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*Sacrifice
I dedicate this play to those heroes who bravely stood for peace when human sacrifice was claimed for the goddess of war.
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Temple
{Enter} Gunavati, the queen of Tippera
√ . Have I offended <you> {thee,} dread mother? Thou grantest children to the beggar woman, who sells them to live, and to the adult{e}ress, who kills them to save herself from infamy, and here I am, the queen, with all the world lying at my feet, hankering {in vain} for the baby-touch at my <breasts> {bosom,} to feel the stir of a dearer life within my life! <to build a living nest with my eyes and arms and breast> What sin have I committed, Mother, to merit this, to be banished from the mother’s heaven?
Enters Raghupati, the priest
O Master, have I ever been remiss in my worship? and my husband,— is he not godlike in his purity? The why {has} the Goddess, who weaves the <all vision of this creation, has> {web of this world-illusion,} assigned my place in the barren waste of childlessness?
Raghupati . Our Mother is all caprice, she knows no law,— our sorrows and joys are mere freaks of her mind. Have patience, daughter, today we shall offer special sacrifice in your name to please her.
Gunavati . Accept my grateful obeisance, father! My offerings are already on their way to
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the temple, the red bunches of hybiscus and beasts of sacrifice.
(They go out.)
Enter Govinda, the King, Jaising, the servant of the temple, Aparna, the beggar girl
Jaising . What is your wish, sire?
Govinda . Is it true that <the> {this <op>poor gir<s>{l}’s} pet goat <of this poor girl> has been brought by force to the temple to be killed? Will Mother accept such gift with grace?
Jaising . <Raja,> {King,} how are we to know from whence the servants coleect <the> {our} daily offerings of worship? But, my child, why is this <+++> weeping? Is it worthy of you to shed tears for that which Mother herself has taken?
Aparna . Mother! <I am His> {I am his} mother<; {and} When I come>{. If I return <late>} late <in coming back> to my hut, he refuses his grass, and bleats with his eyes on the road. I take him up in my arms, when I come, and share my food with him. He knows no other mother but me.
Jaising . <Maharaj, +++> {Sire,} could {I} make <it> {the goat} live again by <offering> giving up a portion of my life {gladly} I would do it <gladly>. But how can I restore <it> {that} which Mother herself has taken?
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Aparna . Mother has taken, you say! It is a lie. Not mother, but demon!
Jaising . O, the blasphemy!
Aparna . Mother, ar<e>{t} <you> {thou} there to rob a poor girl of her love? Then where is the <King> {throne} before {which} <whom> to condemn <you> {thee}? Tell me, <+++> {King,—}
Govinda . I am silent, my child. I have no answer.
Aparna . This <streak of blood coming> {blood streak running} down the steps— is it his? O my draling, when you {trembled and} cried for dear life <was he who +++ would +++ {+++} not> {why did your call not} reach my heart through the whole deaf world?
Jaising . (To the image) I have <worshipped> {served} thee from my <birth> {infancy}, Mother Kali, yet I <fail to> understand <you.> {thee not.} Does pity only belong to weak mortals, and not to gods? Come with me, my child, let me do {for you} what I can <for you>. Help must come from man, when it is denied fron <God> gods.
(They go out)
Enter Raghupati, Nakshatra {who is the} King’s brother, and the courtiers.
All . Victory be to the King!
Govinda . Know you all I forbid shedding of blood in the temple
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from today for ever.
Minister . You forbid sacrifice to the Goddess?
General Nayan Rai . Forbid sacrifice?
Nakshatra . How <dreadful> {terrible}! <f>{F}orbid sacrifice!
Raghupati . Is it a dream?
Govinda . No dream, father! It is awakening. Mother came to me in a girl’s disguise and <her> told me that {blood} she cannot suffer. <blood.>
Raghupati . She has been drinking blood for ages, <why> whence comes <its> this <distaste> {loathing} all of a sudden?
Govinda . No, she never drank it, she kept her face averted.
Raghupati . <Maharaj,> {I warn you,} think and consider. You have no power to alter <the> law<s> laid {down} in scriptures.
Govinda . God’s words are above all laws.
Raghupati . <Lending> {Do not add} pride to your folly! <You have heard {It is only you who}> Do you have the effrontery to say that [\you\] <God’s words +++ {+++}> {alone have heard God’s words} and not I!
Nakshatra . <With> It is strange that the King should have <+++ me to know more about these things than the priest!> {heard from gods and not the priest!}
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Govinda . God’s words are ever ringing in the world, and he who is wilfully deaf cannot hear <it> them
Raghupati . Atheist! Apostate!
Govinda . Father, <time is being wasted you> go to your morning service and declare to all worshippers, <who have come,> that from hence they will be punished with banishment who shed creatures’ blood in <worshipping> {their worship of} the Mother of all creatures.
Raghupati . Is <it final> this your last word?
Govinda . Yes!
Raghupati . Then curse upon you! Do you{,} in your enormous <insufferable> pride{,} imagine that the Goddess dwelling in your land is your subject? and you presume to bind her with <+++> your laws and rob her of her dues? You shall never do it, I <say it> {declare it}, I who am her servant.
Goes
Nayan Rai . Pardon me, sire,— but have you the right— ?
Minister . <Rajah,> {King,} is it too late to revoke your order?
Govinda . We dare not delay to uproot sin from our realm.
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Minister . <What Sin ever {can}> {Sin can never} have such a long <lease of> {lease of} life. Could they be sinful, the rites that have grown old at the feet of the Goddess?
<(The Rajah> {(the King} is silent)
Nakshatra . Indeed they could not be.
Minister . Our ancestors have <carried out> {performed} these rites with reverence; can you have the heart to insult them?
(<Rajah +++> {the King} remains silent)
Nayan Rai . That which <had earned> {has} the sanction of ages, <cas> {do} you have the right to <stop> {remove} it?
Govinda . No more {doubts and} disputes. Go and spread my order in all my lands.
Minister . But sire, {the} queen has offered her sacrifice for this morning’s worship; it is come near the temple gate.
Govinda . Send it back.
(He goes.)
Minister . What is this!
Nakshatra . <Indeed, what is his +++ is no sacrifice in Buddhist temples! Are we all going to turn out Buddhists? Preposterous!> {Are we {there} to come down to the level of the Buddhists <+++ {+++}> and treat animals as if they <the> have their right to live? Preposterous?}
(They all go out)
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Enters Raghupati, <and> Jaising {following him} with a jar of water to wash his feet
Jaising . Father!
Raghupat . Go!
Jaising . Here is some water.
Raghupati . No need of it.
Jaising . Your clothes.
Raghupati . <Don’t want> {Take} them away.
Jaising . Have I done anything to offend you?
