The Little Clay Cart Part 23

_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 embarra.s.sment._] 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 s.h.i.+va'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?