34

So much for that. Who is there? Let Charudatta know, that

P. 145.17]

While clouds look beautiful, and in the hour
Fragrant with nipa and kadamba flower,
She comes to see her lover, very wet.
With dripping locks, but pleased and loving yet.
Though lightning and though thunder terrifies,
She comes to see you; 't is for you she sighs.
The mud still soils the anklets on her feet,
But in a moment she will have them sweet. 35

_Charudatta._ [_Listening._] My friend, pray discover what this means.

_Maitreya._ Yes, sir. [_He approaches Vasantasena. Respectfully._]
Heaven bless you!

_Vasantasena._ I salute you, sir. I am very glad to see you. [_To the
courtier._] Sir, the maid with the umbrella is at your service.

_Courtier._ [_Aside._] A very clever way to get rid of me. [_Aloud._]
Thank you. And mistress Vasantasena,

Pride and tricks and lies and fraud
Are in your face;
False playground of the lustful god,
Such is your face;
The wench's stock in trade, in fine,
Epitome of joys divine,
I mean, your face--
For sale! the price is courtesy.
I trust you'll find a man to buy
Your face. [_Exit._] 36

_Vasantasena._ Good Maitreya, where is your gambler?

_Maitreya._ [_Aside._] "Gambler"? Ah, she's paying a compliment to
my friend. [_Aloud._] Madam, here he is in the dry orchard.

_Vasantasena._ But sir, what do you call a dry orchard?

_Maitreya._ Madam, it's a place where there's nothing to eat or
drink, [_Vasantasena smiles._] Pray enter, madam.

_Vasantasena._ [_Aside to her maid._] What shall I say when I enter?

[87.17. S.

_Maid._ "Gambler, what luck this evening?"

_Vasantasena._ Shall I dare to say it?

_Maid._ When the time comes, it will say itself.

_Maitreya._ Enter, madam.

_Vasantasena._ [_Enters, approaches Charudatta, and strikes him with
the flowers which she holds._] Well, gambler, what luck this evening?

_Charudatta._ [_Discovers her._] Ah, Vasantasena is here. [_He rises
joyfully._] Oh, my beloved,

My evenings pass in watching ever,
My nights from sighs are never free;
This evening cannot else than sever--
In bringing you--my grief and me. 37

You are very, very welcome. Here is a seat. Pray be seated.

_Maitreya._ Here is a seat. Be seated, madam. [_Vasantasena sits, then
th