{"id":743,"date":"2013-07-13T01:30:07","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:30:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=743"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:30:07","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:30:07","slug":"23-vasavadutta-act-two-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\/23-vasavadutta-act-two-scene-1-vol-06-collected-plays-part-i-volume-06","title":{"rendered":"-23_Vasavadutta-Act Two-Scene-1.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
\n
\n

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

<\/b> 
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

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

\n <\/div>\n

\n\t\t\tA room in the palace at Cowsambie.
\nAlurca, Vasuntha.<\/i><\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHe’ll rule Cowsambie in the end, I think.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nArtist, be an observer too. His eyes
\nPursue young Vuthsa like a hunted prey
\nAnd seem to measure possibility,
\nBut not for rule or for Cowsambie care.
\nTo reign’s his nature, not his will.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThis man
\nIs like some high rock that was suddenly
\nTransformed into a thinking creature.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThere’s
\nHis charm for Vuthsa who is soft as spring,
\nFair like a hunted moon in cloud-swept skies,
\nLuxurious like a jasmine in its leaves.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWhen will this Vuthsa grow to man ? Hard-brained
\nRoomunwath, deep Yougundharayan rule;<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe State, its arms are theirs. This boy between
\nLike a girl’s cherished puppet stroked and dandled,
\nChid and prescribed the postures it must keep,
\nMoves like a rhythmic picture of delight<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 226<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nAnd with his sunny smile he does it all.
Now in our little kingdom with its law
Of beauty and music this high silence comes
And seizes on him. All our acts he rules
And Vuthsa has desired one master more.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThere is a wanton in this royal heart<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWho gives herself to all and all are hers.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPerhaps that too is wisdom. For, Alurca,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThis world is other than our standards are<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd it obeys a vaster thought than ours,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOur narrow thoughts! The fathomless desire<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOf some huge spirit is its secret law.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIt keeps its own tremendous forces penned<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd bears us where it wills, not where we would.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nEven his petty world man cannot rule.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWe fear, we blame; life wantons her own way,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nA little ashamed, but obstinate still, because<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWe check but cannot her. <\/b> O, Vuthsa’s wise!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nBecause he seeks each thing in its own way,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHe enjoys. And wherefore are we at all<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nIf not to enjoy and with some costliness<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nGet dear things done, till rude death interferes,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nGod’s valet moves away these living dolls<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nTo quite another room and better play, \u2014<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPerhaps a better!<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nYet consider this.
\nLook back upon the endless godlike line.
\nThink of Parikshit, Janmejoya, think
\nOf Sathaneke, then on our Vuthsa gaze.
\nGlacier and rock and all Himaloy piled!
\nWhat eagle peaks! Now this soft valley blooms;<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe cuckoo cries from branches of delight,
\nThe bee sails murmuring its low-winged desires.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 227<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nIt was to amuse himself God made the world.
\nFor He was dull alone! Therefore all things
\nVary to keep the secret witness pleased.
\nHow Nature knows and does her office well!
\nWhat poignant oppositions she combines!
\nDeath fosters life that life may suckle death.
\nHer certainties are snares, her dreams prevail.
\nWhat little seeds she grows into huge fates,
\nProves with a smile her great things to be small!
\nAll things here secretly are right; all’s wrong
\nIn God’s appearances. World, thou art wisely led
\nIn a divine confusion.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThe Minister
\nWatches this man so closely, he must think
\nThere is some dangerous purpose in his mind.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHe is the wariest of all ministers<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd would suspect two pigeons on a roof<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOf plots because they coo.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAll’s possible.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nVuthsa enters with Gopalaca.<\/i><\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nYes, I would love to see the ocean’s vasts.
\nAre they as grand as are the mountains dumb
\nWhere I was born and grew? Or is its voice
\nLike the huge murmur of our forests swayed
\nIn the immense embrace of giant winds ?
\nWe have that in Cowsambie.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 228<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nWilt thou show
\nThem to me, Vindhya’s crags, where forests dimly
\nClimb down towards my Avunthie ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWe will go
\nAnd hunt together the swift fleeing game
\nOr with our shafts unking the beast of prey.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIf we could range alone wide solitudes,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nNot soil them with our din, not with our tread<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nDisturb great Nature in her animal trance,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nHer life of mighty instincts where no stir<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOf the hedged restless mind has spoiled her vasts.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIt is a thing I have dreamed of. Alurca, tell
\nThe Minister that we go to hunt the deer
\nIn Vindhya’s forests on Avunthie’s verge.
\nThat’s if my will’s allowed.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tAlurca goes out to the outer palace.
\n\t<\/i>V<\/font>ASUNTHA <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe will, Vuthsa,
\nAllow thy will. Where does it lead thee, king ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nA scourge for thee or a close gag might help.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n\tVASUNTHA<\/font><\/p>\n

