'i'o invoke the unclean spirits of the dead.
Your crie ; I heard, auvl instant hurried here.
I,I(d. And Avert thou thus regardless of thyself.
And wandering here for me.
lladh. Blest was the chance.
That snatched my love from the iipliftecl| sword.
Like the pale moon from Ruhu's* ravenous jaws.
IMy mind is yet with various passions tossed.
And terror, pity, wonder, joy and rage.
By turns possess my soul.
Agho. Hash Brahman boy,
Thon seek'st thy fate — the pitying stag defies
Tlu; tiger in the rescue of his doc.
And both are made the forest monarch's prey-—
So shalt thou perish, who dar'st hope to save
The victim of my sacrifice. Thy blood.
As flies the severed head before my scymitar.
Shall stream an offering to the mighty mother
Of all created beings.
* 1 he node or dr.i.'joifs lie.ul inoon is the supposed cause of
vbose allcmpt to swallow the Kclipscs.
C G3 )
'McuJJi. Wvctcli accursed.
Impious and vile. Couldst thou raise t'ly sworil
Against this delicate frame, that timid shruuk.
Even from the flowers her fond companions cast,
In sportive mood upon her : but my arm
Like iYumus mace now falls upon thy head.
Mdl. (to Madhavn) Lord of my life, refrain froxn violence:
His crime is baffled, let him be. Avoid
All needless peril.
K
Destroy the culprit.
Madh. and Agho ;* (Io the jvomcii) Banish your alarms
The villain dies — what other chance should wait
The issue of the contest, when the Lion,
Whose talons light upon the elephant's brow.
As falls the tliuiiderbolt upon the mountain,
Raises their miglit against the feeble deer.
A noise heliiiuL
V/hat ho — ye who are now in search of Mcilatt !
The venerable Priestess, whose commands.
Are ever wise, enjoins ye to suiround.
The Temple o£ Kerala — this can be
The act of none but him who ministers
To the terrific Goddess, and the Pnncess,
Can be an offering for no other shrine.
Kctp. We are surrounded.
+ Yama is Ihe Regent of hell cited Drama. It is common
anil judge of" the dead, he rides however in Spanish plajsfor two
upon a buffalo and is armed with or three characters to speak
a ponderous mace. together in the same words witfi
* We are familiar with such such trifling Tiodificutions as
consentaneous declaration in the may be necessary to render
Italiau opera but not in the re- them applicable to the speaker.
( <34 1
Jghi. Greater i:- tlie need
Of manly resolution.
Mai. Bly dear fatlier.
My venerable mistress.
Mudh. I will place
The Princess out of joeril with her friends.
Then swift return for verigeance. {he carries MahUi off
and returns confronting Jghoraglicmta)
Now let the falchion piece meal hew thy form
Ring on tliy bones, and cleave thy sinewy joints.
Sport in the yielding marrow, and divide,
Kesistless in its fury, limb from limb.
Exeu n t Jigh ling , *
* The Hindu theatre is as anabliidMnat from its not be-
prtilictilur as the French in pro- ing allowed to represent slau^-h-
hil)ilii gihe exhibition of death ter visibly in a drama, agreeably
upon tlie stage— the commeiila- to the Horatian precept— ' A>c
tor observes, the combatants pueros coram populo Medea
disappear A itlake sdkshdi badh irucidel."
END OF THE yiFTII ACT.
ACT VL
A PUBLIC PLACE.
Entkr Kaj)al((hindald,
Alas — the cruel Mddhava has slain,
^y venerable Master, in the cause
O? Mdl'iti — In vain, I strove to stay
His ruthless hand ; he spurned my supplications.
V.'liat now remains — vengeance — Yes, Mddhava.^
Thou yet shall feel my fury — no repose
Can the Destroyer of the serpent brood,
Expect to taste - the mother snake retains.
Her wrath unmitigated, whets her fangs.
And hoards her venom, wakeful for revenge.
( Without)
Ho, warriors, haste, be quick in preparation
Appointed by the Elders — Let the Brahmcms
Recite auspicious strains — Let all devise.
Ingenious shoAvs and fitting invocations
Propitiating fate — for near at hand.
The bridegroom train approaches — Till they come.
Obedient to the holy dame's injunctions.
