Her mate is lovely as the autumn moon,
Who waits for her upon the sandy dune;
And yet the swan will leave him? and will go
To dance attendance on a common crow?16
[Aside to Vasantasenā.] Ah, Vasantasenā! This is neither right, nor worthy of you.
Your pride rejected him before,
Yet now for gold, and for your mother's will
Vasantasenā. No! [She shakes her head.]
Courtier.
Your nature knows your pride no more;
You honor him, a common woman still.17
Did I not tell[79] you to "serve the man you love, and him you hate"?
Vasantasenā. I made a mistake in the cart, and thus I came hither. I throw myself upon your protection.
Courtier. Do not fear. Come, I must deceive him. [He returns to Sansthānaka.] Jackass, there is indeed a witch who makes her home in the cart.
Sansthānaka. But shir, if a witch is living there, why are n't you robbed? And if it 's a thief, why are n't you eaten alive?