are the indication' of learning and of genius. Such a Drama
has been entrusted to us by the friendly and venerable Blia^
vabhuli entitled iVf«7ai< andMflrf/mu«, one written by himself.
Let all the actors, prepared to represent this with the r best
abilities in the presence of the Divine Kulaprhjanulh, ap-.
pear before me agreeably to the dramatic rules.
Actor. (Ajier lu pmise) Youv orders shall be obeyed but
It is necessary to exhibit it with becoming decorations, and
first, our chief tctorin the costume of Kamanduld, an old
female Suiigata'" beggar is to appear, together with AcalukUci
one of her Disciples, for whose character I am cast.
Man. Very A\ell: what more.
Actor. 'J hen the semblance of Mddhava, the hevo'o( the
fiction, and lover o£ Mdhiti is to be assumed how is this to
be effected.
Mufi. That is described after Makaranda and Kalahansn
enter.
Actor. We are ready then to exhibit our performance in
the presence of the assembly.
Man. Very Avell, I take the character o? Kdmandakt
Actor. I am AvaloHtd.
\_Exeun '.
END OF THE PRELUDE.
part of the /^e
shortest have been translated Anquetil dii Perron — ;i siim-
into English by Rammohun Roy mary of whose work iu French
Dr. Carey aud Sir W. Jones, has been published by Mous.
They were rendered also into Lanjuinais.
Persian by order of Darrt 5/ieto/i * A worshipper of Sugata cL
the sou of Shah Jehan and were form of Buddha*
ACT I.
SCENE FIRST.
KAMANDAKI'S HOUSE.
Enter Kamandaki and Avalokita*
Kcim. Daughter — Avalokitd.
Ava. Mistress — your commands.
Kdm. I have a task in hand : connubial rites
Must join the amiable progeny
Of BJmrivasu and of Devardta
Long cherished friends — Fair Mdlati the maid.
And Mddhava the youth. Auspicious signs
Forerun a happy fate, and even now
My throbbing eye-ball tells,* propitious destiny
Shall crown the wishes of my heart.
Ava. Yet pardon me !
How should it happen one in rank and power
High raised as Bhiirivasu, should require
To wed his child, the services of one
Arrayed in tattered weeds, whose humble food
Is the scant dole of charity, and whose thoughts
Disdain the obstacles, that worldly cares
Opposite to sanctity and final bliss.
* We have already had occa- a woman the right in a man.
sion to notice this superslilion The purport of these palpita-
iii the preceding piece. The tions seems to have been simi-
left side is the lucky side ia larly understood by the Greeks.
( 11 )
Kam. Thou errest daughter. Tliat the minister
Appoints me to such duty, is tlie fruit
Of his regard and confidence, and with prayers.
And penances and Hfe, I am prepared
All that my friend ordains me to fulfil.
Recall you not, when from far distant realms
Assembling students crowded to our school
To gather science. Then, before my friend,
Sauddmini and me, it Avas convened
By these two statesmen — at ihat time associate
In amity and study — that their children
When ripe in years, in love should be vmited.
Hence Devardta's blooming son attends me;
Sent by his father — mindful of his troth
With faith the world is strange to, but the youth
KnoAvs not his purpose — from Kundiiiijmr a.*
He hither comes, to learn he deemsf no lore
But what the schools of Padmavali teach —
Ava- But why this mystery — why should not wed
The youth and maiden as their state becomes them ;
And why to you their stolen loves entrusted.
Kairi' The favourite of the Sovereign — Nandana
Sues him for Mdlati — The king demands
The maiden of her father — To evade
His anger if the suit should be rejected
Is this ingenious device adopted.
* Kundinipur is placed by Logic — a very appropriate study
tradition as well as siiniiarily of the commentator Jagaddhara
name in the modern district of oberves for one who requires
Condavir. sufficient craft to effect a stolen
t Literally He comes to studjf match.
( 12 )
Av. Yet why thus strange to 31flrf/ior«— his name
Seems even to the minister unknown ;
Small proof of his regard.
Kam. A mere pretext— he knows youth indiscreet
And fears to trust the lovers with his councils.