The stately line of noble Ladies leads.
The maiden to the Temple of the deity*
* According to the Hindus, city under llie protection of
every city has i^s own Sri, its some well known divinity it
own fortune or prosperity more familiar to us, but an
which ill former limes seems analogous superstition with
to have been represented by that of the Hindus also pre-
an image with a temple of its vailed amongst the polylheists
own — the practice amongst of Europe. Thus in the Seven
the ancients of considering a chiefs before Thebes ; The
1
; 66 >
That guards our walls, to pray that nought molest
No evil interrupt the ha})py rite.
Quick—let a guard in rich caparison
Arrayed, upon the brilliant train attend.
Kop. 'Tis well — I will keep vigilant watch.
And in the bustle of this marriage feast,
I xnay perchance some fit occasion seize.
To wreak my -vengar.ce upon Mddhava.
EkU.
SCENE SECOND.
INSIDE OF THE TEMPLE.
Enter Kulahans(u
t was ordered by my Master who is concealed within tho
shrine here with his friend M ikaraiida, to go and see whe-
ther the Liuly Mdlali leads the precession to this Temple.
I shall delight him.
Entlu Madhdva and Makaranda.
Mad . IIov/ wi 1 this end^ — from the first day I saw
The lovely maid, events succeeding add
Theban women seek their who liaci protected the empire
gliriues of the Gods wlio are departed from the shrines, £xces-
tlie guardians of llie «ily. sere omncs adylis arisque relicli$
Yet therefore to the ancient J)ii, qidbusimyerium hoc ste-
imagcs let at. Mn.'i.
Confiding in their sacred power The Gods that Mneas car-
1 r:in, rii'd with him to Rome appear
When at llie gales sharp sleet to have been of this order, the
of arrowy shower I'lMiales of Troy.
Drove hard ; my fears impelled J'ffigies sacra divum Phry-
me to implore giique Pcnales.
The hit st (lotls to protect the The Public Penates were
citv's strenglli. those who presided Over fort»»
N. B. And f'irs^il states that rcsscs and cities—
OU the fall of Troy the Deities
07 J
Fresli fiiel to my passion— and to Acp
'1 he itlsis comes — will the sage dame's device^
Secure me bhss^ or end in disap ointment.
Male. Fear not my friend — her wisdom cannot fail.
Kal. (Approaches) 3My lord yon are favoured by fortune.
The Lady Mulaii is on the road, at the' head of the pro*
cession.
Mndr Can it be triu'.
Male. Why shoult! you doubting question—*
1 hey are at hand — for hark a hoi ow murmur.
Like that of rushiug clouds, before the ga e
Comes sudden on the ear — and now the druma
That peal in joy drown every other sound-
Here from the lattice we may see their march,
Kol- Look master — see how the white umbrellis float
like trembling lotuses in the lake of the atmosphere — the nu-»
merous banners undulate like waves as they play before
the wind of the Chowris, which hover about like swans—
and now the elephants advance, their bells tinkling as they
stride ; they are mounted by bevies of damseb singing songs
of rejoicing, and blazing like rays of light with glittering
jewels of varriegated tints, as if they were so many porti-
ons of the heavens decorated with fragments of Indras bow^
Mak. 'J'he state of Bhurivusit is in sooth.
Most princely — As the countless jewels shoot
Their blaze into the sky, the heavens reflect
The countless hues, as if tlie Peacock's plumagr»
Or the mixed (olours of the painted Jay,
Played through the air — or China's gorgeous silks.
Vested the Atmosphere, or India's bow
Displayed throughout its many coloured radiance.
( 68 5
Knl. Th* throng of attendants hastily forming a circle
fall off to a respectful distance, and keep back tbe crowd
â– with staves covered with silver and god: her Elephant
painted with vermilion resembles the ruddy dawn, or with
the starry garland* on her brow looks like the brilliant
night. But she herself, the lovely object of all eyes, as pais
and delicate as the new moon, advances from the ring.
Mafi. 'I'he beauteous damsel well becomes the grace
Of bridal honours. Her emaciate form,
And pallid cheek, although they plainly shew
Deep rooted grief, heighten her love iness.
Like some fair plant just budding into flower
And withered at the core— behold my friend.
The Elephiint kneels.
