Part 6

_Maitreya._ Do you mean to say that you pity the rascally robber? Thinks he--"Here's a great house. Here's the place to carry off a jewel-casket or a gold-casket." [_He remembers the casket. Despondently. Aside._] Where _is_ that golden casket? [_He remembers the events of the night. Aloud._] Look, man! You are always saying "Maitreya is a fool, Maitreya is no scholar." But I certainly acted wisely in handing over that golden casket to you. If I hadn't, the son of a slave would have carried it off.

_Charudatta._ A truce to your jests!

_Maitreya._ Just because I'm a fool, do you suppose I don't even know the place and time for a jest?

_Charudatta._ But when did this happen?

_Maitreya._ Why, when I told you that your fingers were cold.

_Charudatta._ It might have been. [_He searches about. Joyfully._] My friend, I have something pleasant to tell you.

_Maitreya._ What? Wasn't it stolen?

_Charudatta._ Yes.

_Maitreya._ What is the pleasant news, then?

_Charudatta._ The fact that he did not go away disappointed.

_Maitreya._ But it was only entrusted to our care.

_Charudatta._ What! entrusted to our care? [_He swoons._]

_Maitreya._ Come to yourself, man. Is the fact that a thief stole what was entrusted to you, any reason why you should swoon?

53.5. S.]

_Charudatta._ [_Coming to himself._] Ah, my friend,

Who will believe the truth? Suspicion now is sure. This world will show no ruth To the inglorious poor. 24

Alas! If envious fate before Has wooed my wealth alone. Why should she seek my store Of virtue as her own? 25

_Maitreya._ I intend to deny the whole thing. Who gave anybody anything? who received anything from anybody? who was a witness?

_Charudatta._ And shall I tell a falsehood now?

No! I will beg until I earn The wherewithal my debt to pay. Ignoble falsehood I will spurn. That steals the character away. 26

_Radanika._ I will go and tell his good wife. [_She goes out, returning with Charudatta's wife._]

_Wife._ [_Anxiously._] Oh! Is it true that my lord is uninjured, and Maitreya too?

_Radanika._ It is true, mistress. But the gems which belong to the courtezan have been stolen. [_Charudatta's wife swoons._] O my good mistress! Come to yourself!

_Wife._ [_Recovering._] Girl, how can you say that my lord is uninjured? Better that he were injured in body than in character. For now the people of Ujjayini will say that my lord committed this crime because of his poverty. [_She looks up and sighs._] Ah, mighty Fate! The destinies of the poor, uncertain as the water-drops which fall upon a lotus-leaf, seem to thee but playthings. There remains to me this one necklace, which I brought with me from my mother's house. But my lord would be too proud to accept it. Girl, call Maitreya hither.

P. 95.7]

_Radanika._ Yes, mistress. [_She approaches Maitreya._] Maitreya, my lady summons you.

_Maitreya._ Where is she?

_Radanika._ Here. Come!

_Maitreya._ [_Approaching._] Heaven bless you!

_Wife._ I salute you, sir. Sir, will you look straight in front of you?

_Maitreya._ Madam, here stands a man who looks straight in front of him.

_Wife._ Sir, you must accept this.

_Maitreya._ Why?

_Wife._ I have observed the Ceremony of the Gems. And on this occasion one must make as great a present as one may to a Brahman. This I have not done, therefore pray accept this necklace.

_Maitreya._ [_Receiving the necklace._] Heaven bless you! I will go and tell my friend.

_Wife._ You must not do it in such a way as to make me blush, Maitreya. [_Exit._

_Maitreya._ [_In astonishment._] What generosity!

* * * * *

_Charudatta._ How Maitreya lingers! I trust his grief is not leading him to do what he ought not. Maitreya, Maitreya!

_Maitreya._ [_Approaching._] Here I am. Take that. [_He displays the necklace._]

_Charudatta._ What is this?

_Maitreya._ Why, that is the reward you get for marrying such a wife.

_Charudatta._ What! my wife takes pity on me? Alas, now am I poor indeed!

When fate so robs him of his all, That on her pity he must call, The man to woman's state doth fall, The woman is the man. 27

But no, I am not poor. For I have a wife

Whose love outlasts my wealthy day; In thee a friend through good and ill; And truth that naught could take away: Ah! this the poor man lacketh still. 28

[55.9. S.

Maitreya, take the necklace and go to Vasantasena. Tell her in my name that we have gambled away the golden casket, forgetting that it was not our own, that we trust she will accept this necklace in its place.

_Maitreya._ But you must not give away this necklace, the pride of the four seas, for that cheap thing that was stolen before we had a bite or a drink out of it.

