{"id":188,"date":"2013-07-13T01:26:28","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:26:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=188"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:26:28","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:26:28","slug":"53-vikramorvasie-act-3-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\/53-vikramorvasie-act-3-sc-2-vol-07-collected-plays-part-ii-volume-07","title":{"rendered":"-53_Vikramorvasie Act-3 Sc-2.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
\n

\n
\nSCENE II <\/font><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nOutside the palace of Pururavas, beneath the House of Gems. The
\nterrace of the House of Gems with a great staircase leading up
\nto it.<\/i><\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe Chamberlain Latavya enters.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tL<\/font>ATAVYA
\n\t<\/font>(sighing)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAll other men when life is green and strong
\nMarry and toil and get them wealth, then, ageing,
\nTheir sons assume the burden, they towards rest
\nTheir laboured faces turn. But us for ever
\nService, a keyless dungeon still renewed,
\nWears down; and hard that service is which keeps
\nO’er women ward and on their errands runs.
\nNow Kashi’s daughter, careful of her vow,
\nCommands me, "I have put from me, Latavya,
\nThe obstinacy of offended love
\nAnd wooed my husband through Nipunika.
\nThou too entreat him." Therefore I linger here
\nWaiting till the King’s greatness swiftly come,
\nHis vesper worship done. It dims apace.
\nHow beautifully twilight sits and dreams
\nUpon these palace walls! The peacocks now
\nSit on their perches, drowsed with sleep and night,
\nLike figures hewn in stone. And on the roof
\nThe fluttering pigeons with their pallid wings
\nMislead the eye, disguised as rings of smoke
\nThat from the window-ways have floated out
\nInto the evening. In places flower-bestrewn
\nThe elders of the high seraglio, gentle souls
\nOf holy manners, set the evening lamps,
\nDividing darkness; flames of auspice burn.
\nThe King! I hear the sound of many feet,
\nRinged round with torches he appears, his girls
\nHold up with young fair arms. O form august
\nLike Mainak, when as yet the hills had wings,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 953<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nMoving, and the slim trees along its ridge
\nFlickered with vermeil shaken blooms. Just here
\nI’ll wait him, in the pathway of his glance.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nEnter Pururavas, surrounded by girl attendants
\ncarrying torches; with him Manavaka.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nDay passes with some pale attempt at calm,
\nFor then work walls the mind from the fierce siege
\nOf ever-present passion. But how shall I ‘
\nAdd movement to the tardy-footed night,
\nThe long void hours by no distraction winged ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tL<\/font>ATAVYA
\n\t<\/font>(approaching)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nLong live the King! My lady says, "The moon
\nTonight in splendour on the House of Jewels
\nRises like a bright face. On the clear terrace,
\nMy husband by my side, I would await
\nWith Rohinie, his heavenly fair delight,
\nThe God’s embracings."<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhat the Queen wills, was ever
\nMy law, Latavya.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tL<\/font>ATAVYA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nSo I’ll tell my lady.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

\nThink you in very truth for her vow’s sake
\nMy lady makes this motion ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nRather I deem
\n‘Tis her remorse she cloaks with holy vows,
\nAtoning thus for a prostration scorned.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 954<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nO true! the proud and loving hearts of women,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWho have their prostrate dear ones spurned, repenting<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAre plagued with sweet accusing memories<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOf eyes that ask forgiveness, outstretched hands,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHalf-spoken words ,and touches on their feet,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThat travel to the heart. Precede me then<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nTo the appointed terrace.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nLook, my lord,
\nThe crystal stairs roll upward like bright waves
\nOn moonlit Ganges; yonder the terrace sleeps
\nWide-bosomed to the cold and lovely eve.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPrecede me; we’ll ascend.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThey ascend to the terrace.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThe moon is surely
\nUpon the verge of rise; swiftly the east
\nEmpties of darkness, and the horizon seems
\nAll beautiful and brightening like a face.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO aptly said! Behind the peak of rise
\nThe hidden moon, pushing black night aside,
\nPrecedes himself with herald lustres. See!
\nThe daughter of the imperial East puts back
\nThe blinding tresses from her eyes, and smiles,
\nAnd takes with undimmed face my soul.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHurrah!
\nThe king of the twice-born has risen all white
\nAnd round and luscious like a ball of sugar.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 955<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nA glutton’s eloquence is ever haunted
\nWith images of the kitchen.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n(bowing with folded hands)<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHail, God that rulest
\nThe inactive night! O settler with the sun
\nFor ritual holy, O giver to the Gods
\nAnd blessed fathers dead of nectarous wine,
\nO slayer of the vasty glooms of night,
\nWhose soul of brightness crowns the Almighty’s head,
\nO moon, all hail! accept thy offspring’s prayer.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWell now, your grandpapa has heard your vows;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nYou’ll take it from a Brahmin’s mouth, through whom
\nEven he may telepath his message. So,
\nThat’s finished. Now sit down and give me a chance
\nOf being comfortable.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>URURAVAS
\n\t<\/font>(sitting down, then looking at his attendants)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe moon is risen;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThese torches are a vain reiteration
\nOf brightness. Ladies, rest.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nOur lord commands us.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

