{"id":185,"date":"2013-07-13T01:26:27","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:26:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=185"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:26:27","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:26:27","slug":"51-vikramorvasie-act-2-sc-2-vol-07-collected-plays-part-ii-volume-07","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/01-works-of-sri-aurobindo\/01-sabcl\/07-collected-plays-part-ii-volume-07\/51-vikramorvasie-act-2-sc-2-vol-07-collected-plays-part-ii-volume-07","title":{"rendered":"-51_Vikramorvasie Act-2 Sc-2.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
\n

\n
\nAct Two <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n
\n
\nScene – I<\/font><\/b><\/span> 
\n<\/font>
\n\t<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n <\/font><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>ANAVAKA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nListen, you dreamer!
\nAre you deaf? I tell you I have found a way:<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSpeak on.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>ANAVAKA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWoo sleep that marries men with dreams,
\nOr on a canvas paint in Urvasie
\nAnd gaze on her for ever.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tU<\/font>RVASIE
\n\t<\/font>(aside)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nO sinking coward heart, now, now revive.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>URURAVAS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd either is impossible. For look!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHow can I, with this rankling wound of love,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nCall to me sleep who marries men with dreams ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd if I paint the sweetness of her face,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWill not the tears, before it is half done,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBlurring my gaze with mist, blot the dear vision ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>HITRALEKHA<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHeard’st thou?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tU<\/font>RVASIE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI have heard all. It was too little
\nFor my vast greed of love.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>ANAVAKA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWell, that’s my stock<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOf counsel.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>URURAVAS
\n\t<\/font>(sighing)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nOh me! she knows not my heart’s pain,
\nOr knowing it, with those her heavenly eyes<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013\u2013 937<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nScorns my poor passion. Only the arrowed Love
\nIs gratified tormenting with her bosom
\nMy sad, unsatisfied and pale desire.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>HITRALEKHA<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHeard’st thou, sister?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tU<\/font>RVASIE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe must not think so of me!
\nI would make answer, sister, but to his face
\nI have not hardihood. Suffer me then,
\nTo trust to faery birch-leaf mind-created
\nMy longing.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>HITRALEKHA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nIt is well. Create and write.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nUrvasie writes in a passion of timidity and excitement, then
\nthrows the leaf between Pururavas and Manavaka.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>ANAVAKA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nMurder! murder! I’m killed! I am dead! help! help!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n(looking)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nWhat’s this? a serpent’s skin come down to eat me?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>URURAVAS
\n\t<\/font>(looks closely and laughs)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nNo serpent’s slough, my friend, only a leaf
\nOf birch-tree with a scroll of writing traced upon it.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>ANAVAKA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nPerhaps the invisible fair Urvasie
\nHeard you complain and answers.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>URURAVAS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nTo desire
\nNothing can seem impossible.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe takes the leaf and reads it
\nto himself, then with joy.<\/i><\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013\u2013 938<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nO friend,
\nHow happy was your guess!<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>ANAVAKA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI told you so.
\nThe Brahmin’s speech! Read, read! aloud, if it please you.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tU<\/font>RVASIE
\n\t<\/font>(aside)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe Brahmin has his own urbanity!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

\n\tM<\/font>ANAVAKA<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI am all ears.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>URURAVAS
\n\t<\/font>(reading aloud)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n"My master and my King!
\nWere I what thy heart thinks and knows me not,
\nScorning thy love, would then the soft-winged breeze
\nOf deathless gardens and the unfading flowers
\nThat strew the beds of Paradise, to me
\nFeel fire!"<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tU<\/font>RVASIE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhat will he say now ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>HITRALEKHA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhat each limb,
\nThat is a drooping lotus-stalk with love,
\nHas said already.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>ANAVAKA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nYou’re consoled, I hope ?
\nDon’t tell me what you feel. I’ve felt the same
\nWhen I’ve been hungry and one popped in on me
\nWith sweetmeats in a tray.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013\u2013 939<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nConsoled! a word
\nHow weak! I con this speaking of my sweet,
\nThis dear small sentence full of beautiful meaning,
\nThis gospel of her answering love, and feel
\nHer mouth upon my mouth and her soft eyes
\nSwimming and large gaze down into my own,
\nAnd touch my lifted lids with hers.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tU<\/font>RVASIE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nO even
\nSuch sweetness feels thy lover.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>URURAVAS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nFriend, my finger
\nMoistening might blot the lines. Do thou then hold
\nThis sweet handwriting of my love.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe gives the leaf to Manavaka.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>ANAVAKA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nBut tell me.
