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THE NÁGÁNANDA.
27

Malayavatí (looking at herself with agitation).

Do not let any one, by seeing the state that I am in, suspect the secret of my heart. Rise then. We will conceal ourselves in this red aśoka tree, and just see who it is.

[They do so.

Vidúshaka.

Here is the sandal-creeper bower. So come along. We will enter.

[They enter.

Jímútaváhana.

Even this sandal-creeper bower with its moonstone seat delights me not, abandoned as it is by the moon-faced one, like the face of night without its moonlight.


Girl (having peeped).

Lady, I give you joy. Is not this the very person on whom your heart is set?


Malayavatí (with joy and agitation, after looking).

O girl, now that I have seen him, through my extreme agitation I cannot remain here so near him. Suppose he should see us! Come, we will go elsewhere. (After going one step, longingly.) How my feet tremble!


Girl (with a smile).

O timid one! who can see you as you stand here? Do you forget the red aśoka tree? Let us then sit down, and remain here.

[They do so.