Part 31 (1/2)

_Charudatta._ [_With an embarra.s.sed smile._] But remember, Vasantasena,

Who will believe the truth?

Suspicion now is sure.

This world will show no ruth To the inglorious poor. 43

P. 152.4]

_Maitreya._ Tell me, girl, are you going to sleep here to-night?

_Maid._ [_Laughing._] But good Maitreya, you show yourself most remarkably plain-spoken now.

_Maitreya._ See, my friend, the rain enters again in great streams, as if it wanted to drive people away when they are sitting comfortably together.

_Charudatta._ You are quite right.

The falling waters pierce the cloud, As lotus-shoots the soil; And tears the face of heaven shroud, Who weeps the moon's vain toil. 44

And again:

In streams as pure as thoughts to good men given, But merciless as darts that Arjun hurls, And black as Baladeva's cloak, the heaven Seems to pour out all Indra's h.o.a.rded pearls. 45

See, my beloved, see!

The heaven is painted with the blackest dye, And fanned by cool and fragrant evening airs; Red lightning, glad in union, clasps the sky With voluntary arms, and shows on high The love that maiden heart to lover bears. 46

[_Vasantasena betrays her pa.s.sion, and throws her arms about Charudatta.

Charudatta feels her touch, and embraces her._]

_Charudatta._

More grimly yet, O thunder, boom; For by thy grace and power My love-distracted limbs now bloom Like the kadamba flower.

Her dear touch all my being thrills, And love my inmost spirit fills. 47

_Maitreya._ Confound you, storm! You are no gentleman, to frighten the lady with the lightning.

[91.20. S.

_Charudatta._

Do not rebuke the storm, my friend.

Let ceaseless rain a hundred years endure, The lightning quiver, and the thunder peal; For what I deemed impossible is sure: Her dear-loved arms about my neck I feel. 48

And oh, my friend,

He only knows what riches are, Whose love comes to him from afar, Whose arms that dearest form enfold, While yet with rain 't is wet and cold. 49