{"id":209,"date":"2013-07-13T01:26:37","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:26:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=209"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:26:37","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:26:37","slug":"49-vikramorvasie-act-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\/49-vikramorvasie-act-1-vol-07-collected-plays-part-ii-volume-07","title":{"rendered":"-49_Vikramorvasie Act-1.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
\n

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

\n
\nOR<\/font><\/b><\/p>\n


\nTHE HERO AND THE NYMPH<\/font><\/b><\/p>\n

\nTranslated from the Sanskrit Play of Kalidasa<\/font><\/p>\n


\nCHARACTERS <\/font><\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nP<\/font>URURAVAS<\/font>,
\nSon of Budha and Ila, grandson of the Moon, King of the world, reigning at
\nPratisthana.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nM<\/font>ANAVAKA<\/font>,
\nA Brahmin, the King’s jester and companion.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nL<\/font>ATAVYA<\/font>,
\nChamberlain of the King’s seraglio.<\/font> <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nC<\/font>HITRARATH<\/font>,
\nKing of the Gandharvas, musicians of Heaven.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nGALAVA,\/ PELAVA,——— = Disciples of
\nBharat, Preceptor of the Arts in Heaven.  <\/font><\/p>\n

\nA<\/font>YUS<\/font>,
\nSon of Pururavas.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nC<\/font>HARIOTEER
\n<\/font>of Pururavas.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nT<\/font>HE
\n<\/font>Q<\/font>UEEN
\n<\/font>A<\/font>USHINARIE<\/font>,
\nWife of Pururavas and daughter of the King of Kashi.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nU<\/font>RVASIE<\/font>,
\nAn Apsara or Nymph of Heaven, born from the thigh of Narayan.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nN<\/font>IPUNIKA<\/font>,
\nThe Queen’s handmaid.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nCHITRALEKHA,\/ SAHAJANYA,\/ RAMBHA,\/ MENAKA,——— = Nymphs of Heaven,
\ncompanions of Urvasie.<\/p>\n

\nS<\/font>ATYAVATIE<\/font>,
\nA hermitess.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nA H<\/font>UNTRESS<\/font>.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nGIRLS<\/font>, ATTENDANT
\nON THE <\/font>KING<\/font>; AMAZONS<\/font>. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

\n

\n
\nAct One <\/b><\/font>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\nHe in Vedanta by the Wise pronounced
\nSole Being, who the upper and under world
\nPervading overpasses, whom alone
\nThe name of God describes, here applicable
\nAnd pregnant \u2014 crippled else of force, to others
\nPerverted \u2014 and the Yogins who aspire
\nTo rise above the human death, break in
\nBreath, soul and senses passionately seeking
\nThe Immutable, and in their own hearts find \u2014
\nHe, easily by work and faith and love
\nAttainable, ordain your heavenly weal.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAfter the invocation the Actor-Manager
\nspeaks.<\/i><\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nNo need of many words.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe speaks into the greenroom.<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nHither good friend.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe Assistant-Manager enters.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

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

\nOften has the audience seen
\nOld dramas by our earlier poets staged;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nTherefore today a piece as yet unknown
\nI will present them, Vikram and the Nymph.
\nRemind our actors then most heedfully
\nTo con their parts, as if on each success
\nDepended.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI shall do so.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n

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

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

\nAnd now to you,
\nO noble audience, I bow down and pray,
\nIf not from kindliness to us your friends
\nAnd caterers, yet from pride in the high name
\nThat graces this our plot, heedful attention,
\nGentles, to Vikramorvasie, the work
\nOf Kalidasa.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tV<\/font>OICES
\n\t<\/font><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

\nHelp! O help, help, help!
\nWhoever is on the side of Heaven, whoever
\nHas passage through the paths of level air.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhat cry is this that breaks upon our
\nprologue
\nFrom upper worlds, most like the wail distressed
\nOf ospreys, sad but sweet as moan of bees
\nDrunken with honey in deep summer bloom,
\nOr the low cry of distant cuckoo ? or hear I
\nWomen who move on Heaven’s azure stage
\nSplendid with rows of seated Gods, and chant
\nIn airy syllables a liquid sweetness ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n(After some thought)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nAh, now I have it. She who from the thigh
\nOf the great tempted sage Narayan sprang
\nRadiant, Heaven’s nymph, divinest Urvasie,
\nIn middle air from great Coilasa’s lord
\nReturning, to the enemies of Heaven
\nIs prisoner; therefore the sweet multitude
\nOf Apsaras send forth melodious cry
\nOf pathos and complaint.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe goes. The Nymphs of
\nHeaven enter, Rambha, Menaka,<\/i><\/font> <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nSahajanya and many others.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHelp, help, O help!
\nWhoever is on the side of Heaven, whoever
\nHas passage through the paths of level air.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPururavas enters suddenly and with
\nspeed
\nin a chariot with his charioteer.<\/i><\/font> <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

