{"id":1766,"date":"2013-07-13T01:37:13","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:37:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=1766"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:37:13","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:37:13","slug":"10-the-prince-of-edur-act-ii-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\/10-the-prince-of-edur-act-ii-vol-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","title":{"rendered":"-10_The Prince of Edur- Act – II.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

\n\n\n
\n

 <\/td>\n

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\nAct II<\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nThe forest near Dongurh.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

\nScene 1<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nIn the forest near Dongurh.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nBappa, Sungram. The Captain and Rajpoot soldiers, guarded by Bheels.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

BAPPA<\/p>\n

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

Ponder it, captain. Sungram, see the bearers<\/p>\n

Released, but let those cowards first be scourged<\/p>\n

\nWho put their lives above their lady’s honour.<\/p>\n

Give golden largess to the faithful four<\/p>\n

\nAnd send them with a script. Let Edur know<\/p>\n

That Bappa holds his cherished daughter fast<\/p>\n

\nAnd frees her not save for a lakh of mohurs,<\/p>\n

Her insufficient ransom. If it displease him,<\/p>\n

\nLet him come here with all his fighting-men<\/p>\n

And take her from my grip. Word it to wound him<\/p>\n

\nSo that he shall come thundering up the hills<\/p>\n

Incensed inexorably.<\/p>\n

\nExit Sungram.<\/i><\/p>\n

Soldier, again,<\/p>\n

\n‘Tis not my wont to slay my prisoners,<\/p>\n

Who am a Rajpoot, and to pen you here<\/p>\n

\nEating your hearts away like prisoned lions<\/p>\n

Were the world’s loss and to myself no profit.<\/p>\n

\nTake then your choice and either follow me<\/p>\n

Or to your Edur back return unharmed.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 885<\/p>\n

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

\n

C<\/font>APTAIN<\/p>\n

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

Thou art a noble enemy, young chieftain;<\/p>\n

But change thy boon; for I have lost my charge<\/p>\n

\nIngloriously and now can only entreat<\/p>\n

The use of my own sword to avenge my honour<\/p>\n

\nOn its betrayer. Living I go not back<\/p>\n

To Edur.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BAPPA<\/p>\n

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

Soldier, thou art too scrupulous.<\/p>\n

\nThe wariest captain need not think it shame<\/p>\n

To be surprised among these mountains. If Edur<\/p>\n

\nReceive you not, follow my fortunes, Rajpoot.<\/p>\n

I am as noble as the prince you serve,<\/p>\n

\nAnd he who waits on Bappa’s fateful star,<\/p>\n

May be more fortunate than kings.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

C<\/font>APTAIN<\/p>\n

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

Chieftain,<\/p>\n

\nSave my old master’s blood I serve no other<\/p>\n

Than noble Edur.<\/p>\n

\n(suddenly with excitement<\/i>)<\/p>\n

What is that jewel, boy,<\/p>\n

\nUpon thy sword-hilt? Where hadst thou that weapon?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

BAPPA<\/p>\n

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

What moves thee thus? It is my father’s sword,<\/p>\n

Though who my father was, Fate hides from me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nC<\/font>APTAIN<\/font> (with emotion<\/i>)<\/p>\n

I take thy offer, prince. I am thy soldier,<\/p>\n

\nAnd all these men shall live and die for thee.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

A S<\/font>OLDIER<\/p>\n

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

\nWhat dost thou, captain?<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 886<\/p>\n

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

\n

C<\/font>APTAIN<\/p>\n

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

I have never swerved<\/p>\n

From the high path of Rajpoot honour. Trust me,<\/p>\n

\nRajpoots.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

S<\/font>OLDIER<\/p>\n

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

\nThou wast our chief in war and always<\/p>\n

We found thee valiant, proud and honourable.<\/p>\n

\nConvince us that we may transfer unshamed<\/p>\n

Our falchions only stained with foemen’s blood,<\/p>\n

\nAnd still we’ll follow thee.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

C<\/font>APTAIN<\/p>\n

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

I will convince you<\/p>\n

At a fit season.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BAPPA<\/p>\n

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

Knowst thou something, soldier,<\/p>\n

\nThat’s hid from me?<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

C<\/font>APTAIN<\/p>\n

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

Pardon my silence, chieftain.<\/p>\n

All things have their own time to come to light.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BAPPA<\/p>\n

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

I will expect my hour then and meanwhile<\/p>\n

\nThink myself twice as great as yesterday<\/p>\n

Whom your strong hands now serve. Come, friends, with me;<\/p>\n

\nResume your swords for yet more glorious use<\/p>\n

In Bappa’s service.<\/p>\n

\nExeunt.<\/i><\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 887<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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

\n <\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe road through the valley to Dongurh.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nToraman, Canaca, Hooshka and Scythians.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

T<\/font>ORAMAN<\/p>\n

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

I know not what impelled these mountain-boars<\/p>\n

\nTo worry Death with their blunt tusks. This insult<\/p>\n

I will revenge in kind at first, then take<\/p>\n

\nA bloody reckoning.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

C<\/font>ANACA<\/p>\n

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


\n\t\t\tFigh! it was a trick even beyond my wits. To put a servant-girl on the throne of Cashmere! All Asia would have been one grin
\nhad the jest prospered.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

T<\/font>ORAMAN<\/p>\n

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

They take us for barbarians<\/p>\n

And thought such gross imposture good enough<\/p>\n

\nTo puzzle Scythian brains. But I’ll so shame<\/p>\n

The witty clowns, they shall hang down their waggish heads<\/p>\n

\nWhile they are still allowed to live. You’ll wed<\/p>\n

A princess of the Rajpoots, Canaca?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