_Charudatta._ Not so, my friend.

She showed her trust in leaving us her treasure; The price of confidence has no less measure. 29

Friend, I conjure you by this gesture, not to return until you have delivered it into her hands. Vardhamanaka, do you speedily

Fill up the opening with the selfsame bricks; Thus will I thwart the process of the law, For the blemish of so great a scandal sticks. 30

And, friend Maitreya, you must show your pride by not speaking too despondently.

_Maitreya._ How can a poor man help speaking despondently?

_Charudatta._ Poor I am not, my friend. For I have a wife

Whose love outlasts my wealthy day; In thee a friend through good and ill; And truth that naught could take away: Ah, this the poor man lacketh still. (28)

Go then, and after performing rites of purification, I will offer my morning prayer. [_Exeunt omnes._

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 44: This refers to Charudatta's generosity, which continues after his wealth has vanished.]

[Footnote 45: The following scene satirises the Hindu love of system and classification.]

[Footnote 46: The patron saint of thieves.]

[Footnote 47: An epithet of Skanda.]

[Footnote 48: The sacrificial cord, which passes over the left shoulder and under the right arm, is worn constantly by members of the three upper castes.]

[Footnote 49: Sacred creatures.]

ACT THE FOURTH

MADANIKA AND SHARVILAKA

[_Enter a maid._]

_Maid._

I am entrusted with a message for my mistress by her mother. Here is my mistress. She is gazing at a picture and is talking with Madanika. I will go to her. [_She walks about. Then enter Vasantasena as described, and Madanika._]

_Vasantasena._ Madanika girl, is this portrait really like Charudatta?

_Madanika._ Very like.

_Vasantasena._ How do you know?

_Madanika._ Because my mistress' eyes are fastened so lovingly upon it.

_Vasantasena._ Madanika girl, do you say this because courtezan courtesy demands it?

_Madanika._ But mistress, is the courtesy of a girl who lives in a courtezan's house, necessarily false?

_Vasantasena._ Girl, courtezans meet so many kinds of men that they do learn a false courtesy.

_Madanika._ But when the eyes of my mistress find such delight in a thing, and her heart too, what need is there to ask the reason?

_Vasantasena._ But I should not like to have my friends laugh at me.

_Madanika._ You need not be afraid. Women understand women.

_Maid._ [_Approaching._] Mistress, your mother sends word that a covered cart is waiting at the side-door, and that you are to take a drive.

_Vasantasena._ Tell me, is it Charudatta who invites me?

_Maid._ Mistress, the man who sent ornaments worth ten thousand gold-pieces with the cart--

[58.6. S.

_Vasantasena._ Is who?

_Maid._ Is the king's brother-in-law, Sansthanaka.

_Vasantasena._ [_Indignantly._] Go! and never come again on such an errand.

_Maid._ Do not be angry, mistress. I was only sent with the message.

_Vasantasena._ But it is the message which makes me angry.

_Maid._ But what shall I tell your mother?

_Vasantasena._ Tell my mother never to send me another such message, unless she wishes to kill me.

_Maid._ As you will. [_Exit._] [_<Enter Sharvilaka._]

_Sharv._

Blame for my sin I laid upon the night; I conquered sleep and watchmen of the king; But darkness wanes, and in the sun's clear light My light is like the moon's--a faded thing. 1

And again:

Whoever cast at me a passing look, Or neared me, anxious, as they quickly ran, All such my laden soul for foes mistook; For sin it was wherein man's fear began. 2

Well, it was for Madanika's sake that I did the deed of sin.

I paid no heed to any one who talked with serving-men; The houses ruled by women-folk--these I avoided most; And when policemen seemed to have me almost in their ken, I stood stock-still and acted just exactly like a post. A hundred such manoeuvres did I constantly essay, And by such means succeeded in turning night to day. 3

[_He walks about._]

_Vasantasena._ Girl, lay this picture on my sofa and come back at once with a fan.

_Madanika._ Yes, mistress. [_Exit with the picture._

_Sharvilaka._ This is Vasantasena's house. I will enter. [_He does so._]

P. 101.11]

I wonder where I can find Madanika. [_Enter Madanika with the fan. Sharvilaka discovers her._] Ah, it is Madanika.

Surpassing Madana[50] himself in charm, She seems the bride of Love, in human guise; Even while my heart the flames of passion harm, She brings a sandal[51] coolness to my eyes. 4

Madanika!

_Madanika._ [_Discovers Sharvilaka._] Oh, oh, oh, Sharvilaka! I am so glad, Sharvilaka. Where have you been?