\nEnough of lamentation! I am here,
\nIlian Pururavas, from grandiose worship
\nIn Surya’s brilliant house returned. To me,
\nO women! say ‘gainst what ye cry for rescue.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nRescue from Titan violence, O King.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAnd what has Titan violence to you
\nImmortal done of fault, O Heaven’s women?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nKing, hear us.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

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

\nOur sister, our dear sister!
\nThe ornament of Eden and its joy!
\nWhom Indra by asceticism alarmed
\nMade use of like a lovely sword to kill
\nSpiritual longings, the eternal refutation
\nOf Luxmie’s pride of beauty, Urvasie!
\nReturning from Cubera’s halls, O she<\/font> <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

\n

\nWas met, was taken. Cayshy, that dire
\nTitan,
\nWho in Hiranyapoor exalts his house,
\nBeheld her and in great captiving hands
\nRavished, Chitralekha and Urvasie.
\nWe saw them captive haled.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSay, if you know,
\nWhat region of the air received that traitor ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nNorth-east he fled.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nTherefore expel dismay.
\nI go to bring you back your loved one, if
\nAttempt can do it.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO worthy this of thee!
\nO from the Lunar splendour truly sprung!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhere will you wait my advent, nymphs of
\nHeaven ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nUpon this summit called the Peak of Gold,
\nO King, we shall expect thee.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nCharioteer,
\nUrge on my horses to the far north-east;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nGallop through Heaven like the wind.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

\nPage \u2013 914<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nO nobly driven! With speed like this I
\ncould
\nO’ertake Heaven’s eagle though he fled before me
\nWith tempest in his vans. How much more then
\nThis proud transgressor against Heaven’s King!
\nLook, charioteer, beneath my sudden car \u2022
\nThe crumbling thunder-clouds fly up like dust,
\nAnd the wheel’s desperate rotation seems
\nTo make another set of whirling spokes.
\nThe plumes upon the horses’ heads rise tall,
\nMotionless like a picture, and the wind
\nOf our tremendous speed has made the flag
\nFrom staff to airborne end straight as if pointing.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThey go out in their chariot.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSisters, the King is gone. Direct we then
\nOur steps to the appointed summit.<\/font> <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

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

\nO hasten.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nHasten, O hasten, come, come, come.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

\nAnd O, will he indeed avail to draw
\nThis stab out of our hearts ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nDoubt it not, Rambha.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nNo, Menaka, for not so easily
\nAre Titans overthrown, my sister.<\/font> <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 915<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nRambha,
\nRemember this is he whom Heaven’s King,
\nWhen battle raised its dreadful face, has called
\nWith honour from the middle world of men,
\nSet in his armed van, and conquered.<\/font> <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

\nHere too<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI hope that he will conquer.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nJoy, sisters, joy!
\nLook where the chariot of the moon appears,
\nThe Ilian’s great deer-banner rushing up
\nFrom the horizon. He would not return
\nWith empty hands, sisters. We can rejoice.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAll gaze upwards. Pururavas enters in
\nhis chariot
\nwith his charioteer; Urvasie, her eyes closed in terror,
\nsupported on the right arm of Chitralekha.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nCourage, sweet sister, courage.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO thou too lovely!
\nRecall thy soul. The enemies of Heaven
\nCan injure thee no more; that danger’s over.
\nThe Thunderer’s puissance still pervades the worlds.
\nO then uplift these long and lustrous eyes.
\nLike sapphire lilies in a pool where dawn
\nComes smiling.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhy does she not yet, alas!
\nRecover her sweet reason ? Only her sighs
\nRemind us she is living.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 916<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nToo rudely, lady,
\nHas thy sweet sister been alarmed. For look!
\nWhat tremblings of the heart are here revealed.
\nWatch the quick rise and fall incessantly
\nThat lift between, these large magnificent breasts
\nThe flowers of Eden.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSister, O put by
\nThis panic. Fie! thou art no Apsara.<\/font> <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

