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Part 10 · VIDEHA MITHILA MAITHILI DISCUSSION CRITICISM SERIES PART 10

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1. 0:02–0:17The Signet Ring of Minister R.A.K.S.H.A.S.A. An English translation for the stage from Gajendra Thakur's Maitili translation of Vishakha Datta's Sanskrit play Mudra Raksasa.
2. 0:17–0:20Dramatis Personai
3. 0:20–0:24M.E.N. 1. Stage Manager
4. 0:24–0:27SUTRADHA
5. 0:27–0:31Director of the performance, opens the play.
6. 0:31–0:322.
7. 0:32–0:42CHANA KYA, the protagonist, also called Vishnugukta, Shandragupta's teacher and minister.
8. 0:42–0:433.
9. 0:43–0:46Chandragupta, King of Magadhar.
10. 0:46–0:475.
11. 0:47–0:50H.A.G.U.R.A.Y.A.N.A.
12. 0:50–0:56Chanakya's agent, who poses as the closest friend of Malayaketu's father.
13. 0:56–1:008. N.I.P.U.N.A.K.A.
14. 1:00–1:06Chanakya's spy, disguised as a moralist carrying a painted scroll of Yama.
15. 1:06–1:114. J.I.V.A.S.I.D.D.H.I.
16. 1:11–1:13Inda Shaman in disguise.
17. 1:13–1:16Chanakya's friend and agent,
18. 1:16–1:20pretends to be a friend of Rakshasa.
19. 1:20–1:216.
20. 1:21–1:24Siddh-ar-thaka.
21. 1:24–1:27Shanakya's agent.
22. 1:27–1:35He poses as Shakata Dasa's closest friend and, at Shandana Dasa's execution ground,
23. 1:35–1:38as the attendant Vajrala Maka.
24. 1:38–1:407.
25. 1:40–1:48Siddha Thakas companion, disguised as the Shandala Venuva Traka.
26. 1:48–1:509.
27. 1:50–1:53S.H.A.R.A.N.G.A.R.A.V.A.
28. 1:53–1:56Chanakya's pupil.
29. 1:56–1:5810.
30. 1:58–2:00V.A.I.H.I.N.A.R.I.
31. 2:00–2:04Shandragupta's personal and bed-chamber attendant.
32. 2:04–2:0611.
33. 2:06–2:11A.K.E.T.U. King of the Mountain Country.
34. 2:11–2:16Who marches on Patali Putra to avenge his father's murder?
35. 2:16–2:2212. R.A.K.S.H.A.S.A. The opposing statesman,
36. 2:22–2:25minister to the late Emperor Nanda and his son,
37. 2:25–2:28and supporter of Savarthasidhi.
38. 2:28–2:31He allies himself with Malayaketu.
39. 2:31–2:37but in the end accepts the office of Shandragupta's minister to save Shandana Dasa's life.
40. 2:37–2:4213. C.H.A.N.D.A.N.A.D.A.S.A.
41. 2:42–2:47Head of the Jewelers Guild and Rakshasa's dearest friend.
42. 2:47–2:5114. S.H.A.K.A.T.A.D.A.S.A.
43. 2:51–2:54Rakshasa's friend and secretary.
44. 2:54–2:5916. K.A.R.A.B.H.A.K.A.
45. 2:59–3:01Rakshasa's Messenger
46. 3:01–3:0317.
47. 3:03–3:09P-R-I-Y-A-M-V-A-D-A-K-A, Rakshasa's attendant.
48. 3:09–3:1718. J-A-J-A-L-I, Malaya Ketu's Chamberlain and Personal Bedchamber Attendant.
49. 3:17–3:2519. B-H-A-S-U-R-A-K-A, an attendant of Malaya Ketu.
50. 3:25–3:2820. Spai, an agent of Chanakya,
51. 3:28–3:32Chanakya 21.
52. 3:32–3:39Viradha Gupta Rakshaasas spy, disguised as a snake charmer.
53. 3:39–3:46Pryyamvadaka 22.
54. 3:46–3:56Viradha Gupta S. Jharnavisha, Rakshaasas friend and secret agent, disguised as a snake charmer.
55. 3:56–4:0122. First Bard, Shandragupta's court bard.
56. 4:01–4:0923. Second Bard, Rakshasa's disguised bard spy, Stanna Kalasha.
57. 4:09–4:1424. Doorkeeper, Rakshasa's gatekeeper.
58. 4:14–4:2225. Stafbira, the man who announces Malayaketu's arrival.
59. 4:22–4:2926. Man, Shanakya's spy, who stages an attempted suicide.
60. 4:29–4:3827. Vajralomaka. Siddhartha disguised as the first chandala.
61. 4:38–4:4728. Venuvraka. Siddhartha disguised as the second chandala.
62. 4:47–4:5529. Sun. Shandana Dasa's son. 30. Messenger.
63. 4:55–5:0231. Prisoners. Several. WOMEN.
64. 5:02–5:111. Actress. The stage manager's wife. 2. SHONOTTARA.
65. 5:11–5:15Shandra Gupta's female chamberlain and gatekeeper.
66. 5:15–5:223. V.I.J.A.Y.A. Malayaketu's female chamberlain and gatekeeper
67. 5:22–5:274. Wife Shandana Dasa's wife
68. 5:27–5:36S.E.T.T.I.N.G.S. Acts I.3. V.I.N.7. Pataliputra
69. 5:36–5:40Acts II and IV. The capital of the mountain kingdom
70. 5:40–5:44Act 5. Malayaketu's camp
71. 5:44–5:51After the preliminary arrangements have been completed,
72. 5:51–5:56the stage manager enters to open the performance.
73. 5:56–5:58Ladies and gentlemen,
74. 5:58–6:01may the guile of Lord Shiva protect you.
75. 6:01–6:07The Shiva who tried to conceal the name of the heavenly Ganga when Gowri questioned him.
76. 6:07–6:15him. Gowri asked, Who is this who rests so beautifully upon your head? Shiva replied,
77. 6:15–6:24It is the crescent moon. Gowri asked, Is that her name? Shiva said, Yes, that is her name.
78. 6:24–6:32You know it. How could you have forgotten? Gowri answered, I am speaking of a woman.
79. 6:32–6:40the moon. Shiva replied, then call Vijaya. If the moon's testimony will not satisfy you
80. 6:40–6:48and may the dance of Lord Shiva, destroyer of the demon tripperer, protect you. A dance
81. 6:48–6:53constrained by the limits of space. He checks the sinking earth with the lightest touch
82. 6:53–7:01of his foot. He repeatedly draws in and extends his arms, letting Jester alone suggest
83. 7:01–7:08their reach across the worlds. And fearing universal destruction, he restrains the sparks
84. 7:08–7:15of fire from his terrible eyes. But enough of elaboration. This audience has commanded
85. 7:15–7:22me to present a new play called The Signet Ring. Composed by the poet Vishakadatta,
86. 7:22–7:28son of Maharaja Bhaskara Datta and grandson of the feudatory lord Vateshvara Datta. I
87. 7:28–7:34I am truly delighted to have the opportunity to perform it before an audience capable of
88. 7:34–7:37appreciating the excellence of poetry.
89. 7:37–7:394.
90. 7:39–7:44Even the seeds sown by a dull-witted man will sprout in fertile soil.
91. 7:44–7:49A rich harvest of grain does not depend upon the brilliance of the farmer.
92. 7:49–7:54I shall therefore begin the performance with my household company.
93. 7:54–7:55Looking around.
94. 7:55–7:57What is happening here?
95. 7:57–8:04servant in the house is working with extraordinary enthusiasm. As though some great festival were
96. 8:04–8:13at hand, one is fetching water, another is preparing scented colour. That is, grinding fragrant
97. 8:13–8:21substances, a third is weaving a beautiful garland, and a fourth is working a pestle.
98. 8:21–8:28Sweetly whenever it falls, I shall call my wife toward the dressing room.
99. 8:28–8:31My good lady, come quickly.
100. 8:31–8:37You who are skilled in household policy, rich in resources, steadfast in securing the three
101. 8:37–8:44aims of life, you are political wisdom embodied in the management of my home.
102. 8:44–8:47Yes, my lord.
103. 8:47–8:50Kindly dictate your command.
104. 8:50–8:52Never mind taking down a command.
105. 8:52–8:55My good lady, just tell me.
106. 8:55–8:59Have honoured Brahmins been invited to dine?
107. 8:59–9:01Or has some worthy guest arrived?
108. 9:01–9:06What is the reason for all this special preparation of food?
109. 9:06–9:11My lord, I have invited the honoured Brahmins to dine.
110. 9:11–9:13On what occasion?
111. 9:13–9:17People say there will be an eclipse of the moon.
112. 9:17–9:19Who says so?
113. 9:19–9:22in the city says so.
114. 9:22–9:27My good lady, I have studied all 64 branches of astronomy.
115. 9:27–9:32By all means continue preparing the Brahmin's meal.
116. 9:32–9:35But you have been misled about the lunar eclipse.
117. 9:35–9:36Look!
118. 9:36–9:44The Malignant Rahu, joined by Ketu, is even now attempting to assail the radiant moon.
119. 9:44–9:45Ha!
120. 9:45–9:49Who dares attack Chandra while I am still alive?
121. 9:49–9:53but the conjunction of Mercury will save him.
122. 9:53–9:54My lord!
123. 9:54–9:59Who is this mortal man who wishes to save the moon from a demon's attack?
124. 9:59–10:02To tell the truth, my good lady!
125. 10:02–10:08I did not notice, but I shall recognize him by his voice.
126. 10:08–10:09Repeating!
127. 10:09–10:11The malignant Rahu!
128. 10:11–10:12And so forth!
129. 10:12–10:13Ha!
130. 10:13–10:18Who dares attack Shandragupta while I am still alive?
131. 10:18–10:23Ah, now I understand. It is Cortilia."
132. 10:23–10:27The actress begins to tremble with fear.
133. 10:27–10:32The crooked master of statecraft who burned the Nanda dynasty like reeds in the fire
134. 10:32–10:41of his anger. Hearing of an eclipse of Chandra, the moon, he feared an assault upon his namesake.
135. 10:41–10:49Shandragupta. And came at once. We had better leave. They both exit. End of the Prelude.
136. 10:51–10:57Chanyakya enters in fury, touching the unbound lock of hair upon his head.
137. 10:59–11:07Ha! Who dares attack Shandragupta while I am still alive? What man, already devoted to death,
138. 11:07–11:17Wishes still to see this lock of hair unbound, a lock darkened by the fire of my anger into the black serpent that brought doom upon the house of.
139. 11:17–11:29Nanda? What man, mistaken alike about his enemy's power and his own, wishes to fly like a moth into the fierce blaze of my wrath and die at once.
140. 11:29–11:37The fire that consumed the Nanda dynasty as a forest fire devours the woods?
141. 11:37–11:42C.H.A.N.A.K.Y.A. seats himself as his pupil goes out.
142. 11:44–11:46Aside. And now?
143. 11:46–11:50Has the news already spread among the citizens that Rakshasa,
144. 11:50–11:54enraged by the destruction of the dynasty,
145. 11:54–11:57has allied himself with Malayaketu,
146. 11:57–11:59the son of Parvataka,
147. 11:59–12:02burning to avenge his father's murder,
148. 12:02–12:06tempted by the promise of the entire Nanda kingdom,
149. 12:06–12:10strengthened by the chiefs of the foreign tribes
150. 12:10–12:15and preparing to march with Malaya Ketu's army against Frishala.
151. 12:15–12:17After a moment's thought,
152. 12:17–12:18let it be.
153. 12:18–12:21I shall stop him nevertheless.
154. 12:21–12:24I publicly vow to uproot the Nanda dynasty
155. 12:24–12:30and I have already crossed the otherwise impassable river of that vow."
156. 12:30–12:34The fire of my anger is a forest conflagration.
157. 12:34–12:41In its flames the members of the Nanda House were consumed like dry bamboo abandoned by a terrified
158. 12:41–12:49populace. The ash hurled up by the explosion of my policy filled the sky with the smoke of their ministers.
159. 12:49–12:54Downfall unveiled the wives of my enemies in the grief of widowhood.
160. 12:54–13:01Now the fire has died because no fuel remains. Not because its strength has failed.
161. 13:01–13:08Moreover, those who had hidden their discontent in their hearts through fear of King Nanda have now seen
162. 13:08–13:13Nanda and his whole family hurled from the throne by me,
163. 13:13–13:18as the leader of an elephant herd is cast down from a mountain peak.
164. 13:18–13:25Though my great vow has been fulfilled, I continue to bear the sword for the sake of Vrishala.
165. 13:25–13:30In other words, I uprooted the nine world-renowned Nandas,
166. 13:30–13:33who had lodged like thorns in every heart
167. 13:33–13:37and made the Moria kingdom firm as a lotus rooted in a lake.
168. 13:37–13:43Through my labor I have thus distributed fitting rewards to friend an enemy alike.
169. 13:43–13:47Yet how can the Nanda dynasty be called wholly uprooted
170. 13:47–13:51or Shandragupta's kingdom firmly established?
171. 13:51–13:54While Rakshasa remains unsubdued,
172. 13:54–13:56he pauses in thought.
173. 13:56–14:01I marvel at Rakshaas's unmatched devotion to the house of Nanda.
174. 14:01–14:05So long as even one member of that line remained alive,
175. 14:05–14:08nothing could halt his activity on its behalf.
176. 14:08–14:13To remove every reason for refusing Shandragupta's ministry,
177. 14:13–14:16I ordered the death of poor Savatha Siddhi,
178. 14:16–14:18the last of the Nandas.
179. 14:18–14:22Though he had taken refuge in a forest hermitage.
180. 14:22–14:23Now,
181. 14:23–14:26with Malayaketu's support,
182. 14:26–14:30Rakshasa is gathering still greater strength to destroy me.
183. 14:30–14:32Looking into the distance.
184. 14:32–14:36Minister Rakshasa, you deserve every praise.
185. 14:36–14:40Men serve a king for profit while he is powerful.
186. 14:40–14:44Those who follow him in adversity hope for his restoration.
187. 14:44–14:46But a man such as you,
188. 14:46–14:51who serves his master without self-interest, even after that master's death.
189. 14:51–14:54Faithfully remembering old kindnesses.
190. 14:54–14:58Such a worthy man is difficult indeed to find.
191. 14:58–15:02For that very reason I am trying to win you to my side,
192. 15:02–15:08considering how you may be persuaded to accept the office of Shandragupta's minister.
193. 15:08–15:134. What use is a loyal servant without intelligence?
194. 15:13–15:18And what use is an intelligent and courageous servant without loyalty?
195. 15:18–15:21Only those in whom intelligence,
196. 15:21–15:27Courage and devotion are joined together are true servants of a king. The rest merely live upon him,
197. 15:27–15:32sharing his pleasures and hardships like dependence.
198. 15:32–15:36Therefore I labor over this matter without sleep. First,
199. 15:36–15:43I spread a rumor among the citizens that Rakshasa had murdered our ally king Parvataka,
200. 15:43–15:48who had rendered us great service. By means of my poison maiden,
201. 15:48–15:53I acted on the calculation that whether Vrishala or Parvataka died,
202. 15:53–15:55the loss would fall upon me.
203. 15:55–15:57Chanakya.
204. 15:57–15:59To make the rumour credible,
205. 15:59–16:06I deliberately had Bhagavad Gita whisper in Malaya Ketu's ear that I myself had caused his father's
206. 16:06–16:07death.
207. 16:07–16:10I knew that even if the prince went to war,
208. 16:10–16:12he could be stopped by policy.
209. 16:12–16:19but the stain of having allied himself with the man believed responsible for Parvataka's murder
210. 16:19–16:25could never be erased. To discover who stands on the side of advantage or danger,
211. 16:25–16:32of friend or enemy, and where each is placed, I appointed spies skilled like actors in the dress,
212. 16:33–16:40speech, customs and manners of many regions. Through them I watched the activities of the
213. 16:40–16:47former Nanda ministers' followers who remain in Kusumapura. I also caused Badrabhata and
214. 16:47–16:55other senior officers who had supported Shandragupta in battle to appear openly dissatisfied, each
215. 16:55–17:01on a different pretext. As the king's personal attendance, I appointed tested and trustworthy
216. 17:01–17:09men who constantly guard against assassins, poisoners and every similar crime. Furthermore,
217. 17:09–17:15I have a Brahmin fellow student and friend named Indasharman, profoundly learned in the
218. 17:15–17:20statecraft of Shukra and in all 64 branches of astronomy.
219. 17:20–17:26After I vowed to destroy the Nanda dynasty, I summoned him to Kasumapura in the guise
220. 17:26–17:32of a Buddhist mendicant, so that he might make friends among all the Nanda ministers.
221. 17:32–17:36He became especially intimate with Raksasa.
222. 17:36–17:40Now he will perform a most important service for me.
223. 17:40–17:43Thus nothing remains undone.
224. 17:43–17:47Except that Vrishala, though the center of the political circle,
225. 17:47–17:52takes no active interest, he leaves the burden of state affairs to us.
226. 17:52–17:57And a kingdom is truly pleasant, only when its ruler is freed from the crushing labor
227. 17:57–17:59of managing.
228. 17:59–18:01Every matter personally.
229. 18:01–18:024.
230. 18:02–18:05The Lord of Men and the Lord of Elephants
231. 18:05–18:06They're all powerful.
232. 18:07–18:13They're generally unhappy when they must both perform every task themselves and personally enjoy every
233. 18:13–18:14possession.
234. 18:15–18:22A spy of chana kya enters, carrying a painted scroll of yama.
235. 18:23–18:25Bow down at yama's feet.
236. 18:25–18:27What use are the lesser gods?
237. 18:28–18:32It is yama who takes away the lives of other gods, trembling devotees.
238. 18:32–18:37Yet a man surely lives by the grace of the very God he worships.
239. 18:37–18:40However harsh that God may be.
240. 18:40–18:45Thus I live by the grace of Yama, destroyer of humankind.
241. 18:45–18:47Now I shall enter this house.
242. 18:47–18:51Display my painted scroll and sing a hymn of devotion.
