रत्नावली नाटिका (सम्राट हर्षवर्धन - शास्त्रीय नाटिका रत्न सम्पूर्ण ४ अङ्क सान्वय सटीक)

xx RATNAVALI
under the name of Ságariká. The chamberlain and the minister
were rescued but they could not know the whereabouts of
Ságariká. They joined the army of Udayana under the general-
ship of Rumanván who was then leading an expedition against
the king of Kosala. Here the plot of the drama proper begins.
One day while Udayana accompanied by his Vidushaka was
enjoying the festival of Cupid, he was sent a message by the
Qaeen that he would have to be present in the Makaranda garden
of the Queen where the Cupid's festival was also being held.
During the visit of the King to the Makaranda garden, Vásavadattá
tried her utmost to keep Ságariká out of the sight of the King
who might be captivated by her beauty.
But Ságariká with a curiosity remained behind a tree and
looked at the festival where Cupid as well as the King were
being worshipped by the Queen. Ságariká saw the King for the
first time and was carried away by love. She also knew that he
was the person to whom she was intended to be given by her
father in marriage (कथमयं स राजा उदयनो यस्याहं तातेन दत्ता). Then the
darkness set in and the festival was closed.
Act II.
In the Interlude introduced by two maidservants we come
to know that the King was to make an experiment of untimely
blossoming upou his own Navamáliká as he was taught by one
Chandanadása. Ságariká is represented in a love-sick condition
and whiles away her time by drawing the picture of the King.
Ságariká entrusted to Susangatá her friend within the harem, the
cage of a Sáriká, the Queen's pet bird that was put in her charge
and made an open heart to her about the strong love which she
entertained for the King. In course of their conversation a
bewildering news came that a monkey had let itself loose and
was creating disturbance on all sides. Hearing this Ságariká and
Susangatá hurried away,—Ságariká leaving the portrait of the