The gems that magnify a woman's charm, As flowers the creeping plant, I do not harm. I do not rob the Brahman of his pelf, Nor seize the sacrificial gold myself. I do not steal the baby from the nurse, Simply because I need to fill my purse. Even as a thief, I strive with main and might For just distinction 'twixt the wrong and right. 6 And so you may tell Vasantasenā this: These ornaments were made for you to don, Or so it seems to me; But as you love me, never put them on Where other folks may see. 7 _Madanikā._ But Sharvilaka, ornaments that nobody may see, and a courtezan--the two things do not hang together. Give me the jewels. I want to see them. _Sharvilaka._ Here they are. [_He gives them to her with some uneasiness._] _Madanikā._ [_Examining the jewels._] It seems to me I have seen these before. Tell me. Where did you get them? P. 104.15] _Sharvilaka._ What does that matter to you, Madanikā? Take them. _Madanikā._ [_Angrily._] If you can't trust me, why do you wish to buy my freedom? _Sharvilaka._ Well, this morning I heard in the merchants' quarter that the merchant Chārudatta-- [_Vasantasenā and Madanikā swoon._] _Sharvilaka._ Madanikā! Come to yourself! Why is it that now Your figure seems to melt in limp despair, Your eyes are wildly rolling here and there? That when I come, sweet girl, to make you free, You fall to trembling, not to pitying me? 8 _Madanikā._ [_Coming to herself._] O you reckless man! When you did what you ought not to have done for my sake, you didn't kill anybody or hurt anybody in that house? _Sharvilaka._ Madanikā, Sharvilaka does not strike a terrified man or a man asleep. I did not kill anybody nor hurt anybody. _Madanikā._ Really? _Sharvilaka._ Really. _Vasantasenā._ [_Recovering consciousness._] Ah, I breathe again. _Madanikā._ Thank heaven! _Sharvilaka._ [_Jealously._] What does this "Thank heaven" mean, Madanikā? I sinned for you, when love had made me pine, Although my house was good since time began; Love took my virtue, but my pride is mine. _You_ call me friend and love another man? 9 [_Meaningly._] A noble youth is like a goodly tree; His wealth, the fruit so fair; The courtezan is like a bird; for she Pecks him and leaves him bare. 10 Love is a fire, whose flame is lust, Whose fuel is gallantry, Wherein our youth and riches must Thus sacrificèd be. 11 [62.16. S. _Vasantasenā._ [_With a smile._] His excitement is a little out of place. _Sharvilaka._ Yes! Those men are fools, it seems to me, Who trust to women or to gold; For gold and girls, 'tis plain to see. Are false as virgin snakes and cold. 12