_Sunandi._ And you talk as flies talk! Who know not that the gods sow food or famine.
I tell you that great Indra of the skies Is wroth with us And will not send us rain, So wisest Brahmins vow-- Until this boy, This saintly one, is brought unto the Raja! Are we to die because not otherwise Than with alluring now we can appease them?
And why are women fair, my cunning Koïl, But to tempt men then, when they seek to take us----
_Sunandi._ It is so, unwitted girl! Be silent then And do what I command.
But it will be sweet doing, beamy Koïl, For the young saint Is fairer than the god-born, His body like warm gold and lotos-lithe-- Made for the wants that tremble in your heart. And when your eyes rest on him they will kindle Like passion-stars.
_Koïl._ And burn away his peace-- Which is the pearl Of sainthood thro all worlds! Unless his father, strange and terrible, And mighty thro austerities--one whose Curse were as heavy as an hundred births--! O let us trust it not! So young a saint Should be the holy mate of solitude. I would not have him gaze upon me so, For he is innocent of love, nor ever As yet has looked upon a woman's face.
_Sunandi._ Then may he loathe you if he does not! for Only in woman's faces is there beauty And who beholds not beauty is as dead.
But ha? 'tis he? No, only parakeets, Chattering as you chatter, idle girl! Who ever were resistant to my teachings! I tell you chirp no more these chastities! If you come back to the Raja And without him, Know you what then will happen?
_Koïl._ I will not. All others will I tempt, but----
_Sunandi_ (_holding her_). Him will _love_!
And you were suckled at the breast of fortune To be the first so fair a saint shall look on. Use well your charms--and chain him with enchantment.
[_Sees the girl is enthralled by the voice and goes into wood. RISHYAS soon enters opposite, laden and singing_:
Spirit of the risen sun! Now returns the offering-hour. Fruit I bring to you and flower, Here receive them, O great--
[_Breaks off, at sight of her, and the offerings fall slowly from his arms._
_Koïl_ (_as they gaze long and tremblingly_). O saint, is it peace with you, and is all well? And have you roots and fruit enough for food; And have you joy in singing holy Vedas Here in this leafy-hearted hermitage?