_Sharvilaka._ I will tell you. [_They gaze at each other passionately._]

_Vasantasena._ How Madanika lingers! I wonder where she is. [_She looks through a bull's-eye window._] Why, there she stands, talking with a man. Her loving glance does not waver, and she gazes as if she would drink him in. I imagine he must be the man who wishes to make her free. Well, let her stay, let her stay. Never interrupt anybody's happiness. I will not call her.

_Madanika._ Tell me, Sharvilaka. [_Sharvilaka looks about him uneasily._] What is it, Sharvilaka? You seem uneasy.

_Sharvilaka._ I will tell you a secret. Are we alone?

_Madanika._ Of course we are.

_Vasantasena._ What! a deep secret? I will not listen.

_Sharvilaka._ Tell me, Madanika. Will Vasantasena take a price for your freedom?

_Vasantasena._ The conversation has to do with me? Then I will hide behind this window and listen.

_Madanika._ I asked my mistress about it, Sharvilaka, and she said that if she could have _her_ way, she would free all her servants for nothing. But Sharvilaka, where did you find such a fortune that you can think of buying my freedom from my mistress?

_Sharvilaka._

A victim to my pauper plight, And your sweet love to win, For you, my timid maid, last night I did the deed of sin. 5

[60.16. S.

_Vasantasena._ His face is tranquil. It would be troubled, if he had sinned.

_Madanika._ Oh, Sharvilaka! For a mere nothing--for a woman--you have risked both things!

_Sharvilaka._ What things?

_Madanika._ Your life and your character.

_Sharvilaka._ My foolish girl, fortune favors the brave.

_Madanika._ Oh, Sharvilaka! Your character was without a stain. You didn't do anything _very_ bad, did you, when for my sake you did the deed of sin?

_Sharv._

The gems that magnify a woman's charm, As flowers the creeping plant, I do not harm. I do not rob the Brahman of his pelf, Nor seize the sacrificial gold myself. I do not steal the baby from the nurse, Simply because I need to fill my purse. Even as a thief, I strive with main and might For just distinction 'twixt the wrong and right. 6

And so you may tell Vasantasena this:

These ornaments were made for you to don, Or so it seems to me; But as you love me, never put them on Where other folks may see. 7

_Madanika._ But Sharvilaka, ornaments that nobody may see, and a courtezan--the two things do not hang together. Give me the jewels. I want to see them.

_Sharvilaka._ Here they are. [_He gives them to her with some uneasiness._]

_Madanika._ [_Examining the jewels._] It seems to me I have seen these before. Tell me. Where did you get them?

P. 104.15]

_Sharvilaka._ What does that matter to you, Madanika? Take them.

_Madanika._ [_Angrily._] If you can't trust me, why do you wish to buy my freedom?

_Sharvilaka._ Well, this morning I heard in the merchants' quarter that the merchant Charudatta--

[_Vasantasena and Madanika swoon._]

_Sharvilaka._ Madanika! Come to yourself! Why is it that now

Your figure seems to melt in limp despair, Your eyes are wildly rolling here and there? That when I come, sweet girl, to make you free, You fall to trembling, not to pitying me? 8

_Madanika._ [_Coming to herself._] O you reckless man! When you did what you ought not to have done for my sake, you didn't kill anybody or hurt anybody in that house?

_Sharvilaka._ Madanika, Sharvilaka does not strike a terrified man or a man asleep. I did not kill anybody nor hurt anybody.

_Madanika._ Really?

_Sharvilaka._ Really.

_Vasantasena._ [_Recovering consciousness._] Ah, I breathe again.

_Madanika._ Thank heaven!

_Sharvilaka._ [_Jealously._] What does this "Thank heaven" mean, Madanika?

I sinned for you, when love had made me pine, Although my house was good since time began; Love took my virtue, but my pride is mine. _You_ call me friend and love another man? 9

[_Meaningly._]

A noble youth is like a goodly tree; His wealth, the fruit so fair; The courtezan is like a bird; for she Pecks him and leaves him bare. 10

Love is a fire, whose flame is lust, Whose fuel is gallantry, Wherein our youth and riches must Thus sacrificed be. 11

[62.16. S.

_Vasantasena._ [_With a smile._] His excitement is a little out of place.

_Sharvilaka._ Yes!

