{"id":1743,"date":"2013-07-13T01:36:57","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:36:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=1743"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:36:57","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:36:57","slug":"11-the-prince-of-mathura-act-i-vol-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/01-works-of-sri-aurobindo\/03-cwsa\/03-04-collected-plays-and-stories\/11-the-prince-of-mathura-act-i-vol-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","title":{"rendered":"-11_The Prince of Mathura – Act – I.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\n\n
\n

 <\/td>\n

\n
\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Prince of Mathura<\/b><\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/font><\/p>\n

\nA<\/font>JAMEDE<\/font>, Prince of Mathura, a fugitive in the mountains.<\/p>\n

I<\/font>NDRADYUMNA<\/font>, his friend and comrade.<\/p>\n

\nA<\/font>TRY<\/font>, King of Mathura, by the help of the Scythians.<\/p>\n

T<\/font>ORAMAN<\/font>, Prince of Cashmere, son of the Scythian overlord of
\nthe North-West.<\/p>\n

C<\/font>ANACA<\/font>, a Brahmin, his court jester.<\/p>\n

\nH<\/font>OOSHKA<\/font>, captain of the Scythian bodyguard.<\/p>\n

M<\/font>AYOOR<\/font>, Atry’s general and minister.<\/p>\n

\nI<\/font>NDRANY<\/font>, Queen of Mathura.<\/p>\n

U<\/font>RMILA<\/font>, Princess of Mathura, daughter of Atry and Indrany.<\/p>\n

\nL<\/font>ILA<\/font>,
\ndaughter of Hooshka.<\/p>\n

<\/font>
\n<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n

<\/font>
\n<\/p>\n

\nAct I<\/font><\/b><\/font><\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n
\nScene
\n1<\/a><\/font><\/b><\/font><\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\nMathura. A room in the Palace.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nAtry, Indrany.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

A<\/font>TRY<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

However hard it be, however gross<\/p>\n

The undisguised compulsion, none can stay<\/p>\n

\nCompulsion by impracticable revolt,<\/p>\n

Indrany. Deeper, viler the disgrace<\/p>\n

\nIf by rebellion we invite constraint<\/p>\n

Naked, contemptuous, to a slave subdued.<\/p>\n

\nThe reed that bows to the insistent wind<\/p>\n

Is wiser than the trunk which the cyclone<\/p>\n

\nIndignantly uproots. To force we yield,<\/p>\n

But to a force disguised in courtly forms.<\/p>\n

\nThat’s better than to yield beneath the scourge.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

I<\/font>NDRANY<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

There’s a defeat more noble, not to yield,<\/p>\n

Even though we break. And break, I know, we must,<\/p>\n

\nBut to live fouled for ever, vilely robed<\/p>\n

In a soiled purple, marked out to all the world<\/p>\n

\nFor laughter by the puppet’s tinsel crown,<\/p>\n

That is disgrace indeed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A<\/font>TRY<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

We hold this realm<\/p>\n

\nBecause the northern Scythian helps our sword.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 931<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

<\/p>\n

I<\/span><\/font>NDRANY<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

By princely compromise, alliance high,<\/p>\n

Not yet by purchase or a social stain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A<\/font>TRY<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Our child will be an empress.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

I<\/font>NDRANY<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

And outcaste.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

A<\/font>TRY<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

There have been many nuptials mixed like these,<\/p>\n

\nOf which world-famous emperors were born.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

I<\/font>NDRANY<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Yes, but we took, not gave, were lords, not slaves.<\/p>\n

As ransom of his fate the conquered Greek<\/p>\n

\nTo Indian Chandragupta gave his child,<\/p>\n

Knowing a son by her could never rule.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A<\/font>TRY<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

There is no bar. The Scythian weds with all<\/p>\n

\nAnd makes impartial Time the arbiter<\/p>\n

Whether a native or a foreign womb<\/p>\n

\nShall be the shelterer of his empire’s heir.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

I<\/font>NDRANY<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

This honour’s purchased at too vile a cost.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

A<\/font>TRY<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

There is no help. If we deny our girl,<\/p>\n

He’ll have her violently, make her his slave<\/p>\n

\nAnd not his wife.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

I<\/font>NDRANY<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Do this then, seem to yield,<\/p>\n

But send her to your fortress on the hills,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 932<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

Whence let one take her with a show of force,<\/p>\n

\nWhoever’s noblest now of Aryan lords<\/p>\n

In Magadha, Avanty or the South,<\/p>\n

\nFit mate for Atry’s stock. Twixt him be strife<\/p>\n

And the Cashmerian, we escape his wrath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A<\/font>TRY<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

It shall be so. I’ll choose a trusty man<\/p>\n

\nWho shall to Magadha before the morn.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile prepare your daughter for the hills.<\/p>\n

