Indic drama; Sanskrit drama -- Translations into English
_Madanikā._ But to continue, sir--
_Shampooer._ Madam, he was so compassionate and so generous that
now--
_Vasantasenā._ His riches have vanished?
_Shampooer._ I didn't say it. How did you guess it, madam?
_Vasantasenā._ What was there to guess? Virtue and money seldom
keep company. In the pools from which men cannot drink there
is so much the more water.
_Madanikā._ But sir, what is his name?
[37.23. S.
_Shampooer._ Madam, who does not know the name of this moon
of the whole world? He lives in the merchants' quarter. He whose
name is worthy of all honor is named Chārudatta.
_Vasantasenā._ [_Joyfully rising from her seat._] Sir, this house is your
own. Give him a seat, girl, and take this fan. The gentleman is
weary. [_Madanikā does as she is bid._]
_Shampooer._ [_Aside._] What! so much honor because I mentioned
Chārudatta's name? Heaven bless you, Chārudatta! You are the
only man in the world who really lives. All others merely breathe.
[_He falls at Vasantasenā's feet._] Enough, madam, enough. Pray
be seated, madam.
_Vasantasenā._ [_Seating herself._] Where is he who is so richly your
creditor, sir?
_Shamp._
The good man's wealth consists in kindly deeds;
All other wealth is vain and quickly flies.
The man who honors not his neighbor's needs,
Does that man know what honor signifies? 15
_Vasantasenā._ But to continue--
_Shampooer._ So I became a servant in his employ. And when his
wealth was reduced to his virtue, I began to live by gambling. But
fate was cruel, and I lost ten gold-pieces.
_Māthura._ I am ruined! I am robbed!
_Shampooer._ There are the gambling-master and the gambler, looking
for me. You have heard my story, madam. The rest is your
affair.
_Vasantasenā._ Madanikā, the birds fly everywhither when the tree
is shaken in which they have their nests. Go, girl, and give the
gambling-master and the gambler this bracelet. And tell them that
this gentleman sends it. [_She removes a bracelet from her arm, and
gives it to Madanikā._]
_Madanikā._ [_Receiving the bracelet._] Yes, mistress. [_She goes out._]
P. 71.2]
_Māthura._ I am ruined! I am robbed!
_Madanikā._ Inasmuch as these two are looking up to heaven, and
sighing, and chattering, and fastening their eyes on the door, I
conclude that they must be the gambling-master and the gambler.
[_Approaching._] I salute you, sir.
_Māthura._ May happiness be yours.
_Madanikā._ Sir, which of you is the gambling-master?
_Māth._
O maiden, fair but something less than shy,
With red lip wounded in love's ardent play,
On whom is bent that sweet, coquettish eye?
For whom that lisp that steals the heart away? 16
_I_ haven't got any money. You'll have to look somewhere else.
_Madanikā._ You are certainly no gambler, if you talk that way.
Is there any one who _owes_ you money?
_Māthura._ There is. He owes ten gold-pieces. What of him?
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