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THE NÁGÁNANDA.
47

Girl (checking him with both hands).

Your reverence must not do so. O Śekharaka, get away, get away; he is really a Brahman.[1] (She falls at the feet of the Vidúshaka.) O sir, do not nurse your wrath. This was only a piece of friendly joking.


Parasite (to himself).

I too had better appease him. (Falling at his feet, aloud.) Let your reverence forgive me for having offended under the influence of wine. I will now go with Navamáliká to the drinking-booth.


Vidúshaka.

I forgive you. Be off, both of you. I too will go and see my dear patron.

[Exeunt Parasite, with Slave, and
Servant Girl.

Vidúshaka.

The untimely death of a Brahman has been averted. But since I am defiled by contact with this drunken youth, I will just bathe in this tank. (He does so. Looking towards the tiring-room.) Here comes my dear friend, supporting Malayavatí, like Krishna supporting Rukminí.[2] I will go and attend upon them.


Then enters the hero, dressed in marriage garments, with
Malayavatí, and a suitable retinue.


Jímútaváhana.
(looking, with rapture, at Malayavatí).

When looked upon, she casts down her eye; when

  1. See Manu XI. 206.
  2. Rukminí was the chief wife of Krishna. See Prem Ságar, ch. lxxxiii.