\nIt is not long before my lady comes.
\nSo, let me, while we yet are lonely here,
\nUnburden me of my love-ravaged thoughts.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThey are visible to the blind. Take hope and courage
\nBy thinking of her equal love.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 956<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nI do;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd yet the pain within my heart is great.
\nFor as a mighty river whose vast speed
\nStumbles within a narrow pass of huge
\nAnd rugged boulders, chides his uncouth bed,
\nIncreasing at each check, even so does love,
\nHis joy of union stinted or deferred,
\nRebel and wax a hundredfold in fire.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSo your love-wasted limbs increase their beauty,
\nThey are a sign you soon will clasp your love.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO friend, as you my longing heaviness<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nComfort with hopeful words, my arm too speaks<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIn quick auspicious throbs.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe looks with hope up to the sky.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nA Brahmin’s word!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThere enter in the air Chitralekha
\nwith Urvasie in trysting-dress.<\/i><\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tU<\/font>RVASIE
\n\t<\/font>(looking at herself)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nSister, do you not think my trysting-dress,
\nThe dark-blue silk and the few ornaments,
\nBecomes me vastly? Do you not approve it?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO inexpressibly! I have no words<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nTo praise it. This I’ll say; it makes me wish<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI were Pururavas.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSince Love himself<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 957<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nInspires you, bring me quickly to the dwelling
\nOf that high beautiful face.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nLook, we draw near.
\nYour lover’s house lifts in stupendous mass,
\nAs it were mountain Coilas, to the clouds.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nLook, sister, with the eye of Gods and know
\nWhere is that robber of my heart and what
\nHis occupation?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI will jest with her.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI see him. He, in a sweet region made
\nFor love and joy, possesses with desire
\nThe body and the bosom of his love.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHappy that woman, whosoe’er she be!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhy, sweet faint-hearted fool, in whom but thee
\nShould his thoughts joy ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tU<\/font>RVASIE
\n\t<\/font>(with a sigh of relief)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAlas, my heart perverse
\nWill doubt.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHere on the terraced House of Gems
\nThe King is with his friend sole-sitting. Then,
\nWe may approach.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 958<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nO friend, the widening night
\nAnd pangs of love keep pace in their increase.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSister, my heart is torn with apprehension<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOf what his words might mean. Let us, ourselves<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nInvisible, hear their unfettered converse.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nMy fears might then have rest.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

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

\nTake the moonbeams
\nWhose pregnant nectar comforts burning limbs.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nBut my affliction’s not remediable<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWith such faint medicines. Neither smoothest flowers,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nMoonlight nor sandal visiting every limb,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNor necklaces of cool delightful pearl,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOnly Heaven’s nymph can perfectly expel<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWith bliss, or else \u2014<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tU<\/font>RVASIE
\n\t<\/font>(clutching at her bosom with her hand)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nO me! who else? who else?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSpeech secret full of her unedge my pangs.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHeart that left me to nutter in his hands,
\nNow art thou for that rashness recompensed!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nYes, I too when I cannot get sweet venison<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 959<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nAnd hunger for it, often beguile my belly
\nWith celebrating all its savoury joys.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nYour belly-loves, good friend, are always with you
\nAnd ready to your gulp.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nYou too shall soon
\nPossess your love.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nMy friend, I have strange feeling.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHearken, insatiable, exacting, hearken,
\nAnd be convinced!<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhat feeling?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThis I feel,
\nAs if this shoulder by her shoulder pressed
\nIn the car’s shock bore all my sum of being,
\nAnd all this frame besides were only weight
\nCumbering the impatient earth.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nYet you delay!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nURVASIE (suddenly approaching Pururavas)
\n<\/i>O me! sister!<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhat is it now?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 960<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nI am<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBefore him, and he does not care!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tC<\/font>HITRALEKHA
\n\t<\/font>(smiling)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nO thou<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAll passionate unreasoning haste! Thou hast not
\nPut off as yet invisibility.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tV<\/font>OICE
\n\t<\/font>(within)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThis way, my lady.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAll listen, Urvasie and Chitralekha are despondent.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHey? The Queen is here?
\nKeep watch upon your tongue.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nYou first .discharge
\nYour face of conscious guilt.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSister, what now ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nBe calm. We are unseen. This princess looks
\nAs for a vow arrayed, nor long, if so,
\nWill tarry.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nAs she speaks, the Queen and Nipunika enter
\nwith attendants carrying offerings.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHow does yonder spotted moon
\nFlush with new beauty, O Nipunika,
\nAt Rhine’s embracings.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSo too with you,<\/font>
\n<\/font> <\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 961<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nLady, my lord looks fairer than himself.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThe Queen, my lord, looks very sweet and gracious,
\nEither because I know she’ll give me sweetmeats
\nOr ’tis a sign of anger quite renounced,
\nAnd from your memory to exile her harshness
\nShe makes her vow an instrument.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nGood reasons both;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nYet to my humble judgment the poor second
\nHas likelier hue. For she in gracious white
\nIs clad and sylvanly adorned with flowers,
\nHer raven tresses spangled with young green
\nOf sacred grass. All her fair body looks
\nGentle and kind, its pomp and pride renounced
\nFor lovely meekness to her lord.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nMy husband!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHail to our master!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPeace attend my lady.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

