{"id":1765,"date":"2013-07-13T01:37:13","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:37:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=1765"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:37:13","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:37:13","slug":"06-vasavadutta-act-v-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\/06-vasavadutta-act-v-vol-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","title":{"rendered":"-06_Vasavadutta – Act – V.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\n\n
\n

 <\/td>\n

\n<\/p>\n

\n
\nAct V<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\n<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

A room in Vasavadutta’s apartments.<\/i><\/p>\n

Vasavadutta, Munjoolica.<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASAVADUTTA<\/p>\n

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

So thou hast dared to come.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

I have. Thou, dare<\/p>\n

To look me in the eyes. Thou canst not. Then?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASAVADUTTA<\/p>\n

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

Hast thou no fear of punishment at all?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

For shutting thee in with heaven? none, none at all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASAVADUTTA<\/p>\n

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

How didst thou dare?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

How didst thou dare, proud girl,<\/p>\n

To make of kings and princesses thy slaves?<\/p>\n

How dare to drag Sourashtra’s daughter here,<\/p>\n

To keep her as thy servant and to load<\/p>\n

With gifts, caresses, chidings and commands,<\/p>\n

The puppet of thy sweet imperious will?<\/p>\n

Thinkst thou my heart within me was not hot?<\/p>\n

But now I am avenged on thee and all.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 710<\/p>\n

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

\n

VASAVADUTTA<\/p>\n

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

Vindictive traitress, I will beat thee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

Do<\/p>\n

And I will laugh and ask thee of the night.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASAVADUTTA<\/p>\n

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

Then take thy chastisement.<\/p>\n

She seizes and beats her with the<\/i><\/p>\n

tassels of her girdle.<\/i><\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

Stop! I’ll bear no more.<\/p>\n

Art not ashamed to spend thy heart in play<\/p>\n

Knowing what thou hast done and what may come?<\/p>\n

Think rather of what thou wilt do against<\/p>\n

Thy dangerous morrow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASAVADUTTA<\/p>\n

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

See what thou hast done!<\/p>\n

How shall I look my father in the eyes?<\/p>\n

What speak? what do? my Vuthsa how protect?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

Thy father must not know of this.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASAVADUTTA<\/p>\n

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

Thou thinkst<\/p>\n

My joy can be shut in from every eye?<\/p>\n

Besides thee I have other serving-girls.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

None who’ld betray thee. This thing known, his wrath<\/p>\n

Would strike thy husband.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 711<\/p>\n

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

\n

VASAVADUTTA<\/p>\n

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

Me rather. I will throw<\/p>\n

My heart and body, twice his shield, between.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

You will be torn apart and Vuthsa penned<\/p>\n

In some deep pit or fiercer vengeance taken<\/p>\n

To soothe the stern man’s outraged heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASAVADUTTA<\/p>\n

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

Alas!<\/p>\n

Thou hast a brain; give me thy counsel. The ill<\/p>\n

Thyself hast done, must thou not remedy?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

If thou entreat me much, I will and can.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASAVADUTTA<\/p>\n

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

I shall entreat thee!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

Help thyself, proud child.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASAVADUTTA<\/p>\n

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

O, if I have thee at advantage ever!<\/p>\n

Stay! I beseech thee, my Munjoolica, \u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

More humbly!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASAVADUTTA<\/p>\n

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

Oh!<\/p>\n

She kneels.<\/i><\/p>\n

I clasp thy feet. O friend,<\/p>\n

In painful earnest I beseech thee now<\/p>\n

To think, plan, spend for my sake all thy thought.<\/p>\n

Remember how I soothed thy fallen life<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 712<\/p>\n

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

\n

Which might have been so hard. O thou my playmate,<\/p>\n

Joy, servant, sister who hast always been,<\/p>\n

Help me, save him, deceive my father’s wrath,<\/p>\n

Then ask from me what huge reward thou wilt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

Nothing at all. Vengeance is sweet enough<\/p>\n

Upon thy father and Gopalaca.<\/p>\n

I’m satisfied now. First give me a promise;<\/p>\n

Obey me absolutely in all things<\/p>\n

Till Vuthsa’s free.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASAVADUTTA<\/p>\n

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

I promise. Thou art my guide<\/p>\n

And I will walk religiously thy path.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

Then think it done.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASAVADUTTA<\/font> (smiling on Vuthsa who enters<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Vuthsa, I asked not for thee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Thou didst. I heard thy heart demand me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

Hark!<\/p>\n

What is this noise and laughter in the court?<\/p>\n

See, see, the hunchbacked laughable old man!<\/p>\n

What antics!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Surely I know well those eyes.<\/p>\n

Munjoolica, this is a friend. He must<\/p>\n

Be brought here to me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 713<\/p>\n

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

\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

Princess, let us call him.<\/p>\n

It is an admirable buffoon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASAVADUTTA<\/p>\n

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

Fie on thee!<\/p>\n

Is this an hour for jests and antics?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/font> (looking significantly at her<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Yes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASAVADUTTA<\/p>\n

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

Call him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

And thou go in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASAVADUTTA<\/p>\n

