Malavikagnimitram of Kalidasa - 2 - End

THE

MALAVIKAGNIMITRA.

A SANSKRIT PLAY BY KALIDASA.

LITERALLY TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH PROSE

C. H. TAWNEY

( 24 )

Queen. I fear the noble Ganada"sa is taking to heart

the speech of Gautama.

^

Ganaddsa. Queen, say not so. By the help of the

king

1 Gautama is enabled to become sharp-sighted ; observe,

even a stupid person becomes clever by association with

the wise, as turbid water is made clear by contact with the

mud-dispersing fruit. 2

(Looking at the VidHshaka.) We are

waiting for your lordship's decision.

Vidushaka. Ask the Parivrajika" who witnessed the

performance, afterwards I will mention the omission which

I observed.

Ganaddsa. Reverend lady be pleased to give your

opinion according to your own observation as to whether

the performance was a success or a failure.

Parivrdjikd. All was blameless, and in accordance with

the rules of art : for the meaning was completely expressed

by her limbs which were full of language, the movement

of her feet was in perfect time, she exactly represented the

sentiments ; the acting was gentle, based upon the different

forms of feeling ;

3 in the successive exhibition of their

various shades emotion trod on the heels of emotion ; it

was a vivid picture of a series of passions.

4

Ganaddsa. What does his majesty think ?

1

Literally, by reliance or dependance upon the king.

8 The fruit of the kataka tree. One of the seeds of this plant being

rubbed upon the inside of the water-jar used in Bengal occasions a

precipitation of the earthy particles diffused through the water and

removes them.

3 Taranatha explains of which the instrument of expression was

the branch-like hand.

4 Tarauatha takes bhdvam to mean the heart; for nudati reads

tudati, and understands anyasmdt after vishaydl, the emotion (bhdva),

that is to say, the chain of passions diverts the mind from other objects.

( 25 )

. Ganadasa, I have become less confident about

the success of my protege.

Ganadasa. Then I am in truth a professor of dancing.

Wise men know that the teaching of a teacher is faultless,

when it does not become black in your1

presence, even as

gold that is tested in the fire.

Queen. I must congratulate you, sir, on being so

fortunate as to give satisfaction to your judo-e.

Ganadasa. But the queen's favour is the cause of my

good fortune. (Looking towards the Vidushaka.} Gautama,

now say what you have in your mind.

Vidushaka.-The first time that skill is exhibited, a

complimentary gift must be previously offered to the

Brahman, but you forgot about that.

Parivrdjika.U-A ! hu ! an umpire thoroughly conversant

with acting.

They all laugh. Even Malavika cannot suppress a smile.

King ( to himself}. My eye has perceived in its full

splendour its appropriate object, since it has seen the smiling

face of the almoud-eyed one, with the brightness of ita

teeth2 half displayed, like an opening lotus with the'

filaments of the flower partially visible.

Ganadasa. Great Brahman, this indeed is not a

rehearsal in the tiring-room,

3 otherwise how could we have

omitted to honour you who are worthy of honour ?

Taranatha reads vidvatsu, in the presence of the wise.

2 In an Asiatic of course, the teeth are more conspicuous than in a

European, and we have many references to their brightness, c.p.

Raghuvanqa, Sarga II, Stanza 46.

Aihdndhakdram girigahvardndm,

Danshtrdmayuhhaih qakaldni kurvan.

3 Taranatha reads prathamam nepathyasavanam, the first handselling

of the tiring-room or theatre. Savanam implies that the

handselling

was regarded as a religious ceremony, and therefore dakshiniyam for

archaniydm is quite appropriate.

( 26 )

Viduthaka.l indeed like ji timid cltdtaka 1 asked for a

drink of water when the heaven was rebellowing with

rainless clouds.

Parivrajilta. Exactly so.

Vidushaka. It follows that those people who expect to

derive any benefit from giving satisfaction to the learned

are a set of fools. 2 If the reverend lady has found the

performance meritorious, I will bestow this evidence of her

satisfaction upon Malavika. ( So speaking he draws off a

bracelet from the king's wrist.}

Queen. Stop ! why do you give away the ornament

before you have become acquainted with a different kind

of merit ?

3

Vidushaka. Because it belongs to some one else, of

course. 4

Queen (looking towards Ganaddsa, the teacher of dancing}.

Noble Ganadasa, in truth your pupil has exhibited

her proficiency.

Ganaddsa. My dear child, now leave the theatre.

\_yidlavikd departs with her teacher.

Vidushaka. Here ends my power to help your majesty.

King. Have done with this limiting of your power.

For, now I consider her disappearance behind the curtain

to be like the obscuration of the prosperity of my two

1 A bird that lives on rain-drops. Its peculiar habits are a subject of

frequent reference in Sanskrit poetry.

9 Taranatha takes it, those who (like me) are stupid, have to depend

upon the satisfaction of the learned, and take their opinions from

them.

3

i.e., that of Haradatta's pupil. The queen of course objects out

of jealousy.

4 If we have the reading parakeranti karia (parakarmeti kritvd),

it means "

why, because 1 have to do another person's work." (Shankar

Pandit.)

( 27 )

eyes, like the end of (.lie great feast of my heart, like the

closing of the door of joy.

Vidushaka. Bravo ! You are like a man sick of poverty,

1

desiring a medicine administered by the physician.

Haradatta (entering}. Tm\ have the goodness now

to look at my exhibition.

King (to himself). My object in being a spectator is

now at an end. (Aloud, putting a severe strain upon his

politeness). Haradatta, we are indeed anxious to behold it.

Haradatta. I am highly favoured.

A bard chants behind the scenes.

Victory to the king ! The sun has climbed up to the

zenith, for the geese rest with closed eyes in the shade of

the leaves of the lotuses of the ornamental water ; the

pigeons shun on account of the extreme heat the sloping

roofs of the palace which they ordinarily frequent,

2 the

peacock desirous of drinking the particles of water continually

flung out,

3

flies to the revolving water-wheel, the

sun blazes with all his rays at once, as thou with all thy

princely qualities.

Vidushaka. Oh ! Ho ! the time of bathing and eating

has arrived for your majesty. The physicians say that it

is bad for your highness to be kept waiting past the

appointed hour.

1 A medicine being no remedy for "

consumption of the purse."

Taranatha explains the Prakrit daridddturo as daridrdturo (poor and

sick, I suppose), and remarks that physicians' medicines are apt to be

expensive.

2

Literally, on account of the extreme heat the palace has become

such that the pigeons hate to frequent the sloping roofs.

3 I have translated vindutkshepdn, which Shankar Pandit reads in his

notes. In the text he reads

vindutkshepdt, which is also to be found in

Taranatha's edition, the thirsty peacock flies to the

revolving waterwheel,

because it throws out drops.

( 28 )

King. Haradatta ! what do you say ?

Haradatta. It is no time for me to speak.

King (looking towards Haradatta). Then we will see

your skill in teaching exhibited to-morrow.

Haradatta. As the king commands.

\_Exit Haradatta.

Queen. Let my husband perform the mid-day ceremonies.

Vidushaha. Lady ! let the arrangements for eating and

drinking be hurried on with special vigour.

Parivrajika {rising up\ Health to your majesty!

\_Exitwith the Queen, who is accompanied by her attendants.

Vidushaka. Ha ! not only in beauty but in artistic

skill is Malavika unmatched.

King. The Creator, by furnishing her, who is so naturally

beautiful, with attractive accomplishments, prepared

an arrow of love steeped in poison. Why should I say

more ? You must think upon me.

Vidushaka. You ought also to take thought for my

comfort. Surely the inside of my stomach burns like a

cauldron in the market-place,

King. Of course. But exert yourself for the sake of

your friend.

Vidushaka. I have pledged my word. 1 But it depends

1 Shankar Pandit explains at great length the origin of this phrase.

In the formula, inviting Brahtnans to the ceremony of the Craddha, the

word ftshana is often used. Hence, the person who addresses in the

words of the formula (the Qrdddhakrit), is said to give the kshana, and

the person to whom it is addressed is said to take the kshana in the

language of ignorant priests. Taranatha reads grihitadakshino 'smi,

I have received the reward (usually given to Brahmans at the end of

a sacrifice). Weber takes it ironically instead of a reward,

fresh labour.

( 29 )

upon the will of another, whether one can see the lady

Malavika". She is like the moon-light obscured by clouds.

As for your majesty, you amuse me by asking that your

wishes may be accomplished, having become quite distressed

like a bird hovering round the shop of a butcher,

desirous of meat, but afraid to venture.

King. Friend, how can I help being distressed, since

my heart is averse to the society of all the beauties of my

harem, and that fair-eyed oue has become the only object

of my affection ?

[Exeunt omnes.

Here ends the Second Act.

ACT III.

Enter an attendant of the Parivrajika.

Attendant. I have received the following order from the

reverend lady :

"

Samadhimatika, get me a citron and bring

it here that I may present it as a token of respect to the

king." So I will go and look for Mudhukarika", the keeper

of the pleasure-garden. (Walking round and looking.)

Ah ! there she stands contemplating a golden Asoka-tree.

So I will go and salute her.

Enter the keeper of the garden.

Samadhimatika (going p to her). Madhukarika ! Is

your duty of looking after the shrubbery going on well?

Madhukarika. Why, here is Samadhimatika. Welcome

to you, my friend.

Samadhimatika. Listen ! The reverend lady commands -

'The lord of wealth1 must not be approached by people

1 Taraiiatlia Las an alternative reading devi, the queen.

( 30 )

like myself with empty hands, therefore I wish to honour

him with the gift of a citron."

Madhukarika. Surely, here is a citron near you. Tell

me, which of the two professors of music, who were quarrelling

with one another about their respective merits as

teachers, did the reverend lady approve of, after beholding

the performances of their pupils ?

Samadhimatika. Both of them are thoroughly acquainted

with the science of dancing, and clever in execution.

But the teaching power of Ganadasa was ranked the higher

of the two on account of the admirable qualities of his pupil.

Madhukarika. Well, is there any gossip going about

Avith regard to Malavika ?

Samadhimatika. Certainly. The king is desperately in

love with her, but in order to spare the feelings of Queen

Dhariui, he makes no use of his power to behold the object

of his desire. Malavika, too, in these days is seen to be

i'ading like a jasmine-garland that has been worn and

thrown away.

1 More than that I do not know. Give me

leave to depart.

Madhukarika. Take the citron hanging on this branch.

Samadhimatika (pretending to take it). Ah ! may you

obtain, for your readiness to oblige my saintly mistress, a

far more glorious fruit than this.

Madhukarika (advancing). Friend ! we will go together.

I also will give the queen information about this golden

A^oka-tree, which is delaying to burst into blossom because

it waits to be touched by the foot of a beautiful woman.2

Samadhimatika. Quite proper. Indeed, it is your duty.

\JExeunt.

Here ends the Interlude.

1 Taranatha has anubhutamurchcMieoa, that has suffered fading.

a This fancy is perpetually recurring in Sanskrit poetry.

( 31 )

Enter the king in a love-sick state, and the Vidushaka.

King. My body may be thin as it has not the joy of

embracing the beloved; my eye may be filled with tears

because she is not seen by it even for a moment; but thou,

my heart, art not separated for a single instant from that

antelope-eyed one ; why then dost thou suffer agony, when

thy consolation is ever near thee ?

