through your respect for that great king, who rejoices the hearts of all people, and through your willingness to oblige us." Therefore, after I have adjusted my attire, I will carry out this request. (Walking and looking about.) I have no doubt that I have won the hearts of all the spectators, since Śrí-harsha-deva is a clever poet; and this assembly are good judges of merit. The history of the king of the Siddhas is very attractive in the world, and we ourselves are skilful actors. Each of these things by itself would be sufficient for success; how much more the whole assemblage of them, brought together by my accumulation of good luck! So, after I have gone to my house and called my wife, I will commence the entertainment. (Walking about, looking towards the tiring room.) Here is my house. I will enter. (After entering.) O lady, come here a moment!
An Actress (entering in tears).
My lord, here am I, unlucky one that I am, let the son of my lord say what is to be done.
Manager (looking at Actress).
O lady, why do you thus weep unreasonably, when the Nágánanda is to be performed?
Actress.
Sir, how should I not weep, since just now my father, having discovered that he is old, and influenced by a sudden disgust for the world, saying to himself, "Art thou fit to support the duties of a household?" is gone with his wife to a sacred grove?