Madh. And Mdlali descends;
And with the priestess and her faithful fiiend
Lavangikd, comes hither. (//^e^ mlhdratv.')
SCENE THIRD.
â– INSIDE OF THE TEMPLE.
Enter Malati, Kamundaki and Lnvangikd.
^dm. {To l.erself.) May fateassist the wishesof our hearts;
And may the just Gods crown them with completion ;
May I attain my aim, and this device
That binds the children of my friends in love.
Secure their future happiness.
JSlal. {. ^ part) Ah me ;
What b'est occasion wi 1 afford the means
Of death to free me from the world ; but no
DL>ath coraei not to the wretch Avho prays his aid.
• The Nakshnlra ma'a -n garland of Iwenly icTCa pearl%
the uuiuberof Ibe JVakahatras or lunar maasiuai.
Zav. (Apart) This final parting from Inr love hnsplunged
My poor friend in depair.
Enter a fcmal-j attendant with a Basket.
A't. (To Ki.n in l.i\i.) His ExceUency, Dame, desires me
to iuf )rni yoa t!iat Ilis IMajesty has sent this bridal dress,
and these ornaments, that Maluti may put them on in
presence of the deity—
Kdm. 'Tis rightly judged — the place is most propitious.
L^t us behold the gear.
Att. 1 his is the corset of white silk ; this is the red mus-
lin mantle — these are the ornaments ; this, the necklace — this
is sandal, this the chaplet of flowers.
Kam. (Apart.) It Avere a pleasant trick, and Madayantikd
Will not be sorry to behold the youths
(Aloud) Inform the minister — it shall be done.
As he directs. (Exit servant.) Daughter LavangikS
Attend the prin ess to the inner shrine.
Lav. Where tarry you mean while.
Kani. I would remain.
Alone, and leisurely investigate.
The value of these jewels.
Hal. (Apart.) KveT, lAivan-^ikd.
Jjiiv This is the door — Here let us enter—
(They enter. Scene changes to the interior of the Teniae.')
â– ^Mildhav I, M ik irandi, and Kalahans i discovered.
Milk. They come — let us conceal ourcielves awhile,
B hind this pillar. [They hide.
♦ It WIS custoiuiry also but at Alhensy no vir^jin w s-
amov'st the Greeks for the all(»^eJ to l)e mnrrleJ lief. re
inteiided bride to pwhsrailo- worilniiping Minerva, w!r) as
ration to soma tliviaity b:jfi)re in the preieat iiist mrc, was ihs
bor marriage, uiually to Diana, tulelarj deity of the cil).
i 70 )
Enter Multiarxd Lav^nglkd.
L(t^. Here is the perfume for the person— -herif
The flowery garland/ (ojfer'urg them )
2d .1. What are thej- to me.
L'lV. Consider my dear friend — yo\i ars sent here?
By your respeted mother to propitiat'"
The deity — -^nd thus invoke* good fortune
On the commencement of the marriage rite.
^lal. Why thus distract a wretcli whose heart is tern,.
With pangs intolerable, and whose mind
Is tortured by the wanton cruelty
Of unrelenting fate.
Z/fly. Alas— what would you say.
Mai. Whatever he, whose fortunes art,- lik" min?;^
Blighted by unavailing hopes, migh*: counsel.
Mah. Heard you.
Nadh. I heard — Avhat little cheen my heart.
Mai. (Embracing Lavangilcu.) My dearesb friend — th.-».
Sister of my Soul.
Your hapless Mulali, about to d!s>
Un wedded — begs one proof of your affection^
From earliest infancy you have replied
Unvarying to my confidence — ah, now.
Do not the first time disappoint my hopes—
♦ G.irlands made pnrl of the falselv named,
bn;l:>l as well as sacrificial or- Your bride : vet I wilh floweO
naiiieiits amongst the Greeks, adorned her lirow,
thus ill Jgamemnon. Clyteiu A:>d fancied t'lat I ]ed her to
Iiestra ill addressinsf Achilles; votir arms;
Oflspring of Tiielis, pity my But now I to the bloody ::,1-
dislrcw, tar lead.
