Malavikagnimitram

by Kalidasa

  like a thirsty traveller finding water

  by the call of woodland 54 cranes. //6//

  So where is she?

  GAUTAMA: There, she’s coming from that row of trees. And it looks like she’s turning this way.

  AGNIMITRA: I see her, my friend!

  Broad hips, thin waist, full breasts and bright 55 eyes—

  my very life is coming! //7//

  But, friend, her disposition seems different now than it was before.

  She’s modestly adorned, her cheeks pale as reed stalks

  like an oleander vine

  ripe with spring leaves but only a few flowers. //8//

  GAUTAMA: Could it be, that like your majesty, she too suffers from the wounds of love?

  AGNIMITRA: Only friendship sees it so.

  MALAVIKA: Waiting for a gentle bloom, this flowerless ashoka reflects my longing for love. I’ll rest on this stone seat in the cool shade and wait.

  GAUTAMA: Did you hear that, your majesty? She said ‘I’m in love.’

  AGNIMITRA: Your logic isn’t enough to convince me.

  This Malaya 56 breeze,

  carrying the pollen of amaranth flowers

  and dewdrops from soft, unfolding petals,

  arouses my longing without even a reason. //9//

  Malavika sits.

  AGNIMITRA: Come here, friend, let’s hide behind the creepers.

  GAUTAMA: I suspect Iravati is near as well.

  AGNIMITRA: But once he’s seen the lotus, an elephant pays no heed to the crocodile. (Stands looking out)

  MALAVIKA: O heart, quit this impossible desire. Why torture me?

  Gautama looks at the king.

  AGNIMITRA (to himself): My dear, look at love’s perversion.

  You speak not the cause of your longing,

  nor does reason reveal the truth,

  but even then, my beauty,

  I take myself as the object of your lament. //10//

  GAUTAMA: Things will clear up now. I gave Bakulavalika your love message, and isn’t that her approaching this secluded spot?

  AGNIMITRA: Does she remember my request?

  GAUTAMA: How could a servant girl forget your important message? I still remember it all.

  Enter Bakulavalika holding an anklet.

  BAKULAVALIKA: How are you, my friend?

  MALAVIKA: O Bakulavalika, welcome friend! Sit down.

  BAKULAVALIKA (sitting down): Truly, my dear, you’ve been appointed by the queen because of your beauty. 57 Give me your foot so I can decorate it with an anklet and red lac.

  MALAVIKA (to herself): O heart, don’t get excited by such praise. How do I get out of this? I could just die! 58

  BAKULAVALIKA: Why do you hesitate? The queen is very worried that the golden ashoka won’t bloom.

  AGNIMITRA: So this is all about the ashoka tree!

  GAUTAMA: What?! Don’t you know that the queen only makes her dress up for a reason?

  MALAVIKA (extending her foot): Forgive me, my friend.

  BAKULAVALIKA: My dear, you are like my own body. (Decorates her foot with gestures.)

  AGNIMITRA: Look, my friend, at the fresh red streak

  smeared on my beloved’s toes,

  like the first blooming blossoms

  on the tree of Love that Hara burnt. 59 //11//

  GAUTAMA: A fine foot fit for the job.

  AGNIMITRA: Well said!

  With her bright nails,

  and red toes like tender new sprouts

  this young beauty is ready to strike two things—

  the unflowered ashoka waiting to bloom

  and a lover, his head lowered

  because of a recent offence. //12//

  GAUTAMA: You’ll soon get a chance to give offence.

  AGNIMITRA: I’ll take a brahmin’s prediction.

  Enter an excited Iravati with a servant.

  IRAVATI: Hey, Nipunika! I often hear ‘Infatuation is a fine ornament for a woman’. Any truth to this proverb?

  NIPUNIKA: It was a proverb, but now it’s the truth!

  IRAVATI: Forget your affection for me. How did you know that my lord went to the swing pavilion?

  NIPUNIKA: By my unfailing love for you, my lady.

  IRAVATI: Stop being so gracious! Speak plainly. 60

  NIPUNIKA: Noble Gautama, eager for spring’s gifts, told me. Truly, my lady.

  IRAVATI (fidgeting 61 ): Oh, I’m wasting away with this obsession. My heart pushes me to find my husband, but my feet won’t move.

  NIPUNIKA: You must go to the swing pavilion.

  IRAVATI: Oh, Nipunika, I don’t see my lord.

