ll.

_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.

P. 110.8]

_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._ But I do.

_Sharvilaka._ How so?

_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

And again:

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._]

_Servant._ Mistress, the cart is ready.

_Vasantasena._ Madanika girl, you must show me a happy face.
You are free. Enter the bullock-cart. But do not forget me.

_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.

[66.17. S.

_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 behi