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53
DURGESA NANDINI.
53

Diggaja.   "To-day I have composed it for you."

Ashmani.   "Well have you been called the prince of gallants."

Diggaja.   "रसिकः कौषिको वासः".
                [The gallant clad in silken vest.]

"My fair one, pray, sit you down; while I wash my hand."

"Ill-starred wretch! you will wash your hand?" said Ashmani to herself. "Beshrew me if I do not make you eat the rejected meal. How's that?" she said aloud. "Why are you going to wash your hand? Eat, man."

"What do you say? Havn't I risen from my meal? Shall I eat again?"[1]

Ashmani.   "And why not? Is there not rice still left? Will you fast?"

"How can I help it?" replied Diggaja with regret. "You were in such a hurry", and he eyed the rice eagerly.

"Then you must eat again," said Ashmani.

Diggaja.   "O horrible! I have sipped the gandusha, I have risen from my meal, and shall I eat again?"

"Yes, you must. I shall see that." Saying this, Ashmani grasped the Brahmin's arm, by main force dragged him to the dish, and made him sit down.

"O fie! O fie! What have you done! What have you done! Have you not touched me with my mouth still unwashed!"[2]

  1. Brahmins are strictly prohibited by their Shastras to eat after rising from their meal.
  2. If a Brahmin with his face unwashed after meal, is touched by a person of an inferior caste, it causes pollution; eating in such a case is out of the question.