In the meantime, the king makes the long-expected demand and the
minister Bhurivasu returns the following ambiguous answer:--

"Your Majesty may dispose of your daughter as your Majesty pleases."

[This answer is used in a double sense:--

"Your minister's daughter is your own daughter and you can dispose of
her as you please," and "You can dispose of your own daughter as you
please, but not my daughter."

The father's connivance at his daughter's stolen marriage would appear
inconsistent if the reply is not understood in its double sense.]

The intelligence reaches the lovers. They are thrown into despair.

Requested by Lavangika, Kamandaki thus describes Madhava in the presence
of Malati:--

"The sovereign of Vidarbha boasts for minister the wise and
long-experienced Devarata, who bears the burden of state and spreads
throughout the world his piety and fame. Your father knows him well.
For, in their youth, they were joined in study and trained to learning
by the same preceptor.

In this world we rarely behold such characters as theirs. Their lofty
rank is the abode of wisdom and of piety, of valour and of virtue. Their
fame spreads white and spotless through the universe. A son has sprung
from Devarata whose opening virtues early give occasion of rejoicing to
the world. Now, in his bloom, this youth has been sent to our city to
collect ripe stores of knowledge. His name is Madhava."

Kamandaki soliloquises thus:--

"Malati is tutored to our wishes and inspired with hatred of the
bridegroom Nandan. He is reminded of the examples of _Sakuntala_ and
_Vasavadatta_ that vindicate the free choice of a husband. Her
admiration of her youthful lover is now approved by his illustrious
birth and my encomium of his high descent. All this must strengthen and
confirm her passion. Now their union may be left to fate."

By the contrivance of Kamandaki, a second interview between the lovers
takes place in the public garden of the temple of _Sankara_. Malati is
persuaded that the god _Sankara_ is to be propitiated with offerings of
flowers gathered by one's self. Whilst she is collecting her oblation
she and Madhava meet as if by accident.

At this moment, a great tumult and terrific screams announce that a
tremendous tiger has escaped from an iron cage in the temple of Siva,
spreading destruction everywhere. Instantly, Nandana's youthful sister,
Madayantika happens to be passing, and is attacked by the tiger and is
r