For you, my timid maid, last night
I did the deed of sin. 5
Vasantasenā. His face is tranquil. It would be troubled, if he had sinned.
Madanikā. Oh, Sharvilaka! For a mere nothing for a woman you have risked both things!
Sharvilaka. What things?
Madanikā. Your life and your character.
Sharvilaka. My foolish girl, fortune favors the brave.
Madanikā. Oh, Sharvilaka! Your character was without a stain. You didn't do anything very bad, did you, when for my sake you did the deed of sin?
Sharv. The gems that magnify a woman's charm,
As flowers the creeping plant, I do not harm.
I do not rob the Brahman of his pelf,
Nor seize the sacrificial gold myself.
I do not steal the baby from the nurse,
Simply because I need to fill my purse.
Even as a thief, I strive with main and might
For just distinction 'twixt the wrong and right. 6
And so you may tell Vasantasenā this:
These ornaments were made for you to don,
Or so it seems to me;
But as you love me, never put them on
Where other folks may see. 7
Madanikā. But Sharvilaka, ornaments that nobody may see, and a courtezan—the two things do not hang together. Give me the jewels. I want to see them.
Sharvilaka. Here they are. [He gives them to her with some uneasiness.]
Madanikā. [Examining the jewels.] It seems to me I have seen these before. Tell me. Where did you get them?
