and relations, the musical entertainments of the Voishnabas,[1] 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.[2] 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).
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ 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.
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