Vasantasenā. I salute you, sir. Pray be seated.
Sharvilaka. The merchant sends this message: "My house is so old that it is hard to keep this casket safe. Pray take it back."
[He gives it to Madanikā, and starts to leave.]
Vasantasenā. Sir, will you undertake a return commission of mine?
Sharvilaka. [Aside,] Who will carry it? [Aloud.] And this commission is—
Vasantasenā. You will be good enough to accept Madanikā.
Sharvilaka. Madam, I do not quite understand.
Vasantasenā. But I do.
Sharvilaka. How so?
Vasantasenā. Chārudatta told me that I was to give Madanikā to the man who should return these jewels. You are therefore to understand that he makes you a present of her.
Sharvilaka. [Aside.] Ah, she sees through me. [Aloud.] Good, Chārudatta, good!
On virtue only set your heart's desire;
The righteous poor attain to heights whereto
The wicked wealthy never may aspire. 22
And again:
On virtue let the human heart be set;
To virtue nothing serves as check or let.
The moon, attaining unattainable, is led
By virtue to her seat on Shiva's head. 23
Vasantasenā. Is my driver there? [Enter a servant with a bullock-cart.]
Servant. Mistress, the cart is ready.
Vasantasenā. Madanikā girl, you must show me a happy face. You are free. Enter the bullock-cart. But do not forget me.
Madanikā. [Weeping.] My mistress drives me away. [She falls at her feet.]
Vasantasenā. You are now the one to whom honor should be