C<\/font>ANACA<\/p>\n

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

I would prefer a haunch of Rajpoot venison any day; they have
\nfat juicy stags in their mountains.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

T<\/font>ORAMAN<\/p>\n

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

I give thee Edur’s daughter. While I ride<\/p>\n

With half my lances to our mountains, thou<\/p>\n

\nShalt ruffle round as Scythian Toraman<\/p>\n

And wed the princess.\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 888<\/p>\n

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

\n

C<\/font>ANACA<\/p>\n

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

Shall I indeed? Do you take me for a lettuce that you would have me sliced for a Rajpoot salad? Oh, I’ld love to be a prince if only to comfort myself with one full meal in a lifetime; but an empty plebeian paunch is a more comfortable possession than a princely belly full of Rajpoot lances.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

T<\/font>ORAMAN<\/p>\n

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

Why should they at all<\/p>\n

Discover thee, dull fool? None know me here.<\/p>\n

The Rana and his men have not received me.<\/p>\n

No doubt the arrogant princeling scorned to eat<\/p>\n

As host and guest with me in Edur; even to dine<\/p>\n

With us is thought a soil! Therefore ’twas fixed<\/p>\n

In this rare plot that I should ride from Deesa<\/p>\n

On a fool’s errand. Well, it helps me now,<\/p>\n

Though I’ll avenge it fearfully. ‘Tis feasible.<\/p>\n

None know us, you are richer-robed than I,<\/p>\n

And what’s uncouth in you, they will put down<\/p>\n

To Scythia’s utter barbarousness, whose princes<\/p>\n

Are boors and boors unhuman. Oh, ’twill work.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

C<\/font>ANACA<\/p>\n

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

Will it? Well, so long as I keep my belly unprodded, ’tis a jest after my own heart.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

T<\/font>ORAMAN<\/p>\n

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

And mine. These haughty Rajpoots think themselves<\/p>\n

The only purity on earth; their girls<\/p>\n

So excellent in Aryan chastity,<\/p>\n

That without Rajpoot birth an emperor’s wooing<\/p>\n

Is held for insult. This they hoped to avenge<\/p>\n

By foisting a baseborn light serving-wench<\/p>\n

On the prince of all the North. How will they stare,<\/p>\n

How gnash their teeth and go stark-mad with shame<\/p>\n

When they discover their sweet cherished lily,<\/p>\n

The pride of Rajasthan, they thought too noble<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 889<\/p>\n

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

\n

To lower herself to Cashmere’s lofty throne,<\/p>\n

Bedded with the court-jester of Cashmere,<\/p>\n

Soiled by the embraces of a low buffoon<\/p>\n

Who patters for a wage, her pride a jest,<\/p>\n

Her purity a puddle and herself<\/p>\n

The world’s sole laughing-stock.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

C<\/font>ANACA<\/p>\n

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

Hem! ‘Twill be a jest for the centuries.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

T<\/font>ORAMAN<\/p>\n

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

About it, then.<\/p>\n

Feign to laugh off the insult put on you<\/p>\n

And urge your suit. Bound by their trick that failed,<\/p>\n

They must, though with great sullenness, consent;<\/p>\n

And that’s desirable: the shame will taste<\/p>\n

A thousand times more bitter afterwards.<\/p>\n

Have her by force, if they are obstinate;<\/p>\n

But have her. Soon, be sure, I will be back<\/p>\n

With an avenging host and ring in Edur<\/p>\n

With loud assaults till I have crucified<\/p>\n

King, queen and princess on her smoking ruins.<\/p>\n

\nExit with a number of Scythians.<\/i><\/p>\n

C<\/font>ANACA<\/p>\n

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

Well then, I am Prince Toraman of Cashmere; remember that, villains. Or why not Prince Toraman-Canaca or Prince Canaca-Toraman? it is rounder and more satisfying to the mouth. Yet  simple Prince Toraman has a chastity of its own and all the magnificence of Cashmere marches after it. Ho, slave! What sounds are those approaching my majesty? Send scouts and reconnoitre.  Prince Toraman, the imperial son of Cashmere! It is a part I shall play with credit; Nature made me for it of sufficient proportions and gave me a paunch imperial.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 890<\/p>\n

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

\n

H<\/font>OOSHKA<\/font> (approaching<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Prince Canaca-Toraman or Prince Toraman-Canaca or very simple Toraman, I hear tramp of men and the clang of armour. No doubt, the princess of Edur, thinking all safe by now, rides to Dongurh. Will you charge them and seize her?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

C<\/font>ANACA<\/p>\n

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

To cover, thou incompetent captain, to cover. Hast thou learned war and knowest not the uses of ambush? We will hide, slave.  See thou pokest not out that overlong nose of thine! Find thyself a branch big enough to cover it.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

H<\/font>OOSHKA<\/p>\n

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

Humph! What signal shall we expect from your Majesty for the charge?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

C<\/font>ANACA<\/p>\n

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

Prate not to me of signals! How lacking are thy dull soldier-wits in contrivance! If I jump down into the road and howl, you will all come jumping and howling after me; but if I run, you will catch hold of my tail and run too like the very devil. Nay, I have a rare notion of tactics. To cover, to cover!<\/p>\n