Let the world deem t!,eir union Avas the work
Of mutual passion only ; so tl.e king
And Nandcmi are foiled, nor Ave to blame.
A Avise man veils his projects from the Avorld ;
Silent effects his schemes ; Avhilst all his acts
Bespeak indifierence, and his cheeiful manners
Shew to suspicion's eye a heart at ease.
Av. I compVehend your plans — ^'tis for this cause
That Mudhnva passes so frequently
"By Bht'irivasxis palace.
Kam. True' — and as I learn —
The princess from her casennent has beheld
The youth — he graceful as the God of love,
Herself love's blooming bride — nor seen iw vain.
Her Avaning form too faithfully betrays
The lurking care, she now first learns to suffer.
Av. To soothe that care then has her skill pourtrayed,
The lineaments of Mddhava, to day
Left by her foster sister Avith Manddrikd*
Kam. In sooth not ill devised— Z,ai>fl??^?7(;a
Knows that the youth's attendant Kalakansa,
Doth love Matiddri/cd, and shreAvdly deems
That from her hands he will obtain the portrait^,
To ihcvv his master.
^ The Scrvaut of the con\ent-or as Kdmandaki terras her
J^'ihdra Dusi,
( 13 )
Av, T have borne my part;
And to the Garden of Love's God directed
The steps of Mddhava at early dawn.
It is the festival t)£ Madana. The Princess
And damsel train will to his groves proceed.
And thus the youthful pair to day will meet.
Kam. ' } is well — now tell nie daughter
Amidst this lighter matter does thy memory
Recall Sauddmini, mine ancient pupil.
All I learn that upon mount Sri Parvrda*
She now resides, where won by desperate penance,
Power more than than earthly waits upon her will.
Kam. Whence is this information.
Av. The formidable deity Clidmiindd
Is worshipped near the city cemetery.
Kam. She whom her miscreant votaries aver
Delights in living sacrifice.
Av. The same.
From one of these, Kapulahutidald
I learnt the news, as I encountered her
By chance at eve — She is the pupil
Of a skull bearing seer, Aghora GJumla,
A wandering mendicant, but dwelling now
Amidst the neighbouring forest— he has late
Come from Sri Parvata,
« .^rtPari^flffl means Hie snme sulptiires on the monntain, and
as Sn* >'fl/.'a the mountain of 5/-t the great labour and cost be-
or Lakshmi, a place of sanclily stowed on the causeways by
in the Dekhin, nenr the Krishna whicli it is approachetl. It is
River. It stijl retains its sancli- described by Col. I^Iackenzie in
ty, but has lost the splendour it the 6lh vol. of the Asiatic Re-
formerly seems tft have possess- searches, and was more recently
ed by the extensive reaiains of visited by the late Dr. Yoysey.
( 11 )
Kmn. This is enough.
Av. More pleasing themes attend, for Malcaranda
The early friend of Mddhava adores
The Lady MndaijantUca, the sister
Of the King's favorite, and to secure
His happiness will yield to Mddhava,
Scarce less delight than to ensure his own.
Kam. It has not been forgotten — Budulharakslilld
Attends that charge.
Ava. This Misti'ess was well done.
Kam. Come Daughter let us forth, and having learnt
How Mddhava has fired, repair to Malntt.
I know her spirit lofty: we must proceed
With prudence if we would obtain success.
Oh may the youth enj >y his fond desires.
Endowed by Heaven as its choicest work
With every excellence ; and be his virtues
Blest with the maid's affection, as the lotus
Buds in full beauty to the tender light
The moon autumnal sheds upon its leaves*
^Exeunl.
SCENE II.— A GARDEN.
Enter Kalaliansa (with a picture. J
I wonder where my master is to be found : he may well
think his pei'son equal to that of Love himself since it has
* This is a very matter of fact previously been announced ; this
of scene hut it is precisely ac- is a Canon of thellindu dramatic
cording lonilc,and does not very code — and was formerly one of
l)a(ily prepare fur tlie appearance nur own ]aws. Massivger is
of the persons alluded to, the en- reniarkahle for his precision in
trance of some of whom is con- this respect. Beaumonl and
sideralily delayed. No character Fletcher are not unobservaut
is to l)c iutruduced that has not of the rule.