243. 18:51–18:55Good man, do not enter this house.
244. 18:55–18:58Brahman, whose house is this?
245. 18:58–19:04It is the house of my revered teacher, the renowned Chanakya.
246. 19:04–19:14Brahman, then this is the house of a brother in religion. Not a stranger. Let me enter. I shall teach your master a truth of moral law.
247. 19:14–19:19What did you say? Do you know more of moral truth than my teacher?
248. 19:19–19:30Brahman, do not be offended. No one person knows everything. Your teacher knows some things. And men such as I know others.
249. 19:30–19:35You are trying to rob my teacher of his title of Omniscience.
250. 19:35–19:44Good Brahman, if your teacher knows everything, let him tell us who in this city does not love Chandra.
251. 19:44–19:51Ha! The fellow is saying that he knows the names of those who do not love Shandragukta.
252. 19:51–19:56How can you speak so? You are docking nonsense.
253. 19:56–20:01In intelligent ears it would not be nonsense, but wisdom.
254. 20:01–20:06Come in, good man. Here is someone ready to listen.
255. 20:06–20:11I am coming. He enters an approach as C.H.A.N.A.K.Y.A.
256. 20:11–20:15Blessings upon you, revered sir.
257. 20:15–20:21Ah, it is Nipunaka, whom I appointed to test the temper of the people.
258. 20:21–20:26Allowed, welcome, good man, sit down.
259. 20:26–20:31As the revered gentleman commands, he sits on the ground.
260. 20:31–20:36Now give me your report. Do the people love Vrishala?
261. 20:36–20:41They certainly do. Your skill has removed every cause of discontent.
262. 20:41–20:46And the people are deeply devoted to the illustrious King Chandragupta.
263. 20:46–20:55There are, however, three men in the city whose old friendship and reverence for Minister Rakshaasamakam unable to
264. 20:55–20:58tolerate Chandragupta's rule.
265. 20:58–21:02Better to say they cannot tolerate their own peace and safety.
266. 21:02–21:05Allowed. Do you know their names?
267. 21:05–21:10Revealed, sir. If I did not know them, who would be able to tell you?
268. 21:10–21:13Then I wish to hear them.
269. 21:13–21:22Attend. Revealed, sir. The first is a K. Sharpanaka, a Buddhist mendicant, who is in league with the enemy.
270. 21:22–21:27A Buddhist mendicant in league with the enemy?
271. 21:27–21:28Surprised.
272. 21:28–21:30Who can that be?
273. 21:30–21:32His name is Jiva City.
274. 21:32–21:39He was involved in King Pavataka's murder by a poison maiden employed by Minister Rakshaasa.
275. 21:39–21:43Ah, Javasidi, my own agent.
276. 21:43–21:44Allowed.
277. 21:44–21:46Who is the second?
278. 21:46–21:52The second is a scribe named Shikha Tardasa, a dear friend of Minister Rakshaasa.
279. 21:52–22:09A scribe is no great official. Still, I have planted Siddharthaaka beside him in the guise of a friend. For no enemy, however insignificant, should be ignored, allowed. And the third?
280. 22:09–22:16The third is a wealthy jeweler named Chandanadasa, who lives in the flower market square.
281. 22:16–22:25He is Rakhshasa's second self, and the minister left his family in Chandanadasa's care when he fled the city.
282. 22:25–22:29He must indeed be Rakhshasa's dearest friend.
283. 22:29–22:34Rakhshasa would never entrust his family to a man who was not another self.
284. 22:34–22:41Allowed, good man, how did you learn that Rick Shosa left his family in Chandanadasa's
285. 22:41–22:43care?
286. 22:43–22:47From this signet ring, sir.
287. 22:47–22:51The spy gives the ring to C-H-A-N-A-K-Y-A.
288. 22:51–22:56Yes, I have Rick Shosa around my finger.
289. 22:56–23:01Allowed, good man, tell me in full how you came by this ring.
290. 23:01–23:08Listen. Revealed, sir. You secretly appointed me to investigate the citizens' activities.
291. 23:08–23:12Carrying the painted scroll of Yama and traveling through his realm.
292. 23:12–23:17A disguise that lets me enter private houses without arousing suspicion.
293. 23:17–23:21I came to the home of the wealthy Jeweler Chandanadasa.
294. 23:21–23:26There I spread out my scroll and began to sing a devotional song.
295. 23:26–23:29And then, go on.
296. 23:29–23:33A very beautiful child of about five.
297. 23:33–23:39His eyes wide with natural curiosity, tried to come out from inside the house.
298. 23:39–23:42At once the women within cried in alarm.
299. 23:42–23:44The child is going outside.
300. 23:44–23:47Their agitation was plain.
301. 23:47–23:52Then a woman appeared at the doorway, scolded the boy, and caught his hand with an arm
302. 23:52–23:56as tender as a young vine when he tried to come out.
303. 23:56–24:00In the haste of reaching for him she opened her fingers.
304. 24:00–24:06And this ring, which was made for a man's finger, slipped from her hand, fell unnoticed
305. 24:06–24:10upon the threshold, and rolled close to my foot.
306. 24:10–24:16When I saw Minister Rakshasa's name engraved upon it, I brought it to you.
307. 24:16–24:19That is how I obtained the ring.
308. 24:19–24:20I understand.
309. 24:20–24:22You may go, good man.
310. 24:22–24:26Your service will soon be rewarded.
311. 24:26–24:30As the revered gentleman commands, exit.
312. 24:30–24:32Sharangarava.
313. 24:32–24:36What are your commands, revered sir?
314. 24:36–24:40Bring me my writing materials, child.
315. 24:40–24:43As your command, he goes and returns.
316. 24:43–24:47Revered sir, the writing materials are here.
317. 24:47–24:48What shall I write?
318. 24:48–24:54These words will be the instrument of my victory over Rikshaasa.
319. 24:54–24:56Victory to your Excellency.
320. 24:56–24:59I accept the cry of victory as an omen.
321. 24:59–25:03Allowed, what is it, Shonatara?
322. 25:03–25:09Revured, sir, the illustrious King Chandraguppa Bows with folded hands,
323. 25:09–25:11Thurved above his head like a lotus bud,
324. 25:11–25:16And respectfully submits, with my revered teacher's permission,
325. 25:16–25:22I wish to give the jewels formerly worn by King Parvata Kattu on at Brahman's,
326. 25:22–25:27so that the departed king may find peace in the next world.
327. 25:27–25:33Well done, Vrishala! Your request answers my very wish.
328. 25:33–25:38Allowed, Shonatara, give Vrishala this reply from me.
329. 25:38–25:42Dear Prince, you understand what is right and lawful.
330. 25:42–25:50Yes, do as you propose, but the jewels once worn by Parvadaka are of exquisite workmanship.
331. 25:50–25:56they should be given not to ordinary brahmins, but to the most distinguished,
332. 25:56–25:59I shall send Vishvavasu and his two brothers myself.
333. 26:01–26:04As you command, Ruvyud sir, exit.
334. 26:05–26:12Sharangarava, in my name, tell Vishvavasu and his two brothers to go to Vrishala and receive
335. 26:12–26:22the gift of jewels. And then, turning, to come and see me, S-H-A-R-A-N-G-A-R-A-V-A exits and returns.
336. 26:24–26:28Revealed, sir, your command has been carried out. Exit.
337. 26:29–26:38Now, what shall I put in this letter? Thinking, yes, I have it. My spies report that the five
338. 26:38–26:44Five foremost foreign chiefs who follow Rikshaasa are Chitravermin of Kaluta.
339. 26:44–26:52Siminata, the Lion King of Malaya, Pushkaraksha of Kashmir, Sindhu Sena of Sindhu, the subduer
340. 26:52–26:54of his enemies.
341. 26:54–27:01And Fifth, Megacosha of Persia, rich in cavalry, I shall write their names here.
342. 27:01–27:06May Chitragupta strike them from his register in due course.
343. 27:06–27:12After a moment's thought, no, no, better leave them all unnamed.
344. 27:12–27:13Shurangarava.
345. 27:13–27:17What are your commands, revered sir?
346. 27:17–27:24Child, the handwriting of men devoted to Vedic study often lacks ease and elegance.
347. 27:24–27:31Tell Siddharthaaka in my name to have Shikharadasa write a letter under these conditions.
348. 27:31–27:36He whispers in Shurangarava's ear, and then bring it to me.
349. 27:36–27:41Nothing is to be written on the outside to indicate an address C.
350. 27:41–27:47For Siddharthaaka will be instructed to carry an oral message to a particular person.
351. 27:47–27:53Shikharadasa must not be told that Chanakya dictated the letter.
352. 27:53–27:56As you command, Ruvyad sir.
353. 27:56–27:57Exit.
354. 27:57–27:59How delighted I am.
355. 27:59–28:05Kaleiketu is already defeated, Siddharthaaka enters with a letter.
356. 28:05–28:12Victory to you, sir? Revered sir, here is the letter in Shakyatadasa's hand.
357. 28:12–28:19What beautiful handwriting! Reflecting inwardly, good man, keep its true meaning fixed in your
358. 28:19–28:22mind and seal the letter.
359. 28:22–28:26As you command, revered sir, he seals it.
360. 28:26–28:32What are your commands, Ruviyad sir?
361. 28:32–28:39Tell Kalapashika, in my name, that Vrishala commands the Buddhist mendicant Javasiddhi,
362. 28:39–28:46who was implicated in King Parvadaka's murder by a poison maiden employed by Rakeshasa,
363. 28:46–28:53to be publicly denounced for the crime and driven from the capital in disgrace.
364. 28:53–28:56As you command, Ruviyad sir.
365. 28:56–28:57He starts to leave.
366. 28:57–29:05Wait, child, tell him also that the second offender, the scribe Shikhaadadasa, who has
367. 29:05–29:12continually plotted treason against his majesty, is to have his crime proclaimed in public,
368. 29:12–29:17be impaled, and have his family imprisoned.
369. 29:17–29:20As you command, Ruviyad sir.
370. 29:20–29:21Exit.
371. 29:21–29:25Sir, the seal has been set. What must I do next?
372. 29:25–29:28Go straight to the execution ground.
373. 29:28–29:35Blower and rage at the executioners so fiercely that they flee stripped of all composure.
374. 29:35–29:41Then rescue Shikharadasa from the place of execution and take him to Rikshaasa.
375. 29:41–29:47Rikshaasa will rejoice at the rescue of his friend and reward you.
376. 29:47–29:52Accept the reward, and for a time serve as Rikshaasa's personal attendant.
377. 29:52–29:58Later, when the enemy approaches, you must accomplish this purpose.
378. 29:58–30:03He whispers in Siddhartha Kazeer, that is all.
379. 30:03–30:07I shall do exactly as you command, Reveread Sir.
380. 30:07–30:13If only that villain Rikshaasa can be caught after all these measures.
381. 30:13–30:17Sir, he is caught already.
382. 30:17–30:20Ha! Rukhshasa is caught.
383. 30:20–30:27Sir, has your purpose succeeded? May I go, then, and bring my own mission to success?
384. 30:27–30:32Go, good man, and succeed.
385. 30:32–30:39S-H-A-R-A-N-G-A-R-A-V-A enters and returns with a message.
386. 30:39–30:48Ruvird sir, Kalapashika, chief of the city guard, asks leave to execute King Chandragupta's orders at once.
387. 30:48–30:56Very well, child, I wish the wealthy jeweler Chandanadasa to be brought here.
388. 30:56–31:06As you command, Ruvird sir, he goes and returns with C-H-A-N-D-A-N-A-D-A-S-A. This way, worthy merchant.
389. 31:06–31:15Even an innocent man trembles when the cruel Chanakya summons him. What? Then, must be the state of one who is guilty?
390. 31:15–31:20That is why I told the third Buddhist layman, chief of the Donacina Guild.
391. 31:20–31:24That villain Chanakya may unexpectedly have my house searched.
392. 31:25–31:31Remove the family of our great minister Rikshaasa. Let whatever must happen to me happen.
393. 31:31–31:33Come, merchant.
394. 31:33–31:38Very well, sir, he comes before Chanakya.
395. 31:38–31:42Ruvyod sir, the merchant Chandandasar is here.
396. 31:42–31:45Victory to you, sir.
397. 31:45–31:49Welcome, merchant, sit upon this seat.
398. 31:49–31:52Such honor is excessive for a man like me.
399. 31:52–31:55More oppressive than humiliation.
400. 31:55–32:01Surely you know that, sir, I shall therefore sit upon the ground, where I belong.
401. 32:01–32:12Do not speak so, merchant, in the presence of a man like me. That seat is your proper place. Sit where I have indicated.
402. 32:12–32:21The villain's courtesy hides a barb. Allowed, I obey your command. Sir, he sits upon the indicated seat.
403. 32:21–32:27Merchant, I hope the profits of your trade continue to increase.
404. 32:27–32:31By your favor, sir, business prospers.
405. 32:31–32:38Do Shandragupdas' faults cause the people to remember the virtues of their former king?
406. 32:38–32:47I reject such a sinful thought. The people rejoice in his majesty as they rejoice in the full moon of autumn.
407. 32:47–32:54If that is so, the king asks a service in return from his contented subjects.
408. 32:54–32:58Command me, sir, what is required of this man?
409. 32:59–33:03Merchant, this is Shandragupta's reign, not Nanda's.
410. 33:03–33:07Gifts of money please the greedy Nanda kings.
411. 33:07–33:13But Shandragupta is pleased only when his subjects refrain from wrongdoing.
412. 33:13–33:16For that, sir, I am grateful to you.
413. 33:17–33:20And will you ask how one may refrain from wrongdoing?
414. 33:21–33:24I ask to be instructed, sir.
415. 33:24–33:28In a word, through loyalty to one sovereign.
416. 33:28–33:33What unfortunate man would consider himself disloyal to the king?
417. 33:33–33:36Let us begin with you.
418. 33:36–33:42I reject such a sinful thought. Can a wisp of straw contend with fire?
419. 33:42–33:48Yet here it is. You shelter the family of Rekshasa, the king's enemy.
420. 33:48–33:53That is false, sir. Some wicked man has told you this.
421. 33:53–34:03Do not be alarmed, merchant. Officials of a former king may flee in terror to another country after first entrusting their
422. 34:03–34:11families to citizens' homes. That alone is no crime. The crime lies in concealing the fact.
423. 34:11–34:19What you say is true, sir. In their terror, Minister Rikshasa's family once stayed in my house.
424. 34:19–34:22And where are they now?
425. 34:22–34:24I do not know.
426. 34:24–34:34Yes. Yes. You do not know. A convincing performance. Merchant. Danger is close and rescue far away.
427. 34:34–34:42Do you not imagine that Minister Riksasa may uproot Shandragapta just as Vishnugupta uprooted?
428. 34:42–34:47Nanda? He bows his head for a moment, then continues,
429. 34:47–34:51consider this, while Nanda and his family lived.
430. 34:51–34:58Royal power was always unstable, though Vakranasa and other honored ministers,
431. 34:58–35:03endowed with courage and political wisdom, could not make it secure.
432. 35:03–35:10Now sovereignty rests firmly in Shandragapta, as radiant moonlight rests in the moon and delights
433. 35:10–35:17the world. Who would dare separate it from him, or moonlight from the moon? Moreover,
434. 35:17–35:24who would dare fight the lion that stands panting with jaws flung wide? Its teeth gleaming like
435. 35:24–35:29crescents in the red light of dusk. Stained crimson with the blood of elephants?
436. 35:29–35:35The boast proves its own claim. It sounds justified.
437. 35:35–35:41Offstage cries, make way, make way, quote.
438. 35:41–35:45Shringarava, see what is happening.
439. 35:45–35:54As you command, revered sir, he goes and returns. Revered sir, it is the traitorous Buddhist mendicant Jeeva Shirdi.
440. 35:54–36:00being driven from the capital in disgrace by order of King Chandragupta.
441. 36:00–36:07A Buddhist mendicant? How pityable! Yet he must suffer the consequence of treason.
442. 36:07–36:16Merchant, a king who punishes even such a man so severely for treason will show no mercy to one who shelters.
443. 36:16–36:24Rick Shaus's family, save your own wife and your own life. Surrender another man's wife.
444. 36:24–36:33Sir, I respectfully repeat that, in their terror, Minister Rick Shaus's family once stayed in my house.
445. 36:33–36:35And where are they now?
446. 36:35–36:37I do not know.
447. 36:37–36:47Yes, yes. Then hand over those whom you acknowledge to be Rikshasa's family and free yourself from blame.
448. 36:47–36:54I respectfully submit, sir, Minister Rikshasa's family is not in my house.
449. 36:54–37:01Again, offstage cries, make way, make way, quote.
450. 37:01–37:05Shringarava, what is it now?
451. 37:05–37:16Revealed, sir, he goes and returns. It is the second traitor. Describe Shakthada Saa, being taken to the execution ground for impalement.
452. 37:16–37:33He must reap the fruit of his deeds. Merchant, a king who so sternly punishes traitors will show no mercy to one who shelters Rikshaas' family. Surrender another man's wife and save your own wife and life.
453. 37:33–37:38Sir, you are wasting your effort trying to frighten me.
454. 37:38–37:43Even if minister Rikshaas' family were with me, I would not surrender them.
455. 37:43–37:45Whether they are or are not.
456. 37:45–37:47What difference does it make?
457. 37:47–37:49Then your mind is made up?
458. 37:49–37:53Yes, it is made up.
459. 37:53–37:55Well done, Chandana Dosa.
460. 37:55–37:58You deserve every praise.
461. 37:58–38:03In this age you perform a deed thought possible only of King Shibi.
462. 38:03–38:08So you could so easily profit by betraying another man's trust.
463. 38:08–38:12So, merchant, your mind is made up?
464. 38:12–38:18Then, wicked trader, prepare to bear the full weight of the king's wrath.
465. 38:18–38:26I am prepared, exercise the authority of your high office and do whatever you must, sir.
466. 38:26–38:33Shurangarava, Telvijayapala, the governor of the fort, that this wicked merchant is to
467. 38:33–38:35be seized at once.
