प्रियदर्शिका नाटिका (सम्राट हर्षवर्धन - चतुरङ्क शास्त्रीय नाटिका सान्वय सटीक)

कञ्चुकी—विजयसेने अवितथमेतत् । पश्य ।
सुखनिर्भरॊऽन्यथापि स्वामिनमवलोक्य भवति भृत्यजनः ।
किं पुनरखिलविघटननिर्व्यूढप्रभुनियोगभरः ॥ ६ ॥
उभौ—( उपसृत्य ।) जयतु जयतु स्वामी ।
( राजा उभावपि परिष्वजते । )
कञ्चुकी—देव दिष्ट्या वर्धसे ।
हत्वा कलिङ्गहतकं दृढमस्त्स्वामी निवेशितो राज्ये ।
देवस्य समादेशो निर्व्यूढो विजयसेनेन ॥ ७ ॥
वासवदत्ता—अयि भगवति अभिजानास्येतं कञ्चुकिनम् ।
( अइ भयवइ अभिजाणासि एदं कञ्चुइ । )
साङ्कृत्यायनी—कथं नाभिजानामि । ननु स एष यस्य हस्ते
मातृष्वस्रा ते पत्रिश्र्मनुप्रेषितवती ।
राजा—साधु विजयसेनेन महाव्यापारोऽनुष्ठितः ।
( विजयसेन पादयो पतति । )
राजा—देवि दिष्ट्या वर्धसे । प्रतिष्ठितो राज्ये दृढवर्मा ।
वासवदत्ता—( सहर्षम् ।) अनुगृहीतास्मि । ( अणुगहिदम्हि । )
विदूषकः—ईदृशेऽभ्युदयेऽस्मिनानुकूल एतत्करणीयम् । ( राजानं
निर्दिश्य वीणावादन नाटयन् । ) गुरुपूजा । ( आत्मना यज्ञोपवीतं दर्शयन् । )
ब्राह्मणस्य सत्कारः । ( आरण्यिकां सूचयन् । ) सर्वबन्धनमोक्ष इति ।
( ईरिसे अब्भुदए अस्मिं राअउले एदं करणिज्जं । गुरुपूजा । बह्मणस्स सक्कारो ।
सव्वबधणमोक्खोत्ति । )
राजा—( वासवदत्तामवलोक्य छोटिकां ददत् ।) साधु वयस्य साधु ।
अवितथं तथ्यम् । सुखेति । अन्यथापि मदप्रभुकार्यकरणमन्तरेपि
स्वामिनमवलोक्य भृत्यजनः सुखेन निर्भर नितरां पूर्णो भवति । किं पुन अखिलस्य
विघटननेन वमनेनेति यावत् निर्व्यूढः साध्यत्वान्नीतः प्रभोर्नियोगस्य निर्दिष्टकार्यस्य भारो येन
सः । सुखनिर्भरो भवेदिति वक्तव्यमित्यर्थः ॥ ६ ॥ हत्वेति । विजयसेनेन कलिङ्गहतकं
हत्वा अस्मत्स्वामी राज्ये निवेशितः प्रतिष्ठापितो हि। देवस्य समादश निर्व्यूढः सम्पादितः
ननु ॥ ७ ॥ अभ्युदये इत्यत्रागादीनोपारेक्षायाम् । गुरुपूजा इत्यर्थिनिरदनम् सत्कारः ।
छोटिकां अङ्गुष्ठमध्यमयोगेनिति गन्धव्यजन्यो ध्वनिविशेषः ।
१ एतन्नास्ति पुस्तकान्तरे २ सोऽहम् अस्मत्स्वामिति निवेशिते ३ दृशाऽऽश्वास्य पत्र
इत्यादिप्रमादिना ४ काष्ठ०-पुस्तके ५ महा० ६ प्रख्यातं जयतु आवुत्त (रेषु अन्य
वुत्तो) इत्याधिक पुस्तकान्तरे

विदूषकः—भवति कथं त्वं न किमप्यत्र समादिशसि । ( होदि
कहं तुमं ण किं वि एत्थ समादिससि । )
वासवदत्ता—( साङ्कृत्यायनीमवलोक्य सस्मितम् । ) मोचिता खलु
हताशेनारण्यिका । ( मोहिदा क्खु हदसेण आरण्णिआ । )
साङ्कृत्यायनी—किं वा तपस्विन्यानया बद्धया ।
वासवदत्ता—यथा भगवत्यै रोचते । ( जह भअवदीए रोअदि । )
साङ्कृत्यायनी—यद्येवमहमेवं गत्वा तां मोचयिष्यामि ।
( इति निष्क्रान्ता । )
कञ्चुकी—इदमपरं संदिष्टं महाराजेन दृढवर्मणा । त्वत्प्रसादा-
त्सर्वमेव यथाभिलषितं संपन्नम् । तदेते प्राणास्त्वदीयाः । यथेष्टमिमान्वि-
नियोक्तुं त्वमेव प्रमाणमिति ।
( राजा सलज्जमधोमुखस्तिष्ठति । )
विजयसेनः—देव न शक्यमेव देवं प्रति प्रीतिविशेषं दृढव-
र्मणः कथयितुम् ।
कञ्चुकी—यद्यपि तुभ्यं प्रतिपादितायाः प्रियदर्शिकाया अस्मद्दु-
हितुः परिभ्रंशात्न मे संबन्धो जात इति दुःखमासीत्तथापि वासवदत्तायाः
परिणेत्रापि त्वया तदपनीतमेव ।
वासवदत्ता—( सास्त्रम् । ) आर्य कञ्चुकिन् कथं मे भगिनी
परिभ्रष्टा । ( अज्ज कञ्चुइ कहं मे भइणी परिब्भट्ठा । )
कञ्चुकी—राजपुत्रि तस्मिन्कलिङ्गहतकावस्कन्दे विद्रुतेष्वितस्त-
तोऽन्तःपुरजनेषु दिष्ट्या दृष्टामिदानीं न युक्तमत्र स्थातुमिति तामहं
गृहीत्वा वत्सराजान्तिकं प्रस्थितः । ततः संचिन्त्य तां विन्ध्यकेतोर्हस्ते
निक्षिप्य निर्गतोऽस्मि । यावत्प्रतीपमागच्छामि तावत्कैरपि तत्स्थानं सह
विन्ध्यकेतुना स्मर्तव्यतां नीतम् ।
प्रतिपादितायाः संकल्पितायाः । परिभ्रंशात्स्वहस्तस्खलनाद्विनाशाद्वा । कलिङ्गहतक-
स्यावस्कन्दः अभिभवः तस्मिन् । दिष्ट्या सुदैवात् । संचिन्त्य कार्यगुरुतां विचार्य ।
प्रतीपमागच्छामि परावृत्तामि ।
१ मेव तामहम्मोचयिष्यामि, २ शक्यन्ते ॰प्रीतिविशेष॰.

९४ प्रियदर्शिकायां
राजा—( सस्मितम् । ) विजयसेन किं कथयसि ।
कञ्चुकी—सर्वत्र चान्विष्यता मया न प्राप्ता । तदाप्रभृति नाद्यापि
विज्ञायते क्व वर्तत इति ।
( प्रविश्य मनोरमा । )
मनोरमा—भट्टिनि प्राणसंशये वर्तते सा तपस्विनी । ( भट्ठिणी
पाणसंसाए वट्टइ सा तवस्सिणी । )
वासवदत्ता—( साशङ्कम् । ) किं पुनस्त्वं प्रियदर्शनावृत्तान्तं जानासि ।
( किं उन तुमं पिअदंसणाउत्तन्तं जाणासि । )
मनोरमा—न खल्वहं प्रियदर्शनावृत्तान्तं जानामि । एषा खल्वा-
रण्यिका कल्प्यव्यपदेशेनानीतं विषं पीत्वा प्राणसंशये वर्तत इत्येवं मया
निवेदितम् । तत्परित्रायतां भट्टिनी । ( रुदती पादयोः पतति । ) ( ण हु अहं
पिअदंसणाउत्तन्तं जाणामि । एसा क्खु आरण्णिआ कल्लव्ववदेसेण आणीदं विसं पाउअ
पाणसंसाए वट्टदित्ति एवं मए णिवेदितं । ता परित्ताअदु भट्ठिणी । )
वासवदत्ता—( स्वगतम् । ) हा धिक् हा धिक् । प्रियदर्शनादुःख-
मपि मेऽन्तरितमारण्यिकावृत्तान्तेन । अतिदुर्मनः खलु लोकः । कदाचिन्मा-
मन्यथा संभावयिष्यति । तदेतदत्र युक्तम् । ( प्रकाशं ससंभ्रमम् । ) मनोरमे
लघ्विहैवानय ताम् । नागलोकाद्गृहीतविषविद्य आर्यपुत्रोऽत्र कुशलः ।
( हद्धि हद्धि । पिअदंसणादुक्खं वि मे अन्तरिदं आरण्णिआउत्तन्तेण । अदिदुम्मणो क्खु
लोओ । कदाइ मं अण्णहा संभावइस्यदि । ता एदं एत्थ जुत्तं । मनोरमे लहु इह
एव्व आणेहि तं । णागलोआदो गहिदविसविज्जो अज्जउत्तो एत्थ कुसलो । )
( निष्क्रान्ता मनोरमा । तत प्रविशति मनोरमया धृता
तीव्रविषवेगमात्मानं नाटयन्त्यारण्यिका । )
आरण्यिका—हला मनोरमे कस्मादिदानीं मामन्धकारं प्रवेशयसि ।
( हला मणोरमे कीस दाणि मं अन्धआरं पवेसेसि । )
मनोरमा—( सविषादम् । ) हा धिक् हा धिक् । दृष्टिरेप्यस्याः
संक्रान्ता विषेणैव । ( वासवदत्तां दृष्ट्वा । ) भट्टिनि लघु परित्रायस्व लघु
प्रियदर्शना प्रियदर्शिका । मनोरमावाक्ये सा तपस्विनी इत्यत्र सेत्यनेन कञ्चुकिप्रोक्ता
राजकन्येव परामृष्टा इति मन्यमानाया उक्तिरियम् । कल्प्यव्यपदेशेन कल्प्ये प्रातराशे तस्य
व्यपदेशेन विषेण यद्वा कल्प्या इति संस्कृतं तत्र कल्प्या मद्यम् । कल्यं प्रभाते हरीये
स्यात्... । उपायवचनेऽपि स्यात्रिषु मद्येतु योषिति । इति मेदिनी । अन्यथा संभाव-
यिष्यति अनयैव तस्यै विषं दत्तमिति तर्कयेत् ।
१ ततः २ ततः प्रविशति म०, ३ ०न्ता. ४ एतन्नास्ति क्वचित्, ५ दृष्टिरेवो आत्मानं
( दिट्टिएंवे अत्तन्नं )

or similar conjunct, then म्.
If we transcribe what is printed: (अदिष्टत्वम् ।) or (अविदितम् ।). Let's look at (अविदितम् ।):
Does letter 2 have ि? Yes, the curve goes up to the left.
Does letter 3 have ि? Yes, look at the second curve going up to the left!
Wait! There are TWO ि matras!
Look at line 24:
First letter: अ
Second letter has an ि matra on the left.
Third letter ALSO has an ि matra on the left!
Wait! Two ि matras?
Let's see: अ वि दि त म्!
Yes! अ + वि (has ि-matra) + दि (has ि-matra) + त + म्!
Wait, but why does it look a bit like ण्ण?
Wait, in line 22: किं दे बोधोत्ति - त्ति has that shape.
Wait, could it be Prakrit?
(अविदितम् ।) in Sanskrit has:
अ - वि (ि) - दि (ि) - त - म्.
Wait, look at letter 4: is it त?
Yes, it looks just like त in `तपस्वि

राजा— (सास्त्रम् ।)
एषा मीलयतीदमीक्षणयुगं जाता ममान्धा दिशः
कण्ठोऽस्याः प्रतिरुध्यते मम गिरो निर्यान्ति कृच्छ्रादिमाः ।
एतस्याः श्वसितं हृतं मम तनुर्निच्चेष्टतामागता
मन्येऽस्या विषवेग एष हि परं सर्वं तु दुःखं मम ॥ ९ ॥
वासवदत्ता—(सास्रम्) प्रियदर्शने उत्तिष्ठोत्तिष्ठ । पश्यैष
महाराजस्तिष्ठति । कथं वेदनाप्यस्या नष्टा । किमिदानीं मयापराद्धम-
जानत्या येन कुपिता नाल्लपसि । तत्प्रसीद प्रसीद । उत्तिष्ठोत्तिष्ठ । न
खलु पुनरपरात्स्यामि । (ऊर्ध्वमवलोक्य ।) हा दैवहतक । किमिदानीं
मयापकृतं येनैतदवस्थां गता मे भगिन्योदर्शिता । (प्रियदर्शिकाया उपरि
पतति ।) पिअदंसणे उट्ठेहि उट्ठेहि । पेक्ख एसो महाराओ चिट्ठइ । कहं वेदणा वि
से णट्ठा । किं दाणिं मए अवरद्धं अजाणन्तीए जेण कुविदा णालवसि । ता पसीद
पसीद । उट्ठेहि उट्ठेहि । ण हु पुणो अवरज्झिस्सं । हा देव्हदअ किं दाणिं मए अव-
किदं जेण एदावत्थं गदा मे भइणी आदंसिदा ।)
विदूषकः—भो वयस्य कथं त्वं मूढ इव तिष्ठसि । नैष विषा-
दस्य कालः । विषमा खलु गतिर्विषस्य । तद्दर्शयात्मनो विद्याप्रभावम् ।
(भो वअस्स कहं तुमं मूढोविअ चिट्ठसि । ण एसो विसादस्स कालो । विसमा क्खु गई
विसस्स । ता दंसेहि अप्पणो विज्जापहावं ।)
राजा—सत्यमेवैतत् । (प्रियदर्शिकामवलोक्य ।) मूढ एवाहमैतावतीं
वेलाम् । तदहमेनां जीवयामि । सलिलं सलिलम् ।
विदूषकः—(निष्क्रम्य पुनः प्रविश्य ।) भोः एतत्सलिलम् । (भो ।
एदं सलिलम् ।
(राज्ञोऽभ्युक्ष्य प्रियदर्शनाया उपरि हस्तं निधाय मन्त्रस्मरणं
नाटयति । प्रियदर्शिका शनैरुत्तिष्ठति ।)
वासवदत्ता—आर्यपुत्र दिष्ट्या प्रत्युज्जीविता मे भगिनी ।
(अज्जउत्त दिट्ठिआ पच्चुज्जीविदा मे भइणी ।)
वसन्ततिलकं वृत्तम् ॥ ८ ॥ एषेति । एषा प्रियदर्शिका विगात्राम्या ईक्षणयुगं
मीलयति । दिशो मम अन्धा जाताः । अस्या कण्ठः प्रतिरुध्यते स्तम्भो निरुध्यते इमा मम
गिरः शब्दाः कृच्छ्रादिर्यान्ति । एतस्या श्वसितं हृतं मम तनुर्निच्चेष्टा निष्व्यापारा-
मागता । अतः अस्या विषवेग एव मन्ये परं गरि तु दुःखं विषवेगजा पीडा मम ।
असङ्गतिरलंकारः । शार्दूल वृत्तम् ॥ ९ ॥
१ इत. २ मवि. ३ र्मा (म) नाल. ४ स्पर०. ५ भगिनीं जियदर्शना.

Here is the complete, line-by-line transcription of the page into Unicode Devanagari:

चतुर्थोऽङ्कः । ५७
विजयसेनः—अहो देवस्य विद्याप्रभावः ।
कञ्चुकी—अहो सर्वत्राप्रतिहता नरेन्द्रता देवस्य ।
प्रियदर्शिका—( शनैरुत्थायोपविश्य च जृम्भिकां नाटयन्ती सविषादमस्व-
स्थम् १) मनोरमे चिरं खलु सुप्तास्मि । ( मणोरमे चिरं खु सुत्ताम्हि । )
विदूषकः—भो वयस्य निर्व्यूढं ते वैद्यत्वम् । ( भो वयस्स णिव्वूढं
दे वेदित्तणं । )
( प्रियदर्शिका साभिलाषं राजानं निरूप्य सलज्जं किंचिदधोमुखी तिष्ठति । )
वासवदत्ता—( सहर्षम् ) आर्यपुत्र किमिदानीमप्येषाऽन्यथैव करोति ।
( अज्जउत्त । किं दाणि वि ऐसा अण्णेहञ्च करेदि । )
राजा—( सस्मितम् । )
स्वभावस्था दृष्टिर्न भवति गिरो नातिविशदा-
स्तनुः सीदत्येषा

५८ प्रियदर्शिकायां
विदूषकः—भवति त्वं भगिनीं गृहीत्वा कण्ठे एवं परितुष्यसि !
वैद्यस्य पारितोषिकं विस्मृतम् । ( होदि तुमं भइणिं गेण्हिअ कण्ठे एवं परितु-
स्ससि । वोदिअस्स पारिदोसिअं विसुमरिदं । )
वासवदत्ता—वसन्तक न विस्मृतम् । ( वसन्तअ ण विसुमरिदं । )
विदूषकः—( राजानं निर्दिश्य सस्मितम् । ) वैद्य प्रसारय हस्तम् ।
भगिन्या अग्रहस्तं ते पारितोषिकं दापयिष्यामि । ( बोदिअ पसारेहि हत्थं ।
भइणीए अग्गहत्थं दे पारिदोसिअं दाविस्सं । )
( राजा हस्तं प्रसारयति । )
( वासवदत्ता प्रियदर्शिकासहस्तमर्पयति । )
राजा—( हस्तमुपसंहृत्य । ) किमनया । संप्रत्येव कथमपि प्रसादितासि ।
वासवदत्ता—कस्त्वमग्रहीतुम् । प्रथममेव तातेनेयं दत्ता । ( को
तुमं अग्गहिदुं । पुढमं एव्व तादेण इअं दिण्णा । )
विदूषकः—भो माननीया खलु देवी । मास्याः प्रतिकूलं कुरु ।
( भो माणणीआ खलु देवी । मा से पडिऊलं करेहि । )
( वासवदत्ता राज्ञो हस्तं बलादाकृष्य प्रियदर्शिकामर्पयति । )
राजा—( सस्मितम् । ) देवी प्रभवति । कुतोऽस्माकमन्यथा कर्तुं विभवः ।
वासवदत्ता—आर्यपुत्र अतोऽपि परं किं ते प्रियं क्रियताम् ।
( अज्जउत्त अदो वि परं किं दे पिअं करीअदु । )
राजा—किमतःपरं प्रियम् । पश्य ।
निःशेषं दृढवर्मणा पुनरपि स्वं राज्यमध्यासितं
त्वं कोपेन सुदूरमप्यपहृता सद्यः प्रसन्ना मम ।
जीवन्ती प्रियदर्शना च भगिनी भूयस्त्वया सङ्गता
किं तत्स्यादपरं प्रियं प्रियतमे यत्साम्प्रतं प्रार्थ्यते ॥ ११ ॥
स्यादन्य सम्भिक्तासि । विभवः सामर्थ्यम् । निःशेषमिति । दृढवर्मणा पुनरपि
निःशेषं स्वराज्यमध्यासितमधिष्ठितम् । कोपेन सुदूरमपहृता त्वमपि सद्यो मम प्रसन्ना ।
प्रियदर्शना भगिनी जीवन्ती सती त्वया भूयः पुनरपि सङ्गता । अतः हे प्रियतमे किं
१ वेज्जस्स २ परिदोष्य. ३ ऽङ्ग स्यात्.

TRANSLATION.
—————
ACT I.
———
I May Gaurî be propitious unto you; she, who at her
marriage rite had her sight troubled by the smoke (of the
nuptial fire), but again whose eyes were gladdened
by the rays of the moon (on Śiva's head); who looking
with longing at the bride-groom, had again her face
hung down through Brahma's shame; who was full of
jealousy at (when she beheld) Hara, reflected into
the mirror of the moon-like nails of her feet, bearing
Gaṅgâ; and whose hair stood on end at his touch
(as he seized her hand)!
Moreover, may Śiva, who—though angry as the mount
Kailâsa, being upheaved, quaked, when the ganas
had their amazment rising, when Kumâra (Kâ'rtikeya)
was lurking under the lap of his mother, when the
serpent (on the body of Śiva) was looking about with
rage, and when the ten-headed one (Râ'vana) with his
body groaning under the firm planting of his foot (to
press down the mountain) was sinking to the depth
of Pâtâla—was yet delighted at being closely embraced
through fear by Umâ, protect us!!
(At the end of the Benediction)
STAGE-MANAGER—(After walking round) To-day, at
the spring-festival, I being very respectfully called, have
been thus addressed by the multitude of kings, dependent
on the lotus feet of the illustrious king Sriharsha, and
here arrived from the regions in different directions—
“We have heard it, coming from ear to ear, that our
master, Śri Harshadeva, has composed a Nâtikà, Priyadar-
sikâ by name, graced with a novel arrangement of plot.
But we have not seen it staged. Out of great deference,
therefore, to that very king, the delighter of the hearts
of all people, and with a disposition on your part to
favour us, you should represent the same with proper

pp. 3-4. 2 [ Act I.
performance'. I will, therefore, in the first place
arrange the costumes ( or the tiring room ) and then
do as desired. (Looking around) I am quite convinced
that the minds of the spectators have been won over
(or favorably disposed ). For,
Śrī Harsha is a skilled poet; and this assembly too
is appreciative of merits; the story of king Vatsarāja
is attractive ( popular ) in the world; and we, on our part,
are expert in acting : each one of these circumstances
is, by itself, the source of the attainment of the desired
object; how much more so must then be this combi-
nation of all excellences that has come about through
the greatness ( lit. increase ) of my good luck !
(Looking towards the tiring room).
Ah, how now ! When I was just about to begin the
prologue, my brother, having known my intention, has
assumed the part of the chamberlain of Drdhavarman,
king of Angas, and is coming hitherwards. I will also
then put on the costume of the character to enter next.
[ Exit ].
End of the INDUCTION.
ACT I.
(Enter the Chamberlain)
CHAMB.-(Gesticulating fatigue accompanied by sorrow,
and sighing)
Alas ! Oh, pity !
The king's misfortune; grief caused by separation
from my kinsfolk; exile from the country; and the
fatigue of a difficult journey—thus is tasted by me
this fruit of my longevity of life, that has been bitter
and fruitless. (4).
(With sorrow and amazement ). That such a disaster
should have been brought over even such a one as
king Drdhavarman, whose three regal powers were
unobstructed, and who was a peer of Raghu, Dilīpa and

Act I. ] 3 pp. 4-5.
Nala, with a sudden attack, by the cursed king of the
Kalingas, who had cherished a feeling of resentment
at the thought that he had betrothed (promised) his
daughter to Vatsarāja, although solicited for himself
by him, and who found an opportunity (lit. a weak point)
in that king Vatsa did not return till then from captivity
—this, to tell the truth—I do not believe though it has
come to pass. How is it that fate has been exceedingly
cruel and thus disposed (adverse) towards us! For,
that princess I bore away from the tumult of the
assault of that sort and terrible like the destruction
time of the world and placed in the house of the forest-
king, Vindhyaketu, connected with a friendly bond
with king Dṛḍhavarman, thinking that I might some
how take her to king Vatsa and thereby free my master
from his obligation (lit. debt of promise). But when
I had gone to Agastya's holy pool to bathe, as it was
not far off, some people fell upon Vindhyaketu in an
instant, slew him, and depopulating the place like
demons, burnt it; and it is not known in what plight
the princess too now is. The whole place was carefully
searched by me; but I did not find out whether she was
carried off by those marauders or burnt by them.
So what am I, luckless one, to do! (Reflecting)
Ah! I have heard that Vatsarāja has escaped from
imprisonment and returned to Kauśāmbī, carrying off
with him Pradoyata's daughter. What! shall I go just
there then? (Sighing and observing his own condition.)
But what sort of thing shall I say, going there without
the princess? Ah! Vindhyaketu had said to me to-day
—"Don't you fear. His honour, the great king
Dṛḍhavarmā, is alive; and is in captivity greatly dis-
abled by severe wounds. I will, therefore, go to my
master and make the remaining part of my life blissful
(lit. fruitful) by serving his feet. (Going about and
looking up). Oh the extreme rigour of the autumnal
sun! since it is fonud to be extremely severe even by me
heated as I am by many afflictions.
This sun that is freed from the screen (lit. bond) of
clouds and has reached Libra after occupying Virgo, is

pp 5-6 4 [ Act I.
indeed, blazing fiercely, having regained his efful-
gence, as Vatsarāja, freed from close imprisonment is
shining pre-eminently, having attained eminence after
securing the princess and regained his own abode (i e.
capital or power). (5) (Exit)
End of the Vishkambhaka.
――――――
(Enter the KING and VIDÛSHAKA)
KING—The constancy (lit. the being unaffected) of my
servants was known, the talent of ministers was witnessed,
even friends were observed (as regards their sincerity), the
affection (loyalty) of the townsmen was realised all
the more, the passion for adventures in battle was
quite satisfied, and the jewel of women was obtained
what, indeed, have I not obtained from captivity, as
from piety practised without hypocrisy (sincerely)? (6)
VIDU.—(With displeasure) O friend, how do you
praise that whore's son, cursed Captivity? And that
is forgotten now, viz.—How you, like a newly
captured lordly elephant, with feet (steps) stumbling
on account of the shackles of clanking iron chains,
with the burning of the heart indicated by the pale
lotus like face (the dry tip of the trunk ), with eyes
up-raised and steady owing to the force of rage, and
with the path along the ground cleared with the huge
hands (torn up with the huge trunk), did not get the
comfort of sleep even during the nights.
KING—Vasantaka, you are, indeed, a wicked man.
Mark—
You saw the prison gloomy with darkness but
not the splendour of her moon-like face, you felt pain
at the clank of the chains, but heard not her sweet
accents the cruel prison guards are present to your
mind to-day and not her loving side glances you
behold the faults of confinement but not the merits of
Pradyota's daughter. (7)
VIDÛ—(With an air of pride) If at all confinement
brings in its train happiness, why do you then fasten

Act I. ] 5 pp. 7-8.
your wrath upon the Kalinga-King for having taken
Drdhavarman a captive ?
KING—(Smiling;) Fie upon you, fool! Every [one is
not Vatsarāja who can escape in this way from prison
taking a Vāsavadattá with him. So let this matter
(lit-topic) be dropped. It is many days since
Vijayasena was sent against Vindhyaketu. And no one
has come (brought tidings, ) from him till now. Let
therefore, the minister Rumanwan be called at once.
I wish to say something to him.
(Having entered—)
The Portress—Victory, victory, to Your Majesty !
Here are arrived at the door-region Vijayasena and
the minister, Rumaṇvat.
KING—Quickly usher them in.
POR.—As Your Majesty commands !
[Enter RUMANVAT and VIJAYASENA.]
RUMA.—(Musing.)
Although gone out the very moment, servants
generally enter a royal palace, full of apprehension,
as if they were guilty, even though without guilt. (8)
(Approaching) Prosperity to Sire ?
KING—(Pointing to a seat) Rumaṇvat, be seated here.
RUMAN.—(Sitting down, with a smile). Here is
Vijayasena, the conqueror of Vindhyaketu, bowing
(to you).
VIJA.—(does accordingly.)
KING.—(Embracing him graciously.) Is Your Honour
well ?
VIJA.—(I am) to-day by Sire's favour.
KING—Vijayasena, please be seated (VIJAYA. sits
down).
KING—Vijayasena, tell Vindhyaketu's acount.
VIJA—Sire, what more can I tell ? It is as it should
be when Sire is angry.
KING—Still I wish to hear it in detail.

pp 8-9 6 [ Act I.
VIJA.—May Your Majesty hear—Starting from here
according to Your Majesty's order, with an army of
elephants, cavalry and infantry, as directed, we traversed
the road though long in three days, and unexpectedly
fell upon Vindhyaketu at the time of day-break
KING —Then, then ?
VIJA —Then roused by hearing the tumultuous din
of our forces, he, Vindhyaketu, too, rushed out like a
lion from a cave of the Vindhya mountain and without
waiting for (the mastering of) his army and conveyances
and having a few followers that happened to be at
hand, proceeded at once to engage us, proclaiming his
name
KING—( Looking at RUMANVAT with a smile ) That
was creditably done by Vindhyaketu What then ?
VIJA.—Then when his companions were killed to a
man in a fierce onslaught by us, whose envy and
energy were doubled at the thought—‘Here is he, ’ he,
with the fury of his anger and strength enhanced by
the crushing blow, fought in a still fiercer manner
KING—Bravo, Vindhyaketu ! Excellent, excellent !
VIJAYA—What description can be given, Sire ! I
will tell in brief—
Having first of all, himself fighting on foot, crushed
the foot-soldiers by merely striking them hard with
his chest, and dispersed the terrified cavalry like a
herd of deer in the quarters with volleys of arrows
from afar, he discharged on all sides the whole stock
of his weapons and then quickly unsheathing his
sword, proceeded to enjoy the sport of cutting off
the plantain grove of the mass of elephants' trunks (9).
Making havoc, single-handed, in this way in our three-
fold army, with his towering shoulders covered with the
rays of his sword, Vindhyaketu, with his broad chest
shattered by hundreds of weapons, and exhausted after
a long time, was slain in the battle (10)
KING—Rumanvan, to tell the truth we are quite
put to shame by the death of Vindhyaketu, following
the path proper for worthy ( i e brave ) persons

Act I. ] 7 pp. 9–10.
RUMAN.—Sire, even the merits of an enemy produce
joy in persons of your type who side with virtues alone.
KING—Vijayasena, has Vindhyaketu a child, whereon
I may bestow ( lit. show ) the fruit of gratification ?
VIJAYA.—Sire, about this too I will tell you. When
Vindhyaketu had been thus slain with his kinsmen and
followers, and his wives followed him in death, when
the country people had taken shelter on the peaks of
the Vindhya mountains and the place had been desolate,
there was a maiden in Vindhyaketu's house whose
beauty was in keeping with her high birth and who was
uttering the piteous lament—oh father, oh mother! She
is brought here by us being taken to be his daughter,
and she is waiting at the door. Your Majesty is
to decide with regard to her ( i. e. as to how she is to-
be dealt with).
KING.—Yas'odharā, go yourself and deliver her over-
to Vāsavadattā and say to the Queen—She should be
always looked upon by you in the light of a sister and
should be taught everything proper for a maiden of
high birth, singing, dancing, playing upon instruments
and other accomplishments. And when she becomes
fit for being given away in marriage, you should
remind me.
PORTRESS—As Your Majesty commands.
( Behind the curtain—A BARD ).
By the breasts, gleaming with their beauty disclosed
owing to the garments slipping down through exertion
of the multitude of courtezans in the harem, getting
ready the auspicious articles and cosmetics necessary
for your pleasure-bath, your bathing room is adorned
(as if) with other kinds of raised golden pots (11).
KING—( Looking upwards ) Ah! how now! The divine
sun is occupying mid-heaven.' For now;
The water of the ponds (in the gardens) appears
to be boiling as it were with the heat of the rays of
the sun on account of the leapings of the Śafaras;
the peacock spreads out his tail looking like an

pp 11-12 8 [ Act II.
umbrella, though drooping from his sportive dance,
the fawn covetous of the water in the basins seeks
the circle of shades of the trees ; and the bee, having at
once left the cheek of the elephant, lurks (lit. enters)
under the lobe of his ear. ( 12 )
Rumanvan, get up, do get up. Having just entered
the inner apartment and performed the usual rites, we
will honour Vijayasena and dispatch him for annihila-
ting the king of Kalinga.
[Exeunt Omnes.]
END OF ACT I
——————
ACT II
——————
(Enter VIDUSHAKA).
Indīvarikā has, indeed, said to me—Noble Sir, Queen
Vāsavadattā, who has been observing the vow of a fast,
might call you to receive the Svastivāchana. I will,
therefore, bathe in the pond attached to the shower-
house and having gone into the presence of the Queen
will utter something in the manner of a cock (i. e.
in a gradually raised voice). Otherwise, how are
Brāhmanas like us to accept a donation in the royal
palace? (Looking towards the tiring room) Ah! Here
my dear friend has started to go to the very showerhouse-
garden to dispel the longing caused by the queen's
separation. So I will go with my friend himself and
do as (I said.).
(Enter the love-sick KING)
My mind yearns, to-day, to see that beloved of mine
who is emaciated, who wears only the auspicious
ornaments, who speaks slowly and with effort, who
subdues the beauty of the morning moon by her face
having a palish hue, and who is full of longing owing
to the observance of the rules of her fast, as if she
were in the condition produced by first love. (1)

Act II. ] 9 pp. 12–13.
VIDU.—(Approaching) Hail to your Honour! May
you prosper!
KING.—(Looking at him) Vasantaka, for what do you
appear to be delighted!
VIDU.—Because the Queen is going to honour a
Brāhmaṇa.
KING.—If so, how does it benefit you?
VIDU.—(With pride) Oh, such a Brāhmaṇa, indeed, that
I get the Svastivāchana-present first from the Queen in
the palace crowded with thousands of Brāhmaṇas, vers-
ed in four, five or even six Vedas.
KING.—(Laughing) Your Brāhmaṇaship (Vedic scho-
larship) is shown by the number of the Vedas (mention-
ed by you). Come then, great Brāhmaṇa. To the
shower-house garden itself we go now.
VIDU.—As your Majesty commands.
KING.—Lead the way.
VIDU.—Come, oh! Let us go. (Walking round and
looking on) O friend, see, the loveliness of the shower-
house-garden, the surface of the stone-slab in which is
soft on account of the various kinds of flowers ceaseless-
ly falling upon it, wherein the bunches of the Bakula
and the Jasmine flowers are broken by the weight of the
bees buried in the fragrance, where the cups of the
Bandhūka flowers are opened by the breezes richly
charged with the perfume of lotuses, and where the light
of the sun is obscured by the dense tamāla trees.
KING.—Friend, you have well described it. For, here,
By the stems of the Śephalikā flowers (scattered
about) the ground appears as if covered with small bits
of corals; the scent of the Saptachhada flowers at once
gives rise to the false idea of its being the odour of the
rut of elephants; and these bees here, having the colour
of their bodies tawny with (or having the tawny un-
guents of) the thick mass of pollen dropped from the
expanded lotuses, and intoxicated with the drafts of
liquor (honey), are humming something in indistinct
accents. (3).

pp 13-15 10 [ Act II
VIDU.—O friend! look, look at this too—this Saptaparna
tree here, the mass of the flowers of which is unceas-
ingly falling and which, therefore still looks as if it has
the drops of water falling through the interstices of its
leaves at the close of the rainy season ( or at the end of
a shower )
KING—Friend, happily observed There is much
that is like the rainy season (yet) For
Bearing softness ( of surface ) by the meadows which
rob ( possess or surpass) the beauty of the Śirīsha
flowers, and therefore having at once a pavement made
with the washed pieces ( or powder) of emerald the
ground here, on account of the heaps of Bandhūka flowers
dropped from their stems, now appears as if covered
with hundreds of cochineal insects (3)
( Enter a MAID )
MAID—I am ordered by Queen Vāsavadattā—Girl
Indīvarikā, to-day I have to present an Argha (offering
of worship) to the great sage Agastya Do you go then
and come back quickly taking with you a garland of
Śephālikā flowers Let this Āraṇyikā, too quickly
gather the full blown lotuses from the pond in the
shower house garden before they are closed up by the
sun when going to set and come back The poor girl
does not know that pond So I will take her with me
and go ( Looking towards the scenes ) This way
Āraṇyikā, come this way
( Enter ĀRAṆYIKĀ )
ĀRAṆYIKĀ—(With tears and dejection, to herself) That
I, who was born in that sort of ( so high a) race in that
way and who lived commanding others should now
do the bidding of others ! So it must be said that
there is nothing difficult for fate to bring about Or rather
it is my fault, since knowing this I did not destroy my
self So what shall I do now ! Or * it is now difficult for

• The passage may also be interpreted as—Or why ? A hard
  thing I have thought of now ( viz committing suicide ) I will
  do as I said ( i. e. kill myself ) But this does not appear to be
  intended See notes

Act II ] 13 pp. 18-19]
should be reminded of that", so I will put the king in
in mind of that, so that he will be engaged in thoughts
about a husband for her.
· KING.—(With joy) This then is that daughter of
Vindhyaketu. (With regret) Long have we been foiled
(or, robbed of her sight). Friend; this is indeed, a
maiden, to look at whom is not sinful. We shall see
her now without hesitation (or freely).
A'RAN.—(Angrily stopping her ears) Go you then. I
have nothing to do with you who talk nonsense.
· (The maid-servant goes and gesticulates the collecting of
flowers.
KING.—Oh, her nobility of birth has been greatly
manifested by her firmness (of mind). Friend, blessed,
indeed, will be he who will be the object of the happiness
of the touch of her body.
( ARANYIKA' acts the collecting of lotuses ).
VIDU.—O friend, mark, mark; wonderful, wonderful!
As she plucks the lotuses, she puts into the background
the beauty of the lotus-beds by the spreading lustre of
her hand moving in the water.
KING—Friend, this is quite true. See—
Having become the object of the touch of the hand of
her, who gives delight by her glances similar to that of
(given by) a continuous shower of the drops of nectar,
and who has assumed a peculiar loveliness owing to the
slipping of her breast garment, as of the rays of the body
of the moon that gives delight with a fitting shower of
nectareous drops and that becomes peculiarly charming
owing to the veil of clouds being removed, it is wonder-
ful, indeed, that these lotuses do not become closed up
at once. (7)
A'RANY.—(Gesticulating torment from bees) Oh fie! oh
fie! These other wicked bees, greatly annoying me as
they alight on the beds of blue lotuses, after leaving
the lotus plant, torment me here. (Covering her face

pp.-19-20. 14 [ Act II.
with her upper garment, in alarm) Friend—Indīvarikā,
save me, save me. These horrid bees will, indeed, as-
sail me.
VIDU.—Oh friend, your wishes are fulfilled. Before
that daughter of a born slave comes, you too, being
silent, approach her. She, on her part, knowing
Indīvarikā to be coming from the movement of feet
indicated by the sound of water, will just cling to you.
KING.—Bravo, friend, bravo! Your advice is oppor-
tune. (He approaches ARAṆYIKĀ).
A'RANY.—(Gesticulating the hearing of the sound of foot-
steps) Indīvarikā, come to me quickly, come to me
quickly. I am harassed by these wicked bees. (Clings
to the KING).
(The KING clasps her at the neck. ĀRAṆYIKĀ, removing
her upper garment from her face and without seeing
the KING acts looking at the bees.)
KING.—(Keeping off the bees with his upper garment).
O you, give up this dispiritedness (depression of
spirits); O timid one, these bees, drawn by their liking
for perfume light on the lotus of your face; if again
with your long eyes agitated through fear you will still
diffuse the beauty of a bed of blue lotuses, how will
they leave you?
ARANY.—(Exhibiting flurry on seeing the KING). How
now! this is not Indīvarikā! (Leaving the KING and
moving aside in alarm). Indīvarikā, come quickly, come
quickly; protect me.
VIDU.—Lady, when you are protected by Vatsarāja,
able to protect the whole world, you call out for the
maid-servant, Indīvarikā?
(The KING repeats—O you, give up &c.).
A'RANY.—(Looking at the KING with longing and
bashfulness, to herself). This is the great king to whom
I was given (betrothed) by my father. In the right
place was my father's preference, indeed!

Act II.] ·15 pp. 21-22.

• MAID—A'ranyikâ is, indeed, harassed by the wicked
  bees. So I will at once approach her and comfort her.
  A'ranyikâ, fear not; here I come.
  VIDU.—Move away, O, move away. Here Indîvarikâ
  is just coming. Seeing (if she sees) this affair, she will
  inform the Queen of it. (Pointing with the finger). So
  having entered this plantain-bower we shall wait for
  a while.
  (Both do accordingly).
  MAID.—(Approaching and touching her cheeks). Friend
  A'ranyakâ, this is the fault of your face resembling a
  lotus that the bees thus come to be guilty (or, the
  offenders—i.e., torment you). (Taking her by the hand)
  Come then; let us go. The day has drawn to its close.
  (They gesticulate departure).
  A'RANY.—(Looking towards the plaintain-bower) Friend
  Indivarikâ, owing to the extreme coldness of the water
  my thighs seem to be benumbed. So slowly, slowly,
  we shall go.
  MAID.—As you say. (Exeunt both).
  VIDU.—O, come; let us issue forth. Having taken
  her with her, that slave's daughter, Indivarikâ, has gone
  away.
  KING.—(Sighing) What, gone! Friend Vasantaka, not
  indeed is the desired object gained without impediment
  by those who are not lucky. (Looking) Friend, mark,
  mark!
  The bed of lotuses, although its lotuses are closed up,
  yet being thorny (horripilated) tells, as it were, of the
  pleasure derived from the touch of her tender sprout-like
  hand. (9).
  (Sighing) Friend, what is the means now to see her
  again?
  VIDU.—Sir, having yourself broken the doll you are
  crying now; you do not act according to the words of
  me, a Brāhmaṇa.
  KING.—What did I not do!