1917.] The Dramas of 



265 



Mahasena. I wish the man whom for my child I choose 



To be the scion of a famous race. 

 He should be soft of manners, kind of heart ; 

 This is of great importance for a husband. 

 I want him handsome ; for it's women's way 

 To love their husband more when he is fair. 

 And lastly, gallant should he be and strong 

 To ward off danger from his tender bride. 



Chamberlain. I am afraid in our time all these virtues 

 together can be found only in Mahasena. 



Mahasena. I think, therefore, all a father can do and is 

 bound to do is to choose the husband for his child with the 

 greatest care. All the rest we must leave to fate. At any rate 

 that's how I have learned it. However the time when the 

 daughter is given away brings always misery to the mother. 

 Go therefore and ask the queen to come here. 



Chamberlain. Very good, your Majesty. {Exit). 



Mahasena. I must say since this embassy from the Maha- 

 rajah of Benares has arrived I am constantly thinking of 

 Shalankayana, (this is the general who has been sent to capture 

 Udayana). How long is it since he went to capture the 

 king of Vatsa ? And no news up to now ! No doubt all the 

 councillors of the king watch with anxiety the spot where he is 

 hunting, and every precaution has been taken to save him. 



(Enter queen and chamberlain). 



Queen. I greet you, my lord. 



Mahasena. Pray, be seated. 



Queen. As it pleases my lord. (Sits down). 



Mahasena. Where is Vasavadatta ? 



Queen. She has gone to the northern wing, to the music - 



room and is practising on the veena. 



Mahasena. She is studying music ? 

 whim come from ? . , , 



Queen. She happened to see, how Kanchanamala played 

 the veena and now she's got it into her head to learn it too. 



Mahasena. Yes, she is quite a child still. 



Queen. And she asked me to tell you 



Mahasena. Well, what is it ? t 



Queen. She says, I wish father would give me a teacher 



Wher 



Mahasena. 



be 



talks about studying. Let her husband teach her. 



Queen (weeping). Has the time really come to give my 



daughter away % .* 



Mahasena. Here you are. You never gave me a moment s 

 Peace : our daughter must be married, our daughter must be 

 married ! What is it you are crying for now ? 





