Part 43 (2/2)

I'll give you countless wealth, a piece of gold, A copper, and a cap, to have and hold.

And sho the fame of thish great deed shall be A common property, and shan't touch me. 40

_Courtier._ A curse upon you! Yours, and yours only, be the deed.

_Sthavaraka._ Heaven avert the omen! [_Sansthanaka bursts out laughing._]

_Courtier._

Be enmity between us! Cease your mirth!

d.a.m.ned be a friends.h.i.+p that so shames my worth!

Never may I set eyes on one so low!

I fling you off, an unstrung, broken bow. 41

_Sansthanaka._ Don't be angry. Come, let's go and play in the pond.

_Courtier._

Unstained my life, and yet it seems to me Your friends.h.i.+p stains, and mocks my sinlessness, You woman-murderer! How could I be A friend to one whom women ever see With eyes half-closed in apprehension's stress? 42

[_Mournfully._] Vasantasena,

When thou, sweet maid, art born again, Be not a courtezan reborn, But in a house which sinless men, And virtuous, and good, adorn. 43

_Sansthanaka._ Firsht you murder Vasantasena in my old garden Pushpakaranda, and now where will you run to? Come, defend yourshelf in court before my s.h.i.+shter's husband! [_He holds him back._]

_Courtier._ Enough, you accursed scoundrel! [_He draws his sword._]

_Sansthanaka._ [_Recoiling in terror._] Shcared, are you? Go along, then.

_Courtier._ [_Aside._] It would be folly to remain here. Well, I will go and join myself to Sharvilaka, Chandanaka, and the rest. [_Exit._

P. 219.5]

_Sansthanaka._ Go to h.e.l.l. Well, my little shon Sthavaraka, what kind of a thing is thish that I 've done?

_Sthavaraka._ Master, you have committed a terrible crime.

_Sansthanaka._ Shlave! What do you mean by talking about a crime?

Well, I 'll do it thish way. [_He takes various ornaments from his person._] Take these gems. I give 'em to you. Whenever I want to wear them, I 'll take them back again, but the resht of the time they are yours.

_Sthavaraka._ They should be worn only by my master. What have I to do with such things?

_Sansthanaka._ Go along! Take these bullocks, and wait in the tower of my palace until I come.

_Sthavaraka._ Yes, master. [_Exit._

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