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

How, in!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

This girl!<\/p>\n

Hast thou not promised to obey me?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASAVADUTTA<\/p>\n

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

Yes.<\/p>\n

She goes in. Munjoolica descends.<\/i><\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Yougundharayan sends him. O, he strikes<\/p>\n

The hour as if a god had planned all out.<\/p>\n

This world’s the puppet of a silent Will<\/p>\n

Which moves unguessed behind our acts and thoughts;<\/p>\n

Events bewildered follow its dim guidance<\/p>\n

And flock where they are needed. Is’t not thus,<\/p>\n

O Thou, our divine Master, that Thou rulest,<\/p>\n

Nor car’st at all because Thy joy and power<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 714<\/p>\n

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

\n

Are seated in Thyself beyond the ages?<\/p>\n

Munjoolica returns bringing in<\/i><\/p>\n

Vasuntha disguised.<\/i><\/p>\n

Who is this ancient shape thou bringest?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

I’ld know<\/p>\n

If he has a tongue as famous as his hump<\/p>\n

And as preposterous; that to learn I bring him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

Where is the only lady of the age?<\/p>\n

\nPrinces or else domestics, \u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

Something, sir, of both.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

O masters then of princes, think not that I scorn<\/p>\n

Your prouder royalty; but now if any<\/p>\n

Will introduce my hungry old hunchback<\/p>\n

To Avunthy’s far-famed paragon of girls,<\/p>\n

He shall have tithe of all my golden gains.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

Why not to Avunthy’s governor and a prison,<\/p>\n

Yougundharayan’s spy?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/font> (looking at Vuthsa<\/i>)<\/p>\n

What’s this? what’s this?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

Strong tonic for a young old man.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Speak freely<\/p>\n

Thy message; there are only friends who hear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 715<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nVASUNTHA<\/font> (to Vuthsa, with a humorous glance at Munjoolica<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Thy hours were not ill-spent. But thou hast nearly<\/p>\n

Frighted these poor young hairs to real grey,<\/p>\n

My sportive lady. Hear now why I crouch<\/p>\n

Beneath the hoary burden of this beard<\/p>\n

\nAnd the insignia of a royal hump, \u2014<\/p>\n

And an end to jesting. Vuthsa, in thy city<\/p>\n

The people clamour; they besiege thy ministers<\/p>\n

Railing at treason and demanding thee;<\/p>\n

Nor can their rage be stilled. Do swiftly then<\/p>\n

Whatever thou must do yet, swiftly break forth<\/p>\n

Or war will seek thee clamouring round these doors.<\/p>\n

To bear thy message back to him I come,<\/p>\n

Upon Avunthy’s mountain verge who lurks,<\/p>\n

Or else to aid thee if our help thou needest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Let him restrain my army forest-screened<\/p>\n

Where the thick woodlands weave a border large<\/p>\n

To the ochre garment round Avunthy’s loins<\/p>\n

Nearest Ujjayiny. Under the cavern-hill<\/p>\n

Of Lokanatha let him lie, but never<\/p>\n

Transgress that margin till my chariot comes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

‘Tis all?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

In my own strength all else I’ll do.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

Good; then I go?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Yes, but with gold, thy fee,<\/p>\n

To colour thy going. Bring him gold, dear friend,<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 716<\/p>\n

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

\n

Or take from Vasavadutta gem or trinket<\/p>\n

That shall bear out his mask to jealous eyes.<\/p>\n

Munjoolica goes into the inner chamber.<\/i><\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

Leave that to me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Thou hast adventured much<\/p>\n

For my sake.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

Poor Alurca cried to come,<\/p>\n

But this thing asked for brains and he had only<\/p>\n

Blunt courage and a harp. The danger’s nothing,<\/p>\n

But oh, this hump! I shall not soon walk straight,<\/p>\n

Nor rid myself of all the loyal aches<\/p>\n

I bear for thee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Pangs fiercer would have chased them,<\/p>\n

Hadst thou been caught, my friend. I shall remember.<\/p>\n

Munjoolica returns with gold and a trinket.<\/i><\/p>\n

Take now these gauds; haste, make thy swiftest way,<\/p>\n

For I come close behind thee.<\/p>\n

Vasuntha goes.<\/i><\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

Tell me thy plan.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

These chambers are too strongly kept.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

But there’s<\/p>\n

The pleasure-ground.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 717<\/p>\n

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

\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Let Vasavadutta call<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHer brothers on an evening to the park<\/p>\n

And wine flow fast. The nights are moonlit now.<\/p>\n

How many gates?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

Three, but the southern portal<\/p>\n

Nearest the ramparts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

There, how many guard?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

Three armed Kiratha women keep the gate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

I cannot hurt them. Thou must find a way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

They shall be drowned in wine. The streets outside?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

A chariot,
\n\u2014 find one for me. I cannot fight<\/p>\n

With Vasavadutta on my breast.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

I think<\/p>\n

That I shall find one.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Do it. The rest is easy,<\/p>\n

To break the keepers of the city-gate<\/p>\n

In one fierce moment and be out and far.<\/p>\n

There are arms enough in the palace?<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 718<\/p>\n

