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
49
