Nil Durpan/Third Act

by Dinabandhu Mitra

 

THIRD ACT

 

First Scene

 

Before the Factory in Begunbari
Enter Gopi Churn and a Native Jailor
[Khalasi, i. e. Warder]

Gopi.   As long as your share is not less, you donot care to bring anything to my notice.

Jailor.   Can that filth be digested by one person eating the whole? I told him, if you eat, give a part to the Dewanji; but he says what power has your Dewan? He is not so much the son of a Keot, (shoe-maker caste) that he shall direct the Saheb like unto one leading a monkey.

Gopi.   Very well, now go. I shall show that Kaot what a club he is. I shall show how strong the son of a Kaot may be.

(Exit Khalasi

The fellow has got so much power through the authority of the younger Saheb. I shall also say it is a very easy thing for one to carry on his work, if his master be the husband of his sister. The elder Saheb becomes very angry at this word. But the fellow is very angry with me; at every word, he shows me the Shamchand. That day he kicked me with his stocking on. These few days, I see that his temper is become somewhat mild towards me; since Goluk Bose is summoned, he has expressed a little kindness. A person is considered very expert by the Saheb, if he can bring about the ruin of many. "One becomes a good Physician by the death of one hundred patients."

(Seeing Mr. Wood)

Here he is coming; let me first soften up his mind by giving him some information about the Boses.

Enter Mr. Wood

Saheb, tears have now come out of the eyes of Nobin Bose. Never was he punished more severely. His garden is taken away from him; the small pieces of land he had are all included among the lands which are given to Gadai Pod (a low caste), his cultivation is nearly put a stop to, his barns are all become empty, and he was sent into Court twice; in the midst of so many troubles, he still stood firm; but now he has fallen down.

Planter.   That rascal was not able to do any thing in Shamanagara.

Gopi.   Saheb, the Munshis came to him; but he told them, "my mind is not at rest now, my limbs are become powerless through weeping for my father, and I am, as it were, become mad." On observing the wretched condition of Nobin, about seven or eight ryots of Shamanagara have all given up, and all are doing exactly as your Honour is ordering them.

Planter.   You are a very good Dewan, and you have formed a very good plan.

Gopi.   I knew Goluk Bose to be a coward, and that if he were obliged to go to Court, he would turn mad. As Nobin has affection for his father, he will of course be punished; and it was for this reason that I gave the advice to make the old man the defendant. Also, the plan which your Honour formed was not the less good. Our Indigo cultivation has been nearly made on the sides of his tank; thus laying the snake's eggs in his heart.

Planter.   With one stone two birds have been killed; ten bigahs of land are cultivated with Indigo, and also that fool is punished. He shed much tears, saying that if Indigo be planted near the tank we shall be obliged to leave our habitation; but I said, to cultivate Indigo in one's habitation is to the best advantage.

Gopi.   And the fool brought an action in the Court, on hearing that reply.

Planter.   That will be of no effect; that Magistrate is a very good man. If the case turn into a civil one it will never be concluded in less than five years. That Magistrate is a great friend of mine. Just see, by the new Act, the four rascals were thrown into prison only on the strength of your evidence. This Act is the become brother of the Shamchand.

Gopi.   Saheb, in order that those four ryots might not suffer loss in their cultivation, Nobin Bose has given his own plough, kine, and harrow for the ploughing of their lands; and he is trying his utmost that their families might not suffer great trouble.

Planter.   When he is required to plough his land, for which advances are allowed, he says, "my ploughs and kine are less in number." He is very wicked; and now he is very well punished. Dewan, now you have done very well, and now I see work may be carried on by you without loss.

Gopi.   Saheb, it is your own favour. My desire is that advances should be increased very year. But that cannot be done by me alone; some confident Amin and Khalasis are necessary. Can the Indigo cultivation be improved by those who, for the sake of two rupees, occasioned the loss of the produce of three bigahs of lands?