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

\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

The armoury<\/p>\n

I use sometimes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Conceal them in the grounds.<\/p>\n

No, in the chariot let them wait for me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

Thou wilt need both thy hands in such a fight.<\/p>\n

Vuthsa, I’ll be thy charioteer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Thou canst?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

Hope not to find a better in thy realms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

My battle-comrade then! Words are not needed<\/p>\n

Between us.<\/p>\n

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

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

More than that before all’s done<\/p>\n

I will be to thee. Good fortune makes hard things<\/p>\n

Most easy; for the god comes with laden hands.<\/p>\n

If the strange word the queen half spoke to me<\/p>\n

Means anything, Vicurna’s car shall bear<\/p>\n

His sister to her joy and sovereign throne.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 719<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nScene
\n2<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/font><\/p>\n

The pleasure-groves of the palace in Ujjayiny.<\/i><\/p>\n

Gopalaca, Vuthsa, Vicurna; at a distance under the trees<\/i><\/p>\n

Ungarica, Vasavadutta and Umba.<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Vuthsa, the wine is singing in my brain,<\/p>\n

The moonlight floods my soul. These are the hours<\/p>\n

When the veil for eye and ear is almost rent<\/p>\n

And we can hear wind-haired Gundhurvas sing<\/p>\n

In a strange luminous ether. Thou art one,<\/p>\n

Vuthsa, who has escaped the bars and walks<\/p>\n

Smiling and harping to enchanted men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

It was your earthly moonlight drew me here<\/p>\n

And thou, Gopalaca, and Vindhya’s hills<\/p>\n

And Vasavadutta. Thou shalt drink with me<\/p>\n

In moonlight in Cowsamby.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Vuthsa, when?<\/p>\n

What wild and restless spirit keeps thy feet<\/p>\n

Tonight, Vicurna?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VICURNA<\/p>\n

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

‘Tis the wine. I wait.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

For what?<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 720<\/p>\n

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

\n

VICURNA<\/font> (with a harsh laugh<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Why, for the wine to do its work.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Where’s Vasavadutta? Call her to us here.<\/p>\n

We are not happy if she walks apart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VICURNA<\/p>\n

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

There with the mother underneath the trees.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Call them. Thou, Vuthsa, she and I will drink<\/p>\n

One cup of love and pledge our hearts in wine<\/p>\n

Never to be parted. Thou deceiv’st the days,<\/p>\n

O lax and laggard lover.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

‘Tis the last.<\/p>\n

Tomorrow lights another scene.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

‘Tis good<\/p>\n

That thou inclin’st thy heart. My father grows<\/p>\n

Stern and impatient. This done, all is well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

All in this poor world cannot have their will;<\/p>\n

Its joys are bounded. I submit, it seems.<\/p>\n

Wilt thou incline thy heart, Gopalaca?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

To what?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

To this fair moonlit night’s result<\/p>\n

And all that follows after.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 721<\/p>\n

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

\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Easily<\/p>\n

I promise that.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

All surely will be well.<\/p>\n

Munjoolica arrives from the gates; Vicurna<\/i><\/p>\n

returning from the trees with Ungarica, Vasavadutta<\/i><\/p>\n

and Umba, goes forward to meet her.<\/i><\/p>\n

VICURNA<\/p>\n

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

Is’t done?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

They sprawl half-senseless near the gate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VICURNA<\/p>\n

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

Whole bound and gagged were best. Give Vuthsa word.<\/p>\n

He goes towards the gates.<\/i><\/p>\n

UNGARICA<\/p>\n

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

Munjoolica, is it tonight?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

What, madam?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

UNGARICA<\/font> (striking her lightly on the cheek<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Vicurna rides tonight?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

He rides tonight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

UNGARICA<\/p>\n

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

Let him not learn, nor any, that I knew.<\/p>\n

She returns to the others.<\/i><\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 722<\/p>\n

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

\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Come, all you wanderers. Mother, here’s a cup<\/p>\n

That thou must bless with thy fair magic hands<\/p>\n

Before we drink it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

UNGARICA<\/p>\n

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

May those who drink be one<\/p>\n

In heart and great and loving all their days<\/p>\n

Favoured by Shiva and by Luxmie blest<\/p>\n

Until the end and far beyond.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Drink, Vuthsa.<\/p>\n

Three hearts meet in this cup.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

UNGARICA<\/p>\n

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

Who drinks this first,<\/p>\n

He shall be first and he shall be the bond.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Drink, sister Vasavadutta, queen of all.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

UNGARICA<\/p>\n

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

Queen thou shalt be, my daughter, as in thy heart,<\/p>\n

So in thy love and fortunes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Mine the last.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

UNGARICA<\/p>\n

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

Thou sayest, my son, yet first mid many men.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Whatever place, so in this knot ’tis found.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

UNGARICA<\/font> (embracing Vasavadutta closely<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Forget not thy dear mother in thy bliss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 723<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nGopalaca, attend me to the house,<\/p>\n

I have a word for thee, my son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

I come.<\/p>\n

They go towards the palace.<\/i><\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Is it the moment?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

