks about._] Madam, who is this in the
silk cloak, adorned with such astonishingly tautologous ornaments,
who wanders about, stumbling and stretching his limbs?
_Maid._ Sir, this is my mistress' brother.
_Maitreya._ What sort of ascetic exercises does a man have to perform,
in order to be born as Vasantasena's brother? But no,
He may be shiny, may be greasy,
And perfumed may he be.
And yet I warn you to go easy;
He's a graveyard champak-tree. 29
[_He looks in another direction._] But madam, who is that in the
expansive garment, sitting on the throne? She has shoes on her
greasy feet.
[72.9. S.
_Maid._ Sir, that is my mistress' mother.
_Maitreya._ Lord! What an extensive belly the dirty old witch has
got! I suppose they couldn't put that superb portal on the house
till after they had brought the idol in?
_Maid._ Rascal! You must not make fun of our mother so. She is
pining away under a quartan ague.
_Maitreya._ [_Bursts out laughing._] O thou blessèd quartan ague!
Look thou upon a Brahman, even upon me, with this thy favor!
_Maid._ Rascal! May death strike you.
_Maitreya._ [_Bursts out laughing._] Why, wench, a pot-belly like
that is better dead.
Drinking brandy, rum, and wine,
Mother fell extremely ill.
If mother now should peak and pine,
A jackal-pack would have its fill. 30
Well, I have seen Vasantasena's palace with its many incidents
and its eight courts, and really, it seems as if I had seen the triple
heaven in a nut-shell. I haven't the eloquence to praise it. Is this
the house of a courtezan, or a piece of Kubera's[57] palace? Where's
your mistress?
_Maid._ She is here in the orchard. Enter, sir.
_Maitreya._ [_Enters and looks about._] Well! What a beautiful orchard!
There are any number of trees planted here, and they are
covered with the most wonderful flowers. Silken swings are hung
under the thick-set trees, just big enough for a girl to sit in. The
golden jasmine, the shephalika, the white jasmine, the jessamine,
the navamallika, the amaranth, the spring creeper, and all the other
flowers have fallen of themselves, and really, it makes Indra's heaven
look dingy. [_He looks in another direction._] And the pond here
looks like the morning twilight, for the lilies and red lotuses are
as splendid as the rising sun. And again:
The ashoka-tree, whose twigs so merry
And crimson flowers have just appeared,
Seems like a battling mercenary,
With clotting crimson gore besmeared. 31
Good! Now where's your mistress?
P. 126.7]
_Maid._ If you would stop star-gazing, sir, you would see her.
_Maitreya._ [_Perceives Vasantasena and approaches._] Heaven bless
you!
_Vasantasena._ [_Speaking in Sanskrit._[58]] Ah, Maitreya! [_Rising._] You
are very welcome. Here is a seat. Pray be seated.
_Maitreya._ When you are seated, madam. [_They both seat themselves._]
_Vasantasena._ Is the merchant's son well?
_Maitreya._ Well, madam.
_Vasantasena._ Tell me, good Maitreya,
Do friends, like birds, yet seek a shelter free
Beneath the modest boughs of this fair tree,
Whose leaves are virtues, confidence its root,
Its blossoms honor, good its precious fruit? 32
_Maitreya._ [_Aside._] A good description by a naughty woman.
[_Aloud._] They do, indeed.
_Vasantasena._ Tell me, what is the purpose of your coming?
_Maitreya._ Listen, madam. The excellent Charudatta folds his
hands[59] and requests--
_Vasantasena._ [_Folding her hands._] And commands--
_Maitreya._ He says he imagined that that golden casket was his
own and gambled it away. And nobody knows where the gambling-master
has gone, for he is employed in the king's business.
[74.9. S.
_Maid._ Mistress, I congratulate you. The gentleman has turned
gambler.
_Vasantasena._ [_Aside._] It was stolen by a thief, and he is so proud
that he says he gambled it away. I love him for that.
_Maitreya._ He requests that you will therefore be good enough to
accept in its place this necklace of pearls.
_Vasantasena._ [_Aside._] Shall I show him the jewels? [_Reflecting._]
No, not yet.
_Maitreya._ Why don't you take this necklace?
_Vasantasena._ [_Laughs and looks at her friend._] Why should I not
take the necklace, Maitreya? [_She takes it and lays it away. Aside._]
How is it possible that drops of honey fall from the mango-tree,
even after its blossoms are gone? [_Aloud._] Sir, pray tell the worthy
gambler Charudatta in my name that I shall pay him a visit this
evening.
_Maitreya._ [_Aside._] What else does she expect to get out of a visit
to our house? [_Aloud._] Madam, I will tell him--[_Aside_ to have
nothing more to do with this courtezan. [_Exit._
_Vasantasena._ Take these jewels, girl. Let us go and bring cheer
to Charudatta.
_Maid._ But mistress, see! An untimely storm is gathering.
_Vasant._
The clouds may come, the rain may fall forever,
The night may blacken in the sky above;
For this I care not, nor I will not waver;
My heart is journeying to him I love. 33
Take the necklace, girl, and come quickly. [_Exeunt omnes._
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 50: A name of Kama, the god of love.]
[Footnote 51: Used as a refrigerant.]
[Footnote 52: That is to say. You are now a legal wife, while I am still
a courtesan.]
[Footnote 53: "Rams in India are commonly trained to fight." WILSON.]
[Footnote 54: Virtuous souls after death may become stars; but when
their stellar happiness equals the sum of their acquired merit, they
fall to earth again.]
[Footnote 55: The choristers of heaven.]
[Footnote 56: The nymphs of heaven.]
[Footnote 57: The god of wealth.]
[Footnote 58: This shows the excellence of Vasantasena's education.
Women, as an almost invariable rule, speak Prakrit.]
[Footnote 59: A gesture of respectful entreaty.]
ACT THE FIFTH
THE STORM
[_The love-lorn Charudatta appears, seated._]
_Charudatta._ [_Looks up._]
An untimely storm[60] is gathering. For see!
The peacocks gaze and lift their fans on high;
The swans forget their purpose to depart;
The untimely storm afflicts the blackened sky,
And the wistful lover's heart. 1
And again:
The wet bull's belly wears no deeper dye;
In flashing lightning's golden mantle clad,
While cranes, his buglers, make the heaven glad,
The cloud, a second Vishnu,[61] mounts the sky. 2
And yet again:
As dark as Vishnu's form, with circling cranes
To trumpet him, instead of bugle strains,
And garmented in lightning's silken robe.
Approaches now the harbinger of rains. 3
When lightning's lamp is lit, the silver river
Impetuous falls from out the cloudy womb;
Like severed lace from heaven-cloaking gloom,
It gleams an instant, then is gone forever. 4
Like shoaling fishes, or like dolphins shy,
Or like to swans, toward heaven's vault that fly,
Like paired flamingos, male and mate together,
Like mighty pinnacles that tower on high.
In thousand forms the tumbling clouds embrace,
Though torn by winds, they gather, interlace,
And paint the ample canvas of the sky. 5
The sky is black as Dhritarashtra's face;
Proud as the champion of Kuru's race.
The haughty peacock shrills his joy abroad;
The cuckoo, in Yudhishthira's sad case,
Is forced to wander if he would not die;
The swans must leave their forest-homes and fly,
Like Pandu's sons, to seek an unknown place. 6
[_Reflecting._] It is long since Maitreya went to visit Vasantasena.
And even yet he does not come. [_Enter Maitreya._]
[76.20. S.
_Maitreya._ Confound the courtezan's avarice and her incivility! To
think of her making so short a story of it! Over and over she
repeats something about the affection she feels, and then without
more ado she pockets the necklace. She is rich enough so that
she might at least have said: "Good Maitreya, rest a little. You
must not go until you have had a cup to drink." Confound the
courtezan! I hope I 'll never set eyes on her again. [_Wearily._]
The proverb is right. "It is hard to find a lotus-plant without a
root, a merchant who never cheats, a goldsmith who never steals,
a village-gathering without a fight, and a courtezan without avarice."
Well, I 'll find my friend and persuade him to have nothing
more to do with this courtezan. [_He walks about until he discovers
Charudatta._] Ah, my good friend is sitting in the orchard. I 'll
go to him. [_Approaching._] Heaven bless you! May happiness be
yours.
_Charudatta._ [_Looking up._] Ah, my friend Maitreya has returned.
You are very welcome, my friend. Pray be seated.
_Maitreya._ Thank you.
_Charudatta._ Tell me of your errand, my friend.
_Maitreya._ My errand went all wrong.
P. 132.8]
_Charudatta._ What! did she not accept the necklace?
_Maitreya._ How could we expect such a piece of luck? She put
her lotus-tender hands to her brow,[62] and took it.
_Charudatta._ Then why do you say "went wrong"?
_Maitreya._ Why not, when we lost a necklace that was the pride
of the four seas for a cheap golden casket, that was stolen before
we had a bite or a drink out of it?
_Charudatta._ Not so, my friend.
