WAS I dreaming or was what I saw by the lake truly there? Sitting on the mossy turf, I mused over bygone years in the sloping shadows of the evening, when slowly there came out from the folding darkness of foliage an apparition of beauty in the perfect form of a woman, and stood on a white slab of stone at the water's brink. It seemed that the heart of the earth must heave in joy under her bare white feet. Methought the vague veilings of her body should melt in ecstasy into air as the golden mist of dawn melts from off the snowy peak of the eastern hill. She bowed herself above the shining mirror of the lake and saw the reflection of her face. She started up in awe and stood still; then smiled, and with a careless sweep of her left arm unloosed her hair and let it trail on the earth at her feet. She bared her bosom and looked at her arms, so flawlessly modelled, and instinct with an exquisite caress. Bending her head she saw the sweet blossoming of her youth and the tender bloom and blush of her skin. She beamed with a glad surprise. So, if the white lotus bud on opening her eyes in the morning were to arch her neck and see her shadow in the water, would she wonder at herself the livelong day. But a moment after the smile passed from her face and a shade of sadness crept into her eyes. She bound up her tresses, drew her veil over her arms, and sighing slowly, walked away like a beauteous evening fading into the night. To me the supreme fulfilment of desire seemed to have been revealed in a flash and then to have vanished. . . . But who is it that pushes the door? Enter CHITRA, dressed as a woman. Ah! it is she. Quiet, my heart! . . . Fear me not, lady! I am a Kshatriya. Chitra Honoured sir, you are my guest. I live in this temple. I know not in what way I can show you hospitality. Arjuna Fair lady, the very sight of you is indeed the highest hospitality. If you will not take it amiss I would ask you a question. Chitra You have permission. Arjuna What stern vow keeps you immured in this solitary temple, depriving all mortals of a vision of so much loveliness? Chitra I harbour a secret desire in my heart, for the fulfilment of which I offer daily prayers to Lord Shiva. Arjuna