( 15 )
made an impression upon the heart of Mulati. I feel rather
veary, and shall take the liberty of reposing myself in this
grove, till I see my master and his friend.
[Relirts.
Enter. Maharmida.
I learn from Avalokitu, my friend
Is in the grove of Madaiia, and there
I go to seek him — ha! he hither comes.*
Yet something sure disturbs him for his step
Has not its vonted nimbi cness — his eyes
Are fixed on vacancy — his Avhole attire
Is disarrayed, and heaves his frequent sigh.
Has love been busy here, whose potent will.
By every lovely attribute administered.
Pervades the Avorld, and on the form of youth
Works sad and wondrous change.
Enter Mddhava.
'Tis strange — 'tis passing strange, my vagrant thoughts!
No more return to me — Deserting sliame.
Or self-respect, or fortitude, or judgement.
They dwell perverse upon one fond idea.
The lovely image of the moon faced maid.
Wonder alone each faculty engrossed
As rapt I gazed upon her, and my heart.
As if immersed in heavenly nectar glowed.
Delusive extacy ; too late I feel,
I nursed a burning coal within my bosom.
Ma/c. (coming forward) Mddhava—
The sun is high, and darts his fiercest rays
Upon the aching brow— here let us enter.
And rest awhile beneath the garden's shades.
Mad. Even as you please, ^Exeunt
( 16 )
Kolahansa advances.
My master and his friend are undoubtedly the two great,
est ornaments of this garden. Well ; I will now take hini-
this picture of himself— the delight of the eyes of Mulai'i and
solace of her amorous pain — I hope it will afford him too v-
lief. {_ExiU
Another pay- 1 of the Garden.
Enter. Mddhava and Malar anda.
Male. Here — at the foot of this wide spreading ti'ee
Amidst the fragrance that the breezes waft
Abroad from every bud — let us recline.
\_They lie down^
To day was one of peril, Mddhaoa.
You could not sure behold the numerous concourse
Of all our City's beaut}'^ — bound to pay
Their annual homage at the Shrine of Love
And scape unharmed — in sooth, to me it seems
The shaft has lighted, and has grazed thy heart.
Nay, never the droop lotus of thy face.
If struck reveal thy hurt: why shame to bear it.
V/ho can resist the heart born deity.
Creatures of passion, all confess his power.
And Gods themselves are impotent as we.*
Mad. I own my weakness — listen to its cause.
By AvaloJiitd advised— I went
To Kdinadcms temple, Avhere I strayed,
* Literally — The same seiili- ed of his of his own daughter,
ment was evinced m the crea- Inspiring 5ivflwith love for /»«r-
tion of the world in Brahmd;u\A. vati was a more dangerous feat,
in Siva. Kama was scarcely and the archer God although he
created hefore I)e thoiiglit pro- succeeded was reduced to ashes
per to make Z?ra/j/«a enamour- by the object of his triumph.
( 17 )
Till weary 1 recllnetl beside a fountain
That laves the deep roots of a stately tree.
Whose clustering blossoms wooed the wanton bee*
To cull their sweet inebriating fragrance.
Lulled by their songs, and tempted by the shadcj
I laid me down, and in pure idleness.
To while away the time, I gathered round mc
The new fall'n blossoms, and assiduous wove
A flowery garland — Whilst I was thus employed
There issued from the fane — a beauteous maid— •
Stately her gait — yet graceful as the banner
Love waves in triumph o'er a prostrate world.
Her train bespoke a princely rank — her garb
With youth's appropriate ornaments was graced.
Her form was beauty's shrine, or of that shrine
Hadiant she moved the guardian deity —
To mould her charms whatever nature offers
Fairest and best, liad surely been assembled.
And Love omnipotent was her creator.
Led by her maidens to collect the flowei's
That thickly hung on my o'ershadowing tree.
She neared the spot : uh, then too plain I noted
The signs of passion, for some happy youth
Long entertained, the lovely maid revealed.