She showed her trust in leaving us her treasure;
The price of confidence has no less measure. 7
_Maitreya._ Now look here! I have a second grievance. She tipped
her friend the wink, covered her face with the hem of her dress,
and laughed at me. And so, Brahman though I am, I hereby fall
on my face before you and beg you not to have anything more
to do with this courtezan. That sort of society does any amount
of damage. A courtezan is like a pebble in your shoe. It hurts
before you get rid of it. And one thing more, my friend. A courtezan,
an elephant, a scribe, a mendicant friar, a swindler, and an
ass--where these dwell, not even rogues are born.
_Charudatta._ Oh, my friend, a truce to all your detraction! My
poverty of itself prevents me. For consider:
The horse would gladly hasten here and there,
But his legs fail him, for his breath departs.
So men's vain wishes wander everywhere,
Then, weary grown, return into their hearts. 8
Then too, my friend:
If wealth is thine, the maid is thine,
For maids are won by gold;
[_Aside._ And not by virtue cold. _Aloud._]
But wealth is now no longer mine,
And her I may not hold. 9
[78.23. S.
_Maitreya._ [_Looks down. Aside._] From the way he looks up and
sighs, I conclude that my effort to distract him has simply increased
his longing. The proverb is right. "You can't reason with
a lover." [_Aloud._] Well, she told me to tell you that she would
have to come here this evening. I suppose she isn't satisfied with
the necklace and is coming to look for something else.
_Charudatta._ Let her come, my friend. She shall not depart unsatisfied.
[_Enter Kumbhilaka._]
_Kumbhilaka._ Listen, good people.
The more it rains in sheets,
The more my skin gets wet;
The more the cold wind beats,
The more I shake and fret. 10
[_He bursts out laughing._]
I make the sweet flute speak from seven holes,
I make the loud lute speak on seven strings;
In singing, I essay the donkey's rôles:
No god can match my music when he sings. 11
My mistress Vasantasena said to me "Kumbhilaka, go and tell Charudatta
that I am coming." So here I am, on my way to Charudatta's house. [_He
walks about, and, as he enters, discovers Charudatta._] Here is
Charudatta in the orchard. And here is that wretched jackanapes, too.
Well, I'll go up to them. What! the orchard-gate is shut? Good! I'll
give this jackanapes a hint. [_He throws lumps of mud._]
_Maitreya._ Well! Who is this pelting me with mud, as if I were
an apple-tree inside of a fence?
_Charudatta._ Doubtless the pigeons that play on the roof of the
garden-house.
_Maitreya._ Wait a minute, you confounded pigeon! With this
stick I'll bring you down from the roof to the ground, like an
over-ripe mango. [_He raises his stick and starts to run._]
P. 136.8]
_Charudatta._ [_Holding him back by the sacred cord._] Sit down, my
friend. What do you mean? Leave the poor pigeon alone with his
mate.
_Kumbhilaka._ What! he sees the pigeon and doesn't see me? Good!
I'll hit him again with another lump of mud. [_He does so._]
_Maitreya._ [_Looks about him._] What! Kumbhilaka? I'll be with you
in a minute. [_He approaches and opens the gate._] Well, Kumbhilaka,
come in. I'm glad to see you.
_Kumbhilaka._ [_Enters._] I salute you, sir.
_Maitreya._ Where do you come from, man, in this rain and darkness?
_Kumbhilaka._ You see, she's here.
_Maitreya._ Who's she? Who's here?
_Kumbhilaka._ She. See? She.
_Maitreya._ Look here, you son of a slave! What makes you sigh
like a half-starved old beggar in a famine, with your "shesheshe"?
_Kumbhilaka._ And what makes you hoot like an owl with your
"whowhowho"?
_Maitreya._ All right. Tell me.
_Kumbhilaka._ [_Aside._] Suppose I say it this way. [_Aloud._] I'll give
you a riddle, man.
_Maitreya._ And I'll give you the answer with my foot on your
bald spot.
_Kumbhilaka._ Not till you've guessed it. In what season do the
mango-trees blossom?
_Maitreya._ In summer, you jackass.
_Kumbhilaka._ [_Laughing._] Wrong!
_Maitreya._ [_Aside._] What shall I say now? [_Reflecting._] Good! I'll
go and ask Charudatta. [_Aloud._] Just wait a moment. [_Approaching
Charudatta._] My friend, I just wanted to ask you in what
season the mango-trees blossom.
[81.3. S.
_Charudatta._ You fool, in spring, in _vasanta._
_Maitreya._ [_Returns to Kumbhilaka._] You fool, in spring, in _vasanta_.
_Kumbhilaka._ Now I 'll give you another. Who guards thriving
villages?
_Maitreya._ Why, the guard.
_Kumbhilaka._ [_Laughing._] Wrong!
_Maitreya._ Well, I'm stuck. [_Reflecting._] Good! I'll ask Charudatta
again. [_He returns and puts the question to Charudatta._]
_Charudatta._ The army, my friend, the _sena_.
_Maitreya._ [_Comes back to Kumbhilaka._] The army, you jackass, the
_sena_.
_Kumbhilaka._ Now put the two together and say 'em fast.
_Maitreya._ Sena-vasanta.
_Kumbhilaka._ Say it turned around.
_Maitreya._ [_Turns around._] Sena-vasanta.
_Kumbhilaka._ You fool! you jackanapes! Turn the parts of the thing
around!
_Maitreya._ [_Turns his feet around._] Sena-vasanta.
_Kumbhilaka._ You fool! Turn the parts of the word around!
_Maitreya._ [_After reflection._] Vasanta-sena.
_Kumbhilaka._ She's here.
_Maitreya._ Then I must tell Charudatta. [_Approaching._] Well,
Charudatta, your creditor is here.
_Charudatta._ How should a creditor come into my family?
_Maitreya._ Not in the family perhaps, but at the door. Vasantasena
is here.
_Charudatta._ Why do you deceive me, my friend?
_Maitreya._ If you can't trust me, then ask Kumbhilaka here.
Kumbhilaka, you jackass, come here.
P. 140.4]
_Kumbhilaka._ [_Approaching._] I salute you, sir.
_Charudatta._ You are welcome, my good fellow. Tell me, is Vasantasena
really here?
_Kumbhilaka._ Yes, she's here. Vasantasena is here.
_Charudatta._ [_Joyfully._] My good fellow, I have never let the
bearer of welcome news go unrewarded. Take this as your recompense.
[_He gives him his mantle._]
_Kumbhilaka._ [_Takes it and bows. Gleefully._] I'll tell my mistress.
[_Exit._
_Maitreya._ Do you see why she comes in a storm like this?
_Charudatta._ I do not quite understand, my friend.
_Maitreya._ I know. She has an idea that the pearl necklace is
cheap, and the golden casket expensive. She isn't satisfied, and
she has come to look for something more.
_Charudatta._ [_Aside._] She shall not depart unsatisfied.
* * * * *
[_Then enter the love-lorn Vasantasena, in a splendid garment, fit
for a woman who goes to meet her lover, a maid with an umbrella,
and the courtier._]
_Courtier._ [_Referring to Vasantasena._]
Lakshmi[63] without the lotus-flower is she,
Loveliest arrow of god Kama's bow,[64]
The sweetest blossom on love's magic tree.
See how she moves, so gracefully and slow!
In passion's hour she still loves modesty;
In her, good wives their dearest sorrow know.
When passion's drama shall enacted be.
When on love's stage appears the passing show,
A host of wanderers shall bend them low.
Glad to be slaves in such captivity. 12
[82.94. S.
See, Vasantasena, see!
The clouds hang drooping to the mountain peaks,
Like a maiden's heart, that distant lover seeks:
The peacocks startle, when the thunder booms,
And fan the heaven with all their jeweled plumes. 13
And again:
Mud-stained, and pelted by the streaming rain,
To drink the falling drops the frogs are fain;
Full-throated peacocks love's shrill passion show,
And nipa flowers like brilliant candles glow;
Unfaithful clouds obscure the hostage moon,
Like knaves, unworthy of so dear a boon;
Like some poor maid of better breeding bare,
The impatient lightning rests not anywhere. 14
_Vasantasena._[65] Sir, what you say is most true. For
The night, an angry rival, bars my way;
Her thunders fain would check and hinder me:
"Fond fool! with him I love thou shalt not stay,
'T is I, 't is I, he loves," she seems to say,
"Nor from my swelling bosom shall he flee." 15
_Courtier._ Yes, yes. That is right. Scold the night.
_Vasantasena._ And yet, sir, why scold one who is so ignorant of
woman's nature! For you must remember:
The clouds may rain, may thunder ne'er so bold,
May flash the lightning from the sky above;
That woman little recks of heat or cold,
Who journeys to her love. 16
_Courtier._ But see, Vasantasena! Another cloud,
Sped by the fickle fury of the air--
A flood of arrows in his rushing streams,
His drum, the roaring thunder's mighty blare,
His banner, living lightning's awful gleams--
Rages within the sky, and shows him bold
'Mid beams that to the moon allegiance owe,
Like a hero-king within the hostile hold
Of his unwarlike foe. 17
P. 142.9]
_Vasantasena._ True, true. And more than this:
As dark as elephants, these clouds alone
Fall like a cruel dart--
With streaks of lightning and with white birds strewn--
To wound my wretched heart.
