(Enter a Maid.)
Maid. Kunjarikā, Kunjarika! Where, O where is the Princess Padmavati? What do you say? "The princess is playing at ball near the jasmine bower." Very good, I shall go to her. (Turning and looking around.) Ah! here comes the princess playing with a ball. The jewels in her ears are turned upwards; the exertion has spangled her brow with tiny drops of perspiration, so that fatigue lends a charm to her face. I will go and meet her. (Exit.) END OF THE INTERLUDE
(Enter Padmavati, playing with a ball, accompanied by her retinue and Vasavadattā)
Vasavadattă. Here is your ball, my dear. Padmavati. Dear lady! Now that is enough.
Vasavadattă. You have played over long with your ball, my dear. Your hands are quite red, they might belong to someone else.
Maid. Play on, princess, play on. Enjoy these charming days of girlhood while you may.
Padmavati. What's in your thoughts, dear lady? I think you are laughing
at me.
Vasavadattā. No, no, my dear. You are looking more beautiful than ever today. I am getting a full view as it were of your pretty face.
Padmavati. Away with you! Don't you make fun of me.
Vasavadatta. Well, I am mute-O daughter-in-law elect of Mahasena! Padmavati. Who, pray, is this Mahāsena?