\nTerror will not give up his envied seat
\nOn her luxurious bosom soft as flowers,
\nThe tremors in her raiment’s edge and little
\nHeavings and flutterings between her two breasts
\nConfess him.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nUrvasie begins to recover.<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\n(with joy)<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThou art fortunate, Chitralekha!
\nThy sister to her own bright nature comes
\nOnce more. So have I seen a glorious night
\nDelivered out of darkness by the moon,
\nNocturnal fire break through with crests of brightness
\nIts prison of dim smoke. Her beauty, wakening
\nFrom swoon and almost rescued, to my thoughts
\nBrings Ganges as I saw her once o’erwhelmed
\nWith roar and ruin of her banks, race wild,
\nThickening, then gradually from that turmoil
\nGrow clear, emerging into golden calm.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nBe glad, my sister, O my Urvasie.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nFor vanquished are the accursed Titans,
\nfoes<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nOf the divine, antagonists of Heaven.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 917<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n\tU<\/font>RVASIE
\n\t<\/font>(opening her eyes)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

\nVanquished ? By Indra then whose soul can
\nsee
\nAcross the world.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nNot Indra, but this King
\nWhose puissance equals Indra.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO Titans,
\nYou did me kindness!<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tP<\/font>URURAVAS
\n\t<\/font>{gazing at Urvasie)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd reason if the nymphs
\nTempting Narayan Sage drew back ashamed
\nWhen they beheld this wonder from his thigh
\nStarting. And yet I cannot think of her
\nCreated by a withered hermit cold:<\/font> <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nBut rather in the process beautiful
\nOf her creation Heaven’s enchanting moon
\nTook the Creator’s place, or very Love
\nGrown all one amorousness, or else the month
\nOf honey and its days deep-mined with bloom.
\nHow could an aged anchoret, dull and stale
\nWith poring over scripture and oblivious
\nTo all this rapture of the senses, build
\nA thing so lovely?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO my Chitralekha,
\nOur sisters ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThis great prince who slew our fear
\nCan tell us.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSad of heart they wait, O beauty!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 918<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nFor with thy sweet ineffugable eyes<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWho only once was blessed, even he without
\nthee<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nCannot abstain from pining. How then these<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOriginal affections sister-sweet<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nRooted in thee ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHow courteous is his tongue
\nAnd full of noble kindness! Yet what wonder?
\nNectar is natural to the moon. O prince,
\nMy heart’s in haste to see once more my loved ones.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nLo, where upon the Peak of Gold they stand
\nGazing towards thy face, and with such eyes
\nOf rapture as when men behold the moon
\nEmerging from eclipse.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO sister, see!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tU<\/font>RVASIE
\n\t<\/font>(looking longingly at the
\n\tKing)<\/i><\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

\nI do and drink in with my eyes my partner
\nOf grief and pleasure.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSister, who is he?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHe? Oh! Rambha I meant and all our
\nfriends.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHe comes with victory. Urvasie’s beside
\nhim
\nAnd Chitralekha. Now indeed this King
\nLooks glorious like the moon, when near the twin
\nBright asterisms that frame best his light.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 919<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nIn both ways are we blest, our lost dear
\none
\nBrought back to us, this noble King returned
\nUnwounded.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSister, true. Not easily
\nAre Titans conquered.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nCharioteer, descend.
\nWe have arrived the summit.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

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

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

\nO I am blest in this descent
\nUpon unevenness. O happy shock
\nThat threw her great hips towards me. All her sweet shoulder
\nPressed mine that thrilled and passioned to the touch.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nMove yet a little farther to your side,
\nSister.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI cannot; there’s no room.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSisters,
\nThis prince has helped us all. ‘Twere only grateful
\nShould we descend and greet him.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nLet us do it.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n. They all approach.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 920<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nStay, charioteer, the rush of hooves that
\nshe
\nMarrying her sweet-browed eagerness with these
\nMay, mingling with their passionate bosoms, clasp
\nHer dearest, like the glory and bloom of spring
\nHastening into, the open arms of trees.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHail to the King felicitous who comes
\nWith conquest in his wheels.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nTo you, O nymphs,
\nAs fortunate in your sister’s rescued arms.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nUrvasie descends from the chariot sup-
\nported on Chitralekha’s arm.<\/i><\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO sisters, sisters, take me to your
\nbosoms.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nAll rush upon her and embrace her.<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nCloser, O closer! hurt me with your
\nbreasts!
\nI never hoped to see again your sweet
\nFamiliar faces.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nProtect a million ages,
\nMonarch, all continents and every sea!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNoise within.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nMy lord, I hear a rumour in the east
\nAnd mighty speed of chariots. Lo, one bright
\nWith golden armlet, looming down from Heaven
\nLike a huge cloud with lightning on its wrist,
\nStreams towards us.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nChitrarath! ’tis Chitrarath.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 921<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n\tC<\/font>HITRARATH
\n\t<\/font>(approaches the King with
\n\tgreat respect)<\/i><\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