As slender as the Lotus stalk her shape ;
As white as unstained ivory her brow.
And whiter than the moon beams: whilst each act.
Through kind compliance with her maiden's wishes^
Displayed her own indifference. Scarce I gazed
Upon her, but my eye felt new delight.
As bathed Avith nectar, and she drew my heart
( 18 )
As powerfully as attracts the magnet gem*
The unresisting ore, at once towards her.
That heart is her's for ever — chance what may
And though my portion be henceforth despair.
The Goddess Destiny decrees at pleasure.
The good or ill of all created beings.
Mak. Nay Mddhava this cannot be, believe me.
Without some cause — behold ! all nature's sympathiei
Spring not from outward form, but inward virtue.
The Lotus buds not till the sun has risen ;
Nor melts the moon gem till it feels the moon— .
What then ensued —
Mad. When her fair train beheld me, they exchanged
Expressive looks and smiles, and each to each
As if they knew me, murmured — This is he—
The music of their tinkling zones was stilled.
Repressed the silver echo of their anclets
Sharp clanging to their undulating motion.
Hushed was the melody their bracelets made.
Whilst their fair lotus palms, in sportive mood
Were beating measure to their merriment.
Silent they stood — and with extended fingers
As if they said — the fates have favoured us.
Lady — behold him here.
Mak. C To himself J This is indeed
A proof of preconceived regard
Kai. (Advancing) — What is all this about, some pleasing
story of which woman is the object.
* Ayashdnla viani Saldkeva that artificial ningnets as well
Like a rod of the Iron slonc as the projiertics of the Load
Gem. U should sccni possil)l<; »tuae wcru kuuTvu tu tlie ilindus.
( 19 )
MaL Proceed my friend.
Mad, What words shall picture >\ hat those looks conveyed ;
The lore of love those lotus eyes revealed.
What firmness could resist the honest warmth
Of nature's mute expressiveness, nor fall
Before those orbs, that now like opening buds.
Beneath the creeper of the tremulous brow
Expansive bloomed, and now retiring shrunk
But half averted from the answering gaze.
Then dropj)ed the veiling lashes o'er their brightness.
I felt their influence, and those looks of love,
Beaming with mild timidity, and moist
With sweet abandonment, bore off my heart.
Nay plucked it from my bosom by the I'oots
All pierced with wounds.
Incredulous of my happiness, I sought
To mark her passion nor display my own.
Though every limb partook the fond emotion.
Thence I resumed my task, and wove my wreath
Seeming intent, till she at length withdrew
Attended by her maidens, and a guard
Of Eunuchs armed with staves and javelins.
A stately elephant received the Princes?,
And bore her towards the city — Whilst they moved.
As winds the lily on its slender stalky,
So turned her head toAvards the grove of Kdmaf
And from her delicate lids she shot retiring
Glances with venom and ambrosia tipped —
My breast received the shafts — a mingled flame^,
And deathly chillness, since alternate spread
Throughout my form, and doom me to such agony,
( 20 )
Words cannot paint, the world has never witnessed.
Perception dimly pictures present obj cts.
And past perceptions fiide fi'om recollection.
Vain Avere the lunar ray, or ,^elJd stream
To cool my body's fever — whilst my mind
Whirls in perpetual round, and knows not rest.
Kal. The object of this passion must assuredly be MulatL
Mak. (To himself) IMy friend is lost — my councils were
but vain :
And e'en tlie wish were idle, that the Deity,
Self-born, should sj)are his year*, nor with sad change
Soil his pure mind — the flowery bow is strung
And ardent youth is reckless of the peril —
{To Mddhav(t) Know you the name and race of that fair
lady.
Mad. Hear how I learnt them — Ere she had departed
One of her train, apparently intent,
On gathering flowers, privately approached me.
And borrowing from the garland I had woven
A covert for her meaning thus addressed me —
'•' "Well has been strung this string of blooming beauty.
And pleasing is it in our Luly's sight, •
Who in like excellence herself excels. —
IMay then success reward such high desert ;
And this bright product of creative art
Bear richest fruit, exalted to that .station.