Raghupati . Leave me alone! The shadows of evil have thickened. {The} King’s throne is raising its insolent head above the temple altar! <Alas, +++> {Ye} Gods of these degenerate days, are <you> {ye} ready to obey {the} king’s laws with bowed heads, fawing upon him like his courtiers? Have only men and demons combined to usurp gods’ dominions in this world, and <+++> is Heaven <is> powerless to defend its honour? But there remain<s> the Brahm<i>{a}ns <+++ there are no gods,> {though the gods <are> {be} absent,—} and {the} king’s throne will <+++> {supply fuel} to the sacrificial fire of their anger.— My child, my mind is distracted.
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Jaising . Whatever has happened, father?
Raghupati . I cannot find words to say. Ask the Mother Goddess who has been defied.
Jaising . Defied? by whom?
Raghupati . By {King} Govinda.
Jaising . King Govinda defied Mother Kali?
Raghupati . Defied you and me, <defied> all scriptures, all countries, all time, <and> {defied} Mahakali the <godde> Goddess spirit of the endless stream of time, sitting upon that <puy> {puny} little throne of his.
Jaising . King Govinda?
Raghupati . Yes, yes, your King Govinda, {the} darling of your heart! Ungrateful <wretch>! I have given all my love to bring you up,— and yet King Govinda is dearer to you than I am!
Jaising . The child raises its arms to the full moon, sitting upon his father’s lap— you are my father and my full moon in <the> king Govinda. <But what is it that I hear> Then is it true what I <have> hear<d> from people, that our king
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<has forbidden> {forbids} all sacrifice in the temple?— But in this we can not obey him.
Raghupati . Banishment is for him who <do> {does} not obey.
Jaising . It is no <hardship> {calamity} to be banished from a land, where Mother’s worship remains incomplete. <unfulfiled.> No, so long as I live the service of the temple <will> {shall} be fully <carried out.> {performed.}
They go out
Enter{,} Gunavati and her attendant
Gunavati . What is it you say? {The} Queen’s sacrifice <has been> turned away from the temple gate? <Who has dared +++ is there> {Is there a man} in this land who <has> {carries} more than one head on his shoulders, <who {he}> {that he} could dare <do> {think of} it? Who is that doomed creature?
Attendant . I <dare not> {am afraid to} name him.
Gunavati . <Dare not> {Afraid to} name him, when I ask you? <How could you dare say that?> Whom do you fear more than me?
Attendant . Pardon me!
Gunavati . Only {the} last evening court ministrels came <and> {to} s<a>{i}ng my praise, Brahmins came <to> and blessed me, the servants <took h> silently took their orders from my mouth, and what {<could> can have} happen≮ed≯ in the meanwhile
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that <everything> {things have} become <upside down,> {completely upset,}— the Goddess <has been {being}> refused her worship, and {the} Queen <lost {being}> her authority! Was Tripura a dreamland? Give my salutation to the priest, and ask him to come.
The Attendant goes out
Enters Govinda
Gunavati . Have you heard, <Maharaj {O}!> {King?} My offerings have been sent back from Mother’s temple!
Govinda . <You> I know it.
Gunavati . You know it and yet bear the insult?
Govinda . I {beg to} ask your pardon for the culprit.
Gunavati . I know, <Maharaj> {King,}, your heart is merciful,— but this is no mercy,— it is feebleness. If your kindness hampers you, leave the punishment in my hand. Only, tell me, who is he.
Govinda . It is I, my queen. My crime was in nothing else but having given you pain.
Gunavati . I donot understand you.
Govinda . From today shedding {of} blood in gods’ temples is forbidden in my land.
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Gunavati . Who forbids it?
Govinda . Mother herself.
Gunavati . Who <has> heard it?
Govinda . I.
Gunavati . You! <It is laughable. {How}> {That makes me laugh!} The Queen of all the world <has> comes to the gate of Tripura’s King with her petition!
Govinda . Not with her petition, but with her sorrow.
Gunavati . Your dominion is outside the temple {limit.} <precincts.> Do not send your commands there, where they are <forbid> impertinent.
Govinda . The command is not mine, it is Mother’s.
Gunavati . If you have no doubt in <what you are doing> {your decision,} do not cross my faith. Let me perform my worship according to my light.
Govinda . I <have> promised my Goddess <to d {that}> to <would> prevent sacrifice of life in her temple, and I must carry it out.
Gunavati . <And> I <have> {also} promised my Goddess
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the blood of three hundred kids and one hundred buffaloes, and I will carry it out. You may leave me now.
Govinda . As you wish it.
(He goes out)
Enters Raghupati
Gunavati . My offerings have been turned back from the temple, father!
Raghupati . The worship offered by the most ragged of all beg{g}ars is not less precious than yours, queen! But <what> the misfortune is that Mother has been deprived. The misfortune is that the King’s pride is <swelling> {growing} into a {bloated} monster<s shape offering obstacle> obstructing <heaven’s gate {+++}> {divine grace,} fixing its <firm> {angry} red eyes upon all worshippers.
Gunavati . What will <+++>come of all this, father?
Raghupati . That is only knwon to her, who fashions this world with her dreams. But this is certain, that the throne which casts its shadow upon Mother’s shrine will burst like a bubble <and vanish> {vanishing} into the void.
Gunavati . Have mercy and save us, father!
Raghupati . Ha, ha! I am to save you,— you, <who are> the consort of a King who boasts of his kingdom in {the} earth and in Heaven as well,
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<to for> {before} whom the gods and the Brahmins must— <alike +++>— oh shame! Oh <shame, that> {the evil age, when the} Brahmin’s {futile} curse <has lost its fire should only> recoils upon himself to sting him into madness. (About to tear his sacrificial thread.)
Gunavati . (Preventing him) Have mercy upon me!
Raghupati . Then give back to Brahmins what are <his> {theirs by} right<s>.
Gunavati . Yes, I will. Go, master, to your worship and nothing will hinder you.
Raghupati . <Your> {Indeed your} favour overwhelms me. <Gods are saved> At the merest glance of your <gracious> eyes gods are saved <and> from ignominy and {the} Brahmin<s are> {is} restored to his sacred offices. Thrive and <prosper> {grow fat and sleek} till the dire day of judgement comes.
(Goes out)
Reenters King Govinda
<the shadow of y> King . <The> {My queen, the} shadow of your angry brows hides all light from my heart.
Gunavati . Go,— do not bring {a} curse upon this house.
Govinda . Woman’s <+++> {smile} removes all curse from the house, her love is <the grace of> God’s grace.
Gunavati . Go, and <do not> {never} show your face to me again.
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Govinda . I shall come back, my queen, when you remember me.
Gunavati . (clinging to {the} King’s feet) Pardon me, King! Have you become so <cruel> {hard} that you forget to respect woman’s pride? Do you not know, beloved, that thwarted love takes the disguise of anger?
