प्रियदर्शिका नाटिका (सम्राट हर्षवर्धन - चतुरङ्क शास्त्रीय नाटिका सान्वय सटीक)

Act I. ] 3 pp. 4-5. Nala, with a sudden attack, by the cursed king of the Kalingas, who had cherished a feeling of resentment at the thought that he had betrothed (promised) his daughter to Vatsarāja, although solicited for himself by him, and who found an opportunity (lit. a weak point) in that king Vatsa did not return till then from captivity —this, to tell the truth—I do not believe though it has come to pass. How is it that fate has been exceedingly cruel and thus disposed (adverse) towards us! For, that princess I bore away from the tumult of the assault of that sort and terrible like the destruction time of the world and placed in the house of the forest- king, Vindhyaketu, connected with a friendly bond with king Dṛḍhavarman, thinking that I might some how take her to king Vatsa and thereby free my master from his obligation (lit. debt of promise). But when I had gone to Agastya's holy pool to bathe, as it was not far off, some people fell upon Vindhyaketu in an instant, slew him, and depopulating the place like demons, burnt it; and it is not known in what plight the princess too now is. The whole place was carefully searched by me; but I did not find out whether she was carried off by those marauders or burnt by them. So what am I, luckless one, to do! (Reflecting) Ah! I have heard that Vatsarāja has escaped from imprisonment and returned to Kauśāmbī, carrying off with him Pradoyata's daughter. What! shall I go just there then? (Sighing and observing his own condition.) But what sort of thing shall I say, going there without the princess? Ah! Vindhyaketu had said to me to-day —"Don't you fear. His honour, the great king Dṛḍhavarmā, is alive; and is in captivity greatly dis- abled by severe wounds. I will, therefore, go to my master and make the remaining part of my life blissful (lit. fruitful) by serving his feet. (Going about and looking up). Oh the extreme rigour of the autumnal sun! since it is fonud to be extremely severe even by me heated as I am by many afflictions. This sun that is freed from the screen (lit. bond) of clouds and has reached Libra after occupying Virgo, is

pp 5-6 4 [ Act I. indeed, blazing fiercely, having regained his efful- gence, as Vatsarāja, freed from close imprisonment is shining pre-eminently, having attained eminence after securing the princess and regained his own abode (i e. capital or power). (5) (Exit) End of the Vishkambhaka. ―――――― (Enter the KING and VIDÛSHAKA) KING—The constancy (lit. the being unaffected) of my servants was known, the talent of ministers was witnessed, even friends were observed (as regards their sincerity), the affection (loyalty) of the townsmen was realised all the more, the passion for adventures in battle was quite satisfied, and the jewel of women was obtained what, indeed, have I not obtained from captivity, as from piety practised without hypocrisy (sincerely)? (6) VIDU.—(With displeasure) O friend, how do you praise that whore's son, cursed Captivity? And that is forgotten now, viz.—How you, like a newly captured lordly elephant, with feet (steps) stumbling on account of the shackles of clanking iron chains, with the burning of the heart indicated by the pale lotus like face (the dry tip of the trunk ), with eyes up-raised and steady owing to the force of rage, and with the path along the ground cleared with the huge hands (torn up with the huge trunk), did not get the comfort of sleep even during the nights. KING—Vasantaka, you are, indeed, a wicked man. Mark— You saw the prison gloomy with darkness but not the splendour of her moon-like face, you felt pain at the clank of the chains, but heard not her sweet accents the cruel prison guards are present to your mind to-day and not her loving side glances you behold the faults of confinement but not the merits of Pradyota's daughter. (7) VIDÛ—(With an air of pride) If at all confinement brings in its train happiness, why do you then fasten