But, oh, why should the heron, bird of doom,
With that perfidious sound[66]
Of "Rain! Rain! Rain!"--grim summons to the tomb
For her who spends her lonely hours in gloom--
Strew salt upon the wound? 18
_Courtier._ Very true, Vasantasena. And yet again:
It seems as if the sky would take the guise
Of some fierce elephant to service bred;
The lightning like a waving streamer flies,
And white cranes serve to deck his mighty head. 19
_Vasantasena._ But look, sir, look!
Clouds, black as wet tamala-leaves, the ball
Of heaven hide from our sight;
Rain-smitten homes of ants decay and fall
Like beasts that arrows smite;
Like golden lamps within a lordly hall
Wander the lightnings bright;
As when men steal the wife of some base thrall,
Clouds rob the moon of light. 20
_Courtier._ See, Vasantasena, see!
Clouds, harnessed in the lightning's gleams,
Like charging elephants dash by;
At Indra's bidding, pour their streams,
Until with silver cords it seems
That earth is linked with sky. 21
[84.14. S.
And look yonder!
As herds of buffaloes the clouds are black;
The winds deny them ease;
They fly on lightning wings and little lack
Of seeming troubled seas.
Smitten with falling drops, the fragrant sod,
Upon whose bosom greenest grasses nod,
Seems pierced with pearls, each pearl an arrowy rod. 22
_Vasantasena._ And here is yet another cloud.
The peacock's shrill-voiced cry
Implores it to draw nigh;
And ardent cranes on high
Embrace it lovingly.
The wistful swans espy
The lotus-sweeter sky;
The darkest colors lie
On heaven clingingly. 23
_Courtier._ True. For see!
A thousand lotuses that bloom by night,
A thousand blooming when the day is bright,
Nor close nor ope their eyes to heaven's sight;
There is no night nor day.
The face of heaven, thus shrouded in the night,
Is only for a single instant bright,
When momentary lightning gives us sight;
Else is it dark alway.
Now sleeps the world as still as in the night
Within the house of rain where naught is bright,
Where hosts of swollen clouds seem to our sight
One covering veil of gray. 24
P. 143.20]
_Vasantasena._ True. And see!
The stars are lost like mercies given
To men of evil heart;
Like lonely-parted wives, the heaven
Sees all her charms depart.
And, molten in the cruel heat
Of Indra's bolt, it seems
As if the sky fell at our feet
In liquid, flowing streams. 25
And yet again:
The clouds first darkly rise, then darkly fall,
Send forth their floods of rain, and thunder all;
Assuming postures strange and manifold,
Like men but newly blest with wealth untold. 26
_Courtier._ True.
The heaven is radiant with the lightning's glare;
Its laughter is the cry of myriad cranes;
Its voice, the bolts that whistle through the air;
Its dance, that bow whose arrows are the rains.
It staggers at the winds, and seems to smoke
With clouds, which form its black and snaky cloak. 27
_Vasantasena._ O shameless, shameless sky!
To thunder thus, while I
To him I love draw nigh.
Why do thy thunders frighten me and pain?
Why am I seized upon by hands of rain? 28
O Indra, mighty Indra!
Did I then give thee of my love before,
That now thy clouds like mighty lions roar?
Ah no! Thou shouldst not send thy streaming rain,
To fill my journey to my love with pain. 29
[83.23. S.
Remember:
For Ahalya's sweet sake thou once didst lie;
Thou knowest lover's pain.
As thou didst suffer then, now suffer I;
O cruel, cease thy rain. 30
And yet:
Thunder and rain and lighten hundredfold
Forth from thy sky above;
The woman canst thou not delay nor hold
Who journeys to her love. 31
Let thunders roar, for men were cruel ever;
But oh, thou maiden lightning! didst thou never
Know pains that maidens know? 32
_Courtier._ But mistress, do not scold the lightning. She is your
friend,
This golden cord that trembles on the breast
Of great Airavata;[67] upon the crest
Of rocky hills this banner all ablaze;
This lamp in Indra's palace; but most blest
As telling where your most beloved stays. 33
_Vasantasena._ And here, sir, is his house.
_Courtier._ You know all the arts, and need no instruction now.
Yet love bids me prattle. When you enter here, you must not
show yourself too angry.
Where anger is, there love is not;
Or no! except for anger hot,
There is no love.
Be angry! make him angry then!
Be kind! and make him kind again--
The man you love. 34
So much for that. Who is there? Let Charudatta know, that
P. 145.17]
While clouds look beautiful, and in the hour
Fragrant with nipa and kadamba flower,
She comes to see her lover, very wet.
With dripping locks, but pleased and loving yet.
Though lightning and though thunder terrifies,
She comes to see you; 't is for you she sighs.
The mud still soils the anklets on her feet,
But in a moment she will have them sweet. 35
_Charudatta._ [_Listening._] My friend, pray discover what this means.
_Maitreya._ Yes, sir. [_He approaches Vasantasena. Respectfully._]
Heaven bless you!
_Vasantasena._ I salute you, sir. I am very glad to see you. [_To the
courtier._] Sir, the maid with the umbrella is at your service.
_Courtier._ [_Aside._] A very clever way to get rid of me. [_Aloud._]
Thank you. And mistress Vasantasena,
Pride and tricks and lies and fraud
Are in your face;
False playground of the lustful god,
Such is your face;
The wench's stock in trade, in fine,
Epitome of joys divine,
I mean, your face--
For sale! the price is courtesy.
I trust you'll find a man to buy
Your face. [_Exit._] 36
_Vasantasena._ Good Maitreya, where is your gambler?
_Maitreya._ [_Aside._] "Gambler"? Ah, she's paying a compliment to
my friend. [_Aloud._] Madam, here he is in the dry orchard.
_Vasantasena._ But sir, what do you call a dry orchard?
_Maitreya._ Madam, it's a place where there's nothing to eat or
drink, [_Vasantasena smiles._] Pray enter, madam.
_Vasantasena._ [_Aside to her maid._] What shall I say when I enter?
[87.17. S.
_Maid._ "Gambler, what luck this evening?"
_Vasantasena._ Shall I dare to say it?
_Maid._ When the time comes, it will say itself.
_Maitreya._ Enter, madam.
_Vasantasena._ [_Enters, approaches Charudatta, and strikes him with
the flowers which she holds._] Well, gambler, what luck this evening?
_Charudatta._ [_Discovers her._] Ah, Vasantasena is here. [_He rises
joyfully._] Oh, my belovèd,
My evenings pass in watching ever,
My nights from sighs are never free;
This evening cannot else than sever--
In bringing you--my grief and me. 37
You are very, very welcome. Here is a seat. Pray be seated.
_Maitreya._ Here is a seat. Be seated, madam. [_Vasantasena sits, then
the others._]
_Charudatta._ But see, my friend,
The dripping flower that decks her ear, droops down,
And one sweet breast
Anointed is, like a prince who wears the crown,
With ointment blest. 38
My friend, Vasantasena's garments are wet. Let other, and most
beautiful, garments be brought.
_Maitreya._ Yes, sir.
_Maid._ Good Maitreya, do you stay here. I will wait upon my mistress.
[_She does so._]
_Maitreya._ [_Aside to Charudatta._] My friend, I'd just like to ask
the lady a question.
_Charudatta._ Then do so.
_Maitreya._ [_Aloud._] Madam, what made you come here, when it
is so stormy and dark that you can't see the moon?
_Maid._ Mistress, the Brahman is very plain-spoken.
P. 148.17]
_Vasantasena._ You might better call him clever.
_Maid._ My mistress came to ask how much that pearl necklace is
worth.
_Maitreya._ [_Aside to Charudatta._] There! I told you so. She thinks
the pearl necklace is cheap, and the golden casket is expensive.
She isn't satisfied. She has come to look for something more.
_Maid._ For my mistress imagined that it was her own, and gambled
it away. And nobody knows where the gambling-master has gone,
for he is employed in the king's business.
_Maitreya._ Madam, you are simply repeating what somebody said
before.
_Maid._ While we are looking for him, pray take this golden casket.
[_She displays the casket._ _Maitreya hesitates._] Sir, you examine
it very closely. Did you ever see it before?
_Maitreya._ No, madam, but the skilful workmanship captivates
the eye.
_Maid._ Your eyes deceive you, sir. This _is_ the golden casket.
_Maitreya._ [_Joyfully._] Well, my friend, here is the golden casket,
the very one that thieves stole from our house.
_Charudatta._ My friend,
The artifice we tried before,
Her stolen treasure to restore,
Is practised now on us. But no,
I cannot think 't is really so. 39
_Maitreya._ But it is so. I swear it on my Brahmanhood.
_Charudatta._ This is welcome news.
