Radanikā. Yes, mistress. [She approaches Maitreya.] Maitreya, my lady summons you.
Maitreya. Where is she?
Radanikā. Here. Come!
Maitreya. [Approaching.] Heaven bless you!
Wife. I salute you, sir. Sir, will you look straight in front of you?
Maitreya. Madam, here stands a man who looks straight in front of him.
Wife. Sir, you must accept this.
Maitreya. Why?
Wife. I have observed the Ceremony of the Gems. And on this occasion one must make as great a present as one may to a Brahman. This I have not done, therefore pray accept this necklace.
Maitreya. [Receiving the necklace.] Heaven bless you! I will go and tell my friend.
Wife. You must not do it in such a way as to make me blush, Maitreya. [Exit.
Maitreya. [In astonishment.] What generosity!
Chārudatta. How Maitreya lingers! I trust his grief is not leading him to do what he ought not. Maitreya, Maitreya!
Maitreya. [Approaching] Here I am. Take that. [He displays the necklace.]
Chārudatta. What is this?
Maitreya. Why, that is the reward you get for marrying such a wife.
Chārudatta. What! my wife takes pity on me? Alas, now am I poor indeed!
When fate so robs him of his all,
That on her pity he must call,
The man to woman's state doth fall,
The woman is the man. 27