\nWhy does your mistress, having brought to bloom
\nYour young desire, deny its perfect fruit ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tU<\/font>RVASIE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nO sister, my heart flutters at the thought<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOf going to my lord. While I cajole<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd strengthen the poor coward, show yourself,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nGo to him, tell him all that I may speak.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>HITRALEKHA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI will.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nShe becomes visible and approaches the King.<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nHail, lord our King.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>URURAVAS
\n\t<\/font>(joyfully)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nO welcome, welcome!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013\u2013 940<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nHe looks around for Urvasie.<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nYet, fair one, as the Yamuna not mixed
\nWith Ganges, to the eye that saw their beauty
\nOf wedded waters, seems not all so fair,
\nSo thou without thy sister givest not
\nThat double delight.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>HITRALEKHA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nFirst is the cloud’s dim legion
\nSeen in the Heavens; afterwards comes the lightning.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>ANAVAKA
\n\t<\/font>(aside)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhat! this is not the very Urvasie ?
\nOnly the favourite sister of that miracle!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>URURAVAS<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHere sit down, fairest.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>HITRALEKHA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nLet me first discharge
\nMy duty. Urvasie by me bows down
\nHer face thus to her monarch’s feet, imploring \u2014<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>URURAVAS<\/font><\/p>\n

\nRather commanding.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>HITRALEKHA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nShe whom in Titan hands
\nAfflicted thou didst pity, thou didst rescue,
\nNow needs much more thy pity, not by hands
\nTitan, but crueller violence of love
\nOppressed \u2014 the sight of thee her sudden cause.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>URURAVAS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nO Chitralekha, her thou tell’st me of
\nPassionate for me. Hast thou not eyes to know
\nPururavas in anguish for her sake ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013\u2013 941<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nOne prayer both pray to Kama, ‘Iron with iron
\nMelts in fierce heat; why not my love with me ?’<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>HITRALEKHA
\n\t<\/font>(returning to Urvasie)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nCome sister, to your lord. So much his need
\nSurpasses yours, I am his ambassador.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tU<\/font>RVASIE
\n\t<\/font>(becoming visible)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nHow unexpectedly hast thou with ease
Forsook me!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>HITRALEKHA
\n\t<\/font>(with a smile)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nIn a moment I shall know
\nWho forsakes whom, sister. But come away
\nAnd give due greeting.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nUrvasie approaches the King fearfully and<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nbows down, then low and bashfully.<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nConquest to the King!<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>URURAVAS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI conquer, love, indeed, when thy dear lips
\nGive greeting to me, vouchsafed to no mortal
\nBut Indra only.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe takes her by both hands and makes her sit down.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>ANAVAKA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI am a mighty Brahmin and the friend
\nOf all earth’s lord. O’erlook me not entirely.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nUrvasie smiles and bows to him.<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nPeace follow you and keep you.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>ESSENGER
\n\t<\/font>OF THE GODS (cries from within)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nChitralekha, urge haste on Urvasie.
This day the wardens of the ancient worlds
And the great King of Heaven himself will witness
That piece where all the passions live and move,
Quickened to gracious gesture in the action<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013\u2013 942<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nDeposed in you by Bharat Sage, O sisters.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAll listen, Urvasie sorrowfully.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>HITRALEKHA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThou hearst the Messenger of Heaven ? Take leave,
\nSweet, of the King.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tU<\/font>RVASIE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI cannot speak!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>HITRALEKHA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nMy liege,
\nMy sister not being lady of herself
\nBeseeches your indulgence. She would be
\nWithout a fault before the Gods.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>URURAVAS
\n\t<\/font>(articulating with difficulty)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAlas!