Act I. ] 5 pp. 7-8. your wrath upon the Kalinga-King for having taken Drdhavarman a captive ? KING—(Smiling;) Fie upon you, fool! Every [one is not Vatsarāja who can escape in this way from prison taking a Vāsavadattá with him. So let this matter (lit-topic) be dropped. It is many days since Vijayasena was sent against Vindhyaketu. And no one has come (brought tidings, ) from him till now. Let therefore, the minister Rumanwan be called at once. I wish to say something to him. (Having entered—) The Portress—Victory, victory, to Your Majesty ! Here are arrived at the door-region Vijayasena and the minister, Rumaṇvat. KING—Quickly usher them in. POR.—As Your Majesty commands ! [Enter RUMANVAT and VIJAYASENA.] RUMA.—(Musing.) Although gone out the very moment, servants generally enter a royal palace, full of apprehension, as if they were guilty, even though without guilt. (8) (Approaching) Prosperity to Sire ? KING—(Pointing to a seat) Rumaṇvat, be seated here. RUMAN.—(Sitting down, with a smile). Here is Vijayasena, the conqueror of Vindhyaketu, bowing (to you). VIJA.—(does accordingly.) KING.—(Embracing him graciously.) Is Your Honour well ? VIJA.—(I am) to-day by Sire's favour. KING—Vijayasena, please be seated (VIJAYA. sits down). KING—Vijayasena, tell Vindhyaketu's acount. VIJA—Sire, what more can I tell ? It is as it should be when Sire is angry. KING—Still I wish to hear it in detail.

pp 8-9 6 [ Act I. VIJA.—May Your Majesty hear—Starting from here according to Your Majesty's order, with an army of elephants, cavalry and infantry, as directed, we traversed the road though long in three days, and unexpectedly fell upon Vindhyaketu at the time of day-break KING —Then, then ? VIJA —Then roused by hearing the tumultuous din of our forces, he, Vindhyaketu, too, rushed out like a lion from a cave of the Vindhya mountain and without waiting for (the mastering of) his army and conveyances and having a few followers that happened to be at hand, proceeded at once to engage us, proclaiming his name KING—( Looking at RUMANVAT with a smile ) That was creditably done by Vindhyaketu What then ? VIJA.—Then when his companions were killed to a man in a fierce onslaught by us, whose envy and energy were doubled at the thought—‘Here is he, ’ he, with the fury of his anger and strength enhanced by the crushing blow, fought in a still fiercer manner KING—Bravo, Vindhyaketu ! Excellent, excellent ! VIJAYA—What description can be given, Sire ! I will tell in brief— Having first of all, himself fighting on foot, crushed the foot-soldiers by merely striking them hard with his chest, and dispersed the terrified cavalry like a herd of deer in the quarters with volleys of arrows from afar, he discharged on all sides the whole stock of his weapons and then quickly unsheathing his sword, proceeded to enjoy the sport of cutting off the plantain grove of the mass of elephants' trunks (9). Making havoc, single-handed, in this way in our three- fold army, with his towering shoulders covered with the rays of his sword, Vindhyaketu, with his broad chest shattered by hundreds of weapons, and exhausted after a long time, was slain in the battle (10) KING—Rumanvan, to tell the truth we are quite put to shame by the death of Vindhyaketu, following the path proper for worthy ( i e brave ) persons

Act I. ] 7 pp. 9–10. RUMAN.—Sire, even the merits of an enemy produce joy in persons of your type who side with virtues alone. KING—Vijayasena, has Vindhyaketu a child, whereon I may bestow ( lit. show ) the fruit of gratification ? VIJAYA.—Sire, about this too I will tell you. When Vindhyaketu had been thus slain with his kinsmen and followers, and his wives followed him in death, when the country people had taken shelter on the peaks of the Vindhya mountains and the place had been desolate, there was a maiden in Vindhyaketu's house whose beauty was in keeping with her high birth and who was uttering the piteous lament—oh father, oh mother! She is brought here by us being taken to be his daughter, and she is waiting at the door. Your Majesty is to decide with regard to her ( i. e. as to how she is to- be dealt with). KING.—Yas'odharā, go yourself and deliver her over- to Vāsavadattā and say to the Queen—She should be always looked upon by you in the light of a sister and should be taught everything proper for a maiden of high birth, singing, dancing, playing upon instruments and other accomplishments. And when she becomes fit for being given away in marriage, you should remind me. PORTRESS—As Your Majesty commands. ( Behind the curtain—A BARD ). By the breasts, gleaming with their beauty disclosed owing to the garments slipping down through exertion of the multitude of courtezans in the harem, getting ready the auspicious articles and cosmetics necessary for your pleasure-bath, your bathing room is adorned (as if) with other kinds of raised golden pots (11). KING—( Looking upwards ) Ah! how now! The divine sun is occupying mid-heaven.' For now; The water of the ponds (in the gardens) appears to be boiling as it were with the heat of the rays of the sun on account of the leapings of the Śafaras; the peacock spreads out his tail looking like an

