Part 15 (1/2)

_Mathura._ I am ruined! I am robbed!

_Madanika._ Inasmuch as these two are looking up to heaven, and sighing, and chattering, and fastening their eyes on the door, I conclude that they must be the gambling-master and the gambler.

[_Approaching._] I salute you, sir.

_Mathura._ May happiness be yours.

_Madanika._ Sir, which of you is the gambling-master?

_Math._

O maiden, fair but something less than shy, With red lip wounded in love's ardent play, On whom is bent that sweet, coquettish eye?

For whom that lisp that steals the heart away? 16

_I_ haven't got any money. You'll have to look somewhere else.

_Madanika._ You are certainly no gambler, if you talk that way.

Is there any one who _owes_ you money?

_Mathura._ There is. He owes ten gold-pieces. What of him?

_Madanika._ In his behalf my mistress sends you this bracelet. No, no! He sends it himself.

_Mathura._ [_Seizing it joyfully._] Well, well, you may tell the n.o.ble youth that his account is squared. Let him come and seek delight again in gambling. [_Exeunt Mathura and the gambler._

_Madanika._ [_Returning to Vasantasena._] Mistress, the gambling-master and the gambler have gone away well-pleased.

_Vasantasena._ Go, sir, and comfort your kinsfolk.

_Shampooer._ Ah, madam, if it may be, these hands would gladly practise their art in your service.

_Vasantasena._ But sir, he for whose sake you mastered the art, who first received your service, he should have your service still.

_Shampooer._ [_Aside._] A very pretty way to decline my services. How shall I repay her kindness? [_Aloud._] Madam, thus dishonored as a gambler, I shall become a Buddhist monk. And so, madam, treasure these words in your memory: ”He was a shampooer, a gambler, a Buddhist monk.”

[40.1. S.

_Vasantasena._ Sir, you must not act too precipitately.

_Shampooer._ Madam, my mind is made up. [_He walks about._]

I gambled, and in gambling I did fall, Till every one beheld me with dismay.

Now I shall show my honest face to all, And walk abroad upon the king's highway. 17

[_Tumultuous cries behind the scenes._]

_Shampooer._ [_Listening._] What is this? What is this? [_Addressing some one behind the scenes._] What did you say? ”Post-breaker, Vasantasena's rogue elephant, is at liberty!” Hurrah! I must go and see the lady's best elephant. No, no! What have I to do with these things? I must hold to my resolution. [_Exit._

[_Then enter hastily Karnapuraka, highly delighted, wearing a gorgeous mantle._]