\nI must not wish to hinder you when Heaven
\nExpects your service. Only do not forget
\nPururavas.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nUrvasie goes with her sister, still looking<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nbackwards towards the King.<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nO she is gone! my eyes<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nHave now no cause for sight: they’re worthless balls
\nWithout an object.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>ANAVAKA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhy, not utterly.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe is about to give the birch-leaf.<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nThere’s \u2014 Heavens! ’tis gone; it must have drifted down,
\nWhile I, being all amazed with Urvasie,
\nNoticed nothing.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>URURAVAS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhat is it thou wouldst say ?
\nThere is \u2014 ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013\u2013 943<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n\tMANAVAKA<\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nNo need to droop your limbs and pine.
\nYour Urvasie has to your breast been plucked
\nWith cords of passions, knots that will not slacken
\nStrive as she may.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nMy soul tells me like comfort.
\nFor as she went, not lady of her limbs
\nTo yield their sweets to me for ever, yet
\nHer heart, which was her own, in one great sob
\nFrom ‘twixt two trembling breasts shaken with sighs
\nCame panting out. I hear it throb within me.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>ANAVAKA
\n\t<\/font>(aside)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWell, my heart’s all a-twitter too. Each moment
\nI think he is going to mention the damned birch-leaf.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>URURAVAS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWith what shall I persuade mine eyes to comfort?
\nThe letter!<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>ANAVAKA
\n\t<\/font>(searching)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhat! Hullo! It’s gone! Come now,
\nIt was no earthly leaf; it must have gone
\nFlying behind the skirts of Urvasie.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>URURAVAS
\n\t<\/font>(bitterly, in vexation)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWill you then never leave your idiot trick
\nOf carelessness ? Search for it.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>ANAVAKA
\n\t<\/font>{getting up)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nOh, well! well!
\nIt can’t be far. Why here it is \u2014 or here \u2014 or here.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWhile they search, the Queen enters, with
\nher attendants and Nipunika.<\/i><\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013\u2013 944<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nNow, maiden, is it true thou tell’st me ? Saw’st thou really
\nMy lord and Manavaka approach the arbour ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tN<\/font>IPUNIKA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI have not told my lady falsehood ever
\nThat she should doubt me.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>USHINARIE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWell, I will lurk thick-screened
\nWith hanging creepers and surprise what he
\nDisburdens from his heart in his security.
\nSo I shall know the truth.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tN<\/font>IPUNIKA
\n\t<\/font>(sulkily)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWell, as you please.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThey advance.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>USHINARIE
\n\t<\/font>(looking ahead)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhat’s yonder like a faded rag that lightly
\nThe southern wind guides towards us ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tN<\/font>IPUNIKA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nIt is a birch-leaf.
\nThere’s writing on it; the letters, as it rolls,
\nHalf show their dinted outlines. Look, it has caught
\nJust on your anklet spike. I’ll lift and read.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nShe disengages the leaf.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>USHINARIE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nSilently first peruse it; if ’tis nothing
\nUnfit for me to know, then I will hear.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tN<\/font>IPUNIKA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nIt is, oh, it must be that very scandal.
\nVerses they seem and penned by Urvasie,
\nAnd to my master. Manavaka’s neglect<\/font> <\/font> <\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013\u2013 945<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nHas thrown it in our hands.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nLaughs.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>USHINARIE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nTell me the purport.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tN<\/font>IPUNIKA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI’ll read the whole. "My master and my King!
\nWere I what thy heart thinks and knows me not,
\nScorning thy love, would then the soft-winged breeze
\nOf deathless gardens and unfading flowers
\nThat strew the beds of Paradise, to me
\nFeel fire!"<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>USHINARIE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nSo! by this dainty love-letter,
\nHe is enamoured then, and of the nymph.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tN<\/font>IPUNIKA<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIt’s plain enough.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThey enter the arbour.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>ANAVAKA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhat’s yonder to the wind
\nEnslaved, that nutters on the parkside rockery?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>URURAVAS
\n\t<\/font>(rising)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWind of the south, thou darling of the Spring,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nSeize rather on the flowery pollen stored<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBy months of fragrance, that gold dust of trees.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWith this thou mightest perfume all thy wings.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHow wilt thou profit, snatching from me, O wind,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nMy darling’s dear handwriting, like a kiss<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAll love ? When thou did’st woo thine Anjana,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nSurely thou knewest lovers’ dying hearts<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAre by a hundred little trifles kept,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAll slight as this!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013\u2013 946<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nSee, mistress, see! A search
\nIn progress for the leaf.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nBe still.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>ANAVAKA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAlas!