Vidushaka. Let your Highness cease giving way to

tears and abandoning all self-restraint ; I have seen Vakulavalika,

Malavikd'a dear friend, and I have given her that

message which your Highness entrusted to me.1

King. What did she say then ?

Vidushaka. 11 Inform the king that I am favoured by

having that duty entrusted to me. But that unfortunate

girl being guarded by the queen more carefully than before,

like the jewel

2

guarded by a snake, is not easily to be got

at; nevertheless I will do my best."

King. Oh revered God of Love, child of fancy, having

directed my longing to objects unfortunately surrounded

with obstacles, thou dost smite me so sorely that I cannot

live much longer. (With an expression of astonishment.}

What proportion is there between this

soul-torturing agony

and thy bow to all appearances so harmless ? That "sweet

and bitter in a breath," of which we hear so much, is surely

seen in thee, oh God of Desire !

Vidushaka. I tell you of a truth that I have devised

an expedient for ensuring the end we wish to attain ; therefore,

royal sir, regain your composure.

King. Well, where shall I manage to get through the

rest of the day with a mind averse to my usual occupations

?

1

Literally, she has been caused to hear.

8

Alluding to the "precious jewel, which the snake, though 'ugly and venomous,' wears in his head," says Shankar Pandit.

( 32 )

Vidushaka. Surely, Iravati sent yon tliis very day some

red Kuravaka blossoms indicative of the first appearance

of spring, and on the ground of the recent advent of that

season made this request by the mouth of Nipunika,

" I

wish to enjoy a ride in the swing in company with my

husband." Your Highness, too, promised to gratify her;

therefore, let us go to the pleasure-grounds.

King. This is impossible.

Vidushaka. How so?

King. My friend, women are by nature discerning.

Now that my heart is devoted to another, how will your

friend help perceiving it, even when I am caressing her?

Therefore, I see clearly that it is better to interrupt my

accustomed familiarity, for I know many excuses for breaking

it off, than to go through the form of shewing regard

to sharp-sighted women, even if with more empressement

than before, supposing it be void of passion.

1

Vidushaka. You ought not suddenly to throw behind

your back your invariable courtesy to the ladies of your

harem.

King (reflecting}. Then shew me the way to the pleasure-

grounds.

Vidushaka. This way, this way, your Highness.

Both walk round.

Vidushaka. The spring by means of these finger-like

shoots, agitated by the wind, a3 it were, beckons on your

Highness to enter this pleasure-ground.

King (having perceived that something is touching him}.

Surely the Spring is noble in his sympathy. Observe, my

friend, he, as it were, compassionately asking by the notes

1 Purvdbhyadhikah is explained by Taranatha to mean purcam abhyadhika,

i.e., before excessive, but now void of passion.

( 33 )

of love-intoxicated cuckoos, agreeable to the ear, how I

manage to bear the torture of my passion, has made the

southern wind fragrant with mango-blossoms to play upon

my body, like the palm of a hand frequently stroking me.

Vidushaka. Enter, that you may obtain tranquillity

of mind.

Both enter the garden.

Vidushaka. Oh ! my friend, look carefully around you.

Surely the presiding goddess of the pleasure-grove, desiring

to allure you, has donned a robe of spring flowers that

puts to shame the adornment of a young lady.

King. Indeed, I behold it with astonishment. The red

dye of the uimba-like lip is surpassed in excellence1 by the

splendour of the red Ago/to, ; the .KWawzAa-flower, darkblue,

white, and red, transcends the painting on the forehead ;

the ornament of the spot between the eye-brows is surpassed

by the ft7a&a-blossoins having bees clinging to them like

collyrium ; the goddess of Vernal Beauty seems to laugh to

scorn the art of adorning the face2 as practised by women.

Both of them admire the beauty of the garden.

Enter Malavika in a state of agitation.

Malavika. I am ashamed of myself for being in love with

the king, whose heart I do not know. How can I tell the

circumstance to my dear friend? I do not know for how

long a time love will bring me into this irremediably

1 Taking aviqeshitaguna as the reading. It may mean, if we adopt

viqesTiitaguna, the bimba-lip of the vernal beauty is heightened in

quality (has its hue deepened) by that of the red-flowered A9oka

(Shankar Pandit). Taranatha takes it, the red dye of the bimba-like lip

is equalled in excellence by the red Agoka-creeper.

* Taranatba reads sukhaprasddhunavidhau, the art of adornment

without eSort.

( 34 )

severe suffering. (Having advanced some steps.) Where

am I going now ? (After reflecting.} Ah ! I received this

order from the queen :

"

Having had a fall from a swing,

"

owing to the carelessness of Gautama, I cannot move

" my feet, therefore do thou perform the ceremony of

"

fertilizing the golden A9oka-tree ; if in five nights from

" this time it displays flowers, I will (she stops speaking

" and heaves a sigh) bestow on thee a boon which will

"

gratify thy desires." Well I have come first to the place

where I am to perform this duty. While I am waiting till

Vakul&valikd, comes after me with the pigment for the feet,

I will for a moment weep undisturbed. (She walks round.)

Vidushaka. Ha! ha! here is treacle offered you, now

that you are confused with drinking rum.1

King.A\\ ! What is that ?

Vidushaka. There stands Malavika at no great distance,

somewhat insufficiently adorned, with the complexion of

one afflicted ; and alone.

King (delighted). What I Malavika?

Vidushaka. Certainly.

King. Now my life may find support. Hearing from

you that my beloved is near, my distracted heart once more

revives, like the heart of a traveller longing for water

when he learns from the cry of the sdrasa that a treebordered

river is near. Well ! Where is the lady ?

1 The Vidushaka seems to mean that the king, who is already maddened

by his passion for Malavika, will be still more so when he sees

her alone, just as a man that is already intoxicated by drink, and helpless

under its influence, is rendered still more helpless by eating; or drinking

anything that is sweet (Shankar Pandit). Taranatha, on the other

hand, is of opinion that the inspissated juice of sugar-cane is good for

people in that state.

( 35 )

Vidushaka. Here she is coming in this very direction,

having emerged from the midst of a row of trees.

King. My friend I behold her. Broad in her bimba-YikQ

hips, thin in the waist, swelling in the bosom, she my

life is coming hither. My friend, the lady is in a different

state from what she was in before; for she, with her cheeks

pale like the stalk of a reed,1 and but few ornaments,

appears like the jasmine-creeper having its leaves developed

by the spring, and with only a few flowers.

Vidushaka. She, too, like your Highness, must be

slightly affected with love-sickness.

King. It is only friendship that sees that.

Mdlavikd. This Asoka, that is waiting to be touched by

the foot of a beautiful woman, and has not assumed its

robe of flowers, imitates me in my state of longing expectation,

therefore let me sit down on this slab of rock cool

with the shade of the tree, and refresh myself.

Vidushaka. Did your Highness hear? The lady said

" I am in a state of lonoiuor "

O O

King. Even this much does not make me think you a

man of unerring insight. For the wind from the Malaya

mountain, laden with the pollen of the kuravaka flowers,

accompanied with drops of water issuing from the opening

folds of the buds, produces longing in the mind even without

definite cause.

Mdlavikd sits down.

King. My friend, come this way, let us hide behind the

creeper.

Vidushaka. I think I see Iravati in the distance.

King. But when he sees a cluster of lotuses, the elephant

does not care for the alligator. (He stands gazing.)

1 Saccharum Sara (Monier Williams).

( 36 )

Mdlavikd. Cease, my heart, from entertaining a wish

which is sure to be futile. Why dost thou torture me ?

The Vidushaka looks at the king.

King.My beloved, observe the perverseness

1 of love.

Thou dost not reveal any cause of thy pining, nor is conjecture

invariably to be relied upon,

2 nevertheless, beautiful

one, I consider myself the theme of all these lamentations.

Vidushaka. Now your Highness may be free from

anxiety, for here comes Vakulavalika" alone, she to whom

I gave the message of love.

J^ing, I wonder whether she will remember my petition.

Vidushaka. What ! do you suppose that that daughter

of a female slave will forget such a weighty message from

your Highness? Why, even I at the present moment have

not forgotten it.

Enter Vakuldvalikd, with the pigment for the feet in her

hand.

Vakuldvalikd. Is my friend happy ?

Mdlavikd Ah ! here is Vakuldvalika come. Welcome

my friend, sit down.

Vakuldvalika. Ha ! On the present occasion you are

charged with the appropriate duty of making the A$okatree

bloom, therefore give me one of your feet, that I may

paint it with lac, and put the anklet on it.

Mdlavikd (to herself). Heart ! cease rejoicing, because

this office has devolved upon me. How can I now free

myself from this misery ? Never mind ! This painting will

certainly be my funeral adornment.

Taranaiha reads mdhattvam, the greatness, the mighty power.

Literally, love only to acquaint me with what is true.

( 37 )

Vakuldvalikd. Why do you hesitate? Indeed, the queen

is anxious that that golden Aoka-tree should put forth

flowers.

King. What ! is all this preparation for the sake of

fulfilling the longing of the A9oka ?

Vidushaka. Why, do you not know that the queen

would not, -without reason, cause her to be adorned with the

ornaments of the harem ?

Mdlavikd (holds out her foot). Come, do not hurt me

this time.

Vakuldvalikd. Why, you are as dear to me as my own

body. (She pretends to begin the painting of Mdlavikd's

foot.)

King. Friend ! observe the moist streak of colour

placed upon the extremity of my darling's foot, like the

first peeping forth of the bud of the tree of love consumed

by Civa.1

Vidushaka. Truly, the duty imposed upon the lady is

well suited to such a foot.

King. Sir, you have spoken the exact truth. The girl

deserves to smite two things with this point of her foot, of

the hue of a young bud, on which the gleam of the nails

flashes white, both the Aoka that has not yet flowered aa

longing for the ceremony of the dohada, and her lover

standing with bowed2

head, having recently committed an

offence.

Vidushaka. You will have an opportunity of offending

the lady.

1

Afanobhava, the mind-born, i.e., Kama, god of love, was consumed

by the fire of

piva's eye, and therefore called Ananga. Weber suggests

that the myth was invented to explain the name.

*

Pranihita, which Shankar Pandit reads, and pranamita, the reading

of Taranatha's edition, are pretty nearly identical in meaning. The

literal meaning of the former is,

" laid down in front of (his mistress)."

( 38 )

King. I accept the omen, the word of a Brahman must

come true.

Enter Iravati in a state of intoxication, and her attendant. 1

Iravati. Nipunika, my girl, I have often heard that

intoxication is an especial ornament to women. Do you

think that this popular saying is true?

Nipunika. It was formerly a mere popular saying ; now

it has become true.

Iravati. Cease your flattering speeches. How did you

discover, on the present occasion, that the king had gone

on before me to the house in which the swing is?

Nipunika. I inferred it from his unfailing affection for

you, his queen.

Iravati. No more of that adulation, speak as if you

were an indifferent person.

Nipunika. The noble Gautama told me, being desirous

of a spring-gift. Let your Highness come quickly.

Iravati (walking round as well as her state will permit).

Oh ! my heart urges me on to behold my husband, though

I am overpowered with intoxication, but my feet will not

advance on the path.

2

i Weber, who probably reads yuktamadd, translates it, im liebesrausch ;

but remarks that a comparison with Kumara Sambhava, III, 38, IV, 12,

renders it probable that real intoxication with flower-wine is meant.