Planter.   I have understood it, the rascally Amin occasioned this confusion.

Gopi.   Saheb, Chunder Goldar is a new-comer here, and has not taken any advance. The Amin once, according to regular custom, threw one rupee on his ground as an advance. That person, in order to be allowed to return that rupee, even shed tears and came along with the Amin as far as Ruthtollah, begging him earnestly to take it back. There he met with Nilkanta Babu, who has chosen the profession of an Attorney immediately after leaving the College.

Planter.   I know that rascal; he it is, who writes everything concerning me in the newspapers.

Gopi.   Their papers can never stand before yours, can by no means bear a comparison; and moreover, they are as the earthen bottles for cooling water compared to the jars of Dacca.^[1] But to bring the newspapers within your influence, great expense has been incurred. That takes place according to time; as is said,

"According to circumstance, the friend becomes an enemy;"
"The lame ass is sold at the price of the horse."

Planter.   What did Nilkanta do?

Gopi.   He sharply rebuked the Amin; and the Amin with no little shame brought back that one rupee, with two rupees more, from Goldar's house. Chunder Goldar would have been able very easily to supply the Indigo for three or four bigahs. Is this the work of a servant? If I can conduct the Dewanny and the business of the Amin; then this kind of ingratitude can be stopped.

Planter.   Great wickedness this is; evident ingratitude.

Gopi.   Saheb, grant pardon for this bad conduct; the Amin brought his own sister to our younger Saheb's room.

Planter.   Yes: Yes: I know; that rascal and Podi corrupted our young Saheb. I must give that wicked fool some instruction very soon. Send him to my sitting room.

(Exit Mr. Wood

Gopi.   Just see, in whose hand the monkey plays best. The Kayasth is one rogue, and the crow another.
"Now have you fallen under the stroke of the Khait (Kayasth), where even the grand-father of the sister's husband loses the game!"

Second Scene

 

The bed room of Nobin Madhab
Nobin Madhab and Soirindri sitting

Soirindri.   Lord of my soul, what is preferable, whether the ornament or my father-in-law? That, for which thou art wandering about day and night; that, for which thou hast left thy food and sleep; that, for which thou art shedding tears incessantly; that, for which thy pleasant face has been depressed; and that which has occasioned thy headache; my dear Lord, can I not for that give away this my trifling ornament?

Nobin.   My dear, you can, with ease, give; but with what face shall I take it? What great troubles the husband is to undergo in order to dress his wife; he has to swim in the rapid stream, to throw himself into the deep ocean, engage in battles, to climb mountains, to live in the wilderness, and to go before the mouth of the tiger. The husband adorns his wife, with so much trouble; am I so very foolish as to take away the ornament from the very same wife. O my lotus-eyed, wait a little. Let me see this day, and if, finally I cannot procure it, then I shall take your ornaments afterwards.

Soirindri.   O my heart's love! we are very unfortunate now; and who is there that shall give you on loan the sum of Rs. 500/- at such a time. I am entreating you again, take my ornaments and those of our youngest Bou, and try to procure money from a banker. Observing your troubles the lotus-like young Bou is become sad.

Nobin.   Ah! my sweet-faced, the cruel words which you used struck on my heart like arrows of fire. Our youngest Bou, she is a girl; good clothes and beautiful ornaments are objects of pleasure to her. What understanding has she now? What does she know of family business? As our young Bipin cries when his necklace is taken from him in play, so our youngest Bou weeps when her ornaments are taken away. Oh! oh! Am I formed so mean-spirited a man? Am I to be so cruel a robber? Shall I deceive a young girl? This can never be, as long as life exists. The worthless Indigo Planters even cannot commit such a crime. My dear, never use such a word before me.