Eaccor atirgiu aaincd, Iho' Jphigenia in JuUs^
C 11 )
Bear still my image in your heart, and se^
The lotus lovely countenani.e of Madhava,
The shrine of each auspicious excellence. (Weeps,
Madh. (Behind.) Delightful words, that fortunately shed
Their nectar through my hearty and o'er my frame
Diffuse the powerful medicine that restores
The vigorous bloom of life's decaying flower.
Mai. Then tell the brave preserver of my life.
He must not, if he ever prized my love.
When he shall hear that I am dead, attempt
His days, but live to cherish my remembrance.
Tell him, I hope he will not wholly lose
The recollection of this life's events.
Although the tenant of another world,
I here shall live in memory alone.
Do this and all your Malati's desires
Your kindness will bestow.
Male. Alas poor girl.
Madh. The sad yet sweet tones of her fond despair
Awake contending sentiments — her grief
Excites both joy and pain, and fills my mind
With anguish and delight.
Lav. I am overcome
With horror— let me hear no more ray friend
Words of such evil omen.
Mai. Ah Lavaiigikd.
You love the life of Mdlali alone;
Not Mulati.
Lnv. What mean you.
Mid. I have borne.
Thus long a hateful life, sustained alone
^Y flattering promises I yet might wed
( 72 )
The Lord of my election. 1 his is past—
But 'tis my firm resolve to enil my days.
Free from the stain of vio ated faith
To the divinity, whom I have served—
Then do not thou oppose me in my pui'pofj».
Falls at her feet.
Male. Her love is boundless.
Lnvnngikd beckons to Mddhata-
Go tnl
M'idh I tremble.
M^ik. 'Tis a s'gn
Of present happiness.
Madh. I
Laraigikd who retires*
Mill. (Kneeling,') Speak your assent my friend
Madh. Forego such desperate purpose, simple maid :
Aly heart, dear girl, wi 1 never bear thy loss.f
Mai. Behold me prostrate ti 1 you give consent.
Madh. What can I say — desponding as thou art —
Do as thou wiltj but first this fond embrace.
Mai. Now I am blest (rises and Ihi cms herself into Md-i
dhava's arms. J
I have but half my friend ;
For my fast flowing tears obscure my sight.
Firm as the lotus cup, and smooth with down.
Thy form recalls a contact that allays
* The Mtiintion Hint ensues and Prakrit according; to the
IS rendered exfravagnntly im- commentator, Sarale Suhaia
prnl)al)lehy the dial()£;ne. If llie ri'is;nm parihara Rembhohru
discovery were natural ilwould niurtcha ^awramhham, Vira-
not he iindraina'if. ^am virahai/d^am sohrumtava
+ This verse is both Sanscrit chittam asahaiitme.
( 73 )
The fever of my grief; oh bear its owneT^
With hands thus elevated to your brow.
My farewell message — 'Tis long since these eyes
Have lost the sight of thy engaging countenance.
As brilliant as the broad bright beaming moon.
And lovelier than the full blown lotus fl iwer.
The sufferings of my frame, which not the rayg
Of the mild lunar orb, nor the cool breath
Of Malaya could appease, have long distressed
]My friendly train, with bitterest affliction.
Firmness long since has fled this captive heart,
Uprooted by resistless destiny.
Impetuous torturing me with fruitless hope—
I hope no more. Let me still live, dear friend.
In your remembrance, and when 1 am gone,
INIay this, the work of Mddhava, preserved
Next to your heart, whene'er it meet your gaze,
Bring to your mind the Mdlati you loved —
Goes to hang the Garland roiuidthe neck of Mddhava and
discovering her mistake starts hack hi alarm.
Madh. {Apart.) The gentle pressure of her heaving bosom
Has spread delightful coolness through my frame.
As if combined upon my skin Avere strewed
Sandal and Camphor — Saivala^ and pearls— (
The lotus fibre or the moonstone's dew.
Mai. Lavangikd betrays me.
Madh, Gentle maid —
* Au aquatic plant (Vallisneria) of supposed cooling
powers.
K
Your o-vvn experience only lannot teach you/
What otliers have endured — but this believe;
Such days as you have passed, such have I known.
Whose fevered flan;es have raged in every vein.
And anguisli wrung conscious existence from me.
Thy love nlone preserved my fleeting life.
Lav. You are ensnared my friend as you deserved.
Kcd. This mutual confession is pleasant enough.