It's merit claims — suspended round the neck
0£Bhihtvasti's daughter — JSIulal). — *
+ Tliis piece of double cnten- word has a douMe import— the
dri; i.s much more preci.sely fol- figure is termed Akshara San-
Jowed ia the original aud every ghiaa, Combiaaliou of Letters.
( 21 )
Whose foster sistcv, and whose nearest friend,
Lavangikd — now stjinds before you.
Kal. This is as we wish — and fortune favours the
design of the flower armed deity.
31 a/i. JMdlati! the daughter of the ministei',
A mark for elevated rank — her name
Is ever in the mouth of our preceptress.
And rumour adds, the king solicits her
In marriage for his favourite Kandana.
Mad. Requested by Lavanglkt'i, I gave her
The flowery wreath — she took it with respect.
As 'twei-e a precious gift, and all the while
* The eyes of Mdlali were fixed on her.
Bowing with reverence, she then retired
And quickly disappeared amidst the tlirong —
The princess and the people left the grove
* And I directed hitherward my steps.
Mill: Your story, Madhavu, plainly shews^
That Malalis affection is your own ;
And that soft cheek, whose pallid tint denoted
Love preconceived, is pale alone for you.
Whom slie has oft undoubtedly beheld —
Hence those expressive glances, interchanged
Amongst her maidens, whose love speaking eyes
Had never rested on a face unknown,
.Not precious to their mistress — and declared
The passion you had wakened in her bosom.
Then comes her foster sister's plain enigma.
And tells intelligibly, whose her heart
Kah (Advancing.) Look at this picture.
Milk. Mud/iaras counterfeit — whose work is this.
( 22 )
Kul. Hers who has stolen his heart.
Male. What— Mi'dati.
KaL The same.
Jilad. Thisgives me faith, dear friend,inyour conjectures.
Male. But, Kalahansa, how came you by this.
Kal. MandarM gave it to me— She had it from !.«-
vangikd.
M(d: And what inchiced the princes> to delineate
This picture ; did Manddrikd inform you.
Kal She painted it to amuse and relieve her distress.
Mak. What say you Mddhava — this lovely maid
The soft light of your eyes, assuredly,
Eegards you bound to her in love's alliance.
And holds you dearer to her than her life.
What should prevent your union. — Fate and love
Combined, seem labouring to effect it — come
Let me behold the wondrous form that works
Such change in yours — you have the skill; pourtray her
Mad. To please you i will try — bring me the pencil.
(fj Kalahimsu)
{Draws )
Hard is the task you have assigned me —
A chilly tremoi- spreads through all my frame,
])amp dews distill from every opening pore.
And starting fast, my tears repeatedly
Dim the faint outline that my trembling hand.
Oh how unworthily, attempts to picture :
Yet with what skill I have, 'tis done.
Male. {Taldug the draiving) Most excellent and worthy
ofyour passion.
It may be said of her— (^writes, on Ihc dntmng.J
( 23 )
" Whatevei' nature's loveliness displays
" May shew to all men beautiful and bright ;
" But since these charms have broke upon my gaze,
" They form my life's sole exquisite deliglit."
Enter Manddrikd hastily.
Man. Ha, Kalakansayou are at last overtaken —Makaratida,
Mddkava — i'irs I salute you.
Male. Approach Manddrikd what brings you hither
Man. I followed Kulahansa to recover a picture.
Kal. {Gives her the one Madkava has.) Here it is — take it.
Man. Mdlaii's -picture I protest — how came this here ; who
has painted it.
Kal. He whom she delineated, and with much the same
intention.
Ma/c. He tells you truth — and now do you be honest.
Inform us howj and where, first Mdlali
Saw Madhava.
Man. She was called to the lattice by Lavangika to look
at him, as he passed the palace.
Male. So I supposed — We frequently have passed in that
direction.
Man. With your permission I will communicate these
events to my friend Luvangikd.~^
Mak. You have free leave.
(^Exist Manddrikd'")
Mak. The Monarch of a thousand beams now darts
His hottest rays; 'tis noon — let us go home.