Govinda . I would die if I lost my trust in you. I know, my love, that clouds are for moments only and the sun is for all days.
Gunavati . Yes, the clouds witll pass {by,} <and> God’s thunder will <go back> {return} to his <hand> {armoury,} and the sun of all days will shine upon the traditions of all time. <these men will forget the momentary break in their life as a bad dream> Yes, my King, order it so <and have> that Brahmins <are> {be} restored to their rights, <and> the Goddess to her <worship> {offerings,} and {the} King’s authority ot its <own> earthly limits.
Govinda . It is not {the} Brahmin’s right to violate the eternal good, <and> the {creature’s} blodd <of helpless creatures> is <no> {not the} offering for gods, and it is within the rights of the King<s> and {the peasant alike} <the meanest beggar> to maintain truth and righteousness.
Gunavati . I prostrate myself <i>{o}n the ground before
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you; I beg it at your feet. The custom that comes <flowing> through all ages is not {the} King’s <wealth> {own}— <it> {like the heaven’s air, it} belongs to all men <like {the} heaven’s air>— yet your queen begs it <in the name> {of you} with clasped hands in the name of <all> your people. Can you still remain silent<;>{,} proud man, refusing entreaties of love in favour of duty which is doubtful? Then go, go, go from me!
(They go)
Enter Raghupati, Jiasing & Nayan Rai
Raghupati . General, your devotion to Mother is {well} known. <all over the country>.
Nayan . It <comes to me> {runs} through generations of {my} ancestors.
Raghupati . Let this sacred love give you {indomitable} courage <indomitable>, let it make your sword blade <flash like> {mighty as God’s} thunder, and <let it occupy> {win} its <throne> {place} above all powers and positions of this world.
Nayan . {The} Brahmin’s blessings will never be in vain.
Raghupati . Then I <ask> {bid} you <to> collect your soldiers and strike Mother’s enemy {down} to dust.
Nayan . <I am ready,> {Tell me,} father, <but> who is the enemy?
Raghupati . Govinda.
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Nayan . Our King?
Raghupati . Yes, attack him with all your force.
Nayan . <This> {It} is <an> evil advice. Father, is this to try me?
Raghupati . Yes, it is to try me, to know for certain whose <service you own more in than other’s. whose servant you are.> {servant you are.} Give up all <debating and> hesitations, knows that the <call comes from the Goddess> {Goddess calls,} and all earthly bonds must be severed. <are severed.>
Nayan . I have no <debating or> hesitation<— I> {in my mind,— I} stand firm in my post where my Goddess has placed me.
Raghupati . You are brave.
Nayan . Am I the basest of <our> Mother’s servants that <+++> {the} order should come for me <+++> to <that I had> turn traitor? She herself <has her seat> stands upon the faith of man’s heart and can she ask me to break it<, t>{? T}hen today <will come> {comes} to dust the King, <{+++} +++> and {tomorrow} the Goddess herself. <will come to dust.>
Jaising . <How noble of you.> Noble!
Raghupati . <Yes your words are noble indeed. But you are in error.> The King who has turned
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traitor to Mother has lost all claims to <our> {your} allegiance.
Nayan . Drive me not, father, into <the mazes> {a wilderness} of debates. <arguments.> I know only one path— the straight path of faith and truth— and this stupid servant of Mother shall never swerve from that <+++> highway of <life> {honour}.
(Goes out)
Jaising . Let us be strong in our faith as he is, my master. Why ask the aid of soldiers? We have the strength within ourselves for the <work> {task} given to us from above. Open the temple gate wide, father,— sound the drum. Come, come, O citizens, to worship <Mother> {her} who takes all fear away {from our hearts,}— come, <without fear children of Mother!> {Mother’s children!}
Citizens come
First citizen . Come, <O> come, we are called!
All . Victory to Mother.
They sing and dance
The dread Mother dances naked in the battlefield, <and her +++>
Her lolling <red> tongue <burning> {burns} like a red flame of fire,
Her dark <tresses flying {hair}> {tresses fly} in {the} sky, <hiding> {sweeping away the} sun and stars,
<The> Red <streaks> {streams} of <b> blood <running {dripping}> {run} from her {cloud-}black limbs,
And the world trembles and cracks under her tread.
Jaising . Do you see the beasts of sacrifice coming towards the temple{,} driven by {the} queen’s attendants?
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They cry . Victory to Mother! Victory to our queen!
Raghupati . Jaising, be quick and <to> get ready for the worship.
Jaising . Everything is ready, father.
Raghupati . Send a man to call <for> Prince Nakshatra in my name.
(Jaising goes)
<Enters Govinda>
Citizens sing and dance
Govinda . Silence! Raghupati, {do} you dare to disregrad my order?
Raghupati . Yes, I do.
Govinda . Then you are not for my land.
Raghupati . No, my land is there, where {the} King’s crown kisses the dust. Ho citizens, let Mother’s offerings be brought in here.
They beat drums
Govinda . Silence! (To his attendants) Ask my General to come. Raghupati, you <force> {drive} me to call soldiers to defend God’s right! I feel the shame of it, for the force of arm<s only reminds one of> {only reveals} man’s weakness.
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Raghupati . Sceptic, <have you become> {are you} so certain in your mind that Brahmins have lost <their> {the ancient} fire of {their} sacred wrath? No, its flame will <leap> {burst} out from my heart to burn your throne into ashes. If it does not, then I shall throw in {to} the fire <all> the scriptures, and my Brahmin pride, and all the arrant lies that fill our temple shrines in the guise of {the} divin<ity>{e}.
Enter <the> General Nayan Rai and Chandpal, who is {the} second in command of the army
Govinda . Stand here with your soldiers to prevent sacrifice of life in the temple.
Nayan . Pardon me, Sire. {The} King’s servant is powerless in the temple of God.
Govinda . General, it is not for you to question my order. You are to carry out my words, <the> {their} merits and demerits <+++> belong<s> only to me.
Nayan . I am your servant, my King, but I am a man above all. I have my reason and my religion <as well>, I have my King— and also my God.
Govinda . Then surrender your sword to Chandpal. and he will protect the temple from <destruction> {pollution of blood.}
Nayan Rai . Why to Chandpal? This sword was given
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to my <ancestors> {forefathers} by your royal ancestors. If you want it back I will give it up to you. {Be witness,} My fathers, who are in the <land {+++} of the heroes, be witness> heroes’ <+++> paradise, the sword that you made sacred with your loyal faith and bravery I surrender to my King.
(Goes out)
Raghupati . The Brahmin’s curse has <commenced> {begun} its work already{.}<, and the faithful hearts, the resting place of {your} throne are giving way.>
Enters Jaising . <Everything is ready.> The beasts <+++> {have} been made ready for the sacrifice.
