{"id":701,"date":"2013-07-13T01:29:49","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:29:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=701"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:29:49","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:29:49","slug":"34-vasavadutta-act-five-scene-1-vol-06-collected-plays-part-i-volume-06","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/01-works-of-sri-aurobindo\/01-sabcl\/06-collected-plays-part-i-volume-06\/34-vasavadutta-act-five-scene-1-vol-06-collected-plays-part-i-volume-06","title":{"rendered":"-34_Vasavadutta-Act Five-Scene-1.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
\n
\n

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

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

\n <\/p>\n

\n <\/div>\n

\nA room in Vasavadutta’s apartments.
\nVasavadutta, Munjoolica.<\/i><\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tV<\/font>ASAVADUTTA<\/font><\/p>\n

\nSo thou hast dared to come.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI have. Thou, dare
\nTo look me in the eyes! Thou canst not. Then ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tV<\/font>ASAVADUTTA<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHast thou no fear of punishment at all ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nFor shutting thee in with heaven ? none, none at all.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tV<\/font>ASAVADUTTA<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHow didst thou dare?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHow didst thou dare, proud girl,
\nTo make of kings and princesses thy slaves ?
\nHow dare to drag Sourashtra’s daughter here,
\nTo keep her as thy servant and to load
\nWith gifts, caresses, chidings and commands,
\nThe puppet of thy sweet imperious will ?
\nThinkest thou my heart within me was not hot ?
\nBut now I am avenged on thee and all.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tV<\/font>ASAVADUTTA<\/font><\/p>\n

\nVindictive traitress, I will beat thee.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 295<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

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

\nAnd I will laugh and ask thee of the night.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tV<\/font>ASAVADUTTA<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThen take thy chastisement.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nShe seizes and beats her with the
\ntassels of her girdle.<\/i><\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nStop! I’ll bear no more
\nArt not ashamed to spend thy heart in play
\nKnowing what thou hast done and what may come?
\nThink rather of what thou wilt do against
\nThy dangerous morrow.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSee what thou hast done!
\nHow shall I look my father in the eyes ?
\nWhat speak? What do? my Vuthsa how protect?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThy father must not know of this.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThou thinkst
\nMy joy can be shut in from every eye?
\nBesides thee I have other serving girls.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nNone who’ld betray thee. This thing known, his wrath
\nWould strike thy husband.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nMe rather. I will throw
\nMy heart and body, twice his shield, between.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 296<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nYou will be torn apart and Vuthsa penned
\nIn some deep pit or fiercer vengeance taken
\nTo soothe the stern man’s outraged heart.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAlas!
\nThou hast a brain; give me thy counsel. The ill
\nThyself hast done, must thou not remedy ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIf thou entreat me much, I will and can.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tV<\/font>ASAVADUTTA<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI shall entreat thee! ,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHelp thyself, proud child.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO, if I have thee at advantage ever!
\nStay! I beseech thee, my Munjoolica, \u2014<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nMore humbly!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nOh!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI clasp thy feet, O friend,
\nIn painful earnest I beseech thee now
\nTo think, plan, spend for my sake all thy thought.
\nRemember how I soothed thy fallen life
\nWhich might have been so hard. O thou my playmate,
\nJoy, servant, sister who hast always been,
\nHelp me, save him, deceive my father’s wrath,
\nThen ask from me what huge reward thou wilt.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 297<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nNothing at all. Vengeance is sweet enough<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nUpon thy father and Gopalaca.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI’m satisfied now. First give me a promise;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nObey me absolutely in all things
\nTill Vuthsa’s free.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI promise. Thou art my guide
\nAnd I will walk religiously thy path.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThen think it done.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tV<\/font>ASAVADUTTA
\n\t<\/font>(smiling on Vuthsa who enters)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nVuthsa, I asked not for thee.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tV<\/font>UTHSA<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThou didst. I heard thy heart demand me.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHark!
\nWhat is this noise and laughter in the court?
\nSee, see, the hunchbacked laughable old man!
\nWhat antics!<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSurely I know well those eyes.
\nMunjoolica, this is a friend. He must
\nBe brought here to me.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPrincess, let us call him.
\nIt is an admirable buffoon.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nFie on thee!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 298<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nIs this an hour for jest and antics ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tM<\/font>UNJOOLICA
\n\t<\/font>(looking significantly at her)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

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

\n\tV<\/font>ASAVADUTTA
\n\t<\/font>,<\/font><\/p>\n

\nCall him.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAnd thou go in.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHow, in!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThis girl!
\nHast thou not promised to obey me ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