Mud Willingly—
The day's warm influence surely washes off
The careful labours of the moi-ning (oilet.
And steals those saudal marks, so neatly laid
( 24 )
In graceful lines across the flowery cheek. —
play o'er my limbs ye soft refreshing breezes.
Whose previous homage has been paid to beauty^
And wrapt in soft embrace my fair one's charms ;
Diffusing o'er her form, the honied fragrance
Shook from the Jasmine's scarce unfoldedlossom.
Mak. Alas, the flower-armed, and resistless deity.
Has sadly changed the person of my friend ;
Like the young elephant, when fever preys
On his yet tender frame. Our only hope
Is now Kdmandaki.
Mad. 'Tis strange, most strange.
Where'er I turn, the same loved charms appear
On every side — Bright as the golden bud
Of the young Lotus gleams her beauteous face
Though oft averted from my fond regards —
Alas, my friend — This fascination spreads
O'er all my senses, and a feverish flame
Consumes my strength — my heart is all on fire
My mind is tossed with doubt; and every faculty
In one fond thought absorbed, I cease to be
Myselfj or conscious of the thing I am.
ExcunL
END OF THE FIRST ACT.
ACT II
THE DWELLING OF MALATL
ENTER Tivo Female Attendants, meelbig.
First Ait. Hey friend, I saw you just now near the* Music
room, in deep conversation with Avalokitd; what were you two
talking about —
Second Alt. The whole story of the gi'ove of Kdmahas been
carried to Kdmandald by Mudhava's friend, and she being de-
sirous of seeing Mdlaii sent Avalokitd to her, who was telling
me, that she had left Lavangikd and the princess together.
First Alt. "Why ; Latangikd said she was going to gather
Bakula flowers in the grove of Mudana — since which she
bus not returned — ^Has she been heard of?
Second Alt. Yes, the Princess saw her coming, on which
she dismissed her attendants at the door of her apartment?, but
detained Lavangikd.
First All. She Imd some very agreeable news to tell MulatU
I suppose, of the youth 3/«rZ/^«w^
Second All. It is a hopeless passion I am afraid, and to
day's interview will only add to her distress — to-raorrov/ the
king gives the prfncess to Nandiena; her father has consent-*
ed to the match—
First Alt. Consented—
- The Sangila Sdtd which we had occasion to notice in the
preceding drama.
( 26 )
Second Alt. Yes— lie told the king that he was " Lord
over his own daughter". This will be a dagger to the heart of
MdlaJi and death to Mddhaim.
First Alt, Now then we shall, see what K'amandalci cacn
do — and whether she will put forth her power.
Second Ait. You talk idly. Come — let us depart —
Exeunt.
Enter Mdlali and Lavangikd,
M il. Proceed, my dear Lavangikd, proceed.
X.ai\ This flowery wreath then did he send by me.
JMcd. {Taking it) "lis strung unevenly.
Lac. The fault is yours —
JSIal. How should t!iat be ?
Lai. Where deem you, were his thouglits-:
Who caused that dark hued youth's deep agitation?
Mai. Dearest Luvangiku —
You ever speak me comfort.
Lavt Tiiere might be better comfort — He, himself.
Here in your presence — gazing rapt upon you
With look intent, from eyes that tremulous glow.
Like the blown Lotus shaken by the zephyr,
Forced from the timid plea of weaving chaplets.
To dart upon you glances of delight.
From underneath the arching brow thatAvaves
In curve as graceful as the bow of Kama
Mai. How can I credit this — how should I know
From such brief interview, if the graceful youtU
Ee true, or if he only seek to mock me.
Lav. You have no need to fear in this, believe me*
Mai. Weil — well— complete your Story —
Xai'. When I received the garland, I departed
( 27 )
And mingled with the crowd— thence to Mandmiha
I hastened, to receive again the picture.
That in the morning had been left Avith her,
MaU With her — with what intent ?
Lav. She has a lover, Kuluhansaka,
A follower oi Mddhava, and I knew
Tohim the picture would be shewn, and all
That thence ensued, would be revealed to nie.
MaU {Apart) Then Mddkava has seen it.