\nA bandage for my eyes would serve as well.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nShall we awaken in Alurca’s hands
\nThe living voices of the harp? <\/b> Or will’st thou<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 229<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nThat I should play the heaven-taught airs thou lov’st<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nOn the Gundharva’s magical guitar<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nWhich lures even woodland beasts ? For the elephant<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nComes trumpeting to the enchanted sound,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nA coloured blaze of beauty on the sward<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThe peacocks dance and the snake’s brilliant hood<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nLifts rhythmed yearning from the emerald herb.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nVuthsa Udayan, suffer me awhile
\nTo walk alone, for I am full of thoughts.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThou shouldst not be. Cannot my love atone
\nFor lost Avunthie?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nAlways; but a voice
\nComes to me often from the haunts of old.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nReturns no dim cloud-messenger to whisper
\nTo thy great father’s longing waiting heart
\nFar from his banished son ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThy satire’s forced.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThy earnest less ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

\nOne hour, a long pale loss,
\nI sacrifice to thy thoughts. When it has dragged past,
\nWhere shall I find thee?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 230<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nWhere the flowers rain
\nBeneath the red boughs on the river’s bank.
\nThere will I walk while thou hearst harp or verse.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nWithout thee neither harp nor verse can charm.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nGopalaca goes.
\n<\/i>The harmony of kindred souls that seek
\nEach other on the strings of body and mind,
\nIs all the music for which life was born.
\nVasuntha, let me hear thy happy crackling,
\nThou fire of thorns that leapest all the day!
\nSpring, call thy cuckoo.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nGive me fuel then,
\nYour green young boughs of folly for my fire.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI give enough I think for all the world.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIt is your trade to occupy the world.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nMen have made kings that folly might have food,<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nFor the court gossips over them while they live<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nAnd the world gossips over them when they are dead.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nThat they call history. But our man returns.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nDo<\/b> here and in all things, says the minister,
\nThy pleasure. But since upon a dangerous verge
\nThis hunt will tread, thy cohorts armed shall keep
\nThe hilly intervals, himself be close
\nTo guard with vigilance his monarch’s life
\nAgainst the wild beasts and what else means harm.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 231<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nThat is his care; what he shall do\/is good.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nTo lavish upon all men love and trust
\nShows the heart’s, royalty, not the brain’s craft.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI have found my elder brother. Grudge me not,
\nAlurca, that delight. Thou lov’st me well?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nIs it now questioned ?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThen rejoice with me
\nThat I have found my brother, joy in my joy,
\nLove with my love, think with my thoughts; the rest
\nLeave to much older wiser men whose schemings
\nHave made God’s world an office and a mart.
\nWe who are young, let us indulge our hearts.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nThou takest all hearts and givest thine to none,
\nUdayan. Yet is this prince Gopalaca,
\nThis breed from Titans and from Mahasegn,
\nHard, stern, reserved. Does he repay thy friendship
\nAs we do ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nLove itself is sweet enough
\nThough unreturned; and there are silent hearts.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nSuffer this flower to climb its wayside rock.
\nOppose not Nature’s cunning who will not
\nBe easily refused her artist joys.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 232<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nFierce deserts round the green oasis yearn
\nAnd the chill lake desires the lily’s pomp.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nHe is the rock, I am the flower. What part
\nPlayst thou in the woodland ?<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nA thorn beneath the rose
\nThat from the heavens of desire was born
\nAnd men call Vuthsa.<\/font> <\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nPoet, satirist, sage,
\nWhat other gifts keepst thou concealed within
\nMore than the many that thy outsides show?<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nI squander all and keep none, not like thee
\nWho trad’st in honey to deceive the world.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

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

\nO, earth is honey; let me taste her all.
\nOur rapture here is short before we go
\nTo other sweetness on some rarer height
\nOf the upclimbing tiers that are the world.<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 233<\/font><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Act Two   SCENE I   A room in the palace at Cowsambie. Alurca, Vasuntha. ALURCA He’ll rule Cowsambie in the end, I think. VASUNTHA…<\/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-743","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\/743","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=743"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/743\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=743"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=743"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=743"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}