_Nandini_
Stop, Phágulal. He’s a coward; he wants to strike me because he’s
afraid of me. I don’t fear his blows one bit.
_Gôkul_
Phágulal, you haven’t come to your senses yet. You think the Governor
alone is your enemy. Well, I admire a straightforward enemy. But that
sweet-mouthed beauty of yours----
_Nandini_
Ah, so you too admire the Governor, as the mud beneath his feet
admires the soles of his shoes!
_Phágulal_
Gôkul, the time has at length come to show your prowess, but not by
fighting a girl. Come along with me. I’ll show you what to fight.
[_Phágulal, Chandrá, and Gôkul go._
(_A band of men come in._)
_Nandini_
Where are you going, my good men?
_First man_
We carry the offering for the Flag-worship.
_Nandini_
Have you seen Rañjan?
_Second man_
I saw him once, five days ago, but not since. Ask those others who
follow us.
_Nandini_
Who are they?
_Third man_
They are bearing wine for the Governors’ feast.
(_The first batch goes, another comes in._)
_Nandini_
Look here, red-caps, have you seen Rañjan?
_First man_