The Little Clay Cart Part 25

_Maitreya._ What sort of ascetic exercises does a man have to perform, in order to be born as Vasantasena's brother? But no,

He may be s.h.i.+ny, may be greasy, And perfumed may he be.

And yet I warn you to go easy; He's a graveyard champak-tree. 29

[_He looks in another direction._] But madam, who is that in the expansive garment, sitting on the throne? She has shoes on her greasy feet.

[72.9. S.

_Maid._ Sir, that is my mistress' mother.

_Maitreya._ Lord! What an extensive belly the dirty old witch has got! I suppose they couldn't put that superb portal on the house till after they had brought the idol in?

_Maid._ Rascal! You must not make fun of our mother so. She is pining away under a quartan ague.

_Maitreya._ [_Bursts out laughing._] O thou blessed quartan ague!

Look thou upon a Brahman, even upon me, with this thy favor!

_Maid._ Rascal! May death strike you.

_Maitreya._ [_Bursts out laughing._] Why, wench, a pot-belly like that is better dead.

Drinking brandy, rum, and wine, Mother fell extremely ill.

If mother now should peak and pine, A jackal-pack would have its fill. 30

Well, I have seen Vasantasena's palace with its many incidents and its eight courts, and really, it seems as if I had seen the triple heaven in a nut-sh.e.l.l. I haven't the eloquence to praise it. Is this the house of a courtezan, or a piece of Kubera's[57] palace? Where's your mistress?

_Maid._ She is here in the orchard. Enter, sir.

_Maitreya._ [_Enters and looks about._] Well! What a beautiful orchard!

There are any number of trees planted here, and they are covered with the most wonderful flowers. Silken swings are hung under the thick-set trees, just big enough for a girl to sit in. The golden jasmine, the shephalika, the white jasmine, the jessamine, the navamallika, the amaranth, the spring creeper, and all the other flowers have fallen of themselves, and really, it makes Indra's heaven look dingy. [_He looks in another direction._] And the pond here looks like the morning twilight, for the lilies and red lotuses are as splendid as the rising sun. And again:

The ashoka-tree, whose twigs so merry And crimson flowers have just appeared, Seems like a battling mercenary, With clotting crimson gore besmeared. 31

Good! Now where's your mistress?

P. 126.7]

_Maid._ If you would stop star-gazing, sir, you would see her.

_Maitreya._ [_Perceives Vasantasena and approaches._] Heaven bless you!

_Vasantasena._ [_Speaking in Sanskrit._[58]] Ah, Maitreya! [_Rising._] You are very welcome. Here is a seat. Pray be seated.

_Maitreya._ When you are seated, madam. [_They both seat themselves._]

_Vasantasena._ Is the merchant's son well?

_Maitreya._ Well, madam.

_Vasantasena._ Tell me, good Maitreya,

Do friends, like birds, yet seek a shelter free Beneath the modest boughs of this fair tree, Whose leaves are virtues, confidence its root, Its blossoms honor, good its precious fruit? 32

_Maitreya._ [_Aside._] A good description by a naughty woman.

[_Aloud._] They do, indeed.

_Vasantasena._ Tell me, what is the purpose of your coming?

_Maitreya._ Listen, madam. The excellent Charudatta folds his hands[59] and requests--

_Vasantasena._ [_Folding her hands._] And commands--

_Maitreya._ He says he imagined that that golden casket was his own and gambled it away. And n.o.body knows where the gambling-master has gone, for he is employed in the king's business.

[74.9. S.

_Maid._ Mistress, I congratulate you. The gentleman has turned gambler.

_Vasantasena._ [_Aside._] It was stolen by a thief, and he is so proud that he says he gambled it away. I love him for that.

_Maitreya._ He requests that you will therefore be good enough to accept in its place this necklace of pearls.

_Vasantasena._ [_Aside._] Shall I show him the jewels? [_Reflecting._]

No, not yet.

_Maitreya._ Why don't you take this necklace?

_Vasantasena._ [_Laughs and looks at her friend._] Why should I not take the necklace, Maitreya? [_She takes it and lays it away. Aside._]

How is it possible that drops of honey fall from the mango-tree, even after its blossoms are gone? [_Aloud._] Sir, pray tell the worthy gambler Charudatta in my name that I shall pay him a visit this evening.

_Maitreya._ [_Aside._] What else does she expect to get out of a visit to our house? [_Aloud._] Madam, I will tell him--[_Aside_ to have nothing more to do with this courtezan. [_Exit._

_Vasantasena._ Take these jewels, girl. Let us go and bring cheer to Charudatta.

_Maid._ But mistress, see! An untimely storm is gathering.

_Vasant._

The clouds may come, the rain may fall forever, The night may blacken in the sky above; For this I care not, nor I will not waver; My heart is journeying to him I love. 33

Take the necklace, girl, and come quickly. [_Exeunt omnes._

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 50: A name of Kama, the G.o.d of love.]

[Footnote 51: Used as a refrigerant.]

[Footnote 52: That is to say. You are now a legal wife, while I am still a courtesan.]