"And have you heard that the prince of gallants has lost his caste?" said Ashmani.
"How so?" said the prince.
"Havn't yon eaten the rice defiled by me?" replied Ashmani.
"And what's the earthly harm in that, I pray?" returned he. "It is my holy bread; you are my good mother Bhagabati."[1]
"Out open you!"
Here Bimala whispered into Ashmani's ear, "Won't he go?"
Ashmani. "I havn't yet spoken it to him."
Bimala. "I'll do it then."
"Ho! gallant," said she, addressing Diggaja, "I have a word of very great importance with you."
"What is it, eh?"
Bimala. "Do you love us?"
Diggaja. "What a question!"
Bimala. "Both of us?"
Diggaja. "Both, both."
Bimala. "Will you do as I say?"
Diggaja. "Why should you doubt it?"
Bimala. "Instantly?"
Diggaja. "Yes, instantly."
Bimala. "At this moment?"
Diggaja. "At this very moment."
Bimala. "Do you know why we two have come to you?"
Diggaja. "No, I don't."
- ↑ This is the name of the spouse of Mahadeva, the impersonation of Force.