_Maitreya._ [_Aside to Charudatta._] I'm going to ask where they
found it.
_Charudatta._ I see no harm in that.
_Maitreya._ [_Whispers in the maid's ear._] There!
_Maid._ [_Whispers in Maitreya's ear._] So there!
[89.19. S.
_Charudatta._ What is it? and why are we left out?
_Maitreya._ [_Whispers in Charudatta's ear._] So there!
_Charudatta._ My good girl, is this really the same golden casket?
_Maid._ Yes, sir, the very same.
_Charudatta._ My good girl, I have never let the bearer of welcome
news go unrewarded. Take this ring as your recompense. [_He
looks at his finger, notices that the ring is gone, and betrays his
embarrassment._]
_Vasantasena._ [_To herself._] I love you for that.
_Charudatta._ [_Aside to Maitreya._] Alas,
When in this world a man has lost his all,
Why should he set his heart on longer life?
His angers and his favors fruitless fall,
His purposes and powers are all at strife. 40
Like wingless birds, dry pools, or withered trees,
Like fangless snakes--the poor are like to these. 41
Like man-deserted houses, blasted trees,
Like empty wells--the poor are like to these.
For them no pleasant hours serve happy ends;
They are forgotten of their sometime friends. 42
_Maitreya._ But you must not grieve thus beyond reason. [_He
bursts out laughing. Aloud._] Madam, please give me back my
bath-clout.
_Vasantasena._ Charudatta, it was not right that you should show
your distrust of me by sending me this pearl necklace.
_Charudatta._ [_With an embarrassed smile._] But remember, Vasantasena,
Who will believe the truth?
Suspicion now is sure.
This world will show no ruth
To the inglorious poor. 43
P. 152.4]
_Maitreya._ Tell me, girl, are you going to sleep here to-night?
_Maid._ [_Laughing._] But good Maitreya, you show yourself most
remarkably plain-spoken now.
_Maitreya._ See, my friend, the rain enters again in great streams,
as if it wanted to drive people away when they are sitting comfortably
together.
_Charudatta._ You are quite right.
The falling waters pierce the cloud,
As lotus-shoots the soil;
And tears the face of heaven shroud,
Who weeps the moon's vain toil. 44
And again:
In streams as pure as thoughts to good men given,
But merciless as darts that Arjun hurls,
And black as Baladeva's cloak, the heaven
Seems to pour out all Indra's hoarded pearls. 45
See, my belovèd, see!
The heaven is painted with the blackest dye,
And fanned by cool and fragrant evening airs;
Red lightning, glad in union, clasps the sky
With voluntary arms, and shows on high
The love that maiden heart to lover bears. 46
[_Vasantasena betrays her passion, and throws her arms about Charudatta.
Charudatta feels her touch, and embraces her._]
_Charudatta._
More grimly yet, O thunder, boom;
For by thy grace and power
My love-distracted limbs now bloom
Like the kadamba flower.
Her dear touch all my being thrills,
And love my inmost spirit fills. 47
_Maitreya._ Confound you, storm! You are no gentleman, to
frighten the lady with the lightning.
[91.20. S.
_Charudatta._
Do not rebuke the storm, my friend.
Let ceaseless rain a hundred years endure,
The lightning quiver, and the thunder peal;
For what I deemed impossible is sure:
Her dear-loved arms about my neck I feel. 48
And oh, my friend,
He only knows what riches are,
Whose love comes to him from afar,
Whose arms that dearest form enfold,
While yet with rain 't is wet and cold. 49
Vasantasena, my belovèd,
The masonry is shaken; and so old
The awning, that 't will not much longer hold.
Heavy with water is the painted wall,
From which dissolving bits of mortar fall. 50
[_He looks up._] The rainbow! See, my belovèd, see!
See how they yawn, the cloudy jaws of heaven,
As by a tongue, by forkèd lightning riven;
And to the sky great Indra's fiery bow
In lieu of high-uplifted arms is given. 51
Come, let us seek a shelter. [_He rises and walks about._]
On palm-trees shrill,
On thickets still,
On boulders dashing,
On waters splashing,
Like a lute that, smitten, sings,
The rainy music rings. 52
[_Exeunt omnes._
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 60: In Indian love poetry, the rainy season is the time when
lovers most ardently long to be united.]
[Footnote 61: In allusion to Vishnu's name, Krishna, "black."]
[Footnote 62: A gesture of respect.]
[Footnote 63: The goddess of wealth and beauty, usually represented with
a lotus.]
[Footnote 64: Kama's (Cupid's) arrows are flowers.]
[Footnote 65: Throughout this scene, Vasantasena's verses are in
Sanskrit. Compare note 1 on page 73.]
[Footnote 66: The cry of the heron resembles the Sanskrit word for
"rain." Indian love-poetry often paints the sorrow, even unto death, of
her whose beloved does not return before the rainy season.]
[Footnote 67: The elephant of Indra. Indra is the god of the
thunderstorm.]
ACT THE SIXTH
THE SWAPPING OF THE BULLOCK-CARTS
[_Enter a maid._]
_Maid._
Isn't my mistress awake yet? Well, I must go in and wake
her. [_She walks about. Vasantasena appears, dressed, but still
asleep. The maid discovers her._] It is time to get up, mistress. The
morning is here.
_Vasantasena._ [_Awakening._] What! is the night over? is it morning?
_Maid._ For us it is morning. But for my mistress it appears to be
night still.
_Vasantasena._ But girl, where is your gambler?
_Maid._ Mistress, after giving Vardhamanaka his orders, Charudatta
went to the old garden Pushpakaranda.
_Vasantasena._ What orders?
_Maid._ To have the bullock-cart ready before daylight; for, he
said, Vasantasena was to come--
_Vasantasena._ Where, girl?
_Maid._ Where Charudatta is.
_Vasantasena._ [_Embraces the maid._] I did not have a good look at
him in the evening. But to-day I shall see him face to face. Tell
me, girl. Have I found my way into the inner court?
_Maid._ You have found your way not only into the inner court,
but into the heart of every one who lives here.
_Vasantasena._ Tell me, are Charudatta's servants vexed?
_Maid._ They will be.
_Vasantasena._ When?
_Maid._ When my mistress goes away.
_Vasantasena._ But not so much as I shall be. [_Persuasively._] Here,
girl, take this pearl necklace. You must go and give it to my lady
sister, his good wife. And give her this message: "Worthy Charudatta's
virtues have won me, made me his slave, and therefore your
slave also. And so I hope that these pearls may adorn your neck."
[94.3. S.
_Maid._ But mistress, Charudatta will be angry with you.
_Vasantasena._ Go. He will not be angry.
_Maid._ [_Takes the necklace._] Yes, mistress. [_She goes out, then
returns._] Mistress, his lady wife says that her lord made you a present
of it, and it would not be right for her to accept it. And further, that
you are to know that her lord and husband is her most excellent
adornment.
[_Enter Radanika, with Charudatta's little son._]
_Radanika._ Come, dear, let's play with your little cart.
_Rohasena._ [_Peevishly._] I don't like this little clay cart, Radanika.
Give me my gold cart.
_Radanika._ [_Sighing wearily._] How should we have anything to do
with gold now, my child? When your papa is rich again, then you
shall have a gold cart to play with. But I'll amuse him by taking
him to see Vasantasena. [_She approaches Vasantasena._] Mistress,
my service to you.
_Vasantasena._ I am glad to see you, Radanika. But whose little
boy is this? He wears no ornaments, yet his dear little face makes
my heart happy.
_Radanika._ This is Charudatta's son, Rohasena.
_Vasantasena._ [_Stretches out her arms._] Come, my boy, and put
your little arms around me. [_She takes him on her lap._] He looks
just like his father.
_Radanika._ More than looks like him, he _is_ like him. At least I
think so. His father is perfectly devoted to him.
_Vasantasena._ But what is he crying about?
_Radanika._ He used to play with a gold cart that belongs to the
son of a neighbor. But that was taken away, and when he asked
for it, I made him this little clay cart. But when I gave it to him,
he said "I don't like this little clay cart, Radanika. Give me my
gold cart."
P. 158.10]
_Vasantasena._ Oh, dear! To think that this little fellow has to suffer
because others are wealthy. Ah, mighty Fate! the destinies of men,
uncertain as the water-drops which fall upon a lotus-leaf, seem to
thee but playthings! [_Tearfully._] Don't cry, my child. You shall
have a gold cart to play with.
_Rohasena._ Who is she, Radanika?
_Vasantasena._ A slave of your father's, won by his virtues.
_Radanika._ My child, the lady is your mother.
_Rohasena._ That's a lie, Radanika. If the lady is my mother, why
does she wear those pretty ornaments?
_Vasantasena._ My child, your innocent lips can say terrible things.
[_She removes her ornaments. Weeping._] Now I am your mother.
You shall take these ornaments and have a gold cart made for you.
_Rohasena._ Go away! I won't take them. You're crying.
_Vasantasena._ [_Wiping away her tears._] I'll not cry, dear. There!
go and play. [_She fills the clay cart with her jewels._] There, dear,
you must have a little gold cart made for you.