Govinda . Sacrifice?
Jaising . <Maharaj, you here them> {King,} listen to my <fervent> {earnest} entreaties— <man as you are {+++}> do not <dare to {+++} hide behind you> {stand in the way, hiding} the Goddess, <man as you are.> {man as you are.}
Raghupati . Shame, <P> Jaising! {Rise up and ask my pardon!} I am your master, <and> your place is at my feet, {and} not <at> the King’s. Fool, {do} you ask King’s <+++> sanction to do God’s service! Leave alone the worship and the sacrifice. Let us wait and see how his pride prevails to the end. Come away.
(They go out)
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Enters Aparna
Aparna . Where is Jaising? <There is no one here but you, only you {only there stands you +++}> {He is not here, but only you,—} the image <that> {whom} nothing can move. <can not be moved. You say not a word {not a word you utter, but}, you but rob us of all our best. But {what} must have you of that> {You rub us of all our best without uttering a word.} We pine for love, and die beggar for <{the}> want of it, <and> yet it comes to you <of itself> {unasked} though you need it not. <Why do you +++> {You, like a grave,} hoard it <{like a grave}> under your miserly stone, keeping it <away> from the use of the yearning <+++> world? Jaising, what happiness do you find from her, what <does> {can} she speak to you? O my heart, my famished heart!
Enters Raghupati
Raghupati . Who are you?
Aparna . I am a beggar girl. Where is Jaising?
Raghupati . Leave <my temple> {this place} at once! I know you <are here> {are haunting this temple} to steal Jaising’s heart from the Goddess.
Aparna . Has the Goddess anything to fear from me? I fear her.
(She goes out)
Enter Jaising and Prince Nakshatra
Nakshatra . Why have you called me?
Raghupati . Last night the Goddess <has sent me {spoke to me in}> {told me in} a dream that you <are going have the King’s crown for your brow.> {shall become <the> King} within a week.
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Nakshatra . Ha, ha, this is <a> news indeed.
Raghupati . Yes, you shall be the King.
Nakshatra . I cannot believe it.
Raghupati . You doubt my words?
Nakshatra . <Well,> I donot <wish> {want} to doubt them. But suppose by chance it never comes to <happen> pass.
Raghupati . No, it shall be true.
Nakshatra . {But tell me how can it <b> ever become true?} <Keep firm to your promise, father. I shall dismiss <my> the minister when I am a king, I am sick of his constant guardianship. I must confess, I fear him. You will be my minister.
Raghupati . I despise your King’s throne and the lower seats round it.
Nakshatra . Well, Jaising shall be my minister. But, father, <if> {when} you know so much, can you tell me when I am going to be the King.>
Raghupati . The Goddess <wants> {thirsts for a} King’s blood.
Nakshatra . {A} King’s blood?
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Raghupati . You must offer it to her <altar> before you can be <a> King.
Nakshatra . I know not <from> where to get it.
Raghupati . There is King Govinda— Jaising, keep still.— Do you understand? Kill him in secret, and bring his blood while warm to the altar<.>— Jaising, leave this place, if you cannot remain still.—
Nakshatra . But he is my brother, and I love him.
Raghupati . Your sacrifice will be all the more precious.
Nakshatra . But, father, I am content to remain as <what> I am, I donot want {the} kingdom.
Raghupati . No escape for you, for the Goddess commands it. She is thirsting for <the> blood from the King’s house and if your <bl> brother is to live <your blood shall have to be spilt> {then, you must die.}
Nakshatra . Have pity on me, father.
Raghupati . You shall never be free in life, or in death, until her bidding is done.
Nakshatra . Advi<c>{s}e me <what> how to do it.
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Raghupati . <Yes> Wait in silence. I will tell you what to do when the time comes. And now leave me.
(Nakshatra goes)
Jaising . What is it that I heard? Merciful Mother, is it your bidding? To ask brother to kill brother! Master, how could you say that it was Mother’s own wish?
Raghupati . There was no other means but this to serve my Goddess.
Jaising . Means! Why means? Mother, have you not your own sword to wield <+++> with your own hand? <Does> {Must} your wish <bares> {burrow} underground like a thief to steal in secret? O the sin!
Raghupati . What do you know <what is> {about} sin?
Jaising . I have learnt from you.
Raghupati . Then come and learn your lesson once again from <of> me. Sin has no meaning in reality. To kill is <+++> but to kill, it is neither sin nor anything else. Do you not know that the dust of this earth is made of countless <murders> {killings}? <The ancient t> {Old T}ime is ever writing the chronicle of the transient life of creatures in letters of blood. Killing is in the wilderness, in the habitations of man, in birds’ nests,
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in insects’ holes, in the <depth of the> sea, in the sky,— there is killing for <living,> {life,} for sport, for nothing whatever;— the world is {ceaselessly} panting and running, <endlessly> pursued by this relentless killing; and the great Goddess Kali, the spirit of <the> ever changing time, is standing with her thirsty tongue hanging {down} from her mouth, with her cup in hand into which is running the <life> red life-blood of the world, like <the> juice from the crushed cluster of grapes.
Jaising . <Stop, +++! O monster, have {you} come to this orphaned world in mother’s disguise to suck its blood?> {<O> stop, master!} Is <love false> {then, love a falsehood} and mercy <a> {a} mockery, and {the} one thing <{+++}> true from <the> beginning of time <in> {the} lust for destruction? <Then why comes down {the} rain from the clouds, why flows the river, and why are there flowers in the forest?> {Would <she> {it} not have destroyed <herself> {itself} long <before this> {ago}?} You are playing with my heart, my master. <v this is your sacrifice to the mother> Look there, she is gazing at me with {her} sweet mocking smile. My blood-thirsty mother, wilt <you> {thou} accept my blood? shall I plunge this knife into my breast and make an end to my life as <your> {thy} child for evermore? The life blood flowing in these veins, is it so delicious to <you> {thee}? O my mother, my blood thirsty mother! Master, did you call me? I know <you tried.> you wanted
**27
my heart to break its bonds in pain <an> overflowing my mother’s feet. {This is the true sacrifice.} But <the> King’s blood! The mother, who is thirsting for our love, you accuse <her> of blood thirstiness<?>{!}
Raghupati . Then let the sacrifice be stopped in the temple!
Jaising . Yes, let it be {stopped.—} No, no, master, you know what is right and what is wrong. The heart’s laws are not the laws of scripture. Eyes cannot see with their own light<s>— the light must come from the outside. Pardon me, master,— pardon my ignorance. Tell me, father, is it true that the Goddess <+++> seeks <a> King’s blood?
Raghupati . Alas, child, have you lost your faith in me?
Jaising . My world stands upon my faith in you. If the Goddess must have <a> King’s blood, let me bring it to her. I will never allow a brother to kill his brother.
