tion._] And the pond here
looks like the morning twilight, for the lilies and red lotuses are
as splendid as the rising sun. And again:

The ashoka-tree, whose twigs so merry
And crimson flowers have just appeared,
Seems like a battling mercenary,
With clotting crimson gore besmeared. 31

Good! Now where's your mistress?

P. 126.7]

_Maid._ If you would stop star-gazing, sir, you would see her.

_Maitreya._ [_Perceives Vasantasena and approaches._] Heaven bless
you!

_Vasantasena._ [_Speaking in Sanskrit._[58]] Ah, Maitreya! [_Rising._] You
are very welcome. Here is a seat. Pray be seated.

_Maitreya._ When you are seated, madam. [_They both seat themselves._]

_Vasantasena._ Is the merchant's son well?

_Maitreya._ Well, madam.

_Vasantasena._ Tell me, good Maitreya,

Do friends, like birds, yet seek a shelter free
Beneath the modest boughs of this fair tree,
Whose leaves are virtues, confidence its root,
Its blossoms honor, good its precious fruit? 32

_Maitreya._ [_Aside._] A good description by a naughty woman.
[_Aloud._] They do, indeed.

_Vasantasena._ Tell me, what is the purpose of your coming?

_Maitreya._ Listen, madam. The excellent Charudatta folds his
hands[59] and requests--

_Vasantasena._ [_Folding her hands._] And commands--

_Maitreya._ He says he imagined that that golden casket was his
own and gambled it away. And nobody knows where the gambling-master
has gone, for he is employed in the king's business.

[74.9. S.

_Maid._ Mistress, I congratulate you. The gentleman has turned
gambler.

_Vasantasena._ [_Aside._] It was stolen by a thief, and he is so proud
that he says he gambled it away. I love him for that.

_Maitreya._ He requests that you will therefore be good enough to
accept in its place this necklace of pearls.

_Vasantasena._ [_Aside._] Shall I show him the jewels? [_Reflecting._]
No, not yet.

_Maitreya._ Why don't you take this necklace?

_Vasantasena._ [_Laughs and looks at her friend._] Why should I not
take the necklace, Maitreya? [_She takes it and lays it away. Aside._]
How is it possible that drops of honey fall from the mango-tree,
even after its blossoms are gone? [_Aloud._] Sir, pray tell the worthy
gambler Charudatta in my name that I shall pay him a visit this
evening.

_Maitreya._ [_Aside._] What else does she expect to get out of a visit
to our house? [_Aloud._] Madam,