468. 38:35–38:42No, not merely that, order him to confiscate the man's property, bind him in chains, and
469. 38:42–38:47imprison him with his wife and son until I report to Vrishala.
470. 38:47–38:51Who will personally sentence him to death?
471. 38:51–38:54As you command, Ruvyud sir.
472. 38:54–39:02I am coming, good sir. Aside, I am glad to die for a friend, not for some human failing
473. 39:02–39:06of my own.
474. 39:06–39:13S-H-A-R-A-N-G-A-R-A-V-A-N-C-H-A-N-D-A-N-A-D-A-S-A exit.
475. 39:13–39:21Yes. Rikshaasa is safe for the present. A jeweler who risks his life so carelessly for
476. 39:21–39:28Rikshaasa will surely not be abandoned by Rikshaasa when the jeweler's own day of peril comes.
477. 39:30–39:32A commotion offstage.
478. 39:33–39:40Revealed, sir. Siddhartha Kha has escaped, carrying Shaka Tadasa away from the execution
479. 39:40–39:47ground just as he was about to be impaled. Well done, Siddhartha Kha. The beginning is
480. 39:47–39:56auspicious, allowed, what, escaped, child, tell Bhagavarayana to pursue and arrest them immediately.
481. 39:57–40:01Revealed, sir, Bhagavarayan too has already left the city.
482. 40:02–40:11Let him go, and may he succeed, allowed, child, order Badrabada, Puradatta, Dinkarata,
483. 40:11–40:18Balagupta, Rajasena, Rohitaksha and Vijaya were men to search for both men and capture them.
484. 40:19–40:27Very well. He goes and returns in distress. Revered sir, disaster, the whole administration is
485. 40:27–40:35falling apart. What were Kalimati, Bhadrabhata and his followers are gone. They departed before dawn.
486. 40:35–40:44Good, let them go, allowed, child, there is no cause for distress. It makes no difference.
487. 40:44–40:50Those who knowingly departed for the greater purpose have gone. Let those who remain also
488. 40:50–40:57leave. Each in accordance with my design. Only let my intelligence not desert me.
489. 40:57–41:03In achieving a political end, that one power is equal to hundreds of armies.
490. 41:03–41:09The destruction of the Nandas has proved its strength sufficiently.
491. 41:09–41:17Rising. Now I shall go and arrange matters so that Badrabhata and his followers can be brought back.
492. 41:17–41:26Looking into the distance. Aside. Rakshasa. Wicked in purpose. Where will you go now?
493. 41:26–41:32By my intelligence, I shall subdue you and appoint you to Shandragupta's service.
494. 41:32–41:43You who roam alone, swollen with pride in your own power, independent and ungovernable, able to draw men to yourself with abundant gifts,
495. 41:43–41:52just as a skilled trainer subdues a wild elephant that wanders alone, proud of its strength, willful and fierce,
496. 41:52–42:00drawing swarms of bees with the abundant ica streaming from its temples and brings it into service.
497. 42:00–42:10All exit. A.S.N.A.K.E. Chama enters carrying a wicker basket.
498. 42:10–42:18Only those who constantly guard the secrecy of their spells know the use of herbs that counteract poison
499. 42:18–42:25and understand the magic circle may safely deal with serpents in exactly the same way.
500. 42:25–42:30Only those who constantly guard the secrecy of political designs
501. 42:30–42:36Understand the science of internal policy and correctly read the circle of friendly.
502. 42:36–42:41Hostile and neutral kings may safely deal with rulers.
503. 42:41–42:47Looking up, what are you saying, sir? You ask who I am.
504. 42:47–42:58Sir, I am a snake charmer. My name is Jharnavisha. What else do you say? You wish to see a performance with snakes. Very well.
505. 42:58–43:02Sir, but what is your profession?
506. 43:02–43:05You are an officer of the royal household.
507. 43:05–43:13Then, sir, you truly do deal with serpents for an officer intoxicated by success at court,
508. 43:13–43:20an elephant driver drunk on wine, and a snake-charma ignorant of spells and herbs?
509. 43:20–43:23All three perish in the same way.
510. 43:23–43:24What?
511. 43:24–43:28He left before I had finished speaking.
512. 43:28–43:35looking up. What are you saying? Sir, you ask what is in these wicker baskets? They contain
513. 43:35–43:42the snakes by which I earn my living. What next? You wish to see them perform? Forgive
514. 43:42–43:49me. Sir, but this is not a suitable place. If you are curious, come along and I shall
515. 43:49–43:55show you in that house ahead. What do you say? That is the residence of the mighty
516. 43:55–44:04minister Rakshasa and men like us have no access there. Then go your own way. Sir, my profession
517. 44:04–44:09gives me the good fortune of entering such places. Ah, he has gone."
518. 44:09–44:20Aside. How extraordinary. When I see Shandragupta guided by Chanakya's intelligence, all Rakshasa's
519. 44:20–44:26efforts seem futile. But when I see Malaya Ketu guided by Rakshasa's intelligence,
520. 44:27–44:31Shandragupta seems already deprived of his throne. Four.
521. 44:33–44:40The Moria Empire. Bound fast by the rope of Kortilia's intellect. Appears immovable.
522. 44:40–44:46Yet at the same time I see Rakshasa using all his diplomatic skill to wrench it away.
523. 44:46–44:55Thus, in the struggle between these two brilliant and superior ministers, royal fortune appears
524. 44:55–44:59divided, frightened and uncertain.
525. 44:59–45:04She turns now toward one minister, now abandons him for the other.
526. 45:04–45:09She is as distressed as a terrified she-elephant caught between two wild elephants fighting
527. 45:09–45:13in a vast forest.
528. 45:13–45:17Now I shall go and see Lord Raksasa."
529. 45:17–45:20He advances and waits at the door.
530. 45:20–45:25R-A-K-S-H-A-S-A enters and sits in anxious thought.
531. 45:25–45:27Attended by a servant.
532. 45:27–45:30Ah, what misery!
533. 45:30–45:33Keeping awake day and night.
534. 45:33–45:36Wholly absorbed and tormented by thoughts of the kingdom.
535. 45:36–45:39I have conceived this design.
536. 45:39–45:42Yet no canvas remains on which to paint it.
537. 45:42–45:48For cruel fate has destroyed the vast Nanda line like the race of the Yardivers.
538. 45:48–45:55The Nandas, who, like the Yardivers, subdued their enemies through courage and political
539. 45:55–45:56power.
540. 45:56–46:00No, no, I should not speak so.
541. 46:00–46:05I have given my mind wholly and single-mindedly to politics.
542. 46:05–46:11I have accepted service under a stranger, yet never forgotten my loyalty to my true
543. 46:11–46:12masters.
544. 46:12–46:16I do not waste myself in worldly pleasure.
545. 46:16–46:21I cherish neither my life nor any private ambition for greatness.
546. 46:21–46:29I endure all this only so that my departed Lord may behold His enemy dead and find satisfaction.
547. 46:29–46:32Even in the next world.
548. 46:32–46:34Looking into the distance.
549. 46:34–46:36Royal fortune.
550. 46:36–46:39You set no value upon virtue.
551. 46:39–46:40None at all.
552. 46:40–46:41Otherwise.
553. 46:41–46:49Why did you abandon King Nanda, beloved by everyone, and attach yourself to Shandragupta,
554. 46:49–46:52the son of a Moria of low birth?
555. 46:52–46:55Why did you not perish with Nanda?
556. 46:55–46:59As the stream of fragrant Icah ends when the elephant dies.
557. 46:59–47:01Tell me.
558. 47:01–47:07And, one-ton woman, have all high-born kings vanished from the earth?
559. 47:07–47:12that you thought fit to choose this rootless and wicked Moria as your husband?
560. 47:12–47:14Perhaps a woman's judgment,
561. 47:14–47:18naturally as unsteady as the tip of a reed flower,
562. 47:18–47:22cannot recognize the qualities of men.
563. 47:22–47:28Therefore I shall kill the man to whom you have attached yourself and put an end to your lust.
564. 47:28–47:30Thinking.
565. 47:30–47:32In accordance with this purpose,
566. 47:32–47:39My first correct step was to leave my family in the house of my dearest friend Shandana Dasa when I
567. 47:39–47:42departed from Pataliputra.
568. 47:42–47:49The supporters of King Nanda who remain in Pataliputra and assist me will not slacken in their
569. 47:49–47:55efforts, for they are assured that I have not become indifferent to an attack upon the city.
570. 47:55–48:01I left Shakatadasa there with sufficient funds to retain the loyalty of the hunters.
571. 48:01–48:07poison maidens and other agents employed to assassinate Shandragupta
572. 48:07–48:10and to win over the discontented among the enemy.
573. 48:10–48:18In addition, I appointed Jiva Siddhi and other friends to gather constant intelligence about the enemy and break
574. 48:18–48:21apart his alliances.
575. 48:21–48:27In short, I shall soon pierce his vital point with the arrow of my intelligence.
576. 48:27–48:35This man through whom King Nanda, who loved him like a son, and Nanda's entire dynasty were destroyed.
577. 48:35–48:44As a tiger cub lovingly reared, may one day kill its keeper. Unless intolerable fate serves as his armor.
578. 48:44–48:51Ja ja li, Malayaketu's Chamberlain, enters.
579. 48:51–48:56Old age has calmed my desires and gradually awakened devotion within me.
580. 48:56–49:03Just as Chanakya's policy crushed King Nanda and established Shandragapta in Patali Putra,
581. 49:03–49:06my devotion grows in strength as the Moriya King does.
582. 49:06–49:10Yet greed constantly tries to uproot devotion.
583. 49:10–49:13Just as Rakeshasa strives to uproot Shandragapta,
584. 49:13–49:19for service creates opportunity, but does not always bring success.
585. 49:19–49:27Advancing. There is Minister Rakshasa. Approaching him. May all be well with you.
586. 49:27–49:35Honoured Jajili, I salute you. Priyam Vadhakar, place a seat for the respected chamberlain.
587. 49:35–49:38Here is the seat. Please be seated.
588. 49:38–49:40Honoured sir.
589. 49:40–49:46Since Malayiketu respectfully sends this message to the minister, my heart is deeply grieved
590. 49:46–49:52that for so long you have refused to wear the ornaments appropriate to your rank, it cannot
591. 49:52–49:57be easy to forget the noble qualities of the revered Nanda kings.
592. 49:57–50:02Nevertheless, it would be right for you to accept this request of mine.
593. 50:02–50:07Showing an ornament, wear this ornament, which I have taken from my own person and sent
594. 50:07–50:09to you.
595. 50:09–50:15upon it judgely, respectfully tell the prince from me that the memory of my departed lord's
596. 50:15–50:22noble virtues has already become one with the impression made upon my heart by the prince's
597. 50:22–50:28incomparable qualities and by my reverence for him.
598. 50:28–50:35But until our enemies are utterly destroyed in the prince, for most man upon earth is
599. 50:35–50:41seated upon the golden throne in the Sugunga palace. I shall place no ornament upon this
600. 50:41–50:48body, which has endured humiliation at the hands of those enemies."
601. 50:48–50:53Under the minister's skillful guidance, the prince believes every object will easily be
602. 50:53–50:57attained. Therefore accept this first request from him.
603. 50:57–51:04Honoured sir, your words are as binding as the prince's own command. I must obey
604. 51:04–51:08May God bless you. I shall take my leave now.
605. 51:08–51:12I salute you, honored judge Lee.
606. 51:12–51:16J-H-A-L-I exits.
607. 51:16–51:22Priyam Vadhakar, see whether anyone is waiting at the door to speak with me.
608. 51:22–51:29I shall see. He goes to the door and sees the S-N-A-K-E charmer.
609. 51:29–51:32Well, friend, who are you?
610. 51:32–51:39Good sir. I am a snake charmer. I wish to perform with my snakes before the minister.
611. 51:39–51:50Wait while I inform him. Returning to our AKSHA SA. My lord, a snake charmer has come and wishes to present a performance before you.
612. 51:50–51:55Ah, the ill omen of seeing a snake.
613. 51:55–52:00Allowed, Priyam Vadaka, I have no desire to watch a snake performance.
614. 52:00–52:06Give him something, satisfy him, and send him away.
615. 52:06–52:09I obey, going to the snake-charma.
616. 52:09–52:13Friend, the minister cannot grant you an audience,
617. 52:13–52:18but he will bestow upon you the honorable reward of an audience.
618. 52:18–52:26Good sir. Respectfully tell the minister that I am not only a snake charmer, but also a poet in prakrit.
619. 52:26–52:32If he cannot grant me an audience, ask him at least to read this leaf.
620. 52:32–52:40My lord. The snake charmer respectfully says that he is not merely a snake charmer, but also a prakrit poet.
621. 52:40–52:44If you cannot see him, he begs you to read this leaf.
622. 52:44–52:53The honey that a bee skillfully gathers after draining the flow's nectar to the last drop is enjoyed by another.
623. 52:53–53:05After a moment's thought, aside, ah, the verse means that my spy has returned with news from Kusumapura, the city of flowers.
624. 53:05–53:14My mind has been so entangled in political designs, and my agents are so numerous that I had forgotten him.
625. 53:14–53:20Now I recognize him. It must be Viradagukta in the guise of a snake charmer.
626. 53:20–53:30Allowed, Priyam Vadhakar. Admit him. He is a great poet. I wish to hear his beautiful verses.
627. 53:30–53:36I obey, going to the snake-charma. Come inside, sir."
628. 53:36–53:44There is Lord Rakshasa. Alarmed by Rakshasa's activity, Royal Fortune cannot rest her right
629. 53:44–53:50breast securely against Shandragupta's chest in the delight of a close embrace. Though her
630. 53:50–53:56left arm is wound about Shandragupta's neck, her frightened right arm repeatedly slips
631. 53:56–54:03from his shoulder and falls upon her thigh. Approaching. Victory to my lord.
632. 54:03–54:13Ah, Viradha. Checking himself as he remembers the servants. Priyam Vadaka, I have decided
633. 54:13–54:19to see the sneak performance after all. The servants may leave now. All of you return
634. 54:19–54:22to your duties.
635. 54:22–54:24I obey.
636. 54:24–54:30P-R-I-Y-A-M-V-A-D-A-K-A and the other servants exit.
637. 54:30–54:35Dear Viradha Gupta, sit upon this seat.
638. 54:35–54:38As your command, He sits.
639. 54:38–54:45Ah, to what a condition the servants of my departed master have been reduced.
640. 54:45–54:54Leave this lamentation. My lord, very soon you will restore us all to our former glory in splendor.
641. 54:54–55:00Now, my friend, give me a full and detailed account of Kusumapura.
642. 55:00–55:07My lord, the story of Kusumapura is very long. Where shall I begin?
643. 55:07–55:12My friend, I wish to hear what was accomplished by the hunters.
644. 55:12–55:20Poisoned maidens and other agents whom I set to work when Chandragupta entered Nanda's palace.
645. 55:20–55:22Then I shall tell you.
646. 55:22–55:32Chandragupta's and Parvateshwara's army, composed of Sakas, Yavanas, Kirtatas, Kambhajas, Persians,
647. 55:32–55:40Balfords and many other peoples. And directed by Chana Kya's policy, surrounded Kusumapura
648. 55:40–55:45on every side like the swelling ocean at the end of the world.
649. 55:45–55:53Ha! Who has dared besiege Kusumapura while I am alive? Viradha Gupta, let archers be
650. 55:53–55:59stationed all along the walls and upon the earthen fortifications. Let powerful elephants
651. 55:59–56:06capable of breaking the enemy's elephant formations be posted at the gates, and let
652. 56:06–56:13all who desire to strike the enemy's weaker divisions and win glory advance with me.
653. 56:13–56:15Fearless of death.
654. 56:15–56:18My lord, restrain this surge of anger.
655. 56:18–56:20I am describing the past.
656. 56:20–56:28Ah, it happened in the past I thought it was taking place now.
657. 56:28–56:36tears in his eyes, he lowers the sword. King Savathasiddhi remembered your great service.
658. 56:36–56:43Rakshasa and it grieved him. His profound respect magnified your powers a thousandfold
659. 56:43–56:49in his imagination and under its influence. While you were still within the city, he
660. 56:49–56:56repeatedly issued commands on the battlefield as though you stood beside him. Let Rakshasa
661. 56:56–57:01rushed to the place where that massive black elephant strikes like a storm cloud.
662. 57:01–57:06Let Rakshaasah check and destroy that surging wave of cavalry.
663. 57:06–57:12Let Rakshaasah annihilate that formation of infantry at once."
664. 57:12–57:14King Sarvathashidhi saw all this.
665. 57:14–57:20He could not endure the citizens' terrible suffering under the siege day after day.
666. 57:20–57:26Therefore, for their welfare, he left through an underground passage in withdrew to a
667. 57:26–57:33forest of penance. In the king's absence, the courage of your troops failed. You then
668. 57:33–57:40left the city through the same tunnel, intending to restone Nanda rule, but not before suppressing
669. 57:40–57:45the public proclamation of Chandragupta's victory in testing K.
670. 57:45–57:52Citizen's loyalty, after that, poor Parvathaka died at the hands of the poison maiden whom
671. 57:52–57:56you had kept to kill Chandragupta.
672. 57:56–58:04friend, see how fate plays with us. That terrible poison maiden could take only one victim.
673. 58:04–58:09And I had reserved her for Chandragupata. Yet she reached Parvateshwar and killed the
674. 58:09–58:16very man whom the villain Vishnugupata wished to destroy. It was just as Karna's terrible
675. 58:16–58:24and unfailing spear, reserved solely to kill Arjuna. Instead reached and killed Ghatotkacha.
676. 58:24–58:27The victim Krishna wished removed.
677. 58:27–58:30And at whose death he rejoiced?
678. 58:30–58:33It was a cruel mockery of fate.
679. 58:33–58:36What could the minister have done?
680. 58:36–58:38Continue.
681. 58:38–58:43Terrified by his father's murder, Prince Malia Ketu fled from there.