pp 11-12 8 [ Act II. umbrella, though drooping from his sportive dance, the fawn covetous of the water in the basins seeks the circle of shades of the trees ; and the bee, having at once left the cheek of the elephant, lurks (lit. enters) under the lobe of his ear. ( 12 ) Rumanvan, get up, do get up. Having just entered the inner apartment and performed the usual rites, we will honour Vijayasena and dispatch him for annihila- ting the king of Kalinga. [Exeunt Omnes.] END OF ACT I —————— ACT II —————— (Enter VIDUSHAKA). Indīvarikā has, indeed, said to me—Noble Sir, Queen Vāsavadattā, who has been observing the vow of a fast, might call you to receive the Svastivāchana. I will, therefore, bathe in the pond attached to the shower- house and having gone into the presence of the Queen will utter something in the manner of a cock (i. e. in a gradually raised voice). Otherwise, how are Brāhmanas like us to accept a donation in the royal palace? (Looking towards the tiring room) Ah! Here my dear friend has started to go to the very showerhouse- garden to dispel the longing caused by the queen's separation. So I will go with my friend himself and do as (I said.). (Enter the love-sick KING) My mind yearns, to-day, to see that beloved of mine who is emaciated, who wears only the auspicious ornaments, who speaks slowly and with effort, who subdues the beauty of the morning moon by her face having a palish hue, and who is full of longing owing to the observance of the rules of her fast, as if she were in the condition produced by first love. (1)

Act II. ] 9 pp. 12–13. VIDU.—(Approaching) Hail to your Honour! May you prosper! KING.—(Looking at him) Vasantaka, for what do you appear to be delighted! VIDU.—Because the Queen is going to honour a Brāhmaṇa. KING.—If so, how does it benefit you? VIDU.—(With pride) Oh, such a Brāhmaṇa, indeed, that I get the Svastivāchana-present first from the Queen in the palace crowded with thousands of Brāhmaṇas, vers- ed in four, five or even six Vedas. KING.—(Laughing) Your Brāhmaṇaship (Vedic scho- larship) is shown by the number of the Vedas (mention- ed by you). Come then, great Brāhmaṇa. To the shower-house garden itself we go now. VIDU.—As your Majesty commands. KING.—Lead the way. VIDU.—Come, oh! Let us go. (Walking round and looking on) O friend, see, the loveliness of the shower- house-garden, the surface of the stone-slab in which is soft on account of the various kinds of flowers ceaseless- ly falling upon it, wherein the bunches of the Bakula and the Jasmine flowers are broken by the weight of the bees buried in the fragrance, where the cups of the Bandhūka flowers are opened by the breezes richly charged with the perfume of lotuses, and where the light of the sun is obscured by the dense tamāla trees. KING.—Friend, you have well described it. For, here, By the stems of the Śephalikā flowers (scattered about) the ground appears as if covered with small bits of corals; the scent of the Saptachhada flowers at once gives rise to the false idea of its being the odour of the rut of elephants; and these bees here, having the colour of their bodies tawny with (or having the tawny un- guents of) the thick mass of pollen dropped from the expanded lotuses, and intoxicated with the drafts of liquor (honey), are humming something in indistinct accents. (3).