[_Exit Radanika, with Rohasena._
[_Enter Vardhamanaka, driving a bullock-cart._]
_Vardhamanaka._ Radanika, Radanika! Tell mistress Vasantasena
that the covered cart is standing ready at the side-door.
_Radanika._ [_Entering._] Mistress, Vardhamanaka is here, and he
says that the cart is waiting at the side-door.
_Vasantasena._ He must wait a minute, girl, while I get ready.
_Rad._ Wait a minute, Vardhamanaka, while she gets ready. [_Exit._
_Vardhamanaka._ Hello, I've forgotten the cushion. I must go and
get it. But the nose-rope makes the bullocks skittish. I suppose I
had better take the cart along with me. [_Exit._
[96.14. S.
_Vasantasena._ Bring me my things, girl. I must make myself ready.
[_She does so._]
* * * * *
[_Enter, driving a bullock-cart, Sthavaraka, servant to Sansthanaka._]
_Sthavaraka._ Sansthanaka, the king's brother-in-law, said to me "Take a
bullock-cart, Sthavaraka, and come as quick as you can to the old garden
Pushpakaranda." Well, I'm on my way there. Get up, bullocks, get up!
[_He drives about and looks around._] Why, the road is blocked with
villagers' carts. What am I to do now? [_Haughtily._] Get out of my way,
you! Get out of my way! [_He listens._] What's that? you want to know
whose cart this is? This cart belongs to Sansthanaka, the king's
brother-in-law. So get out of my way--and this minute, too! [_He looks
about._] Why, here's a man going in the other direction as fast as he
can. He is trying to hide like a runaway gambler, and he looks at me as
if I were the gambling-master. I wonder who he is. But then, what
business is it of mine? I must get there as soon as I can. Get out of my
way, you villagers, get out of my way! What's that? you want me to wait
a minute and put a shoulder to your wheel? Confound you! A brave man
like me, that serves Sansthanaka, the king's brother-in-law, put a
shoulder to your wheel? After all, the poor fellow is quite alone. I'll
do it. I'll stop my cart at the side-door to Charudatta's orchard. [_He
does so._] I'm coming! [_Exit._
_Maid._ Mistress, I think I hear the sound of wheels. The cart
must be here.
_Vasantasena._ Come, girl. My heart grows impatient. Go with me
to the side-door.
_Maid._ Follow me, mistress.
_Vasantasena._ [_Walks about._] You have earned a rest, girl.
_Maid._ Thank you, mistress. [_Exit._
_Vasantasena._ [_Feels her right eye twitch_[68] _as she enters the
cart._] Why should my right eye twitch now? But the sight of Charudatta
will smooth away the bad omen. [_Enter Sthavaraka._]
P. 169.8]
_Sthavaraka._ I've cleared the carts out of the way, and now I'll
go ahead. [_He mounts and drives away. To himself._] The cart has
grown heavy. But I suppose it only seems so, because I got tired
helping them with that wheel. Well, I'll go along. Get up, bullocks,
get up!
_A voice behind the scenes._ Police! Police! Every man at his post!
The young herdsman has just broken jail, killed the jailer, broken
his fetters, escaped, and run away. Catch him! Catch him!
[_Enter, in excited haste, Aryaka, an iron chain on one foot. Covering
his face, he walks about._]
_Sthavaraka._ [_To himself._] There is great excitement in the city. I
must get out of the way as fast as I possibly can. [_Exit._
_Aryaka._
I leave behind me that accursèd sea
Of human woe and human misery,
The prison of the king.
Like elephants that break their chains and flee,
I drag a fettered foot most painfully
In flight and wandering. 1
King Palaka was frightened by a prophecy, took me from the
hamlet where I lived, fettered me, and thrust me into a solitary
cell, there to await my death. But with the help of my good friend
Sharvilaka I escaped. [_He sheds tears._]
If such my fate, no sin is mine at least,
That he should cage me like a savage beast.
A man may fight with kings, though not with fate--
And yet, can helpless men contend with great? 2
Whither shall I go with my wretchedness? [_He looks about._] Here is the
house of some good man who hasn't locked the side-door.
The house is old, the door without a lock,
The hinges all awry.
Some man, no doubt, who feels misfortune's shock
As cruelly as I. 3
[96.18. S.
I will enter here and wait.
_A voice behind the scenes._ Get up, bullocks, get up!
_Aryaka._ [_Listening._] Ah, a bullock-cart is coming this way.
If this should prove to be a picnic rig,
Its occupants not peevishly inclined;
Some noble lady's waiting carriage trig;
Or rich man's coach, that leaves the town behind--
And if it empty be, fate proving kind,
'T would seem a godsend to my anxious mind. 4
[_Enter Vardhamanaka with the bullock-cart._]
_Vardhamanaka._ There, I've got the cushion. Radanika, tell mistress
Vasantasena that the cart is ready and waiting for her to get
in and drive to the old garden Pushpakaranda.
_Aryaka._ [_Listening._] This is a courtezan's cart, going out of the
city. Good, I'll climb in. [_He approaches cautiously._]
_Vardhamanaka._ [_Hears him coming._] Ah, the tinkling of ankle-rings!
The lady is here. Mistress, the nose-rope makes the bullocks
skittish. You had better climb in behind. [_Aryaka does so._]
The ankle-rings tinkle only when the feet are moving, and the
sound has ceased. Besides, the cart has grown heavy. I am sure the
lady must have climbed in by this time. I'll go ahead. Get up,
bullocks, get up! [_He drives about. Enter Viraka._]
_Viraka._ Come, come! Jaya, Jayamana, Chandanaka, Mangala,
Phullabhadra, and the rest of you!
So calm, when the herdsman, slipping his tether,
Breaks jail and the heart of the king together? 5
Here! You stand at the east gate of the main street, you at the
west, you at the south, you at the north. I'll climb up the broken
wall here with Chandanaka and take a look. Come on, Chandanaka,
come on! This way! [_Enter Chandanaka, in excitement._]
P. 166.5]
_Chandanaka._ Come, come! Viraka, Vishalya, Bhimangada, Dandakala,
Dandashura, and the rest of you!
Come quick, my reliables! Work! Now begin!
Lest the old king go out, and a new king come in. 6
Search gardens, and dives, and the town, and the street,
The market, the hamlet, wherever you meet 7
With what looks suspicious. Now, Viraka, say,
Who saved the young herdsman that just broke away? 8
Who was born when the sun in his eighth mansion stood,
Or the moon in her fourth, or when Jupiter could
Be seen in his sixth, or when Saturn was resting
In his ninth, in her sixth house when Venus was nesting,
Or Mars in his fifth?[69] Who will dare to be giving
The herdsman protection, while I am still living? 9, 10
_Viraka._ Chandanaka, you mercenary!
I swear on your heart, he's been long out of prison,
For the herdsman escaped ere the sun was half risen. 11
_Vardhamanaka._ Get up, bullocks, get up!
_Chandanaka._ [_Discovers him._] Look, man, look!
A covered cart is moving in the middle of the road;
Investigate it, whose it is, and where it takes its load! 12
_Viraka._ [_Discovers him._] Here, driver, stop your cart! Whose cart
is this? who is in it? where is it going?
_Vardhamanaka._ This is Charudatta's cart. Mistress Vasantasena
is in it. I am taking her to the old garden Pushpakaranda to meet
Charudatta.
_Viraka._ [_Approaches Chandanaka._] The driver says it is Charudatta's
cart; that Vasantasena is in it; that he is taking her to the
old garden Pushpakaranda.
_Chandanaka._ Then let it pass.
_Viraka._ Without inspection?
[101.3. S.
_Chandanaka._ Certainly.
_Viraka._ On whose authority?
_Chandanaka._ On Charudatta's.
_Viraka._ Who is Charudatta, or who is Vasantasena, that the cart
should pass without inspection?
_Chandanaka._ Don't you know Charudatta, man? nor Vasantasena?
If you don't know Charudatta, nor Vasantasena, then you don't
know the moon in heaven, nor the moonlight.
Who does n't know this moon of goodness, virtue's lotus-flower,
This gem of four broad seas, this savior in man's luckless hour? 13
These two are wholly worshipful, our city's ornaments,
Vasantasena, Charudatta, sea of excellence. 14
_Viraka._ Well, well, Chandanaka! Charudatta? Vasantasena?
I know them perfectly, as well as I know anything;
But I do not know my father when I 'm serving of my king. 15
_Aryaka._ [_To himself._] In a former existence the one must have been
my enemy, the other my kinsman. For see!
Their business is the same; their ways
Unlike, and their desire:
Like flames that gladden wedding days,
And flames upon the pyre. 16
_Chandanaka._ You are a most careful captain whom the king
trusts. I am holding the bullocks. Make your inspection.
_Viraka._ You too are a corporal whom the king trusts. Make the
inspection yourself.
_Chandanaka._ If I make the inspection, that 's just the same as if
you had made it?
