{"id":197,"date":"2013-07-13T01:26:32","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:26:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=197"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:26:32","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:26:32","slug":"56-vikramorvasie-act-5-sc-1-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\/56-vikramorvasie-act-5-sc-1-vol-07-collected-plays-part-ii-volume-07","title":{"rendered":"-56_Vikramorvasie Act-5 Sc-1.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
\n

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

<\/b> <\/p>\n

\n
\n SCENE I <\/font><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nOutside the King’s tents near Pratisthana. In the background the
\nconfluence of the river Ganges and Yamuna.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n-Manavaka alone.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAfter long pleasuring with Urvasie<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIn Nandan and all woodlands of the Gods,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOur King’s at last returned, and he has entered<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHis city, by the jubilant people met<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWith splendid greetings, and resumed his toils.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAh, were he but a father, nothing now<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWere wanting to his fullness. This high day<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAt confluence of great Ganges with the stream<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nDark Yamuna, he and his Queen have bathed.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nJust now he passed into his tent, and surely<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHis girls adorn him. I will go exact<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nMy first share of the ointments and the flowers.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>AIDS
\n\t<\/font>(within lamenting)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nO me unfortunate! the jewel is lost
\nAccustomed to the noble head of her
\nMost intimate with the bosom of the King,
\nHis loveliest playmate. I was carrying it
\nIn palm-leaf basket on white cloth of silk;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nA vulture doubting this some piece of flesh
\nSwoops down and soars away with it.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nUnfortunate!
\nThis was the Union, the crest-jewel, dear
\nO’er all things to the King. Look where he comes,
\nHis dress half-worn just as he started up<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013990<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nOn hearing of his loss. I’ll go to him.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThen Pururavas enters with his Amazons of the Bactrian
\nGuard and other attendants in great excitement.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHuntress! huntress! Where is that robber bird
\nThat snatches his own death ? He practises
\nHis first bold pillage in the watchman’s house.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tH<\/font>UNTRESS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nYonder, the golden thread within his beak!
\nTrailing the jewel how he wheels in air
\nDescribing scarlet lines upon the sky!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI see him, dangling down the thread of gold<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe wheels and dips in rapid circles vast.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe jewel like a whirling firebrand red<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nGoes round and round and with vermilion rings<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIncarnadines the air. What shall we do<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nTo rescue it?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhy do you hesitate to slay him?
\nHe is marked out for death, a criminal.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nMy bow! my bow!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tA<\/font>N
\n\t<\/font>A<\/font>MAZON
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI run to bring it!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nShe goes out.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nFriend,<\/font><\/p>\n

\n
\nI cannot see the bird. Where has it fled ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013991<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nLook! to the southern far horizon wings
\nThe carrion-eating robber.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nYes, I see him.
\nHe speeds with the red jewel every way
\nBranching and shooting light, as ’twere a cluster
\nOf crimson roses in the southern sky
\nOr ruby pendant from the lobe of Heaven.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nEnter Amazon with the bow.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSire, I have brought the bow and leathern guard.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nToo late you bring it. Yon eater of raw flesh
\nGoes winging far beyond an arrow’s range,
\nAnd the bright jewel with the distant bird
\nBlazes like Mars the planet glaring red
\nAgainst a wild torn piece of cloud. Who’s there ?
\nNoble Latavya?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nYour Highness ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nFrom me command
\nThe chief of the police, at evening, when
\nYon winged outlaw seeks his homing tree,
\nThat he be hunted out.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIt shall be done<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