\nThey conceal themselves. Enter the Rao of<\/i><\/p>\n

\nIchalgurh, Ruttan and Rajpoots.<\/i><\/p>\n

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

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

She has escaped me, or the Scythian has her.<\/p>\n

The last were my dishonour.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

R<\/font>UTTAN<\/p>\n

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

We’ve held the road<\/p>\n

Since dawn. The Scythian had the serving-women.<\/p>\n

The princess has escaped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

I’m glad of it.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 891<\/p>\n

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

\n

R<\/font>UTTAN<\/p>\n

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

Will you pursue it farther?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Ambition only<\/p>\n

Engaged me once to woo her; now my honour<\/p>\n

Is deeply pledged. The spur of chivalry<\/p>\n

Suffers me not to yield a Rajpoot flower<\/p>\n

To Scythian handling; nor could I refuse<\/p>\n

A challenge to adventurous emprise<\/p>\n

So fairly given. About, to Dongurh!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

R<\/font>UTTAN<\/p>\n

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

Brother,<\/p>\n

The place is strong, nor we equipped for sieges.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

I’ll have her out even from that fortressed keeping<\/p>\n

And set her in my crest at Ichalgurh<\/p>\n

For gods to gaze at.<\/p>\n

\nCanaca leaps down into the road brandishing a sword,<\/i><\/p>\n

\nfollowed by Hooshka and his Scythians.<\/i><\/p>\n

C<\/font>ANACA<\/p>\n

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

Ho Amitabha! Buddha for Cashmere!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

The Scythians on us! Swords!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

C<\/font>ANACA<\/p>\n

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

Put up your skewers! Quiver not, ye wretches; steady, steady your quaking kneecaps. Though I have cause for anger, yet am I  merciful. Ye would have robbed me of some very pretty property, but ye are mountain-thieves by nature and nurture and know no better. Therefore peace. Sleep in thy scabbard, thou dreadful servant of the wrath of Toraman; await a fitter subject than these carcasses. Courage, Rajpoots, you shall not die. <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 892<\/p>\n

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

\n

I<\/font>CHALGURH<\/font> (smiling<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Who is Your Mightiness?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

C<\/font>ANACA<\/p>\n

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

I am the very formidable and valiant hero and Scythian, Toraman, prince of Cashmere. Nevertheless, tremble not. I am terrible to look at, but I have bowels; \u2014  ay, a whole paunchful of them.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

You sought the Princess?<\/p>\n

What, she has slipped through your most valiant fingers?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

C<\/font>ANACA<\/p>\n

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

As if she had greased herself with butter. But I am going to<\/p>\n

Dongurh straight away to demand her and dinner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Together then. We’re comrades in her loss;<\/p>\n

Why not allies to win her?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

C<\/font>ANACA<\/p>\n

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

Am I to be so easily bamboozled? wilt thou insult my cranium?<\/p>\n

Thou wouldst use my valiant and invincible sword to win her,<\/p>\n

thinking to steal her from me afterwards when I am not looking.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Who would dare<\/p>\n

Defraud the formidable Toraman,<\/p>\n

The valiant and heroic Scythian?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

C<\/font>ANACA<\/p>\n

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

Well!<\/p>\n

I am content; fall in behind me, mountaineers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Ruttan, we’ll keep an eye upon this Scythian.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 893<\/p>\n

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

\n

His show of braggart folly hides, I fear,<\/p>\n

A deal of knavishness.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

C<\/font>ANACA<\/p>\n

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

Trumpets! To Dongurh! March!<\/p>\n

\nExeunt.<\/i><\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 894<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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

\n <\/font><\/p>\n

\nBappa’s cot on the hillside.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nBappa; the Captain; Coomood, decorating the cot with flowers.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

Where was she when you had the script from her?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

C<\/font>APTAIN<\/p>\n

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

Singing of battle on the rocks alone<\/p>\n

With wrestling winds in her wild hair and raiment,<\/p>\n

A joyous Oread.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

Said she anything?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

C<\/font>APTAIN<\/p>\n

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

She gave it me with glad and smiling eyes<\/p>\n

And laughed: “This for my noble Bheel, my sovereign<\/p>\n

Of caterans, my royal beast of prey.<\/p>\n

These to their mighty owners.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

COOMOOD<\/p>\n

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

Will you read it?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/font> (reads<\/i>)<\/p>\n

“Cateran, I have given thy captain letters which when thou hast read them, fail not to despatch. I have sent for teachers for thee to beat thee into modesty and lesson thee in better behaviour to a lady and princess. \u2014  “<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What letters has she given thee, captain? These?<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 895<\/p>\n

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

\n

C<\/font>APTAIN<\/p>\n

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

To Pratap, Rao of Ichalgurh; \u2014  and one<\/p>\n

To Toraman the Scythian.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

Deliver them.<\/p>\n

Thou’lt find at Dongurh both these warlike princes.<\/p>\n

No, I’ll not read them.<\/p>\n

\nExit Captain.<\/i><\/p>\n

COOMOOD<\/p>\n

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

Let me hear the rest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

“Cateran,
\nI will show thee the sum of thy bold and flagitious offences, though I dare not to hope that it will make thee ashamed. Thou hast laid injurious hands on a royal maiden, being thyself a mere Bheel and outlaw and of no parentage; thou hast carried me most violently to this thy inconsiderable and incommodious hut, treating the body of a princess as if it were a sack of potatoes; thou hast unmercifully and feloniously stripped my body with thy own rude Bheel hands of more ornaments than thou hast seen in thy lifetime and didst hurt me most cruelly in the deed, though thou vainly deniest it; thou hast compelled and dost yet compel me, the princess of Edur, by the infamous lack of women-servants in thy hut, to minister to thee, a common Bheel, menially with my own royal hands, so that my fingers are sore with scrubbing thy rusty sword which thou hast never used yet on anything braver than a hill-jackal, and my face is still red with leaning over the fire cooking thy most unroyal meals for thee; and to top these crimes, thou hast in thy robustious robber fashion taken a kiss from my lips without troubling thyself to ask for it, and thou yet keepest it with thee. All which are high misdoings and mortal offences; yet would I have pardoned them knowing thee to be no more than a boy and a savage. But now thou darest to tell me that I, a Rajpoot maiden, am in love with thee, a Bheel, and that even if I deny it, thou carest not; for I am <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 896<\/p>\n