\nI was misled with but a peacock’s feather,
\nFaded, a saffron splendour of decay.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>URURAVAS<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIn every way I am undone.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>USHINARIE
\n\t<\/font>(approaching suddenly)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nMy lord,
\nBe not so passionate; here is your dear letter.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>URURAVAS
\n\t<\/font>(confused)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe Queen! O welcome!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>ANAVAKA<\/font>
\n\t<\/font><\/b>(aside)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI’ll come, if ’twere convenient
\nTo tell the truth.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>URURAVAS
\n\t<\/font>(aside)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhat shall I do now, friend,
\nOr say?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>ANAVAKA<\/font>
\n\t<\/font><\/b>(aside)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nMuch you will say! A thief red-handed
\nCaught with his swag!<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>URURAVAS
\n\t<\/font>(aside)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nIs this a time for jesting?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n(aloud)<\/i><\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013\u2013 947<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nMadam, it was not this I sought but other,
\nA record of state, a paper that I dropped.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>USHINARIE<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOh, you do well to hide your happiness.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>ANAVAKA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nMy lady, hurry on His Majesty’s dinner.
\nWhen bile accumulates, dinner does the trick.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>USHINARIE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nA noble consolation for his friend
\nThe Brahmin finds! Heard’st thou, Nipunika?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>ANAVAKA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhy, madam, even a goblin is appeased
\nBy dinner.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>URURAVAS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nFool! by force you’ld prove me guilty.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>USHINARIE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nNot yours the guilt, my lord! I am in fault
\nWho force my hated and unwelcome face
\nUpon you. But I go. Nipunika,
\nAttend me.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nShe is departing in wrath.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>URURAVAS
\n\t<\/font>(following her)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nGuilty I am. O pardon, pardon!
\nO look on me more kindly. How can a slave
\nBe innocent, when whom he should please is angry ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe falls at her feet.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>USHINARIE
\n\t<\/font>(aside)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI am not so weak-minded as to value
\nSuch hollow penitence. And yet the terror<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013\u2013 948<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nOf that remorse I know that I shall feel
\nIf I spurn his kindness, frightens me \u2014 but no!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nShe goes out with Nipunika and attendants.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>ANAVAKA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nShe has rushed off like a torrent full of wrath.
\nRise, rise! she’s gone.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>URURAVAS
\n\t<\/font>(rising)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nO she did right to spurn me.
\nMost dulcet words of lovers, sweetest flatteries,
\nWhen passion is not there, can find no entrance
\nTo woman’s heart; for she knows well the voice
\nOf real love, but these are stones false-coloured
\nRejected by the jeweller’s practised eye.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>ANAVAKA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThis is what you should wish! The eye affected
\nBrooks not the naming of a lamp too near.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>URURAVAS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nYou much misjudge me. Though my heart’s gone out
\nTo Urvasie, affection deep I owe
\nMy Queen. But since she scorned my prostrate wooing,
\nI will have patience till her heart repent.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>ANAVAKA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nOh, hang your patience! keep it for home consumption.
\nMine’s at an end. Have some faint mercy instead
\nAnd save a poor starved Brahmin’s life. It’s time
\nFor bath, and dinner! dinner!!<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>URURAVAS
\n\t<\/font>(looking upward)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n‘Tis noon. The tired
\nAnd heated peacock sinks to chill delight
\nOf water in the tree-encircling channel,
\nThe bee divides a crimson bud and creeps<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013\u2013 949<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nInto its womb; there merged and safe from fire,
\nHe’s lurking. The duck too leaves her blazing pool
\nAnd shelters in cold lilies on the bank,
\nAnd in your summer-house weary of heat
\nThe parrot from his cage for water cries.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThey go.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

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

\nPage \u2013\u2013 950<\/font><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Act Two Scene – I    MANAVAKA Listen, you dreamer! Are you deaf? I tell you I have found a way: PURURAVAS Speak on. MANAVAKA…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-185","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-07-collected-plays-part-ii-volume-07","wpcat-6-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/185","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=185"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/185\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=185"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=185"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=185"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}