\nHe takes her hand and draws her down on a seat.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nBy right this lady bears the style
\nOf Goddess and of Empress, since no whit
\nHer noble majesty of fairness yields<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 962<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nTo Heaven’s Queen.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO bravely said, my sister!
\n‘Twas worthy of a soul where jealous baseness
\nOught never harbour.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI have a vow, my lord,
\nWhich at my husband’s feet must be absolved.
\nBear with me that I trouble you one moment.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nNo, no, it is not trouble, but a kindness.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThe good trouble that brings me sweetmeats! often,
\nO often may such trouble vex my belly.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhat vow is this you would absolve, my own?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAushinarie looks at Nipunika.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n‘Tis that women perform to win back kindness
\nIn eyes of one held dear.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIf this be so,
\nVainly hast thou these tender flower-soft limbs
\nAfflicted with a vow’s austerities,
\nBeloved. Thou suest for favour to thy servant,
\nPropitiatest who for thy propitiated
\nAll-loving glance is hungry.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nGreatly he loves her!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 963<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nWhy, silly one, whose heart is gone astraying,
\nRedoubles words of kindness to his wife.
\nDo you not know so much?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>USHINARI<\/font>
\n\t(smiling)<\/i><\/font> <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nNot vain my vow,
\nThat to such words of love has moved already
\nMy husband.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nStop, my lord, a word well spoken
\nIs spoilt by any answer.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nGirls, the offering
\nWith which I must adore this gentle moonlight
\nThat dreams upon our terrace!<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHere, my lady,
\nAre flowers, here costly scents, all needed things.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nGive them to me.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nShe worships the moonbeams with<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nflowers and perfumes.<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nNipunika, present
\nThe sweetmeats of the offering to the Brahmin.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI will, my lady. Noble Manavaka,
\nHere is for you.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nBlessings attend thee. May
\nThy vow bear fruit nor end.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 964<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nNow, dear my lord,
\nPray you, draw nearer to me.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nBehold me, love! <\/font><\/p>\n

\nWhat must I do ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAushinarie worships the King, then bowing
\ndown with folded-hands.<\/i><\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI, Aushinarie, call
\nThe divine wife and husband, Rohinie
\nAnd Mrigalanchhan named the spotted moon,
\nTo witness here my vowed obedient love
\nTo my dear lord. Henceforth whatever woman
\nMy lord shall love and she desire him too,
\nI will embrace her and as a sister love,
\nNor think of jealousy.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI know not wholly
\nHer drift, and yet her words have made me feel
\nAll pure and full of noble trust.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nBe confident,
\nYour love will prove all bliss; surely it must
\nWhen blessed and sanctioned by this pure, devoted
\nAnd noble nature.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhen from ‘twixt his hands
\nFish leaps, cries me the disappointed fisher,
\n"Go, trout, I spare you. This will be put down
\nTo my account in Heaven."<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 965<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nNo more but this
\nYou love my friend, your husband, lady?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nDull fool!
\nI with the death of my own happiness
\nWould give my husband ease. From this consider
\nHow dearly I love him.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSince thou hast power on me
\nTo give me to another or to keep
\nThy slave, I have no right to plead. And yet
\nI am not as thou thinkest me, all lost,
\nO thou too jealous, to thy love.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nMy lord,
\nWe will not talk of that. I have fulfilled
\nMy rite, and with observance earned your kindness.
\nGirls, let us go.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIs thus my kindness earned ?
\nI am not kind, not pleased, if now, beloved,
\nThou shun and leave me.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPardon, my lord. I never
\nHave yet transgressed the rigour of a vow.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nExeunt Queen, Nipunika and attendants.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWife-lover, uxorious is this King, and yet
\nI cannot lure my heart away from him.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhy, what new trick of wilful passion’s this ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 966<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nThe Queen is not far off.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nNever heed that,
\nSpeak boldly. She .has given you up as hopeless.
\nSo doctors leave a patient, when disease
\nDefies all remedy, to his own sweet guidance.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO that my Urvasie \u2014<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nToday might win
\nHer one dear wish.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nFrom her invisible feet
\nThe lovely sound of anklets on my ear
\nWould tinkle, or coming stealing from behind
\nBlind both my eyes with her soft little hands
\nLike two cool lotuses upon them fallen:<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOr, Oh, most sweet! descending on this roof
\nShaken with dear delicious terrors, lingering
\nAnd hanging back, be by her sister drawn
\nWith tender violence, faltering step by step,
\nTill she lay panting on my knees.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nGo, sister,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd satisfy his wish.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nMust I? well then,
\nI’ll pluck up heart and play with him a little.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nShe becomes visible, steals behind the King and covers
\nhis eyes with her hands. Chitralekha puts off her veil of<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 967<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\ninvisibility and makes a sign to Manavaka.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nNow say, friend, who is this ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThe hands of beauty.
\n‘Tis that Narayan-born whose limbs are sweetness.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHow can you guess ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhat is there here to guess?
\nMy heart tells me. The lily of the night
\nNeeds not to guess it is the moon’s cool touch.
\nShe starts not to the sunbeam. ‘Tis so with me.
\nNo other woman could but she alone
\nHeal with her little hands all my sick pining.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nUrvasie removes her hands and rises to her feet;<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nthen moves a step or two away.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nConquest attend my lord!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWelcome, O beauty.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe draws her down beside him.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHappiness to my brother!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHere it sits
\nBeside me.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nBecause the Queen has given you to me,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 968<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nTherefore I dare to take into my arms<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nYour body like a lover. You shall not think me<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

