Chitra
Honoured sir, you are my guest. I live in this temple. I know
not in what way I can show you hospitality.
Arjuna
Fair lady, the very sight of you is indeed the highest
hospitality. If you will not take it amiss I would ask you a
question.
Chitra
You have permission.
Arjuna
What stern vow keeps you immured in this solitary temple,
depriving all mortals of a vision of so much loveliness?
Chitra
I harbour a secret desire in my heart, for the fulfilment of
which I offer daily prayers to Lord Shiva.
Arjuna
Alas, what can you desire, you who are the desire of the whole
world! From the easternmost hill on whose summit the morning sun
first prints his fiery foot to the end of the sunset land have I
travelled. I have seen whatever is most precious, beautiful and
great on the earth. My knowledge shall be yours, only say for
what or for whom you seek.
Chitra
He whom I seek is known to all.
Arjuna
Indeed! Who may this favourite of the gods be, whose fame has
captured your heart?
Chitra
Sprung from the highest of all royal houses, the greatest of all
heroes is he.
Arjuna
Lady, offer not such wealth of beauty as is yours on the altar of
false reputation. Spurious fame spreads from tongue to tongue
like the fog of the early dawn before the sun rises. Tell me who
in the highest of kingly lines is the supreme hero?
Chitra
Hermit, you are jealous of other men's fame. Do you not know
that all over the world the royal house of the Kurus is the most
famous?
Arjuna
The house of the Kurus!