|
|
Act V
Scene 1
A room in Vasavadutta’s apartments. Vasavadutta, Munjoolica.
VASAVADUTTA So thou hast dared to come.
MUNJOOLICA I have. Thou, dare To look me in the eyes. Thou canst not. Then?
VASAVADUTTA Hast thou no fear of punishment at all?
MUNJOOLICA For shutting thee in with heaven? none, none at all.
VASAVADUTTA How didst thou dare?
MUNJOOLICA How didst thou dare, proud girl, To make of kings and princesses thy slaves? How dare to drag Sourashtra’s daughter here, To keep her as thy servant and to load With gifts, caresses, chidings and commands, The puppet of thy sweet imperious will? Thinkst thou my heart within me was not hot? But now I am avenged on thee and all. Page – 710 VASAVADUTTA Vindictive traitress, I will beat thee.
MUNJOOLICA Do And I will laugh and ask thee of the night.
VASAVADUTTA Then take thy chastisement. She seizes and beats her with the tassels of her girdle. MUNJOOLICA Stop! I’ll bear no more. Art not ashamed to spend thy heart in play Knowing what thou hast done and what may come? Think rather of what thou wilt do against Thy dangerous morrow.
VASAVADUTTA See what thou hast done! How shall I look my father in the eyes? What speak? what do? my Vuthsa how protect?
MUNJOOLICA Thy father must not know of this.
VASAVADUTTA Thou thinkst My joy can be shut in from every eye? Besides thee I have other serving-girls.
MUNJOOLICA None who’ld betray thee. This thing known, his wrath Would strike thy husband. Page – 711 VASAVADUTTA Me rather. I will throw My heart and body, twice his shield, between.
MUNJOOLICA You will be torn apart and Vuthsa penned In some deep pit or fiercer vengeance taken To soothe the stern man’s outraged heart.
VASAVADUTTA Alas! Thou hast a brain; give me thy counsel. The ill Thyself hast done, must thou not remedy?
MUNJOOLICA If thou entreat me much, I will and can.
VASAVADUTTA I shall entreat thee!
MUNJOOLICA Help thyself, proud child.
VASAVADUTTA O, if I have thee at advantage ever! Stay! I beseech thee, my Munjoolica, —
MUNJOOLICA More humbly!
VASAVADUTTA Oh! She kneels. I clasp thy feet. O friend, In painful earnest I beseech thee now To think, plan, spend for my sake all thy thought. Remember how I soothed thy fallen life Page – 712 Which might have been so hard. O thou my playmate, Joy, servant, sister who hast always been, Help me, save him, deceive my father’s wrath, Then ask from me what huge reward thou wilt.
MUNJOOLICA Nothing at all. Vengeance is sweet enough Upon thy father and Gopalaca. I’m satisfied now. First give me a promise; Obey me absolutely in all things Till Vuthsa’s free.
VASAVADUTTA I promise. Thou art my guide And I will walk religiously thy path.
MUNJOOLICA Then think it done.
VASAVADUTTA (smiling on Vuthsa who enters) Vuthsa, I asked not for thee.
VUTHSA Thou didst. I heard thy heart demand me.
MUNJOOLICA Hark! What is this noise and laughter in the court? See, see, the hunchbacked laughable old man! What antics!
VUTHSA Surely I know well those eyes. Munjoolica, this is a friend. He must Be brought here to me.
Page – 713 MUNJOOLICA Princess, let us call him. It is an admirable buffoon.
VASAVADUTTA Fie on thee! Is this an hour for jests and antics?
MUNJOOLICA (looking significantly at her) Yes.
VASAVADUTTA Call him.
MUNJOOLICA And thou go in.
VASAVADUTTA How, in!
MUNJOOLICA This girl! Hast thou not promised to obey me?
VASAVADUTTA Yes. She goes in. Munjoolica descends. VUTHSA Yougundharayan sends him. O, he strikes The hour as if a god had planned all out. This world’s the puppet of a silent Will Which moves unguessed behind our acts and thoughts; Events bewildered follow its dim guidance And flock where they are needed. Is’t not thus, O Thou, our divine Master, that Thou rulest, Nor car’st at all because Thy joy and power Page – 714 Are seated in Thyself beyond the ages? Munjoolica returns bringing in Vasuntha disguised. Who is this ancient shape thou bringest?