682. 58:43–58:50Chanakya then reassured and won the confidence of Parvateshwara's brother, Viradhakha,
683. 58:50–58:56a public announcement was made that Chandragupta would enter Nanda's palace. On that day,
684. 58:56–59:03Charnakya summoned all the carpenters of Kusumapura and commanded them. At the auspicious hour
685. 59:03–59:10fixed by the astrologers today, Chandragupta will enter Nanda's palace. Decorate the
686. 59:10–59:16entire royal residence. Beginning with the main gate, the carpenters respectfully replied
687. 59:16–59:23that. Anticipating King Chandragupta's entry, the carpenter Daruvaman had already erected
688. 59:23–59:31a golden arch and other magnificent decorations at he. Main gate, only the interior remained
689. 59:31–59:37to be adorned. The villain Chanakya warmly praised Daruvaman's intelligence and declared
690. 59:37–59:44himself delighted that. The palace had been decorated without orders, adding that the
691. 59:44–59:47the carpenter would very soon receive his reward.
692. 59:47–59:52Ah, do not speak of that villain Chanakya's delight.
693. 59:52–59:59Daruvaman's excessive devotion, or some foolish mistake, must have awakened harsh suspicion
694. 59:59–1:00:04in him in ruined the attempt upon Chandragupta's life.
695. 1:00:04–1:00:11Then, at the auspicious hour at midnight, the sinful Chanakya seated Parvateshwara's
696. 1:00:11–1:00:18brother Virodhaka beside Chandragupta on the same. Throne and divided the empire equally
697. 1:00:18–1:00:26between them. What are you saying, did he truly give Virodhaka half the empire, as he
698. 1:00:26–1:00:34had previously promised? Yes, he did. The deeply cunning Chanakya must have staged
699. 1:00:34–1:00:42this public ceremony to wash away the stain of Parvateshwara's murder, while secretly
700. 1:00:42–1:00:49planning to kill the poor man. Allowed, very well, what happened next?
701. 1:00:49–1:00:55After the coronation festivities, Viradhakha put on royal silk robes embroidered with strings
702. 1:00:55–1:01:02of pearls, adorned his hair with a jeweled crown, and wore fragrant garlands upon his
703. 1:01:02–1:01:09broad chest his appearance was so transformed that even his closest friends could not recognize
704. 1:01:09–1:01:10him.
705. 1:01:10–1:01:14At the villain Chana Kya's command he mounted Chandralekha.
706. 1:01:14–1:01:20The elephant Chandragupta usually rode and arrived at the gate of Nanda's palace accompanied
707. 1:01:20–1:01:23by the princes who normally attended.
708. 1:01:23–1:01:31Chandragukta, your secret agent, the carpenter Daruvaaman, must took Viradhakha for Chandragukta
709. 1:01:31–1:01:37and released the mechanical arch above him. At that moment the Mauria princes had halted
710. 1:01:37–1:01:46their horses outside the palace. Chandrilekhas Mahout, Baburka, your second secret agent,
711. 1:01:46–1:01:52grasps the golden gold within which a concealed sword had been hidden.
712. 1:01:52–1:01:56Both attempts went astray in the same fashion.
713. 1:01:56–1:01:59The elephant suddenly changed her stride.
714. 1:01:59–1:02:05Fearing an injury to her right foot, the mechanical arch released by Dharuvaaman therefore fell
715. 1:02:05–1:02:12away from its intended point and before it could reach Viradhaka, whom they took for
716. 1:02:12–1:02:16Chandragupta, it crushed Babarka to death.
717. 1:02:16–1:02:22In that instant Daruvaaman, seated upon the platform above and knowing his own death was
718. 1:02:22–1:02:29certain once the arch had fallen, struck Virodhaka upon the elephant with the iron bolt that served
719. 1:02:29–1:02:33as the key to the mechanism.
720. 1:02:33–1:02:38A double calamity, Virodhaka and Babarka were killed.
721. 1:02:38–1:02:41While by fate sport Chandragupta remained safe.
722. 1:02:41–1:02:45What happened to the carpenter Daruvaaman?
723. 1:02:45–1:02:49Virudhakar's foot-guard stoned him to death.
724. 1:02:49–1:02:53Ah, I have lost my dearest friend Daruvaaman.
725. 1:02:53–1:02:58And what did my physician Abhidutta accomplish?
726. 1:02:58–1:03:01He performed his task perfectly.
727. 1:03:01–1:03:04Then Chandragukta was killed.
728. 1:03:04–1:03:09No, minister, through the fault of fate, he was not.
729. 1:03:09–1:03:15Then why did you say Abhidutta performed his task perfectly?
730. 1:03:15–1:03:22He prepared a medicinal draft for Chandragupta and secretly mixed powdered poison into it.
731. 1:03:22–1:03:27Chanakya tested the drink and saw that its color changed as soon as it entered a golden
732. 1:03:27–1:03:28vessel.
733. 1:03:28–1:03:36He said to Chandragupta, Vrishala, this drink is poisoned, do not take it.
734. 1:03:36–1:03:38He is certainly very clever.
735. 1:03:38–1:03:41What became of the physician?
736. 1:03:41–1:03:45He was forced to drink the same draft, and died.
737. 1:03:45–1:03:46Ah!
738. 1:03:46–1:03:50A master of medical science has been destroyed.
739. 1:03:50–1:03:56And Pramodika, the officer of the bedchamber, what news of him?
740. 1:03:56–1:04:00He met the same fate as the others.
741. 1:04:00–1:04:01How?
742. 1:04:01–1:04:08The fool began to live in extravagant luxury upon the great sum you had given him.
743. 1:04:08–1:04:14When he was questioned about the source of so much wealth, he gave contradictory answers.
744. 1:04:14–1:04:18Chanakya had him tortured and killed.
745. 1:04:18–1:04:19What misery!
746. 1:04:19–1:04:22Here too fate has defeated us.
747. 1:04:22–1:04:28And Biharth Saka and his companions, whom I appointed to enter the bed-chamber through
748. 1:04:28–1:04:31a tunnel and kill Chandragupta.
749. 1:04:31–1:04:33What news of them?
750. 1:04:33–1:04:36Their end was terrible.
751. 1:04:36–1:04:38Was their presence discovered?
752. 1:04:38–1:04:45Yes, before Chandragupta entered, the villain Chanakya inspected the bed chamber.
753. 1:04:45–1:04:51Looking closely, he saw a line of ants emerging from a hole in the wall carrying grains of
754. 1:04:51–1:04:53cooked rice.
755. 1:04:53–1:04:59From this he concluded that men were concealed inside the chamber, and ordered it set on
756. 1:04:59–1:05:00fire.
757. 1:05:00–1:05:06When the flames rose, Bihar Tsakha and his companions were blinded by smoke.
758. 1:05:06–1:05:12They could not find the door of the tunnel, which they themselves had barred from within.
759. 1:05:12–1:05:15And all were burnt to ashes.
760. 1:05:15–1:05:20My friend, look upon the fortune of that villain Chandragupata.
761. 1:05:20–1:05:24The poison maiden I secretly kept to kill him became.
762. 1:05:24–1:05:29Through fate's cruelty, the cause of Parvataka's death.
763. 1:05:29–1:05:35The man entitled to half the kingdom, those whom I appointed to destroy Chandragupta by
764. 1:05:35–1:05:39weapon and poison were themselves destroyed by.
765. 1:05:39–1:05:45Those very means, every plan of mine has served only the Mārīya's good fortune.
766. 1:05:45–1:05:51Nevertheless, my lord, once a task has been begun.
767. 1:05:51–1:05:54It must never be abandoned.
768. 1:05:54–1:05:59Men of base nature never begin a task for fear of obstacles.
769. 1:05:59–1:06:04Men of meddling nature begin but abandon it when difficulties arise.
770. 1:06:04–1:06:10The best and noblest, however, never forsake what they have undertaken.
771. 1:06:10–1:06:14However many obstacles and hardships confront them.
772. 1:06:14–1:06:19Certainly, what has begun cannot be abandoned.
773. 1:06:19–1:06:21You see the proof with your own eyes.
774. 1:06:21–1:06:24Now continue your account.
775. 1:06:24–1:06:31From that time Chanakya became a thousand times more vigilant for Chandragupta's safety.
776. 1:06:31–1:06:38Discovering whose work these plots were, he began to punish, one by one, your trusted
777. 1:06:38–1:06:41friends who remained in Kusumapura.
778. 1:06:41–1:06:43Who has been punished?
779. 1:06:43–1:06:51First, the Buddhist monk Jiva Shirdi was humiliated and banished from the capital.
780. 1:06:51–1:06:57He can endure that, exile is not painful to a man without family or property.
781. 1:06:57–1:07:03Allowed, my friend, what charge was used to banish him?
782. 1:07:03–1:07:09That, at your command, he used a poison made into murder Parvateshwara.
783. 1:07:09–1:07:14Kotalya, you deserve great praise for this policy.
784. 1:07:14–1:07:18You sow a single seed and gather many fruits.
785. 1:07:18–1:07:23You have washed the stain from your own character and placed it upon me.
786. 1:07:23–1:07:27While also ridding yourself of the claimant to half the kingdom.
787. 1:07:27–1:07:28Allowed.
788. 1:07:28–1:07:29Continue.
789. 1:07:29–1:07:36Then Shakatadasa was sentenced to impalement on the charge that he had employed Daru Vaman
790. 1:07:36–1:07:38and Pei.
791. 1:07:38–1:07:40Others to murder Chandragupta.
792. 1:07:40–1:07:44The accusation was proclaimed throughout the city.
793. 1:07:44–1:07:50Ah, my friend Shaka Tadasa, you did not deserve so painful a death.
794. 1:07:50–1:07:57No, since you gave your life in your master's cause, you are not to be mourned.
795. 1:07:57–1:08:04It is we who deserve mourning, still clinging to life after the destruction of the Nandas.
796. 1:08:04–1:08:09Do not say that, your master's cause is precisely the cause for which you continue
797. 1:08:09–1:08:12to struggle here.
798. 1:08:12–1:08:19friend because I was attached to life and unwilling to abandon this duty. I failed
799. 1:08:19–1:08:28ungratefully to follow my departed master. Forgive me, my lord, but the truth is not
800. 1:08:28–1:08:34as you say. It was your devotion to this great duty, not attachment to life, that
801. 1:08:34–1:08:41kept you from following your departed master. In gratitude, you remained to complete his
802. 1:08:41–1:08:49work. Tell me, my friend, I am ready to hear of another friend in peril. Seeing what was
803. 1:08:49–1:08:56happening, Chandandasa removed your family to a place of safety.
804. 1:08:56–1:09:03That was unwise. He has invited the hostility of the villain Chanakya. Would betraying
805. 1:09:03–1:09:11a friend not have been still more unwise? True. Continue your account. He was pressured
806. 1:09:11–1:09:19to surrender your family, but refused. Chanakya then blaced with anger and killed him, is
807. 1:09:19–1:09:28it true? No, no, he ordered Chandanadasa's property confiscated, had him bound in chains,
808. 1:09:28–1:09:34and imprisoned him with his wife and son. Then why did you say with satisfaction that
809. 1:09:34–1:09:42he moved my family to safety? Why did you not say that I myself am chained? Together with
810. 1:09:42–1:09:45my wife and son.
811. 1:09:45–1:09:50Victory to my lord. Shakatadasa is waiting at the door.
812. 1:09:50–1:09:52Is this true?
813. 1:09:52–1:09:55My lord servants do not know how to lie.
814. 1:09:55–1:10:04Viradha Gupta, how did this happen? It is fate that protects a man. Priyam Vadaka,
815. 1:10:04–1:10:09If it is so, bring him in this instant and restore peace to me.
816. 1:10:09–1:10:11Why do you delay?
817. 1:10:11–1:10:13I obey.
818. 1:10:13–1:10:19P-R-I-Y-A-M-V-A-D-A-K-A exits.
819. 1:10:19–1:10:28S-H-A-K-A-T-A-D-A-S-A enters with S-I-D-D-H-A-R-T-H-A-K-A.
820. 1:10:28–1:10:32I saw the stake driven hard into the ground.
821. 1:10:32–1:10:34Firm as the Moria's power.
822. 1:10:34–1:10:40With bowed head I wore the condemned man's garland, which shook my consciousness as his
823. 1:10:40–1:10:42rule has shaken the kingdom.
824. 1:10:42–1:10:49I heard the execution drums splitting my ears as my masters fall, split the world.
825. 1:10:49–1:10:51Yet my heart did not break.
826. 1:10:51–1:10:58It seems the three earlier blows of disaster have already turned it to stone.
827. 1:10:58–1:11:00Seeing RAKSHASA.
828. 1:11:00–1:11:01Joyfully.
829. 1:11:01–1:11:10There stands Minister Rakshasa, who maintains King Nanda's cause with unbroken loyalty even after the king's death.
830. 1:11:10–1:11:13Foremost among all loyal men on earth.
831. 1:11:13–1:11:18Approaching victory to the minister.
832. 1:11:18–1:11:26My friend Shakata Dasa, by great good fortune I see you alive after you fell into Chanakya's grasp.
833. 1:11:26–1:11:29Come, embrace me.
834. 1:11:29–1:11:34S-H-A-K-A-T-A-D-A-S-A embraces him.
835. 1:11:35–1:11:36Sit here.
836. 1:11:37–1:11:39I shall. He sits.
837. 1:11:39–1:11:45My friend Shakatadasa, who is the noble man who has given my heart this joll.
838. 1:11:47–1:11:49This is my dear friend, Siddharthaka.
839. 1:11:50–1:11:55He drove the executioners from the place of death and brought me away safely.
840. 1:11:55–1:12:02Worthy Siddha Thaka, this gift is very small beside the service you have done me.
841. 1:12:02–1:12:04But accept it nevertheless.
842. 1:12:04–1:12:13He removes an ornament from his body and presents it to S.I.D.D.H.A.R.T.H.A.K.A.
843. 1:12:13–1:12:18My Lord, I am a stranger here and know no one with whom I can safely leave so precious
844. 1:12:18–1:12:20a gift from thee.
845. 1:12:20–1:12:29I therefore ask that it be sealed with this royal sagnet, bearing your name and kept in your treasury. I shall take it when I need it.
846. 1:12:29–1:12:36Very well. There is no objection. Shakatadasa, do as he asks.
847. 1:12:36–1:12:47As the minister commands, looking at the sagnet, quietly to our AKSHA, the minister's name is engraved upon this ring.
848. 1:12:47–1:12:55It is indeed so. This is the very ring my Brahmin wife took from my hand to calm my anxiety.
849. 1:12:55–1:13:04How did it reach this man's possession? Allowed, worthy Siddha Thaka, where did you find this ring?
850. 1:13:04–1:13:10My lord! In Kusumapura there is a wealthy jeweler named Shandana Darsha.
851. 1:13:10–1:13:15It had fallen at the doorway of his house. And I found it there.
852. 1:13:15–1:13:17That is possible.
853. 1:13:17–1:13:21What do you mean by, possible, my lord?
854. 1:13:21–1:13:29I mean that it is natural to find such an object that the entrance of so rich a man's mansion.
855. 1:13:29–1:13:34Dear Siddhartha, this is the minister's own royal signet.
856. 1:13:34–1:13:40My lord will reward you with wealth far beyond its actual value. Give it to him.
857. 1:13:40–1:13:49Honoured friend, I shall count myself fortunate if my lord accepts the ring. He hands it to our AKSHASA.
858. 1:13:49–1:13:55Dear Shaka Tadasa, you may use this ring in affairs of state.
859. 1:13:55–1:13:58As the minister commands.
860. 1:13:58–1:14:01My lord, I have one request.
861. 1:14:01–1:14:06Speak, friend, speak without hesitation.
862. 1:14:06–1:14:13You understand that after making an enemy of Chanakya, I cannot return to Pataliputra.
863. 1:14:13–1:14:16I therefore beg you to take me into your service.
864. 1:14:16–1:14:20Friend, nothing would please me more.
865. 1:14:20–1:14:25I hesitated to invite you only because I did not know your wishes.
866. 1:14:25–1:14:28You are welcome in my service.
867. 1:14:28–1:14:31I am grateful for this favor.
868. 1:14:31–1:14:37Dear Shakthar Dasa, Arrange for Sidhathakas lodging and meals.
869. 1:14:37–1:14:41I shall carry out your command at once.
870. 1:14:41–1:14:49S-H-A-K-A-T-A-D-A-S-A and S-I-D-D-H-A-R-T-H-A-K-A exit.
871. 1:14:49–1:14:53Dear Viradha Gupta, complete your report.
872. 1:14:53–1:15:00Are the principal elements of the state responding to our policy of sowing division?
873. 1:15:00–1:15:07Yes, my lord, they are, the matter is known to everyone.
874. 1:15:07–1:15:10What is known, my friend?
875. 1:15:10–1:15:15That Chandragupta is deeply angry with Chanakya because Malaya Ketu escaped.
876. 1:15:15–1:15:22And that Chanakya, intoxicated by success, repeatedly disobeys Chandragupta's commands
877. 1:15:22–1:15:26and thereby increases the king's displeasure.
878. 1:15:26–1:15:29I tell you this from personal knowledge.
879. 1:15:29–1:15:36Dear Viradha Gupta, return to Kusumapura in the same disguise of a snake-chama.
880. 1:15:36–1:15:42A friend of mine named Stanakal Asha lives there disguised as a kotbhad.
881. 1:15:42–1:15:48In my name, tell him that whenever Chanakya acts against Chandragupta's command, he
882. 1:15:48–1:15:54must inflame Chandragupta by reciting provocative verses.
883. 1:15:54–1:15:59Whatever result follows must be conveyed to me in the deepest secrecy through Karabhaka.
884. 1:15:59–1:16:04I shall obey the minister's command.
885. 1:16:04–1:16:10V.I.R.A.D.H.A.G.U.P.T.A.X.I.T.S.
886. 1:16:10–1:16:12Victory to my lord.
887. 1:16:12–1:16:18Shakata Dasa respectfully reports that these three very precious ornaments have been offered for sale.
888. 1:16:18–1:16:21He asks my lord to examine them.