  NIPUNIKA: Look around, my lady. The king could be hiding somewhere for a laugh. Let’s sit on the stone seat under this ashoka tree wrapped in priyangu vines.

  Iravati does so.

  NIPUNIKA (moving around and keeping an eye out): Look out, my lady. While thinking about mango shoots we’ve been bitten by ants!

  IRAVATI: What do you mean?

  NIPUNIKA: There’s Bakulavalika adorning Malavika’s foot in the shade of the ashoka tree.

  IRAVATI (expressing doubt): Malavika isn’t allowed here. 62 What do you make of this?

  NIPUNIKA: The queen fell from her swing and injured her foot so I guess she asked Malavika to look after the ashoka tree. Why else would the queen allow a servant to wear her own pair of anklets?

  IRAVATI: She’s been greatly honoured indeed.

  NIPUNIKA: But why shouldn’t we look for the king?

  IRAVATI: Well, dear, my mind races but my feet won’t budge from this spot. I must put an end to this anxiety. (To herself, looking at Malavika) Though it’s only natural that my heart is worried.

  BAKULAVALIKA (pointing to Malavika’s foot): Malavika, my dear, how do you like the design I painted on your foot?

  MALAVIKA: I’m embarrassed to admire my own foot. Tell me, who taught you this art?

  BAKULAVALIKA: Actually, I’m the king’s student.

  GAUTAMA: Get ready for the rewards of teaching! 63

  MALAVIKA: Luckily you’re not vain.

  BAKULAVALIKA: But I’m proud now, having found feet worthy of my skill. (To herself) Oh, my job is done! (Aloud, looking down at the paint) I’ve just finished decorating one foot, my friend. Now it just needs someone to blow on it, 64 although this place is fairly breezy.

  AGNIMITRA: Look, my friend, look!

  The perfect opportunity presents itself—

  to dry her foot, wet with lac, with my breath. //13//

  GAUTAMA: Don’t worry. You’re in line to savour this for a long time!

  BAKULAVALIKA: My friend, your foot is as beautiful as a red lotus. In every way, you have the king’s heart! 65

  Iravati looks to Nipunika.

  AGNIMITRA: It’s a blessing!

  MALAVIKA: Oh, such naughty talk!

  BAKULAVALIKA: I only said what needed to be said.

  MALAVIKA: I know you love me.

  BAKULAVALIKA: It’s not just me.

  MALAVIKA: Then who else?

  BAKULAVALIKA: The king loves beautiful things too.

  MALAVIKA: You’re lying. That doesn’t mean me.

  BAKULAVALIKA: You may not agree, but you can see it in the king’s strong arms, now pale and thin.

  NIPUNIKA: Conniving people have calculated replies.

  BAKULAVALIKA: Trust in the words of the wise, love is tested by love.

  MALAVIKA: How do you just say whatever you like?

  BAKULAVALIKA: No, no! These words express the king’s honest affections.

  MALAVIKA: Oh, my heart loses faith when I think of the queen.

  BAKULAVALIKA: Silly girl, bees hover all around a mango blossom in early spring, but it’s still the perfect ornament.

  MALAVIKA: You’re truly my best friend in this sad situation.

  BAKULAVALIKA: Well, my name is Bakulavalika—a bouquet of flowers, providing fragrance when touched.

  AGNIMITRA: Excellent, Bakulavalika! Excellent!

  Speak
ing after understanding 66 her feelings

  and offering perfect responses,

  she is committed to her mission—

  a messenger truly sustains a lover’s life. //14//

  IRAVATI: Look, dear, look how Bakulavalika encourages Malavika.

  NIPUNIKA: With such counsel, my lady, even the emotionless become desirous.

  IRAVATI: My heart was right to be anxious. I’ll figure out what to do after getting the facts.

  BAKULAVALIKA: I’ve finished decorating your other foot as well. Now I’ll put on the two anklets. (Makes the gesture of unfastening a pair of anklets.) Stand up, my friend, make the ashoka bloom as the queen asked. (Both rise.)

  IRAVATI: Now we know it’s the queen’s bidding!

  BAKULAVALIKA: There’s a ripe red one right in front of you, ready to be enjoyed.

  MALAVIKA (with joy): Who? The king?

  BAKULAVALIKA (smiling): Not the king, but a cluster of blossoms hanging down from a branch of that ashoka. It’s a perfect ornament for your ear.