Raghupati . But there can be no evil in carrying out God’s wishes.
Jaising . No, it must be good, and I will earn the merit of it.
**28
Raghupati . But, my boy, I have reared you from your childhood and you have grown close to my heart. I can never bear to lose you by any chance.
Jaising . I will not let your love for me be soiled with sin. Release Prince Nakshatra from his promise.
Raghupati . I shall think and decide tomorrow.
(He goes)
Jaising . <The> Deeds are better, however <+++> cruel they may be, than the hell of thinking and doubting. You are <t> true, my master,— truth is in your words. To kill is no sin, to kill brother is no sin, to kill King is no sin.— <It is true, it is true without doubt.> Where do you go, my brothers? to the fair at Nishipur? There the <+++> women are to <will> dance? O, this world is pleasant,— and the dancing limbs of the girls are beautiful. In what careless merriment the crowds flow through the roads, making the sky ring<ing> with their laughter and song. I will follow them.
<He sings
I am aching to give myself, who is there to take me
Let my work and my mind be thrown to the winds
Carry me away with you.>
Enters Raghupati
√ . Jaising!
**29
Jaising . I do not know you. I drift with the crowd. Why ask me to stop? Go your own way.
{Raghupati . Jaising!}
Jaising . The road is straight before me— with an alms bowl in hand and the beggar girl as my sweetheart I shall walk on. Who says that the {world’s} ways <of the> are difficult? Anyhow we reach the end,— the end where all laws and rules are no more, where the errors and hurts of life are forgotten, where is rest, eternal rest. What is the use of scriptures, and the teacher and his instructions!— My master, may father— what wild words are these of mine? I was living in {a} dream.— There <is> {stands} the temple <like the hard and> cruel and immovable {as} truth.— What was your order, my teacher? I have not forgotten it. (Bringing out the knife) I am sharpening your words in my mind, till they become one {with this knife} in keenness. <with this knife> Have you any other order to give me?
Raghupati . My boy, my darling, how can I tell you how deep <m> is my love for you.
Jaising . No, master, do not tell me of love. Let me only think of duty. <the> Love, like the green grass and the trees and
**30
<the> life’s music, is only of the surface of this world— it comes and vanishes like a dream. But underneath is <the> duty like the <hard> {rude} layers of stone<s>, like a {huge} load that nothing can move.
(They go out)
Enter Govinda and Chandpal
Chandpal . Sire, I warn you to be careful.
Govinda . Why? What do you mean?
Chandpal . I have overheard <+++> a conspiracy to take your life.
Govinda . Who wants my life?
Chandpal . I am afraid to tell you, lest the news should become<s> to you more deadly than the knife itself.
Govinda . You can <say> {speak} without fear.
Chandpal . It was Prince Nakshatra, who—
Govinda . Nakshatra?
Chandpal . He has promised to Raghupati to bring your blood to the Goddess.
Govinda . To the Goddess? Then I cannot blame him. For a man loses his humanity when it concerns his <God> gods. You go to your work and leave me alone.
(Chandpal goes)
**31
(addressing the image) Accept these flowers, <mother> {Goddess}, and let your creatures live in peace. Mother, those who are weak in this world are so helpless and those who are strong are so cruel, greed is pitiless, ignorance blind, and pride takes no heed when it crushes the small under its tread. Mother, do not raise your sword and lick your lips for blood, do not set brother against brother and woman against man. If it is your desire to strike me by the hand of one <whom> I love, then let it be fulfilled. For the sin has to <be> ripen to its <+++> {ugliest} limits before it can burst and die<,> {a hideous depth;} and when King’s blood <will be> {is} shed by <his> {a} brother’s {hand} then the lust for blood will <appears a monster> {disclose its <+++> {demon} face} leaving its disguise as a goddess. If such be your wish I bow my head to it.
Jaising rushes in.
Jaising . Tell me, Goddess, <do you> {dost thee} truly want King’s blodd? Ask it in <your> {thine} own voice and you <{thou}> shalt have it.
A voice . I want King’s blood.
Jaising . <Maharaj> {King,}, say your {last} prayer, for your time has come.
<J>Govinda . What makes you say it Jaising?
**32
Jaising . Did you not hear what The Goddess say{s}?
<Raghupati> Govinda . It was not the Goddess. I heard the familiar voice of Raghupati.
Jaising . {The} Voice of Raghupati? No, no, drive me not from doubt to doubt. It is {all} the same, whether the voice comes from the Goddess or from my master. (unsheathes his knife & then throws it away) Listen to the cry of <your> {thy} children, mother— <+++> let there be only flowers, the beautiful flowers for <your> {thy} offerings— no more blood. They are red even as blood, these bunches of hybiscus— they <seem to> have come out of the heart-burst of the earth, pained at the slaughter of her children. Accept this— <you> {thou} must accept this— I defy <your> {thy} anger— blood <you> {thou} shalt never have. Redden <your> {thine} eyes, raise <your> {thy} sword, bring <your f> {thy F}uries of destruction, I donot fear <you> {thee <King>}. <L>{— King, l}eave this temple to its Goddess, <Maharaj> {and} go to your men.
(Govinda goes)
Alas, alas, in a moment <I leave grace> I gave up all that I had<.>{,—} my master, my Goddess.
Raghupati {comes}
√ . I have heard all. Traitor, you have betrayed your master.
**33
Jaising . Punish me, father!
Raghupati . You turned back the Brahmin’s curse from the midway, you broke your promise, you defied divine command relying upon your pitiful intellect, and you paid me back in ingratitude the debt of affection <+++ you owe me {that has}> {accumulated} from your infancy
Jaising . Punish me, father.
Raghupati . What punishment will you have?
Jaising . Punish me with my life.
Raghupati . No, that is nothing. Take your oath touching the feet of the Goddess.
Jaising . I touch her feet.
Raghupati . Say, I <shall> {will} bring <the> Kingly blood to the altar of the Goddess before it is midnight.
Jaising . I <shall> {will} bring Kingly blood to the altar of the Goddess before it is midnight
<(Goes away)> {(They go out)}
<Enter a crowd of men and women.
First citizen . Father why is the door of the temple shrine shut? We have come to see mother.
Raghupati . Come to see her? but where is she? What>
**34
<merit have you to keep her in this accursed land? She has left us.
Second citizen . But how have we offended her, father?
Raghupati . Not a drop of blood for your thirsty Goddess is this your devotion?
Third citizen . But we have to obey King’s order.
Raghupati. Obey King’s order{?} <and defy your Goddess +++?> Then live under your King in this land forsaken by your Goddess mother, and I will see who there is in the earth to protect you.
First citizen . But if children do wrong Mother can punish them but cannot leave them. Tell me what can we do to bring her back.