Those men are fools, it seems to me, Who trust to women or to gold; For gold and girls, 'tis plain to see. Are false as virgin snakes and cold. 12

Love not a woman; if you ever do, She mocks at you, and plays the gay deceiver: Yet if she loves you, you may love her too; But if she doesn't, leave her. 13

Too true it is that

A courtezan will laugh and cry for gold; She trusts you not, but waits your trustful hour. If virtue and a name are yours, then hold! Avoid her as you would a graveyard flower. 14

And again:

As fickle as the billows of the sea, Glowing no longer than the evening sky, A woman takes your gold, then leaves you free; You're worthless, like cosmetics, when you're dry. 15

Yes, women are indeed fickle.

One man perhaps may hold her heart in trust, She lures another with coquettish eyes, Sports with another in unseemly lust, Another yet her body satisfies. 16

As some one has well said:

On mountain-tops no lotuses are grown; The horse's yoke no ass will ever bear; Rice never springs from seeds of barley sown; A courtezan is not an honest fair. 17

Accursed Charudatta, you shall not live! [_He takes a few steps._]

P. 107.11]

_Madanika._ [_Seizing the hem of his garment._] O you foolish man! Your anger is so ridiculous.

_Sharvilaka._ Ridiculous? how so?

_Madanika._ Because these jewels belong to my mistress.

_Sharvilaka._ And what then?

_Madanika._ And she left them with that gentleman.

_Sharvilaka._ What for?

_Madanika._ [_Whispers._] That's why.

_Sharvilaka._ [_Sheepishly._] Confound it!

The sun was hot one summer day; I sought the shadow, there to stay: Poor fool! the kindly branch to pay, I stole its sheltering leaves away. 18

_Vasantasena._ How sorry he seems. Surely, he did this thing in ignorance.

_Sharvilaka._ What is to be done now, Madanika?

_Madanika._ Your own wit should tell you that.

_Sharvilaka._ No. For you must remember,

Nature herself gives women wit; Men learn from books a little bit. 19

_Madanika._ Sharvilaka, if you will take my advice, restore the jewels to that righteous man.

_Sharvilaka._ But Madanika, what if he should prosecute me?

_Madanika._ No cruel heat comes from the moon.

_Vasantasena._ Good, Madanika, good!

_Sharvilaka._ Madanika,

For what I did, I feel no grief nor fear: Why tell me of this good man's virtues high? Shame for my baseness touches me more near; What can this king do to such rogues as I? 20

Nevertheless, your suggestion is inconsistent with prudence. You must discover some other plan.

[64.16. S.

_Madanika._ Yes, there is another plan.

_Vasantasena._ I wonder what it will be.

_Madanika._ Pretend to be a servant of that gentleman, and give the jewels to my mistress.

_Sharvilaka._ And what then?

_Madanika._ Then you are no thief, Charudatta has discharged his obligation, and my mistress has her jewels.

_Sharvilaka._ But isn't this course too reckless?

_Madanika._ I tell you, give them to her. Any other course is too reckless.

_Vasantasena._ Good, Madanika, good! Spoken like a free woman.

_Sharvilaka._

Risen at last is wisdom's light. Because I followed after you; When clouds obscure the moon by night, 'Tis hard to find a guide so true. 21

_Madanika._ Then you must wait here a moment in Kama's shrine, while I tell my mistress that you have come.

_Sharvilaka._ I will.

_Madanika._ [_Approaches Vasantasena._] Mistress, a Brahman has come from Charudatta to see you.

_Vasantasena._ But girl, how do you know that he comes from Charudatta?

_Madanika._ Should I not know my own, mistress?

_Vasantasena._ [_Shaking her head and smiling. Aside._] Splendid! [_Aloud._] Bid him enter.

_Madanika._ Yes, mistress. [_Approaching Sharvilaka._] Enter, Sharvilaka.

_Sharvilaka._ [_Approaches. With some embarrassment._] My greetings to you.

P. 110.8]

_Vasantasena._ I salute you, sir. Pray be seated.

_Sharvilaka._ The merchant sends this message: "My house is so old that it is hard to keep this casket safe. Pray take it back." [_He gives it to Madanika, and starts to leave._]

_Vasantasena._ Sir, will you undertake a return commission of mine?

_Sharvilaka._ [_Aside._] Who will carry it? [_Aloud._] And this commission is--

_Vasantasena._ You will be good enough to accept Madanika.

_Sharvilaka._ Madam, I do not quite understand.

_Vasantasena._ But I do.

_Sharvilaka._ How so?

_Vasantasena._ Charudatta told me that I was to give Madanika to the man who should return these jewels. You are therefore to understand that he makes you a present of her.

_Sharvilaka._ [_Aside._] Ah, she sees through me. [_Aloud._] Good, Charudatta, good!

