_Madanika._ Then you are no thief, Charudatta has discharged his obligation, and my mistress has her jewels.
_Sharvilaka._ But isn't this course too reckless?
_Madanika._ I tell you, give them to her. Any other course is too reckless.
_Vasantasena._ Good, Madanika, good! Spoken like a free woman.
Risen at last is wisdom's light. Because I followed after you; When clouds obscure the moon by night, 'Tis hard to find a guide so true. 21
_Madanika._ Then you must wait here a moment in Kama's shrine, while I tell my mistress that you have come.
_Madanika._ [_Approaches Vasantasena._] Mistress, a Brahman has come from Charudatta to see you.
_Vasantasena._ But girl, how do you know that he comes from Charudatta?
_Madanika._ Should I not know my own, mistress?
_Vasantasena._ [_Shaking her head and smiling. Aside._] Splendid! [_Aloud._] Bid him enter.
_Madanika._ Yes, mistress. [_Approaching Sharvilaka._] Enter, Sharvilaka.
_Sharvilaka._ [_Approaches. With some embarrassment._] My greetings to you.
_Vasantasena._ I salute you, sir. Pray be seated.
_Sharvilaka._ The merchant sends this message: "My house is so old that it is hard to keep this casket safe. Pray take it back." [_He gives it to Madanika, and starts to leave._]
_Vasantasena._ Sir, will you undertake a return commission of mine?
_Sharvilaka._ [_Aside._] Who will carry it? [_Aloud._] And this commission is--
_Vasantasena._ You will be good enough to accept Madanika.
_Sharvilaka._ Madam, I do not quite understand.
_Vasantasena._ Charudatta told me that I was to give Madanika to the man who should return these jewels. You are therefore to understand that he makes you a present of her.
_Sharvilaka._ [_Aside._] Ah, she sees through me. [_Aloud._] Good, Charudatta, good!
On virtue only set your heart's desire; The righteous poor attain to heights whereto The wicked wealthy never may aspire. 22
On virtue let the human heart be set; To virtue nothing serves as check or let The moon, attaining unattainable, is led By virtue to her seat on Shiva's head. 23
_Vasantasena._ Is my driver there? [_Enter a servant with a bullock-cart._]
_Vasantasena._ Madanika girl, you must show me a happy face. You are free. Enter the bullock-cart. But do not forget me.