Raghupati . When your King leaves this land your Mother comes back again. (They whisper) <Will you see?> {<Do> you want to see?} Then come here. I open the door. Look there.
All . What is that? Mother has turned her back upon us. Show us your face, Mother, show us your face, do not remain in anger. Down with King Govinda,— Master, bring our mother back.
Jaising . Father, am I not to say a word?>
**35
<Raghupati . No.
Jaising . Is there no cause for any suspicion?
Raghupati . No.
Jaising . Must I believe it to be true?
Raghupati . Yes. Come away with me.
(They go out)
Enters King
<Save> Citizens . Save us, King, save us. Bring our Mother back.
King . Yes, <children,> that is my fervent wish, I shall bring mother back to her children.
All . Victory to our King!
Govinda . In the <first moment of life’s> {dawn of} creation only the mother’s love watched the first born life. That <ancient> {Primal} mother still sits watching,— an<d> image of patience. Many a blow has come to her, many a neglect,— sights of cruelty and treason she has seen, and shedding of brother’s blood by a brother. With a silent sorrow she {still} waits, spreading her lap for the weak, opening her heart for the helpless. What could be that awful offence that could drive away that infinite love making the world motherless?>
**36
<First Citizen . King, you have forbidden sacrifice to Mother.
King . Forbidden sacrifice of life and thereby angered the Mother! <That she suckles her {The Mother, that}> Can you think that she suckles her children at her breast, <+++> to pay herself back <with> {in} their blood? How can you <insult> desecrate with such insult the most sacred memory that follows life to its end?
First citizen . We cannot understand these things.
King . But even the infant understand{s} its mother. It knows that their is protection in her love when it is in danger, and food in her breasts when it is hungry. Can you not understand that Mother is not there where there is fear and hatred and there bleeds Mother’s heart where bleeds her children. Mercy came at the temple gate to wipe the bloodstains from mother’s throne, is that the offence which she never forgives?
First Citizen . But, sire, you can see for yourself she has turned her face from us.
King goes to the shrine and turns round the image.>
Enters Gunavati
Gunavati . I failed. I had hoped that if I remained
**37
hard and <silent> {cold} for some days, he would surrender. Such faith I had in my<self> {power}, <the> vain woman that I am. I showed my sullen anger and remained away from him, but it was <in vain> {fruitless}. <But w>{W}oman’s anger is like {a} diamond’s glitter; it only shines but cannot burn. I would it were like <a> thunder bursting upon {the} King’s house, startling him up from hi<m>{s} sleep and dashing his pride <on>to the ground.
Enters the boy Druva
<Qu> Queen . Where are you going?
Druva . I am called by the King.
(Goes out)
Gunavati . <That boy is {You are}> {There goes} the darling of King’s heart! <You have> {He has} robbed my {unborn} children of their father’s <heart before they are born, you usurpers> {love,} usurped their right <of> {to} the first place in <their father’s arms> {the King’s breast.} O Mother Kali, your creation is infinite and full of wonders, {only} send a child to my arms in <{the}> merest whim, a tiny little warm living flesh to fill my lap, and I shall offer you whatever you wish.
Enters Nakshatra
Prince Nakshatra, why do you turn back? <suing me> I am a mere woman, weak and without weapon, am I so fearful?
**38
Nakshatra . No, do not call me.
Gunavati . Why, what harm is in that?
Nakshatra . I <will {do} never> {do not want to} be a King.
Gunavati . But why are you so excited.
Nakshatra . May the King live long and {may} I die <a prince> as I am,— a prince. <as I am>.
Gunavati . Die as quick as you can; have I ever said anything against it?
Nakshatra . Then tell me what you want of me.
Gunavati . The thief that steals the crown <waiting for> {awaiting} you,— remove him. Do you understand?
Nakshatra . Yes, except <about the identity of> {who} the thief is.
Gunavati . That boy Druva. Do you not see he is growing in <the> {the King’s} lap <of th> till one day he reaches the crown.
Nakshatra . Yes, I have often thought of it. I have seen my brother putting his crown on the boy’s head in play.
Gunavati . Playing with the crown is a dangerous game. <play.> If you do not remove the player
**39
he will make a game of you.
Nakshatra . Yes, I like it not.
Gunavati . Offer him to Kali. Have you not heard that Mother is thirsting for blood?
Nakshatra . But, sister, this is not my business.
Gunavati . <She must be appeased or their will be danger for all of us.> Fool, can you feel yourself safe so long as she is not appeased? Blood she must have; save your own if you can.
Nakshatra . But Mother wants King’s blood.
Gunavati . Who told you that?
Nakshatra . I know it <for certain> {from one {to} whom {the} Goddess herself sends her dreams.}
Gunavati . Then that boy must die for the King. His blood is more precious to your brother than his own, and the King can only be saved by paying the price which is more than his life.
Nakshatra . I understand.
Gunavati . Then lose no time, {run after him,} he is not gone far. But remember, offer him in my name.
Nakshatra .
**40
Yes, I will.
Gunavati . <G Q> {The q}ueen’s offerings <had> {have} been turned back from Mother’s gate, pray to her <to> {that she may} forgive me.
(They go out)
Enters Jaising
<God> Jaising . Goddess, <does anything remaining then> {is there any <wreck> {little thing} that <is> {yet} remains out of the wreck of thee?} If there <is> {be but} a faintest <shadow of you in the> {spark of <your> {thy} light} in the remotest of the stars of this evening, <respond to> {answer} my cry, <and say> though <the> {thy} voice be the fullest, and say, “Child, here I am.”— No, she is nowhere, she is naught. But take pity upon Jaising, O Illusion, and {for him} become <real to me> {true}. <+++> Art thou so irredeemably false, that not even <that {+++} the love that I poured at <your> {thy} feet> my love can <from my infancy {+++} your +++ {+++} +++> send <a> {the} slightest tremor of life through thy nothingness, <+++ {so irredeemable} you are so +++ {+++}> O fool, for whom have you <given> {upturned} your {cup of} life, emptying it to the last drop? for this unanswering <+++ {+++} +++> void,— truthless, merciless, and motherless?
Enters Aparna
Aparna, <you have come back? T>{t}hey drive you away from the temple, yet you come back over and over again<. That is the difference between the true and the false>{, for you are true, and truth cannot be banished.} We enshrine falsehood in our temple with all devotion, yet she is <not> {never there.} <+++ {not} the truth banished out of the temple {+++} +++.> Leave me not, Aparna, sit here by my side. Why are {you} sad, my darling? Do you miss some god, who is god no longer? But is there any need of god in this little
**41
world of ours? Let us {be} fearlessly godless and come closer to each other. They want our blood. <For that> {And for this} they have come down to <+++> {the dust of our} earth leaving their magnificence of heaven. For {in this heaven} there are no men, no creatures, who can suffer. No, my girl, there is no Goddess.
