ight
My light is like the moon's--a faded thing. 1

And again:

Whoever cast at me a passing look,
Or neared me, anxious, as they quickly ran,
All such my laden soul for foes mistook;
For sin it was wherein man's fear began. 2

Well, it was for Madanika's sake that I did the deed of sin.

I paid no heed to any one who talked with serving-men;
The houses ruled by women-folk--these I avoided most;
And when policemen seemed to have me almost in their ken,
I stood stock-still and acted just exactly like a post.
A hundred such manoeuvres did I constantly essay,
And by such means succeeded in turning night to day. 3

[_He walks about._]

_Vasantasena._ Girl, lay this picture on my sofa and come back at
once with a fan.

_Madanika._ Yes, mistress. [_Exit with the picture._

_Sharvilaka._ This is Vasantasena's house. I will enter. [_He does so._]

P. 101.11]

I wonder where I can find Madanika. [_Enter Madanika with the
fan. Sharvilaka discovers her._] Ah, it is Madanika.

Surpassing Madana[50] himself in charm,
She seems the bride of Love, in human guise;
Even while my heart the flames of passion harm,
She brings a sandal[51] coolness to my eyes. 4

Madanika!

_Madanika._ [_Discovers Sharvilaka._] Oh, oh, oh, Sharvilaka! I am so
glad, Sharvilaka. Where have you been?

_Sharvilaka._ I will tell you. [_They gaze at each other passionately._]

_Vasantasena._ How Madanika lingers! I wonder where she is. [_She
looks through a bull's-eye window._] Why, there she stands, talking
with a man. Her loving glance does not waver, and she gazes as
if she would drink him in. I imagine he must be the man who
wishes to make her free. Well, let her stay, let her stay. Never interrupt
anybody's happiness. I will not call her.

_Madanika._ Tell me, Sharvilaka. [_Sharvilaka looks about him uneasily._]
What is it, Sharvilaka? You seem uneasy.

_Sharvilaka._ I will tell you a secret. Are we alone?

_Madanika._ Of course we are.

_Vasantasena._ What! a deep secret? I will not listen.

_Sharvilaka._ Tell me, Madanika. Will Vasantasena take a price for
your freedom?

_Vasantasena._ The conversation has to do with me? Then I will
hide behind this window and listen.

_Madanika._ I asked my mistress about it, Sharvilaka, and she said
that if she could have _her_ way, she would free al