pp 13-15 10 [ Act II VIDU.—O friend! look, look at this too—this Saptaparna tree here, the mass of the flowers of which is unceas- ingly falling and which, therefore still looks as if it has the drops of water falling through the interstices of its leaves at the close of the rainy season ( or at the end of a shower ) KING—Friend, happily observed There is much that is like the rainy season (yet) For Bearing softness ( of surface ) by the meadows which rob ( possess or surpass) the beauty of the Śirīsha flowers, and therefore having at once a pavement made with the washed pieces ( or powder) of emerald the ground here, on account of the heaps of Bandhūka flowers dropped from their stems, now appears as if covered with hundreds of cochineal insects (3) ( Enter a MAID ) MAID—I am ordered by Queen Vāsavadattā—Girl Indīvarikā, to-day I have to present an Argha (offering of worship) to the great sage Agastya Do you go then and come back quickly taking with you a garland of Śephālikā flowers Let this Āraṇyikā, too quickly gather the full blown lotuses from the pond in the shower house garden before they are closed up by the sun when going to set and come back The poor girl does not know that pond So I will take her with me and go ( Looking towards the scenes ) This way Āraṇyikā, come this way ( Enter ĀRAṆYIKĀ ) ĀRAṆYIKĀ—(With tears and dejection, to herself) That I, who was born in that sort of ( so high a) race in that way and who lived commanding others should now do the bidding of others ! So it must be said that there is nothing difficult for fate to bring about Or rather it is my fault, since knowing this I did not destroy my self So what shall I do now ! Or * it is now difficult for

• The passage may also be interpreted as—Or why ? A hard thing I have thought of now ( viz committing suicide ) I will do as I said ( i. e. kill myself ) But this does not appear to be intended See notes

Act II ] 13 pp. 18-19] should be reminded of that", so I will put the king in in mind of that, so that he will be engaged in thoughts about a husband for her. · KING.—(With joy) This then is that daughter of Vindhyaketu. (With regret) Long have we been foiled (or, robbed of her sight). Friend; this is indeed, a maiden, to look at whom is not sinful. We shall see her now without hesitation (or freely). A'RAN.—(Angrily stopping her ears) Go you then. I have nothing to do with you who talk nonsense. · (The maid-servant goes and gesticulates the collecting of flowers. KING.—Oh, her nobility of birth has been greatly manifested by her firmness (of mind). Friend, blessed, indeed, will be he who will be the object of the happiness of the touch of her body. ( ARANYIKA' acts the collecting of lotuses ). VIDU.—O friend, mark, mark; wonderful, wonderful! As she plucks the lotuses, she puts into the background the beauty of the lotus-beds by the spreading lustre of her hand moving in the water. KING—Friend, this is quite true. See— Having become the object of the touch of the hand of her, who gives delight by her glances similar to that of (given by) a continuous shower of the drops of nectar, and who has assumed a peculiar loveliness owing to the slipping of her breast garment, as of the rays of the body of the moon that gives delight with a fitting shower of nectareous drops and that becomes peculiarly charming owing to the veil of clouds being removed, it is wonder- ful, indeed, that these lotuses do not become closed up at once. (7) A'RANY.—(Gesticulating torment from bees) Oh fie! oh fie! These other wicked bees, greatly annoying me as they alight on the beds of blue lotuses, after leaving the lotus plant, torment me here. (Covering her face

pp.-19-20. 14 [ Act II. with her upper garment, in alarm) Friend—Indīvarikā, save me, save me. These horrid bees will, indeed, as- sail me. VIDU.—Oh friend, your wishes are fulfilled. Before that daughter of a born slave comes, you too, being silent, approach her. She, on her part, knowing Indīvarikā to be coming from the movement of feet indicated by the sound of water, will just cling to you. KING.—Bravo, friend, bravo! Your advice is oppor- tune. (He approaches ARAṆYIKĀ). A'RANY.—(Gesticulating the hearing of the sound of foot- steps) Indīvarikā, come to me quickly, come to me quickly. I am harassed by these wicked bees. (Clings to the KING). (The KING clasps her at the neck. ĀRAṆYIKĀ, removing her upper garment from her face and without seeing the KING acts looking at the bees.) KING.—(Keeping off the bees with his upper garment). O you, give up this dispiritedness (depression of spirits); O timid one, these bees, drawn by their liking for perfume light on the lotus of your face; if again with your long eyes agitated through fear you will still diffuse the beauty of a bed of blue lotuses, how will they leave you? ARANY.—(Exhibiting flurry on seeing the KING). How now! this is not Indīvarikā! (Leaving the KING and moving aside in alarm). Indīvarikā, come quickly, come quickly; protect me. VIDU.—Lady, when you are protected by Vatsarāja, able to protect the whole world, you call out for the maid-servant, Indīvarikā? (The KING repeats—O you, give up &c.). A'RANY.—(Looking at the KING with longing and bashfulness, to herself). This is the great king to whom I was given (betrothed) by my father. In the right place was my father's preference, indeed!