889. 1:16:21–1:16:24These are indeed extremely valuable.
890. 1:16:24–1:16:32a loud, good man, tell Shaka Tadasa to satisfy the seller and purchase them.
891. 1:16:32–1:16:35I obey.
892. 1:16:35–1:16:36Exit.
893. 1:16:36–1:16:40I should also send Karabhaka to Kusumapura.
894. 1:16:40–1:16:45Rising, I want Chandragupta to break with that villain Chanakya.
895. 1:16:45–1:16:48I no longer have any doubt.
896. 1:16:48–1:16:54Having imposed his commands upon all the feudatory chiefs, the Maurier king has grown
897. 1:16:54–1:16:56fears and proud.
898. 1:16:56–1:17:02Chanakya, thinking that the maurya became king through his support alone, is swollen
899. 1:17:02–1:17:04with arrogance.
900. 1:17:04–1:17:07One has attained an empire and fulfilled his purpose.
901. 1:17:07–1:17:11The other has crossed the ocean of his vow.
902. 1:17:11–1:17:18Their awareness that their purposes are complete, joined with their personal faults, will certainly
903. 1:17:18–1:17:24shatter their friendship.
904. 1:17:24–1:17:28Andragupta's Chamberlain enters.
905. 1:17:28–1:17:29God of Love
906. 1:17:29–1:17:36Once your eyes and other senses experienced forms and their objects and profited from them,
907. 1:17:36–1:17:39every faculty eagerly performed its proper work.
908. 1:17:39–1:17:45But now the organs of action that obeyed your command have lost their strength.
909. 1:17:45–1:17:47Old age has overtaken you.
910. 1:17:47–1:17:51You should abandon your futile desires.
911. 1:17:51–1:17:55He advances and looks upward.
912. 1:17:55–1:17:58Servants of the Shuganga Palace
913. 1:17:58–1:18:04My Lord Shandragupta commands you to decorate the palace courtyards, for he wishes to celebrate
914. 1:18:04–1:18:10the festival of moonlight and view the splendor of Patala Putra.
915. 1:18:10–1:18:13Again looking upward.
916. 1:18:13–1:18:15What are you telling me?
917. 1:18:15–1:18:18The festival of moonlight has been cancelled.
918. 1:18:18–1:18:20Does the king not know?
919. 1:18:20–1:18:25Man. Do you hope to save your life by saying so?
920. 1:18:25–1:18:33Obey the order at once. Let yak tailfans, shining like clustered moonbeams, hang from pillars
921. 1:18:33–1:18:39perfumed with incense and adorned with garlands, and let the earth, seeming crushed beneath
922. 1:18:39–1:18:45the burden of the throne she must continually bear. Be refreshed at once with sandalwood
923. 1:18:45–1:18:49water and a carpet of flowers."
924. 1:18:49–1:18:52looking upward.
925. 1:18:52–1:18:53What do you say?
926. 1:18:53–1:18:56Obey the king's command immediately.
927. 1:18:56–1:18:57Hurry!
928. 1:18:57–1:18:58Good man!
929. 1:18:58–1:19:02Shandragupta himself is coming.
930. 1:19:02–1:19:07This high-spirited young prince bears without stumbling or pain the heavy burden of the
931. 1:19:07–1:19:11kingdom, which King Nanda carried for so many years.
932. 1:19:11–1:19:17Though he is still like a young bull only now being brought under control.
933. 1:19:17–1:19:20This way, my lord.
934. 1:19:20–1:19:25The king enters with a female doorkeeper.
935. 1:19:25–1:19:27Kingship is truly painful.
936. 1:19:27–1:19:32A protector of the people gives up his own happiness to secure the happiness of others.
937. 1:19:32–1:19:37Thus the title, Guardian of the Earth, finds its meaning.
938. 1:19:37–1:19:44And when a man labors more for another's happiness than his own, he becomes a servant.
939. 1:19:44–1:19:46Even for a worthy ruler?
940. 1:19:46–1:19:50It is difficult to satisfy royal fortune.
941. 1:19:50–1:19:59Royal fortune hates the harsh, abandons the gentle out of fear, despises the uneducated,
942. 1:19:59–1:20:06feels no love for the over-learned, is ashamed of the brave, and detests the cowardly.
943. 1:20:06–1:20:12Like a courtesan spoiled by excessive attention, she is difficult to serve.
944. 1:20:12–1:20:19My teacher has ordered me to stage a false quarrel with him and for a while govern independently.
945. 1:20:19–1:20:26I agreed with the greatest reluctance to this act that feels almost sinful.
946. 1:20:26–1:20:31Yet I remain guided at every moment by my teacher's instruction.
947. 1:20:31–1:20:35So long as a pupil acts rightly, he cannot fail.
948. 1:20:35–1:20:41When delusion leads him onto a wrong path, the teacher restrains him.
949. 1:20:41–1:20:45I desire no independence beyond that.
950. 1:20:45–1:20:46Allowed.
951. 1:20:46–1:20:52Honored Vyhanari, show me the way to the Shuganga Palace.
952. 1:20:52–1:20:56This way, my lord, when they reach the palace,
953. 1:20:56–1:20:58here is the Shuganga Palace.
954. 1:20:58–1:21:02Ascend carefully, my lord.
955. 1:21:02–1:21:05How beautiful the quarters of the sky appear.
956. 1:21:05–1:21:08Adorned with the splendor of autumn,
957. 1:21:08–1:21:11whiter than white clouds,
958. 1:21:11–1:21:16filled with flocks of sweet-voiced swans and strewn with beautiful stars.
959. 1:21:16–1:21:21The ten directions seem at night like rivers flowing gently through the sky,
960. 1:21:21–1:21:26white with sandy banks, crowded with swans,
961. 1:21:26–1:21:29and filled with night-blooming lotuses.
962. 1:21:29–1:21:33And further, autumn gathers every prosperity.
963. 1:21:33–1:21:38It is praised for restraining the rivers from overflowing.
964. 1:21:38–1:21:43for teaching humility to rice plants bowed under their heavy ears
965. 1:21:43–1:21:46and for curing the peacocks of their excessive pride.
966. 1:21:46–1:21:50Again, like a skillful messenger of love,
967. 1:21:50–1:21:56Autumn has guided the Ganger along her proper course and brought her to the ocean,
968. 1:21:56–1:22:00once dark and distressed by his love for many wives.
969. 1:22:00–1:22:03She now appears content.
970. 1:22:03–1:22:07Surveying the city. What is this?
971. 1:22:07–1:22:10There is no preparation for the festival of moonlight.
972. 1:22:10–1:22:18Honored Vahinari was the order to celebrate the festival proclaimed in my name or not.
973. 1:22:18–1:22:22It was proclaimed, My Lord.
974. 1:22:22–1:22:25Then have the people disobeyed My command.
975. 1:22:25–1:22:28Do not utter such a sinful thought.
976. 1:22:28–1:22:32Has your command ever been disobeyed anywhere on earth?
977. 1:22:32–1:22:35How could it happen in the capital?
978. 1:22:35–1:22:40Then why has the festival of moonlight not yet been celebrated?
979. 1:22:40–1:22:46Cortison's skilled in charming conversation, surrounded by beloved companions and moving
980. 1:22:46–1:22:53slowly beneath the weight of their full hips. Do not beautify the streets, nor do wealthy
981. 1:22:53–1:23:00citizens and their wives celebrate by openly competing with one another in magnificence.
982. 1:23:00–1:23:04My Lord, the fact is...
983. 1:23:04–1:23:06What is it?
984. 1:23:06–1:23:08The fact is...
985. 1:23:08–1:23:10Speak plainly.
986. 1:23:10–1:23:14The festival of moonlight has been cancelled.
987. 1:23:14–1:23:18What? Who cancelled it?
988. 1:23:18–1:23:21The revered Shanakya, my Lord.
989. 1:23:21–1:23:27Has the revered Shanakya deprived the people of so beautiful a spectacle?
990. 1:23:27–1:23:32My Lord, could any living man disobey Your command?
991. 1:23:32–1:23:36Shana Tara, I wish to sit.
992. 1:23:36–1:23:40Here is the throne, my Lord. Be seated.
993. 1:23:40–1:23:45Honored Vajhanari, I wish to see the revered Chanakya.
994. 1:23:45–1:23:48As my Lord commands.
995. 1:23:48–1:23:51Exit.
996. 1:23:51–1:23:57CHANA KYA is revealed at home, seated in anger and thought.
997. 1:23:59–1:24:05What? Does the villain Rikshasa attempt to compete with me? He wishes to take the kingdom from
998. 1:24:05–1:24:13Shandragapta, Moria. Just as I, Caotelia, insulted, leaving the city poisonous as the
999. 1:24:13–1:24:20Calakuta Venom, killed Nanda and seated Vrishala Moria on the throne. He even attempts to defeat
1000. 1:24:20–1:24:25my superior intelligence."
1001. 1:24:25–1:24:30Looking upward, Rakshasa, abandoned this futile effort.
1002. 1:24:30–1:24:34My king is not the arrogant Nanda.
1003. 1:24:34–1:24:36Dependent upon his ministers.
1004. 1:24:36–1:24:38He is Shandragupta.
1005. 1:24:38–1:24:40And you are not Shanakya.
1006. 1:24:40–1:24:47The only resemblance between us is that both of us, enemies of the reigning king, oppose
1007. 1:24:47–1:24:50the chief element of the state.
1008. 1:24:50–1:24:52But I need think no more about it."
1009. 1:24:52–1:24:53Malayaketu.
1010. 1:24:53–1:24:56Son of Parvataka.
1011. 1:24:56–1:25:01Is surrounded by familiar men who have already entered my confidence.
1012. 1:25:01–1:25:05And Siddharthaaka and the other spies are all intent upon their tasks.
1013. 1:25:05–1:25:12Now, by staging a false quarrel with Shandragutta Maurya, I shall create a breach between the
1014. 1:25:12–1:25:19enemy Malayaketu and the opposing Rakshasa, who considers himself a master of the policy
1015. 1:25:19–1:25:25of dissension. Alas! The misery of service! A servant must
1016. 1:25:25–1:25:32fear the king, the minister, the courtiers and everyone before him. For the sake of his
1017. 1:25:32–1:25:39food he must live in bondage, with sweet words and eyes raised in submission. A life that
1018. 1:25:39–1:25:46wise men compare to a dog's. Advancing and reaching Chanakia's house.
1019. 1:25:46–1:25:49This is the revered Shanakya's residence.
1020. 1:25:49–1:25:53I shall enter.
1021. 1:25:53–1:25:55Entering and looking around.
1022. 1:25:55–1:25:59Behold the possessions of the Emperor's minister.
1023. 1:25:59–1:26:03Here is a stone for shaping cakes of cow dung.
1024. 1:26:03–1:26:07There lies a heap of sacred kusha grass brought by the pupils.
1025. 1:26:07–1:26:13And that unplasted wall seems to lean against the side of the humble house.
1026. 1:26:13–1:26:18It is fitting that my Lord Chandragupta is merely Vrishala to him.
1027. 1:26:18–1:26:24A man free of desire treats a king as lightly as a blade of grass.
1028. 1:26:24–1:26:28Looking respectfully at C.H.A.N.A.K.Y.A.
1029. 1:26:28–1:26:32There is the revered Shanakya.
1030. 1:26:32–1:26:38He brought the whole world under control, ended Nanda's rule in an instant and established
1031. 1:26:38–1:26:42Chandragupta's competing in greatness with the sun.
1032. 1:26:42–1:26:47Reach at one time commands half the world.
1033. 1:26:47–1:26:49Kneeling and saluting.
1034. 1:26:49–1:26:51Victory to the revered teacher.
1035. 1:26:51–1:26:56Vaithanari, why have you come before me?
1036. 1:26:56–1:26:57Revered sir.
1037. 1:26:57–1:27:00My lord Shandragupta.
1038. 1:27:00–1:27:04Whose feet are reddened in battle by the jewels of enemy king's crowns?
1039. 1:27:04–1:27:09Bows at your feet and respectfully asks you to grant him an audience.
1040. 1:27:09–1:27:15If it will not interrupt your work, Vrishala wishes to see me?
1041. 1:27:15–1:27:17How has this happened?
1042. 1:27:17–1:27:21Has word reached him that I cancelled the festival of moonlight?
1043. 1:27:21–1:27:24Yes, revered sir.
1044. 1:27:24–1:27:25What?
1045. 1:27:25–1:27:27Who told him?
1046. 1:27:27–1:27:30Forgive me, revered sir.
1047. 1:27:30–1:27:35My lord Shandragupta climbed to the Shuganga palace and saw for himself that the festival
1048. 1:27:35–1:27:44was not. Being celebrated in the city. I understand. You filled his mind with agitation and incited
1049. 1:27:44–1:27:52him against me. How could this be otherwise? The chamberlain lowers his head in fear.
1050. 1:27:53–1:28:00Why should the king's servants bear resentment against Chanukya? Never mind. Where is Vrishala?
1051. 1:28:00–1:28:05My lord was in the Shuganga palace when he sent me to you.
1052. 1:28:05–1:28:09Then show me the way to the Suganga palace.
1053. 1:28:09–1:28:12This way, revered sir.
1054. 1:28:12–1:28:16They go to the Shuganga palace.
1055. 1:28:16–1:28:19Here is the Shuganga palace.
1056. 1:28:19–1:28:22Ascend carefully, revered sir.
1057. 1:28:22–1:28:31Ah, Vrishala is seated upon the throne. Excellent! The throne belongs to the Nandas. Destroyers
1058. 1:28:31–1:28:39of kingdoms. Yet it is occupied by Vrishala. The best of kings. The throne suits the king
1059. 1:28:39–1:28:47and the king the throne. These three excellences give me threefold satisfaction.
1060. 1:28:47–1:28:56Raging Shandragupta, victory to Vrishala, Shandragupta bows at the feet of his revered teacher.
1061. 1:28:56–1:29:02Rise, my son, may the light from the crown jewels of hundreds of kings shine between
1062. 1:29:02–1:29:08your toes from the Himalayas to the southern ocean.
1063. 1:29:08–1:29:12By my teacher's grace, I have already attained all this.
1064. 1:29:12–1:29:16Please be seated, revered sir.
1065. 1:29:16–1:29:19They sit upon appropriate seats.
1066. 1:29:19–1:29:23Vrishala, why did you summon me?
1067. 1:29:23–1:29:28So that I might be blessed by the sight of you, revered sir.
1068. 1:29:28–1:29:30Enough politeness.
1069. 1:29:30–1:29:35A king does not summon his ministers without a reason.
1070. 1:29:35–1:29:41What advantage did my revered teacher see in cancelling the festival of moonlight?
1071. 1:29:41–1:29:43Did you summon me to rebuke me?
1072. 1:29:43–1:29:46No, no.
1073. 1:29:46–1:29:52make a respectful request. If so, the pupil should obey the teacher's wish, which is worthy
1074. 1:29:52–1:30:02of respect. There is no doubt of that. But my revered teacher never acts without a reason.
1075. 1:30:02–1:30:09Vrishala. You speak truly. Chanakya does nothing without reason. Even while sleeping with
1076. 1:30:09–1:30:14one eye closed. It is only from a desire to know that reason
1077. 1:30:14–1:30:23that I ask. Vrishala, masters of politics describe three forms of government in the world. Rule
1078. 1:30:23–1:30:31by the king, rule by the minister, and rule by both. Your government is rule by the minister.
1079. 1:30:31–1:30:36Why should you ask the reason? The business is mine.
1080. 1:30:36–1:30:40The king turns his face away.
1081. 1:30:40–1:30:44Two bards recite versus offstage.
1082. 1:30:44–1:30:48May sheavers body destroy your sorrows.
1083. 1:30:48–1:30:51The body that whitens the sky with its ashes.
1084. 1:30:51–1:30:56Silver's the hide of the elephant demon with rays from the moon upon his head.
1085. 1:30:56–1:30:58Wears a garland of skulls.
1086. 1:30:58–1:31:01And shines with loud laughter.
1087. 1:31:01–1:31:05As autumn whitens, the sky with white reed flowers.
1088. 1:31:05–1:31:07Silver's the clouds with moonlight.
1089. 1:31:07–1:31:14a garland of water lilies, and shines with royal swans. And may the slightly side-long
1090. 1:31:14–1:31:21eyes of Vishnu protect us as he yawns, considering whether to leave his broad couch upon the
1091. 1:31:21–1:31:27hood of Shesha. Their lids are dim as they begin to open. For a moment they turn from
1092. 1:31:27–1:31:33the light of the jeweled lamps. Their movement is slow. They are moist with tears of sleep
1093. 1:31:33–1:31:37and deeply reddened by its interruption.
1094. 1:31:37–1:31:42Like a lion king, fashioned by the Creator as a treasury of pride, who cannot endure the
1095. 1:31:42–1:31:45breaking of his jaw?
1096. 1:31:45–1:31:50Conscious of his dignity, defeating the leaders of elephant herds by his own strength and
1097. 1:31:50–1:31:52living in complete independence.
1098. 1:31:52–1:31:58So the king of men, fashioned as a treasury of pride, cannot endure the violation of
1099. 1:31:58–1:32:06his commands and by his own power defeats arrogant rulers who command divisions of war elephants.
1100. 1:32:06–1:32:12And a man does not become a king merely by wearing ornaments and insignia.
1101. 1:32:12–1:32:18He is truly a king when, as with you, no one disobeys his command.
1102. 1:32:18–1:32:24The first Bard's verse praises Shiva and Vishnu while alluding to Autumn.
1103. 1:32:24–1:32:29But I do not understand the second Bard's verse.
1104. 1:32:29–1:32:32After a little thought, I understand.
1105. 1:32:32–1:32:34This is Rakshasa's move.
1106. 1:32:34–1:32:36Villain Rakshasa.
1107. 1:32:36–1:32:38You have been discovered.
1108. 1:32:38–1:32:41Cortillia is awake.
1109. 1:32:41–1:32:48Honored Vajhanari, give each of these two Bards one thousand gold pieces.
1110. 1:32:48–1:32:52As my Lord commands, he starts to leave.
