नाट्यशास्त्रम् (प्रथम भाग - अभिनवभारती एवं हिन्दी टीका सहित)

400 THE NATYASASTRA [ XXI. 123-

123. The Nāṭaka is to be so composed as to include all States, Sentiments, inclination to all deeds, and the various conditions [of men and nature]$^1$.

124. The various arts and crafts produced by human beings may be applied in the Nāṭaka$^1$ in their endless forms$^1$.

125. One is to construct a Nāṭaka [only] after observing the human character, strength and weakness of men, their [mode of] enjoyment and reasoning$^1$.

126. In succeeding ages men will be difficient in wisdom; hence those who will be born [after us] will have small learning and intellect.

127. When the world deteriorates, men's intellect, activity, [production of] crafts and skill in arts will dwindle.

128. Hence after observing the strength and the weakness of human feeling, one should compose the Nāṭaka with pleasant and easily intelligible words.

129. The plays (lit. poems) which contain [harsh], words like cekriḍita$^1$ is repulsive (lit. do not shine) like a courtezan in the company of a Brahmin bearing a Kamaṇḍalu.

130. O Brahmins, I have spoken about the Plot with its Junctures and Limbs. I shall hereafter speak of the characteristics of the Styles.

Here ends chapter XXI of Bharata's Nāṭyaśāstra, which treats of the Limbs of the Junctures.

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123 (C.126; K.XIX.121). $^1$ Cf. NŚ. I.113
124 (C.127; K.XIX.122). $^1$ Emend ekakarma into lokakarma.
125 (C.128; K.XIX. 123). $^1$ This puts emphasis on depicting characters in a drama.
126 (C.129; K.XIX.124). 127 (C.130; K.XIX.125).
128 (C.131; K.XIX.126).
129 (C.132; K.XIX.127). $^1$ Bhāsa actually uses the root of this verb form in his Avi. (III.18.0).
130 (C.133; K.XIX.128).