\nShe goes in. Munjoolica descends.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nYougundharayan sends him. <\/b> O, he strikes<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe hour as if a god had planned all out.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThis world’s the puppet of a silent Will<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWhich moves unguessed behind our acts and thoughts;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nEvents bewildered follow its dim guidance
\nAnd flock where they are needed. Is’t not thus,
\nO Thou, our divine Master, that Thou rulest,
\nNor car’st at all because Thy joy and power
\nAre seated in Thyself beyond the ages ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nMunjoolica returns bringing in<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nVasuntha disguised.<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nWho is this ancient shape thou bringest?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 299<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nI’ld know
\nIf<\/b> he has a tongue as famous as his hump
\nAnd as preposterous; that to learn I bring him.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhere is the only lady of the age?
\nPrinces or else domestics, \u2014<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSomething, sir, of both.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO masters then of princes, think not that I scorn
\nYour prouder royalty; but now if any
\nWill introduce my hungry old hunchback
\nTo Avunthie’s far-famed paragon of girls,
\nHe shall have tithe of all my golden gains.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhy not to Avunthie’s governor and a prison,
\nYougundharayan’s spy ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tV<\/font>ASUNTHA
\n\t<\/font>(looking at Vuthsa)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhat’s this? What’s this?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nStrong tonic for a young old man.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSpeak freely
\nThy message; there are only friends who hear.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tV<\/font>ASUNTHA
\n\t<\/font>(to Vuthsa, with a humorous glance at Munjoolica)<\/i><\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThy hours were not ill-spent. But thou hast nearly
\nFrightened these poor young hairs to real grey,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 300<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nMy sportive lady. Hear now why I crouch<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBeneath the hoary burden of this beard<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd the insignia of a royal hump, \u2014<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd an end to jesting. Vuthsa, in thy city<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe people clamour; they besiege thy ministers,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nRailing at treason and demanding thee,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNor can their rage be stilled. Do swiftly then<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWhatever thou must do yet, swiftly break forth<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOr<\/b> war will seek thee clamouring round these doors.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nTo bear thy message back to him I come,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nUpon Avunthie’s mountain verge who lurks,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOr else to aid thee if our help thou needest.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nLet him restrain my army forest-screened
\nWhere the thick woodlands weave a border large
\nTo the ochre garment round Avunthie’s loins
\nNearest Ujjayinie. Under the cavern-hill
\nOf Lokanatha let him lie, but never
\nTransgress that margin till my chariot comes.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tV<\/font>ASUNTHA<\/font><\/p>\n

\n‘T is all?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIn my own strength all else I’ll do.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tV<\/font>ASUNTHA<\/font><\/p>\n

\nGood, then I go ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nYes, but with gold, thy fee,
\nTo colour thy going. Bring him gold, dear friend,
\nOr take from Vasavadutta gem or trinket
\nThat shall bear out his mask to jealous eyes.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nMunjoolica goes into the inner chamber.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 301<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n\tV<\/font>ASUNTHA<\/font><\/p>\n

\nLeave that to me.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThou hast adventured much
\nFor my sake. <\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tV<\/font>ASUNTHA <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nPoor Alurca cried to come,
\nBut this thing asked for brains and he had only
\nBlunt courage and a harp. The danger’s nothing,
\nBut oh, this hump! I shall not soon walk straight,
\nNor rid myself of all the loyal aches
\nI bear for thee.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPangs fiercer would have chased them,
\nHadst thou been caught, my friend. I shall remember.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nMunjoolica returns with gold and a trinket.
\n<\/i>Take now these gauds; haste, make thy swiftest way,
\nFor I come close behind thee.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

\nTell me thy plan.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tV<\/font>UTHSA<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThese chambers are too strongly kept.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nBut there’s<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe pleasure-ground.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nLet Vasavadutta call
\nHer brothers on an evening to the park<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 302<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nAnd wine flow fast. The nights are moonlit now.
\nHow many gates ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThree, but the southern portal
\nNearest the ramparts.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThere, how many guard ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThree armed Kiratha women keep the gate.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tV<\/font>UTHSA<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI cannot hurt them. Thou must find a way.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThey shall be drowned in wine. The streets outside ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nA chariot, \u2014 find one for me. I cannot fight
\nWith Vasavadutta on my breast.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

\nThat I shall find one.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nDo it. The rest is easy,
\nTo break the keepers of the city-gate
\nIn one fierce moment and be out and far.
\nThere are arms enough in the palace.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThe armoury<\/font>
\n<\/font>
I use sometimes.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 303<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nConceal them in the grounds.
\nNo, in the chariot let them wait for me.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThou wilt need both thy hands in such a fight.
\nVuthsa, I’ll be thy charioteer.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThou canst ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHope not to find a better in thy realms.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nMy battle-comrade then! Words are not needed
\nBetween us.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

\nMore than that before all’s done
\nI will be to thee. Good fortune makes hard things
\nMost easy; for the god comes with laden hands.
\nIf the strange word the queen half spoke to me
\nMeans anything, Vicurna’s car shall bear
\nHis sister to her joy and sovereign throne.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 304<\/font><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Act Five SCENE I     A room in Vasavadutta’s apartments. Vasavadutta, Munjoolica. VASAVADUTTA So thou hast dared to come. MUNJOOLICA I have. Thou, dare…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-701","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-06-collected-plays-part-i-volume-06","wpcat-15-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/701","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=701"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/701\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=701"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=701"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=701"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}