Yonder lies the gate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Love! Vasavadutta.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASAVADUTTA<\/p>\n

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

Vuthsa! Vuthsa! speak.<\/p>\n

What has been quivering in the air this night?<\/p>\n

He takes her in his arms.<\/i><\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Thy rapt and rapture far away, O love.<\/p>\n

Look farewell to thy father’s halls.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASAVADUTTA<\/p>\n

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

Alas!<\/p>\n

What is this rashness? Thou art unarmed; the guards<\/p>\n

Will slay thee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Fear not! Thou in my arms,<\/p>\n

Our fates a double shield, thou hast no fear,<\/p>\n

Nor anything this night to think or do<\/p>\n

Save in the chariot lie between my knees<\/p>\n

And listen to the breezes in thy locks<\/p>\n

Whistling to thee of far Cowsamby’s groves.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 724<\/p>\n

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

\n

He bears her towards the gate, Vicurna<\/i><\/p>\n

crossing him in his return.<\/i><\/p>\n

VICURNA<\/p>\n

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

Haste, haste! all’s ready.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

Umba! Umba! here!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

UMBA<\/font>
\n(who comes running up<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Oh, what is this?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VICURNA<\/p>\n

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

Should not this girl be bound?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

UMBA<\/p>\n

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

Give rather thy commands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

Thou’lt face the wrath?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

UMBA<\/p>\n

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

O, all for my dear mistress. If the King<\/p>\n

Slays me, I shall have lived and died for her<\/p>\n

For whom I was born.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

Hide in the groves until<\/p>\n

Thou hearst a rumour growing from the walls,<\/p>\n

Then seek the house and save thyself. Till then<\/p>\n

Let no man find thee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

UMBA<\/p>\n

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

I will lose myself<\/p>\n

In the far bushes. O come safely through.<\/p>\n

Could you not have trusted me in this?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 725<\/p>\n

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

\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

Weep not!<\/p>\n

I’ll have thee to Cowsamby if thou live.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VICURNA<\/p>\n

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

Come, follow, follow. He is near the gates.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

I to my freedom, she her royal crown!<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 726<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nScene
\n3<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/font><\/p>\n

Vasavadutta’s apartments.<\/i><\/p>\n

Mahasegn, Ungarica, Umba bound, armed women.<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MAHASEGN<\/p>\n

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

She is not here. O treachery! If thou<\/p>\n

Wert privy to this, thou shalt die impaled<\/p>\n

Or cloven in many pieces.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

UMBA<\/p>\n

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

I am resigned.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

UNGARICA<\/p>\n

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

Thou’lt stain thy soul with a woman’s murder, King?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

MAHASEGN<\/p>\n

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

‘Tis truth; she is too slight a thing to crush.<\/p>\n

Are not the gardens searched? Who are these slaves<\/p>\n

Who dare to loiter? If he’s seized, he dies.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

UNGARICA<\/p>\n

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

Wilt thou make ill much worse,
\n\u2014 if this be ill?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

MAHASEGN<\/p>\n

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

How sayst thou? ‘Tis not ill? My house is shamed,<\/p>\n

My pride downtrodden; all the country laughs<\/p>\n

Already at the baffled Mahasegn<\/p>\n

Whose daughter was plucked out by one frail boy<\/p>\n

From midst his golden city and his hosts<\/p>\n

Unnumbered. Who shall honour me henceforth?<\/p>\n

Who worship? who obey? who fear my sword?<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 727<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nUNGARICA<\/p>\n

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

Cowsamby’s king has kept the Aryan law,<\/p>\n

Nor is thy daughter shamed at all in this,<\/p>\n

But taken with noblest honour.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MAHASEGN<\/p>\n

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

‘Tis a law<\/p>\n

I spurn. My will is trodden underfoot,<\/p>\n

My pride which to preserve or to avenge<\/p>\n

Is the warrior’s righteousness. Udaian dies.<\/p>\n

Or if he reach his capital, my hosts<\/p>\n

Shall thunder on and blot it into flame,<\/p>\n

A pyre for his torn dishonoured corpse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

UNGARICA<\/p>\n

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

Hast thou forgotten thy daughter’s heart? Her good,<\/p>\n

Her happiness are nothing then to thee?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MAHASEGN<\/p>\n

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

Is she my daughter? She’ll not wish to live<\/p>\n

Her sire’s dishonour.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

UNGARICA<\/p>\n

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

Thinkest thou he seized her,<\/p>\n

Her heart consenting not?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MAHASEGN<\/p>\n

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

If it be so<\/p>\n

And she thus rebel to my will and blood,<\/p>\n

Let her eyes gaze upon their sensuous cause<\/p>\n

Of treason mocked with many marring spears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

UNGARICA<\/p>\n

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

Art thou an Aryan king and threatenest thus?<\/p>\n

Thy daughter only for thyself was loved?<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 728<\/p>\n

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

\n

MAHASEGN<\/p>\n

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

Silence, my queen! Chafe not the lion wroth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