Soirindri.   Beloved of my soul, that pain, with which I told these words, is only known to me and the omniscient God. What doubt is there, that they are fiery arrows? They have burst my heart and burnt my tounge, and then having divided the lips, have entered your heart. It is with great pain that I told you to take the ornaments of the youngest Bou. Can there be any pleasure in the mind, after having observed this your insane wandering, this weeping of my father-in-law, the deep sighs of my mother-in-law, the sad face of the youngest Bou, the dejected countenance of relatives and friends, and the sorrowful mournings of the ryots. If by any means we can restore safety, then all shall be safe. My Lord, I do feel the same pain in giving the ornaments of our youngest Bou, as if I had to give those of Bipin; but if I give away the ornaments of Bipin, before giving those of the youngest Bou, that would prove an act of cruelty to her; since, she might think that my sister looks on me as a stranger. Can I give pain to her honest heart by doing this? Is this the work of the elder sister who is like a mother.

Nobin.   My dear love! Your heart is very sincere. There is not a second to you in sincerity in the female race. Is this my family reduced to this state! What was I, and what am I now become? The sum of my profits was seven hundred Rupees. I had fifteen warehouses for corn, sixteen bigahs of garden land, twenty ploughs and fifty harrows. What great feasts had I at the time of the Puja; the house filled with men, feasting the Brahmins, gifts to the poor, the feasting of friends and relations, the musical entertainments of the Voishnabas,^[2] and also pleasant theatrical representations. I have expended such large sums, and even given as donations one hundred Rupees. Being so rich, now I am obliged to take away the ornaments of my wife and the wife of my young brother. What affliction! God, thou didst give these, and thou hast taken them again. Then, what sorrow?

Soirindri.   My dear when I see you weep, my life itself weeps (tears in her eyes). Was there so much pain in my fate; am I thus destined to see such distress in my Lord? Do not prevent me any more. (Takes out the amulet).

Nobin.   My heart bursts when I see your tears (rubbing the tears). Stop my dear, of the moon-like face, stop (taking hold of her hands). Keep these one day more, let me see.

Soirindri.   My dear, what further resource is left? Do, as I tell you now. If it be so destined, there shall be many ornaments afterwards (aside sneezing); true, true.^[3] Aduri is coming.

Enter ADURI with two letters

Aduri.   I can't say whence the letters came; but my mistress told me to give them to you.

(Exit Aduri, after giving the letters

Nobin.   It shall be known by those letters whether your ornaments are to be taken or not. (Opens the first letter.)

Soirindri.   Read it aloud.

Nobin.   (Reads the letter).

Dear Friend,—This is to make it known to you, that to give a sum of money to you at present is only to make a return of favours. My mother has taken leave of this world yesterday; and the day of her first funeral obsequies is very near. This have I written yesterday. The tobacco Is not yet sold.

"I am, yours,
Ghonosyam Mukherji"

What misfortune is this! Is this my assistance on the funeral obsequies of the honorable Mukherji? Let me see what deadly weapon hast thou brought. (Opens the letter.)

Soirindri.   My dear, it is very miserable to fall into despair after entertaining high hopes. Let the letter remain as it is.

Nobin.   (Reads the letter).

Honored Sir,—I received your last letter, and noted the contents thereof. Be it known to you that your well-being Is my well-being. I have already collected the sum of three hundred rupees, and shall take that along with me to you to-morrow. As to the remaining one hundred I shall clear that on the coming month. The great benefit, which you have bestowed on me, excites me to give some interest.

"I am, your most obdt. Servt.
Gokul Krishna Palita"

Soirindri.   I think God has turned his face towards us, now, let me go, and give this information to our youngest Bou.