In this first passage, the Kinnara's wife's eyes are represented as " rollin"

a little by reason of flower-wine ;

" and in the second " the intoxication

of wine" is said to make the " red eyes of ladies roll" and " the

voice to trip at every word." It seems to me that unmattaveshd must

bear the meaning I have assigned to it, on account of some of the

expressions that follow. Babu Eajendra Lai Mitra has shewn that the

"

pleasures of the bottle

" were not altogether unknown to the ancient

Hindoos.

9

Op. Schiller's Piccolomini Act IV Sc. 5 :

Das Haupt ist frisch, der Magen ist gesund,

Die Beine aber wollen nicht mehr tragen.

( 39 )

Nipunika. Now, indeed, we have arrived at the summerhouse

where the swing is.

Irdvati. But, Nipunika", I do not see my husband in it.

Nipunika. You must look carefully. The king must be

hidden in some thicket or other, meaning to play your

Highness a trick. Let us for our part repair to this slab

of rock under the A$oka tree which is overgrown by the

Priyangu creeper.

Irdvati does so.

Nipunika (walking round and looking"). Observe, your

Highness ! While seeking for the sprout of the mango, we

are bitten by red ants.

Irdvati. What does that mean ?

Nipunika. Here is Vakulavalika" adorning the foot of

Malavika in the shade of the A<joka tree.

Irdvati (exhibiting signs of fear). This is not a proper

place for Malavika. What conjecture do you form ?

Nipunika. I conjecture that the queen whose feet have

been injured by a fall 1 from a swing has appointed Malavika

to perform the ceremony of the dohada for the Aoka

tree, otherwise how could she have permitted her attendant

to wear this pair of anklets which she herself uses ?

Irdvati. It is certainly a great honour to her.

Nipunika, Why do you not search for your husband ?

Irdvati. Girl, my feet refuse to go forward. My mind

is distracted :

2 I will, in the mean time, arrive at certainty

with respect to my suspicions.

3

(Observing Malavika, to herself]

Not without reason is my mind despondent.

4

1

Literally, whose feet had a fall. Tarkavagi<ja inserts saruja between

paribliraskta and charanayd, whose feet are painful owing to a fall.

2 Tarauatha reads " mado mum vikdrayati" intoxication quite upsets

me.

*

i.e., ascertain whether the king is in love with Malavika or not.

4 A tribute to the beauty of Malavika (Shankar Pandit).

( 40 )

Vakuldvalikd {calling attention to Mdlavikftsfoof). Are

you pleased with the way in which the lines of colour are

arranged on your foot ?

Mdlavikd. As it is on my own foot, I am ashamed to

praise your handiwork. Tell me who instructed you in

this artistic accomplishment.

1

Vakul valikd. In this I am a pupil of the king.

Vidushaka. Hasten now to get the teacher's complimentary

present.

Mdlavikd. I am glad to see that you are not conceited.

Vakulavalikd. Having obtained feet worthy of displaying

my skill upon, I shall become conceited now. (Looking

at the colour, to herself} I have accomplished my commission.

(Aloud) My friend, I have finished painting one of

your feet. It is only necessary to breathe on it.

2

Besides,

this place is windy.

King. My friend, observe, observe. Now there has

arrived an admirable opportunity for me to do her a service

by fanning with the breath of my mouth her foot, the dye

on which is wet.

Vidushaka. Why do you regret that you cannot avail

yourself of it ?

3 You will soon be able to enjoy this privilege

for a long time.

Vakuldvalikd. Your foot shews like a red lotus. May

you certainly repose upon the bosom of the king.

Irdvati looks Nipunikd in the face.

King. I say Amen to this prayer.

Mdlavikd. Ah ! you are saying what you have no business

to say.

1

(jilpa or vdhyakald : sixty-four such are enumerated.

9

Literally, to apply the wind of the mouth.

3 I follow Shankar Pandit, who thinks that the king cannot speak to

Malavika as not having been " introduced."

( 41 )

Vakuldvalika. I said exactly what it is my business to

say.

1

Mdlavikd. Surely you love me, do you not?

Vakuldvalika. I am not the only person who loves you.

Mdlari/td. Who else then loves me ?

Vakuldvalika. Why, the king of course, who always

has an eye for good qualities.

Mdlavikd. You are saying what is false. That fortune2

is not mine.

Vakuldcalikd. Is it really not yours? It is seen in the

emaciated and slightly pale limbs of the king.

Nipunikd. The wench gives her answer as if she had

got it sill up3 beforehand.

Vakuldvalika. Regulate your conduct according to the

maxim of the good, that love must be tested4

by love.

Mdlavikd. What are you chattering there at your own

sweet will ?

Vakuldvalika. No indeed, these are but the wocds of

the king, full of affection, transmitted through me.

Mdlavikd. Ah! thinking of the queen, I shall not be

able to do as I would with my heart.3

Vakuldvalika. Foolish girl ! Do you suppose a mangoshoot

is not to be plucked to ornament the ear, containing

as it does in itself the whole essence of the manifestation

of spring, just because it has bees clinging to it?

1

i.e., as having been commissioned by the king.

9 " These good qualities are not in me " seems to be Taranatha's

explanation.

3 Bhanitam and ganitam, the reading of Taranatha's edition, both

mean "

repeated

"

or " learnt by rote

"

according to Shankar Pandit.

4 For parihshitavyah, Weber would read pratiltshitavyah, love must

be welcomed with love, Liebe ist mil Liebe aufzunehmen.

*, Taranatha reads na me hridayam viqousiti, My heart does not

feel confident.

F

( 42 )

Mdlavihd. Well, do you help me to the utmost, wicked

woman.1

Vakuldvulikd. I am a garland of Vakula flowers which

becomes more fragrant by rubbing.

2

King. Bravo ! Vakulavalika, Bravo ! By means of the

conversation which was artfully commenced as soon as

she knew the state of Malavikd's mind, and in which she

gave the proper answer on her friend's reproaching her,

she has got Malavikd, into her power ;' it is quite right

that the lives of lovers have been made dependant upon

female go-betweens.

4

Irdvati. Observe, iny girl. VakulaValika has induced

Malavika to take the step.

5

Nipunika. Queen ! Suggestion produces desire even in

one free from passion.

Irdvati. Not without reason indeed was my heart

apprehensive. Now that I have got at the facts, I will proceed

to think about the matter.

Vakulavaliha. Here is your second foot with its decoration

completed. Now I will put the anklets on both.

(She pretends to put on the anklets') Come now rise up.

1 Durjdta is an abusive term of endearment.

9 She means that her serviceableness will become known by degrees,

as Malavika comes more and more in contact with her. She is punning

on her own name, which means a garland of Vakula flowers. (Shankar

Pandit.)

8 Or she has induced Malavika to consent to the purport of her

(Vakulavalika's) commission.

4 Duti corresponds apparently to the Greek Trpopvy'orpia. Vakulavalika

certainly was

ein Weib wie auserlesen

Zum Kuppler-und Zigeunerwesen.

*

i.e., to enter upon tbe enterprise of trying to become the King's

bride.

( 43 )

Perform the duty imposed on you by the queen of causing

the Agoka to blossom.

Irdvati. You heard the words "

imposed by the queen."

Well, let it pass for the present.

Vakuldvalika. Here stands in front of you, flushed,

1

ready for enjoyment, r-.

Mdlavika (delighted}. What? the king?

Vakuldvalikd (smiling}. No ! not the king, but this

cluster of buds hanging on a bough of the Aoka, make

an ear-ornament of it.

Vidushaka. Did your Highness hear ?

King. So much as this is enough for lovers. I do not

approve of the union, even if successfully brought about,

of two lovers, one of whom is ardent, and the other indifferent;

it is better that an equally enamoured pair

should even pine away hopeless of mutual happiness.

Malavika, having made an ear-ornament of Aqoka-buds, in

a playful manner puts forth her foot to strike the tree.

King. Observe, my friend. Having taken from the

Agoka-tree a shoot for her ear she presents to it her foot ;

since the two have exchanged similar8

gifts, I consider

myself defrauded of my rights.

Vakuldvalika. Well, you are not in fault ; this Agoka

must be devoid of good qualities, if it should be slow in

putting forth flowers, now that it has been blessed by such

a foot.

King.-~Oh Agoka I if after having been honoured by

the slender-waisted one with this foot of hers, soft as a

young lotus, loud-tinkling with noisy anklets, you are

1 Rdga has a double meaning; as referring to the king, it means

"

passiou ;" when applied to the tree, it denotes the red colour of the

buds.

a Both Malavika's foot and the shoot of the Aqoka being red.

( 44 )

not immediately endowed \vith flowers, in vain do you

nurse a desire shared by sportive

1

lovers.

Friend, I wish to present myself, taking a favourable

opportunity of joining in the conversation.

Vidushaka. Come along ! I will make fun of her.

Both Enter.

Nipunilcd. Queen ! here is the king appearing on the

scene.

Iravati. This is exactly what my heart anticipated at

the outset.

Vidushaka (advancing}. My lady, it is not proper conduct

on your part to strike with your left foot an A9okatree

belonging to my dear friend.

Both (in a state of trepidation} Ah ! here is the king.

Vidushaka. Vakuldvalika ! Why did not you, as you

knew the state of the case, restrain the lady from committing

2 such an impropriety ?

Mdlavikd shoiosfear.

Nipunikd. Queen, see what the noble Gautama has

undertaken.

Iravati. How else could a low Brahman like him make

a livelihood ?

Vakuldvalikd. Sir ! this lady is executing an order of

the queen's. In this transgression she is only the instrument

of another. Let the king be appeased. (She makes

Mdlavikd prostrate herself, and falls prostrate at the same

time.)

1 Or it may mean, as Sbankar Pandit says,

" a desire common with

persons fond of the graceful actions of young women, viz., the desire to

be kicked by them."

1 Or literally when attempting to commit.

( 45 )

King. If this is the case, you are not guilty. My good

girl, rise up (he takes her by the hand and raises her up).

Vidushaka. Quite right. In this matter you ought to

show respect for the queen.

King. Oh I charming one, do you not now feel pain in

your left foot soft as the filament of a lotus, which you

placed on the hard trunk of the tree ? What say you

beautiful girl (P)

1

Malavika looks ashamed.

Iravati (spitefully). Ah I my husband has a heart as

soft as fresh butter.

Malavika. Come Vakulavalika", let us inform the queen

that we have performed her command.

Vakulavaliha. Then ask the king to give you leave to

depart.

King. My good girl, you may go. But hear first my

supplication, which has now an opportunity of making itself

known.

Vakulavaliha. Listen attentively ! Let the king be

pleased to speak.

King. This person for a long time has not been able to

put forth such a blossom of happiness ;

2 with the nectar

of your touch satisfy also the longing of this man devoted

to you alone.

Iravati (suddenly approaching). Satisfy it, satisfy it ;

no doubt .the A$oka shows flowers, but this tree does not

only display flowers, it bears fruit also.

All are confused on beholding Iravati.

King (aside). My friend, what resource is there now ?

Vidushaka. What other than taking to our heels ?

1

Vdmoru, literally =pulchra femora habens.

9 As he will put forth after having been (like the tree) kicked by

Malavika.

( 46 )

Iravati. Vakuldvalika I you have begun well. Mdlavikd,

! grant the request of my husband.