1111. 1:32:52–1:32:57Stop, Vihannari, you are not to go.
1112. 1:32:57–1:33:00The Chamberlain looks fearfully at the king.
1113. 1:33:00–1:33:07Vrishala, what purpose is served by wasting so great a sum?
1114. 1:33:07–1:33:15When my revered teacher restrains me in every matter, independence is bondage, not independence.
1115. 1:33:15–1:33:20This misfortune overtakes a king who turns away from his duty.
1116. 1:33:20–1:33:25If you cannot endure restraint, then perform your duty.
1117. 1:33:25–1:33:28I do perform my duty.
1118. 1:33:28–1:33:31I am greatly pleased to hear it.
1119. 1:33:31–1:33:36Then I wish to know why the festival of moonlight was cancelled.
1120. 1:33:36–1:33:40And I wish to know why it should have been celebrated.
1121. 1:33:40–1:33:45The chief reason is that my command should be obeyed.
1122. 1:33:45–1:33:50And my chief reason for cancelling it is that your command should not be obeyed.
1123. 1:33:50–1:33:57For if your command, born upon the bowed heads of millions of kings, does not command me,
1124. 1:33:57–1:34:04it proclaims of itself that humility adorns your rule, I can give you another reason,
1125. 1:34:04–1:34:06if you wish.
1126. 1:34:06–1:34:07Give it!
1127. 1:34:07–1:34:14Shonatara, in my name tell the clerk Achalaka to send a list of Badrabhata and his companions
1128. 1:34:14–1:34:20Who? Becoming disaffected. Fled from here and entered Malayaketu's service.
1129. 1:34:22–1:34:27As you command, she goes and returns with the list. Here is the list, revered sir.
1130. 1:34:29–1:34:38Vrishala, listen. I am listening. List of the warriors of my lord Shandragapta who became
1131. 1:34:38–1:34:43disaffected. Fled from here and entered Malayaketu's service.
1132. 1:34:43–1:34:50Badrabhata, commander of the war elephants. Puradatta, commander of the cavalry.
1133. 1:34:50–1:34:56Dhingarata, nephew of the chief chamberlain. Balagupta, a kinsman of the king.
1134. 1:34:56–1:35:01Rajasena, the king's bodyguard when he was still a prince.
1135. 1:35:01–1:35:09Bagurayana, younger brother of the general Shirabala, Rootaksha of the Malava line, and
1136. 1:35:09–1:35:15Vijayawarman, commander of the Kshatriya division.
1137. 1:35:15–1:35:19I wish to know the causes of their disaffection.
1138. 1:35:19–1:35:26Listen, Vrishala, Badrabhata and Paradatta, officers of the elephants and horses, were
1139. 1:35:26–1:35:32were addicted to wine, women and hunting in the forest they were removed from office
1140. 1:35:32–1:35:39for neglecting their duties. Though they continued to receive annual stipends,
1141. 1:35:39–1:35:46therefore they deserted. Dinkarada and Balagupta were exceedingly greedy. Considering the stipends
1142. 1:35:46–1:35:51you gave them insufficient, they left and entered Malayakatu's service.
1143. 1:35:51–1:35:58Rajasena feared that the elephants, horses and vast wealth he had unexpectedly received
1144. 1:35:58–1:36:04through your favor might as suddenly be taken away. Therefore he fled.
1145. 1:36:04–1:36:11Bhagavadaka was Parvadaka's friend and loved him like a parent. He whispered into Malayakatu's
1146. 1:36:11–1:36:18ear. Chanakya caused your father's death and frightened him into flight. When Chanakya
1147. 1:36:18–1:36:26began punishing conspirators. Baghurayana fled in fear of his own offense. In gratitude for
1148. 1:36:26–1:36:33saving his life, Malayaketu appointed him keeper of the royal seal. Rootakshya and Vijayawarmen
1149. 1:36:33–1:36:39were exceedingly proud. They could not endure seeing honor shown to your kinsmen, and
1150. 1:36:39–1:36:42therefore left.
1151. 1:36:42–1:36:48If the causes of their disaffection were known, why did my revered teacher not immediately
1152. 1:36:48–1:36:50remedy them?
1153. 1:36:50–1:36:54I could not, v
1154. 1:36:54–1:37:00through the causes of their disaffection were known. Why did my revered teacher not immediately remedy them?
1155. 1:37:00–1:37:02I could not, for a reason.
1156. 1:37:02–1:37:03I could not, for a reason.
1157. 1:37:03–1:37:06Through inability or political reasons.
1158. 1:37:06–1:37:11Listen, there are two remedies for a disaffected subject.
1159. 1:37:11–1:37:17Favor and punishment, Badrabhata and Puradatta had been removed from office.
1160. 1:37:17–1:37:20Reinstating them would have been an act of favor.
1161. 1:37:20–1:37:27But if men guilty of such faults were restored, the Elephant and Cavalry Divisions, the
1162. 1:37:27–1:37:31principal supports of the state, would be ruined.
1163. 1:37:31–1:37:37Dhingarada and Balagupta were so greedy that even the whole kingdom would not have satisfied
1164. 1:37:37–1:37:38them.
1165. 1:37:38–1:37:45Rajasena and Bhagurayana suspected that I meant to kill them and confiscate their property.
1166. 1:37:45–1:37:48How could they have accepted any favor from me?
1167. 1:37:48–1:37:53Rohitaksha and Vijayawarmen were so proud that they could not endure the honor shown
1168. 1:37:53–1:37:56to your relatives.
1169. 1:37:56–1:37:59How could they have been pleased?
1170. 1:37:59–1:38:06This favor was impossible, punishment was also impossible, if, having only recently come
1171. 1:38:06–1:38:13to power after Nanda, we severely punished the senior officers who had led our armies.
1172. 1:38:13–1:38:18The subject still attached to the Nanda cause would never trust us.
1173. 1:38:18–1:38:25All these disaffected officers have been received by Malayaketu, who, filled with rage over
1174. 1:38:25–1:38:31his father's murder and guided by Rekshasa is preparing to attack us with a vast foreign
1175. 1:38:31–1:38:39army. This is a time to prepare for war, not for festivities. When we must concentrate upon
1176. 1:38:39–1:38:45fortifying the city, what purpose can the festival of moonlight serve?
1177. 1:38:45–1:38:49Much may be said about this matter.
1178. 1:38:49–1:38:53Speak freely. I too have much to say.
1179. 1:38:53–1:38:56Why did you assist Malaya Ketu?
1180. 1:38:56–1:38:58The root of all this unrest?
1181. 1:38:58–1:39:00To escape?
1182. 1:39:00–1:39:05To prevent his escape, only two courses were possible.
1183. 1:39:05–1:39:09Arrest and punish him, or give him half the kingdom as promised.
1184. 1:39:09–1:39:15If I arrested and punished him, I would place my own seal upon the charge of ingratitude
1185. 1:39:15–1:39:18for Parvadaka's murder.
1186. 1:39:18–1:39:24If I gave him half the kingdom, that too would look like a device for washing away the stain
1187. 1:39:24–1:39:27of Parvada Khetu's death.
1188. 1:39:27–1:39:29Therefore I assisted his escape."
1189. 1:39:29–1:39:34That is your defense in Malaya Khetu's case.
1190. 1:39:34–1:39:37But what can be said of your helping Rakshaasa?
1191. 1:39:37–1:39:39Who was here in the city?
1192. 1:39:39–1:39:41To escape?
1193. 1:39:41–1:39:47Rakshaasa was completely trusted by the Nanda partisans, for they had served together
1194. 1:39:47–1:39:55for many years. He was intelligent and brave, with many followers and a vast treasury. Therefore
1195. 1:39:55–1:40:01I helped him escape. Had he remained here, he would have raised a serious rebellion within
1196. 1:40:01–1:40:08the city, outside it, even if he stirred rebellion in the country. He would not be difficult
1197. 1:40:08–1:40:09to control.
1198. 1:40:09–1:40:15Why did you take no measures against him while he was here?
1199. 1:40:15–1:40:18How can you say I took no measures?
1200. 1:40:18–1:40:24He was a thorn in my heart, and I skillfully drew him out and cast him away.
1201. 1:40:24–1:40:28Why did you not seize him by force?
1202. 1:40:28–1:40:30Remember that he is Rikshaasa.
1203. 1:40:30–1:40:37If we tried to seize him by force, he would either die or destroy our troops.
1204. 1:40:37–1:40:39Either result would be a loss.
1205. 1:40:39–1:40:44If pressed too hard, he might die and slip from our hands.
1206. 1:40:44–1:40:49If he killed our best warriors, the loss would be equally great.
1207. 1:40:49–1:40:54Therefore he must be subdued by skill, like a wild elephant."
1208. 1:40:54–1:40:58�I cannot argue with you, revered sir.
1209. 1:40:58–1:41:02Yet Minister Raksha sir deserves praise in every respect.
1210. 1:41:02–1:41:04�And you do not?
1211. 1:41:04–1:41:06Is that the praise?
1212. 1:41:06–1:41:09Never mind, what has he achieved?
1213. 1:41:09–1:41:11�Listen.
1214. 1:41:11–1:41:13After the city was conquered.
1215. 1:41:13–1:41:19That great man remained within it as long as he wished and caused us severe trouble.
1216. 1:41:19–1:41:27He prevented our soldiers from proclaiming victory and, through superior statecraft, entangled
1217. 1:41:27–1:41:32me so deeply that I began to suspect even my most trusted men.
1218. 1:41:32–1:41:35Is that all Rikshaasa has accomplished?
1219. 1:41:35–1:41:41For a moment I thought he had removed you from the throne and made Malayaketu Emperor.
1220. 1:41:41–1:41:46Just as I removed Nanda and made you Emperor.
1221. 1:41:46–1:41:49That was another man's achievement.
1222. 1:41:49–1:41:53Why does my revered teacher count it to his own credit?
1223. 1:41:53–1:41:55Ungrateful man.
1224. 1:41:55–1:42:01Who else publicly made the terrible vow to destroy the entire race of his enemy?
1225. 1:42:01–1:42:08Who else, with fingers crooked in anger, bound up his hair and slaughtered the nine Nandas?
1226. 1:42:08–1:42:16rich in millions of gold pieces, one by one like sacrificial beasts?
1227. 1:42:16–1:42:20It was fate, terrible to the Nandas, that did it.
1228. 1:42:20–1:42:24Only the ignorant trust in fate.
1229. 1:42:24–1:42:26And the learned become proud.
1230. 1:42:26–1:42:31Vrishala, do you wish to rebuke me like a servant?
1231. 1:42:31–1:42:36My hand is again ready to loosen the knot of hair that I had bound.
1232. 1:42:36–1:42:39My feet move again to enter upon another vow.
1233. 1:42:39–1:42:46And you, standing before your own death, rekindle the fire of my anger that had grown calm after
1234. 1:42:46–1:42:50the destruction of the Nandas.
1235. 1:42:50–1:42:54My revered teacher is truly filled with anger.
1236. 1:42:54–1:42:56What am I to do?
1237. 1:42:56–1:43:01Though tears have softened the blaze of his eyes and his eyelids tremble, their fire
1238. 1:43:01–1:43:06Rikshasa seems to flare again as his terrible brows thrust forward.
1239. 1:43:06–1:43:12The earth shakes beneath the stamp of his foot, as though terrified by Rudra's furious
1240. 1:43:12–1:43:13dance.
1241. 1:43:13–1:43:17Vrishala, there is nothing more to say.
1242. 1:43:17–1:43:25If you consider Rikshasa superior to me, let this sword be given to him.
1243. 1:43:25–1:43:30He throws down the sword, rises from his seat and looks upward.
1244. 1:43:30–1:43:36Aside, Rakshasa, this is the highest reach of your intelligence.
1245. 1:43:36–1:43:39You attempt to defeat mine.
1246. 1:43:39–1:43:41Ha!
1247. 1:43:41–1:43:46You apply every policy of dissension in the confidence that Shandragupta Maurya, once
1248. 1:43:46–1:43:51separated from me, will easily be defeated.
1249. 1:43:51–1:43:58Through this feigned quarrel, I shall instead make you quarrel with your own Malaya Ketu.
1250. 1:43:58–1:44:03Chana kya exits.
1251. 1:44:03–1:44:10Honored Vahenari proclaimed to the people that from this day Shandragupta will govern independently
1252. 1:44:10–1:44:12of Channakya.
1253. 1:44:12–1:44:13Alas!
1254. 1:44:13–1:44:16The king called him merely Channakya.
1255. 1:44:16–1:44:18He has been dismissed.
1256. 1:44:18–1:44:21Yet it is no fault of his.
1257. 1:44:21–1:44:26When a king acts wrongly, the blame falls upon the minister.
1258. 1:44:26–1:44:30An elephant grows unruly through the folly of its driver.
1259. 1:44:30–1:44:34Honored Brahmin, why do you hesitate?
1260. 1:44:34–1:44:40Revered Lord, I rejoice that you will govern your own kingdom.
1261. 1:44:40–1:44:45I hope my revered teacher is only striving to appear in this form for the accomplishment
1262. 1:44:45–1:44:49of his purpose.
1263. 1:44:49–1:44:53Allowed, Honored Brahmin, hurry.
1264. 1:44:53–1:44:56As my Lord commands.
1265. 1:44:56–1:44:57Exit.
1266. 1:44:57–1:45:00Shona Tara.
1267. 1:45:00–1:45:03This bitter quarrel has given me a headache.
1268. 1:45:03–1:45:06Show me the way to the bedchamber.
1269. 1:45:06–1:45:09This way, my Lord.
1270. 1:45:09–1:45:13Though I disobeyed my revered teacher, only at his own command.
1271. 1:45:13–1:45:16I wish the earth would swallow me.
1272. 1:45:16–1:45:17How?
1273. 1:45:17–1:45:18Then?
1274. 1:45:18–1:45:22who truly insults his teacher, not die of shame.
1275. 1:45:22–1:45:24All Exit
1276. 1:45:24–1:45:34K-A-R-A-B-H-A-K-A enters disguised as a traveler.
1277. 1:45:34–1:45:41People of Mathila, is it not astonishing that a man, obeying his master's urgent command,
1278. 1:45:41–1:45:45should cross more than a hundred Yeojinas without pausing?
1279. 1:45:45–1:45:49Now I shall go and meet minister Rikshaasa.
1280. 1:45:49–1:45:51Advancing
1281. 1:45:51–1:45:55This is the residence of the revered minister Rakshasa.
1282. 1:45:55–1:45:57Is any gatekeeper here?
1283. 1:45:57–1:46:03Announce that Karabhaka has arrived in haste from Pataliputra.
1284. 1:46:03–1:46:04Good man.
1285. 1:46:04–1:46:06Speak softly.
1286. 1:46:06–1:46:12The minister has a headache after a sleepless night spent worrying over affairs of state.
1287. 1:46:12–1:46:15He is still in his chamber.
1288. 1:46:15–1:46:16Wait a little.
1289. 1:46:16–1:46:20At a suitable moment I shall announce your arrival.
1290. 1:46:20–1:46:28man, you may do so." R.A.K.S.H.A.S.A. enters from the bed chamber,
1291. 1:46:28–1:46:34deep in anxious thought. I have won over all of Chanakya's disaffected
1292. 1:46:34–1:46:42men. Yet as I reflect upon the uncertainty of fortune in Pondu Chanakya's crooked policy,
1293. 1:46:42–1:46:49anxiety over what may happen robs me of sleep night after night. A poet or statesman such
1294. 1:46:49–1:46:57as I undergo this kind of labor. First, with intelligence, he plants the most subtle seed
1295. 1:46:57–1:47:03of his design. Then he nurtures its growth. When the seed has reached a half-developed
1296. 1:47:03–1:47:11state, he applies an unseen policy whose fruit lies far in the future. After that he creates
1297. 1:47:11–1:47:19a condition of uncertainty. At last he brings the expanded design to completion.
1298. 1:47:19–1:47:30Victory to the minister
1299. 1:47:30–1:47:35Allowed. Good man. What are you trying to say?
1300. 1:47:35–1:47:42Karabhaka has come from Pataliputra. He wishes to see the minister.
1301. 1:47:42–1:47:44Admit him at once.
1302. 1:47:44–1:47:47As my lord commands.
1303. 1:47:47–1:47:57Going to K.A.R.A.B.H.A.K.A. Good man! You may see the minister. Exit.
1304. 1:47:57–1:47:59Victory to my lord.
1305. 1:47:59–1:48:01Sit, good man.
1306. 1:48:01–1:48:04As you command.
1307. 1:48:04–1:48:07He sits on the ground.
1308. 1:48:07–1:48:16There are so many operations in progress that I cannot remember what task I assigned this man.
1309. 1:48:16–1:48:23He tries to remember. A.S.T.A. F.F. Beerer enters.
1310. 1:48:23–1:48:28Stand aside. Good people. Clear the way.
1311. 1:48:28–1:48:32Do you not know that even the fortunate rarely gain sight of him?
1312. 1:48:32–1:48:35Much less approach him.
1313. 1:48:35–1:48:39Looking upward. What do you say? Good people?
1314. 1:48:39–1:48:41Why do I order you to clear the way?
1315. 1:48:41–1:48:57Listen! Prince Malaya Ketu is coming to visit Minister Rakshaasa, who is suffering from a headache. That is why I tell you to stand aside. Exit!
1316. 1:48:57–1:49:06M-A-L-A-Y-A-K-E-T-U enters with B-H-A-G-U-R-A-Y-A-N-A and the Chamberlain.
1317. 1:49:06–1:49:10Today marks ten months since my father's death,
1318. 1:49:10–1:49:16and despite all my proud claims to Valor I have not yet been able even to offer him the funeral
1319. 1:49:16–1:49:24water. I vowed that I would offer that water only after wiping joyful tears from the eyes of my enemies.
1320. 1:49:24–1:49:30Wives and transferring to them the grief my mothers suffered at my father's death.