Aparna . Then leave this temple and come away with me.
Jaising . Leave this temple! Yes I will <le> leave. Alas, Aparna, I must leave. Yet I can not leave {it} before I have paid my last dues to the— but let that be. Come closer to me, my love, and whisper something to my ears, which will overflow this life with sweetness flooding death itself.
Aparna . Words do not flow, when the heart is full.
Jaising . Then lean your head on my breast; let the silence of two eternities— the life and the death— touch each other.{—} But no more of this. I must go.
Aparna . Jaising, do not be cruel. Can you not feel what I have suffered?
Jaising . <Aparna, a>{A}m I cruel? Is this your last word to me? Cruel, as that {block of} stone whom I <used to call> {called} Goddess? <O> {Aparna,} my beloved,
**42
<my goddess> if you were the Goddess, you would know what fire is this that burns my heart. But you [\are\] my Goddess,— do you know how I know it?
{Aparna . Tell me.
Jaising . For you bring to me your sacrifice every moment, as a mother does to her child. God must be all sacrifice, pouring his life in all creation.}
Aparna . Jaising, come, let is leave this temple and go away together.
Jaising . Save me, Aparna<;>{,} have mercy upon me and leave me! I have only one object in my life, do not usurp its place.
(Rushes out)
Aparna . <I have> Again and again I have suffered, but my strength is gone, my heart breaks.
(She goes out)
Enter Raghupati & Prince Nakshatra
Raghupati . Prince, where have you kept the boy?
Nakshatra . He is in the room, where the vessels for worship are kept. He has cried himself to sleep. I think I shall never be able to bear it, <if> {when he} wakes up again.
Raghupati . Jaising was of the same age when he came to me. And I remember how he cried till he slept at the feet of the Goddess,— the temple lamp dimly shining on his tear-stained child-face. <+++> It was a stormy evening like this.
Nakshatra . Father, delay not. I wish to finish it all while he is sleeping. His cry pierces my heart like a knife.
**43
Raghupati . I will drug him to sleep if he wakes up.
Nakshatra . {The} King will soon find it out, if you are not quick. For in the evening he leaves the care of his kingdom to come {to} this boy.
Raghupati . Have more faith in the Goddess. The victim is {now} in her own hands and it shall never escape.
Nakshatra . But Chandpal is so watchful.
Raghupati . Not more so than our Mother.
Nakshatra . I thought I saw a shadow pass by.
Raghupati . {{The} shadow} Of your own fear.
Nakshatra . Do we not hear <a> {the} sound of {a} cry?
Raghupati . {{The} Sound} Of your own heart. Shake off your despondency, {Prince.} Let us drink this wine duly consecrated. So long as <is+++ {thought}> the purpose remains in {the} mind, <they> {it} looms large and fearful,— in action <it {they}> {it} becomes small. The vapour is dark and diffused, it dissloves <+++> in{to} water drops {that are} small and sparkling,— <It> {Prince it} is nothing, it takes only a moment, not more than it does to snuff a candle. <The light of that <is> {of} life> {That life’s light} will die <away> in a flash like <a> light<+++>ning in the stormy night of July leaving its thunderbolt
**44
{for ever} deep in<to the> {the} King’s pride. But, Prince, why are you so silent?
Nakshatra . I think we should not be {too} rash. Leave this work till tomorrow night.
Raghupati . Tonight is as good as tomorrow night, perhaps better.
Nakshatra . Listen to the sound of footsteps.
Raghupati . I do not hear it.
Nakshatra . <There is light> See<,> there is light.
Raghupati . The King comes. <He> I <hope> {fear} we have <not> delayed too long.
King comes with attendants
King . Make them prisoners. (To Raghupati) Have you anything to say <for yourself>?
Raghupati . Nothing.
King . Do you admit your crime?
Raghupati . Crime? Yes, my crime was that <my> {in} my weakness I delayed in carrying out Mother’s service. The punishment comes from the Goddess, you are merely her instrument.
King . <My +++ is> According to my law my soldiers
**45
<will> {shall} escort you to <the> exile, Raghupati, where you shall spend eight years of your life.
Raghupati . <I have> {King, I} never bent my knees to any mortal{s in my life.} <creatures in this world.> I am a Brahmin, <and> your caste is lower than mine. <and y> {Y}et <+++>, in all humility, I pray to you,— give me only <the> {one} day’s time.
±[~King?]±
Govinda . I grant it.
Raghupati . {(mockingly)} You are {the} King of all kings, your majesty and mercy are alike <immense> {immeasurable}! <When> Whereas I am a mere worm, hiding in the dust!
(Goes out)
Govinda . Nakshatra, admit your guilt.
Nakshatra . I am guilty, sire, and I dare not ask for your pardon.
Govinda . Prince, I know you are tender of heart. Tell me who beguiled you with evil council?
<G> Nakshatra . I will not take other names, King. <My> My guilt is m<ine>{y own}. You have pardoned <one> your foolish brother more than once, and <+++ it once again.> once more he begs to be pardoned.
Govinda . Nakshatra, leave my feet. The judge is still more <strictly> bound by his laws than his prisoner.
**46
Attendants . Sire, remember that he is your brother, and pardon him.
Govinda . <I cannot> {Let me} remember that I am a king. Nakshatra shall remain in exile for eight years in the house we have {built} by the sacred river outside the limits of Tripura. (Taking Nakshatra’s hands) The punishment is not yours only, brother, but also mine,— the more so because I cannot share it bodily. The vacancy that you leave in the palace will prick my heart {everyday} with {a} thousand needles. May {the} gods be more friendly to you while you are away from us.
(They all go out)
Enter Raghupati and Jaising
Raghupati . My pride wallows in the mire, I have shamed my Brahminhood. I am no longer your master, my child. Yesterday I <could> had the authority to command you, today I can only beg your favour. That light is extinct in me which gave me the right to defy King’s power. The earthern lamp can be replenished and lighted again and again, but the star once extinguished is lost for ever. I am that lost star. Life’s days are mere <bubbles> {tinsel<s>}, most trifling of God’s gifts, and I had to beg for one of <that> {those} days from the King with bent knees. Let that one day be not in vain. Let its infamous black brows be <tinged {+++}> red with King’s blood before it dies. Why do you not
**47
speak, my boy? Though I <have not {lose}> {forsake} my place as your master, <but> {yet} have I not the right to claim your obedience as your father, <to> {I} who <is> {am} more than a father {to you} because <+++> father to an orphan? But <he> {that man} is the most miserable <+++> of all beggars who {has to} beg <+++> for love! <+++ y>{Y}ou are {still} silent, <{still,}> my child? Then let <my own +++ once again. When you first came to my arms you were smaller than my knees> my knees {bend} to you who were smaller than my knees when you first came to my arms.