(Exit Soirindri

Nobin.   (Aside) My life [wife] is, as it were, the idol of simplicity; it is a piece of straw in a rapid stream. Let me take my father now to Indrabad, depending on this; as to the future it shall be according to Fate. With me I have one hundred and fifty Rupees. As to the tobacco, if I had kept it for a month more, I would have sold that for the sum of five hundred Rupees; but what can I do? I am obliged to give it for three hundred and fifty Rupees; since I have to pay much for the Officers of the Court; and also heavy expenses for going to and returning from the place. If on account of this false case my father is imprisoned then am I certain that the destruction of this land is very near. What a brutal Act is passed! But, what is the fault of the Act; or of those who passed the Act? What misery can the country suffer if those, who are to carry out the Act, do it with impartiality? Ah, by this Act how many persons are suffering in prison-houses without a fault! It bursts the heart to see the miseries of their wives and children; the pots for boiling rice on the hearths are remaining as they are; the several kinds of grain in their yards are being dried up; their kine in the rooms are all remaining bound in their places; the cultivation of the fields is not fully carried out, the seeds are not sown, and the wild grass in the rice fields is not cut off. What further prospects are there in the present year? All are crying aloud, with the exclamation: "Where is my lord? Where is my father?" Some Magistrates are dispensing justice with proper consideration; in their hands this Act is not become the rod of death. Ah! had all Magistrates been as just as the Magistrate of Amarnagara is, then could the harrow fall on the ripe grain and the locusts destroy the fields? Had that been the case, would I ever have been thrown into so many dangers? O, thou Lieutenant Governor! Hadst thou engaged men of the same good character as thou hadst enacted laws, then the country would never have been miserable. O, thou Governor of the land! Hadst thou made such a regulation, that every plaintiff, when his case is proved false, shall be put in prison, then the jail of Amarnagara would have been crowded with Indigo Planters; and they would never have been so very powerful. Our Magistrate is transferred, but our case is to continue here to the end; and that will occasion our ruin.

(Enter Sabitri

Sabitri.   If you are to give up all the ploughs, is it that even then you are to take the advance-money? Sell all your ploughs and kine, and engage in trade; we shall enjoy ourselves with the profits that shall accrue from that. We can no longer endure this.

Nobin.   Mother, I also, have the same desire. Only, I wait till Bindu is engaged in some service. If we leave off ploughing the land, it will be impossible for us to maintain the family and it is for this reason that we have still, with so much trouble, kept these ploughs.

Sabitri.   How shalt thou go with this headache? Oh! Oh! was such Indigo produced in this land; Oh! this hell of Indigo plantation! (Places her hand on Nobin's head.)

Enter REBOTI

Reboti.   My mother! Where shall I go! What shall I do? They have done what! Why is it that through ill fortune I brought her. Having brought one who now belongs to another family, I am become unable to preserve propriety. My eldest Babu! Preserve me; my life is on the point of bursting out. Bring me Khetromany; bring me my puppet of gold.

Sabitri.   What has happened?

Reboti.   My Khetromany went to fetch water in the evening from Das's tank along with Panchu's mother: while she was returning through the forest path, four club-men kidnappd her. That devil of the woman, Podi, was there to point her out, and to flee afterwards. Oh, eldest Babu! What a terrible thing I did by bringing down my daughter here! She is now a member of another family! She is carrying. Oh, how I dreamt of celebrating it!

Sabitri.   What misfortune! These destroyers can do all things. Ye are taking by force the pieces of ground of men, their grain, their kine and calves. By the force of clubs, ye are cultivating Indigo, and the people are doing your work with cries and sobbings. But what is this—the violation of the modesty of women!

Reboti.   My mother! I am preparing the Indigo, taking only half the food. Those bigahs which they had marked, on them I worked. When Ray works, he weeps with deep sighs; if he hear of this my work, he would become, as it were, insane.

Nobin.   Where is Sadhu now?

Reboti.   He is sitting outside, and is weeping.

Nobin.   To a woman of good family, constancy in faithfulness to her husband is, as it were, the loadstone; and how very beautiful does she appear (ramani ki ramaniya) when she is decorated with the ornament! Is a woman of a good family carried off, when the Bhima-like^[4] [son of] Svaropur of my father is still in existence? At this very moment shall I go. I shall see what manner of injustice this is. The Indigo frog can never sit on the white waterlily-like constancy of a woman.