On virtue only set your heart's desire; The righteous poor attain to heights whereto The wicked wealthy never may aspire. 22

And again:

On virtue let the human heart be set; To virtue nothing serves as check or let The moon, attaining unattainable, is led By virtue to her seat on Shiva's head. 23

_Vasantasena._ Is my driver there? [_Enter a servant with a bullock-cart._]

_Servant._ Mistress, the cart is ready.

_Vasantasena._ Madanika girl, you must show me a happy face. You are free. Enter the bullock-cart. But do not forget me.

_Madanika._ [_Weeping._] My mistress drives me away. [_She falls at her feet._]

_Vasantasena._ You are now the one to whom honor should be paid.[52] Go then, enter the cart. But do not forget me.

[66.17. S.

_Sharvilaka._ Heaven bless you! and you, Madanika,

Turn upon her a happy face, And hail with bended head the grace That gives you now the name of wife. As a veil to keep you safe through life. 24

[_He enters the bullock-cart with Madanika, and starts away._]

_A voice behind the scenes._ Men! Men! We have the following orders from the chief of police: "A soothsayer has declared that a young herdsman named Aryaka is to become king. Trusting to this prophecy, and alarmed thereat, King Palaka has taken him from his hamlet, and thrown him into strict confinement. Therefore be watchful, and every man at his post."

_Sharvilaka._ [_Listening._] What! King Palaka has imprisoned my good friend Aryaka? And here I am, a married man. Confound it! But no,

Two things alone--his friend, his wife-- Deserve man's love below; A hundred brides may forfeit life Ere he should suffer so. 25

Good! I will get out [_He does so._]

_Madanika._ [_Folding her hands. Tearfully._] My lord, if you must, at least bring me first to your parents.

_Sharvilaka._ Yes, my love. I will. I had the same thought in mind. [_To the servant._] My good fellow, do you know the house of the merchant Rebhila?

_Servant._ Certainly.

_Sharvilaka._ Bring my wife thither.

_Servant._ Yes, sir.

_Madanika_. If you desire it, dear. But dear, you must be very careful. [_Exit._

P. 113.6]

_Sharvilaka._ Now as for me,

I'll rouse my kin, the kitchen cabinet. Those high in fame by strength of good right arm, And those who with the king's contempt have met, And royal slaves, to save my friend from harm: Like old Yaugandharayana For the good king Udayana. 26

And again:

My friend has causeless been confined By wicked foes of timid kind; I fly, I fly to free him soon, Like the eclipse-oppressed moon. [_Exit._] 27

_Maid._ [_Entering._] Mistress, I congratulate you. A Brahman has come with a message from Charudatta.

_Vasantasena._ Ah, this is a joyful day. Show him every mark of respect, girl, and have him conducted hither by one of the pages.

_Maid._ Yes, mistress. [_Exit._

* * * * *

[_Enter Maitreya with a page._]

_Maitreya._ Well! Ravana, the king of the demons, travels with his chariot that they call the "Blossom." He earned it by his penances. Now I am a Brahman, and though I never performed any penances, I travel with another sort of a blossom--a woman of the town.

_Maid._ Sir, will you inspect our gateway.

_Maitreya._ [_Gazes admiringly._] It has just been sprinkled and cleaned and received a coat of green. The threshold of it is pretty as a picture with the offerings of all sorts of fragrant flowers. It stretches up its head as if it wanted to peep into the sky. It is adorned with strings of jasmine garlands that hang down and toss about like the trunk of the heavenly elephant. It shines with its high ivory portal. It is lovely with any number of holiday banners that gleam red as great rubies and wave their coquettish fingers as they flutter in the breeze and seem to invite me to enter. Both sides are decorated with holiday water-jars of crystal, which are charming with their bright-green mango twigs, and are set at the foot of the pillars that sustain the portal. The doors are of gold, thickly set with diamonds as hard to pierce as a giant's breast. It actually wearies a poor devil's envy. Yes, Vasantasena's house-door is a beautiful thing. Really, it forcibly challenges the attention of a man who doesn't care about such things.

[68.16. S.

_Maid._ Come, sir, and enter the first court.

_Maitreya._ [_Enters and looks about._] Well! Here in the first court are rows of balconies brilliant as the moon, or as sea-shells, or as lotus-stalks; whitened by handfuls of powder strewn over them; gleaming with golden stairways inlaid with all sorts of gems: they seem to gaze down on Ujjayini with their round faces, the crystal windows, from which strings of pearls are dangling. The porter sits there and snoozes as comfortably as a professor. The crows which they tempt with rice-gruel and curdled milk will not eat the offering, because they can't distinguish it from the mortar. Show me the way, madam.

_Maid._ Come, sir, and enter the second court.