Svapnavasavadattam - The Svapnavāsavadattam Act-III

ACT- III

[Palace Garden]

(Enter Vasavadatta, deep in thought)

VASAVADATTA — Having left PadmavatT in the quadrangle of the inner chambers full of the bustle of the marriage festivities, I have come here to the ladies garden. Now I shall console my grief brought upon me by fate. (Walking about) Oh! What a great calamity! Even my husband as he is belongs to another. I will sit down. (Sitting down) Blessed is the Chakravaka female that does not live when separated (from her mate). I do not indeed abandon my life; but in the fond hope that I may see my husband live, unfortunate that I am.

(Enter a Maid with flowers in her hand)

MAID — Where can the revered Avantika have gone? (Walking about, and looking on) Oh, here she is seated on the stone-slab under the Priyangu creeper, with her heart vacant on account of thought, wearing an unadorned dress like the crescent of the moon dimmed by mist. I will just approach her. (Approaching) Revered Avantika, for how long a time I have been looking out for you.

VASAVADATTA — For what purpose?

MAID — Our queen says - her ladyship has sprung from a noble

VASAVADATTA — For whom am Ito string it?

MAID — For our princess.

VASAVADATTA — (Aside) Must I do even this? Oh pitiless, in­deed, are the gods.

MAID — Lady, pray do not think of any other thing now. Here is the son-in-law bathing on the jeweled floor. Your ladyship should string it quickly.

VASAVADATTA — (Aside) I can think of nothing else. (Aloud) Friend, have you seen the son-in-law?

MAID — Yes, I have seen him. That was through affection for the princess and my own curiosity.

VASAVADATTA— How does the son-in-law look?

MAID — Oh, lady, I tell you, I never saw anyone like him!

VASAVADATTA — Friend, tell me, tell me, is he handsome? MAID — One might say the God of Love himself, without the

bow and arrows.

VASAVADATTA — That is enough.

MAID — Why do you stop me?

VASAVADATTA— It is improper to hear the description of anoth­er's husband.

MAID — Then lady, please string the garland quickly as you

can.

VASAVADATTA — I shall string it. Give me the flowers. MAID — May your ladyship take these.

VASAVADATTA — (Turns out the flowers from the basket and examines them) What is the name of this plant?

MAID — It is called "one that wards off widowhood". VASAVADATTA— (Aside) This must be woven in plenty; both for

me and for Padmavati. (Aloud) What do you call this plant? MAID — Oh. That is called "Vanquisher of the co-wife" VASAVADATTA— This must not be woven.

MAID — Why not?

VASAVADATTA — Because his (first) wife is dead; so it is useless.

(Enter another maid)

SECOND MAID — Your ladyship, make haste, Make haste! Here is the son-in-law being conducted into the inner quadrangle by ladies having their husbands living.

VASAVADATTA — My girl, I say take this.

FIRST MAID — How beautiful! Lady, I must be off.

(Exeunt the two maids)

VASAVADATTA — She is gone. Oh the calamity! Even my hus­band (now) belongs to another. Alas! I'll go to bed; it may soothe my pain, if I can sleep.

(Exit)

End of the Third Act