1321. 1:49:30–1:49:38When they beat their breasts until their jeweled bracelets shattered, their garments slipped, their hair filled with dust,
1322. 1:49:38–1:49:48and the sky echoed with their piteous cries of, Alas! Alas! In a word, either I shall endure bravely and
1323. 1:49:48–1:49:53following the path of my ancestors, meet death upon the battlefield,
1324. 1:49:53–1:50:02or I shall wipe the tears from my mother's eyes and place those tears in the eyes of my enemies' wives."
1325. 1:50:02–1:50:10Allowed. Honored Ja'jali. I wish to visit Minister Rakshasa privately and surprise him.
1326. 1:50:10–1:50:19Do not let the usual royal assembly follow me. Proclaim in Malayaketu's name that no one is to come behind me.
1327. 1:50:19–1:50:22I obey my Lord's command.
1328. 1:50:22–1:50:33Turning back and looking upward. Hear this. Members of the court. Prince Malaiaketu commands that no one follow him.
1329. 1:50:33–1:50:44Watching their movements with satisfaction. See. My Lord. The commanders halt the instant they receive the Prince's order.
1330. 1:50:44–1:50:52Some are reigning in their horses, whose high necks bend sharply under the tight bit as though their hooves were trying to touch the
1331. 1:50:52–1:51:01sky. Others restrain their heroic elephants, whose bells fall silent. This royal host,
1332. 1:51:01–1:51:07like the sea that does not pass the limit of the tide, does not cross the boundary of respect.
1333. 1:51:07–1:51:12Honored Ja Jaali, you too return with the litter bearers.
1334. 1:51:12–1:51:15Only Baguri Yana will accompany me.
1335. 1:51:15–1:51:18As my Lord commands.
1336. 1:51:18–1:51:22He exits with the litter bearers.
1337. 1:51:22–1:51:31My friend Baguri Yana, Badrabhata and the others who came over to me entered my service through General Shikharasena.
1338. 1:51:31–1:51:36They specifically stated that they had not entered through Minister Rakshasa.
1339. 1:51:36–1:51:43They said, I myself am a king worthy to be served, one whose qualities attract men.
1340. 1:51:43–1:51:47Whereas Chandragupta was merely the follower of a wicked minister.
1341. 1:51:47–1:51:53I have thought deeply, but I do not understand their intention.
1342. 1:51:53–1:52:02My lord. It is simple. A man who wishes to serve an energetic king endowed with royal qualities should enter his service
1343. 1:52:02–1:52:09through a well-wishing friend of that king. That is the proper course. But, my friend,
1344. 1:52:09–1:52:13Rakshasa is my greatest well-wisher.
1345. 1:52:13–1:52:22Ah! So he is. Yet Rakshasa's enmity is with Chanakya, not with Shandragukta. It may happen
1346. 1:52:22–1:52:29that Shandragukta, intolerant of Chanakya's pride and success, dismisses him from the
1347. 1:52:29–1:52:36ministry. Then Rakshasa, out of affection for a descendant of the Nanda line and respect
1348. 1:52:36–1:52:44for old friends, might make peace with Shandragupta. In that event he could betray my lord. That
1349. 1:52:44–1:52:51is what those men intended to suggest. You speak truly. Now show me the way to minister
1350. 1:52:51–1:52:54Rakshasa's residence.
1351. 1:52:54–1:53:02This way, my lord. Reaching the minister's house. We have arrived. Enter, my lord.
1352. 1:53:02–1:53:04I shall.
1353. 1:53:04–1:53:07Ah, I remember now.
1354. 1:53:07–1:53:14Allowed. Good man. Did you meet the bard Stana Kalashya in Patali Putra?
1355. 1:53:14–1:53:17Yes, my lord, I did.
1356. 1:53:17–1:53:27Varguryana. They are discussing operations in Pataliputra. I shall not go in yet. I shall remain here and listen.
1357. 1:53:27–1:53:32For ministers speak one way before the king out of fear of the court,
1358. 1:53:32–1:53:37and another way when they speak without restraint to their own men.
1359. 1:53:37–1:53:43As my Lord commands, did the operation succeed?
1360. 1:53:43–1:53:46By my Lord's grace, it succeeded.
1361. 1:53:46–1:53:50What operation was it, my friend?
1362. 1:53:50–1:53:54A minister's operations are exceedingly deep.
1363. 1:53:54–1:53:58It is difficult to determine their purpose at this stage.
1364. 1:53:58–1:54:01Listen silently. My lord.
1365. 1:54:01–1:54:04I wish to hear every detail.
1366. 1:54:04–1:54:06Listen, my lord.
1367. 1:54:06–1:54:13You ordered me to go to Patali Putra and tell the Bard Stannakalasha that whenever Chanakya acted
1368. 1:54:13–1:54:19Against Shandragupta's command, he was to recite verses that would inflame Shandragupta.
1369. 1:54:19–1:54:21Go on.
1370. 1:54:21–1:54:25I went to Patali Putra and conveyed your order to the bard.
1371. 1:54:25–1:54:32At that time Shandragupta, wishing to cheer the people who mourned the destruction of the Nanda family,
1372. 1:54:32–1:54:36commanded that the festival of moonlight be celebrated.
1373. 1:54:36–1:54:42The people welcomed the beloved festival as one welcomes a dear relative after a long separation.
1374. 1:54:42–1:54:50Alas, King Nanda, which is a festival of moonlight without you, who were as dear to the world
1375. 1:54:50–1:54:53as the moon among kings?
1376. 1:54:53–1:54:59There may be a physical moon to make the night lotuses bloom and a maurya, moon, to please
1377. 1:54:59–1:55:04thee, people, but neither is you.
1378. 1:55:04–1:55:10The festival, so dear to the people's eyes, was cancelled by the villain Chanakya against
1379. 1:55:10–1:55:11the king's desire.
1380. 1:55:11–1:55:18At that moment Stanakalasha recited verses designed to inflame Shandragukta.
1381. 1:55:18–1:55:20What would be?
1382. 1:55:20–1:55:25Like the Lion King, fashioned by the Creator as a Treasury of Pride, who cannot endure
1383. 1:55:25–1:55:27the breaking of his jaw.
1384. 1:55:27–1:55:29So the King of Men.
1385. 1:55:29–1:55:33And, a man does not become a king merely by wearing ornaments.
1386. 1:55:33–1:55:38He is truly a king when no one disobeys his command.
1387. 1:55:38–1:55:39Well done.
1388. 1:55:39–1:55:41My friend Stanakalasha.
1389. 1:55:41–1:55:47A seed of separation sown at the proper moment must bear fruit.
1390. 1:55:47–1:55:51Even an ordinary man cannot endure being deprived of his festival.
1391. 1:55:51–1:55:54How could a king endure it?
1392. 1:55:54–1:55:57Exactly so.
1393. 1:55:57–1:55:58Continue.
1394. 1:55:58–1:56:03Anchored by the violation of his order, Shandra Gupta entered into a bitter quarrel with
1395. 1:56:03–1:56:09the villain Chanakya, praised my lord in the argument, and dismissed Chanakya from
1396. 1:56:09–1:56:11office.
1397. 1:56:11–1:56:18Aguriyana, Chandragupta's praise of Raksasa reveals an inclination toward him.
1398. 1:56:18–1:56:25My lord, the main point is not the praise of Raksasa, but the dismissal of Chanakya.
1399. 1:56:25–1:56:32Was the cancellation of the festival of moonlight the only cause of Chandragupta's displeasure with
1400. 1:56:32–1:56:36Chanakya, or was there another?
1401. 1:56:36–1:56:43my friend. Why does he search for another cause of Chandragupta's displeasure?"
1402. 1:56:43–1:56:49Chanakya is discerning. He would not provoke Chandragupta over a trivial matter.
1403. 1:56:49–1:56:56Chandragupta too is grateful. For this reason alone he would not cross the limits of respect
1404. 1:56:56–1:57:03due to Chanakya. For their separation to be lasting, many causes are needed. That
1405. 1:57:03–1:57:05That is why Raksasa asks,
1406. 1:57:05–1:57:07Yes, there was another cause.
1407. 1:57:07–1:57:14Chanakya assisted Prince Malayaketu and my lord Raksasa to escape.
1408. 1:57:14–1:57:20My friend Shakata Dasa, Chandragukta is now completely within my power.
1409. 1:57:20–1:57:23Then Shandana Dasa will be released.
1410. 1:57:23–1:57:26My lord will see his wife and son.
1411. 1:57:26–1:57:30And Jiva Siddhi will be freed from suffering.
1412. 1:57:30–1:57:36When Jiva Siddhi's suffering will truly come to an end, what does he mean?
1413. 1:57:36–1:57:42My friend, when he says, Chandragupta is in my power.
1414. 1:57:42–1:57:46Chandragupta is now separated from Chanakya.
1415. 1:57:46–1:57:50Raksasa sees no obstacle to keeping them apart.
1416. 1:57:50–1:57:52What other meaning could there be?
1417. 1:57:52–1:57:59Good man, where is the person who was dismissed from office now?
1418. 1:57:59–1:58:02My lord, he is still there.
1419. 1:58:02–1:58:04Is he still composed?
1420. 1:58:04–1:58:10Has he not gone to a forest of penance, or undertaken some new vow?
1421. 1:58:10–1:58:15My lord, people say that he intends to go to the forest.
1422. 1:58:15–1:58:18Shaktarasa, that is impossible.
1423. 1:58:18–1:58:23A man who could not endure an insult from King Nanda will never endure an insult from
1424. 1:58:23–1:58:24Chandragupta.
1425. 1:58:24–1:58:28A king of his own making.
1426. 1:58:28–1:58:36friend, what purpose would Chanakya achieve by going to the forest or taking a new vow?"
1427. 1:58:36–1:58:43It is obvious. His purpose would be achieved while he remained at a distance. Do not take
1428. 1:58:43–1:58:50offense. My lord! But it is possible. Would a king who has become almost divine by placing
1429. 1:58:50–1:58:57his foot upon the heads of enemies endure thee? Disobedience of one of his own men. And
1430. 1:58:57–1:59:06Dhanakya? Though naturally wrathful. May not! After completing one vow through good fortune,
1431. 1:59:06–1:59:12undertake another severe vow. He has personally experienced the hardship of violent action,
1432. 1:59:12–1:59:21and may fear failure in the future. It may be so. Karabhaka, go and take rest in food.
1433. 1:59:21–1:59:24As my Lord commands,
1434. 1:59:24–1:59:31S-H-A-K-A-T-A-D-A-S-A and K-A-R-A-B-H-A-K-A exit,
1435. 1:59:31–1:59:35I shall carry the good news to the Prince.
1436. 1:59:35–1:59:39I have come in person to see the Minister.
1437. 1:59:39–1:59:42Ah, the Prince.
1438. 1:59:42–1:59:46Rising, my Lord, take this seat.
1439. 1:59:46–1:59:51I shall let the minister also be seated.
1440. 1:59:51–1:59:55They sit on appropriate seats.
1441. 1:59:55–1:59:58Has the minister's headache improved?
1442. 1:59:58–2:00:05How can it improve until the title, Prince, is replaced by Emperor?
1443. 2:00:05–2:00:14Since the minister has pledged to accomplish this himself, success is easy. Why should I remain inactive?
1444. 2:00:14–2:00:20Are my forces ready to march while they wait for some weakness in the enemy?
1445. 2:00:20–2:00:22Why delay any longer?
1446. 2:00:22–2:00:27My lord may set out upon the campaign of victory.
1447. 2:00:27–2:00:31Has the minister found some weakness in the enemy?
1448. 2:00:31–2:00:32Yes.
1449. 2:00:32–2:00:34What is it?
1450. 2:00:34–2:00:37A weakness in the ministry itself.
1451. 2:00:37–2:00:41Chandragopta has broken with Chanakya.
1452. 2:00:41–2:00:46V. So, weakness in the ministry is indeed a weakness.
1453. 2:00:46–2:00:53It would be so in the realm of another king, but not in Chandragupta's case.
1454. 2:00:53–2:00:56Minister, that is not so.
1455. 2:00:56–2:01:01Chanakya's faults merely displeased Chandragupta's subjects.
1456. 2:01:01–2:01:03Now that he has been removed,
1457. 2:01:03–2:01:08those who already loved Chandragupta will love him still more.
1458. 2:01:08–2:01:12No, the subjects fall into two classes.
1459. 2:01:12–2:01:17Supporters of Chandragupta and unshakable devotees of the Nanda family.
1460. 2:01:17–2:01:22Chanakya's faults angered Chandragupta's supporters.
1461. 2:01:22–2:01:24Not the Nanda loyalists.
1462. 2:01:24–2:01:30They are enraged by Chandragupta's ingratitude in destroying the Nanda house.
1463. 2:01:30–2:01:34Lacking a worthy master, they have followed Chandragupta.
1464. 2:01:34–2:01:41Now they find in me the leader whose power to destroy the enemy is universally acknowledged.
1465. 2:01:41–2:01:45They will soon abandon him and seek refuge with my lord.
1466. 2:01:45–2:01:48Let my own example prove it."
1467. 2:01:48–2:01:56Revealed Sir, is this the only reason for attacking Chandragukta, or are there others?
1468. 2:01:56–2:02:01There are many others, but this is the most important.
1469. 2:02:01–2:02:04How is it the most important?
1470. 2:02:04–2:02:10Can Chandragupta not appoint another minister and adopt suitable measures?
1471. 2:02:10–2:02:17No, he cannot. That would be possible for a king accustomed to independent government.
1472. 2:02:17–2:02:22But the wicked Chandragupta has always favored government by a minister.
1473. 2:02:22–2:02:29How can he now adopt suitable measures on his own? Just as the newborn infant,
1474. 2:02:29–2:02:35Dependent upon its mother's breast, cannot live even for a moment without it.
1475. 2:02:35–2:02:42So an inexperienced and ignorant king, dependent upon a minister, cannot remain independent
1476. 2:02:42–2:02:44for even a moment.
1477. 2:02:44–2:02:50Fortunately, I do not favor government by a minister.
1478. 2:02:50–2:02:52Allowed.
1479. 2:02:52–2:02:58Even so, an attack upon an enemy who suffers weakness in the ministry and many other disadvantages
1480. 2:02:58–2:03:02must certainly succeed.
1481. 2:03:02–2:03:05My lord may be completely confident.
1482. 2:03:05–2:03:07Every circumstance favors you.
1483. 2:03:07–2:03:12The city of Pataliputra remains devoted to the Nandas.
1484. 2:03:12–2:03:15Chanakya is estranged from Chandragupta.
1485. 2:03:15–2:03:18The maurya is a new king.
1486. 2:03:18–2:03:21And I am here, merely to show the road.
1487. 2:03:21–2:03:27In these conditions, nothing stands between us in success except the absence of my lord's
1488. 2:03:27–2:03:35command. If the minister considers this the proper time for the campaign, why should I remain
1489. 2:03:35–2:03:43inactive? My elephants, truly reddened with vermilion, towering in height, streaming with
1490. 2:03:43–2:03:50hickor, dark in color, roaring mightily and breaking banks with their tusks, will scatter
1491. 2:03:50–2:03:57the so-called Shona River in a hundred directions. The river with high banks, flowing water,
1492. 2:03:57–2:04:06with Derva grass, sweetly rippling and breaking its own shores. And the ranks of my elephants,
1493. 2:04:06–2:04:12roaring deeply and pouring streams of hikor, will surround Patali Putra as lines of storm
1494. 2:04:12–2:04:17clouds pour rain upon the Vindya Mountains.
1495. 2:04:17–2:04:26M-A-L-A-Y-A-K-E-T-U and B-H-A-G-U are A-Y-A-N-A exit.
1496. 2:04:26–2:04:28Is there any sow and bear?
1497. 2:04:28–2:04:31Found me, my lord.
1498. 2:04:31–2:04:35Priyam Vadaka, is there an astrologer at the door?
1499. 2:04:35–2:04:37A K. Shappanaka.
1500. 2:04:37–2:04:38What?
1501. 2:04:38–2:04:41A repulsive mendicant?
1502. 2:04:41–2:04:43Jiva Siddhi.
1503. 2:04:43–2:04:46Ah, he is welcome.
1504. 2:04:46–2:04:47Send him in.
1505. 2:04:47–2:04:51As my lord commands.
1506. 2:04:51–2:04:58Exit Jiva Siddhi, the Buddhist mendicant, enters.
1507. 2:04:58–2:05:05the teaching of the Ahats, which cures those afflicted by the disease of delusion. At first
1508. 2:05:05–2:05:13it offers only stern instruction, but in the end it brings true welfare.
1509. 2:05:13–2:05:20Approaching our AKSHASA May the revered Lord attain liberation.
1510. 2:05:20–2:05:26Venerable Sir, name the date on which we should set out on our campaign.
1511. 2:05:26–2:05:29I have determined it.
1512. 2:05:29–2:05:34The afternoon of the full moon day is auspicious in every respect.
1513. 2:05:34–2:05:39The constellation too favors my Lord's journey from north to south.
1514. 2:05:39–2:05:45Furthermore, at the hour of departure, Mercury's sign will be in the ascendant.
1515. 2:05:45–2:05:48The sun will be descending toward sunset.
1516. 2:05:48–2:05:54The full moon will rise in complete radiance, and the sudden appearance of K2 will end
1517. 2:05:54–2:05:56in his setting.
1518. 2:05:56–2:06:01Venerable sir, the lunar date itself appears unfavorable.
1519. 2:06:01–2:06:08Rev. Lord. The lunar date has one degree of importance. The constellation 4 and the moon
1520. 2:06:08–2:06:17100 so declares the science of astrology. Therefore, the moment touched by Mercury's sign is auspicious.
1521. 2:06:17–2:06:22Avoid only the inauspicious interval of the Badra Karana. The moon's favor will bring
1522. 2:06:22–2:06:25my lord, great advantage.
1523. 2:06:25–2:06:31Venerable sir, I shall consult other astrologers as well.
1524. 2:06:31–2:06:34Let the revered minister do as he pleases.
1525. 2:06:34–2:06:36I am going.
1526. 2:06:36–2:06:41What has happened, is the venerable sir angry with me?
1527. 2:06:41–2:06:43I am not angry with you.