Both the girls. Let the queen have compassion on us.

Who are we that we should attract the affection of the

king?

\_Exeunt VakuldvaliJcd and Mdlavikd.

Iravati. Oh the faithlessness of men ! I indeed relying

upon your deceitful speech unsuspicious like the deer

that is attracted by the whistle of the hunter did not anticipate

this.

Vidushalca (aside*). Make some defence. Being a burglar

caught in the act you ought to say that you came

here to put down house-breaking.

1

King. Beautiful one ! I had no object with Malavika.

Because you delayed, I amused myself as well as I could.

Iravati. You are to be depended on, are you not ? I

did not know that my husband had obtained such an

agreeable means of passing the time. Otherwise I should

never have presumed to annoy you by this intrusion.

Vidushaka. Do not repel by your speeches the courtesy

of the king. If mere conversation with the attendants of

our royal mistress when met by chance is to be considered

a crime why, of course, you know best, and we must

acquiesce.

Iravati. Well, conversation let it be called. How long

am I to torture myself about nothing ? (She goes off in a

1

Sandhichchhedagikshaka

" one that punishes or wants to punish a

crime of house-breaking (Shankar Pandit). Tarantha reads udakdntamule

vipathike vimaihitena kumbhilena sandhichchhedah qikshitavyuh, i.e., a

thief overtaken near water where there is no passenger must practise

digging holes such as house-breakers make. Perhaps he means that the

king ought to allege as an excuse that he was keeping his hand in by

flirting with Malavik until Iravati came.

( 47 )

passion, and though her feet are entangled by her girdle,

keeps progressing as well as she cow.)

King. Beautiful one, neglect of your devoted admirer

is not becoming.

IravatL Traitor, your heart is not to be relied on.

King. With the word "

traitor," oh dear one, let your

scorn of me, who am so familiar with you, come to an end ;

you do not dismiss your anger even though entreated by

your girdle lying prostrate at your feet. 1

Irdvati. Even this cursed girdle sides with you. (She

takes up the girdle and endeavours to strike the king with it.)

King. This lady in a passion, raining tears, prepares

to strike me, terrible criminal that I am, with the cord of

her golden girdle fallen unexpectedly from her bimba-\\ke

hips, as a row of thunder-clouds to strike the Viudhya

mountain with a streak of lightning.

Irdvati. What? Do you offend against me again?

2

(raising her hand with the girdle in it).

King. Why do you withdraw the scourge lifted against

me the malefactor, oh curly-haired one ! You increase your

fascinations, and still you are angry with your slave here.

(To himself) surely, now I am forgiven (falls at her

feet).

Irdvati. These indeed are not the feet of Malavika,

that will gratify your longing for a caress. 3

( She departs

with her attendant.)

Vidushaka. Come ! rise up, rise up, you have found

favour.*

1 Shankar Pandit observes that the pun here is obvious. The girdle

is compared to a suppliant.

3 Amdhiritdm. Taranatha's reading means do you insult me again?

* A playful kick such as was given to the Agoka.

* Tarauatha reads Ahritaprasdddsi you have not found favour.

( 48 )

King (rising up and not seeing Iravati}. What? is the

dear one really gone ?

VidushaJta. I am glad to say she has gone without

forgiving this impropriety. Therefore let us flee rapidly

before she returns like Mars retrogressing to his mansion

in the zodiac. 1

King. Oh the inconsistency of love ! Now that my

mind is taken captive by my beloved, I consider Iravati's

rejection of my humble supplication a veritable service ;

for, as she is angry, I may neglect her, though she is eo

attached to me.2

\_Both walk round and exeunt.

Here ends the Third Act.

ACT IV.

Enter the King in a state of anxiety and a female door-

. keeper.

King. ( To himself) May the tree of love which took

root by my interest in Malavika when her name reached

my ear, which, when she came within range of my eyes,

put forth the shoot of passion, which at the touch of her

hand may be said to have blossomed as my hair3 stood

erect from delight may that tree, I say, cause me, the

weary one,

4 to taste the flavour of its fruit. (Aloud.}

Friend Gautama !

1 In which case he exercises a malignant influence.

Mars retrograde is called Puella by Chaucer.

* Here Taranatha inserts " therefore come along, let us go and appease

the angry queen." The "

queen" of course is Dharini.

3 This means the small hairs of the skin (as Weber remarks) which,

with the inhabitants of India, stand erect from delight as well as from

fear.

* Taranatha reads kdnium, lover.

( 49 )

Female door-keeper. Victory to your highness ! Gautama

is not in attendance.

King. Of course. I remember I sent him to find out

what has become of Malavikd,.

Vidushaka (entering). Victory to the king !

King. Jayasend ! Find out where the queen Dhdrini

is, or how she is being solaced in the present painful state

of her foot.

Door-keeper. As the king commands.

[Exit Door-keeper.

King. Friend, what is the state of the lady, your friend ?

Vidushaka. Pretty much that of a cuckoo in the claws

of the cat.

King (despondently). What do you mean ?

Vidushaka. Indeed the wretched girl has been thrown

into the subterranean storehouse as if into the mouth of

death, by order of that fiery-eyed one. l

King. No doubt, because she heard of her meeting

with me.

Vidushaka. Of course*

King. Gautama! who was such an enemy of mine as

to make the queen angry ?

Vidushaka. Listen, Sir ! The Parivrajika tells me, as a

fact, that yesterday the lady Iravati went to ask after the

health of the queen, whose foot is disabled with pain.

Thereupon she was asked by the queen

" Why have I

not seen my beloved lately ?

" She answered "

little is

the regard he pays to you, do you not know that he is the

beloved of your maid ?

" 2

1 The enraged queen is compared to a cat with reddish-brown eyes.

a I have followed Shankar Pandit in this translation. Taranatha reads

the Prakrit equivalent of him dtmanoi1

pyannlankrito hridayajano

vallabha itif tatastayottdmycmtyd mantritam kuto vopachdrah yafparijanc

G

( 50 )

King. Alas ! this prelude makes the queen suspect

Malavika without further explanation.

Vidushaka. Then she being pressed informed the queen

with regard to your misdemeanour.

King. Ah I The unforgiving character of the lady ! Tell

me what happened next.

Vidtishaka. What happened next ! Why Malavika and

Vakulavalika, with fetters on them, are enjoying a residence

in the infernal regions where a ray of the sun is

never seen, like two snake-maidens.1

King. Alas ! The sweet-voiced cuckoo and the bee, the

companions of the unfolded mango-bud, have been driven

into the trunk by unseasonable rain, accompanied by a

strong east-wind. Friend, can there be an opening here

for any stratagem.

Vidushaka. How can there be ? For Madhavika, who

presides over the store-house, received this order from

the queen,

"

you are not to let out that baggage of a Malavika,

until you see the seal of my ring."

2

King (sighing}. Friend ! What remedy can we adopt in

this matter ?

Vidushaka (reflecting^. There is an expedient even

here.

King. Of what kind ?

sankrdntam vallabhatvamjndsyatiti. This seems to mean,

"

is a beloved

person unadorned dear even to herself (then why are you not properly

adorned) ? Then she being distressed said Why should such a

person adorn herself when she must learn that the afiection which ought

to be hers has been diverted on to a slave ?

"

1 The maidens of the Naga race are, according to Shankar Pandit,

distinguished for their beauty.

8 It is clear that the head-queen exercised in some departments

an amount of authority that would have delighted the soul of

Mr. J. S. Mill.

( 51 )

Vidushaka (looking meaningly at the king}. Some one

may be listening to our conversation unseen. So I will

whisper it in your ear (embracing him, and whispering in

his ear). This is what I intend.

King. Happily conceived ! let it be put in execution,

and may it be successful.

Female door-keeper (entering}. King ! The queen is

reclining upon a couch exposed to a free current of air,

having her foot tended by her maids with their hands full

of red sandal-wood, and being herself amused with stories

by the Parivrajika.

King. This is an appropriate occasion for me to visit her.

Vidushaka. Then go, Sir. In the meanwhile I will

provide myself with some present that I may not approach

the queen empty handed.

King. Before you go, inform Jayasena of our plan.

Vidushaka (whispers in her ear}. This it is, my good

lady. ,

King. Jayasena ! Show me the way to the couch where

the queen is reclining in the open air.

Then are discovered the queen reclining upon a couch,

and the Parivrajika with the attendants in order of precedence.

Queen. Revered madam ! That was a capital story.

What happened next ?

Parivrajika (with a meaning look). I will tell you more

presently. His majesty the king has arrived.

Queen. Ah ! my husband ! ( She endeavours to stand up.)

King. Stop I Stop ! Do not distress yourself to show

respect to me. You ought not, oh soft-voiced one, to give

pain to your foot unused to the absence of anklets, which is

resting on the golden footstool, and to me at the same

time.

Parivrajika. Victory to the king !

( 52 )

Queen. Victory to my husband.

King (inclining reverently to the Parivrdjikd and sitting

down). Queen ! Is the pain now endurable ?

Queen. Thank you, there is some improvement.

Enter the Vidushaka in a state of alarm, with his finger

tied up with his sacrificial cord.

Vidushaka. Alas ! Alas ! I have been bitten by a snake.

All of them are horrified.

J&'w^.-r-Alas ! Where have you been wandering ?

Vidushaka. I went to the pleasure-grove to gather the

customary

1

bouquet, because I was about to visit the

queen save me ! save me !

Queen. Alas! Alas! J have become the cause of a

Brahman's life being in jeopardy.

Vidushaka. Then, as I stretched out my hand to pluck

a cluster of A9oka-flowers, Death in the form of a snake

came out of the trunk and bit me on the finger. Here,

indeed, are the two marks of the teeth. (He shows them

the bite.}

Parivrdjikd. The best remedy for that is said to be

excision of the bitten part ; let that remedy be adopted in

this case. The excision of the bite, or its cauterization, or

the letting of blood from the wound ;

a these are the prescribed

expedients for saving the lives of men who are

bitten by snakes.3

1 Shankar Pandit says,

"

required by the custom of the good

Achdra = qishtdchdra." I think the English word "

customary

"

expresses this idea. It was proper to take flowers with one when

approaching a god or great personage.

3 Taranatha reads kshatasydraktamokshanam., which he explains as

the complete draining of blood of the wounded part.

3

Dashtamdtrdndm^ like kshatriyamdtram, a hchafrijn, in cnnrrnil. The

learned Parivrajika quotes two lines from some Sanskrit treatise on

medicine.

- fa. "*

( 53 )

King. Now it is time for the poison-doctors to do their

work. Jayasena", let Dhruvasiddhi be quickly brought.

Door-keeper. As the king commands.

[Exit Door-keeper.

Vidushaka. Alas ! I am seized by cruel death.

King. Do not be alarmed. A bite may sometimes be

free from venom.

Vidushaka. How can I help fearing ? My limbs are

convulsed.

He pretends that the poison is beginning to take effect.

Queen (advancing}. Alas ! Alas ! The poor creature is

attacked with cramps. Support him ! Support him !

( The attendants support Mm in a state of great trepidation.)

Vidushaka (looking towards the Icing). Ah! I have

been your dear companion from childhood : take that into

consideration and undertake the maintenance and protection

of my helpless mother.

King. Do not be afraid. The doctor will cure you in

a moment. Be calm.

Enter Door-keeper.

Door-keeper. King! Dhruvasiddhi desires that Gautama

be brought to him.

