[SUDARSHANA and SURANGAMA]
SUDARSHANA.
The fight is over now. When will the King come?
SURANGAMA.
I do not know myself: I am also looking forward to his coming.
SUDARSHANA.
I feel such a throb of joy, Surangama, that my breast is positively aching. But I am dying with shame too; how shall I show my face to him?
SURANGAMA.
Go to him in utmost humility and resignation, and all shame will vanish in a moment.
SUDARSHANA.
I cannot help confessing that I have met with my uttermost defeat for all the rest of my life. But pride made me claim the largest share in his love so long. Every one used to say I had such wonderful beauty, such graces and virtues; every one used to say that the King showed unlimited kindness towards me-this is what makes it difficult for me to bend my heart in humility before him.
SURANGAMA.
This difficulty, my Queen, will pass off.
SUDARSHANA.
Oh, yes, it will pass—the day has arrived for me to humble myself before the whole world. But why does not the King come to take me back? What more is he waiting for yet?
SURANGAMA.
Have I not told you my King is cruel and hard—very hard indeed?
SUDARSHANA.
Go out, Surangama, and bring me news of him.