UNGARICA<\/p>\n

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

The tiger rather, if this mood thou nurse.<\/p>\n

A Kiratha woman enters.<\/i><\/p>\n

MAHASEGN<\/p>\n

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

Thou com’st, slow slave!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

KIRATHIE<\/p>\n

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

King, all the grounds are searched.<\/p>\n

The guards lie gagged below the southern gate;<\/p>\n

All’s empty.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MAHASEGN<\/p>\n

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

Where’s Gopalaca? He too<\/p>\n

Has leisures!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

KIRATHIE<\/p>\n

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

There’s a captain from the walls.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

MAHASEGN<\/p>\n

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

Ha! bring him.<\/p>\n

The Kirathie brings in the Avunthian captain.<\/i><\/p>\n

Well!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CAPTAIN<\/p>\n

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

Vuthsa has broken forth.<\/p>\n

The wardens of the gate are maimed or dead;<\/p>\n

Triumphant, bearing Vasavadutta, far<\/p>\n

Exults his chariot o’er the moonlit plains.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MAHASEGN<\/p>\n

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

O bitter messenger! Pursue, pursue!<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 729<\/p>\n

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

\n

CAPTAIN<\/p>\n

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

Rebha with his armed men and stern-lipped speed<\/p>\n

Is hot behind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MAHASEGN<\/p>\n

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

Let all my force that keeps<\/p>\n

Ujjayiny, be hurled after them, one speed.<\/p>\n

Call, call Vicurna; let the boy bring back<\/p>\n

First fame of arms today in Vuthsa slain,<\/p>\n

His sister’s ravisher.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CAPTAIN<\/p>\n

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

Let not my words<\/p>\n

Offend my king. ‘Twas Prince Vicurna’s car<\/p>\n

Bore forth his sister and Vicurna’s self<\/p>\n

Rode as her guard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MAHASEGN<\/font> (after an astonished pause<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Do all my house, my blood<\/p>\n

Revolt against me?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CAPTAIN<\/p>\n

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

The princess Bundhumathie,<\/p>\n

Thy daughter’s serving-maiden, at Vuthsa’s side<\/p>\n

Controlled his coursers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MAHASEGN<\/p>\n

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

Her I do not blame,<\/p>\n

Yet will most fiercely punish. Captain, go;<\/p>\n

Gather my chariots; let them gallop fast<\/p>\n

Crushing these fugitives’ new-made tracks.<\/p>\n

As the captain departs, Gopalaca enters.<\/i><\/p>\n

Gopalaca,<\/p>\n

Head, son, my armies; bear thy sister back<\/p>\n

Before irrevocable shame is done,<\/p>\n

Nor with thy father’s greatness unavenged return.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 730<\/p>\n

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

\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

My father, hear me. Though quite contrary<\/p>\n

To all our planned design this thing has fallen,<\/p>\n

Yet no dishonour tarnishes the deed,<\/p>\n

But as a hero with a hero’s child<\/p>\n

Has Vuthsa seized the girl. We planned a snare,<\/p>\n

He by a noble violence answers us.<\/p>\n

We sought to bribe him to a vassal’s state<\/p>\n

Dangling the jewel of our house in front;<\/p>\n

He keeps his freedom and enjoys the gem.<\/p>\n

Then since we chose the throw of dice and lost,<\/p>\n

Let us be noble gamblers, like a friend<\/p>\n

Receive God’s hostile chance, nor house blind wounded thoughts<\/p>\n

As common natures might. Sanction this rapt;<\/p>\n

Let there be love twixt Vuthsa’s house and us.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MAHASEGN<\/p>\n

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

I see that in their hearts all have conspired<\/p>\n

Against my greatness. Thou art Avunthy’s prince,<\/p>\n

My second in my cares. Hear then! if twixt<\/p>\n

Ujjayiny and my frontiers they are seized,<\/p>\n

My fiercer will shall strike; but if they reach<\/p>\n

Free Vindhya, thou thyself shalt make the peace.<\/p>\n

Take Vasavadutta’s household and this girl,<\/p>\n

Take all her wealth and gauds; lead her thyself<\/p>\n

Or follow to Cowsamby, but leave not<\/p>\n

Till she is solemnised as Vuthsa’s queen.<\/p>\n

Sole let her reign throned by Udaian’s side;<\/p>\n

Then only shall peace live betwixt our realms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

And I will fetch Vicurna back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MAHASEGN<\/p>\n

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

Son, never.<\/p>\n

I exile the rebel to his name and house.<\/p>\n

Let him with Vuthsa whom he chooses dwell,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 731<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nMy foeman’s servant.<\/p>\n

He goes out, followed by the guards.<\/i><\/p>\n

Gopalaca unbinds Umba.<\/i><\/p>\n

UNGARICA<\/p>\n

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

If we give his rage its hour,<\/p>\n

‘Twill sink. His pride will call Vicurna back,<\/p>\n

If not the father’s heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Haste, gather quickly<\/p>\n

Her wealth and household. I would make earliest speed,<\/p>\n

Lest Vuthsa by ill hap be seized for ill.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

UNGARICA<\/p>\n

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

Fear not, my son. The hosts are not on earth<\/p>\n

That shall prevail against these two in arms.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 732<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nScene
\n4<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/font><\/p>\n