\nSit down and rest. What place in all broad earth<\/font>
\n<\/font> <\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013992<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nThis jewel-thief can hide in, shall elude
\nYour world-wide jurisdiction ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIt was not as a gem
\nOf lustre that I treasured yonder stone,
\nNow lost in the bird’s beak, but ’twas my Union
\nAnd it united me with my dear love.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI know it, from your own lips heard the tale.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nChamberlain enters with the jewel and an arrow.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nBehold shot through that robber! Though he fled,
\nThy anger darting in pursuit has slain him.
\nPlumb down he fell with fluttering wings from Heaven
\nAnd dropped the jewel bright.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nAll look at it in surprise.<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nIll fate o’ertaking<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nMuch worse offence! My lord, shall not this gem
\nBe washed in water pure and given \u2014 to whom!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHuntress, go, see it purified in fire,
\nThen to its case restore it.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tH<\/font>UNTRESS
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAs the King wills.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nShe goes out with the jewel.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nNoble Latavya, came you not to know
\nThe owner of this arrow ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nLetters there are<\/font>
\n<\/font> <\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013993<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nCarved on the steel; my eyes grow old and feeble,
\nI could not read them.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nTherefore give me the arrow.
\nI will spell out the writing.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe Chamberlain gives him the arrow and he reads.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAnd I will fill my office.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n\tM<\/font>ANAVAKA
\n\t<\/font>(seeing the King lost in thought)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nWhat do you read there, sir ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHear, Manavaka, hear
\nThe letters of this bowman’s name.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI’m all<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAttention; read.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO hearken then and wonder.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n"Ayus, the smiter of his foeman’s lives,
\nThe warrior Ilian’s son by Urvasie,
\nThis arrow loosed."<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHail, King! now dost thou prosper,
\nWho hast a son.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHow should this be ? Except
\nBy the great ritual once, never was I.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013994<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nParted from that beloved; nor have I witnessed<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOne sign of pregnancy. How could my Goddess<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHave borne a son ? True, I remember once<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nFor certain days her paps were dark and stained,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd all her fair complexion to the hue<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOf that wan creeper paled, and languid-large<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHer eyes were. Nothing more.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nDo not affect
\nWith mortal attributes the living Gods.
\nFor holiness is as a veil to them
\nConcealing their affections.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThis is true.
\nBut why should she conceal her motherhood ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPlainly, she thought, "If the King sees me old
\nAnd matron, he’ll be off with some young hussy."<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nNo mockery, think it over.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWho shall guess
\nThe riddles of the Gods ?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n(enter Latavya)<\/i><\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHail to the King!
\nA holy dame from Chyavan’s hermitage
\nLeading a boy would see my lord.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nLatavya,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013995<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nAdmit them instantly.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAs the King wills.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe goes out, then re-enters with Ayus<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nbow in hand and a hermitess.<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nCome, holy lady\/to the King.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nThey approach the King.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHow say you,
\nShould not this noble boy be very he,
\nThe young and high-born archer with whose name
\nWas lettered yon half-moon of steel that pierced
\nThe vulture? His features imitate my lord’s.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIt must be so. The moment that I saw him,
\nMy eyes became a mist of tears, my spirit
\nLightened with joy, and surely ’twas a father
\nThat stirred within my bosom. O Heaven! I lose
\nReligious calm; shudderings surprise me; I long
\nTo feel him with my limbs, pressed with my love.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tL<\/font>ATAVYA
\n\t<\/font>(to the hermitess)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nHere deign to stand.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nMother, I bow to thee.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tS<\/font>ATYAVATIE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nHigh-natured! may thy line by thee increase!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nLo, all untold this father knows his son.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nMy child,
\nBow down to thy begetter.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013996<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nAyus bows down, folding his hands over his bow.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nLive long, dear son.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO how must children on their father’s knees
\nGrown great be melted with a filial sweetness,
\nWhen only hearing that this is my father
\nI feel I love him!<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nVouchsafe me, reverend lady,
\nThy need of coming.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tS<\/font>ATYAVATIE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nListen then, O King;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThis Ayus at his birth was in my hand<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBy Urvasie, I know not why, delivered,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nA dear deposit. Every perfect rite<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd holiness unmaimed that princely boys<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nMust grow through, Chyavan’s self, the mighty Sage,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPerformed, and taught him letters, scripture, arts\u2014<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nLast, every warlike science.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO fortunate<\/font>
In such a teacher!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tH<\/font>ERMITESS <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe children fared a field
\nToday for flowers, dry fuel, sacred grass,
\nAnd Ayus faring with them violated
\nThe morals of the hermitage.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO how?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013997<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n\tS<\/font>ATYAVATIE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nA vulture with a jag of flesh was merging
\nInto a tree-top when the boy levelled
\nHis arrow at the bird.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAnd then?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tS<\/font>ATYAVATIE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd then
\nThe holy Sage, instructed of that slaughter,
\nCalled me and bade, "Give back thy youthful trust
\nInto his mother’s keeping." Therefore, sir,
\nLet me have audience with the lady.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nMother,
\nDeign to sit down one moment.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe hermitess takes the seat brought for her.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNoble Latavya,
\nLet Urvasie be summoned.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIt is done.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

