Part 25 (1/2)

_Mishrakes.h.i.+_. Love works a curious change even in a brave man.

_Clown_ (_aloud_). It is only a picture, man.

_King_. A picture?

_Mishrakes.h.i.+_. I too understand it now. But to him, thoughts are real experiences.

_King_. You have done an ill-natured thing.

When I was happy in the sight, And when my heart was warm, You brought sad memories back, and made My love a painted form.

(_He sheds a tear_.)

_Mishrakes.h.i.+_. Fate plays strangely with him.

_King_. My friend, how can I endure a grief that has no respite?

I cannot sleep at night And meet her dreaming; I cannot see the sketch While tears are streaming.

_Mishrakes.h.i.+_. My friend, you have indeed atoned--and in her friend's presence--for the pain you caused by rejecting dear Shakuntala.

(_Enter the maid_ CHATURIKA.)

_Maid_. Your Majesty, I was coming back with the box of paint-brushes----

_King_. Well?

_Maid_. I met Queen Vasumati with the maid Pingalika. And the queen s.n.a.t.c.hed the box from me, saying: ”I will take it to the king myself.”

_Clown_. How did you escape?

_Maid_. The queen's dress caught on a vine. And while her maid was setting her free, I excused myself in a hurry. _A voice behind the scenes_. Follow me, your Majesty.

_Clown_ (_listening_). Man, the she-tiger of the palace is making a spring on her prey. She means to make one mouthful of the maid.

_King_. My friend, the queen has come because she feels touched in her honour. You had better take care of this picture.

_Clown_. ”And yourself,” you might add. (_He takes the picture and rises_.) If you get out of the trap alive, call for me at the Cloud Balcony. And I will hide the thing there so that nothing but a pigeon could find it. (_Exit on the run_.)

_Mishrakes.h.i.+_. Though his heart is given to another, he is courteous to his early flame. He is a constant friend.

(_Enter the portress with a doc.u.ment_.)

_Portress_. Victory to your Majesty.

_King_. Vetravati, did you not meet Queen Vasumati?

_Portress_. Yes, your Majesty. But she turned back when she saw that I carried a doc.u.ment.

_King_. The queen knows times and seasons. She will not interrupt business.