Mak. Princess you are merciful — it is true,
IMv friend has undergone so sad a time.
And yet exists — now may his hopes be crowned.
And with that plighted hand ihe golden thread
Shall gird, be happiness his future portion.
Lav. Wow (an )'ou name the golden thread that girdS
The bridal hand — observe you not her heart.
Is agitated with the appi'ehension,
Of an immediate and unwelcome marriage.
^lul. (Apari.) Out on it — what is this, it ill becomes
The daughter of a noble race.
Kam. (Entering ) How now-—
]\ry gentle child.
(]\Ial(Ui throws herself into her (tuns )
J\um. Look up, behold the youth who shared your suf-
ferings.
Whose eyes first caught the flame; whose heart was
next.
To tliee alone devoted ; and whose frame
Like thine emaciate equal loassion shews.
Behold liim here— Dismiss this weak timidity— •
Ee love obeyed and destiny fulfilled.
( 75 )
Lav. What marvel dame, our friend should be alarmed.
This is, to say the truth, a fearful personage —
The conqueror of the fierce and impious wreteh,
Wlio braved his fatal arm, when on the night
No moon ilhunes, and with no good intent,
He trod the confines of the funeral ground.
Mak. (To himself.) Well said Lnvangika — the double
bond.
Of love and gratitude is well susriiested-
Mai. Alas my parents.
Kam. MddJmva my son.
Madh. Command me.
Kam. This is this dearest gem of Bhurivasu,
The mighty minister^ whose feet areblazoned^
With the bright diadems of prostrate priuces.
Fate, pleased congenial merit to unite,
And Love and I their instrument, confer
This treasure to your care. f Weeps.)
Mak. Our hopes are gratified
By your kind aid.
Madh. But why these tears.
Kam. My son, long cherished friendship has endeared
The interests of your house to me, and now
That love is consummated, for mine o!d
And tried affection, and for other causes,
I may demand, you listen to my councils.
Then heed my words, and pledge your faith to me.
You cherish this dear child most tenderly.
When distant from her anxious sire, and me— «
(AboiU to fall, at the feel of Mudhava-J
( 76 )
Madh. (Prevenl'mg her.) Forbear — forbear ; your kind-
ness overpowers me.
Muk. Why slioukl you need assurance dame of this —
The object of your praise — the living festival
Of human eyes — replete with warm affection.
And brilliant worth — why, one Avere irresistible—
Their union is your surety.
Kam. My son (io Mcidhava.)
Madh. Behold me.
Kam. Mdlati my child.
Lav. Slie waits upon your Avill.
Kum. Uemember children —
A virtuous wife, and a respected lord —
Are each to either all — kindred and friends.
Wealth, love, and life, and all the heart should covet,
Male. 'Tis justly said.
Lav. What further has the dame
To order.
Kam.. Mukarnnda — take these robes.
And dress you for the bridal.
Male. As you will.
Behind this curtain* I can make my toilet, (retires).
Madh. The act is easy but the end is arduous.
K'-m. Out on thee — what liast thou to do in this.
Madh. I trust me to your judgement.
* Chilra, Javanilcd, a psvint- Jca, it is ralher arras or tapes-
ed clolli, ascreeu or veil siis- try— he descrilies it as ch)th
pended iQ u temple before the covering the walls of a tcuiple.
ad} turn— according to Malan-
( '^7 )
Enter Mahcn-anda in female atlire.^
Mnk. My friend — behold your Mulati.
Madh. {Embructn^ lam.) In truth,
The priestess highly favours Nandana,
To yield his admiration^ for an instant,
A bride tike this.
Kam. Now my dear children (to Mdliti and Mddhava)
leave
This Temple by the sacred grove, and pass
Quick to the garden of my Sanctuary.
In the pavi ion, Avalolitd,
Awaits }'our coming, with all means prepared
To celebrate the nuptial ceremony.
The rite accomplished, to the grove retire
Where round the Areka trees, the betel vine
Curls its pale leaves, as pallid as the cheek
Of the fair dames of Kerala who mourn
Their absent lordst — The beauties of the scene
Begirt with waving oranges, and musical
With the sweet tone of numerous choristers.
Who sip delightedly the jujube's juice.
Shall breathe a warmer rapture on your loves.
There loiter till your friend, and his fair maid.