Act II.] ·15 pp. 21-22.

• MAID—A'ranyikâ is, indeed, harassed by the wicked bees. So I will at once approach her and comfort her. A'ranyikâ, fear not; here I come. VIDU.—Move away, O, move away. Here Indîvarikâ is just coming. Seeing (if she sees) this affair, she will inform the Queen of it. (Pointing with the finger). So having entered this plantain-bower we shall wait for a while. (Both do accordingly). MAID.—(Approaching and touching her cheeks). Friend A'ranyakâ, this is the fault of your face resembling a lotus that the bees thus come to be guilty (or, the offenders—i.e., torment you). (Taking her by the hand) Come then; let us go. The day has drawn to its close. (They gesticulate departure). A'RANY.—(Looking towards the plaintain-bower) Friend Indivarikâ, owing to the extreme coldness of the water my thighs seem to be benumbed. So slowly, slowly, we shall go. MAID.—As you say. (Exeunt both). VIDU.—O, come; let us issue forth. Having taken her with her, that slave's daughter, Indivarikâ, has gone away. KING.—(Sighing) What, gone! Friend Vasantaka, not indeed is the desired object gained without impediment by those who are not lucky. (Looking) Friend, mark, mark! The bed of lotuses, although its lotuses are closed up, yet being thorny (horripilated) tells, as it were, of the pleasure derived from the touch of her tender sprout-like hand. (9). (Sighing) Friend, what is the means now to see her again? VIDU.—Sir, having yourself broken the doll you are crying now; you do not act according to the words of me, a Brāhmaṇa. KING.—What did I not do!

.pp. 22-23. 16 [ Act III. VIDU.—That you have forgotten now. For I said— Be silent and approach her. : Since you, having entered into a very critical position, reproved her, in your affect- ed wisdom due to vain knowledge, saying—Ah you, give up this dispiritedness, &c., and such other words, why do cry now? And again ask me the means to see her. KING.—Oh, how does the fool call what was comfort- giving a reproof! VIDU.—It is just known who is a fool in this case. Then why go on with this? The divine one having a thousand rays (sun) is about to set. Come then; let us enter just the inside (of the palace). KING.—(Looking). Ah, the day has almost drawn to its close. Alas! For now— The splendour of the day, like my beloved, has gone, taking away the beauty of the groups of lotuses; there is observed a greater glow of Râga (redness—passion) in the orb of the sun as in this heart of mine; the wheel-named bird (ruddy goose) like me, is standing on the margin of the lotus-pond, thinking of his mate; and the directions have been suddenly darkened (void of interest) to the world also, as to me. (10). (Exeunt Omnes) End of Act II. ———— ACT III. ———— (Enter MANORAMA') MANORAMA'—I have been commanded by Queen Vâsavadattâ saying—Manoramâ, my girl, to-day on the occasion of the Kaumudî festival you have to perform the remaining part of the episode about my husband and myself which has been dramatised by Sâmkrityâyanî. Yesterday, indeed, her part was wrongly played by my dear friend, A'ranyikâ, being absent-minded. But if again the same be done by her to-day when appearing in the role of Vâsavadattâ', the Queen will necessarily get angry. Where shall I find her then and reprove her?

