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._] _Vasantasenā._ Girl, lay this picture on my sofa and come back at once with a fan. _Madanikā._ Yes, mistress. [_Exit with the picture._ _Sharvilaka._ This is Vasantasenā's house. I will enter. [_He does so._] P. 101.11] I wonder where I can find Madanikā. [_Enter Madanikā with the fan. Sharvilaka discovers her._] Ah, it is Madanikā. 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 Madanikā! _Madanikā._ [_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._] _Vasantasenā._ How Madanikā 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. _Madanikā._ 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? _Madanikā._ Of course we are. _Vasantasenā._ What! a deep secret? I will not listen. _Sharvilaka._ Tell me, Madanikā. Will Vasantasenā take a price for your freedom? _Vasantasenā._ The conversation has to do with me? Then I will hide behind this window and listen. _Madanikā._ 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. _Vasantasenā._ His face is tranquil. It would be troubled, if he had sinned. _Madanikā._ Oh, Sharvilaka! For a mere nothing--for a woman--you have risked both things! _Sharvilaka._ What things? _Madanikā._ Your life and your character. _Sharvilaka._ My foolish girl, fortune favors the brave. _Madanikā._ 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._