\nChild of thy mother, come, O come to me!
\nLet me feel my son! The touch of his own child,
\nThey say, thrills all the father; let me know it.,
\nGladden me as the moonbeam melts the moonstone.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nGo, child, and gratify thy father’s heart.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAyus goes to the King and clasps his feet.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013998<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n\tP<\/font>URURAVAS
\n\t<\/font>(embracing the boy and seating him on
\nhis footstool)<\/i><\/font> <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThis Brahmin is thy father’s friend. Salute him,
\nAnd have no fear.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhy should he fear ? I think
\nHe grew up in the wood and must have seen
\nA mort of monkeys in the trees.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHail, father.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPeace and prosperity walk with thee ever.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nLatavya returns with Urvasie.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

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

\nWho is this quivered youth
\nSet on the footstool of the King? Himself
\nMy monarch binds his curls into a crest!
\nWho should this be so highly favoured ?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n(seeing Satyavatie)<\/i><\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nAh!
\nSatyavatie beside him tells me; it is
\nMy Ayus. How he has grown!<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO child, look up.
\nLo, she who bore thee, with her whole rapt gaze
\nGrown mother, the veiled bosom heaving towards thee
\nAnd wet with sacred milk!<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tS<\/font>ATYAVATIE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nRise, son, and greet<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013999<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nThy parent.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nShe goes with the boy to Urvasie.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI touch thy feet.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tS<\/font>ATYAVATIE
\n\t<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nEver be near
\nThy husband’s heart.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nMother, I bow to thee.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nChild, be thy sire’s delight. My lord and husband!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO welcome to the mother! sit thee here.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe makes her sit beside him.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tS<\/font>ATYAVATIE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nMy daughter, lo, thine Ayus. He has learned<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAll lore, heroic armour now can wear.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI yield thee back before thy husband’s eyes,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThy sacred trust. Discharge me. Each idle moment<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIs a religious duty left undone.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIt is so long since I beheld you, mother,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI have not satisfied my thirst of you,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd cannot let you go. And yet ’twere wrong<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nTo keep you. Therefore go for further meeting.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSay to the Sage, I fall down at his feet.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tS<\/font>ATYAVATIE<\/font><\/p>\n

\n‘Tis well.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u20131000<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nAre you going to the forest, mother ?
\nWill you not take me with you ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nOver, son,
\nThy studies in the woods. Thou must be now
\nA man, know the great world.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tS<\/font>ATYAVATIE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nChild, hear thy father.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThen, mother, let me have when he has got
\nHis plumes, my little peacock, jewel-crest,
\nWho’ld sleep upon my lap and let me stroke
\nHis crest and pet him.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tS<\/font>ATYAVATIE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nSurely, I will send him.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nMother, I touch thy feet.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI bow to thee,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n\tS<\/font>ATYAVATIE
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nPeace be upon you both, my children.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

