Malavikagnimitram: The Dancer and the King by Kalidasa

Author:Kalidasa
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9789351187219
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Published: 2014-06-15T00:00:00+00:00

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 (fidgeting61): 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//

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