\nHail to the Indra-helper! Fortunate
\nPururavas, whose prowess is so ample,
\nHeaven’s King has grown its debtor.<\/font> <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

\nThe Gandharva!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWelcome, my bosom’s friend.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nThey clasp each other’s hands.
\n<\/i>What happy cause<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nOf coming ?<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIndra had heard from Narad’s lips
\nOf Urvasie by Titan Cay shy haled.
\nHe bade us to her rescue. We midway
\nHeard heavenly bards chanting thy victory,
\nAnd hitherward have turned our march. On, friend,
\nWith us to Maghavan and bear before thee
\nThis lovely offering. Great thy service done
\nTo Heaven’s high King; for she who was of old
\nNarayan’s chief munificence to Indra,
\nIs now thy gift, Pururavas. Thy arm
\nHas torn her from a Titan’s grasp.<\/font> <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

\nComrade,
\nNever repeat it; for if we who are
\nOn Heaven’s side, o’erpower the foes of Heaven,
\n‘Tis Indra’s puissance, not our own. Does not
\nThe echo of the lion’s dangerous roar
\nReverberating through the mountain glens
\nScatter with sound the elephants ? We, O friend,
\nAre even such echoes.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThis fits with thy great nature,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 922<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nFor modesty was ever valour’s crown.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nNot now nor hence is’t seasonable for me,
\nComrade, to meet the King of Sacrifice.
\nThou, therefore, to the mighty presence lead
\nThis beauty.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAs thou wilt. With me to Heaven!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI have no courage to address my saviour.
\nSister, wilt be my voice to him ?<\/font> <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

\nMy lord,
\nUrvasie thus petitions \u2014<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhat commands<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe lady?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nShe would have thy gracious leave
\nTo bear into her far immortal Heavens
\nThe glory of the great Pururavas
\nAnd dwell with it as with a sister.<\/font> <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

\nGo then;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBut go for longer meeting.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe Gandharvas and the nymphs soar up
\ninto the sky.<\/i><\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSister, stay!
\nMy chain is in this creeper caught. Release it.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 923<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n\tC<\/font>HITRALEKHA
\n\t<\/font>(looking at the King with a
\n\tsmile)<\/i><\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

\nOh, yes, indeed, a sad entanglement!
\nI fear you will not easily be loosed.<\/font> <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

\nDo not mock me, sister. Pray you, untwine
\nit.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nCome, let me try. I’ll do my possible
\nTo help you.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nShe busies herself with the chain.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSister, think what thou hast promised
\nEven afterwards.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nCreeper, thou dost me friendship;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThou for one moment boldest from the skies
\nHer feet desirable. O lids of beauty!
\nO vision of her half-averted face!<\/font> <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nUrvasie, released, looks at the King,
\nthen with a
\nsigh at her sisters soaring up into the sky.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO King, thy shaft with the wild voice of
\nstorm
\nHas hurled the Titans in the salt far sea,
\nAvenging injured Heaven, and now creeps back
\nInto the quiver, like a mighty snake
\nSeeking its lair.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nTherefore bring near the chariot,
\nWhile I ascend.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

\nPage \u2013 924<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nThe King mounts the chariot.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nShake loose the reins.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tU<\/font>RVASIE
\n\t<\/font>(gazing at the King, with a
\n\tsigh, aside)<\/i><\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

\nMy benefactor! my deliverer!
\nShall I not see thee more ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

\nO Love! O Love!
\nThou mak’st men hot for things impossible
\nAnd mad for dreams. She soars up to the Heavens,
\nHer father’s middle stride, and draws my heart
\nBy force out of my bosom. It goes with her,
\nBleeding; as when a wild swan through the sky
\nWings far her flight, there dangles in her beak
\nA dripping fibre from the lotus torn.<\/font> <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

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

\nPage \u2013 925<\/font><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

VIKRAMORVASIE OR THE HERO AND THE NYMPH Translated from the Sanskrit Play of Kalidasa CHARACTERS   PURURAVAS, Son of Budha and Ila, grandson of the…<\/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-209","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\/209","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=209"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/209\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=209"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=209"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=209"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}