\nO blessed lady! Now I am grown through thee
\nA glorious father in this boy, our son;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNot Indra, hurler down of cities, more
\nIn his Jayanta of Paulomie born.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u20131001<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nUrvasie weeps.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhy is my lady suddenly all tears ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nMy own beloved! How art thou full of tears
\nWhile I am swayed with the great joy of princes
\nWho see their line secured ? Why do these drops
\nOn these high peaks of beauty raining down,
\nO sad sweet prodigal, turn thy bright necklace
\nTo repetition vain of costlier pearls ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe wipes the tears from her eyes.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAlas, my lord! I had forgot my doom
\nIn a mother’s joy. But now thy utterance
\nOf that great name of Indra brings to me
\nCruel remembrance torturing the heart
\nOf my sad limit.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nTell me, my love, what limit.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO King, my heart held captive in thy hands,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI stood bewildered by the curse; then Indra<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nUttered his high command: "When my great soldier,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nEarth’s monarch, sees the face that keeps his line<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nMade in thy womb, to Eden thou returnest."<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nSo when I knew my issue, sick with the terror<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOf being torn from thee, all hidden haste,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI gave to noble Satyavatie the child,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIn Chyavan’s forest to be trained. Today<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThis my beloved son returns to me;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNo doubt she thought that he was grown and able
\nTo gratify his father’s heart. This then<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u20131002<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nIs the last hour of that sweet life with thee,
\nWhich goes not farther.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPururavas swoons.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHelp, help!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nReturn to me, my King!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO love, how jealous are the Gods in Heaven<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOf human gladness! I was comforted<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWith getting of a son \u2014 at once this blow!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nO small sweet waist, I am divorced from thee!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nSo has a poplar from one equal cloud<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nReceived the shower that cooled and fire of Heaven<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThat kills it.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO sudden evil out of good!
\nFor I suppose you now will don the bark
\nAnd live with hermit trees.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI too unhappy!
\nFor now my King who sees that I no sooner
\nBehold my son reared up than to my Heavens
\nI soar, will think that I have all my need
\nAnd go with glad heart from his side.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nBeloved,
\nDo not believe it. How can one be free
\nTo do his will who’s subject to a master ?
\nHe when he’s bid, must cast his heart aside
\nAnd dwell in exile from the face he loves.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u20131003<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nTherefore obey King Indra. On this thy son
\nI too my kingdom will repose and dwell
\nIn forests where the antlered peoples roam.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nMy father should not on an untrained steer
\nImpose the yoke that asks a neck of iron.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nChild, say not so! The ichorous elephant
\nNot yet full-grown tames all the trumpetings
\nOf older rivals; and the young snake’s tooth
\nWith energy of virulent poison stored
\nStrikes deadly. So is it with the ruler born:<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHis boyish hand inarms the sceptred world.
\nThe force that rises with its task, springs not
\nFrom years, but is a self and inborn greatness.
\nTherefore, Latavya!<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nLet my lord command me.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nDirect from me the council to make ready
\nThe coronation of my son.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIt is <\/font><\/p>\n

\nYour will, sire.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe goes out. Suddenly all act as if dazzled.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhat lightning leaps from cloudless Heavens?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n‘Tis the Lord Narad.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u20131004<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nNarad? Yes ’tis he.
\nHis hair is matted all a tawny yellow
\nLike ochre-streaks, his holy thread is white
\nAnd brilliant like a digit of the moon.
\nHe looks as if the faery-tree of Heaven .
\nCame moving, shooting twigs all gold, and twinkling
\nPearl splendours for its leaves, its tendrils pearl.
\nGuest-offering for the Sage!<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nNarad enters: all rise to greet him.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHere is guest-offering.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHail, the great guardian of the middle world!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nGreeting, Lord Narad.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nLord, I bow to thee.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nUnsundered live in sweetness conjugal.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO that it might be so!<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nChild, greet the Sage.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nUrvasiean Ayus bows down to thee.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nLive long, be prosperous.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u20131005<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nDeign to take this seat.<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNarad sits, after which all take their seats.
\n<\/i>What brings the holy Narad?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHear the message<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOf mighty Indra.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