(Exit Nobin

Sabitri.   Chastity is the store of gold which is given by Providence; it is so valuable that it makes the beggar woman, a queen. If you can rescue this jewel before it is soiled, from the hands of the Indigo monkey, then shall I say that you have actually answered the purpose of my being your mother. Such injustice I never heard of. Now, Ghose Bou, let us go outside.

 

Third Scene

Mr. Rogue's Chamber
Mr. Rogue sitting
Enter Podi Moyrani and Khetromany

Khetro.   My aunt, don't speak of such things to me; I can give up my life, but my chastity never; cut me in pieces, burn me in the fire, throw me into the water, and bury me under ground, but as to touching another man that can I never do. What will my husband think?

Podi.   Where is your husband now, and where are you! This shall no one know. Within this night, I shall bring you back with me to your mother.

Khetro.   Very well the husband may not know it—but God above will know it, and I shall never be able to throw dust in His eyes. Like the fire of the brick-kiln it will still burn within my breast, and the more my husband shall love me for my constancy, the more my soul shall be tortured. Openly or secretly, I never can take a paramour.

Planter Rogue.   Padma! why don't you get her down here to the bed?

Podi.   My child, come, come to the Saheb. Whatever you have to say, say to him. To speak to me is like crying in the wilderness.

Planter Rogue.   To speak to me is throwing pearls at the hog's feet. Ha, ha, ha, we Indigo Planters, are become the companions of Death. Right in our presence our men have burnt down villages. Women died in the fire with babies at their breasts. Have we ever shown any compassion? Can our Factories remain, if we have pity? By nature, we are not bad; our evil disposition has increased by Indigo cultivation. Before, we felt sorrow in beating one man; now, we can beat ten women with the Ramkant (leather strap), making them senseless; and immediately after, we can, with great laughter, take our dinner or supper. I like women more. They give me stimulus for my work at the Indigo factory. Every thing—big or small—has lost itself in the waters of the ocean. Podi, are you not strong enough to drag her down to me?

Podi.   Khetromany, my sweet little daughter, be seated on his bed. The Saheb promises you a Lady's gown.

Khetro.   Hell with your gown! Better to wear a gunny bag. Auntie, I feel very thirsty. Please accompany me to my home so that I can quench my thirst. Oh! I fear my mother has committed suicide by putting noose round her neck by this time, my father has broken his skull by a stroke of the axe, and my uncle is rushing about like a wild buffalo. I am the only child not only to my parents but also to my uncles. Please let me go, send me to my home. Auntie Podi, I am at your feet and ready to swallow your excretions. Oh Mummy, I die, I die of thirst.

Planter Rogue.   There is drinking water in that earthen pot, give her some.

Khetro.   Being a Hindu girl how can I drink water from a Saheb's pot? The club-men have touched me, I cannot even enter my house before I wash myself clean.

Podi.   (Aside) Religion or caste I have none. (Openly) What can I do, my daughter? It is very hard to extricate oneself from a Saheb's clutches. Oh, younger Saheb! let Khetro go home to-day. She will come some other time.

Planter Rogue.   Then you stay with me and enjoy yourself. Get out of the room you damned hoar. If I am strong I shall subdue her, or I shall send her back with you. I fear you created some obstacles, and did not allow her to come on her own; that is why club-men had to be engaged to bring her here. Did I ever engage club-men of our Indigo Factory to such jobs? You untruthful Podi!

Podi.   You call your Koli. It seems she is dearer to you now.

(Exit Podi

Khetro.   Auntie! Oh Auntie! please do not go away. Oh! you leave me alone in the pit of a deadly serpent? I am horrified, trembling with fear, my body is quaking, my lips are perched with thirst.

Planter Rogue.   Dear! Dear! come, come here (holds both her hands).