MUNJOOLICA I’ld know If he has a tongue as famous as his hump And as preposterous; that to learn I bring him.
VASUNTHA Where is the only lady of the age? Princes or else domestics, —
MUNJOOLICA Something, sir, of both.
VASUNTHA O masters then of princes, think not that I scorn Your prouder royalty; but now if any Will introduce my hungry old hunchback To Avunthy’s far-famed paragon of girls, He shall have tithe of all my golden gains.
MUNJOOLICA Why not to Avunthy’s governor and a prison, Yougundharayan’s spy?
VASUNTHA (looking at Vuthsa) What’s this? what’s this?
MUNJOOLICA Strong tonic for a young old man.
VUTHSA Speak freely Thy message; there are only friends who hear.
Page – 715 VASUNTHA (to Vuthsa, with a humorous glance at Munjoolica) Thy hours were not ill-spent. But thou hast nearly Frighted these poor young hairs to real grey, My sportive lady. Hear now why I crouch Beneath the hoary burden of this beard And the insignia of a royal hump, — And an end to jesting. Vuthsa, in thy city The people clamour; they besiege thy ministers Railing at treason and demanding thee; Nor can their rage be stilled. Do swiftly then Whatever thou must do yet, swiftly break forth Or war will seek thee clamouring round these doors. To bear thy message back to him I come, Upon Avunthy’s mountain verge who lurks, Or else to aid thee if our help thou needest.
VUTHSA Let him restrain my army forest-screened Where the thick woodlands weave a border large To the ochre garment round Avunthy’s loins Nearest Ujjayiny. Under the cavern-hill Of Lokanatha let him lie, but never Transgress that margin till my chariot comes.
VASUNTHA ‘Tis all?
VUTHSA In my own strength all else I’ll do.
VASUNTHA Good; then I go?
VUTHSA Yes, but with gold, thy fee, To colour thy going. Bring him gold, dear friend, Page – 716 Or take from Vasavadutta gem or trinket That shall bear out his mask to jealous eyes. Munjoolica goes into the inner chamber. VASUNTHA Leave that to me.
VUTHSA Thou hast adventured much For my sake.
VASUNTHA Poor Alurca cried to come, But this thing asked for brains and he had only Blunt courage and a harp. The danger’s nothing, But oh, this hump! I shall not soon walk straight, Nor rid myself of all the loyal aches I bear for thee.
VUTHSA Pangs fiercer would have chased them, Hadst thou been caught, my friend. I shall remember. Munjoolica returns with gold and a trinket. Take now these gauds; haste, make thy swiftest way, For I come close behind thee. Vasuntha goes. MUNJOOLICA Tell me thy plan.
VUTHSA These chambers are too strongly kept.
MUNJOOLICA But there’s The pleasure-ground.
Page – 717 VUTHSA Let Vasavadutta call Her brothers on an evening to the park And wine flow fast. The nights are moonlit now. How many gates?
MUNJOOLICA Three, but the southern portal Nearest the ramparts.
VUTHSA There, how many guard?
MUNJOOLICA Three armed Kiratha women keep the gate.
VUTHSA I cannot hurt them. Thou must find a way.
MUNJOOLICA They shall be drowned in wine. The streets outside?
VUTHSA A chariot, — find one for me. I cannot fight With Vasavadutta on my breast.
MUNJOOLICA I think That I shall find one.
VUTHSA Do it. The rest is easy, To break the keepers of the city-gate In one fierce moment and be out and far. There are arms enough in the palace? Page – 718 MUNJOOLICA The armoury I use sometimes.
VUTHSA Conceal them in the grounds. No, in the chariot let them wait for me.
MUNJOOLICA Thou wilt need both thy hands in such a fight. Vuthsa, I’ll be thy charioteer.
VUTHSA Thou canst?
MUNJOOLICA Hope not to find a better in thy realms.
