{"id":725,"date":"2013-07-13T01:30:00","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=725"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:30:00","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:30:00","slug":"24-vasavadutta-act-two-scene-2-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\/24-vasavadutta-act-two-scene-2-vol-06-collected-plays-part-i-volume-06","title":{"rendered":"-24_Vasavadutta-Act Two-Scene-2.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
\n
\n

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

\n

\n <\/div>\n

\n

\n <\/div>\n

\nA forest-glade in the Vindhya hills.
\nVicurna, a Captain.<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThe hunt rings distant still; but all the way
\nTroops and more troops besiege. Where is Gopalaca ?<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nOur work may, yet be rude before we reach
\nOur armies on the frontier.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThat I desire.
\nO whistling of the arrows! I have yet
\nTo hear that battle music.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSomeone comes,
\nFor wild things scurry forth.<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThey take cover. Gopalaca enters.<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhither so swiftly?
\nYou are near the frontier for a banished man,
\nGopalaca.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tG<\/font>OPALACA<\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhy has my father sent
\nThy rash hot boyhood here, imperilling
\nBoth of his sons ? I find not here his wisdom.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThere will be danger? I am glad. None sent me;<\/font><\/p>\n

\nI came unasked.<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 234<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nAnd also unasking?<\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

\n\tG<\/font>OPALACA<\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nTrust me to have thee whipped. But since thou art here!
\nWhere stand the chariots ?<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nOn our left they wait
\nScreened by the secret tunnel which the Boar
\nTusked through the hill to Avunthie. Torches ready
\nAnd men in arms stand in the cavern ranked
\nThey call the cavern of the Elephant
\nBy giants carved. But all the forest passages
\nThe enemy guards.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tG<\/font>OPALACA<\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThere are some he cannot guard.
\nI know the forest better than their scouts.
\nWhen I shall speak of you and clap my hands,
\nSurround us in a silence armed. .<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHis men<\/font><\/p>\n

\nResisting?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tG<\/font>OPALACA<\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nNo, we two shall be alone.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nFie! there will be no fighting?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tG<\/font>OPALACA<\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nGoblin, off!<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 235<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nThey take cover again. Gopalaca goes;<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nthen arrives from another side Vuthsa
\nwith Vasuntha and Alurca.<\/i><\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWe lose our escort!<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThey lose us, I think.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhat fate conspires with what hid treachery ?
\nOur chariot broken, we in woods alone
\nAnd the night close.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nRoomunwath guards the paths.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThe night is close.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHere I will rest, my friends,
\nWhere all is green and silent; only the birds
\nAnd the wind’s whisperings! Go, Alurca, meet
\nOur comrades of the hunt; guide their vague steps
\nTo this green-roofed refuge.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIt is the best, though bad.
\nI leave thee with unwarlike hands to guard.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI am no fighter; it is known. Run, haste.<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAlurca hastens out.
\n<\/i>And yet for all your speed, someone will worship
\nGreat Shiva in Avunthie. I hear a tread.<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 236<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nGopalaca returns.<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhere wert thou all this time, Gopalaca ?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tG<\/font>OPALACA
\n\t<\/font>,<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nFar wandering in the woods since a white deer
\nLike magic beauty drew my ardent steps
\nInto a green entanglement.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSimple!
\nYou found there what you sought?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tG<\/font>OPALACA<\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nNo deer, but hunters,
\nNot of our troop. We spoke of this green glade
\nWhere many wandering paths might lead the king.
\nIn haste I came.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nGreater the haste to go!<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nFollow Alurca and come back with him.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhat, cast myself into the forest’s hands<\/font><\/p>\n

\nTo wander and be eaten by the night?<\/font><\/p>\n

\nCome here and bid me then a long farewell.<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAre thy eyes open at least? Is it thou in this<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWho movest? Come, I should know that from thee,<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIf nothing more.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhy ask when thou hast eyes ?
\nThou seest that mine are open and I walk;<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 237<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nFor no man drives me.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWalk! but far away
\nFrom thy safe capital.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

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

\nAnd with<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThis prince Gopalaca ?<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSuspicions then ?
\nWhy not suspect at once it is my will
\nTo visit Avunthie ?<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSo?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nNot so, but if?<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nOh, if! And if return were much less easy
\nThan the going?<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWho has talked of easy things ?
\nWith difficulty then I will return.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI go, king Vuthsa.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nBut tell Yougundharayan<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 238<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nAnd all who harbour blind uneasy thoughts,
\n"Whatever seeks me from Fate, man or god,
\nLeave all between me and the strength that seeks.
\nWar shall not sound without thy prince’s leave.
\nVuthsa will rescue Vuthsa."<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI will tell,<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBut know not if he’ll hear.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHe knows who is<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHis sovereign.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nKing, farewell.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI shall. Farewell.<\/font><\/p>\n