  GAUTAMA: Did you hear that, my lord?

  AGNIMITRA: That’s enough for lovers, my friend!

  I find no pleasure in the union of lovers 67

  when one is passionate and the other indifferent.

  It is better when bodies waste away

  in a hopeless coming together,

  for at least the two have equal affections. //15//

  After weaving the blossoms into an ornament for her ear, Malavika gently raises her foot towards the ashoka tree.

  AGNIMITRA: Look, friend. . .

  Taking a blossom for her ear from this tree,

  she offers it her foot

  and so this equal exchange deprives me of both! //16//

  MALAVIKA: Will our gesture bear fruit?

  BAKULAVALIKA: It won’t be your fault, dear. If this ashoka is slow to bloom even after being honoured by your foot, then it’s an unhealthy 68 tree.

  AGNIMITRA: Oh, ashoka, if you don’t immediately burst into bloom

  when honoured by the one with a slender waist

  whose foot, soft like a fresh lotus, jingles her anklet

  then you receive in vain the want of every passionate lover. //17//

  Friend, I should reveal myself before missing a chance to say something.

  GAUTAMA: Come, I’ll make her laugh.

  Both enter.

  NIPUNIKA: My lady, the king is coming this way.

  IRAVATI: This is what my heart anticipated.

  GAUTAMA (approaching): My lady, is it proper for you to use your left foot to kick this ashoka tree which is a dear companion of the king?

  MALAVIKA and BAKULAVALIKA (with surprise): Oh, the king!

  GAUTAMA: Bakulavalika! You knew about this. Why didn’t you stop your friend from committing such a crime?

  Malavika appears fearful.

  NIPUNIKA: My lady, see what noble Gautama has started.

  IRAVATI: This is how that so-called brahmin makes a living!

  BAKULAVALIKA: Sir, she’s not guilty of overstepping, she’s merely doing the queen’s bidding. May the king be forgiving.

  She makes Malavika bow along with herself.

  AGNIMITRA: If it is so, you are blameless. Rise, my lady.

  Takes Malavika by the hand and helps her get up.

  GAUTAMA: Very well, we must respect the queen.

  AGNIMITRA (smiling): Beautiful 69 lady, I hope your lovely foot,

  soft as a blossom, is not in pain

  after striking the rough tree trunk. //18//

  Malavika gestures embarrassment.

  IRAVATI (enviously): Oh, the king’s heart is shameless.

  MALAVIKA: Come, Bakulavalika, let’s inform the queen that we’ve fulfilled her request.

  BAKULAVALIKA: Then take the king’s leave.

  AGNIMITRA: You may go, my lady. But first listen to this request which suits the moment.

  BAKULAVALIKA (to Malavika): Listen carefully. (To the king) Please instruct us, your majesty. 70

  AGNIMITRA: I’ve not plucked the flower of pleasure

  for such a long time.

  With a sweet touch, satisfy the longing

  of one with no other desires. //19//

  IRAVATI (suddenly appearing): Satisfy? Satisfy! The ashoka may or may not bloom, but this? This both flowers and gives fruit!

  All are shocked to see Iravati.

  AGNIMITRA (aside): What’s your plan now, my friend?

  GAUTAMA: What else but the strength of our legs!

  IRAVATI: Bakulavalika, you’ve managed this well. But Malavika, can you fulfil all my husband’s wishes?

  MALAVIKA and BAKULAVALIKA: Take pity on us, my lady. Who are we to take requests from the king?

  They exit.

  IRAVATI: Ugh, men just can’t be trusted! Like an unsuspecting doe allured by a hunter’s song, I didn’t realize I was being tricked.

  GAUTAMA (whispering): Quick, make something up! What else can we do? A thief caught in the act of stealing must plead ‘I’m just learning!’

  AGNIMITRA: My darling, I had no intentions towards Malavika. You were late, so I was merely amusing myself.

  IRAVATI: I believe you. Unfortunately I didn’t realize you were merely entertaining yourself, else I wouldn’t have acted like this.

  GAUTAMA: Please don’t reply to his majesty’s politeness with such sarcasm. If even a passing conversation with one of the queen’s attendants is considered a crime, then you ought to make the rules.

  IRAVATI: Even if it was just talk, why should I worry myself about it? (Turns away angrily.)