_Viraka._ If you make the inspection, that 's just the same as if
King Palaka had made it.
P. 171.5]
_Chandanaka._ Lift the pole, man! [_Vardhamanaka does so._]
_Aryaka._ [_To himself._] Are the policemen about to inspect me?
And I have no sword, worse luck! But at least,
Bold Bhima's spirit I will show;
My arm shall be my sword.
Better a warrior's death than woe
That cells and chains afford. 17
But the time to use force has not yet come. [_Chandanaka enters
the cart and looks about._] I seek your protection.
_Chandanaka._ [_Speaking in Sanskrit._] He who seeks protection
shall be safe.
_Aryaka._
Whene'er he fight, that man will suffer hurts,
Will be abandoned of his friends and kin,
Becomes a mock forever, who deserts
One seeking aid; 't is an unpardoned sin. 18
_Chandanaka._ What! the herdsman Aryaka? Like a bird that flees
from a hawk, he has fallen into the hand of the fowler. [_Reflecting._]
He is no sinner, this man who seeks my protection and sits
in Charudatta's cart. Besides, he is the friend of good Sharvilaka,
who saved my life. On the other hand, there are the king's orders.
What is a man to do in a case like this? Well, what must be, must
be. I promised him my protection just now.
He who gives aid to frightened men,
And joys his neighbor's ills to cure,
If he must die, he dies; but then,
His reputation is secure. 19
[_He gets down uneasily._] I saw the gentleman--[_correcting himself_]
I mean, the lady Vasantasena, and she says "Is it proper, is
it gentlemanly, when I am going to visit Charudatta, to insult me
on the highway?"
_Viraka._ Chandanaka, I have my suspicions.
_Chandanaka._ Suspicions? How so?
[103.2. S.
_Vir._ You gurgled in your craven throat; it seems a trifle shady.
You said "I saw the gentleman," and then "I saw the lady." 20
That's why I'm not satisfied.
_Chandanaka._ What's the matter with you, man? We southerners
don't speak plain. We know a thousand dialects of the barbarians--the
Khashas, the Khattis, the Kadas, the Kadatthobilas, the
Karnatas, the Karnas, the Pravaranas, the Dravidas, the Cholas,
the Chinas, the Barbaras, the Kheras, the Khanas, the Mukhas, the
Madhughatas, and all the rest of 'em, and it all depends on the way
we feel whether we say "he" or "she," "gentleman" or "lady."
_Viraka._ Can't I have a look, too? It's the king's orders. And the
king trusts me.
_Chandanaka._ I suppose the king doesn't trust _me_!
_Viraka._ Is n't it His Majesty's command?
_Chandanaka._ [_Aside_] If people knew that the good herdsman escaped
in Charudatta's cart, then the king would make Charudatta
suffer for it. What's to be done? [_Reflecting._] I'll stir up a quarrel
the way they do down in the Carnatic. [_Aloud._] Well, Viraka, I
made one inspection myself--my name is Chandanaka--and you
want to do it over again. Who are you?
_Viraka._ Confound it! Who are you, anyway?
_Chandanaka._ An honorable and highly respectable person, and you
don't remember your own family.
_Viraka._ [_Angrily._] Confound you! What is my family?
_Chandanaka._ Who speaks of such things?
_Viraka._ Speak!
_Chandanaka._ I think I'd better not.
I know your family, but I won't say;
'T would not be modest, such things to betray;
What good's a rotten apple anyway? 21
_Viraka._ Speak, speak! [_Chandanaka makes a significant gesture._]
Confound you! What does that mean?
P. 175.1]
_Chand._
A broken whetstone in one hand--a thing
That looks like scissors in the other wing--
To trim the scrubby beards that curl and cling,
And you--why, you 're a captain of the king! 22
_Viraka._ Well, Chandanaka, you highly respectable person, you
don't remember your own family either.
_Chandanaka._ Tell me. What is the family I belong to, I, Chandanaka,
pure as the moon?
_Viraka._ Who speaks of such things?
_Chandanaka._ Speak, speak! [_Viraka makes a significant gesture._]
Confound you! What does that mean?
_Viraka._ Listen.
Your house is pure; your father is a drum,
Your mother is a kettledrum, you scum!
Your brother is a tambourine--tum, tum!
And you--why, you 're a captain of the king! 23
_Chandanaka._ [_Wrathfully._] I, Chandanaka, a tanner! You can look
at the cart.
_Viraka._ You! driver! turn the cart around. I want to look in.
[_Vardhamanaka does so. Viraka starts to climb in. Chandanaka
seizes him violently by the hair, throws him down, and kicks him._]
_Viraka._ [_Rising. Wrathfully._] Confound you! I was peaceably going
about the king's business, when you seized me violently by the
hair and kicked me. So listen! If I don't have you drawn and
quartered in the middle of the court-room, my name's not Viraka.
_Chandanaka._ All right. Go to court or to a hall of justice. What
do I care for a puppy like you?
_Viraka._ I will. [_Exit._
_Chandanaka._ [_Looks about him._] Go on, driver, go on! If anybody
asks you, just say "The cart has been inspected by Chandanaka
and Viraka." Mistress Vasantasena, let me give you a passport.
[_He hands Aryaka a sword._]
[105.11. S.
_Aryaka._ [_Takes it. Joyfully to himself._]
A sword, a sword! My right eye twitches fast.[70]
Now all is well, and I am safe at last. 24
_Chandanaka._ Madam,
As I have given you a passage free,
So may I live within your memory.
To utter this, no selfish thoughts could move;
Ah no, I speak in plenitude of love. 25
_Aryaka._
Chandanaka is rich in virtues pure;
My friend is he--Fate willed it--true and tried.
I 'll not forget Chandanaka, be sure,
What time the oracle is justified. 26
_Chand._
May Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Three in One,
Protect thee, and the Moon, and blessèd Sun;
Slay all thy foes, as mighty Parvati
Slew Shumbha and Nishumbha--fearfully. 27
[_Exit Vardhamanaka, with the bullock-cart. Chandanaka looks toward
the back of the stage._] Aha! As he goes away, my good friend
Sharvilaka is following him. Well, I 've made an enemy of Viraka,
the chief constable and the king's favorite; so I think I too had
better be following him, with all my sons and brothers.
[_Exit._
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 68: A bad omen, in the case of a woman.]
[Footnote 69: Lalladiksita says that these horoscopes indicate
respectively distress, colic, stupidity, poverty, sorrow, destruction.]
[Footnote 70: A good omen, in the case of a man.]
ACT THE SEVENTH
ARYAKA'S ESCAPE
[_Enter Charudatta and Maitreya._]
_Maitreya._
How beautiful the old garden Pushpakaranda is.
_Charudatta._ You are quite right, my friend. For see!
The trees, like merchants, show their wares;
Each several tree his blossoms bears,
While bees, like officers, are flitting,
To take from each what toll is fitting. 1
_Maitreya._ This simple stone is very attractive. Pray be seated.
_Charudatta._ [_Seats himself._] How Vardhamanaka lingers, my friend!
_Maitreya._ I told Vardhamanaka to bring Vasantasena and come
as quickly as he could.
_Charudatta._ Why then does he linger?
Is he delayed by some slow-moving load?
Has he returned with broken wheel or traces?
Obstructions bid him seek another road?
His bullocks, or himself, choose these slow paces? 2
[_Enter Vardhamanaka with the bullock-cart, in which Aryaka lies
hidden._]
_Vardhamanaka._ Get up, bullocks, get up!
_Aryaka._ [_Aside._]
And still I fear the spies that serve the king;
Escape is even yet a doubtful thing,
While to my foot these cursèd fetters cling.
Some good man 't is, within whose cart I lie,
Like cuckoo chicks, whose heartless mothers fly,
And crows must rear the fledglings, or they die. 3
I have come a long distance from the city. Shall I get out of the
cart and seek a hiding-place in the grove? or shall I wait to see
the owner of the cart? On second thoughts, I will not hide myself
in the grove; for men say that the noble Charudatta is ever
helpful to them that seek his protection. I will not go until I have
seen him face to face.
[108.3. S.
'T will bring contentment to that good man's heart
To see me rescued from misfortune's sea.
This body, in its suffering, pain, and smart,
Is saved through his sweet magnanimity. 4
_Vardhamanaka._ Here is the garden. I 'll drive in. [_He does so._]
Maitreya!
_Maitreya._ Good news, my friend. It is Vardhamanaka's voice.
Vasantasena must have come.
_Charudatta._ Good news, indeed.
_Maitreya._ You son of a slave, what makes you so late?
_Vardhamanaka._ Don't get angry, good Maitreya. I remembered
that I had forgotten the cushion, and I had to go back for it, and
that is why I am late.
_Charudatta._ Turn the cart around, Vardhamanaka. Maitreya, my
friend, help Vasantasena to get out.
_Maitreya._ Has she got fetters on her feet, so that she can't get
out by herself? [_He rises and lifts the curtain of the cart._] Why,
this is n't mistress Vasantasena--this is Mister Vasantasena.