The Avunthian forests; moonlight.<\/i><\/p>\n

Vuthsa, Vasavadutta, Munjoolica.<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Thou hast held the reins divinely. We approach<\/p>\n

Our kingdom’s border.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

But the foe surround.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

We will break through as twice now we have done.<\/p>\n

Vicurna comes.<\/p>\n

Vicurna arrives ascending.<\/i><\/p>\n

VICURNA<\/p>\n

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

Vuthsa, yon Rebha asks<\/p>\n

For parley; is it given? I’ld hold him here<\/p>\n

While by a long masked woodland breach I know<\/p>\n

Silent we pass their cordon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Force is best.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VICURNA<\/p>\n

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

Vuthsa, to my mind more; but I would spare<\/p>\n

Our Vasavadutta’s heart these fierce alarms.<\/p>\n

Though she breathe nothing, yet she suffers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Good!<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 733<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nWe’ll choose thy peaceful breach.<\/p>\n

Vicurna descends.<\/i><\/p>\n

VASAVADUTTA<\/p>\n

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

Vuthsa, if I<\/p>\n

Stood forth and bade their leader cease pursuit<\/p>\n

Since of my will I go, he must desist.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

It would diminish, love, my victory<\/p>\n

And triumph which are thine.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASAVADUTTA<\/p>\n

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

Then let it go.<\/p>\n

I would not stain thy fame in arms, though over<\/p>\n

My house’s head its wheels go trampling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/font> (yawning)<\/i><\/p>\n

Ough!<\/p>\n

If we could parley a truce for sleep. This fighting<\/p>\n

Makes very drowsy.<\/p>\n

Vicurna returns with Rebha.<\/i><\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Well, captain, thy demand!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

REBHA<\/p>\n

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

Vuthsa, thou art environed. Dost thou yield?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Thou mockst! Return; we’ll break the third last time<\/p>\n

Thy fragile chain. Are thy dead counted?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

REBHA<\/p>\n

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

The living<\/p>\n

Outnumber their first strength; more force comes on<\/p>\n

Fast from Ujjayiny. Therefore yield the princess.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 734<\/p>\n

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

\n

Thyself depart a freeman to thy realms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Knowst thou thy offer is an insolence?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

REBHA<\/p>\n

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

Then, Prince, await the worst. Living and bound<\/p>\n

Or else a corpse we’ll bring thee back to our city.<\/p>\n

Three times around thee is my cordon passed,<\/p>\n

Thy steeds are spent, nor hast thou Urjoon’s quiver.<\/p>\n

The dawn prepares; think it thy last.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

At noon<\/p>\n

I give thee tryst within my borders.<\/p>\n

Rebha goes.<\/i><\/p>\n

VICURNA<\/p>\n

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

Swift!<\/p>\n

Before he reach his men and back ascend,<\/p>\n

We must be far. Munjoolica, mount my horse,<\/p>\n

Ride to Yougundharayan, bid him bring on<\/p>\n

His numbers; for I see armies thundering towards us<\/p>\n

With angry speed o’er the Avunthian plains.<\/p>\n

I’ll guide the car.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

The horse?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VICURNA<\/p>\n

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

Bound in yon grove.<\/p>\n

Rein lightly; he’s high-mettled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

Teach me not.<\/p>\n

There is no horse yet foaled I cannot ride.<\/p>\n

Which is my way through all this leafy tangle?<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 735<\/p>\n

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

\n

VICURNA<\/p>\n

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

Thou canst not miss it; for yon path leads only<\/p>\n

To Lokanatha’s hill beyond our borders.<\/p>\n

Now on!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

The moonlight and the glad night-winds<\/p>\n

Have rustled luminously among the leaves<\/p>\n

And sung me wordless paeans while I fought.<\/p>\n

Now let them fall into a rapturous strain<\/p>\n

Of silence, while I ride with thee safe-clasped<\/p>\n

Upon my bosom.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASAVADUTTA<\/p>\n

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

If I could hold thee safe at last!<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 736<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nScene
\n5<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/font><\/p>\n

On the Avunthian border.<\/i><\/p>\n

Roomunwath, Yougundharayan, Alurca, soldiers.<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ROOMUNWATH<\/p>\n

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

The dawn with rose and crimson crowned the hills,<\/p>\n

There was no sign of Vuthsa’s promised wheels.<\/p>\n

Another noon approaches.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

YOUGUNDHARAYAN<\/p>\n

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

Two days only<\/p>\n

Vasuntha’s here. Yet is Udaian swift<\/p>\n

With the stroke he in a secret sloth prepares.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ROOMUNWATH<\/p>\n

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

We learned that though too late. A secret rashness,<\/p>\n

A boy’s wild venture with his life for stake<\/p>\n

And a kingdom! Dangerously dawns this reign.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ALURCA<\/p>\n

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

See, see, a horseman over Avunthy’s edge<\/p>\n

Rides to us. He quests forward with his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ROOMUNWATH<\/p>\n