King. Then cause him to be carried by the Chamberlain

into the presence of the doctor.

Door-keeper. Very well.

Vidushaka (looking towards the queen). Lady ! Whether

I live or die, pardon all the faults that I may have

committed against thee to oblige the king.

Queen. May you live to a good old age.

[Exeunt Vidushaka and Door-keeper.

( 54 )

King. The poor fellow is naturally timid. He does

not believe that even Dhruvasiddhi1 will be successful in

curing him, though he is rightly named the " infallible

doctor."

Enter Door-keeper.

Door-keeper. Victory to the king! Dhruvasiddhi directs

that some snake-stone seal or other should be looked for

to put on a pitcher of water. 2

Queen. Here is a stone with a snake-stone seal. Afterwards

give it back into my hand (with these words she

gives it to the door-keeper).

King. Jayaseiid ! When the cure is accomplished bring

the healing talisman3 back quickly.

Door-keeper. As the king commands.

[Exit Door-keeper.

Parivrdjika. My heart tells me, Gautama has recovered

from the effects of the poison.

King. So be it.

Door-keeper (entering}. Victory to the king ! The violence

of the poison has ceased, and Gautama is as well

again as ever.

Queen. It is a great blessing that I am clear of blame. 4

Door-keeper. This minister Vahatava sends the following

message. There are many of the king's affairs which

1 The word Dhruvasiddhi means,

" one whose success is certain."

1 The enchanted water would then be a specific for snake-bite.

Weber takes Udakambha as a proper name.

3 I have taken pratipatti to mean instrument. Taranatha takes it to

mean to the proper place, i.e., into the queen's possession. Weber's

translation trag das Mittel eilig hin damit die kur geliiigt does not suit

the reading of either the Bombay or the Calcutta edition.

4

i.e., of the guilt of having been indirectly the cause of the death of a

Brahman.

( 55 )

I should like to talk over with him. Therefore I beg to be

favoured with an interview.

Queen. Go, my husband, and may you be successful in

your affairs. 1

King. Queen, this place is exposed to the sun, and cold

treatment is recommended as best for this complaint ;

therefore let your couch be removed to another spot.

Queen. Come, my girls, carry out the king's orders.

Attendants. Very well.

[Exeunt Queen, the Parivrdjiha and attendants.

King. Jayasend, lead me to the pleasure-grounds by

a secret path.

Jayasend. Let the king come this way.

King. Jayasena, has Gautama accomplished his purpose?

Jayasena. Certainly.

King. Though I all along thought the device wonderfully

well adapted for effecting our object, my heart is

doubtful about the result, and timidly apprehensive.

Enter Vidushaka.

Vidushaka. Victory to the king ! Your Majesty's

auspicious affairs have turned out prosperously.

King. Jayasena, do you also return to your duties.

Jayasena. As the king commands.

[Exit Jayasena.

King. My friend, Madhavika is a bit of a vixen. Did

she not hesitate at all ?

Vidushaka. How could she possibly hesitate after seeing

the queen's signet ring ?

King. I do not speak with reference to the signet ring.

But she naturally ought to have asked what was the cause

1 The audience, of course, understand that the affairs are really love

affairs.

( 56 )

of the liberation of those two prisoners in that way, and

why the queen passed over all her own servants and commissioned

you to take the message.

Vidushaka. Of course, I was asked these questions.

But with my usual presence of mind I answered: " The

"

king has been told by the astrologers that his star is

" threatened with misfortune, and that therefore he had

" better release all the prisoners in his kingdom. When

" the queen Dharini heard this, she wishing to spare

" Iravati's feelings ordered me .to release the prisoners and

"

give out that the king wanted them set at liberty."

Thereupon Madhavika granted my request, saying that all

was as it should be.

King (embracing the Vidushaka'). Friend, I see that

you love me. For not only by force of intellect does one

see how to forward the interests of one's friends, the narrow

path which leads to the attainment of success is discovered

by affection also.

Vidushaka. Let your highness make haste. I put Malavika

with her friend in the lake summer-house1 and

came immediately to meet you.

King. I will go and pay my respects to her there. Go

on in front.

Viduskaka. Come, Sir, here is the lake summer-house.

King (anxiously). Here comes Chandrika, the maid of

your friend2

Iravati, with her hands engaged in gathering

flowers. Let us slip this way a minute and hide behind

the wall.

I A pleasure-house, probably so called from some ponds of water

being attached to it.

II All the king's wives and beloved objects are thus called with

reference to the Vidushaka.

( 57 )

Vidushaka. Thieves and lovers must avoid the moonlight.

1 (Both do as the king said.)

King. Gautama ! Do you suppose your friend is awaiting

me ? Come, let us go to this window, and look in-

( They stand looking in.)

Then are discovered Mdlavikd and Vakuldvalikd.

Vakuldvalikd. Hola! Prostrate yourself before the king,

who is to be seen at your side behind you.

3

King. I guess Vakulavalika is showing her my picture.

Mdlavikd (joyfully}. I salute you. (Looking at the door,

with a melancholy expression.) Where is the king ! Alas !

you are deceiving me.

King. My friend, I am delighted with the lady's joy

and despondency both. For the lovely-faced one's face

presented in a moment the two appearances of the lotus,

that which it wears when the sun is rising, and that which

it assumes when he is setting.

Vakuldvali/cd. Surely this is only a picture of the king.

Both (prostrating themselves before the picture). Victory,

victory to the king I

Mdlavikd. Ha ! Before, when I was standing face to face

with the king, I was not as completely satisfied with beholding

his beauty as I am now. I have obtained a good view

of the king now that I have seen him in a picture.

Vidushaka. Did you hear ? The lady says that you

look much better in the picture than you did when she

saw you in bodily presence. To no purpose do you wear

the pride of youth as a casket carries a store of gems.

1 As being

" contraria furtis." Charulrika, the name of the maid, means

"

moonlight." The pun is sufficiently obvious.

8 A picture of him was hung up in the summer-house. Taranatha

puts into the mouth of Malavika namaste yah pdrsvutah prishtatagcha

driqyatc, honour to thee who art ever in uiy thoughts.

H

( 58 )

King. My friend, women though full of curiosity are

naturally bashful. Observe ; though they desire to study

completely the features of men they have an interview

with for the first time, still the almond-eyed ones do not

allow their gaze to fall full upon the beloved objects.

Mdlavikd. Who is this with face slightly averted, that

the king is looking at with an affectionate glance ?

Vahuldvalika. Surely, this is Iravati at his side.

Mdlavihd. Friend, he seems to me rather rude to neglect

all the queens, and rivet his gaze on her face alone.

Vahuldualiha (to herself}. So she treats the king's picture

as if it were the original, and exhibits jealousy towards it.

Good! I will have some fun out of her. (Aloud} She is

the king's sweet-heart.

Mdlavikd. Then why do I give myself any trouble

now? (She turns away pettishly.}

King. Look, my friend, at the face of your friend Malavika.

As she turned away angrily from this quarter her

face, the frontal mark of which was channelled by her

frowns, and the lower lip of which was quivering, she

seemed to exhibit the coquettish expression which was

taught her by her instructor as appropriate in fits of anger

on account of the fault of a lover.

Vidushaka. Be prepared now to propitiate her.

Mdlavikd. Here too is the noble Gautama, shewing her

respect. (She again shows a desire to look in anothei direction.)

Vakuldvalikd (preventing Mdlavikd from, sodoii g}. Surely

you are not angry now.

Mdlavikd. If you think I am going to be angry for long,

I hereby re-call my anger.

King (entering). Oh lotus-eyed one, why art thou angry

with me on account of an action represented in a picture?

Surely I am here in presence of thee, a slave devoted to

thee alone.

( 59 )

Vakulavalikd. Victory to the king !

Mdlavikd (to herself). What? did I show anger towards

the king's portrait ? (With bashful face folds her hands in a

suppliant attitude.)

The king appears to le distracted with love.

Fidushaha. Why do you seem so apathetic ?

King. Because your friend is so untrustworthy.

Vidushaka. Do not distrust the lady.

King. Listen ! She appears in a dream directly in front

of my eyes, and immediately vanishes ; when she has come

within the grasp of my arms, she suddenly darts forth again,

though she is a weak woman ;

' how can my mind repose any

trust in her while I am thus afflicted with the pain of love*

arising from a delusive union ?

Vakuldualikd. Friend, often has the king been deceived, so

now show yourself a person to be trusted.

MdlamM. But, my friend, I, unlucky woman that I am,

found union with the king hard to obtain even in a dream.

Vakuldvalikd. King, give her an answer.

King. What is the use of giving her an answer ? I have

given myself to your friend in presence of the fire of love ;

I am not her master, but her servant in secret.

Takuldvalikd. I am highly honoured by this favourable

answer.

Vidushaka (walking round with an air of agitation) . Vakulavalika

! Here is a deer coming to browse upon the shoots

of the young A9oka-tree, let us therefore drive it. off.

Vakuldvalikd. Very well. (She starts off.)

1 Abald means " weak" and also " a woman." The pun, as Shankar Pandit

observes, is apparent enough.

*

Literally, the mind-born one.

( 6<T)

King. You must be on the lookout to guard us also.

FakuIdvaliM. Noble Gautama, I will remain in some

lurking-place, do you guard the door.

Tidushaka. That is quite proper.

[Exit Fakuldvalikd.

In the meanwhile I will lie down upon this crystal slab-

Oh ! how pleasant to the feel is this delicious stone, (Hefa lit

asleep.")

Mdtavikd looks bashful.

King. Dismiss your bashfulness, Oh beautiful one, now

that I, who for a long time have been devoted to thee, am

become like the Mango-tree, do thou assume the part of the

Atimukta creeper.

*

Mdlavikd. Through fear of the queen I cannot do what

my heart approves.

King. Oh ! there is no ground for fear.

Mdlamkd. The king, who is now so fearless, has been seen

by me in much the same state as myself on beholding the

queen.

King. Politeness indeed, Oh Bimba-lipped one, is an

invariable characteristic 1 of lovers, nevertheless such life as

I possess, Oh almond-eyed one, is entirely dependent upon

the hope of thy favour.

Enter Irdvatt and Jtfipunikd.

Iravati. Nipunika, my girl, did Chandrika really tell

you that she saw the noble Gautama alone on the terrace of

the lake summer-house ?

Nipunika. Otherwise how should I have dared to tell your

Higohness so ?

1

Eularrata, a family custom handed down from generation to generation,

such as the celebration of a festival in honour of any deity on a particular

day.

( 61 )

IravatL Then let us go there in order to enquire after

the health of my husband's dear friend rescued from imminent

peril, and

Nipunika. Your Highness seems to have something further

to say.

Irdvati. And also to apologize to the picture of the king.

Nipunika. Why do you not endeavour to gain over the

king himself ?

Iravati. Silly girl, a husband whose heart is devoted to

another is no better than the picture of a husband.

My present object is only to atone for my want of proper

respect.

Nipunika. This way, your Highness.

(They walk round.)

Enter a Female Servant.

Servant. Victory to your highness !

The queen '

says :

tl This is not a proper occasion for me

to show jealousy, and it was only in order to increase the great

respect in which you are held that I put Malavika in fetters

together with her friend ; if you give me leave to gratify my

husband by setting them at liberty, I will do so. Let me

know your wish."

Irdvati. Nagarika, give the queen this message from me.

