Malavikagnimitram by Kalidasa Read Free Book Online

bids me
to endure the pains of passion.
The southern breeze on my arm,
fragrant with mango blossoms,
like the soft touch of his palms. //4//
    GAUTAMA : Come, come in and relax.
    Both enter.
    Take a good look, my friend. Clearly the lady of this place wants to seduce you, my lord. She wears spring blossoms that shame even a young girl’s dress.
    AGNIMITRA : Indeed, I’m taking it all in . . . 50
    The bright red ashoka outshines the crimson lac
on their full red lips like bimba fruit.
The green, yellow and orange hues of the kurabaka, 51
and the black bees
hovering around tilaka flowers
surpass their decorated brows
and collyrium-painted eyes—
as if nature’s bounty was mocking these women
as they try to adorn their faces. //4//
    Both enjoy the garden’s splendour. Enter Malavika in despair.
    MALAVIKA : I’m so embarrassed with myself. I love the king, but who knows his heart? How do I find the courage to tell my friend about this? How long will Love subject me to this incurable agony? (
Taking a few steps
) But oh, where am I going?
(
Thinking
) Oh yes, the queen said: ‘Malavika, it’s Gautama’s fault I fell from the swing and hurt my foot. You must take care of the golden ashoka. If it blooms in five nights
(
sighing heavily
) then I’ll give you a gift that will fulfil your desire.’ First, I’ll go to the exact spot. And Bakulavalika will follow behind with ornaments for my feet. Until then, let me take a shameless moment to be sad.
(
Walks around.
)
    GAUTAMA
(
watching
): Ah ha! Here’s some molasses for those rum-drinking woes!
    AGNIMITRA : Oh, what’s this?
    GAUTAMA : Why, it’s Malavika! She’s not far off, all alone, simply 52 dressed and looking sad.
    AGNIMITRA
(
with excitement
): Are you sure it’s Malavika?
    GAUTAMA : Absolutely!
    AGNIMITRA : And so my soul finds sustenance.
    My dejected heart skipped a beat 53
when I heard my precious was near,
like a thirsty traveller finding water
by the call of woodland 54 cranes. //6//
    So where is she?
    GAUTAMA : There, she’s coming from that row of trees. And it looks like she’s turning this way.
    AGNIMITRA : I see her, my friend!
    Broad hips, thin waist, full breasts and bright 55 eyes—
my very life is coming! //7//
    But, friend, her disposition seems different now than it was before.
    She’s modestly adorned, her cheeks pale as reed stalks
like an oleander vine
ripe with spring leaves but only a few flowers. //8//
    GAUTAMA : Could it be, that like your majesty, she too suffers from the wounds of love?
    AGNIMITRA : Only friendship sees it so.
    MALAVIKA : Waiting for a gentle bloom, this flowerless ashoka reflects my longing for love. I’ll rest on this stone seat in the cool shade and wait.
    GAUTAMA : Did you hear that, your majesty? She said ‘I’m in love.’
    AGNIMITRA : Your logic isn’t enough to convince me.
    This Malaya 56 breeze,
carrying the pollen of amaranth flowers
and dewdrops from soft, unfolding petals,
arouses my longing without even a reason. //9//
    Malavika sits.
    AGNIMITRA : Come here, friend, let’s hide behind the creepers.
    GAUTAMA : I suspect Iravati is near as well.
    AGNIMITRA : But once he’s seen the lotus, an elephant pays no heed to the crocodile.
(
Stands looking out
)
    MALAVIKA : O heart, quit this impossible desire. Why torture me?
    Gautama looks at the king.
    AGNIMITRA
(
to himself
): My dear, look at love’s perversion.
    You speak not the cause of your longing,
nor does reason reveal the truth,
but even then, my beauty,
I take myself as the object of your lament. //10//
    GAUTAMA : Things will clear up now. I gave Bakulavalika your love message, and isn’t that her approaching this secluded spot?
    AGNIMITRA : Does she remember my request?
    GAUTAMA : How could a servant girl forget your important message? I still remember it all.
    Enter Bakulavalika holding an anklet.
    BAKULAVALIKA : How are you, my friend?
    MALAVIKA : O Bakulavalika, welcome friend! Sit down.
    BAKULAVALIKA
(
sitting down
): Truly, my