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

Whoe’er he be, he has travelled far. His beast<\/p>\n

Labours and stumbles on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

YOUGUNDHARAYAN<\/p>\n

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

This is no horseman;<\/p>\n

It is a woman rides though swift and armed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 737<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nALURCA<\/p>\n

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

She has seen us and dismounts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

YOUGUNDHARAYAN<\/p>\n

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

A woman rides!<\/p>\n

My mind misgives me. Is’t some evil chance?<\/p>\n

Comes she a broken messenger of grief?<\/p>\n

She runs as if pursued.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ALURCA<\/p>\n

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

She’s young and fair.<\/p>\n

Munjoolica arrives.<\/i><\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

Art thou King Vuthsa’s captain?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ROOMUNWATH<\/p>\n

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

I am he.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

Gather thy force; for Vuthsa drives here fast,<\/p>\n

But hostile armies surge behind his wheels.<\/p>\n

Fast, fast, into the woods your succour bring,<\/p>\n

Lest over his wearied coursers and spent quiver<\/p>\n

Numbers and speed prevail.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

YOUGUNDHARAYAN<\/p>\n

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

Roomunwath, swift.<\/p>\n

Roomunwath goes.<\/i><\/p>\n

But who art thou or where shall be my surety<\/p>\n

That thou art no Avunthian sent to lure<\/p>\n

Our force into an ambush?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

This is surely<\/p>\n

Yougundharayan of the prudent brain.<\/p>\n

Thy question I reply; the rest resolve<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 738<\/p>\n

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\n

But swiftly, lest Fate mock thy wary thoughts.<\/p>\n

My name is Bundhumathie and my father<\/p>\n

Sourashtra held; but I, his daughter, taken<\/p>\n

Served in Avunthy Vasavadutta. Knowest thou<\/p>\n

This ring?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

YOUGUNDHARAYAN<\/p>\n

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

‘Tis Vuthsa’s.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

Young Vicurna’s bay<\/p>\n

I rode, who guards his sister’s ravisher<\/p>\n

Against the angry rescuers. Will these riddles,<\/p>\n

Wisest of statesmen, solve thy cautious doubt?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

YOUGUNDHARAYAN<\/p>\n

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

Thy tale is strange; but thou at least art true.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MUNJOOLICA<\/p>\n

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

Thou art not prudent only!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

YOUGUNDHARAYAN<\/p>\n

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

Forward then.<\/p>\n

Roomunwath’s camp already is astir.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 739<\/p>\n

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\n

<\/p>\n

\n<\/font>
\n
\nScene
\n 6<\/a><\/b><\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

Near the edge of the forest in Avunthy.<\/i><\/p>\n

Roomunwath, Yougundharayan, Alurca, Munjoolica, forces.<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ROOMUNWATH<\/p>\n

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

Stay, stay our march; ’tis Vuthsa’s car arrives.<\/p>\n

The tired horses stumble as they pause.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

YOUGUNDHARAYAN<\/p>\n

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

There is a noise of armies close behind<\/p>\n

And out of woods the Avunthian wheels emerge.<\/p>\n

There arrive Vuthsa, Vicurna, Vasavadutta.<\/i><\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

My father, all things to their hour are true<\/p>\n

And I bring back my venture. Am I pardoned<\/p>\n

Its secrecy?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

YOUGUNDHARAYAN<\/p>\n

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

My pupil and son no more,<\/p>\n

But hero and monarch! Thou hast set thy foot<\/p>\n

Upon Avunthy’s head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Yet still thy son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

YOUGUNDHARAYAN<\/p>\n

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

Hail, Vasavadutta, great Cowsamby’s queen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASAVADUTTA<\/font> (smiling happily on Vuthsa<\/i>)<\/p>\n

My crown was won by desperate alarms.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 740<\/p>\n

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\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

It was a perilous race and in the end<\/p>\n

Fate won by a head. Were it not the difficult paths<\/p>\n

Baffled their numbers, we were hardly here,<\/p>\n

So oft we had to pause and rest our steeds.<\/p>\n

But in less strength they dared not venture on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

YOUGUNDHARAYAN<\/p>\n

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

They range their battle now.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Speak thou to them.<\/p>\n

War must not break.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

YOUGUNDHARAYAN<\/p>\n

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

Demand a parley there.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

If we must fight, it shall be for defence<\/p>\n

Retreating while we war unless they urge<\/p>\n

Too far their violent trespass.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VICURNA<\/p>\n

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

Rebha comes.<\/p>\n

Rebha arrives.<\/i><\/p>\n

REBHA<\/p>\n

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

Ye are suitors for a parley?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VICURNA<\/p>\n

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

Rebha, with beaten men?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

REBHA<\/p>\n

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

Because you had your sister in the car<\/p>\n

Our shafts were hampered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 741<\/p>\n

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

\n

VICURNA<\/p>\n

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

Nor could with swords prevail<\/p>\n

Against two boys so many hundred men.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

REBHA<\/p>\n

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

O Prince Vicurna, what thou hast done today<\/p>\n

Against thy name and nation, I forbear<\/p>\n

To value. ‘Tis thy first essay of arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VICURNA<\/p>\n

