Go then, and after performing rites of purification, I will offer my morning prayer. [_Exeunt omnes._ FOOTNOTES: [Footnote 44: This refers to Chārudatta'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 Madanikā. I will go to her. [_She walks about. Then enter Vasantasenā as described, and Madanikā._] _Vasantasenā._ Madanikā girl, is this portrait really like Chārudatta? _Madanikā._ Very like. _Vasantasenā._ How do you know? _Madanikā._ Because my mistress' eyes are fastened so lovingly upon it. _Vasantasenā._ Madanikā girl, do you say this because courtezan courtesy demands it? _Madanikā._ But mistress, is the courtesy of a girl who lives in a courtezan's house, necessarily false? _Vasantasenā._ Girl, courtezans meet so many kinds of men that they do learn a false courtesy. _Madanikā._ 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? _Vasantasenā._ But I should not like to have my friends laugh at me. _Madanikā._ 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. _Vasantasenā._ Tell me, is it Chārudatta who invites me? _Maid._ Mistress, the man who sent ornaments worth ten thousand gold-pieces with the cart-- [58.6. S. _Vasantasenā._ Is who? _Maid._ Is the king's brother-in-law, Sansthānaka. _Vasantasenā._ [_Indignantly._] Go! and never come again on such an errand. _Maid._ Do not be angry, mistress. I was only sent with the message. _Vasantasenā._ But it is the message which makes me angry. _Maid._ But what shall I tell your mother? _Vasantasenā._ 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 Madanikā's sake that I did the deed of sin.