Jaising . Father, <no more blows for my {not}> {do not torture the} heart that is <has> {already} broken. <The {+++}> {If the} Goddess thirsts for <{the}> kingly blood, <+++> {I will} bring it to her before <+++> tonight. <and might> I will pay all my debts,— yes, every farthing. <I will +++> keep ready for my return,— I will delay not.
(Goes out)
(Storm outside)
Raghupati . She <has awakened> {is awake} at last,— {<she,> the Terrible.} Her curses go <+++> shrieking through the town. The hungry <fur> Furies are shaking the {cracking branches of the} World tree with all their might for the stars to break and drop. My Mother, why <did you leave your your +++ {+++}> {didst thou keep thy} own people in doubt and dishonour for so long? Leave it not to <your> {thy} servant to raise <your> {thy} sword,— let <your> {thy} mighty arm do its own work.— I hear steps.
Enters Aparna
Aparna . Where is Jaising?
Raghupati . Away! Evil omen!
(Aparna goes out)
**48
But if Jaising never comes <to> back? No, he will <never> {not} break his promise. <+++ itself> Victory to thee, Great Kali, the giver of all success,— <who gives success!> But <a> if <there happen something to obstruct him> {he meet with obstruction!} If he be caught and lose his life at the guard’s hands?— Victory to thee, <+++> {watchful} Goddess, <+++> Mother invincible? Do not allow <your> {thy} repute to be lost and <your> {thine} enemies to laugh {at thee!} <Do not let their pride win to the last!> If <your> {thy} children <have to> {must} lose their <f> pride {of faith} in their Mother and bow down their heads in shame {before the rebels, then} who will remain in this {orphan<e>ed} world to carry thy banner?— I hear his steps. <So +++> {But so soon!— Is he coming back foiled in his purpose? {No, that cannot be!} Thy miracle heeds not time, O Mistress of all time,} terrible <+++> with thy necklace of human skulls!
Rushes in Jaising
Raghupati . Jaising, where is the blood?
Jaising . It is with me. <Leave> {Let go} my hands. Let me offer it myself. <Must thou have> (Entering the temple) Must thou have kingly blood, {Great} Mother, who nourishest the world at thy breast with life?— I am of <all the world and I being {am of}> the royal caste, <+++> a <Kh> Kshatriya,— <+++ of> {my} ancestors {have} sat upon <a> thrones, and <my> {there are rulers of men in my} mother’s line. I have kingly blood in my veins, take it and <I pray that it may> quench <your> {thy} thirst for ever.
(stabs himself and falls)
Raghupati . Jaising! <What> O cruel! <O> ungrateful! You have done the blackest crime,— You <have> kill<ed> your father!— Jaising, forgive me, my darling, <the one treasure of my life>— come back to my heart, my heart’s one treasure!
**49
<my life itself Come back to my heart> {Let me die in your place!}
Enters Aparna
√ . It will madden me! Where is Jaising? Where is he?
Raghupati . <O> {Come,} Aparna, {come,} my child, call him with all your love,— <bring> {call} him back to life! Take him to you {away from me,} only let him live!
(Aparna <swoons> enters the temple and swoons.)
(<Striking> {Beating} his forehead on the <floor of the> temple floor) Give him, <+++ give> give him, give him, give him back to me! (Stands up addressing the image) Look, how she stands there the silly stone!— deaf, dumb, blind<!>{,} <and> the whole sorrowing world weeping at her door<;>{,} the noblest hearts wrecking themselves at her stony feet! Give me back<,> my Jaising, thou monster! (shaking the image) <Do {Can} you hear?> Canst thou hear? Dost {thou} know what thou hast done? Remain upon this throne for ever, stealing worship from believing hearts,— I shall not disclose the truth {about thee,}— only give me back my Jaising!{—} O, it is all in vain! <But is what to +++ emptiness wanders> {Our bitterest cries wander in emptiness<!>{,} the emptiness that we vainly try to fill with these stony images of delusion!} <my cry? Let me remove this stone that sits upon our heart like death,— +++ banish the burden of this world! {away with +++ them— these are futile dreams that petrify and become burdens to this world!}>
Away with them! Away with these our impotent dreams that <petrify> {harden into stones,} burdening <ou> our world!
(Throws away the image and comes out in the courtyard)
Enters Gunavati
Gunavati .
**50
Victory to <the> {thee,} great Goddess! <O but>{— But} where <she> [\is\] the Goddess?
Raghupati . Goddess there is none!
Gunavati . Bring her back, father! I have brought her my offering. I have come {at last} to appease her anger with my own heart’s blood. Let her know <that I will be> {that the queen is} true to <her> {her} promise. Have pity on me and bring back the Goddess only for this night! <W> Tell me, where is she? <the Goddess?>
Raghupati . She is nowhere,— <not> {neither} above, nor below.
Gunavati . Master, was not the Goddess here in the temple?
Raghupati . <You call her Goddess!> {Goddess!} If there were any true Goddess {anywhere} in the world could she bear <the +++ {who} calls her Goddess? That {She is a} demon that has fed herself upon the blood of the noblest heart in this earth and has died bursting> {this thing to usurp her name?}
Gunavati . Do not torture me. Tell me truly is there no Goddess?
Raghupati . No, there is none.
Gunavati . Then who <is there> {was here}?
**51
<Gunavati> Raghupati . Nothing<!>{.} nothing!
<(Gunavati rushes out of the temple)>
<+++> Aparna comes out from the temple
Aparna . Father!
Raghupati . My sweet child! ‘Father’ {did you say?} Do you rebuke me with that name? My son, whom I have killed, has left that one dear call behind him in <that> {your} sweet voice.
Aparna . Father, leave this temple. Let us go away from here.
Enters {the} King
King . Where is the Goddess?
Raghupati . The Goddess is nowhere.
<R> King . But what {blood} stream <of blood> is this?
Raghupati . <It has washed clean the traces of all evil from this temple. Jaising has <offered> {emptied} his blood to wash <clean> {away} the the traces of all +++ from this temple.
King . He {Jaising} is great. My flowers are for him.
Gunavati . My King!> {King, Jaising, who loved you {so dearly,} has killed himself.
King . Killed himself? Why?
Raghupati . To kill the falsehood that sucks the life blood of man.
King . Jaising is great. He has conqu{e}red death! My flowers are for him.}
**52
{Gunavati . My King!}
King . Yes, my love.
Gunavati . The Goddess is no more.
King . She has burst her cruel prison of stone, and come to the woman’s heart.
Aparna . Father, come away.
Raghupati . <{Come child,} I have found my mother at last. +++> Come, child, come <my> Mother, I have found thee{.} <at last. Save me.> {Thou <You> art the last gift of Jaising.}
