The Cow-herd flies off swiftly.
Latyal. Thou, Oh lotus-faced, hast made the tooth-powder very dear.
Podi. (Seeing the silver chain round the waist of the Latyal.) Your chain is very grand.
Club-man. Don’t you know, my dear, the clothing of the bailiff and the dress of the dancer?
Podi. I wanted a black calf from you a long while ago, but yet you did not give it me. My brother, I shall not ask from thee any more.
Club-man. Dear lotus-faced, don’t be angry with me. To-morrow, we shall go to plunder the place called Shamanagara; and if I can get a black calf, I shall immediately keep that in your cow-house. When I shall return with my fish, I shall pass by your house.
(Exit the Club-man.)
Podi. The Planter Sahebs do nothing but rob. If the ryots be loaded in a less degree with exactions they can preserve their lives; and you[[25]] can get your Indigo. The Munshies of Shamanagara entreated most earnestly to get ten portions of land free. “The Thief never hears the instructions of Religion.” The wretched elder Saheb remained quiet, having burnt his wretched tongue.
Enter four Boys of a Native Patshala.
Four Boys. (Keeping down their mats, and expressing great mirth with the clapping of their hands.)