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

Well dost thou not to weigh thy better’s deeds.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

YOUGUNDHARAYAN<\/p>\n

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

Rebha, wilt thou urge vainly yet this strife?<\/p>\n

What hitherto was done, was private act<\/p>\n

And duel; now if thou insist on fight,<\/p>\n

Two nations are embroiled; and to what end?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

REBHA<\/p>\n

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

I will take Vuthsa and the Princess back.<\/p>\n

It is my king’s command.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

YOUGUNDHARAYAN<\/p>\n

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

The impossible<\/p>\n

No man is bound to endeavour. While we fight,<\/p>\n

King Vuthsa with the captive princess bounds<\/p>\n

Unhindered to his high-walled capital.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

REBHA<\/p>\n

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

It is my king’s command. I am his arm<\/p>\n

And not his counsellor; nor to use my brain<\/p>\n

Have any right, save for the swift way to fulfil<\/p>\n

His proud and absolute mandate.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

YOUGUNDHARAYAN<\/p>\n

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

If there came<\/p>\n

Word from Ujjayiny, then pursuit must cease?<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 742<\/p>\n

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

\n

REBHA<\/p>\n

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

Then truly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

YOUGUNDHARAYAN<\/p>\n

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

Send a horseman, Rebha, ask.<\/p>\n

All meanwhile shall remain as now it stands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

REBHA<\/p>\n

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

I’ll send no horseman; I will fight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

YOUGUNDHARAYAN<\/p>\n

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

Then war!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

REBHA<\/p>\n

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

We fear it not. This is strange insolence<\/p>\n

To stand in arms upon Avunthian ground<\/p>\n

And issue mandates to the country’s lords.<\/p>\n

He is going.<\/i><\/p>\n

ROOMUNWATH<\/p>\n

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

Rebha, yet pause! No messenger thou needst.<\/p>\n

Look where yon chariot furious-bounding comes<\/p>\n

And over it streams Avunthy’s royal flag.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

REBHA<\/p>\n

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

It is the prince Gopalaca. Of this I am glad.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASAVADUTTA<\/p>\n

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

O if my brother comes, then all is well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

For thou art Luxmie. Thou beside me, Fate<\/p>\n

And Fortune, peace and battle must obey<\/p>\n

The vagrant lightest-winged of my desires.<\/p>\n

Gopalaca arrives; with him Umba.<\/i><\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 743<\/p>\n

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

\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Hail, Vuthsa! peace and love between our lands!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

I hold them here incarnate. Welcome thou,<\/p>\n

Their strong achiever.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

As earnest and as proof<\/p>\n

Receive this fair accomplice of thy flight<\/p>\n

Unpunished. Sister, take her to thy arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASAVADUTTA<\/p>\n

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

O Umba, thou com’st safe to me!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

And all<\/p>\n

My sister’s household and her wealth comes fast<\/p>\n

Behind me. Only one claim Avunthy keeps;<\/p>\n

My sister shall sit throned thy only queen, \u2014<\/p>\n

Which, pardon me, my eyes must witness done<\/p>\n

With honour to our name.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Cowsamby’s majesty<\/p>\n

Will brook not even in this, Gopalaca,<\/p>\n

A foreign summons. Surely my will and love<\/p>\n

Shall throne most high, not strong Avunthy’s child,<\/p>\n

But Vasavadutta; whether alone, her will<\/p>\n

And mine, the nation and the kingdom’s good<\/p>\n

Consenting shall decide. Therefore this claim<\/p>\n

Urge not, my brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Let not this divide us.<\/p>\n

The present’s gladness is enough: the future’s hers<\/p>\n

And thine, Udaian, nor shall any man<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 744<\/p>\n

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

\n

Compel thee. Boy, thy revolt was rash and fierce<\/p>\n

Wronging thy house and thy high father’s will.<\/p>\n

Exiled must thou in far Cowsamby dwell<\/p>\n

Until his wrath is dead.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VICURNA<\/p>\n

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

I care not, brother.<\/p>\n

I have done my will, I have observed the right.<\/p>\n

Near Vuthsa and my sister’s home enough<\/p>\n

And I shall see new countries.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Follow behind,<\/p>\n

Gopalaca; thy sister’s household bring<\/p>\n

And all the force thou wilt. We speed in front.<\/p>\n

Ride thou, Alurca, near us; let thy harp<\/p>\n

Speak of love’s anthems and her golden life<\/p>\n

To Vasavadutta. Love, the storm is past,<\/p>\n

The peril o’er. Now we shall glide, my queen,<\/p>\n

Through green-gold woods and between golden fields<\/p>\n

To float for ever in a golden dream,<\/p>\n

O earth’s gold Luxmie, till the shining gates<\/p>\n

Eternal open to us thy heavenly home.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 745<\/p>\n

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

\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

<\/span><\/a><\/b><\/span><\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  Act V   Scene 1 A room in Vasavadutta’s apartments. Vasavadutta, Munjoolica.   VASAVADUTTA So thou hast dared to come.   MUNJOOLICA I have….<\/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-1765","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\/1765","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=1765"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1765\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1765"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1765"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1765"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}