_Charudatta._ A truce to your jests, my friend. Love cannot wait.
I will help her to get out myself. [_He rises._]
_Aryaka._ [_Discovers him._] Ah, the owner of the bullock-cart! He
is attractive not only to the ears of men, but also to their eyes.
Thank heaven! I am safe.
_Charudatta._ [_Enters the bullock-cart and discovers Aryaka._] Who
then is this?
As trunk of elephant his arms are long,
His chest is full, his shoulders broad and strong,
His great eyes restless-red;[71]
Why should this man be thus enforced to fight--
So noble he--with such ignoble plight,
His foot to fetters wed? 5
P. 180.14]
Who are you, sir?
_Aryaka._ I am one who seeks your protection, Aryaka, by birth a
herdsman.
_Charudatta._ Are you he whom King Palaka took from the hamlet
where he lived and thrust into prison?
_Aryaka._ The same.
_Charudatta._
'T is fate that brings you to my sight;
May I be reft of heaven's light,
Ere I desert you in your hapless plight. 6
[_Aryaka manifests his joy._]
_Charudatta._ Vardhamanaka, remove the fetters from his foot.
_Vardhamanaka._ Yes, sir. [_He does so._] Master, the fetters are removed.
_Aryaka._ But you have bound me with yet stronger fetters of love.
_Maitreya._ Now you may put on the fetters yourself. He is free
anyway. And it 's time for us to be going.
_Charudatta._ Peace! For shame!
_Aryaka._ Charudatta, my friend, I entered your cart somewhat
unceremoniously. I beg your pardon.
_Charudatta._ I feel honored that you should use no ceremony with
me.
_Aryaka._ If you permit it, I now desire to go.
_Charudatta._ Go in peace.
_Aryaka._ Thank you. I will alight from the cart.
_Charudatta._ No, my friend. The fetters have but this moment
been removed, and you will find walking difficult. In this spot
where men seek pleasure, a bullock-cart will excite no suspicion.
Continue your journey then in the cart.
[110.4. S.
_Aryaka._ I thank you, sir.
_Charud._ Seek now thy kinsmen. Happiness be thine!
_Aryaka._ Ah, I have found thee, blessèd kinsman mine!
_Charud._ Remember me, when thou hast cause to speak.
_Aryaka._ Thy name, and not mine own, my words shall seek.
_Charud._ May the immortal gods protect thy ways!
_Aryaka._ Thou didst protect me, in most perilous days.
_Charud._ Nay, it was fate that sweet protection lent.
_Aryaka._ But thou wast chosen as fate's instrument. 7
_Charudatta._ King Palaka is aroused, and protection will prove
difficult. You must depart at once.
_Aryaka._ Until we meet again, farewell. [_Exit._
_Charud._
From royal wrath I now have much to fear;
It were unwise for me to linger here.
Then throw the fetters in the well; for spies
Serve to their king as keen, far-seeing eyes. 8
[_His left eye twitches._] Maitreya, my friend, I long to see Vasantasena.
For now, because
I have not seen whom I love best,
My left eye twitches; and my breast
Is causeless-anxious and distressed. 9
Come, let us go. [_He walks about._] See! a Buddhist monk approaches,
and the sight bodes ill. [_Reflecting._] Let him enter by
that path, while we depart by this. [_Exit._
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 71: Lalladiksita says that these are signs of royalty.]
ACT THE EIGHTH
THE STRANGLING OF VASANTASENA
[_Enter a monk, with a wet garment in his hand._]
_Monk._
Ye ignorant, lay by a store of virtue!
Restrain the belly; watch eternally,
Heeding the beat of contemplation's[72] drum,
For else the senses--fearful thieves they be--
Will steal away all virtue's hoarded sum. 1
And further: I have seen that all things are transitory, so that now
I am become the abode of virtues alone.
Who slays the Five Men,[73] and the Female Bane,[74]
By whom protection to the Town[75] is given,
By whom the Outcaste[76] impotent is slain,
He cannot fail to enter into heaven. 2
Though head be shorn and face be shorn,
The heart unshorn, why should man shave him?
But he whose inmost heart is shorn
Needs not the shaven head to save him. 3
I have dyed this robe of mine yellow. And now I will go into the
garden of the king's brother-in-law, wash it in the pond, and go
away as soon as I can. [_He walks about and washes the robe._]
_A voice behind the scenes._ Shtop, you confounded monk, shtop!
_Monk._ [_Discovers the speaker. Fearfully._ ] Heaven help me! Here
is the king's brother-in-law, Sansthanaka. Just because one monk
committed an offense, now, wherever he sees a monk, whether it
is the same one or not, he bores a hole in his nose and drives him
around like a bullock. Where shall a defenseless man find a defender?
But after all, the blessèd Lord Buddha is my defender.
[119.90. S.
[_Enter the courtier, carrying a sword, and Sansthanaka._]
_Sansthanaka._ Shtop, you confounded monk, shtop! I'll pound
your head like a red radish[77] at a drinking party. [_He strikes him._]
_Courtier._ You jackass, you should not strike a monk who wears
the yellow robes of renunciation. Why heed him? Look rather
upon this garden, which offers itself to pleasure.
To creatures else forlorn, the forest trees
Do works of mercy, granting joy and ease;
Like a sinner's heart, the park unguarded lies,
Like some new-founded realm, an easy prize. 4
_Monk._ Heaven bless you! Be merciful, servant of the Blessèd
One!
_Sansthanaka._ Did you hear that, shir? He's inshulting me.
_Courtier._ What does he say?
_Sansthanaka._ Shays I'm a shervant. What do you take me for?
a barber?
_Courtier._ A servant of the Blessèd One he calls you, and this is
praise.
_Sansthanaka._ Praise me shome more, monk!
_Monk._ You are virtuous! You are a brick!
_Sansthanaka._ Shee? He shays I'm virtuous. He shays I'm a brick.
What do you think I am? a materialistic philosopher? or a watering-trough?
or a pot-maker?[78]
_Courtier._ You jackass, he praises you when he says that you are
virtuous, that you are a brick.
_Sansthanaka._ Well, shir, what did he come here for?
_Monk._ To wash this robe.
_Sansthanaka._ Confound the monk! My shishter's husband gave me
the finesht garden there is, the garden Pushpakaranda. Dogs and
jackals drink the water in thish pond. Now I'm an arishtocrat. I'm
a man, and I don't even take a bath. And here you bring your
shtinking clothes, all shtained with shtale bean-porridge, and wash
'em! I think one good shtroke will finish you.
P. 187.7]
_Courtier._ You jackass, I am sure he has not long been a monk.
_Sansthanaka._ How can you tell, shir?
_Courtier._ It doesn't take much to tell that, See!
His hair is newly shorn; the brow still white;
The rough cloak has not yet the shoulder scarred;
He wears it awkwardly; it clings not tight;
And here above, the fit is sadly marred. 5
_Monk._ True, servant of the Blessèd One. I have been a monk but
a short time.
_Sansthanaka._ Then why haven't you been one all your life? [_He
beats him._]
_Monk._ Buddha be praised!
_Courtier._ Stop beating the poor fellow. Leave him alone. Let him
go.
_Sansthanaka._ Jusht wait a minute, while I take counshel.
_Courtier._ With whom?
_Sansthanaka._ With my own heart.
_Courtier._ Poor fellow! Why didn't he escape?
_Sansthanaka._ Blesshèd little heart, my little shon and mashter, shall
the monk go, or shall the monk shtay? [_To himself._] Neither go,
nor shtay. [_Aloud._] Well, shir, I took counshel with my heart, and
my heart shays--
_Courtier._ Says what?
_Sansthanaka._ He shall neither go, nor shtay. He shall neither
breathe up, nor breathe down. He shall fall down right here and
die, before you can shay "boo."
_Monk._ Buddha be praised! I throw myself upon your protection.
_Courtier._ Let him go.
[114.24. S.
_Sansthanaka._ Well, on one condition.
_Courtier._ And what is that?
_Sansthanaka._ He musht shling mud in, without making the water
dirty. Or better yet, he musht make the water into a ball, and
shling it into the mud.
_Courtier._ What incredible folly!
The patient earth is burdened by
So many a fool, so many a drone,
Whose thoughts and deeds are all awry--
These trees of flesh, these forms of stone. 6
[_The monk makes faces at Sansthanaka._]
_Sansthanaka._ What does he mean?
_Courtier._ He praises you.
_Sansthanaka._ Praise me shome more! Praise me again! [_The monk
does so, then exit._]
_Courtier._ See how beautiful the garden is, you jackass.
See yonder trees, adorned with fruit and flowers,
O'er which the clinging creepers interlace;
The watchmen guard them with the royal powers;
They seem like men whom loving wives embrace. 7
_Sansthanaka._ A good deshcription, shir.
The ground is mottled with a lot of flowers;
The blosshom freight bends down the lofty trees;
And, hanging from the leafy tree-top bowers,
The monkeys bob, like breadfruit in the breeze. 8
_Courtier._ Will you be seated on this stone bench, you jackass?
