_Madanikā._ Then you are no thief, Chārudatta has discharged his obligation, and my mistress has her jewels. _Sharvilaka._ But isn't this course too reckless? _Madanikā._ I tell you, give them to her. Any other course is too reckless. _Vasantasenā._ Good, Madanikā, good! Spoken like a free woman. _Sharvilaka._ Risen at last is wisdom's light. Because I followed after you; When clouds obscure the moon by night, 'Tis hard to find a guide so true. 21 _Madanikā._ Then you must wait here a moment in Kāma's shrine, while I tell my mistress that you have come. _Sharvilaka._ I will. _Madanikā._ [_Approaches Vasantasenā._] Mistress, a Brahman has come from Chārudatta to see you. _Vasantasenā._ But girl, how do you know that he comes from Chārudatta? _Madanikā._ Should I not know my own, mistress? _Vasantasenā._ [_Shaking her head and smiling. Aside._] Splendid! [_Aloud._] Bid him enter. _Madanikā._ Yes, mistress. [_Approaching Sharvilaka._] Enter, Sharvilaka. _Sharvilaka._ [_Approaches. With some embarrassment._] My greetings to you. P. 110.8] _Vasantasenā._ I salute you, sir. Pray be seated. _Sharvilaka._ The merchant sends this message: "My house is so old that it is hard to keep this casket safe. Pray take it back." [_He gives it to Madanikā, and starts to leave._] _Vasantasenā._ Sir, will you undertake a return commission of mine? _Sharvilaka._ [_Aside._] Who will carry it? [_Aloud._] And this commission is-- _Vasantasenā._ You will be good enough to accept Madanikā. _Sharvilaka._ Madam, I do not quite understand. _Vasantasenā._ But I do. _Sharvilaka._ How so? _Vasantasenā._ Chārudatta told me that I was to give Madanikā to the man who should return these jewels. You are therefore to understand that he makes you a present of her. _Sharvilaka._ [_Aside._] Ah, she sees through me. [_Aloud._] Good, Chārudatta, good! On virtue only set your heart's desire; The righteous poor attain to heights whereto The wicked wealthy never may aspire. 22 And again: On virtue let the human heart be set; To virtue nothing serves as check or let The moon, attaining unattainable, is led By virtue to her seat on Shiva's head. 23 _Vasantasenā._ Is my driver there? [_Enter a servant with a bullock-cart._] _Servant._ Mistress, the cart is ready. _Vasantasenā._ Madanikā girl, you must show me a happy face. You are free. Enter the bullock-cart. But do not forget me. _Madanikā._ [_Weeping._] My mistress drives me away. [_She falls at her feet._] _Vasantasenā._ You are now the one to whom honor should be paid.[52] Go then, enter the cart. But do not forget me. [66.17. S. _Sharvilaka._ Heaven bless you! and you, Madanikā, Turn upon her a happy face, And hail with bended head the grace That gives you now the name of wife. As a veil to keep you safe through life. 24