\nVasuntha disappears in the forest.
\n<\/i>We two have kept our tryst, Gopalaca.
\nHang there, my bow; lie down, my arrows. Now
\nOf you I have no need. O this, O this
\nIs what I often dreamed, to be alone
\nWith one I love far from the pomp of courts,
\nNot ringed with guards and anxious friendships round,
\nFree like a common man to walk alone
\nAmong the endless forest silences,
\nBy gliding rivers and over deciduous hills,
\nIn every haunt where earth, our mother, smiles
\nWhispering to her children. Let me rest awhile
\nMy head upon thy lap, Gopalaca,
\nBefore we plunge into this emerald world.
\nShall we not wander in her green-roofed house
\nWhere mighty Nature hides herself from men,
\nAnd be the friends of the great skyward peaks
\nThat call us by their silence, bathe in tarns,<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 239<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nDream where the cascades leap, and often spend
\nSlow moonless nights inarmed in leafy huts
\nHappier than palaces, or in our mood
\nWrestle with the fierce tiger in his den
\nOr chase the deer with wind-swift feet, and share
\nWith the rough forest-dwellers natural food
\nPlucked from the laden bounty of the trees,
\nBefore we seek the citied haunts of men ?
\nShall we not do these things, Gopalaca?<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSome day we shall.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhy some day? why not now?
\nHave I escaped my guards in vain ?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tG<\/font>OPALACA<\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nNot vainly.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThis sword encumbers; take it from me, friend,
\nAnd fling it there upon the bank.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tG<\/font>OPALACA<\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nIt is far.
\nI keep my arms lest some wild thing invade
\nThese green recesses.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nKeep thy arms and me.
\nO, this is good to be among the trees
\nWith thee to guard me and no soul besides.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tG<\/font>OPALACA<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThyself thou hast given wholly into my hands.<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 240<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nYes, take me, brother.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI shall use the trust
\nAnd yet deserve it.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI love thee well, Gopalaca.
\nHow dost thou love me ?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tG<\/font>OPALACA<\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nIt was hard to speak,
\nNow I can tell it. As a brother might
\nElder and jealous, as a mother loves
\nHer beautiful flower-limbed boy or grown man yearns
\nOver some tender girl, his sister, comrade, child,
\nIn all these ways, but many more besides,
\nBut always jealously.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhy?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tG<\/font>OPALACA<\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nBecause, Vuthsa,
\nI’ld have thee for my own and not as in
\nThy city where a thousand shared thy rays
\nWho were strangers to me. In my own domain,
\nPart of a world that’s old and dear to me,
\nWhere thou shalt be no king, but Vuthsa only
\nAnd I can bind with many dearest ties
\nHeaped on thee at my will. This, Vuthsa, I desired
\nAnd therefore I have brought thee to this glade.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAnd therefore I have come to thee alone.<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 241<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n\tGOPALACA <\/font><\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThou must go farther.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nYes? Then haste. Was that<\/font><\/p>\n

\nA clank of arms amid the silent trees ?<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe makes as if to rise, but
\nGopalaca restrains him.<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tG<\/font>OPALACA<\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

\nMine?<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tG<\/font>OPALACA<\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nMy father sends for thee.
\nI seize upon thee, Vuthsa, thou art mine,
\nMy captive and my prize. I’ll bear thee far
\nAs Heaven’s great eagle bore thy mother once
\nRapt to his unattainable high hills.<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAs he speaks the armed men appear.
\n<\/i>Swift, captain, swift! I hold the royal boy.
\nOn to the tunnel of the Boar.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHaste, haste!
\nThere is a growing rumour all around.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tG<\/font>OPALACA<\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nCare not for that, but follow me and guard.<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThey disappear among the trees.<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nAfter a few moments Vasuntha arrives.<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThe forest lives with sound.. <\/b> It is too late.
\nThe thing is done.<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 242<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nYougundharayan, Roomunwath, Alurca
\nand others break in from all sides.<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tY<\/font>OUGUNDHARAYAN<\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhere is King Vuthsa ? where ?
\nHis bow hangs there! his sword and arrows lie!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tV<\/font>ASUNTHA
\n\t<\/font>(indifferently)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\nI know not.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nKnow not! Thou wast with him!<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nNo.
\nHe sent me from him. I think he’s travelling
\nTo Shiva in Avunthie.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAnd thou laugh’st?
\nUntimely jester!<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tY<\/font>OUGUNDHARAYAN<\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nImpetuously pursue!
\nThe forest ways and mountain openings flood
\nThat flee to Avunthie. They can yet be seized.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHear first king Vuthsa’s message and command:<\/font><\/p>\n

\n"Whatever seeks me from Fate, man or beast,
\nLet not war sound without thy prince’s leave.
\nVuthsa will rescue Vuthsa."<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nJestest thou yet,
\nOr was this madness ? or careless levity ?<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 243<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nSee how the lion’s cub breaks out, Roomunwath,
\nWhom we so guarded in our close control,
\nTo measure with the large and dangerous world
\nThe bounding rapture of his youth and force.
\nHe throws himself into his foeman’s lair
\nAlone and scorning every aid. I guess
\nHis purpose, but it’s rash, it’s rash. What if
\nHe failed ? This boy and iron Mahasegn!
\nAnd yet we must obey.<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHe is not yet
\nBeyond the borders. But we’ll seek him out
\nArmed in Avunthie. To the border speed!
\nThey may be seized before they cross it still. –<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAll depart in a tumult of haste except
\nYougundharayan and Alurca.<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tY<\/font>OUGUNDHARAYAN<\/font>
\n\t<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nIt will be vain. At least my spies shall pierce<\/font><\/p>\n

\nTheir inmost chambers, even in his prison<\/font><\/p>\n

\nMy help be near. <\/font> <\/p>\n

\nPage <\/font>
\n\u2013 244<\/font><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

SCENE II     A forest-glade in the Vindhya hills. Vicurna, a Captain. VICURNA The hunt rings distant still; but all the way Troops and…<\/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-725","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\/725","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=725"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/725\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=725"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=725"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=725"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}