  AGNIMITRA: My darling, it’s not nice to be indifferent towards a lover.

  IRAVATI: Scoundrel! Your heart isn’t worthy of trust.

  AGNIMITRA: Screaming scoundrel, my dear,

  reveals the disdain you’ve built up for me.

  But why not give in, my mistress,

  like the enticing belt falling to your feet? //20//

  IRAVATI: Only this powerless man Gautama supports you.

  Raising the girdle, as if to strike the king with it.

  AGNIMITRA: Friend, she is

  A scornful mistress with a stream of tears

  rising to strike me with the chain of her golden girdle

  that slipped without a care from her curved hips,

  like a streak of lightning striking Mount Vindhya

  across a range of storm clouds. //21//

  IRAVATI: Why push me to offend you yet again? (Lowers the girdle.)

  AGNIMITRA: Why withdraw the whip, my lady, 71

  raised against this guilty man?

  For you only grow more charming

  as you scold your humble slave. //22//

  (To himself) Surely she’ll forgive me now. (Falls at her feet.)

  IRAVATI: These aren’t Malavika’s feet, the ones you so want to touch! (Exits with her servant.)

  GAUTAMA: Rise, you’ve been blessed.

  AGNIMITRA (rising, not seeing Iravati): Is my precious really gone?

  GAUTAMA: My friend, the gods have withdrawn their check on your indiscretion. Let’s go quickly, before she circles back around like Mars in retrograde. 72

  AGNIMITRA: Oh, love is cruel.

  Seized as I am by my beloved,

  it’s only fair she ignored my proposition.

  But still I must respect her,

  for though angry, she truly loves me. //23//

  All walk about and exit.

  END ACT III

  Act IV

  Enter the despairing king and a guard.

  AGNIMITRA (to himself): When word of her reached me, I sheltered a desire

  and the tree of love took root.

  Then seeing her, my passion grew

  like a new leaf,

  and the touch of her hand a blossom

  as my hair stood on end.

  Weary now, let me taste the fruit. //1//

  (Aloud) Gautama, my friend!

  JAYASENA: Long live the king! Gautama isn’t here.
>
  AGNIMITRA: Oh yes, he was sent to get news about Malavika.

  GAUTAMA (entering): Victory to your grace.

  AGNIMITRA: Jayasena, find out where Queen Dharini is and how she amuses herself since her feet have been hurting.

  JAYASENA: As you command. (Exits.)

  AGNIMITRA: Gautama, what news? How is our friend?

  GAUTAMA: She’s a cuckoo caught by the cat.

  AGNIMITRA (sadly): How’s that?

  GAUTAMA: The poor girl’s in the pits, 73 thrown into the jaws of death by the fiery-eyed queen. 74

  AGNIMITRA: Was it because of our meeting?

  GAUTAMA: What else?

  AGNIMITRA: Gautama, who gets in our way by angering the queen?

  GAUTAMA: Listen, your majesty. The nun told me for sure that Lady Iravati went to the queen yesterday and inquired about her well-being since her feet were weak and hurting.

  AGNIMITRA: And then?

  GAUTAMA: Then the queen asked her, ‘Has he seen his lover again?’ To which she replied, ‘Why be so formal? Why do you question me when you know how much he loves me, your servant.’

  AGNIMITRA: These indirect but suggestive comments will make her suspect Malavika.

  GAUTAMA: And when the queen pressed her, Iravati told her about your indiscretion.

  AGNIMITRA: Oh, now the queen will be really upset. Tell me what happened next.

  GAUTAMA: What happened next?! Malavika and Bakulavalika were chained, and like two snake maidens, they’re suffering in the underworld where the sun doesn’t shine.

  AGNIMITRA: Oh no!

  Sweet-singing cuckoo and black bee

  together in a blooming mango tree,

  driven to a hollow by unseasonable rains,

  ushered on by strong winds. //2//

  My friend, there must be a way to make a plan.

  GAUTAMA: How can there be? The queen assigned Madhavika to guard the storehouse, and said, ‘Do not release the shameful Malavika and Bakulavalika unless you see my signet ring.’

  AGNIMITRA (sighing pensively): What should we do now, my friend?

  GAUTAMA (thinking): There is one option.

  AGNIMITRA: What is it?

  GAUTAMA (looking around): Someone may be watching and listening. I’ll whisper it in your ear. (Leaning towards the king’s ear) It’s like this . . .