नाट्यशास्त्रम् (प्रथम भाग - अभिनवभारती एवं हिन्दी टीका सहित)

XXVII. 81 ] SUCCESS IN DRAMATIC PRODUCTION 523

gods)¹, the portents or the enemy are not to be recorded by the wise [observers]. But the Blemishes relating to the play² as well as the Blemishes arising from [the actors] themselves³ should be recorded.

Procedure of awarding the Banner

77. After mentioning him to the king the Banner should be given to a person whose Blemishes, have been reckoned as few in number but points of the Success as many.

78. If expert actors¹ are found to be of equal merit (lit. work and quality) in the production of a drama, the Banner should be awarded first to one whose Success² is greater, or in case of equal success³ [of the two contestants] [the award should be made] at the king's command⁴.

79. If the king has similar admiration for the two rivals, then both of them should be awarded [the Banners]. With an eye to all these rules one should provide [in the production of a play] for the recitation, the [distribution of] roles and the Sentiments¹.

80. Thus cultured persons who are well-acquainted with the rules [of theatrical production] and capable of appreciating merits¹ should sit at ease with an unruffled mind² and see to the proper judgement³ [in awarding the Banners].

81. The Assessors¹ are to point out (lit. take) the [measure

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¹ daivotpātasamūttha. K. (daivotpannasamartha, C.
² ghāta, K. (yāstā, C.). Blemishes relating to a play seems to be its literary drawbacks. It is likely that in dramatic contests choice of defective plays brought discredit on the contestants. ³ See above 24-25.
77 (C.75; K.65b-66a).
78 (C.78b-79a; K.66b). ¹ Read bharatāḥ prayogeṣu ca.
² Depending on the vocal applause as well as the silent approbation of spectators. ³ sammasiddhau, K., (samasiddhā, C.). ⁴ vājñayā nṛpateḥ, C. ; K. omits 77a and reads 77b with some variation.
79 (C.79b-80a; K.67a). ¹ K. omits 79b.
80 (K.68). ¹ Read guṇādadhbhiḥ for guṇādibhiḥ, K.
² Read svasthacittaiḥ for svasvacittaiḥ K.
³ Read vyavahāraḥ samañjasaḥ for vyavahāraḥ samañjasam, K.
81 (K.69). ¹ Emend prekṣakaiḥ into prāśnikaiḥ.