\nWhat, .set the sun to you on this terrace ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO love, if thou my body dost embrace<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAs seizable, a largess \u2014 from my Queen,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBut whose permission didst thou ask, when thou<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nStolest my heart away ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nBrother, she is
\nAbashed and has no answer. Therefore a moment
\nTurn to me, grant me one entreaty.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

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

\nWhen spring is vanished and the torrid heat
\nThickens, I must attend the glorious Sun.
\nDo thou so act that this my Urvasie
\nLeft lonely with thee, shall not miss her Heaven!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhy, what is there in Heaven to pine for ? There
\nYou do not eat, you do not drink, only
\nStare like so many fishes in a row
\nWith wide unblinking eyes.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThe joys of Heaven
\nNo thought can even outline. Who then shall make
\nThe soul forget which thence has fallen ? Of this<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 969<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nBe sure, fair girl, Pururavas is only<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThy sister’s slave: no other woman shares<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThat rule nor can share.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nBrother, this is .kind.
\nBe brave, my Urvasie, and let me go.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tU<\/font>RVASIE
\n\t<\/font>(embracing Chitralekha, pathetically)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nChitralekha, my sister, do not forget me!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nOf thee I should entreat that mercy, who
\nHast got thy love’s embrace.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nShe bows down to the King and goes.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nNow nobly, sir,
\nAre you increased with bliss and your desire’s
\nAccrual.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nYou say well. This is my increase;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWho felt not half so blest when I acquired<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe universal sceptre of the world<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd sovran footstool touched by jewelled heads<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOf tributary monarchs, as today<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI feel most happy who have won the right<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nTo touch two little feet and am allowed<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nTo be thy slave and do thy lovely bidding.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI have not words to make a sweeter answer.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHow does the winning of one loved augment<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 970<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nSweet contradictions! These are the very rays
\nOf moonlight burned me late, and now they soothe;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nLove’s wounding shafts caress the heart like flowers,
\nThou being with me; all natural sights and sounds
\nOnce rude and hurtful, now caressing come
\nSoftly, because of, thee in my embrace.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI am to blame that I deprived my lord
\nSo long.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nBeloved and beautiful, not so!
\nFor happiness arising after pain
\nTastes therefore sweeter, as the shady tree
\nTo one perplexed with heat and dust affords
\nA keener taste of Paradise.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWe have courted
\nFor a long hour the whole delightfulness
\nOf moonlight in the evening. It is time
\nTo seek repose.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nGuide therefore this fair friend
\nThe way her feet must henceforth tread.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThis way.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO love, I have but one wish left.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhat wish, my lord ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 971<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nWhen I had not embraced thee, my desire,
\nOne night in passing seemed a hundred nights;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nO now if darkness would extend my joys
\nTo equal length of real hours with this
\nSweet face upon my bosom, I were blest.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 972<\/font><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

SCENE II     Outside the palace of Pururavas, beneath the House of Gems. The terrace of the House of Gems with a great staircase…<\/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-188","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\/188","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=188"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/188\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=188"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=188"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=188"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}