Who am I that I should commission the queen to execute my

wishes ? She has shewn great condescension towards me in

punishing her attendants. What other person in the world

honours me with favourable notice ?

Servant. I will do so. [Exit.

Nipunika (walking round and looking). Your Highness,

here is Gautama reclining in perfect confidence on the

threshold of the lake summer-house, and sleeping like an ox

in the market.

1 That it, the bead queen, Dharini.

( 62 )

IrdvatL That is very strange. It can hardly be the case

that any effects of the poison still remain.

Nipunikd. The expression of his face is tranquil. Moreover,

he has been treated by Dhruvasiddhi. Therefore we

need not fear that any harm will befall him.

Vidushaka (beginning to talk in his sleep). Lady Malavika

Nipunikd. Did your Highness hear ?

To whose party does this low fellow belong ? This miserable

glutton who eagerly catches at any talk about eatiug^

and who being hospitably treated has filled his belly with

complimentary sweetmeats giveu by our faction, is now

talking in his sleep about Malavika.

Vidushaka {continues to talk in his sleep) . May you cut

out Iravati.

Nipunikd. Did you hear ? Out upon it ! I will hide behind

the pillar and frighten with this stick of mine, which is

crooked like a snake, this scoundrelly Brahman, who is so much

afraid of serpents.

Irdvatt. Indeed, the treacherous rogue deserves some misfortune.

Nipunikd pitches her stick on to the body of the Vidushaka.

Vidushaka (waking up suddenly). Woe is me ! A snake has

fallen upon me.

King (rushing up immediately). Friend do not be afraid,

do not be afraid !

Malavika (following him}. Sir, do not rush out so heedlessly,

he says there is a snake there.

Irdvati. Alas ! Alas ! Here is the king running out of the

house.

Vidushaka (laughing) . Why it is only a stick after all-

But I was thinking that I had received the just reward of my

presumption in imitating the bite of a serpent with kelakithorns.

( 63 )

Enter Vakuldvalikd hurriedly .*

Vakulavalikd. Where is the snake ? Do not advance, oh

king ! In this direction I believe I see a serpent a serpent

crooked in its going.

9

Travail (advancing towards the king}. Did you find your

mid-day meeting- as delicious as you expected ?

All are confused on beholding Irdvati.

King. This is an extraordinary form of salutation.

Irdvati. Allow me also to congratulate you, Vakulavalika,

on the way in which you have made good your promise of

acting as a go-between.

Fakuldvalikd. Let your Highness have compassion on us.

Does Indra forget

3 the earth because the frogs croak ?

Vidushaka. Queen, do not go on in this way. Merely on

beholding you the king forgot your previous rejection of his

humble prostration, but you refuse to be reconciled even now.

Irdvati. What can I do now that I am angry?

King. You see that "

anger without cause" is a part that

does not suit you. For, fair one, when did your face without

cause pass even for a moment into the power of anger ? Tell

me, how shall the night have the circle of the moon obscured

by Rahu, except at the appointed time ? 4

1

Literally, tossing aside the stage-curtain.

* Taranatha observes that Iravati is called a serpent on account of the

crookedness of her mind.

8 Taranatha reads smarati for vismarati. " Is it the croaking of the frogs

that brings the rain ?" He explains it that the king's behaviour is the result of

his own passion, and has nothing to do with Yakulavalika's suggestions. Shankar

Pandit observes :

" Vaktilavalika means that whatever she and her poor friend

Malavika might have said about the king, that talk would have no more effect

upon the king's love to Iravati than the croaking of frogs on the desire of the

cloud to refresh the earth.

* Parvan-the full and change of the moon, and the eighth and fourteenth of

each half month (Monier Williams). Rahu is supposed to produce eclipses by

temporarily swallowing the sun and moon.

( 64 )

Irdvati. The phrase "without cause" was appropriately

used by my husband. Now that my good fortune has passed

to another, I should make myself ridiculous if I were ever to

be angry again.

King. Your notion is a mistaken one. But I so far agree

with you that I really see no ground for anger. For it was

in obedience to the precept that on festival days attendants

ought not to be imprisoned, even if they have committed a

fault, that I caused these girls to be set at liberty ; and they

came to tender me their respectful thanks.

Irdvati. Nipunika, go and inform the Queen that I have

detected her partiality.

l

Nipunila. Very well.

Vidushaka (to himself). Alas, a misfortune has happened.

The house-pigeon, after escaping from confinement, has fallen

into the beak 4 of the kite.

Enter Nipunika.

Nipunika. Queen, on the way I happened to meet with

Madhavika, and she informed me that it came about 3 in this

way. (Whispers in the Queen's ear.)

Irdvati (to herself). I understand it all now. That

scoundrelly Brahman unaided has devised the plan of taking

the fortress 4

(looking towards the Vidushaka, aloud.) This

is all the policy of that minister versed in the treatises on love.

Vidushaka. Policy ! Lady, if I ever read one syllable

of policy, may I even forget the gdyatri.

5

1 Taranatha reads ekapaksha vdditvam, partiality to one side and adds

avadhritam me hridayam adyeti, which perhaps means " my heart is henceforth

on its guard."

8 Taranatha reads viddlikdyd alolce came within sight of the cat.

8 For nirvrittam Taranatha reads mmittam, f. e., this was the cause.

* Taranatha omits the word durga^ fortress.

8 Taranatha reads na atrabhavantam sanfrito bhaveyam, which means if I

could read a single syllable of policy, I should not be dependant upon the

king for support.

( 65 )

King (to himself]. How on earth can I extricate myself

from this embarrassing situation ?

Enter Jayasend in a state of excitement.

Jayasend. King- ! the princess Vasulakshmi, while running

after her ball, was terribly frightened by a brown ape, and even

now though sitting on the lap of the Queen she still trembles

like a spray in the breeze, and does not recover her natural

spirits.

King. What 1 timid creatures children are.

Iravati. Let tbe King hasten to console her. Take care

that the distraction which the fright has produced does not

increase.

King. I will soon bring her to her senses. ( Walks round

rapidly).

Vidushaka. Bravo ! brown monkey ! Well done ! You

have got your caste-fellow 2 out of a nice scrape. (Exeunt

King with his friend, Iravati and the female door-keeper.)

Mdlavikd. Alas ! my heart trembles when I think of the

Queen. I do not know what I shall have to endure next.

A voice behind the scenes.

Wonderful I Wonderful ! Before the five nights have

elapsed from the time of the ceremony, the golden Ac,oka is

covered all over with blossoms. I will go and inform the

Queen.

Both are delighted on hearing this.

Vakuldvalikd. Let my dear friend take comfort. The

Queen is known to keep her promises.

Mdlavikd. Well then, let us follow the keeper of the

pleasure-grove close at the heels.

Vakuldvalikd. So be it. [Exeunt.

Here ends the Fourth Act.

1 Taranatha reads kashtam. Alas ! children are such timid creatures.

2 Taranatha reads svapaks/ta, your side. The Vidushaka looks upon himself

as an ape, or the next thing to it.

I

( 66 )

ACT V.

Enter Madhukarika, the female keeper of the garden.

HadhuJcariM. I have thrown up a low wall 1 round the

gold Ajoka-tree on which the usual ceremony was performed ;

now let me inform the Queen that I have accomplished her

commission (walking round.} Ah ! Destiny ought to take pity

on Malavika. And the Queen who is angry with her will

be inclined to shew her favour on account of this incident of

the Acoka's putting forth flowers. I wonder now where the

Queen is. Here is Sarasaka, the hunch-back that belongs

to the Queen's household, coming out of the court with a

kind of leather trunk in his hand, sealed with a lac seal. I

will ask him.

(Enter the hunch-lack as described)

(advancing) Sarasaka ! where are you going ?

Sarasaka. Madhukarika, here is one month's accumulation

of the regular daily dole that must be given to Brahmans

who have acquired sacred lore, and are performing an

auspicious ceremony ;

2 I am therefore going to transfer it to

the hands of the reverend chaplain.

Madhukarika.^ For what reason ?

Sarasaka. Ever since the Queen heard that the Prince

Vasumitra was appointed by the general

3 to guard the sacri-

1 Taranatha reads bhittivedifcd bandha, which means an altar or ground prepared

for sacrificial ceremonies. Satkdravidhind means according to the usual

method of doing honour to such trees.

2 Anutishtatdm performing an anushtdna, such as the muttering of a certain

mantra with a fast and an oblation of cooked rice, or the recital of a certain

number of Vedic verses. (Shankar Pandit.)

3 He was the father of Agnimitra, and retained the title of general, having

served in that capacity under the last Maurya king, whom he deposed, putting

his own son upon the throne. (Shankar Pandit.)

( 67 )

ficial horse, she has been bestowing on those worthy of a

dole a present of eighteen gold pieces in order to secure him

long life.

Madhukarikd. That is as it should be. But where is the

Queen ?

Sdrasaka. She is sitting on a throne in the Auspicious

Hall, ' and is listening to a letter sent from Vidarbha by her

brother Virasena, which is being read out by the scribes.

Madhukarikd. Well, what is the news about the King of

Vidarbha?

Sdrasaka. The King of Vidarbha has been reduced to

submission by the King's victorious army commanded by

Virasena, and his relation Madhavasena has been delivered

from captivity, accordingly he has sent as a present to the

King some valuable waggon-loads of jewels, and some attendants,

principally accomplished maidens; he has also despatched

an ambassador who is to have an interview with his

Highness to-morrow.

Madhukarikd. Go and perform your commission, I for

my part will go and see the Queen.

Here ends the Introductory Scene.

Enter the Female Door-keeper.

Door-keeper. The Queen has given me the following order

: Inform my husband that I desire to behold in his company

the splendour of the flowering of the Ac,oka-tree. Let

me now wait for the King who has gone to the tribunal of

justice.

Two Bards behind the scenes.

We hail the King who by means of his avenging force

tramples upon the heads of his enemies.

1

Probably set apart for religious ceremonies. Weber compares the krodhdgdra

to which Kaikcyi retires in the Raiuayana.

( 68 )

First Bard. While thou, Oh ! bestower of boons, dost

delightsomely spend the spring in gardens on the banks of

the Vidiga, in which the cuckoos utter pleasing notes, like the

comely-limbed god of love, in the meanwhile the enemy of

thee, whose army is so mighty, has been caused to bow

together with the trees on the banks of the Varada, which

served as the hooks for fastening thy victorious elephants.

l

Second Sard. The victories of both of you over the Krathakaicikas

are celebrated in song by godlike sages from pure

love of heroism, of thee who by means of thy avenging

armies didst take away the glory of the King of Vidarbha,

and of Krishna, who by main force carried off Rukmini with

his four arms strong as clubs.

Female Door-keeper. Here is the King coming in this

direction, his setting forth being announced by shouts of

victory ; I for my part will step a little out of his direct course,

and put myself under this arch of the main terrace.

Enter the King with Tils friend.

King. When I consider that union with my beloved is

hard to attain, and on the other hand now that I have heard

that the King of Vidarbha has been subdued by my forces,

my heart, like a lotus struck with rain-drops in the full blaze

of the sun, suffers pain, and at the same time enjoys pleasure.

Vidtishaka. As far as I am able to see, your Highness will

certainly be exceedingly delighted soon.

King. Friend, how can that take place ?