\nIndrany goes out joyfully.<\/i><\/p>\n

It is not good. The man will learn the trick,<\/p>\n

\nA fierce barbarian, rapid as the storm,<\/p>\n

Violent, vindictive, stamping on the world<\/p>\n

\nLike a swift warhorse, neighing to the winds<\/p>\n

With nostrils wide for any scent of war,<\/p>\n

\nFor men to kill, lands to lay desolate,<\/p>\n

Haughty and keen amid his violence<\/p>\n

\nWith the king’s eye that reads the minds of men, \u2014 <\/p>\n

Such is the man she counsels me to tempt<\/p>\n

\nBy palpable evasion. I will send<\/p>\n

Urmila to my fortress on the hills.<\/p>\n

\nBut he, not Magadha, shall take her forth<\/p>\n

By secret nuptials. He is honourable<\/p>\n

\nThough violent, a statesman though too proud.<\/p>\n

The prejudices of our race and day<\/p>\n

\nMust yield to more commanding thoughts and views<\/p>\n

That suit the changing times. Custom is mutable,<\/p>\n

\nOnly the breach of it is dangerous<\/p>\n

If too impetuously we innovate. It’s best<\/p>\n

\nTo circumvent opinion, not provoke.<\/p>\n

Who’s there? Call Mayoor!<\/p>\n

\nThe King’s first task is to preserve his realm,<\/p>\n

Means honourable or dishonourable<\/p>\n

\nAre only means to use impartially,<\/p>\n

The most effective first.<\/p>\n

\nMayoor enters.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 933<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

Mayoor, you know<\/p>\n

\nThe motion made by the Cashmerian’s son<\/p>\n

To wed my daughter.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

M<\/font>AYOOR<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

We have spoken of it<\/p>\n

\nAlready.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

A<\/font>TRY<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

You are still of the same mind?<\/p>\n

You think my subjects will revolt?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

M<\/font>AYOOR<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

It’s sure.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

A<\/font>TRY<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

The Scythian sword can keep them hushed and still.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

M<\/font>AYOOR<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

And you its slave and pensioner, impotent.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

A<\/font>TRY<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Then do it thus. The thing is secret still.<\/p>\n

\nLet it remain so. Let Prince Toraman<\/p>\n

Wed Urmila in secret in the hills<\/p>\n

\nAs if herself had yielded to his suit,<\/p>\n

Not my consent. Against whom then, Mayoor,<\/p>\n

\nShall Mathura revolt?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

M<\/font>AYOOR<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

It may be done.<\/p>\n

But will the Scythian’s pride assent, or if<\/p>\n

\nThe bond is secret, will he own the bond?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

A<\/font>TRY<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

He shall, he must. To break by any means<\/p>\n

The bar of pride that lowers him beneath<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 934<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

The lowest of his Aryan tributaries,<\/p>\n

\nHe will consent to much. And for the bond<\/p>\n

He shall engage his honour, then possess.<\/p>\n

\nYourself go to him, Mayoor, where he’s camped.<\/p>\n

Persuade him. Let an escort start at once<\/p>\n

\nWith Urmila to Roondhra in the hills.<\/p>\n

I trust you, Mayoor, for entire success.<\/p>\n

\nMy crown, my honour are upon this cast.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

M<\/font>AYOOR<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Your crown is safe with me; your honour, King,<\/p>\n

I’ll save.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A<\/font>TRY<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Always few words were yours, Mayoor,<\/p>\n

\nBut each one solid gold.<\/p>\n

\nHe goes out.<\/i><\/p>\n

M<\/font>AYOOR<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

To cheat you’s best<\/p>\n

\nOf the dishonour to which you aspire<\/p>\n

And for the crown, it’s safer in my hands<\/p>\n

\nThan Toraman’s, the Scythian giant, bold,<\/p>\n

Subtle and violent, who spreads his toils<\/p>\n

\nOver all India, helping force with guile<\/p>\n

And guile with force.<\/p>\n

\nEnter Mekhala.<\/i><\/p>\n

M<\/font>EKHALA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

He is alone. Hear you,<\/p>\n

Mayoor!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

M<\/font>AYOOR<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

It’s from the queen?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

M<\/font>EKHALA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Read it and see.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 935<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

M<\/font>AYOOR<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

Tell her my word is pledged and Urmila<\/p>\n

Saved from the Scythian wedlock.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

M<\/font>EKHALA<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

And that means<\/p>\n

\nYou’ll do it?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

M<\/font>AYOOR<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/p>\n

She shall not wed Toraman.<\/p>\n

\nMekhala goes out.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nThis is another coil. The King, it seems,<\/p>\n

Deceives his people and deceives his queen.<\/p>\n

\nShe trusts him not, nor they. A lying King<\/p>\n

Tortuous and serpentine in policy,<\/p>\n

\nLoses as much by the distrust he breeds<\/p>\n

As all his shufflings gain. I’ll write to Magadha<\/p>\n

\nIn other terms than Queen Indrany dreams.<\/p>\n

I will send out my messengers at once.<\/p>\n

\nOne first to Ajamede, the lion dispossessed,<\/p>\n

Where in the hills of Roondhra now he lairs.<\/p>\n

\nAnother to the mighty Magadhan<\/p>\n

Who gathers up his strength to free the land<\/p>\n

\nFrom the barbarian’s tread. Myself shall go<\/p>\n

To Toraman and meet the Scythian will.<\/p>\n

\nThe end shall be as God long since decreed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\tPage \u2013 936<\/p>\n

<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/span><\/span><\/td>\n

\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

<\/span><\/a><\/b><\/font><\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  The Prince of Mathura   AJAMEDE, Prince of Mathura, a fugitive in the mountains. INDRADYUMNA, his friend and comrade. ATRY, King of Mathura, by…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1743","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","wpcat-39-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1743","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1743"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1743\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1743"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1743"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1743"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}