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
family, affectionate and skilfull; let her therefore, string the nuptial garland.
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