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

\n

thine already whether I will or no, thy captive and thy
\nslave-girl. This is not to be borne. So I have written to my noble suitors  of Ichalgurh and Scythia to avenge me upon thy Bheel body; I  doubt not, they will soon carry thy head to Edur in a basket, if thou hast the manners to permit them. Yet since thy followers call thee Smiter of the Forest and Lion of the Hills, let me see thee smite more than jackals and rend braver than flesh of mountain-deer. Cateran, when thou trundlest the Scythian down-hill like a ball, thou mayst marry me in spite of thy misdeeds, if thou darest; and when thou showest thyself a better man than the Chouhan of Ichalgurh, which is impossible, thou mayst even keep me for thy
\nslave-girl and I will not deny thee. Meanwhile, thou shalt give me a respite till the seventh morn of the May. Till then presume not to touch me. Thy captive, Comol Cumary.” <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Why, here’s a warlike and most hectoring letter, Coomood.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

COOMOOD<\/p>\n

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

She pours her happy heart out so<\/p>\n

In fantasies; I never knew her half so wayward.<\/p>\n

The more her soul is snared between your hands,<\/p>\n

The more her lips will chide you.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

Can you tell<\/p>\n

Why she has set these doughty warriors on me,<\/p>\n

Coomood?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

COOMOOD<\/p>\n

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

You cannot read a woman’s mind.<\/p>\n

It’s to herself a maze inextricable<\/p>\n

Of vagrant impulses with half-guessed tangles<\/p>\n

Of feeling her own secret thoughts are blind to.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

But yet?<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 897<\/p>\n

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

\n

COOMOOD<\/p>\n

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

Her sudden eager headstrong passion<\/p>\n

Would justify its own extravagance<\/p>\n

By proving you unparalleled. Therefore she picks<\/p>\n

Earth’s brace of warriors out for your opponents.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

Pratap the Chouhan, Rao of Ichalgurh!<\/p>\n

To meet him merely were a lifetime’s boast;<\/p>\n

But to cross swords with him! Oh, she has looked<\/p>\n

Into my heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

COOMOOD<\/p>\n

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

You’ll give her seven days?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

Not hours, \u2014  the dainty rebel! Great Ichalgurh<\/p>\n

Will wing here like an eagle; soon I’ll meet him<\/p>\n

And overthrow, who feel a giant’s strength,<\/p>\n

Coomood, since yesterday. My fate mounts sunward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

COOMOOD<\/p>\n

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

Ours, Bappa, has already arrived. Our sun<\/p>\n

Rose yesterday upon the way to Dongurh.<\/p>\n

\nCurtain<\/i><\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 898<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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

\n <\/font><\/p>\n

\nOutside Dongurh.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nIchalgurh, a letter in his hand; Ruttan, the Captain.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

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

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

Who art thou, soldier?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

C<\/font>APTAIN<\/p>\n

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

The leader of the lances<\/p>\n

That guarded Edur’s princess and with her<\/p>\n

Were captived by the Bheels. Their chief I serve.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Thou hast dishonoured then the Rajpoot name<\/p>\n

Deserting from thy lord to serve a ruffian<\/p>\n

Under the eyes of death, thou paltry trembler.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

C<\/font>APTAIN<\/p>\n

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

My honour, Rao of Ichalgurh, is mine<\/p>\n

To answer for, and at a fitting time<\/p>\n

I will return thy insults on my
\nsword-point.<\/p>\n

But now I am only a messenger.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

I’ll read<\/p>\n

The princess’ writing. (reads<\/i>) “Baron of Ichalgurh,<\/p>\n

My mother’s clansman, warrior, noble Rajpoot,<\/p>\n

Thrice over therefore bound to help the weak<\/p>\n

And save the oppressed! A maiden overpowered,<\/p>\n

Comol Cumary, Edur’s princess, sues<\/p>\n

For thy heroic arm of rescue, prince,<\/p>\n

To the Bheel outlaws made a prey, unsought<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 899<\/p>\n

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

\n

By her own kin; whom if thou save, I am<\/p>\n

A princess and thy handmaid, else a captive<\/p>\n

Only and Bappa’s
\nslave-girl." Go! my war-cry<\/p>\n

Echoing among the hills shall answer straightway<\/p>\n

This piteous letter. Ruttan, swift! Arm! arm!<\/p>\n

I will not vent my wrath in braggart words<\/p>\n

But till it leap into my sword, I suffer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

R<\/font>UTTAN<\/p>\n

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

You shall not wait for long.<\/p>\n

\nExit.<\/i><\/p>\n

C<\/font>APTAIN<\/p>\n

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

I have a letter<\/p>\n

To Toraman the Scythian.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Give it to him,<\/p>\n

For this is he.<\/p>\n

\nEnter Canaca, Hooshka and Scythians.<\/i><\/p>\n

C<\/font>ANACA<\/p>\n

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

It will not fill. This paltry barren Rajpootana has not the where-withal to choke up the gulf within me. Ha! avaunt! Dost thou flutter paper before me? I have no creditors in Rajpootana.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

C<\/font>APTAIN<\/p>\n

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

I understand thee not. This is a script<\/p>\n

Comol Cumary sends thee, Edur’s princess.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

C<\/font>ANACA<\/p>\n

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

Is it so? Well then, thou mayst kneel and lay it at my feet; I will deign to read it. (The Captain flings it into his hands.<\/i>) What, thou dirty varlet! (The Captain lays his hand on his sword.<\/i>) Nay, it is a game? Oh, I can catch, I can catch.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

\nExit Captain.<\/i><\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 900<\/p>\n

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

\n

(reads<\/i>)<\/p>\n

“Prince Toraman, they say thou desirest me and camest from Cashmere as far as Edur for my sake. Thou must come a little  farther, prince! Bappa, the outlaw, has been beforehand with thee and holds me in durance among the hills. Prince, if thou yet desirest this little beauty one poor body can hold, come up hither and fight for its possession which otherwise I must in seven days perforce yield to my captor. From whom if thou canst rescue me, \u2014  but I will not drive bargains with thee, trusting rather to thy knightly princeliness to succour a distressed maiden for no hope of reward. Comol Cumary.”<\/p>\n

No, no, no; there is too much butter about thee. No hope of reward! What! I shall fight like an enraged rhinoceros, I shall startle the hills by my valour, I shall stick three thousand Bheels with my own princely hand like so many boar-pigs; and all this violent morning exercise for what? To improve my appetite? I have more gastric juice than my guts can accommodate. They roar to me already for a haunch of venison. <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

H<\/font>OOSHKA<\/p>\n

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

Prince Toraman, shall I give the order for the hills?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

C<\/font>ANACA<\/p>\n

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

Ay, Hooshka
\n\t\t\tLong-nose, hast thou news of venison, good fellow?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

H<\/font>OOSHKA<\/p>\n

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

I meant, to rescue the Princess Comol Cumary from the Bheels.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

C<\/font>ANACA<\/p>\n

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

Didst thou mean so? Nay, I will not hinder thy excellent intentions. But bring some venison with thee as thou comest along with her, Hooshka.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

H<\/font>OOSHKA<\/p>\n

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

Prince of Cashmere, lead us to the hills and tear her from the grip of the outlaws. As a prince and a soldier thou canst do no less.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 901<\/p>\n

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

\n

C<\/font>ANACA<\/p>\n

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

Thou liest through thy long nose! I can do much less than that. I will not suffer thee to put limits to my infinite ability. And I can tell a decoy-
\nduck from a live gander. Shall I waddle my shins into Bappa’s trap? This letter was written under compulsion. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

H<\/font>OOSHKA<\/p>\n

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

The Princess must be rescued. I wonder, Prince Toraman, that thou wilt jest over a thing so grave and unhappy.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

C<\/font>ANACA<\/p>\n

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

Why, genius will out, you cannot stable it for long, Hooshka; it will break bounds and gallop. Yet go, Hooshka, go; take all my men, Hooshka. Hooshka, slay the Bheel; rescue the lady, Hooshka. I wish I could go with thee and swing my dreadful blade with my mighty arm till the mountains
\n\t\t\tre-echoed. But the simple truth is, I have a bleeding dysentery. Willingly would I shed my princely blood for my sweet lady, but it is shedding itself already otherwise.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

H<\/font>OOSHKA<\/font> (aside<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Thou fat-gutted cowardly rogue, wilt thou blacken the name of a hero with thy antics? Out at once, or the Rajpoots shall know  who thou art and carve thee into little strips for a dog’s dinner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

C<\/font>ANACA<\/p>\n

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


\nSayst thou, my little captain? Thy arguments are strangely conclusive. Arms! arms! my horse! my horse! Out, Scythians, to the hills! My horse, I say! I will do deeds; I will paint the hills in blood and tattoo the valleys. (Enter Scythians.<\/i>) Amitabha! Amitabha! Yell, you rogues, have you no lungs in your big greasy carcasses? With what will you fight then? <\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

S<\/font>CYTHIANS<\/p>\n

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

Amitabha!<\/p>\n

\nEnter Ruttan and Rajpoots.<\/i><\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 902<\/p>\n

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

\n

R<\/font>UTTAN<\/p>\n

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

Rajpoots, to save a noble lady captived<\/p>\n

We march today. No gallant open enemy,<\/p>\n

But savages who lurk behind the rocks<\/p>\n

Are our opposers. Sweep them from the hills,<\/p>\n

Rajpoots, with the mere flashing of your swords<\/p>\n

And rescue from their villain touch a princess.<\/p>\n

\nExeunt Ichalgurh, Ruttan and Rajpoots.<\/i><\/p>\n

C<\/font>ANACA<\/p>\n

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

March, Scythians! (aside<\/i>) Hooshka, what say you? We will keep behind these mad-dog Rajpoots and fight valiantly in their  shadow. That is but strategy.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

H<\/font>OOSHKA<\/font> (aside<\/i>)<\/p>\n

If thou dost, I will kick thee into the enemy’s midst with my jackboots.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

C<\/font>ANACA<\/font> (aside<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Wilt thou muddy such a fine coat as this is? Hast thou the heart? (aloud<\/i>) Trumpets! Into the breach, into the breach, my soldiers!<\/p>\n

\nExeunt.<\/i><\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 903<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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

\n <\/font><\/p>\n

\nIn the forest.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nIchalgurh, Ruttan and Rajpoots.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

O<\/font>UTSIDE<\/p>\n

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

Bappa! Bappa! Ho, Sheva Ekling!<\/p>\n

\nAn arrow descends and a Rajpoot falls.<\/i><\/p>\n

R<\/font>UTTAN<\/p>\n

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

Still upwards!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Upwards still! Death on the height<\/p>\n

Sits crowned to meet us; downwards is to dishonour<\/p>\n

And that’s no Rajpoot movement. Brother Ruttan,<\/p>\n

We’re strangled with a noose intangible.<\/p>\n

O my brave Rajpoots, by my headlong folly<\/p>\n

Led to an evil death!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

R<\/font>UTTAN<\/p>\n

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

What is this weakness,<\/p>\n

Chouhan of famous Ichalgurh? Remember<\/p>\n

Thyself, my brother. But a little more<\/p>\n

And we have reached their wasps’-nest on the hills.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Not one alive.<\/p>\n

\nAnother arrow. A Rajpoot falls.<\/i><\/p>\n

R<\/font>UTTAN<\/p>\n

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

I ask no better fate,<\/p>\n

Brother, than at thy side however slain,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 904<\/p>\n

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

\n

Victorious or defeated.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

We have acted<\/p>\n

Like heedless children, thinking we had to stamp<\/p>\n

Our armoured heel on a mere swarm and rabble,<\/p>\n

But find ourselves at grips with skilful fighters<\/p>\n

And a great brain of war. Safe under cover<\/p>\n

They pick us off; we battle blindly forwards<\/p>\n

Without objective, smiting at the wind,<\/p>\n

Stumbling as in a nightmare and transfixed<\/p>\n

Ignobly by a foe invisible<\/p>\n

Our falchions cannot reach, \u2014  like crows, like jackals,<\/p>\n

Not like brave men and battle-famous warriors.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

R<\/font>UTTAN<\/p>\n

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

Still on!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

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

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

Yes, on, till the last man falls pierced<\/p>\n

Upon the threshold that immures the sweetness<\/p>\n

We could not save. Forward the Chouhan!<\/p>\n

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

K<\/font>ODAL<\/p>\n

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

Halt!<\/font><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

A parley!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Speak, but talk not of surrender.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

K<\/font>ODAL<\/p>\n

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

‘Tis that I’ll talk of. I am Bappa’s mouthpiece.<\/p>\n

Rajpoots, you’re quite surrounded. If we choose,<\/p>\n

Our arrows buzzing through your brains can end you<\/p>\n

In five swift minutes. Lay then at Bappa’s feet<\/p>\n

Your humble heads; else like mad dogs be skewered<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 905<\/p>\n

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

\n

And yelp your lives out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Return unpunished; the name<\/p>\n

Of envoy guards thy barbarous insolence.<\/p>\n

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

S<\/font>UNGRAM<\/p>\n

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

You speak too insolently your message, Kodal.<\/p>\n

Chouhan of Ichalgurh, thou art too great<\/p>\n

To die thus butchered. We demand a parley<\/p>\n

For courteous equal terms, not base surrender.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Thou art a Rajpoot; dost thou lead these arrows?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

S<\/font>UNGRAM<\/p>\n

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

I lead the shafts that wear thee out; another<\/p>\n

Surrounds the Scythian; but we are the hands<\/p>\n

Of one more godlike brain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

With him I’ll parley.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

S<\/font>UNGRAM<\/p>\n

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

‘Tis well. Go, Kodal, learn our chieftain’s will.<\/p>\n

\nExit Kodal.<\/i><\/p>\n

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

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

Young man, thou hast a Rajpoot form and bearing,<\/p>\n

Yet herdst with the wild forest tribes, remote<\/p>\n

From arms and culture. Dost thou hide thy name too?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

S<\/font>UNGRAM<\/p>\n

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

I am a Chouhan like thyself, of birth<\/p>\n

As princely. Ask the warriors of Ajmere<\/p>\n

Who valiant Martund was; his sons are we,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 906<\/p>\n

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

\n

Sungram and Prithuraj.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

O youth, thy father<\/p>\n

Was my great pattern and my guide in war.<\/p>\n

Brother and enemy, embrace me.<\/p>\n

\nThey embrace.<\/i><\/p>\n

Sungram,<\/p>\n

Who is thy captain? For the sons of Martund<\/p>\n

Serve not a Bheel.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

S<\/font>UNGRAM<\/p>\n

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

Thine eyes shall answer thee.<\/p>\n

\nEnter Bappa and Kodal.<\/i><\/p>\n

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

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

A noble-featured youth! What son of Kings<\/p>\n

Lives secret in these rugged hills?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

Chouhan<\/p>\n

Of famous Ichalgurh, now if I’m slain<\/p>\n

In battle, I can tell the dead I’ve seen thee,<\/p>\n

Thou god of war. O let there be no hatred,<\/p>\n

Hero, between us, but only faith.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Young chieftain,<\/p>\n

Thou bearst a godlike semblance, but thy deeds<\/p>\n

Are less than noble. Hast thou not seized a princess<\/p>\n

By robber violence, forced her with thee<\/p>\n

To thy rude lair and threatenest her sweet body<\/p>\n

With shameful mastery?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

We are warriors, Rajpoot;<\/p>\n

Two ways of mating only fit for us,<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 907<\/p>\n

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

\n

By mutual sweet attraction undenied<\/p>\n

To grow to oneness as they do in heaven,<\/p>\n

Or else with lion leap to seize our bride<\/p>\n

And pluck her from the strong protecting spears<\/p>\n

Taking her heart by violence. We mate not<\/p>\n

Like castes unwarlike, from a father’s hand<\/p>\n

Drawing an innocent wide-eyed wondering child<\/p>\n

Like cattle given or sold. This was the way<\/p>\n

Of Rajpoots long before the earth grew aged;<\/p>\n

And shall a Rajpoot blame it? Wherefore then rod’st thou<\/p>\n

Clanging last morn from Ichalgurh in arms,<\/p>\n

Pratap the Chouhan?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Chieftain, I am pledged<\/p>\n

To save the girl from thee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

But canst redeem<\/p>\n

The vow with thy dead body only. Hero,<\/p>\n

I too am sworn to keep her ‘gainst the world.<\/p>\n

Let us in the high knightly way decide it.<\/p>\n

Deign to cross swords with me and let the victor<\/p>\n

Possess the maiden.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

O thou springing stem<\/p>\n

That surely yet wilt rise to meet the sun!<\/p>\n

Agreed. Let no man intervene betwixt us.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

Kodal, restrain thy Bheels.<\/p>\n

\nExit Kodal. They fight.<\/i><\/p>\n

R<\/font>UTTAN<\/p>\n

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

Bold is thy chieftain<\/p>\n

To match his boyish arm against my brother!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 908<\/p>\n

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

\n

S<\/font>UNGRAM<\/p>\n

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

He is a mighty warrior, but not age<\/p>\n

Nor bulk can measure strength; the exultant spirit<\/p>\n

Pressing towards glory gives the arm a force<\/p>\n

Mightier than physical. He’s down.<\/p>\n

\nIchalgurh falls wounded.<\/i><\/p>\n

R<\/font>UTTAN<\/p>\n

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

Great Ichalgurh!<\/p>\n

Who is this godlike combatant?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

Surrender<\/p>\n

My princess, Chouhan.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

Thou hast her who deserv’st<\/p>\n

Much more than her.<\/p>\n

\nHe rises.<\/i><\/p>\n

Young hero who in thy first battle o’erbearst<\/p>\n

Maturer victors! know Pratap the Chouhan<\/p>\n

Unalterably thy friend. When thou shalt ask<\/p>\n

My sword, ’tis thine.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

Thou’rt wounded?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

I<\/font>CHALGURH<\/font> (binding his wound<\/i>)<\/p>\n

I have been worse<\/p>\n

And ridden far to meet the foe. Another day<\/p>\n

We’ll share one rocky pillow on the hills<\/p>\n

And talk of battles.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

Pratap, I could but offer<\/p>\n

A rude and hillside hospitality.<\/p>\n

But when I hold my court in mighty Edur<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 909<\/p>\n

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

\n

I will absolve this morning’s debt.<\/p>\n

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

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

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

Farewell.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

Escort him, friend.<\/p>\n

\nExeunt Sungram, Ichalgurh, Ruttan and Rajpoots.<\/i><\/p>\n

How speeds the battle, comrade,<\/p>\n

There with the Scythians?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

C<\/font>APTAIN<\/p>\n

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

It is finished, prince.<\/p>\n

They fell in slaughtered heaps.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

Prince Toraman?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

C<\/font>APTAIN<\/p>\n

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

Lay flat and bellowed. We’ld have taken him,<\/p>\n

But Prithuraj, mad for the joy of battle,<\/p>\n

Leaped on their foremost; while he hewed them down,<\/p>\n

Like an untiring woodman, one giant Scythian<\/p>\n

Crashing through bush and boulder hurled himself<\/p>\n

Out of thy net; with him a loyal handful<\/p>\n

Carried this Toraman.<\/p>\n

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

P<\/font>RITHURAJ<\/p>\n

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

Pardon my error,<\/p>\n

Bappa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

It was a noble fault, my soldier.<\/p>\n

We have done all we hoped. The amorous Scythian<\/p>\n

Will not return in haste mid our green hills<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 910<\/p>\n

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

\n

To woo a Rajpoot maiden. Let us go.<\/p>\n

I wonder when great Edur moves upon us.<\/p>\n

I long to hear his war assail our mountains.<\/p>\n

\nExeunt.<\/i><\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 911<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nScene
\n6<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

\n <\/font><\/p>\n

\nOutside Bappa’s cot.<\/i><\/p>\n

\nComol Cumary alone.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

COMOL<\/p>\n

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

Have I too dangerously ventured my all<\/p>\n

Daring a blast so rude? The Scythian roar<\/p>\n

\nAppals no more the forest, nor the war-cry<\/p>\n

Of Ichalgurh climbs mightily the hills;<\/p>\n

The outlaws’ fierce triumphant shout is stilled<\/p>\n

Of their young war-god’s name. Who has won? who fallen?<\/p>\n

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

C<\/font>OMOL<\/font> (coming eagerly to him<\/i>)<\/p>\n

How went the fight? You’re safe! And Ichalgurh?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

Give me your hands; I’ll tell you.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

COMOL<\/p>\n

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

I see your head’s<\/p>\n

Not in the basket.<\/p>\n

\nHe takes her hands and draws her towards him.<\/i><\/p>\n

Cateran, I forbade you<\/p>\n

To touch me till the seventh day.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

I touch<\/p>\n

What is my own. To bid or to forbid<\/p>\n

Is mine upon this hillside where I’m sovereign.<\/p>\n

Sit down by me.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 912<\/p>\n

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

\n

COMOL<\/p>\n

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

I will not be commanded.<\/p>\n

\nShe sits down at his feet.<\/i><\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

Oh, you are right, love. At my feet’s more fitting<\/p>\n

Who am your master and monarch. Come, no rising.<\/p>\n

Stay there, where I can watch your antelope eyes<\/p>\n

Look up at me bright with all love’s own sunshine.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

COMOL<\/p>\n

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

Oh, you provoke me. You’ve not met the Chouhan,<\/p>\n

Or you’ld have been much chastened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

I have met him.<\/p>\n

COMOL<\/p>\n

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

Great Ichalgurh?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

We soon o’ercame the Scythians.<\/p>\n

Your lover, Comol, the great Toraman,<\/p>\n

Was borne, a mass of terror-stricken flesh,<\/p>\n

By faithful fugitives headlong down the hillside.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

COMOL<\/p>\n

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

You need not triumph. These were only Scythians.<\/p>\n

But what of Ichalgurh?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

We fought. I conquered.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

COMOL<\/p>\n

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

Thou? thou? It is impossible.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 913<\/p>\n

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

\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

But done.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

COMOL<\/p>\n

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

Why, you’re a boy, a child! O my bright lion,<\/p>\n

You are a splendid and a royal beast,<\/p>\n

But very youthful. This was the maned monarch<\/p>\n

Whose roar shook all the forest when he leaped<\/p>\n

Upon his opposite. Then the great tusker<\/p>\n

Went down beneath his huge and tawny front<\/p>\n

As if it were an antelope. Him you’ve conquered?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

He fell and yielded.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

COMOL<\/p>\n

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

You have learned romance<\/p>\n

From the wild hill-tops and the stars at night<\/p>\n

And take your visions for the fact.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

Arch-infidel!<\/p>\n

Ask Sungram.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

COMOL<\/p>\n

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

Then I understand. You won<\/p>\n

As in your duel with me, quite unfairly.<\/p>\n

You used your sleight of hand?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

Perhaps, my princess,<\/p>\n

His foot slipped and he fell; ’twas my good fortune,<\/p>\n

Not I that conquered him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

COMOL<\/p>\n

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

Indeed it was<\/p>\n

Your high resistless fortune. O my king,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 914<\/p>\n

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

\n

My hero, thou hast o’erborne great Ichalgurh;<\/p>\n

Then who can stand against thee? Thou shalt conquer<\/p>\n

More than my heart.<\/p>\n

(Bappa takes her into his arms<\/i>)<\/p>\n

What dost thou, Bheel? Forbear!<\/p>\n

I did but jest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

Do you recall your letter,<\/p>\n

Comol? I have outdone the Chouhan, girl.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

COMOL<\/p>\n

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

Bheel, I wrote nothing, nothing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

I’ll keep you now<\/p>\n

For my sweet
\nslave-girl, princess? You will not<\/p>\n

Deny me?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

COMOL<\/p>\n

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

‘Twas not my hand. Your Coomood forged it.<\/p>\n

I’ll not admit it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

Rebel against your heart!<\/p>\n

You’re trapped in your own springe. My antelope!<\/p>\n

(kisses her<\/i>)<\/p>\n

I’ve brought you to my lair; shall I not prey on you?<\/p>\n

Kiss me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

COMOL<\/p>\n

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

I will not.<\/p>\n

(kisses him<\/i>)<\/p>\n

O not now! O give me<\/p>\n

The memory of this May to keep with me<\/p>\n

Till death and afterwards, a dream of greenness<\/p>\n

With visions of the white and vermeil spring,<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 915<\/p>\n

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

\n

A prelude set to winds and waterfalls<\/p>\n

Among the mountains of immortal Dongurh<\/p>\n

Far from the earth, in a delightful freedom<\/p>\n

Treading the hill-tops, all the joy of life<\/p>\n

In front of me to dream of its perfection,<\/p>\n

Bappa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

When you entreat, who shall refuse you,<\/p>\n

O lips of honey?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

COMOL<\/p>\n

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

Till the seventh morning,<\/p>\n

Bappa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

Only till then.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

COMOL<\/p>\n

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

That is a promise.<\/p>\n

(escaping from him<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Which, having won, I do deny, unsay,<\/p>\n

Wholly recant and absolutely abjure<\/p>\n

Whatever flattery I have said or done<\/p>\n

To win it. You are still my Bheel and brigand,<\/p>\n

My lawless cateran; I great Edur’s princess.<\/p>\n

I love you! Do not dream of it. Six days!<\/p>\n

By then my father’ll smoke you from your lair,<\/p>\n

And take me from your dreadful claws, my lion,<\/p>\n

An antelope undevoured.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

Have you yet thought<\/p>\n

Of the dire punishments you’ll taste for this,<\/p>\n

Deceiver?<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 916<\/p>\n

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

\n

COMOL<\/p>\n

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

Not till the seventh morning, lion.<\/p>\n

\nExit.<\/i><\/p>\n

B<\/font>APPA<\/p>\n

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

Till then, my antelope, range my hills and make them<\/p>\n

An Eden for me with thy wondrous beauty<\/p>\n

Moving in grace and freedom of the winds,<\/p>\n

Sweetness of the green woodlands; for of these<\/p>\n

Thou seemst a part and they thy natural country.<\/p>\n

\nExit.<\/i><\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 917<\/p>\n

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

\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  Act II   The forest near Dongurh.   Scene 1   In the forest near Dongurh. Bappa, Sungram. The Captain and Rajpoot soldiers, guarded…<\/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-1766","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\/1766","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=1766"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1766\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1766"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1766"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1766"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}