_Madanika._ [_Weeping._] My mistress drives me away. [_She falls at her feet._]
_Vasantasena._ You are now the one to whom honor should be paid.[52] Go then, enter the cart. But do not forget me.
_Sharvilaka._ Heaven bless you! and you, Madanika,
Turn upon her a happy face, And hail with bended head the grace That gives you now the name of wife. As a veil to keep you safe through life. 24
[_He enters the bullock-cart with Madanika, and starts away._]
_A voice behind the scenes._ Men! Men! We have the following orders from the chief of police: "A soothsayer has declared that a young herdsman named Aryaka is to become king. Trusting to this prophecy, and alarmed thereat, King Palaka has taken him from his hamlet, and thrown him into strict confinement. Therefore be watchful, and every man at his post."
_Sharvilaka._ [_Listening._] What! King Palaka has imprisoned my good friend Aryaka? And here I am, a married man. Confound it! But no,
Two things alone--his friend, his wife-- Deserve man's love below; A hundred brides may forfeit life Ere he should suffer so. 25
_Madanika._ [_Folding her hands. Tearfully._] My lord, if you must, at least bring me first to your parents.
_Sharvilaka._ Yes, my love. I will. I had the same thought in mind. [_To the servant._] My good fellow, do you know the house of the merchant Rebhila?
_Madanika_. If you desire it, dear. But dear, you must be very careful. [_Exit._
I'll rouse my kin, the kitchen cabinet. Those high in fame by strength of good right arm, And those who with the king's contempt have met, And royal slaves, to save my friend from harm: Like old Yaugandharayana For the good king Udayana. 26
My friend has causeless been confined By wicked foes of timid kind; I fly, I fly to free him soon, Like the eclipse-oppressèd moon. [_Exit._] 27
_Maid._ [_Entering._] Mistress, I congratulate you. A Brahman has come with a message from Charudatta.
_Vasantasena._ Ah, this is a joyful day. Show him every mark of respect, girl, and have him conducted hither by one of the pages.
_Maitreya._ Well! Ravana, the king of the demons, travels with his chariot that they call the "Blossom." He earned it by his penances. Now I am a Brahman, and though I never performed any penances, I travel with another sort of a blossom--a woman of the town.