Khetro.   Oh, Saheb! you are my father, my father! Let me go, please send me home with Auntie Podi. The night is very dark, I shall not be able to go alone (tries to extricate herself). You are my father, my father! If you touch me I shall be an out-caste.

Planter Rogue.   I like to be the father of your child! I am not swayed by any pleadings. Come to my bed or I shall burst open your belly with a kick.

Khetro.   Oh Saheb! have pity. I am now carrying, and my child will die.

Planter Rogue.   You will not behave yourself unless you are stripped (catches her outer clothes).

Khetro.   Oh Saheb! I am your mother. Do not make me naked, you are my son. Please let go my clothes. (She makes a scratch on Rogue's hand by her finger nails.)

Planter Rogue.   Infernal bitch! (takes a cane and brandishing it) Now I shall make an end of your false chastity.

Khetro.   Finish me all at once. I shan't protest. Let a sword be thrust on my heart so that I go straight to heaven. You, son of a beast who live on excretions, you son of a barren woman, let two of your dear ones die simultaneously. Touch me again, and I'll scratch your hand, and bite your hand, till it comes off in bits. Haven't you your own mother and sister? Why don't you go and make them naked? You, brother of a man who corrupts his own sister, beat me, finish me all at once. I cannot stand any more.

Planter Rogue.   Shut up you sinful woman, no more tall talks from a low-bred. (Lands a blow on her belly and pulls her by the hair).

Khetro.   Where is my father: Oh my mother! Behold your Khetro dies. (She trembles with fear)

(Breaking through the window enter NOBIN and TORAPA)

Nobin. (Helping Khetro's hair from Rogue's grip) Dehumanised Indigo Planter of evil disposition! Is this the sample of your Christian asceticism, your Christian kindness, humility and manners? Such rude behaviour to a poor helpless girl, going to be a mother!

Torapa.   The brother of my wife looks like a wooden doll—speechless now. Oh, Elder Babu! has he got a conscience that will follow your moral preachings? If he is a mad dog, I am the right whip. If he makes a face, I have a strong fist. (He holds Rogue by his neck and slaps him on his face.) If you cry aloud, I shall send you to hell. (gags him.) A thief may have many opportunities to steal, but an honest man also has his day. You have beaten us so often and now it is our turn (pulls him by the ear).

Nobin.   Have no fears, Khetro. Arrange your clothes. (Khetro arranges her clothes.) Torapa, gag him so that he may not shout. Let me first escape with Khetro on my shoulders. When I go past the area of pig raisers, you let the Saheb go and run for your safety. It is very difficult to travel by the bank of the river. My whole body is torn by thorns. The people there are in deep sleep by this time, but even if they remain alert, they won't create any trouble for you, when they come to know your mission. Then you meet me in my house, and tell me all about your escape from Indrabad and your whereabouts now.

Torapa.   I will swim across the stream to my house, this night. What more shalt thou hear of my fate; I broke down the window of the Attorney's stable, and immediately ran off to the Zemindary of Babu Bosonto, and then, in the night came to my wife and children. This Planter has stopped every thing; has he left any means for men to live by ploughing? How very terrible are the thrusts of the Indigo? Again, the advice is given to betray you. (To Rogue) Now, Sir, where are your kicks with your shoes on, and your beating on the head? (Thrusts him with his knees).

Nobin.   Torapa, what is the use of beating him? We ought not to be cruel, because they are so; I am going.

(Exit Nobin, with Khetromany

Torapa.   Do you want to show such ill-usage and bad conduct [to these Boses]? Speak to your old father (Mr. Wood) and carry on your business by mutual consent; how long shall your force of hand continue? You shall not be able to do anything, when the ryots shall fly. There is no abuse more horrid than to say, Die! When the ryots abscond en masse your factory will go to ruins. Just settle our eldest Babu's account of the last year; and take what he consents to sow of Indigo in the present year. It is owing to you that they have fallen into a state of confusion. It is not merely to load one with advances, but cultivation is necessary. Good evening, our young Saheb. Now, I go.

