Nevertheless, your suggestion is inconsistent with prudence. You must discover some other plan.
Madanikā. Yes, there is another plan.
Vasantasenā. I wonder what it will be.
Madanikā. Pretend to be a servant of that gentleman, and give the jewels to my mistress.
Sharvilaka. And what then?
Madanikā. Then you are no thief, Chārudatta has discharged his obligation, and my mistress has her jewels.
Sharvilaka. But isn't this course too reckless?
Madanikā. I tell you, give them to her. Any other course is too reckless.
Vasantasenā. Good, Madanikā, good! Spoken like a free woman.
Sharvilaka. Risen at last is wisdom's light,
Because I followed after you;
When clouds obscure the moon by night,
'Tis hard to find a guide so true. 21
Madanikā. Then you must wait here a moment in Kāma's shrine, while I tell my mistress that you have come.
Sharvilaka. I will.
Madanikā. [Approaches Vasantasenā.] Mistress, a Brahman has come from Chārudatta to see you.
Vasantasenā. But girl, how do you know that he comes from Chārudatta?
Madanikā. Should I not know my own, mistress?
Vasantasenā. [Shaking her head and smiling. Aside.] Splendid! [Aloud.] Bid him enter.
Madanikā. Yes, mistress. [Approaching Sharvilaka.] Enter, Sharvilaka.
Sharvilaka. [Approaches. With some embarrassment.] My greetings to you.