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

\nMaghavan,
\nWhose soul can see across the world, to thee
\nIntending loneliness in woods \u2014<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nCommand me.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThe seers to whom the present, past and future
\nAre three wide-open pictures, these divulge
\nAdvent of battle and the near uprise
\nOf Titans warring against Gods. Heaven needs
\nThee, her great soldier; thou shouldst not lay down
\nThy warlike arms. All thy allotted days
\nThis Urvasie is given thee for wife
\nAnd lovely helpmeet.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nOh, a sword is taken
\nOut of my heart.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIn all I am Indra’s servant.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u20131006<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\n‘Tis fitting. Thou for Indra, he for thee,
\nWith interchange of lordly offices.
\nSo sun illumes the fire, fire the great sun
\nEkes out with heat and puissance.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe looks up into the sky.<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nRambha, descend<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd with thee bring the high investiture
\nHeaven’s King has furnished to crown Ayus, heir
\nOf great Pururavas.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nApsaras enter with the articles of investiture.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nLo! Holiness,
\nThat store!<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSet down the boy upon the chair
\nOf the anointing.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tR<\/font>AMBHA
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nCome to me, my child.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nShe seats the boy.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tN<\/font>ARAD
\n\t<\/font>(pouring the cruse of holy oil on the boy’s head)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nComplete the ritual.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tR<\/font>AMBHA
\n\t<\/font>(after so doing)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nBow before the Sage,
\nMy child, and touch thy parents’ feet.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAyus obeys.<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

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

\nSon, be a hero and thy line’s upholder.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u20131007<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nSon, please thy father.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tB<\/font>ARDS
\n\t<\/font>(within)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nVictory to Empire’s heir.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nFirst the immortal seer of Brahma’s kind
\nAnd had the soul of Brahma; Atri’s then
\nThe Moon his child; and from the Moon again
\nSprang Budha-Hermes, moonlike was his mind.
\nPururavas was Budha’s son and had
\nLike starry brightness. Be in thee displayed
\nThy father’s kindly gifts. All things that bless
\nMortals, descend in thy surpassing race.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nThy father like Himaloy highest stands
\nOf<\/b> all the high, but thou all steadfast be,
\nUnchangeable and grandiose like the sea,
\nFearless, surrounding Earth with godlike hands.
\nLet Empire by division brighter shine;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nFor so the sacred Ganges snow and pine
\nFavours, yet the same waters she divides
\nTo Ocean and his vast and heaving tides.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tN<\/font>YMPHS
\n\t<\/font>(approaching Urvasie)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nO thou art blest, our sister, in thy son
\nCrowned heir to Empire, in thy husband blest
\nFrom whom thou shalt not part.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nMy happiness
\nIs common to you all, sweet sisters: such
\nOur love was always.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nShe takes Ayus by the hand.<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nCome with me, dear child,<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u20131008<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nTo fall down at thy elder mother’s feet.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nStay yet; we all attend you to the Queen.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThy son’s great coronation mindeth me
\nOf yet another proud investiture \u2014
\nKartikeya crowned by Maghavan, to lead
\nHeaven’s armies.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHighly has the King of Heaven
\nFavoured him, Narad; how should he not be
\nMost great and fortunate ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhat more shall Indra do
\nFor King Pururavas ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHeaven’s King being pleased,
\nWhat further can I need? Yet this I’ll ask.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe comes forward and speaks towards the audience.<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nLearning and fortune. Goddesses that stand
\nIn endless opposition, dwellers rare
\nUnder one roof, in kindly union join
\nTo bless for glory and for ease the good.
\nThis too; may every man find his own good,
\nAnd every man be merry of his mind,
\nAnd all men in all lands taste all desire.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPage \u20131009<\/font><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Act Five    SCENE I     Outside the King’s tents near Pratisthana. In the background the confluence of the river Ganges and Yamuna. -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-197","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\/197","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=197"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/197\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=197"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=197"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=197"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}