sea-shore, as I have heard. Whether, then, shall I go to the king's daughter or to the son-in-law?
Doorkeeper.
Sir, you had better go to the princess, for perhaps by this time the son-in-law will have come there of his own accord.
Chamberlain.
You advise well. But whither are you yourself now going?
Doorkeeper.
I am commissioned by King Visvávasu to go and tell Mitrávasu, "Since in this festival of 'Dípa-pratipad'[1] some present should be given to Malayavatí and the bridegroom, therefore come and think of something suitable to the occasion."
Then enter Jímútaváhana and Mitrávasu.
Jímútaváhana.
A green glade for a couch, a white stone for a seat, a dwelling beneath the trees, the cool water of a cascade for drink, roots for food, the deer for companions,—in the forest which thus abounds in all that one could wish, unsought, there is this one fault, that, through the absence of suppliants, we live there to no purpose, having no opportunity of assisting others.
- ↑ "Dípa-pratipad" may mean the first day of the bright fortnight, or perhaps a festival corresponding to the Feast of Lanterns.