1 In the original this is a series of puns : dttarati may refer to the name of

Kama's wife ; angavdn may mean having a body, Ananga (love) being literally

the bodiless one ; parabhritdndm may mean either cuckoos or dependants

(bards, &c.) ; madhu may mean spring or pleasure. In Varadd the name of the

river called in our maps Wurdah, and Varadd, giver of boons, the jingle is

obvious. Upodhabalasya may be translated " of great strength" according to

Taianatha.

( 69 )

Vidiishaka. It is a fact that a short time ago the Queen

Dbarini said to the learned Kauqiki -Reverend Lady, since

you pride yourself upon your skill in cosmetic, '

give a specimen

on the person of Malavika of the style of wedding adornment

followed in Vidarbha. Accordingly, Malavika is magnificently

decorated. Perhaps the Queen may gratify your

desire.

King. Eriend ! this is indeed quite probable on account

of the former actions of Queen Dhdrini, whose continual

deferential regard for me* renders her free from jealousy.

Female Door-keeper (coming forward). Victory to the King.

The Queen sends this message. May my undertaking be

rendered successful by the King's condescending to behold the

beauty of the flowers of the golden A9oka.

King. Of course the Queen is there.

Female Door-keeper. Undoubtedly. Having dismissed

the ladies of the harem, who have been gratified by being

honoured in accordance with their merits,

3 she is waiting for

the King, accompanied by her own personal attendants, headed

by Malavik^.

King (delighted, looking at the Yidiishakd). Jayasena, go

on in front.

Vidiishaka (looking about] . My friend the spring seems to

have pretty well recovered his youth in the pleasure-grove.

King. Your remark is quite true. The youth of the spring

that we see before our eyes, which causes the mango-tree to

1 l< Art of decoration, which is called cosmetic." Bacon's Advancement of

Learning, p. 133, "Wright's edition.

a

Literally, the following of deference towards me, the always squaring

her conduct in accordance with my wishes.

3 Tiranatha reads yathdtava sanmdna sukham She has provided for your

having a flattering and agreeable reception. She has dismissed, &c.

( 70 )

bend ' with the immense quantity of kuravaka fruits scattered

over it, and is approaching its full development, fills the

minds with longing thoughts.

TidusTiaka. Lo, here is the golden A9oka, which seems, so

to speak, to be robed with clusters of flowers.

King. Indeed, this tree was right in delaying to produce

flowers. For it now displays an unrivalled splendour of blossom.

Look ! The flowers 2 from all the A9oka trees that first

exhibited the power of spring, have, as it were, been transferred

to this, now that its longing has been satisfied. 3

Vidushaka. Come, be of good cheer ! Now that we have

come in sight, the Queen is getting the consent of Malavika,

who is standing by her side. 4

King. Look, friend, the Queen is rising up at my approach

out of respect, waited upon by my beloved, like the earth

attended by the good fortune of Kimgs, wanting only the

lotus-fan. 5

Then are discovered Dharini, Malavika, the Parivrajikd,

and attendants in order of rank.

Malavika. I know the reason of my festal attire. 6

1 Taranatha reads bhidyamdna,

" to split." Another reading is bhajyamdna

" to break."

2 For kusumdni flowers Taranatha reads mukuldni buds, and for tarundm

trees, latandm creepers.

3

'. e., by contact with the foot of Malavika.

* So Shankar Pandit, but Taranatha explains it,

"

permits Malavika to remain

by her side, although we have arrived, t. e., does not dismiss her."

8

t. e., nothing was wanting but the lotus-fan to make Malavika resemble

Lakshmi. Taranatha reads vistrita, having a broad lotus-fan, and anutthitd,

having Malavika rising after her. He compares anvasitam Arundhatyd without

giving the source of the quotation. It is, of course, to be found in Raghuvan-

9a, I., 56.

6

Namely, the fact that the A9oka tree put forth blossoms within five days

after it had been touched by her foot.

( 71 )

Nevertheless, my heart trembles like water in the leaf of a

lotus. Moreover, my left eye throbs. '

Vidushaka. Ah ! undoubtedly the lady Malavika looks

exceedingly splendid in this wedding dress.

King. I see her decorated with ornaments. Clothed in a

short silk dress, and with scanty ornaments, she seems to me

like a night in the month Chaitra ; when the moon is about

to rise, with the lunar mansions free from mists.

Queen (advancing towards him.) Victory to my husband !

Vidushaka. May your Highness be prosperous.

Parivrajika. May the King be victorious.

King. Reverend lady, I salute thee.

Parivrajika. May you have the success you desire.

Queen (smiling). Husband, I have turned this A9oka-tree

into a bower whither you may resort with the young ladies of

your harem.*

Vidushaka. Come, my friend, a great favour has been conferred

upon you.

King (with an expression of bashfulness, walking round the

Aqoka-tree). This Ac.oka-tree really deserves to be made by

the Queen the object of such favours, as it showed contempt

for the command of the goddess of vernal beauty, and testified

its respect for your exertions by bursting into flower.

Vidushaka. Come, be confident, and look at this blooming

young .

King. What lady?

Yidushaka. I refer to the splendour of the golden A9oka's

flowers.

All sit down.

King. (Looking at Malavika, to himself.) Alas ! I am

at present separated though near.

1 A sign (in women) of approaching union with the beloved.

2 Shankur Pandit observes that there is an occult reference to Malavika.

( 72 )

I am like the bird named Chakravaka, ' my dear one is like

its mate ; Dharini, who does not permit our union, is like the

night.*

Enter Chamberlain.

Chamberlain. Victory to the King ! The minister sends

word by me that in that present sent from Vidarbha were

included two accomplished maidens, who were not introduced

at first because they represented themselves to be fatigued

with the journey. At present they are in a fit state to appear

before the King ; may he therefore be pleased to issue an

order upon the subject.

King. Introduce them.

Chamberlain. As the King commands. (He goes out and

returns with them.) This way, this way, young ladies.

First Maiden (aside). Ah Eajanika ! My inner self rejoices

on entering this splendid court.

Second Maiden. Jyotsnika ! I have exactly the same feeling.

You know well that there is a proverbial saying to the

effect that the state of the heart foretells approaching joy or

sorrow.

First Maiden. I hope we may find it true on the present

occasion.

Chamberlain. Here stands the King with the Queen.

Advance ladies.

Both advance.

Mdlavikd and the Parivrdjikd seeing tJiese two attendants,

interchange glances.

Both the Maidens (prostrating themselves] . Victory to the

Kiug ! Victory to the Queen !

King. Welcome to you ! Sit down here.

Both sit down.

1

Literally, part of a chariot, i.e , chakra, wheel. The bird is the Anai

Casarca, commonly called Brahmany Duck.

8

During which these birds remain apart.

( 73 )

King. Ladies, to what accomplishment do you devote

yourselves ?'

Both. We are well versed in music.

King. Queen, take one of these ladies.

Queen. Malavika! "Which would you like to have to

accompany you in singing ?

Both (looking at Malavika.) Ah! the princess ! (They prostrate

tliemselves and weep with her.)

All look on bewildered.

King. "What do you mean ?

Both. Listen king ! This is Malavika, the younger sister

of the prince Madhavasena, who was rescued from prison by

you having subdued with your avenging army the king of

Vidarbha.

Queen. So she is a princess. I have in fact been defiling

sandalwood by using it as a slipper.

2

King. Then how was the lady reduced to her present

state ?

Malavika. (Sighing, to herself.) By the appointment of

destiny.

Second Maiden. Let the King listen. When our Prince

Madhavasena came into the power of his kinsman, this lady

was secretly carried off by his minister, the noble Sumati,

attendants like us being left behind.

King. I have heard this before. What happened next ?

Both. This is all we can tell. We do not know what

happened afterwards.

Parivrdjikd. What happened afterwards, I, wretched woman

that I am, will now relate.

1 The reading abhinivite means in what accomplishment are you trained ?

3

Padnkdpadegena, the reading of TaruuaUiu's edition, meana iterally

" on

the pretence that it was a slipper."

K

( 74 )

JBoth.-+~Princess ! The voice which we hear seems to be

that of the noble Kauyiki.

Mdlavikd. It is indeed she.

Both. It is difficult to distinguish the noble Ka^iki in

the dress of an ascetic. We two salute the revered lady.

The Parivrajikd. Happiness to you both.

King. What ! Are these friends of yours ?

Parivrajikd. Certainly.

Vidushaka. Then immediately tell us the rest of your

story.

Parivrajikd. ( With emotion.) Listen then. Know that

Madhavasena's minister Sumati was my elder brother.

King. We understand. Pray proceed.

Parivrajikd. He carried off together with me this lady,

whose brother was reduced to such a condition, and, with the

intention of marrying her to your Highness, associated herself

with a caravan that was going to the Vaidi9a

!

country.

King. And then ?

Parivrajikd. And at the end of a day's journey those

merchants being exhausted with the toil of the march encamped

in a forest to rest.

King. What next ?

Parivrajikd. Then there appeared, striking terror by its

first onset, a host of yelling brigands, whose breasts were

crossed by the quiver-strap, wearing as a plume peacock-tails

that hung down to their ears,

2 bow in hand.

Mdlavikd shews signs of fear.

Vidushaka. Do not be afraid, the reverend lady is speaking

of something that is past and gone.

1 Of which Vidiga was the capital, t. e,, Dacarna. Taranatha reads Vidi$dgdminam,

i. e., going to Vidicja.

2 Taranatha reads dpdrshni Iambi, hanging down to their heels.

( 75 )

King.- Then what happened?

Parivrdjikd. Then those warriors l who had been engaged

by the leader of the caravan, after joining battle for a moment

with the robbers, were put to flight by them.

King. Reverend lady, the sequel which we have now to

hear is, I know, tragic.

Parivrdjikd. Then that brother of mine, endeavouring to

rescue from the ruffians this lady, who was terrified at the

onslaught of the enemy, my brother, I say, who was so

dear to his lord, paid with his dear life his debt tojiis lord.

First Maiden. Alas ! our protector is dead.

Second Maiden. That is of course the cause why this condition

has befallen the princess.

The Parivrdjikd sheds tears.

King. This is the lot of mortals 4 in this transient life. 3

You must not lament for your brother, who shewed that he

had not eaten his master's salt to no purpose.

4

Parivrdjikd. Then I fainted and by the time I had recovered

consciousness this lady was out of sight.

King. Terrible are the sufferings which this revered

lady has had to undergo.

Parivrdjikd. Then I burned the body of my brother, and

as the sorrow of my widowhood was renewed, I came into your

country and assumed these two red garments.

5

King. This way of life is a suitable one for pious people.

What happened next ?

1 Taranatha gives Mugdha yodhdrah, worthless warriors ; and baddhdyudhdh,

having taken up arms, in brackets, as an alternative reading.

8 For tanubhritam, Taranatha reads tanutyajdm,

" of brave men."

3

Literally, the fair or show of this life. (Shankar Pandit.)

4

Literally, who made the food that his master had given him bear fruit.

* The dress of a wandering Buddhist mendicant. So the Bu idhist mendicant

in the 8th act of the Mrichohhakati ia represented as clothed in a red

garment. (P. 241, Calcutta^edition.)

( 76 )

Parivrdjikd. Then this lady came from the power of the

foresters into that of Virasena, and was sent by Virasena to

the Queen, and so was seen by me when I obtained admission

into the Queen's palace. This is the end of my tale.