pp. 23-25. 17 [ Act III. (Looking on). Here is A'ranyikà entering the plantain- bower on the bank of the pond, saying something to herself. So hiding myself behind a bush I will listen to her unrestrained (free) utterings. (Enter AR'NYIKÁ, seated and acting love-sickness.) AR'ANY.—( Sighing ) My heart, seeking an unobtaina- ble person, why dost thou afflict me ? MANO—This is then the cause of her absent-minded- ness. But what again does she long for? Being attentive I will hear her. AR'ANY.—(With tears), How does the great king, being of a pleasing appearance in that way, thus torment me (now) ! Wonderful, wonderful ! (Sighing) Or rather, this is my misfortune, and not the great king's fault. MANO.—(Fearfully) How now ! the great king himself is the object of her longing ! Noble, dear friend, noble ! Your desire is in accordance with your high-birth. AR'ANY.—To whom, indeed, shall I relate this matter and make the pain of my misery somewhat bearable ? (Reflecting) Or why ! I have my dear friend, Manoramá, who is not different from my heart. But to her even I am not able to tell this through bashfulness. All considered, whence can there be solace to my heart other than death ! MANO.—(With tears) Alas ! alas ! the poor girl's pas- sion has reached its climax. So what shall I do in the matter ? ARANY.—(With longing) This is the spot where, tormented by the bees, I was supported by the great king and comforted in the words—"O timid one, be not afraid ". MANO.—(Joyfully) What ! She also is seen by the king ! Then by all means there is a way for her to live. I will then at once approach her and cheer her up. (Suddenly advancing) Proper, indeed, it is to be bashful even towards one's heart. AR'ANY.—(Bashfully to herself) Oh fie, fie ! Every thing has been heard by her. So it will be quite proper

Act III.] 18 pp. 25-26. to disclose all to her. (Aloud; seizing her by the hand). Dear friend, do not be angry, pray do not. It is bash- fulness that is at fault. MANO.—(Joyfully) Friend, away with hesitation. Tell me this. Have you been really seen by the king or not? AR'ANY.—(Bashfully with face hung down) My dear friend has already heard everything. ` MANO.—If you have been seen by the king, then don't you be worrying yourself. He himself will be eagerly engaged in devising some means to see you. AR'ANY.—This my friend speaks with partiality. O you, lover of (blinded by love for) a friend, how can this be (expected) from a person who is, indeed, bound by the chains of the Queen's virtues. MANO.—(Laughing) O you, silly girl (Lit. wanting in clever perception), although the bee has its love for the lotus plant, how can it, when it has seen the Mālati (jasmine) and is eager to taste its new flavour, rest quiet without obtaining it] AR'AN.—What is the use of talking about this which is impossible? Come away then. My limbs, which are all the more tormented by the autumnal heat, do not give up their heat even now. MANO.—O you bashful one, it is not proper for you, even when reduced to such a plight, to conceal the real

• state of your heart. (AR'ANYIKĀ' hangs down her face.) MANO.—O you naturally unconfiding one, what can you conceal now! Does not your passion, manifesting itself (lit. coming out) day and night, in the guise of sighs, as though it were the hum sound caused by the incessantly falling shower of the shafts of the flower- arrowed God (Cupid) tell it. (To herself) Or rather, this is not, indeed, the time for chiding her. So in the first place I will put some lotus-leaves on her bosom. (Rises, -and having taken some lotus-leaves from the pond places -them on AR'ANYAKA'S heart.) Let my friend take comfort, let my friend take comfort.

pp. 27-28. 19 [ Act III. (Enter VIDU'SHAKA) . 'VIDU'.—Very great, indeed, is my dear friend's pas- sion for Ar'anyika'. For having set side the affairs of state he has been diverting himself by thinking about a remedy to obtain her sight only. (Reflecting) Where shall I find her then? Or why; I will search for her just there, on the margin of the pond. (Walks on). MANO.—(Hearing) A sound like that of foot-steps is heard. So becoming concealed in the clump of plantains we shall see who is this (that is coming). (Both do accordingly and see). AR'AN.—Ah, he is the very Bràhmana, who is always at the side of the king. MANO.—How, Vasantaka himself! (Joyfully to- herself) May it be that way (i.e. as I wish it)? VIDU'.—(Looking in all directions) What! Has A'ran- yikà really become Ar'anyikà (acting like a forest-bred girl; or, gone to a forest, as she is not found here) now. MANO.—(With a smile) Friend, the king's companion, the Brahmana, is talking with respect to you. So let us listen attentively. (AR'ANYIKA' listens eagerly and bashfully.) VIDU'.—(Dejectedly) When in the first place, at the bidding of my dear friend whose body has become languid owing to the very great torment of love, I looked for her at the residence of the queens Vāsavadattā, and Padmāvati and of other queens, and did not find her there, I came here, thinking I should search the place also where she was seen at the pond. But then she is not here also. What shall I do now? MANO.—Did my dear friend hear this? VIDU'.—(Reflecting) Or why! It was already said to me by my friend—If you do not find her, after searching for her, then come, taking from that very pond at least the lotus-leaves that have had their pleasure-giving coolness doubled by the touch of her hand. Then how am I to know these?

