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Málaviká sits down.
King.--My friend, come this way, let us hide behind the creeper.
Vidúshaka.--I think I see Irávati in the distance.
King.--But when he sees a cluster of lotuses, the elephant does not care for the alligator. (He stands gazing)
Málaviká.--Cease, my heart, from entertaining a baseless and extravagant wish. Why dost thou torture me?
The Vidúshaka looks at the King.
King.--My beloved, observe the beautiful nature[1] of love. Thou dost not reveal any cause of thy pining, nor is conjecture invariably to be relied upon,[2] nevertheless, beautiful one, I consider myself the theme of all these lamentations.
Vidúshaka.--Now your Highness may be free from anxiety, for here comes Vakulávaliká alone, she to whom I gave the message of love.
King.--I wonder whether she will remember my petition.
Vidúshaka.--What! Do you suppose that that daughter of a female slave will forget such a weighty message from your Highness?
Enter Vakulávaliká, with the pigment for the feet in her hand.
Vakulávaliká.--Is my friend happy?
Málaviká.--Ah! here is Vakulávaliká come. Welcome my friend, sit down.