Mdlavikd (to herself] . I wonder what the King- will say now.

King. Alas ! calamities bring- humiliation. For this lady

having a right to the title of Queen has been treated like a

slave,7 which is much the same as if one were to use a Osrarment

of woven silk for the purposes of a bathing-cloth.

DJidrini Reverend lady ! You did wrong in not telling me

that Malavika was of noble birth.

Parivrdjikd. Heaven forefend !

1 I had a good reason for

adopting concealment. s

DhdrinL What was that reason ?

Parivrdjikd. This lady, while her father was still, alive, was

told in my presence by a certain infallible divine person,

3

who had assumed a mortal form,

4 that she would have to

endure for one year only the position of a slave, and would

then obtain a husband of equal rank. Seeing that that sure

prophecy with respect to her was indubitably

5

being

1 The Queen's speech is of evil omen, as implying that the issue of the

whole matter would be unfortunate.

2 Taranatha read snairghrinyam, pitilessness, cruelty, (grausamkeit, Weber.)

nairbhrityam is given by Monier Williams as "

modesty,"

"

humility." But

it ought also to mean " concealment."

3 Shankar Pandit, whose translation I have here followed, remarks that

" a Sadhu is one who by holy works and abstinence from all worldly concerns

has acquired supernatual powers. One in short, who is a divine person.

Persons like Kabira, Ramadasa, Tukarama, and others of more modern ages

are popularly called Sadhus."

* Taranatha reads deva ydtrdgatena fivddegakena sddhund by a fortunetelling

ascetic who had come to an idol procession.

6 I have taken avaqyam with parinamantam ; but I suspect avafyambhdvinam

should be printed as one word.

( 77 )

fulfilled by her continuing in your service, I waited for the

appointed time, and I believe I acted rightly.

King. You did right to wait patiently.

Enter Chamberlain.

Chamberlain. King ! The minister sends the following CT

message, which I was prevented from delivering before by

another matter arising ;

e( we have considered what ought

to be done with reference to Vidarbha, I should like now to

hear the King's opinion."

King. Maudgalya, I wish to establish the two cousins

Ynjnasena and Madhavasena as joint rulers : let them rule

separate divisions, the north and south banks of the Varada,

as the moon and sun 1 between them rule the night and

day.

Chamberlain. King ! I will announce this decision to the

council of ministers.

The King dismisses him by a movement of his finger.

[Exit Chamberlain.

First Maiden (aside to Mdlavikd}. Princess, I congratulate

you on the fact that the Prince will be established in half

of the kingdom.

Mdlavikd. I ought to think it a great matter that he has

been rescued from mortal peril.

Enter Chamberlain.

Chamberlain. Victory to the King ! The minister sends

this message to his Sovereign. The King's plan is auspicious.

This is what the ministers also thought. Those two Kings *

upbearing the fortune of their superior lord divided between

1 " The a cold rayed one and the warm-rayed one" is a more literal translation.

2 Taranatha reada te nripate nidege in allegiance to thee, oh King !

( 78 )

them, as the horses upbear the weight of the charioteer, will

remain firm m their allegiance to thee, not being distracted

by mutual attacks.

King. Tell the council then to send the General Virasena

written instructions to this effect.

Chamberlain. I will do so.

(Exit Chamberlain, He enters again with a letter accompanied

by a present.)

The King's order has been performed. But this letter has

arrived from the Cornmander-in- Chief ' King Pushpamitra

together with a present *. Let the King look at it.

The King quickly advancing puts the present in a respectful

manner upon his head, and hands it to tlie attendants, and then

pretends to open the letter.

Queen. Ah ! my heart is fixed on the contents of that

letter. I shall hear, after news of the health of my fatherin-

law, how Vasumitra has been going on. The Commanderin-

Chief has appointed my son to an office of trust. *

King (sitting down proceeds to read}. May it be well with

thee I From the sacrificial enclosure the Commander-in-Chief

Pushpamitra sends this message to his son Agnirnitra, who is

in the territory of Vidi<ja, affectionately embracing him. Be

it known unto thee that I having been consecrated for the

Rajasuya sacrifice, let loose free from all check or curb a horse

which was to be brought back after a year, appointing Vasumitra

as its defender, girt with a guard of a hundred Rajputs.

This very horse wandering on the right bank of the Indus

was claimed by a cavalry squadron of the Yavanas. Then

there was a fierce struggle between the two hosts.

1 Tar&iatha reads sottariyaprdbhritakam, together with the present of

cloak.

z Taranatha reads atibhdre, too difficult a duty.

( 79 )

(The Queen exhibits signs of despondency.} What ! did such

an encounter actually take place? (he proceeds to read t/te

rest). Then Vasumitra, the mighty bowman, having overcome

his foes, rescued by force my excellent horse, which they

were endeavouring to carry off.

Queen. Now my heart has a weight lifted off it.

King (reading the rest of the letter). Accordingly, I will

now sacrifice, having had my horse brought back to me by

my grand-son, even as An9umat brought back the horse to

Sagara. Therefore, you must dismiss anger from your mind>

and without delay come with my daughters-in-law to behold

the sacrifice.

Parivrajikd. I congratulate the royal couple on being

exalted by the triumph of their son (looking towards the

Queen) . By your husband you have been placed at the head

of famous wives of heroes, but this title of mother of heroes

has come to you from your son.

Vidushaka. Lady, I am pleased that the sou takes after

his father.

King. Maudgalya, indeed the young elephant has imitated

the lord of the herd.

Chamberlain. Not even by such a display of valour does

he produce astonishment in our minds, whose lofty irresistible

origin thou art, as Aurva l is of the fire that consumes water.

1 The name is thus explained by Monier Williams in his Dictionary. The

sons of Kritavirya, wishing to destroy the descendants of Bhrigu, in order to

recover the wealth left them by their father, slew even the children in the

womb. One of the women of the family of Bhrigu in order to preserve her

embryo, secreted it in her thigh fitruj, whence the child at its birth was called

Aurva, on beholding whom the sons of Kritavirya were struck with blindness

and from whose wrath proceeded a flame that threatened to destroy the world,

had not Aurva, at the persuasion of the Bhargavas, cast it into the ocean, where

it remained concealed, and having the face of a horse.

( 80 )

King. Maudgalya, let all the prisoners in my dominions

be set at liberty beginning with the brother-in-law of Yajnasena.

Queen.- Jayasena, go and inform Iravati and the other

ladies of the harem of my son's victory.

Female Door-keeper. I will do so. (She sets off).

Queen. Come here a moment.

Female Door-keeper (returning). Here I am.

Queen (aside). Tell Iravatf from me what I promised

Malavika when I appointed her to perform the ceremony of

fertilizing the Agoka, and her birth also ; and conciliate her

by reminding her that she must not cause me to deviate from

truth.

Female Door-keeper. I will do so (she goes out, and again

returns) Queen, I have become the casket that holds the jewels

of the ladies of the harem, owing to their giving me

presents in honour of the victory of your son.

Queen. What is there astonishing in that ? of course this

triumph is theirs as much as mine. '

Door-keeper (aside) . Moreover, Iravati says

" what the

Queen is pleased to suggest is quite fitting. It is not proper

to change your original resolution."

Queen. Reverend lady, I desire your permission to bestow

Malavika on my husband, for whom she was originally destined

by the noble Sumati.

Parivrdjikd. Now too, as before, you have full power

over her.

Queen (taking Mdlavikd l>y the hand). Let my husband

receive the lady Malavika as a fitting reward for the good

tidings he has given me.*

The King remains silent and abashed.

1

Literally, common to them and me.

9

'.., of my soii'a success.

( 81 )

Queen (smiling). Come, why does my husband despise me?

Fidushaka. Lady, it is a common saying that every new

bridegroom is bashful.

(The King looks at the Vidushaka.) Or 1 rather the King

wishes his royal consort to bestow the title of Queen on Malavika

before he receives her.

Queen. The title of Queen became hers by the mere fact of

her being born a princess, then what is the use of repetition ?

Parivrdjikd. Say not so, oh noble one, for even though

sprung from a mine, jewels are not worthy, until polished, of

union with gold.*

Queen. Forgive me, reverend lady, for having neglected the

respect due to her while I was thinking of the fact of her high

birth. Jayasena, quickly go and bring a silken veil for her.

Female Door-keeper (going out and re-entering with a silken

veil in her hand) . Queen, here it is.

Queen (investing Mdlavikd with a veil) . Let my husband

now receive her.

King. Queen your order leaves me without the power of

making a reply.

3

Parivrdjikd. Ha ! she is received as a wife.

Vidushaka. Dear me, how indulgent the Queen is towards

you, Sir.

The Queen looks towards the attendants.

1 Taranatha's reading means your Highness ought to receive Malavika to

whom the Queen (Dharini) gives the title of Queen, treating her as an equal.

2 Taranatha reads

Asmdkamutsavamanir manijdti puraskritah

Jdtarupena kalydni tarhi sanyogam arhati,

our prized jewel, though glorious by the mere fact of ita being a jewel,

nevertheless requires to be set in gold. He explains that the jewel means

Malavika, and the gold Agnimitra.

3

'. e., I am obliged to obey at once. Taranatha reads tvachchhdsanam pratyanurdktd

vayam (dpdvdryaj hanta pratigrihitam, we are eager to obey your

order. (Aside.) Ah! I consented to take her before you gave her. (Toactddndt

prdg eva svikritam is his paraphrase.)

L

( 82 )

The attendants (approaching Ndlavikd). Victory to the Queen !

The Queen looks towards the Parivrdjikd.

Parivrdjikd. This conduct is not astonishing in thee,

inasmuch as good women who love their husbands shew

obedience to them even by making to themselves rivals, for

rivers carry hundreds of brooks along with them to the sea.

Enter Nipunikd.

Nipunikd. Victory to the King ! Iravati sends the following

message : I offended on that occasion by shewing a want

of respect towards my lord, he has now obtained his wish, he

ought also to honour me.

Queen. Nipunika ! My husband will certainly grant your

request.

l

Nipunikd. As the Queen commands.

Parivrdjikd. King, I wish to pay my respects to Madhavasena,

who has obtained his object by thus becoming a connexion

of yours, if you will shew me so much favour as to

give me leave to depart.

Queen. Reverend lady, you ought not to leave us now

that you have accomplished your object.

King. Reverend lady, I will send in my letters complimentary

messages from you to Madhavasena.

Parivrdjikd. I am deeply obliged by the kindness of you

both.

Queen. Let my husband deign to inform me what other

service I can render him.

King. What more can you do than you have already

done ? But let this also be my lot. Do thou, oh fair one,

8

1 Taranatha reads te sevitam jndsyati, will show himself sensible of your

submissiveness.

8

Literally, angry one, as a term of endearment. But it may refer to the

fact that the Queen's anger was often justly aroused, and so the King requests

her to be always ready for reconciliation, and not like the unforgiving Iravati.

The latter seems to be Tarauatha's view.

( 83 )

always look upon me with propitious countenance, so much do

I desire for the sake of thy rival, and it is my wish that the

six calamities, 1 and death and other misfortunes may not

befall my subjects, no, not while I, Agnimitra, am their protector.

Here ends the Fifth Act.

Om Tat Sat

End

(My humble salutations to Kavikula Guruh Kalidasa and  greatfulness to Sreeman C H Tawney

 for the collection)