Page:Kopal-Kundala.djvu/156

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126
KOPAL-KUNDALA.

There can be no proper betrothal without the king's order.

King. What is the necessity for my consent? Whom do you intend to float in this sea of happiness?

Lu. Your slave is not an adulteress because she has served the king of Delhi. Your slave asks permission to marry her own husband.

King. Indeed! Then what is to become of this old servant?

Lu. I will give him Meheronissa, empress of Delhi.

King. Who is Meheronissa, empress of Delhi?

Lu. She who will be.

Jahangir thought that Lutufonissa knew for certain that Meheronissa would become empress of Delhi, and therefore she wanted to leave the royal harem through vexation at the defeat of her own desires. Thinking this, Jahangir was pained, and remained silent. Lutufonissa said, "What! does not the king agree to this betrothal?"