Part 28 (1/2)

_Maitreya._ If you can't trust me, then ask k.u.mbhilaka here.

k.u.mbhilaka, you jacka.s.s, come here.

P. 140.4]

_k.u.mbhilaka._ [_Approaching._] I salute you, sir.

_Charudatta._ You are welcome, my good fellow. Tell me, is Vasantasena really here?

_k.u.mbhilaka._ Yes, she's here. Vasantasena is here.

_Charudatta._ [_Joyfully._] My good fellow, I have never let the bearer of welcome news go unrewarded. Take this as your recompense.

[_He gives him his mantle._]

_k.u.mbhilaka._ [_Takes it and bows. Gleefully._] I'll tell my mistress.

[_Exit._

_Maitreya._ Do you see why she comes in a storm like this?

_Charudatta._ I do not quite understand, my friend.

_Maitreya._ I know. She has an idea that the pearl necklace is cheap, and the golden casket expensive. She isn't satisfied, and she has come to look for something more.

_Charudatta._ [_Aside._] She shall not depart unsatisfied.

[_Then enter the love-lorn Vasantasena, in a splendid garment, fit for a woman who goes to meet her lover, a maid with an umbrella, and the courtier._]

_Courtier._ [_Referring to Vasantasena._]

Lakshmi[63] without the lotus-flower is she, Loveliest arrow of G.o.d Kama's bow,[64]

The sweetest blossom on love's magic tree.

See how she moves, so gracefully and slow!

In pa.s.sion's hour she still loves modesty; In her, good wives their dearest sorrow know.

When pa.s.sion's drama shall enacted be.

When on love's stage appears the pa.s.sing show, A host of wanderers shall bend them low.

Glad to be slaves in such captivity. 12

[82.94. S.

See, Vasantasena, see!

The clouds hang drooping to the mountain peaks, Like a maiden's heart, that distant lover seeks: The peac.o.c.ks startle, when the thunder booms, And fan the heaven with all their jeweled plumes. 13

And again: