{"id":1767,"date":"2013-07-13T01:37:14","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:37:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=1767"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:37:14","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:37:14","slug":"06-vasavadutta-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\/06-vasavadutta-act-ii-vol-03-04-collected-plays-and-stories","title":{"rendered":"-06_Vasavadutta – Act – II.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\n\n
\n

 <\/td>\n

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

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

 <\/p>\n

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

\n <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

A room in the palace at Cowsamby.<\/i><\/p>\n

Alurca, Vasuntha.<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ALURCA<\/p>\n

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

He’ll rule Cowsamby in the end, I think.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

Artist, be an observer too. His eyes<\/p>\n

Pursue young Vuthsa like a hunted prey<\/p>\n

And seem to measure possibility,<\/p>\n

But not for rule or for Cowsamby care.<\/p>\n

To reign’s his nature, not his will.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ALURCA<\/p>\n

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

This man<\/p>\n

Is like some high rock that was suddenly<\/p>\n

Transformed into a thinking creature.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

There’s<\/p>\n

His charm for Vuthsa who is soft as Spring,<\/p>\n

Fair like a hunted moon in cloud-swept skies,<\/p>\n

Luxurious like a jasmine in its leaves.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ALURCA<\/p>\n

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

When will this Vuthsa grow to man? Hard-brained<\/p>\n

Roomunwath, deep Yougundharayan rule;<\/p>\n

The State, its arms are theirs. This boy between<\/p>\n

Like a girl’s cherished puppet stroked and dandled,<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 640<\/p>\n

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

\n

Chid and prescribed the postures it must keep,<\/p>\n

Moves like a rhythmic picture of delight<\/p>\n

And with his sunny smile he does it all.<\/p>\n

Now in our little kingdom with its law<\/p>\n

Of beauty and music this high silence comes<\/p>\n

And seizes on him. All our acts he rules<\/p>\n

And Vuthsa has desired one master more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

There is a wanton in this royal heart<\/p>\n

Who gives herself to all and all are hers.<\/p>\n

Perhaps that too is wisdom. For, Alurca,<\/p>\n

This world is other than our standards are<\/p>\n

And it obeys a vaster thought than ours,<\/p>\n

Our narrow thoughts! The fathomless desire<\/p>\n

Of some huge spirit is its secret law.<\/p>\n

It keeps its own tremendous forces penned<\/p>\n

And bears us where it wills, not where we would.<\/p>\n

Even his petty world man cannot rule.<\/p>\n

We fear, we blame; life wantons her own way,<\/p>\n

A little ashamed, but obstinate still, because<\/p>\n

We check but cannot her. O, Vuthsa’s wise!<\/p>\n

Because he seeks each thing in its own way,<\/p>\n

He enjoys. And wherefore are we at all<\/p>\n

If not to enjoy and with some costliness<\/p>\n

Get dear things done, till rude death interferes,<\/p>\n

God’s valet moves away these living dolls<\/p>\n

To quite another room and better play, \u2014\n<\/p>\n

Perhaps a better!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ALURCA<\/p>\n

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

Yet consider this.<\/p>\n

Look back upon the endless godlike line.<\/p>\n

Think of Parikshith, Janamejoya, think<\/p>\n

Of Suthaneke, then on our Vuthsa gaze.<\/p>\n

Glacier and rock and all Himaloy piled!<\/p>\n

What eagle peaks! Now this soft valley blooms;<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 641<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nThe cuckoo cries from branches of delight,<\/p>\n

The bee sails murmuring its low-winged desires.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

It was to amuse himself God made the world.<\/p>\n

For He was dull alone! Therefore all things<\/p>\n

Vary to keep the secret witness pleased.<\/p>\n

How Nature knows and does her office well.<\/p>\n

What poignant oppositions she combines!<\/p>\n

Death fosters life that life may suckle death.<\/p>\n

Her certainties are snares, her dreams prevail.<\/p>\n

What little seeds she grows into huge fates,<\/p>\n

Proves with a smile her great things to be small!<\/p>\n

All things here secretly are right; all’s wrong<\/p>\n

In God’s appearances. World, thou art wisely led<\/p>\n

In a divine confusion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ALURCA<\/p>\n

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

The Minister<\/p>\n

Watches this man so closely, he must think<\/p>\n

There is some dangerous purpose in his mind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

He is the wariest of all ministers<\/p>\n

And would suspect two pigeons on a roof<\/p>\n

Of plots because they coo.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ALURCA<\/p>\n

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

All’s possible.<\/p>\n

Vuthsa enters with Gopalaca.<\/i><\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Yes, I would love to see the ocean’s vasts.<\/p>\n

Are they as grand as are the mountains dumb<\/p>\n

Where I was born and grew? Or is its voice<\/p>\n

Like the huge murmur of our forests swayed<\/p>\n

In the immense embrace of giant winds?<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 642<\/p>\n

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

\n

We have that in Cowsamby.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Wilt thou show<\/p>\n

Them to me, Vindhya’s crags where forests dimly<\/p>\n

Climb down towards my Avunthy?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

We will go<\/p>\n

And hunt together the swift fleeing game<\/p>\n

Or with our shafts unking the beast of prey.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

If we could range alone wide solitudes,<\/p>\n

Not soil them with our din, not with our tread<\/p>\n

Disturb great Nature in her animal trance,<\/p>\n

Her life of mighty instincts where no stir<\/p>\n

Of the hedged restless mind has spoiled her vasts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

It is a thing I have dreamed of. Alurca, tell<\/p>\n

The Minister that we go to hunt the deer<\/p>\n

In Vindhya’s forests on Avunthy’s verge.<\/p>\n

That’s if my will’s allowed.<\/p>\n

Alurca goes out to the outer palace.<\/i><\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

He will, Vuthsa,<\/p>\n

Allow thy will. Where does it lead thee, king?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

A scourge for thee or a close gag might help.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

A bandage for my eyes would serve as well.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 643<\/p>\n

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

\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Shall we awaken in Alurca’s hands<\/p>\n

The living voices of the harp? Or willst thou<\/p>\n

That I should play the heaven-taught airs thou lov’st<\/p>\n

On the Gundhurva’s magical guitar<\/p>\n

Which lures even woodland beasts? For the elephant<\/p>\n

Comes trumpeting to the enchanted sound,<\/p>\n

A coloured blaze of beauty on the sward<\/p>\n

The peacocks dance and the snake’s brilliant hood<\/p>\n

Lifts rhythmic yearning from the emerald herb.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Vuthsa Udaian, suffer me awhile<\/p>\n

To walk alone, for I am full of thoughts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Thou shouldst not be. Cannot my love atone<\/p>\n

For lost Avunthy?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Always; but a voice<\/p>\n

Comes to me often from the haunts of old.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

Returns no dim cloud-messenger to whisper<\/p>\n

To thy great father’s longing waiting heart<\/p>\n

Far from his banished son?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Thy satire’s forced.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

Thy earnest less?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

One hour, a long pale loss,<\/p>\n

I sacrifice to thy thoughts. When it has dragged past,<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 644<\/p>\n

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

\n

Where shall I find thee?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Where the flowers rain<\/p>\n

Beneath the red boughs on the river’s bank.<\/p>\n

There will I walk while thou hearst harp or verse.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Without thee neither harp nor verse can charm.<\/p>\n

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

The harmony of kindred souls that seek<\/p>\n

Each other on the strings of body and mind,<\/p>\n

Is all the music for which life was born.<\/p>\n

Vasuntha, let me hear thy happy crackling,<\/p>\n

Thou fire of thorns that leapest all the day.<\/p>\n

Spring, call thy cuckoo.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

Give me fuel then,<\/p>\n

Your green young boughs of folly for my fire.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

I give enough I think for all the world.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

It is your trade to occupy the world.<\/p>\n

Men have made kings that folly might have food;<\/p>\n

For the court gossips over them while they live<\/p>\n

And the world gossips over them when they are dead.<\/p>\n

That they call history. But our man returns.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ALURCA<\/p>\n

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

Do here and in all things, says the Minister,<\/p>\n

Thy pleasure. But since upon a dangerous verge<\/p>\n

This hunt will tread, thy cohorts armed shall keep<\/p>\n

The hilly intervals, himself be close<\/p>\n

To guard with vigilance his monarch’s life<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 645<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nAgainst the wild beasts and what else means harm.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

That is his care; what he shall do, is good.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ALURCA<\/p>\n

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

To lavish upon all men love and trust<\/p>\n

Shows the heart’s royalty, not the brain’s craft.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

I have found my elder brother. Grudge me not,<\/p>\n

Alurca, that delight. Thou lov’st me well?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ALURCA<\/p>\n

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

Is it now questioned?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n<\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Then rejoice with me<\/p>\n

That I have found my brother. Joy in my joy,<\/p>\n

Love with my love, think with my thoughts; the rest<\/p>\n

Leave to much older wiser men whose schemings<\/p>\n

Have made God’s world an office and a mart.<\/p>\n

We who are young, let us indulge our hearts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ALURCA<\/p>\n

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

Thou tak’st all hearts and givest thine to none,<\/p>\n

Udaian. Yet is this prince Gopalaca,<\/p>\n

This breed from Titans and from Mahasegn,<\/p>\n

Hard, stern, reserved. Does he repay thy friendship<\/p>\n

As we do?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Love itself is sweet enough<\/p>\n

Though unreturned; and there are silent hearts.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

Suffer this flower to climb its wayside rock.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 646<\/p>\n

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

\n

Oppose not Nature’s cunning who will not<\/p>\n

Be easily refused her artist joys.<\/p>\n

Fierce deserts round the green oasis yearn<\/p>\n

And the chill lake desires the lily’s pomp.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

He is the rock, I am the flower. What part<\/p>\n

Playst thou in the woodland?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

A thorn beneath the rose<\/p>\n

That from the heavens of desire was born<\/p>\n

And men call Vuthsa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Poet, satirist, sage,<\/p>\n

What other gifts keepst thou concealed within<\/p>\n

More than the many that thy outsides show?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

I squander all and keep none, not like thee<\/p>\n

Who trad’st in honey to deceive the world.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

O, earth is honey; let me taste her all.<\/p>\n

Our rapture here is short before we go<\/p>\n

To other sweetness on some rarer height<\/p>\n

Of the upclimbing tiers that are the world.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 647<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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

\n <\/p>\n

A forest-glade in the Vindhya hills.<\/i><\/p>\n

Vicurna, a Captain.<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VICURNA<\/p>\n

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

The hunt rings distant still; but all the ways<\/p>\n

Troops and more troops besiege. Where is Gopalaca?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CAPTAIN<\/p>\n

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

Our work may yet be rude before we reach<\/p>\n

Our armies on the frontier.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VICURNA<\/p>\n

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

That I desire.<\/p>\n

O whistling of the arrows! I have yet<\/p>\n

To hear that battle music.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CAPTAIN<\/p>\n

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

Someone comes,<\/p>\n

For wild things scurry forth.<\/p>\n

They take cover. Gopalaca enters.<\/i><\/p>\n

VICURNA<\/p>\n

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

Whither so swiftly?<\/p>\n

You are near the frontier for a banished man,<\/p>\n

Gopalaca.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Why has my father sent<\/p>\n

Thy rash hot boyhood here, imperilling<\/p>\n

Both of his sons? I find not here his wisdom.\n<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 648<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

\nV<\/span>ICURNA<\/span><\/p>\n

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


\nThere will be danger? I am glad. None sent me;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI came unasked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nG<\/span>OPALAKA<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nAnd also unasking?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nV<\/span>ICURNA<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nRight.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nG<\/span>OPALAKA<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nTrust me to have thee whipped. But since thou art here!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhere stand the chariots?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nC<\/span>APTAIN<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nOn our left they wait<\/span><\/p>\n

\nScreened by the secret tunnel which the Boar<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTusked through the hill to Avunthy. Torches ready<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd men in arms stand in the cavern ranked<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThey call the cavern of the Elephant<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBy giants carved. But all the forest passages<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe enemy guards.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nG<\/span>OPALAKA<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nThere are some he cannot guard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI know the forest better than their scouts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhen I shall speak of you and clap my hands,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSurround us in a silence armed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nC<\/span>APTAIN<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nHis men<\/span><\/p>\n

\nResisting?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nG<\/span>OPALAKA<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nNo; we two shall be alone.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 649<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

\nV<\/span>ICURNA<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nFie! there will be no fighting?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nG<\/span>OPALAKA<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nGoblin, off!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThey take cover again. Gopalaca goes;<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nthen arrive from another side Vuthsa<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nwith Vasuntha and Alurca.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

\nA<\/span>LURCA<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nWe lose our escort!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nV<\/span>ASUNTHA<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nThey lose us, I think.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nA<\/span>LURCA<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nWhat fate conspires with what hid treachery?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOur chariot broken, we in woods alone<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd the night close.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nV<\/span>ASUNTHA<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nRoomunwath guards the paths.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nA<\/span>LURCA<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nThe night is close.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nV<\/span>UTHSA<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nHere I will rest, my friends,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhere all is green and silent; only the birds<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd the wind’s whisperings! Go, Alurca, meet<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOur comrades of the hunt; guide their vague steps<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo this green-roofed refuge.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nA<\/span>LURCA<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\nIt is the best, though bad.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI leave thee with unwarlike hands to guard.<\/span><\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 650<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\n

<\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

I am no fighter; it is known. Run, haste.<\/p>\n

Alurca hastens out.<\/i><\/p>\n

And yet for all your speed, someone will worship<\/p>\n

Great Shiva in Avunthy. I hear a tread.<\/p>\n

Gopalaca returns.<\/i><\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Where wert thou all this time, Gopalaca?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Far wandering in the woods since a white deer<\/p>\n

Like magic beauty drew my ardent steps<\/p>\n

Into a green entanglement.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

Simple!<\/p>\n

You found there what you sought?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

No deer, but hunters,<\/p>\n

Not of our troop. We spoke of this green glade<\/p>\n

Where many wandering paths might lead the king.<\/p>\n

In haste I came.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

Greater the haste to go!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Follow Alurca and come back with him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

What, cast myself into the forest’s hands<\/p>\n

To wander and be eaten by the night?<\/p>\n

Come here and bid me then a long farewell.<\/p>\n

Are thy eyes open at least? Is it thou in this<\/p>\n

Who movest? I should know that at least from thee,<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 651<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nIf nothing more.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Why ask when thou hast eyes?<\/p>\n

Thou seest that mine are open and I walk;<\/p>\n

For no man drives me.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

Walk! but far away<\/p>\n

From thy safe capital.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

What harm?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

And with<\/p>\n

This prince Gopalaca?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Suspicions then?<\/p>\n

Why not suspect at once it is my will<\/p>\n

To visit Avunthy?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

So?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Not so, but if?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

Oh, if! And if return were much less easy<\/p>\n

Than the going?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Who has talked of easy things?<\/p>\n

With difficulty then I will return.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 652<\/p>\n

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

\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

I go, King Vuthsa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

But tell Yougundharayan<\/p>\n

And all who harbour blind uneasy thoughts,<\/p>\n

“Whatever seeks me from Fate, man or god,<\/p>\n

Leave all between me and the strength that seeks.<\/p>\n

War shall not sound without thy prince’s leave.<\/p>\n

Vuthsa will rescue Vuthsa.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

I will tell,<\/p>\n

But know not if he’ll hear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

He knows who is<\/p>\n

His sovereign.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

King, farewell.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

I shall. Farewell.<\/p>\n

Vasuntha disappears in the forest.<\/i><\/p>\n

We two have kept our tryst, Gopalaca.<\/p>\n

Hang there, my bow; lie down, my arrows. Now<\/p>\n

Of you I have no need. O this, O this<\/p>\n

Is what I often dreamed, to be alone<\/p>\n

With one I love far from the pomp of courts,<\/p>\n

Not ringed with guards and anxious friendships round,<\/p>\n

Free like a common man to walk alone<\/p>\n

Among the endless forest silences,<\/p>\n

By gliding rivers and over deciduous hills,<\/p>\n

In every haunt where earth our mother smiles<\/p>\n

Whispering to her children. Let me rest awhile<\/p>\n

My head upon thy lap, Gopalaca,<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 653<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nBefore we plunge into this emerald world.<\/p>\n

Shall we not wander in her green-roofed house<\/p>\n

Where mighty Nature hides herself from men,<\/p>\n

And be the friends of the great skyward peaks<\/p>\n

That call us by their silence, bathe in tarns,<\/p>\n

Dream where the cascades leap, and often spend<\/p>\n

Slow moonless nights inarmed in leafy huts<\/p>\n

Happier than palaces, or in our mood<\/p>\n

Wrestle with the fierce tiger in his den<\/p>\n

Or chase the deer with wind-swift feet, and share<\/p>\n

With the rough forest-dwellers natural food<\/p>\n

Plucked from the laden bounty of the trees,<\/p>\n

Before we seek the citied haunts of men?<\/p>\n

Shall we not do these things, Gopalaca?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Some day we shall.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Why some day? why not now?<\/p>\n

Have I escaped my guards in vain?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Not vainly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

This sword encumbers; take it from me, friend,<\/p>\n

And fling it there upon the bank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

It is far.<\/p>\n

I keep my arms lest some wild thing invade<\/p>\n

These green recesses.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Keep thy arms and me.<\/p>\n

O, this is good to be among the trees<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 654<\/p>\n

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

\n

With thee to guard me and no soul besides.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Thyself thou hast given wholly into my hands.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Yes, take me, brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

I shall use the trust<\/p>\n

And yet deserve it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

I love thee well, Gopalaca.<\/p>\n

How dost thou love me?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

It was hard to speak,<\/p>\n

Now I can tell it. As a brother might<\/p>\n

Elder and jealous, as a mother loves<\/p>\n

Her beautiful flower-limbed boy or grown man yearns<\/p>\n

Over some tender girl, his sister, comrade, child,<\/p>\n

In all these ways, but many more besides,<\/p>\n

But always jealously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Why?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Because, Vuthsa,<\/p>\n

I’ld have thee for my own and not as in<\/p>\n

Thy city where a thousand shared thy rays<\/p>\n

Who were strangers to me. In my own domain,<\/p>\n

Part of a world that’s old and dear to me,<\/p>\n

Where thou shalt be no king, but Vuthsa only<\/p>\n

And I can bind with many dearest ties<\/p>\n

Heaped on thee at my will. This, Vuthsa, I desired<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 655<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nAnd therefore I have brought thee to this glade.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

And therefore I have come to thee alone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Thou must go farther.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Yes? Then haste. Was that<\/p>\n

A clank of arms amid the silent trees?<\/p>\n

He makes as if to rise, but<\/i><\/p>\n

Gopalaca restrains him.<\/i><\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Thy escort.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Mine?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

My father sends for thee.<\/p>\n

I seize upon thee, Vuthsa, thou art mine,<\/p>\n

My captive and my prize. I’ll bear thee far<\/p>\n

As Heaven’s great eagle bore thy mother once<\/p>\n

Rapt to his unattainable high hills.<\/p>\n

As he speaks the armed men appear.<\/i><\/p>\n

Swift, captain, swift! I hold the royal boy.<\/p>\n

On to the tunnel of the Boar.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CAPTAIN<\/p>\n

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

Haste, haste!<\/p>\n

There is a growing rumour all around.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Care not for that, but follow me and guard.<\/p>\n

They disappear among the trees.<\/i><\/p>\n

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


\nPage \u2013 656<\/p>\n

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

\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

The forest lives with sound; but here all’s empty.<\/p>\n

The stake is thrown; it cannot be called in<\/p>\n

Whatever happens.<\/p>\n

Armed men break in from all sides;<\/i><\/p>\n

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

YOUGUNDHARAYAN<\/p>\n

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

Where is King Vuthsa? where?<\/p>\n

His bow hangs lonely! sword and arrows lie.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/font> (indifferently<\/i>)<\/p>\n

I cannot tell.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ALURCA<\/p>\n

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

Not tell! but you were here,<\/p>\n

Were with him!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

I was sent away like that.<\/p>\n

But for a guess he’s travelling far and fast<\/p>\n

To Shiva in Avunthy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ALURCA<\/p>\n

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

And thou laughst,<\/p>\n

Untimely jester!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

YOUGUNDHARAYAN<\/p>\n

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

Impetuously pursue!<\/p>\n

The forest ways and mountain openings flood<\/p>\n

That flee to Avunthy. Over her treasonous borders<\/p>\n

Drive in your angry search.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VASUNTHA<\/p>\n

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

Thy king commands thee<\/p>\n

To leave all twixt him and the strength that seeks<\/p>\n

Their quarrel; throw not armies in the balance.<\/p>\n

War shall not sound her conch; but Vuthsa only<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 657<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nShall rescue Vuthsa.<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

ROOMUNWATH<\/p>\n

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

This is a boy’s madness.<\/p>\n

What lies behind this message?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

YOUGUNDHARAYAN<\/p>\n

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

Roomunwath, this. The lion’s cub breaks forth<\/p>\n

Whom we so guarded, from our strict control<\/p>\n

To measure with the large and perilous world<\/p>\n

The bounding rapture of his youth and force.<\/p>\n

He throws himself into his foeman’s lair<\/p>\n

Alone and scorning every aid. I guess<\/p>\n

His purpose and find it headlong, subtle, rash.<\/p>\n

If he failed? This boy and iron Mahasegn!<\/p>\n

We must obey.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ROOMUNWATH<\/p>\n

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

There’s time to arrest their flight<\/p>\n

This side our frontier. Hastily pursue.<\/p>\n

He goes with Alurca and the armed men,<\/i><\/p>\n

all in a tumult of haste.<\/i><\/p>\n

YOUGUNDHARAYAN<\/p>\n

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

It will be vain. A perilous leap and yet<\/p>\n

Heroic with the bold and antique scorn<\/p>\n

Of common deeds and the safe guarded paths.<\/p>\n

This is the spirit that smiled hidden in him<\/p>\n

Waiting for birth! At least my spies shall enter<\/p>\n

Their secret chambers, even in his prison<\/p>\n

My help be timely and near. Back to Cowsamby!<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 658<\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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

\n <\/font><\/p>\n

Avunthy. A road on a wooded hill-side overlooking the plain.<\/i><\/p>\n

Gopalaca, Vuthsa in a chariot, surrounded by armed men.<\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Arrest our wheels. Those are our army’s lights<\/p>\n

That climb to us like fire-flies from the plain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/font> (awakened from sleep<\/i>)<\/p>\n

Is this Avunthy?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

We have passed her bounds.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

So, thou dear traitor, this thou from the first<\/p>\n

Cam’st planning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

This with more that follows it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Thou bearst me to thy father’s town?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Where thou<\/p>\n

Shalt lie, a jewel guarded carefully,<\/p>\n

Beside the dearest treasure of our house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

I must be cooped up in a golden cage<\/p>\n

As I was guarded in Cowsamby’s walls.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 659<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nYou foes and friends think me your wealth inert,<\/p>\n

And all men hope to do their will with me.<\/p>\n

But now I warn you all that I will have<\/p>\n

My freedom and will do my own dear will<\/p>\n

By fraud or violence greater than your own.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Thou canst not. If thou hadst thy bow indeed!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Thou hadst me for the taking. I will break forth<\/p>\n

Almost as easily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Thou shalt find it hard,<\/p>\n

Such keepers shall enring thy steps.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

But I will<\/p>\n

And carry with me something costlier far<\/p>\n

Than what thou stealest from Cowsamby’s realm.<\/p>\n

For I will have revenge.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

No wealth we have<\/p>\n

More precious than the thing I seize today.<\/p>\n

Therefore thy boast is vain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

That I will see.<\/p>\n

Was it not thy brother rode behind our car?<\/p>\n

He passes now; call him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Vicurna, here!<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 660<\/p>\n

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

\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Come near, embrace me, brother of Gopalaca,<\/p>\n

Loved for his sake and for thy own desired<\/p>\n

Since I beheld thee, son of Mahasegn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VICURNA<\/p>\n

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

Vuthsa Udaian, in the battle’s front<\/p>\n

I had hoped to meet thee and compel thy praise<\/p>\n

As half thy equal in the fight. But this<\/p>\n

Is nearer, this is better.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Thou art fair to see.<\/p>\n

Thy father has two noble sons. Are there<\/p>\n

No others of your great upspringing stock?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Only a sister.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

The world has heard of her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Thou shalt behold.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Oh then, it is pure gain<\/p>\n

I go to in Avunthy. O the night<\/p>\n

With all her glorious stars and from the trees<\/p>\n

Millions of shrill cigalas peal one note,<\/p>\n

A thunderous melody! Shall we be soon<\/p>\n

In the golden city? But it will be night<\/p>\n

And I shall hardly see her famous fanes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Dawn will have overtaken us in her skies<\/p>\n

Passing our chariots long before Ujjayiny’s seen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 661<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nOur vanguard nears; unite with them; descend.<\/p>\n

Roomunwath’s cohorts should tread close behind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

They will not come. My fate must ride with me<\/p>\n

Unhindered to Avunthy.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

GOPALAKA<\/p>\n

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

Hasten in front<\/p>\n

Towards my father fire-hooved messengers<\/p>\n

To cry aloud to him the prize we bring<\/p>\n

Richer than booty of his twenty wars.<\/p>\n

Shiva has smiled on us.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

VUTHSA<\/p>\n

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

Vishnu on me.<\/p>\n

Godheads, it is by strife that you grow one.<\/p>\n


\nPage \u2013 662<\/p>\n

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

\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

<\/span><\/a><\/font><\/b> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  Act II   Scene 1   A room in the palace at Cowsamby. Alurca, Vasuntha.   ALURCA He’ll rule Cowsamby in the end, I…<\/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-1767","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\/1767","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=1767"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1767\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1767"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1767"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1767"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}