Act III. ] 20 pp. 28-29. MANO.—This is my opportunity. (Approaching and taking VIDU'. by the hand). Vasantaka, come on. I will show (also; expose) you. VIDU'.—(In alarm) Expose me! to whom? To the Queen? I have not, at all, said any thing. MANO.—Vasantaka, dismiss this fear. As you have described to have been the condition of your dear friend on account of Aranyikā, double of that has been the state of my dear friend on account of our lord. So see it, see it. VIDU'.—(Seeing, with joy) My labour has borne fruit. Hail to your ladyship! (ARANYIKA' bashfully casts off the lotus-leaves and rises). MANO.—Noble Vasantaka, at your mere sight my dear friend's affliction has vanished, so that she is herself removing the lotus-leaves. So your noble self should favour them (by taking them). AR'ANYIKA'—(With agitation), O you given to joking, why do you put me to shame? (She stands with her face slightly turned back). VIDU.—(With dejection) Let the lotuses remain. Your dear friend is extremely bashful. So how is their union to take place? MANO.—(Musing for a moment, joyfully) Vasantaka, in this way, it seems. (She whispers into his ear). VIDU.—Excellent, dear friend; cleverly suggested! (Aside) By the time you two put on your costumes, I will come taking my friend with me. (Exit). MANO.—O passionate one, get up, get up. We have to act the remaining part of that very play. Come then; let us go to the play-house. (Walking round and seeing) Here is the play-house. Come then; let us enter in. (Gesticulating entrance and looking about), Well done, well done! Every thing is got ready; the Queen must be coming. (Enter the QUEEN, SAMKRITTYAYANI and the retinue according to rank.)

'pp. 30-31. 21 [ Act III. VA'SAVADATTA'—Revered lady, how wonderful is your poetic genius! For this story of my husband, with its secret incidents, although a mattter of experience, being dramatised (by you) raises our interest in it all the more, when being seen, as though it had not been seen before. SA'MK.—O you of long life, the merit of this subject is such that a poem though without excellence (insipid) necessarily causes delight to the ears of its hearers. See, Generally even an insignificant thing attains eminence by its connection with what is great; for even ashes come to be a decoration when applied to the broad temples of a rutting elephant. (1) VA'SAVA.—(With a smile) Revered lady, it is a patent fact (lit., is but known) that the son-in-law is loved by every one. So what is the use of thus continuing the conversation? It is better to see the very same representation. SA'MKR.—Just so. Indîvarikâ, lead the way to the play-house. MAID—Come, come, my Queen. (They all walk on.) SA'MK.—(Looking on) Oh the loveliness of the play- house! Charming with the huge strings of pearls hanging from the golden posts decked with hundreds of jewels, and occupied by the youthful damsels that have conquered (surpass in beauty) the nymphs of heaven, this play-house appears like the (aerial vehicle, or) residence of the gods. (2). MANO. and ARAN.—(Approaching) Prosperity, pros- perity, to the Queen! VASAVA.—Manorama,' the twilight has indeed, passed. Go you then, and quickly put on your costumes. BOTH—As the Queen commands. (They start to go). VA'SA.—Aranyika,' go to the dressing room and decorate yourself with these very ornaments that are put on my person. (She removes the ornaments from her person and

