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THE NÁGÁNANDA.
33

Girl (smiling).

O lady! why are you not angry now?


Malayavatí (with a blush and smiling, standing
with face bent down
).

Do not laugh, girl. Have you forgotten that his heart is set on another?


Jímútaváhana (aside).

My friend, we are fallen into a difficulty.


Vidúshaka (aside).

Ah! I perceive. With the exception of her, your mind is not satisfied with any other. Let him, then, be dismissed with some civil speech or other.


Malayavatí (angrily, to herself).

Cruel one, who does not know what this means?


Jímútaváhana.

Who in the world would not desire so honourable an alliance as that with your Highness? But a mind set in one direction cannot be readily turned in another. So that I cannot accept her.

[Heroine faints.

Girl.

Revive, my lady.


Vidúshaka (to Mitrávasu).

Since he is altogether dependent on others, what is the use of questioning him? Go, then, to his parents and ask them.