_Sansthanaka._ I am sheated. [_They seat themselves._] Do you know,
shir, I remember that Vasantasena even yet. She is like an inshult.
I can't get her out of my mind.
_Courtier._ [_Aside._] He remembers her even after such a repulse.
For indeed,
The mean man, whom a woman spurns,
But loves the more;
The wise man's passion gentler burns,
Or passes o'er. 9
P. 190.16]
_Sansthanaka._ Shome time has passhed, shir, shince I told my shervant
Sthavaraka to take the bullock-cart and come as quick as
he could. And even yet he is not here. I 've been hungry a long
time, and at noon a man can't go a-foot. For shee!
The shun is in the middle of the shky,
And hard to look at as an angry ape;
Like Gandhari, whose hundred shons did die,
The earth is hard dishtresshed and can't eshcape. 10
_Courtier._ True.
The cattle all--their cuds let fall--
Lie drowsing in the shade;
In heated pool their lips to cool,
Deer throng the woodland glade;
A prey to heat, the city street
Makes wanderers afraid;
The cart must shun the midday sun,
And thus has been delayed. 11
_Sansthanaka._ Yesshir,
Fasht to my head the heated shun-beam clings;
Birds, flying creatures, alsho wingèd things
Resht in the branches of the trees, while men,
People, and pershons shigh and shigh again;
At home they tarry, in their houses shtay,
To bear the heat and burden of the day. 12
Well, shir, that shervant is n't here yet. I 'm going to shing shomething
to passh the time. [_He sings._] There, shir, did you hear
what I shang?
_Courtier._ What shall I say? Ah, how melodious!
[116.23. S.
_Sansthanaka._ Why _should n't_ it be malodorous?
Of nut-grass and cumin I make up a pickle,
Of devil's-dung, ginger, and orris, and treacle;
That's the mixture of perfumes I eagerly eat;
Why should n't my voice be remarkably shweet? 13
Well, shir, I 'm jusht going to shing again, [_He does so._] There,
shir, did you hear what I shang?
_Courtier._ What shall I say? Ah, how melodious!
_Sansthanaka._ Why _should n't_ it be malodorous?
Of the flesh of the cuckoo I make up a chowder,
With devil's-dung added, and black pepper powder;
With oil and with butter I shprinkle the meat:
Why should n't my voice be remarkably shweet? 14
But shir, the shervant is n't here yet.
_Courtier._ Be easy in your mind. He will be here presently.
[_Enter Vasantasena in the bullock-cart, and Sthavaraka._]
_Sthavaraka._ I 'm frightened. It is already noon. I hope Sansthanaka,
the king's brother-in-law, will not be angry. I must drive
faster. Get up, bullocks, get up!
_Vasantasena._ Alas! That is not Vardhamanaka's voice. What does
it mean? I wonder if Charudatta was afraid that the bullocks
might become weary, and so sent another man with another cart.
My right eye twitches. My heart is all a-tremble. There is no one
in sight. Everything seems to dance before my eyes.
_Sansthanaka._ [_Hearing the sound of wheels._] The cart is here, shir.
_Courtier._ How do you know?
_Sansthanaka._ Can't you shee? It shqueaks like an old hog.
_Courtier._ [_Perceives the cart._] Quite true. It is here.
_Sansthanaka._ Sthavaraka, my little shon, my shlave, are you here?
_Sthavaraka._ Yes, sir.
_Sansthanaka._ Is the cart here?
P. 194.9]
_Sthavaraka._ Yes, sir.
_Sansthanaka._ Are the bullocks here?
_Sthavaraka._ Yes, sir.
_Sansthanaka._ And are you here?
_Sthavaraka._ [_Laughing._] Yes, master, I am here too.
_Sansthanaka._ Then drive the cart in.
_Sthavaraka._ By which road?
_Sansthanaka._ Right here, where the wall is tumbling down.
_Sthavaraka._ Oh, master, the bullocks will be killed. The cart will
go to pieces. And I, your servant, shall be killed.
_Sansthanaka._ I'm the king's brother-in-law, man. If the bullocks
are killed, I 'll buy shome more. If the cart goes to pieces, I 'll
have another one made. If you are killed, there will be another
driver.
_Sthavaraka._ Everything will be replaced--except me.
_Sansthanaka._ Let the whole thing go to pieces. Drive in over the
wall.
_Sthavaraka._ Then break, cart, break with your driver. There will
be another cart. I must go and present myself to my master. [_He
drives in._] What! not broken? Master, here is your cart.
_Sansthanaka._ The bullocks not shplit in two? and the ropes not
killed? and you too not killed?
_Sthavaraka._ No, sir.
_Sansthanaka._ Come, shir. Let's look at the cart. You are my
teacher, shir, my very besht teacher. You are a man I reshpect,
my intimate friend, a man I delight to honor. Do you enter the
cart firsht.
_Courtier._ Very well. [_He starts to do so._]
_Sansthanaka._ Not much! Shtop! Is thish your father's cart, that
you should enter it firsht? I own thish cart. I 'll enter it firsht.
_Courtier._ I only did what you said.
[119.8. S.
_Sansthanaka._ Even if I do shay sho, you ought to be polite enough
to shay "After you, mashter."
_Courtier._ After you, then.
_Sansthanaka._ Now I 'll enter. Sthavaraka, my little shon, my
shlave, turn the cart around.
_Sthavaraka._ [_Does so._] Enter, master.
_Sansthanaka._ [_Enters and looks about, then hastily gets out in terror,
and falls on the courtier's neck._] Oh, oh, oh! You're a dead
man! There's a witch, or a thief, that's sitting and living in my
bullock-cart. If it's a witch, we 'll both be robbed. If it's a thief,
we 'll both be eaten alive.
_Courtier._ Don't be frightened. How could a witch travel in a
bullock-cart? I hope that the heat of the midday sun has not
blinded you, so that you became the victim of an hallucination
when you saw the shadow of Sthavaraka with the smock on it.
_Sansthanaka._ Sthavaraka, my little shon, my shlave, are you
alive?
_Sthavaraka._ Yes, sir.
_Sansthanaka._ But shir, there's a woman sitting and living in the
bullock-cart. Look and shee!
_Courtier._ A woman?
Then let us bow our heads at once and go,
Like steers whose eyes the falling raindrops daze;
In public spots my dignity I show;
On high-born dames I hesitate to gaze. 15
_Vasantasena._ [_In amazement. Aside._] Oh, oh! It is that thorn in
my eye, the king's brother-in-law. Alas! the danger is great. Poor
woman! My coming hither proves as fruitless as the sowing of a
handful of seeds on salty soil. What shall I do now?
_Sansthanaka._ Thish old shervant is afraid and he won't look into
the cart. Will you look into the cart, shir?
_Courtier._ I see no harm in that. Yes, I will do it.
P. 198.12]
_Sansthanaka._ Are those things jackals that I shee flying into the
air, and are those things crows that walk on all fours? While the
witch is chewing him with her eyes, and looking at him with her
teeth, I 'll make my eshcape.
_Courtier._ [_Perceives Vasantasena. Sadly to himself._] Is it possible?
The gazelle follows the tiger. Alas!
Her mate is lovely as the autumn moon,
Who waits for her upon the sandy dune;
And yet the swan will leave him? and will go
To dance attendance on a common crow? 16
[_Aside to Vasantasena._] Ah, Vasantasena! This is neither right,
nor worthy of you.
Your pride rejected him before,
Yet now for gold, and for your mother's will
_Vasantasena._ No! [_She shakes her head._]
_Courtier._ Your nature knows your pride no more;
You honor him, a common woman still. 17
Did I not tell[79] you to "serve the man you love, and him you
hate"?
_Vasantasena._ I made a mistake in the cart, and thus I came
hither. I throw myself upon your protection.
_Courtier._ Do not fear. Come, I must deceive him. [_He returns to
Sansthanaka._] Jackass, there is indeed a witch who makes her
home in the cart.
_Sansthanaka._ But shir, if a witch is living there, why are n't you
robbed? And if it 's a thief, why are n't you eaten alive?
_Courtier._ Why try to determine that? But if we should go back
on foot through the gardens until we came to the city, to Ujjayini,
what harm would that do?
_Sansthanaka._ And if we did, what then?
[121.7. S.
_Courtier._ Then we should have some exercise, and should avoid
tiring the bullocks.
_Sansthanaka._ All right. Sthavaraka, my shlave, drive on. But no!
Shtop, shtop! I go on foot before gods and Brahmans? Not much!
I 'll go in my cart, sho that people shall shee me a long way off,
and shay "There he goes, our mashter, the king's brother-in-law."
_Courtier._ [_Aside._] It is hard to convert poison into medicine. So
be it, then. [_Aloud._] Jackass, this is Vasantasena, come to visit
you.
_Vasantasena._ Heaven forbid!
_Sansthanaka._ [_Gleefully._] Oh, oh! To visit me, an arishtocrat, a
man, a regular Vasudeva?
_Courtier._ Yes.