(Throws him about, lying on his back, and flies off.

Planter Rogue. By Jove! Beaten to jelly!

 

Fourth Scene

The Hall in the House of Goluk Basu
Enter SABITRI

Sabitri.   (With a deep sigh.) O thou cruel Magistrate! why didst not thou also give me a summons? I would have gone to the Zillah with my husband and my child; that would have been far better than remaining in this desert. Ah! my husband always remains in the house, never goes out to another village even on invitation. Is he destined to suffer so much? The peadahs taking him away, and he himself to go to the jail. Bhagavati^[5], my mother! was there so much in thy mind? Ah, he says that he can never sleep but in a room very long and broad; he eats only the boiled Atapa rice^[6]; he takes the food prepared by no other hand but that of the eldest Bou. Ah! he brought blood out of his breast by severe slaps; he made his eyes swollen by tears; and at the same time he took his leave, he said "this is my going to the side of the Ganges^[7]" (weeps). Nobin says, "Mother, call on Bhagavati. I must return home having gained my object and bring him also." Ah! the face of my son, like unto that of gold, is blackened; what great troubles for the collection of money! Wandering about without rest, his brain is become like a whirlpool. Lest I give away the ornaments of the Bous, my son encourages me, saying, "My mother, what want of money? What large sum will be necessary for this case?" How did my child grieve, when my ornaments were given in mortgage for our suit on small portions of land, said "as soon as I get a small sum of money, I shall immediately bring back the ornaments". My son has courage in his tongue, and tears in his eyes. My dear Nobin, in this heat of the sun, went to Indrabad; and I, a great sinner, remained confined in my room. Is this the life thy mother should spend?

Enter SOIRINDRI

Soirindri.   Mother, it is now too late. Now bathe. It is our unfortunate destiny: else, why shall such an occurrence come to pass?

Sabitri.   (With tears) No my daughter, as long as my Nobin does not return, I shall never give rice and water to my body. Who shall serve food to my son?

Soirindri. His brother has a lodging house there, and they have a Brahmin cook; there will be no disturbance. You had better come and bathe.

Enter SARALOTA with a cup of oil

Young Bou, you had better rub the oil on her body, and make her bathe, and bring her to the cook-room. Let me go to prepare the place.

(Exit Soirindri

(Saralota rubs the oil on her mother-in-law's body)

Sabitri. My parrot^[8] is become silent; my daughter has no more words in her mouth; she is faded like a stale flower. Ah! Ah! for how long have I not seen Bindu Madhab? I am waiting in expectation that the College will be closed, and my son will come home. But this danger is come. (Applying her hand on Saralota's chin) Ah, the mouth of my dear one is dry, I think you have not yet taken any food. While I have fallen into this danger, when shall I examine, whether any have taken their food or not! Let me bathe, you go, and take some food. I am also going.

(Exit both

1. Jars of Dacca: Earthen jars of Dacca, a city of India, (now in East Pakistan), are proverbially large—Ed.
2. Voishnabas i. e. Vaishnavas: the followers of the religion called Vaishnavism (after lord Vishnu; a Hindu god) founded by Sri Chaitanya of Bengal. Non-voilence and Love are the chief tenets of this religion which commands a large number of followers even now.—Ed.
3. True, true: It was, and yet is, a custom among the female folk of the rural Bengal to utter these words as soon as somebody sneezes.—Ed.
4. Bhima: a mythical hero of the great Indian epic Mahabharata.
5. Hindu Goddess.
6. When the rice is cleansed from its husks by being placed in the sun, instead of being boiled, it is called the Atapa rice.
7. That is, leave for ever.
8. The word parrot here refers to Saralota. As the parrot [famous as a talking bird] is generally an object of fondness to persons, so Saralota was called a parrot, because she was much loved by her mother-in-law.