Act III.] 22 pp 31-32. hands them over to A'ran.). Manoramá, you too take from Indivarikâ the ornaments that were given to my husband by my father when pleased by his capture of Nalagiri and decorate yourself, so that you will look quite like the King. (MANORAMA' takes the decorations from INDIVARIKA' and exit with ARANYIKA'). INDIVARIKA'—Here is a seat; may your Majesty sit down. VA'SAVA.—(Pointing to a seat) May your reverence sit down. (BOTH sit down). (Enter the CHAMBERLAIN having put on his dress). Looking after the management of the inner apart- ments, guarding against stumblings at every step, and now led by a staff, being broken down by old age, I imitate all the actions of a king, who, following the science of government, maintains order within cities and avoids errors of policy at every step. (3). I am commanded by Mahâsena, who bears a significant name and who has put to chagrin (overpowered) all the armies of his enemies, to inform the ladies of the harem thus—Tomorrow we are to celebrate the Udayana festival. Therefore you are to repair to the garden, of Love with your retinue splendid with dresses befitting the festival. SA'NK.—(Pointing to the CHAM.) Princess, the play has commenced. Please see it. CHAM.—So this is what I have to tell them—that they should go accompanied by their attendants and not attendants with their decorations put on. For, Among these (inmates of the harem) even the servants of the maids-in-attendance of the queens are conspicuous with their feet adorned with anklets, with their broad hips having gingling girdle-bands, with their large breasts decked with (lit. having beauty imparted to them by) pearl necklaces, with their arms having Keyuras (armlets) on them, and with their ears furnished

with Kundalas, their hands with bracelets and their hair with Swastikas. (4) There is nothing, indeed, unusual that is to be done here. Thinking that it is my master's order, I will simply communicate the remaining part of the king's order to the Princess. (Walking about and seeing.) Here has that (princess) Vâsavadattâ entered the music-hall followed by Kânchanamâlâ, lute in hand. I will just tell her. (Walks forth.) (Enter A'VANTIKA, in VÂSAVADATTA's costume, seated, and KÂNCHANAMÂ'LÂ, with a lute in her hand). A'RAN.—Friend, Kânchanamâlâ, why again is the music-master tarrying even to-day ? KA'NCH :—Princess, he has seen a crazy fellow ; and overpowered by wonder at hearing his words he has stayed there enjoying the fun (lit. laughing at him). A'RAN.—Maid, well does he ask him. Both are mad men, as it is said—'The like take pleasure in the like.' SÂ'MKR—I see that her form is like that of a princess; so with such a form she is sure to act your part well. CHAM.—(Advancing) Princess, His Majesty sends word to you—To-morrow we are sure to hear you playing the lute. So you should be ready with Ghoshavatî fitted with new strings. AR'ANT—Sir, if so, quickly send the music-master. CHAMB.—Here I send Vatsarâja to you. (Exit). A'VANT.—Kânchanamâlâ, bring me the lute (Ghoshavatî). I will just examine its strings. (KÂ'NCHANAMÂ'LÂ' hands over the lute.) A'VANTIKA' puts it on her lap and strikes (or, adjusts) the strings). (Then enter MANORAMA' having put on VATSARÂJA's decorations). MANORAMA'—(To herself) Surely the King tarries. Is it that Vâsotaka did not tell him, or is he afraid T. 3

Act III.] 24* pp 34-35 of the Queen? If he comes now it will be a nice thing [Enter the King, and Vidûshaka with his body veiled] KING—The cool-rayed one (moon) does not cause affliction to me just to-day as at first, now only hot sighs do not parch my lip as they did constantly before, just now my mind is not vacant nor are the limbs languid as formerly, and my torment becomes reduced even as the desires of my heart are thought of (as near fulfilment) (5) Friend, did Manoramâ really say—"Since my dear friend is kept even out of the path of the King's sight by the Queen, this is the way to bring about their union To-day at night we are to enact before the Queen the play called Udayanacharita In it Âranyakâ will be Vâsavadattâ and I too Vatsarâja. Everything is to be learnt (acted) according to his own doings So having come and acting his part himself, let him enjoy the pleasure of her company " VIDÛ.—If you do not believe me, here is Manoramâ waiting, wearing your costume So approach her and ask her yourself KING—(Approaching MANORAMA) Manorama, is what Vasantaka says true? MANORAMA—Sire, quite true Decorate yourself with these ornaments (With these words she takes off the ornaments from her person and hands them over to the KING) (The KING puts them on) VIDÛ.—Here, indeed are kings thus made to dance (act) even by a maid servant Oh the importance of business (the object to be achieved)! KING—(Laughing) Fool, this is not the time for joking Silently enter the picture gallery and wait there with Manoramâ beholding our acting (Both act accordingly) A'RANY.—Kâñchanamâlâ, let alone the lute. Just I wish to ask you something