VUTHSA My battle-comrade then! Words are not needed Between us. He goes out. MUNJOOLICA More than that before all’s done I will be to thee. Good fortune makes hard things Most easy; for the god comes with laden hands. If the strange word the queen half spoke to me Means anything, Vicurna’s car shall bear His sister to her joy and sovereign throne. Page – 719
The pleasure-groves of the palace in Ujjayiny. Gopalaca, Vuthsa, Vicurna; at a distance under the trees Ungarica, Vasavadutta and Umba.
GOPALAKA Vuthsa, the wine is singing in my brain, The moonlight floods my soul. These are the hours When the veil for eye and ear is almost rent And we can hear wind-haired Gundhurvas sing In a strange luminous ether. Thou art one, Vuthsa, who has escaped the bars and walks Smiling and harping to enchanted men.
VUTHSA It was your earthly moonlight drew me here And thou, Gopalaca, and Vindhya’s hills And Vasavadutta. Thou shalt drink with me In moonlight in Cowsamby.
GOPALAKA Vuthsa, when? What wild and restless spirit keeps thy feet Tonight, Vicurna?
VICURNA ‘Tis the wine. I wait.
GOPALAKA For what? Page – 720 VICURNA (with a harsh laugh) Why, for the wine to do its work.
GOPALAKA Where’s Vasavadutta? Call her to us here. We are not happy if she walks apart.
VICURNA There with the mother underneath the trees.
GOPALAKA Call them. Thou, Vuthsa, she and I will drink One cup of love and pledge our hearts in wine Never to be parted. Thou deceiv’st the days, O lax and laggard lover.
VUTHSA ‘Tis the last. Tomorrow lights another scene.
GOPALAKA ‘Tis good That thou inclin’st thy heart. My father grows Stern and impatient. This done, all is well.
VUTHSA All in this poor world cannot have their will; Its joys are bounded. I submit, it seems. Wilt thou incline thy heart, Gopalaca?
GOPALAKA To what?
VUTHSA To this fair moonlit night’s result And all that follows after.
Page – 721 GOPALAKA Easily I promise that.
VUTHSA All surely will be well. Munjoolica arrives from the gates; Vicurna returning from the trees with Ungarica, Vasavadutta and Umba, goes forward to meet her. VICURNA Is’t done?
MUNJOOLICA They sprawl half-senseless near the gate.
VICURNA Whole bound and gagged were best. Give Vuthsa word. He goes towards the gates. UNGARICA Munjoolica, is it tonight?
MUNJOOLICA What, madam?
UNGARICA (striking her lightly on the cheek) Vicurna rides tonight?
MUNJOOLICA He rides tonight.
UNGARICA Let him not learn, nor any, that I knew. She returns to the others. Page – 722 GOPALAKA Come, all you wanderers. Mother, here’s a cup That thou must bless with thy fair magic hands Before we drink it.
UNGARICA May those who drink be one In heart and great and loving all their days Favoured by Shiva and by Luxmie blest Until the end and far beyond.
GOPALAKA Drink, Vuthsa. Three hearts meet in this cup.
UNGARICA Who drinks this first, He shall be first and he shall be the bond.
GOPALAKA Drink, sister Vasavadutta, queen of all.
UNGARICA Queen thou shalt be, my daughter, as in thy heart, So in thy love and fortunes.
GOPALAKA Mine the last.
UNGARICA Thou sayest, my son, yet first mid many men.
GOPALAKA Whatever place, so in this knot ’tis found.
UNGARICA (embracing Vasavadutta closely) Forget not thy dear mother in thy bliss.
Page – 723 Gopalaca, attend me to the house, I have a word for thee, my son.
GOPALAKA I come. They go towards the palace. VUTHSA Is it the moment?
MUNJOOLICA Yonder lies the gate.
VUTHSA Love! Vasavadutta.
VASAVADUTTA Vuthsa! Vuthsa! speak. What has been quivering in the air this night? He takes her in his arms. VUTHSA Thy rapt and rapture far away, O love. Look farewell to thy father’s halls.
VASAVADUTTA Alas! What is this rashness? Thou art unarmed; the guards Will slay thee.
VUTHSA Fear not! Thou in my arms, Our fates a double shield, thou hast no fear, Nor anything this night to think or do Save in the chariot lie between my knees And listen to the breezes in thy locks Whistling to thee of far Cowsamby’s groves. Page – 724 He bears her towards the gate, Vicurna crossing him in his return. VICURNA Haste, haste! all’s ready.
MUNJOOLICA Umba! Umba! here!
UMBA (who comes running up) Oh, what is this?
VICURNA Should not this girl be bound?
UMBA Give rather thy commands.
MUNJOOLICA Thou’lt face the wrath?
UMBA O, all for my dear mistress. If the King Slays me, I shall have lived and died for her For whom I was born.
MUNJOOLICA Hide in the groves until Thou hearst a rumour growing from the walls, Then seek the house and save thyself. Till then Let no man find thee.
UMBA I will lose myself In the far bushes. O come safely through. Could you not have trusted me in this?
Page – 725 MUNJOOLICA Weep not! I’ll have thee to Cowsamby if thou live.
VICURNA Come, follow, follow. He is near the gates.
MUNJOOLICA I to my freedom, she her royal crown! Page – 726
Vasavadutta’s apartments. Mahasegn, Ungarica, Umba bound, armed women.
MAHASEGN She is not here. O treachery! If thou Wert privy to this, thou shalt die impaled Or cloven in many pieces.
UMBA I am resigned.
UNGARICA Thou’lt stain thy soul with a woman’s murder, King?
MAHASEGN ‘Tis truth; she is too slight a thing to crush. Are not the gardens searched? Who are these slaves Who dare to loiter? If he’s seized, he dies.
UNGARICA Wilt thou make ill much worse, — if this be ill?
MAHASEGN How sayst thou? ‘Tis not ill? My house is shamed, My pride downtrodden; all the country laughs Already at the baffled Mahasegn Whose daughter was plucked out by one frail boy From midst his golden city and his hosts Unnumbered. Who shall honour me henceforth? Who worship? who obey? who fear my sword? Page – 727 UNGARICA Cowsamby’s king has kept the Aryan law, Nor is thy daughter shamed at all in this, But taken with noblest honour.
MAHASEGN ‘Tis a law I spurn. My will is trodden underfoot, My pride which to preserve or to avenge Is the warrior’s righteousness. Udaian dies. Or if he reach his capital, my hosts Shall thunder on and blot it into flame, A pyre for his torn dishonoured corpse.
UNGARICA Hast thou forgotten thy daughter’s heart? Her good, Her happiness are nothing then to thee?
MAHASEGN Is she my daughter? She’ll not wish to live Her sire’s dishonour.
UNGARICA Thinkest thou he seized her, Her heart consenting not?
MAHASEGN If it be so And she thus rebel to my will and blood, Let her eyes gaze upon their sensuous cause Of treason mocked with many marring spears.
UNGARICA Art thou an Aryan king and threatenest thus? Thy daughter only for thyself was loved? Page – 728 MAHASEGN Silence, my queen! Chafe not the lion wroth.
UNGARICA The tiger rather, if this mood thou nurse. A Kiratha woman enters. MAHASEGN Thou com’st, slow slave!
KIRATHIE King, all the grounds are searched. The guards lie gagged below the southern gate; All’s empty.
MAHASEGN Where’s Gopalaca? He too Has leisures!
KIRATHIE There’s a captain from the walls.
MAHASEGN Ha! bring him. The Kirathie brings in the Avunthian captain. Well!
CAPTAIN Vuthsa has broken forth. The wardens of the gate are maimed or dead; Triumphant, bearing Vasavadutta, far Exults his chariot o’er the moonlit plains.
MAHASEGN O bitter messenger! Pursue, pursue! Page – 729 CAPTAIN Rebha with his armed men and stern-lipped speed Is hot behind.
MAHASEGN Let all my force that keeps Ujjayiny, be hurled after them, one speed. Call, call Vicurna; let the boy bring back First fame of arms today in Vuthsa slain, His sister’s ravisher.
CAPTAIN Let not my words Offend my king. ‘Twas Prince Vicurna’s car Bore forth his sister and Vicurna’s self Rode as her guard.
MAHASEGN (after an astonished pause) Do all my house, my blood Revolt against me?
CAPTAIN The princess Bundhumathie, Thy daughter’s serving-maiden, at Vuthsa’s side Controlled his coursers.
MAHASEGN Her I do not blame, Yet will most fiercely punish. Captain, go; Gather my chariots; let them gallop fast Crushing these fugitives’ new-made tracks. As the captain departs, Gopalaca enters. Gopalaca, Head, son, my armies; bear thy sister back Before irrevocable shame is done, Nor with thy father’s greatness unavenged return. Page – 730 GOPALAKA My father, hear me. Though quite contrary To all our planned design this thing has fallen, Yet no dishonour tarnishes the deed, But as a hero with a hero’s child Has Vuthsa seized the girl. We planned a snare, He by a noble violence answers us. We sought to bribe him to a vassal’s state Dangling the jewel of our house in front; He keeps his freedom and enjoys the gem. Then since we chose the throw of dice and lost, Let us be noble gamblers, like a friend Receive God’s hostile chance, nor house blind wounded thoughts As common natures might. Sanction this rapt; Let there be love twixt Vuthsa’s house and us.
MAHASEGN I see that in their hearts all have conspired Against my greatness. Thou art Avunthy’s prince, My second in my cares. Hear then! if twixt Ujjayiny and my frontiers they are seized, My fiercer will shall strike; but if they reach Free Vindhya, thou thyself shalt make the peace. Take Vasavadutta’s household and this girl, Take all her wealth and gauds; lead her thyself Or follow to Cowsamby, but leave not Till she is solemnised as Vuthsa’s queen. Sole let her reign throned by Udaian’s side; Then only shall peace live betwixt our realms.
GOPALAKA And I will fetch Vicurna back.
MAHASEGN Son, never. I exile the rebel to his name and house. Let him with Vuthsa whom he chooses dwell,
Page – 731 My foeman’s servant. He goes out, followed by the guards. Gopalaca unbinds Umba. UNGARICA If we give his rage its hour, ‘Twill sink. His pride will call Vicurna back, If not the father’s heart.
GOPALAKA Haste, gather quickly Her wealth and household. I would make earliest speed, Lest Vuthsa by ill hap be seized for ill.
UNGARICA Fear not, my son. The hosts are not on earth That shall prevail against these two in arms. Page – 732
The Avunthian forests; moonlight. Vuthsa, Vasavadutta, Munjoolica.
VUTHSA Thou hast held the reins divinely. We approach Our kingdom’s border.
MUNJOOLICA But the foe surround.
VUTHSA We will break through as twice now we have done. Vicurna comes. Vicurna arrives ascending. VICURNA Vuthsa, yon Rebha asks For parley; is it given? I’ld hold him here While by a long masked woodland breach I know Silent we pass their cordon.
VUTHSA Force is best.
VICURNA Vuthsa, to my mind more; but I would spare Our Vasavadutta’s heart these fierce alarms. Though she breathe nothing, yet she suffers.
VUTHSA Good! Page – 733 We’ll choose thy peaceful breach. Vicurna descends. VASAVADUTTA Vuthsa, if I Stood forth and bade their leader cease pursuit Since of my will I go, he must desist.
VUTHSA It would diminish, love, my victory And triumph which are thine.
VASAVADUTTA Then let it go. I would not stain thy fame in arms, though over My house’s head its wheels go trampling.
MUNJOOLICA (yawning) Ough! If we could parley a truce for sleep. This fighting Makes very drowsy. Vicurna returns with Rebha. VUTHSA Well, captain, thy demand!
REBHA Vuthsa, thou art environed. Dost thou yield?
VUTHSA Thou mockst! Return; we’ll break the third last time Thy fragile chain. Are thy dead counted?
REBHA The living Outnumber their first strength; more force comes on Fast from Ujjayiny. Therefore yield the princess. Page – 734 Thyself depart a freeman to thy realms.
VUTHSA Knowst thou thy offer is an insolence?
REBHA Then, Prince, await the worst. Living and bound Or else a corpse we’ll bring thee back to our city. Three times around thee is my cordon passed, Thy steeds are spent, nor hast thou Urjoon’s quiver. The dawn prepares; think it thy last.
VUTHSA At noon I give thee tryst within my borders. Rebha goes. VICURNA Swift! Before he reach his men and back ascend, We must be far. Munjoolica, mount my horse, Ride to Yougundharayan, bid him bring on His numbers; for I see armies thundering towards us With angry speed o’er the Avunthian plains. I’ll guide the car.
MUNJOOLICA The horse?
VICURNA Bound in yon grove. Rein lightly; he’s high-mettled.
MUNJOOLICA Teach me not. There is no horse yet foaled I cannot ride. Which is my way through all this leafy tangle? Page – 735 VICURNA Thou canst not miss it; for yon path leads only To Lokanatha’s hill beyond our borders. Now on!
VUTHSA The moonlight and the glad night-winds Have rustled luminously among the leaves And sung me wordless paeans while I fought. Now let them fall into a rapturous strain Of silence, while I ride with thee safe-clasped Upon my bosom.
VASAVADUTTA If I could hold thee safe at last! Page – 736
On the Avunthian border. Roomunwath, Yougundharayan, Alurca, soldiers.
ROOMUNWATH The dawn with rose and crimson crowned the hills, There was no sign of Vuthsa’s promised wheels. Another noon approaches.
YOUGUNDHARAYAN Two days only Vasuntha’s here. Yet is Udaian swift With the stroke he in a secret sloth prepares.
ROOMUNWATH We learned that though too late. A secret rashness, A boy’s wild venture with his life for stake And a kingdom! Dangerously dawns this reign.
ALURCA See, see, a horseman over Avunthy’s edge Rides to us. He quests forward with his eyes.
ROOMUNWATH Whoe’er he be, he has travelled far. His beast Labours and stumbles on.
YOUGUNDHARAYAN This is no horseman; It is a woman rides though swift and armed.
Page – 737 ALURCA She has seen us and dismounts.
YOUGUNDHARAYAN A woman rides! My mind misgives me. Is’t some evil chance? Comes she a broken messenger of grief? She runs as if pursued.
ALURCA She’s young and fair. Munjoolica arrives. MUNJOOLICA Art thou King Vuthsa’s captain?
ROOMUNWATH I am he.
MUNJOOLICA Gather thy force; for Vuthsa drives here fast, But hostile armies surge behind his wheels. Fast, fast, into the woods your succour bring, Lest over his wearied coursers and spent quiver Numbers and speed prevail.
YOUGUNDHARAYAN Roomunwath, swift. Roomunwath goes. But who art thou or where shall be my surety That thou art no Avunthian sent to lure Our force into an ambush?
MUNJOOLICA This is surely Yougundharayan of the prudent brain. Thy question I reply; the rest resolve Page – 738 But swiftly, lest Fate mock thy wary thoughts. My name is Bundhumathie and my father Sourashtra held; but I, his daughter, taken Served in Avunthy Vasavadutta. Knowest thou This ring?
YOUGUNDHARAYAN ‘Tis Vuthsa’s.
MUNJOOLICA Young Vicurna’s bay I rode, who guards his sister’s ravisher Against the angry rescuers. Will these riddles, Wisest of statesmen, solve thy cautious doubt?
YOUGUNDHARAYAN Thy tale is strange; but thou at least art true.
MUNJOOLICA Thou art not prudent only!
YOUGUNDHARAYAN Forward then. Roomunwath’s camp already is astir. Page – 739 Scene 6
Near the edge of the forest in Avunthy. Roomunwath, Yougundharayan, Alurca, Munjoolica, forces.
ROOMUNWATH Stay, stay our march; ’tis Vuthsa’s car arrives. The tired horses stumble as they pause.
YOUGUNDHARAYAN There is a noise of armies close behind And out of woods the Avunthian wheels emerge. There arrive Vuthsa, Vicurna, Vasavadutta. VUTHSA My father, all things to their hour are true And I bring back my venture. Am I pardoned Its secrecy?
YOUGUNDHARAYAN My pupil and son no more, But hero and monarch! Thou hast set thy foot Upon Avunthy’s head.
VUTHSA Yet still thy son.
YOUGUNDHARAYAN Hail, Vasavadutta, great Cowsamby’s queen.
VASAVADUTTA (smiling happily on Vuthsa) My crown was won by desperate alarms. Page – 740 VUTHSA It was a perilous race and in the end Fate won by a head. Were it not the difficult paths Baffled their numbers, we were hardly here, So oft we had to pause and rest our steeds. But in less strength they dared not venture on.
YOUGUNDHARAYAN They range their battle now.
VUTHSA Speak thou to them. War must not break.
YOUGUNDHARAYAN Demand a parley there.
VUTHSA If we must fight, it shall be for defence Retreating while we war unless they urge Too far their violent trespass.
VICURNA Rebha comes. Rebha arrives. REBHA Ye are suitors for a parley?
VICURNA Rebha, with beaten men?
REBHA Because you had your sister in the car Our shafts were hampered.
Page – 741 VICURNA Nor could with swords prevail Against two boys so many hundred men.
REBHA O Prince Vicurna, what thou hast done today Against thy name and nation, I forbear To value. ‘Tis thy first essay of arms.
VICURNA Well dost thou not to weigh thy better’s deeds.
YOUGUNDHARAYAN Rebha, wilt thou urge vainly yet this strife? What hitherto was done, was private act And duel; now if thou insist on fight, Two nations are embroiled; and to what end?
REBHA I will take Vuthsa and the Princess back. It is my king’s command.
YOUGUNDHARAYAN The impossible No man is bound to endeavour. While we fight, King Vuthsa with the captive princess bounds Unhindered to his high-walled capital.
REBHA It is my king’s command. I am his arm And not his counsellor; nor to use my brain Have any right, save for the swift way to fulfil His proud and absolute mandate.
YOUGUNDHARAYAN If there came Word from Ujjayiny, then pursuit must cease? Page – 742 REBHA Then truly.
YOUGUNDHARAYAN Send a horseman, Rebha, ask. All meanwhile shall remain as now it stands.
REBHA I’ll send no horseman; I will fight.
YOUGUNDHARAYAN Then war!
REBHA We fear it not. This is strange insolence To stand in arms upon Avunthian ground And issue mandates to the country’s lords. He is going. ROOMUNWATH Rebha, yet pause! No messenger thou needst. Look where yon chariot furious-bounding comes And over it streams Avunthy’s royal flag.
REBHA It is the prince Gopalaca. Of this I am glad.
VASAVADUTTA O if my brother comes, then all is well.
VUTHSA For thou art Luxmie. Thou beside me, Fate And Fortune, peace and battle must obey The vagrant lightest-winged of my desires. Gopalaca arrives; with him Umba. Page – 743 GOPALAKA Hail, Vuthsa! peace and love between our lands!
VUTHSA I hold them here incarnate. Welcome thou, Their strong achiever.
GOPALAKA As earnest and as proof Receive this fair accomplice of thy flight Unpunished. Sister, take her to thy arms.
VASAVADUTTA O Umba, thou com’st safe to me!
GOPALAKA And all My sister’s household and her wealth comes fast Behind me. Only one claim Avunthy keeps; My sister shall sit throned thy only queen, — Which, pardon me, my eyes must witness done With honour to our name.
VUTHSA Cowsamby’s majesty Will brook not even in this, Gopalaca, A foreign summons. Surely my will and love Shall throne most high, not strong Avunthy’s child, But Vasavadutta; whether alone, her will And mine, the nation and the kingdom’s good Consenting shall decide. Therefore this claim Urge not, my brother.
GOPALAKA Let not this divide us. The present’s gladness is enough: the future’s hers And thine, Udaian, nor shall any man Page – 744 Compel thee. Boy, thy revolt was rash and fierce Wronging thy house and thy high father’s will. Exiled must thou in far Cowsamby dwell Until his wrath is dead.
VICURNA I care not, brother. I have done my will, I have observed the right. Near Vuthsa and my sister’s home enough And I shall see new countries.
VUTHSA Follow behind, Gopalaca; thy sister’s household bring And all the force thou wilt. We speed in front. Ride thou, Alurca, near us; let thy harp Speak of love’s anthems and her golden life To Vasavadutta. Love, the storm is past, The peril o’er. Now we shall glide, my queen, Through green-gold woods and between golden fields To float for ever in a golden dream, O earth’s gold Luxmie, till the shining gates Eternal open to us thy heavenly home. Page – 745 |