The princess Madcii/rintikci shall join you.
Madh. This were indeed to crown my happiness.
* A rather expeditious affair + Milahar. They are oftea
but as the dress consists almost alluded to in lliis strain, and
solely of one long wrapper it is to be supposed therefore
not so unmanageable as some that tlie women of this pro-
of the trausforraalioas of a Ma- vinre areof a fairer coraplexi-
thevrs. ou than usual iu India*
( 78 )
Kal. If luck befriend us this will surely bcs-
Madh. 'I'liere cannot be a fear.
Jmv. Heard 3'oa my friend.
Ku)n. Livan^i'cd
And Makaranda — we must now depart,
Mdl. What; must you go, Lavan^ikd.
Lav. (Sm'dhi'^.) I must.
This is our way.
Exeunt Kdmmidaki, Lavangikd and Malcaranda.
Madh. Like some fair lotus is this trembling hand.
Along whose slender stalk, the downy filaments
Erect extend, and from whose leaflet fingers
The pearly tkops from love engendered fall — i
I clasp it now in mine — as with his tusk,
The^Elephant entwines the tender flower.
And gently wrests it from its native lake.
Exit with Mulatk
END OV THJS SIXTH ACT,
ACT VI r.
THE PALACE OF N AND ANA.
Enter Buddharakshilu.
So far so well. Malaranda well became his disguise as
Mdlalt^ and by the instructions and good fortune of the
Danie, has played his part unsuspected, and has been wed-
ded to Nandana in the palace of the minister. Kamandaki
then took leave, and went home, anticipating that the attend-
ants would all be Avearied Avith the bustle of the festival of
bringing the bride to her husband's house, and that the
evening would be favourable to the execution of our design.
In the mean time Nandana impatient to possess his bride,
first esuleavoured to sooth her alarms, and humble himself
at her feet : finding this in vain he had recourse to violence,
but he was so severely handled by the supposed maiden that
he was compelled to desist. Enraged at the treatment— the
tears starting from his eyes with pain and vexation, and his
speech inarticulate with fury, Nandana vowed he would
have no more to say to one, who was no better than the
wanton of a boy — with this determination he left the house,
and now on this pretext, we may bring Madayaniikd and
Makaranda together. Exit.
f 80 5
SCENE SECOND.
Lavanrr'ikd, and Makaranda on a conch in ivoniaWs attire,
discovered.
Male. You are confident that BuddJiarakshitd,
Will make no blunder, and so disappoint
The project of the priestess.
Lav. Never fear.
And hark — the tinkling foot bells — that proclaim
Their near appi'oach: quick, spread this mantleover you.
And seem to sleep. (lie lies down as she covers him.
Enter Madaij an tiled and Buddharakshitd.
Mad. I\Ty brother is indeed
]\Iost grievously displeased with Mcilali.
Buddh. No doubt.
Mad. But this is unbecoming — let us go
And take to task this rude ill mannered girl.
Buddh. This is her chamber door.
Mad. Lavangikd.
Sleeps your fair friend.
Lav. Yes, do not break her slumbers.
She has been sadly vexed of late, and now
Her cares awhile forgot, she tastes repose.
Here gently, seat you on the couch.
Mad. (Sits down.) Indeed
She may be vexed ; that she Is rude I'm sure.
Lav. Plow should she not be fretted —with a husband
So gently kind, affectionate and mild.
So skilled to Avin a maiden's confidence.
As is your brother.
( Si >
Mad. irey BiiddJinrahshUd
We came to tell a very different story.
Suddh. Perchance not quite so different.
Mud. How so.
Buddh. "lis true she treated with but scant respect
The husband prostrate at her feet ; still this
Was maiden bashfulness, and might be pardoned.
You cannot deem so of your brother's anger.
Who in resentment of a coy resistance,
Such as became a virgin bride to offer.
To boisterous violence, forgot all sense
Of his own dignity, and had recourse
To sheer abuse — such conduct is disgraceful
To you, not us — The poets well observe—
Women like flov/ers are of tender fabric
And should be softly handled — they detest
The furious passion that would force their love
Impatient, ere their confidence be won.
Lav. Alas — who ever heard of such behaviour.
In many a house, men of exalted rank
Are wedded unto maids of gentle birth;