The Little Clay Cart – Act IV
Act, the Fourth
MADANIKA AND SHARVILAKA
[Enter a maid.]
Maid.
I am entrusted with a message for my mistress by her mother. Here is my mistress. She is gazing at a picture and is talking with Madanikā. I will go to her. [She walks about. Then enter Vasantasenā as described, and Madanikā.]
Vasantasenā. Madanikā girl, is this portrait really like Chārudatta?
Madanikā. Very like.
Vasantasenā. How do you know?
Madanikā. Because my mistress’ eyes are fastened so lovingly upon it.
Vasantasenā. Madanikā girl, do you say this because courtezan courtesy demands it?
Madanikā. But mistress, is the courtesy of a girl who lives in a courtezan’s house, necessarily false?
Vasantasenā. Girl, courtezans meet so many kinds of men that they do learn a false courtesy.
Madanikā. But when the eyes of my mistress find such delight in a thing, and her heart too, what need is there to ask the reason?
Vasantasenā. But I should not like to have my friends laugh at me.
Madanikā. You need not be afraid. Women understand women.
Maid. [Approaching.] Mistress, your mother sends word that a covered cart is waiting at the side-door, and that you are to take a drive.
Vasantasenā. Tell me, is it Chārudatta who invites me?
Maid. Mistress, the man who sent ornaments worth ten thousand gold-pieces with the cart—
[58.6. S.
Vasantasenā. Is who?
Maid. Is the king’s brother-in-law, Sansthānaka.
Vasantasenā. [Indignantly.] Go! and never come again on such an errand.
Maid. Do not be angry, mistress. I was only sent with the message.
Vasantasenā. But it is the message which makes me angry.
Maid. But what shall I tell your mother?
Vasantasenā. As you will. [Exit.][Enter Sharvilaka.]
Sharv.
I conquered sleep and watchmen of the king;
But darkness wanes, and in the sun’s clear light
My light is like the moon’s—a faded thing.1
And again:
Or neared me, anxious, as they quickly ran,
All such my laden soul for foes mistook;
For sin it was wherein man’s fear began.2
Well, it was for Madanikā’s sake that I did the deed of sin.
I paid no heed to any one who talked with serving-men;
The houses ruled by women-folk—these I avoided most;
And when policemen seemed to have me almost in their ken,
I stood stock-still and acted just exactly like a post.
A hundred such manoeuvres did I constantly essay,
And by such means succeeded in turning night to day.3
[He walks about.]
Vasantasenā. Girl, lay this picture on my sofa and come back at once with a fan.
Madanikā. Yes, mistress.[Exit with the picture.
Sharvilaka. This is Vasantasenā’s house. I will enter. [He does so.]
P. 101.11]
I wonder where I can find Madanikā. [Enter Madanikā with the fan. Sharvilaka discovers her.] Ah, it is Madanikā
She seems the bride of Love, in human guise;
Even while my heart the flames of passion harm,
She brings a sandal coolness to my eyes.4
Madanikā!
Madanikā. [Discovers Sharvilaka.] I am so glad, Sharvilaka. Where have you been?
Sharvilaka. I will tell you. [They gaze at each other passionately.]
V