1528. 2:06:43–2:06:45Then who is?
1529. 2:06:45–2:06:50The divine power that rules human fortune is angry.
1530. 2:06:50–2:06:55you trust foreigners and slight your own people.
1531. 2:06:55–2:06:56Exit
1532. 2:06:56–2:07:00Priyam Vadaka, what time is it?
1533. 2:07:00–2:07:02The sun is nearing its setting.
1534. 2:07:02–2:07:06Indeed, the sun is about to set.
1535. 2:07:06–2:07:11Just as the shadow of a tree that worships the sun at dawn moves westward when the sun
1536. 2:07:11–2:07:16rises but abandons its lord when the sun sets.
1537. 2:07:16–2:07:23So as so and deserts his master when that master's importance declines.
1538. 2:07:23–2:07:24All Exit
1539. 2:07:24–2:07:36S-I-D-D-H-A-R-T-H-A-K-A enters carrying a sealed letter and a casket of ornaments.
1540. 2:07:36–2:07:38Oh Lord!
1541. 2:07:38–2:07:44The climbing vine of Chanakya's policy, watered by intelligence from the vessels of time
1542. 2:07:44–2:07:49and place, has begun to bear the precious fruit of fulfilled purpose.
1543. 2:07:49–2:07:54I carry the letter that the revered Shanakya earlier had Shakattadasa right, and that was
1544. 2:07:54–2:07:58sealed with Minister Rakshasa's signet.
1545. 2:07:58–2:08:01This casket of ornaments too bears the same seal.
1546. 2:08:01–2:08:06I shall pretend that I am traveling to Patali Putra.
1547. 2:08:06–2:08:09After a few steps, seeing a Buddhist mendicant.
1548. 2:08:09–2:08:10Ah!
1549. 2:08:10–2:08:13A K. Shapanaka is coming.
1550. 2:08:13–2:08:16I shall wait for him.
1551. 2:08:16–2:08:21Jiva Siddhi, the Buddhist mendicant, enters.
1552. 2:08:21–2:08:23I bow to the Ahats.
1553. 2:08:23–2:08:29Who through profound knowledge attain Nirvana in this world by the highest path?
1554. 2:08:29–2:08:32Venerable Sir, I salute you.
1555. 2:08:32–2:08:34May you attain liberation.
1556. 2:08:34–2:08:37Good man.
1557. 2:08:37–2:08:42Looking closely, you are setting out on a journey.
1558. 2:08:42–2:08:45How did you know? Venerable Sir,
1559. 2:08:45–2:08:52What is there to know? That letter, which urges you onward, announces it plainly.
1560. 2:08:52–2:08:59You have judged correctly. I am going elsewhere. Tell me. Venerable sir, what is the quality
1561. 2:08:59–2:09:04of this day? Good man, your head is already being shaved,
1562. 2:09:04–2:09:11and you ask which constellation rules the day. What harm is there in asking? Even if it
1563. 2:09:11–2:09:19It is late. If the day is auspicious, I shall go. If not, I shall turn back.
1564. 2:09:19–2:09:24Even if today were perfectly auspicious, you could not leave Malayaketu's camp.
1565. 2:09:24–2:09:28How is that? Venerable sir, tell me.
1566. 2:09:28–2:09:35Listen. Formerly one could come and go without restriction. But now that Patali Putra is
1567. 2:09:35–2:09:39No one may enter or leave the camp without a pass.
1568. 2:09:39–2:09:44If you possess a pass from Bhagavad Gita, you may go safely.
1569. 2:09:44–2:09:46Otherwise remain here.
1570. 2:09:46–2:09:51Lest the guards bind your hands and feet and drag you before his tribunal.
1571. 2:09:51–2:09:54Do you not know that I am Siddharthaaka,
1572. 2:09:54–2:09:57an attendant of the revered Rakshasa?
1573. 2:09:57–2:10:01Who has the power to stop me, even without a pass?
1574. 2:10:01–2:10:08Whether you serve Rakshasa or a real demon, there is no way out without a pass.
1575. 2:10:08–2:10:13Forgive me, venerable sir, and bless my undertaking.
1576. 2:10:13–2:10:17Go, good man, I bless your undertaking.
1577. 2:10:17–2:10:21I shall now ask Bhagavad Gita for a pass myself.
1578. 2:10:21–2:10:25They exit in different directions.
1579. 2:10:25–2:10:28End of the interlude
1580. 2:10:28–2:10:34BHAGURAYANA enters with an attendant.
1581. 2:10:34–2:10:40How astonishingly changeable is the policy of the revered Chanakya.
1582. 2:10:40–2:10:46I marvel at the methods of statesmen, which, like the workings of fate,
1583. 2:10:46–2:10:49assume many forms according to the purpose.
1584. 2:10:49–2:10:55A policy may sometimes be simple to understand and sometimes exceedingly intricate,
1585. 2:10:55–2:11:03sometimes fully visible and sometimes unseen. Sometimes it leaves only the faintest clue,
1586. 2:11:03–2:11:07and sometimes its objective expands into a vast design.
1587. 2:11:07–2:11:10Allowed
1588. 2:11:10–2:11:11Basaraka
1589. 2:11:11–2:11:18The prince wishes me to remain near him. Bring me a seat in this public audience pavilion.
1590. 2:11:18–2:11:22Here is a seat, my lord. Please sit.
1591. 2:11:22–2:11:26Bring before me anyone who seeks a pass.
1592. 2:11:26–2:11:29As my Lord commands.
1593. 2:11:29–2:11:31Exit
1594. 2:11:31–2:11:38How painful it is to deceive Prince Malaiaketu. Who loves me so deeply? Yet,
1595. 2:11:38–2:11:44a man who has become another's servant has sold his body for momentary gain,
1596. 2:11:44–2:11:51surrendering the nobility of his birth, his shame, his honor, and even the value of his name.
1597. 2:11:51–2:11:57name. What room remains for him to debate what is right or wrong?"
1598. 2:11:57–2:12:06M-A-L-A-Y-A-K-E-T-U enters with the female doorkeeper, V-I-J-A-Y-A.
1599. 2:12:06–2:12:13Troubled by many suspicions, my mind can reach no decision about Rakshaasah. Will his deep
1600. 2:12:13–2:12:19devotion to the Nanda family lead him to make peace with the clever Mauria? A descendant
1601. 2:12:19–2:12:26of that line. Now that Chandragukta has dismissed Chanakya, or will he remain faithful to his
1602. 2:12:26–2:12:34promise and continue to serve me? My mind turns ceaselessly in doubt, as though fixed upon a
1603. 2:12:34–2:12:37pot as wheel.
1604. 2:12:37–2:12:42Allowed. Vijaya, where is Bhagurayana?
1605. 2:12:42–2:12:48My Lord, He is here, issuing passes to those who wish to leave the camp.
1606. 2:12:48–2:12:54Vijaya, remain here while I cover his eyes from the other side before he sees me.
1607. 2:12:55–2:12:57As my lord commands.
1608. 2:12:58–2:13:02My lord, a Buddhist mendicant wishes to see you for a pass.
1609. 2:13:03–2:13:04Admit him.
1610. 2:13:05–2:13:06As my lord commands.
1611. 2:13:08–2:13:09Exit.
1612. 2:13:10–2:13:13Revered sir, may you attain liberation?
1613. 2:13:14–2:13:17Ah, this is Rakshasa's friend Jiva Siddhi.
1614. 2:13:18–2:13:25Allowed. Venerable sir, I presume you are travelling on some business of Rakshasa.
1615. 2:13:25–2:13:32I reject that sinful thought. I am going where Rakshasa's name will never be heard.
1616. 2:13:32–2:13:40Venerable sir, you seem deeply angry with your friend. What offence has Rakshasa committed against you?
1617. 2:13:40–2:13:45Revered sir. Rakshasa has committed no offence.
1618. 2:13:45–2:13:51Unfortunately, I myself have become the author of my own misfortune.
1619. 2:13:51–2:13:57Venerable sir, you make me curious. And me as well.
1620. 2:13:57–2:14:01I wish to hear the matter. So do I.
1621. 2:14:01–2:14:04What will you do after hearing it?
1622. 2:14:04–2:14:08If it is secret, say no more.
1623. 2:14:08–2:14:10It is not secret.
1624. 2:14:10–2:14:13If it is not secret, tell me.
1625. 2:14:13–2:14:19Revered, sir, it is no secret, but I shall not tell you.
1626. 2:14:19–2:14:22Then I shall not give you a pass.
1627. 2:14:22–2:14:24He is determined to know.
1628. 2:14:24–2:14:27It is proper that I tell him.
1629. 2:14:27–2:14:28Allowed.
1630. 2:14:28–2:14:32Since I cannot avoid it, I shall speak.
1631. 2:14:32–2:14:35Listen, revered, sir.
1632. 2:14:35–2:14:41When I formerly lived in Pataliputra, I became Raksasa's friend.
1633. 2:14:41–2:14:47During that time Rakshasa secretly used a poison maiden to murder Emperor Parvateshvara.
1634. 2:14:47–2:14:49Alas!
1635. 2:14:49–2:14:51What do I hear?
1636. 2:14:51–2:14:55Rakshasa murdered my father, not Chanakya?
1637. 2:14:55–2:15:01Then the villain Chanakya, taking me for an accomplice in the murder, because I was Rakshasa's
1638. 2:15:01–2:15:06friend, humiliated me and banished me from the city.
1639. 2:15:06–2:15:11Even now Rakshasa, skilled in every political game, proposes some kind of revenge.
1640. 2:15:11–2:15:18that may banish me from life itself." That sinful deed was committed not by Raksasa,
1641. 2:15:18–2:15:24but by the villain Chanakya, who did not wish to give Parvatesvara the half of the kingdom
1642. 2:15:24–2:15:32he had promised. That is what I have heard. May Lord Buddha free me from sin. The very name
1643. 2:15:32–2:15:35of the poison maiden had never reached Chanakya's ears.
1644. 2:15:35–2:15:42Venerable sir, take this pass. Come and repeat this statement before the prince.
1645. 2:15:42–2:15:53My friend. I have heard the statement made by my enemy's friend. It doubles the pain of my father's murder and tears through my ears.
1646. 2:15:53–2:16:01Ah. The foolish Malayaketu has heard everything. My task is accomplished.
1647. 2:16:01–2:16:03Exit.
1648. 2:16:03–2:16:10Rakshasa. This is grossly unjust, you murdered my father. Who trusted you?
1649. 2:16:10–2:16:16Regarded you as his friend. Surrendered everything to your care and lived without fear.
1650. 2:16:16–2:16:25At his fall, his relatives' tears flowed. You are Rakshasa, a demon in name, and demonic indeed.
1651. 2:16:25–2:16:33The revered Shanakya ordered that Rakshasa's life be preserved. I shall act accordingly.
1652. 2:16:33–2:16:41Allowed. I beg my lord not to yield to anger. Take your seat. I have something to say.
1653. 2:16:41–2:16:45My friend, what do you wish to say?
1654. 2:16:45–2:16:53My lord, among those who conduct political affairs, the distinctions between friend,
1655. 2:16:53–2:16:57Enemy and neutral depend upon political purpose,
1656. 2:16:57–2:17:01not upon personal affection as among ordinary men.
1657. 2:17:01–2:17:05At that time, King Parvateshvara was
1658. 2:17:05–2:17:08from Rakshasa's political perspective,
1659. 2:17:08–2:17:12the only obstacle to restoring Savarthasiddhi.
1660. 2:17:12–2:17:15For he was more powerful than Shandragupta.
1661. 2:17:15–2:17:20Thus, Parvateshvara was Rakshasa's true political enemy.
1662. 2:17:20–2:17:23That is why Rakshasa acted as he did.
1663. 2:17:23–2:17:28In these circumstances I do not see the deed as an extreme offence.
1664. 2:17:28–2:17:30Consider,
1665. 2:17:30–2:17:31my lord,
1666. 2:17:31–2:17:34according to political purpose,
1667. 2:17:34–2:17:38a friend's enemy may become a friend and an enemy's friend an enemy.
1668. 2:17:38–2:17:45Politics gives a man a kind of rebirth in which the relationships of the former life are forgotten.
1669. 2:17:45–2:17:49Therefore do not condemn Rakshasa for this action.
1670. 2:17:49–2:17:53Keep him satisfied until you have secured the Nanda Empire.
1671. 2:17:53–2:17:58After that, my lord is free to retain or dismiss him.
1672. 2:17:58–2:18:02My friend, I agree. You speak correctly.
1673. 2:18:02–2:18:08The death of the minister would disturb the other elements of the state and might ultimately
1674. 2:18:08–2:18:11endanger my success.
1675. 2:18:11–2:18:14Victory to my lord.
1676. 2:18:14–2:18:18Turning to be H-A-G-U-R-A-Y-A-N-A.
1677. 2:18:18–2:18:31My Lord! The captain of the guard reports that a man has been caught attempting to leave the camp without her. Pass! He carries a letter. My Lord should examine him.
1678. 2:18:31–2:18:34Bring him in, good man!
1679. 2:18:34–2:18:37As my Lord commands!
1680. 2:18:37–2:18:48Exit! S-I-D-D-H-A-R-T-H-A-K-A enters in chains, followed by an attendant.
1681. 2:18:48–2:18:53I bow to the spirit of dutiful loyalty, guardian of men like me,
1682. 2:18:53–2:18:59which turns its face away from every calculation of the merit or danger of a mission.
1683. 2:18:59–2:19:02My Lord, here is the man.
1684. 2:19:02–2:19:08Good man! Are you newly arrived, or are you someone's servant?
1685. 2:19:08–2:19:13My Lord, I am an attendant of the revered Raksasa.
1686. 2:19:13–2:19:16Then why were you leaving the camp without a pass?
1687. 2:19:16–2:19:18My business is urgent.
1688. 2:19:18–2:19:25Can any business be so urgent that it excuses disobedience to the king's command?
1689. 2:19:25–2:19:28Vagurjana. Take the letter.
1690. 2:19:28–2:19:31Here is the letter.
1691. 2:19:31–2:19:37Exumining the seal. The seal bears the name Rakshasa.
1692. 2:19:37–2:19:42Open it. Spread out the sheet and show it to me.
1693. 2:19:42–2:19:49BHAGURAYANA opens the letter and shows it to the prince.
1694. 2:19:49–2:19:59Hasty! A certain person, from a certain place and in a certain place, submits to a certain high official
1695. 2:19:59–2:20:07by dealing with the writer's enemy. The truthful man has proved his truthfulness. While keeping his promise,
1696. 2:20:07–2:20:14He must now reward the writer's friends who have concluded an agreement. According to his word,
1697. 2:20:14–2:20:17once they are satisfied to this extent,
1698. 2:20:17–2:20:24by destroying the enemy of the man whom he serves, he will render the writer true service.
1699. 2:20:24–2:20:28One of these friends desires the enemy's elephants,
1700. 2:20:28–2:20:35another his treasury, and another his territory. The truthful man does not forget such matters.
1701. 2:20:35–2:20:43The writer now merely reminds him. The writer acknowledges that the three ornaments sent earlier have been received.
1702. 2:20:43–2:20:48Let the recipient accept the trifling gift sent with this letter.
1703. 2:20:48–2:20:53The trusted bearer Sidharthaka will deliver the oral token.
1704. 2:20:53–2:20:55Whose letter is this?
1705. 2:20:55–2:20:57Bhaagurayana.
1706. 2:20:57–2:21:00Sidharthaka, whose letter is it?
1707. 2:21:00–2:21:03My lord, I do not know.
1708. 2:21:03–2:21:14What? Rogue, you carry a letter and do not know whose it is. Never mind that. Who is to receive the oral token from you?
1709. 2:21:14–2:21:16My Lord, You are.
1710. 2:21:16–2:21:20I am to receive it. What are You saying?
1711. 2:21:20–2:21:25My Lord, You have caught me. I do not know what to say.
1712. 2:21:25–2:21:28You will know immediately.
1713. 2:21:28–2:21:36To the attendant, Bassa Raka, take him away and whip him thoroughly until he tells everything.
1714. 2:21:36–2:21:39As my lord commands.
1715. 2:21:39–2:21:46He takes SIDDHAR-THAKA out and returns.
1716. 2:21:46–2:21:53My lord, while we were whipping this man, this sealed casket fell from under his arm.
1717. 2:21:53–2:21:57Its seal too bears the name, Rakshasa.
1718. 2:21:57–2:22:07It must be the gift mentioned in the letter. Keep the seal intact until it is noted. Then open the casket and show it to me.
1719. 2:22:07–2:22:15B-H-A-G-U-R-A-Y-A-N-A opens the casket and shows it to the prince.
1720. 2:22:15–2:22:28Ah! These are the very ornaments I removed from my own body and sent to Rakshasa. The matter is clear. The recipient of the letter must be Chandragupta.
1721. 2:22:28–2:22:32Every doubt will soon be removed.
1722. 2:22:32–2:22:36To the attendant. Good man! Whip him again.
1723. 2:22:36–2:22:40As my lord commands.
1724. 2:22:40–2:22:46He goes out and returns with S-I-D-D-H-A-R-T-H-A-K-A.
1725. 2:22:47–2:22:53Under the lash, this man says he will tell the matter only to the prince himself.
1726. 2:22:53–2:22:54Then speak.
1727. 2:22:55–2:22:58I beg the prince to promise me safety.
1728. 2:22:59–2:23:02A man who is no longer free is already safe.
1729. 2:23:02–2:23:04Continue, good man.
1730. 2:23:05–2:23:07May the prince graciously listen.
1731. 2:23:07–2:23:12The revered Raksasa gave me this letter and sent me to Shandragupta.
1732. 2:23:12–2:23:15Now I wish to hear the oral token.
1733. 2:23:15–2:23:20My lord! The minister told me that the oral message was this.
1734. 2:23:20–2:23:35Shitravaman. King of Kaluta. Simhanada. King of Malaya. Pushkaraksha. King of Kashmir. Sindhu Sena. King of Sindhu. And Megaksha. King of Persia.
1735. 2:23:35–2:23:42These five foreign chiefs are my dear friends. The first three desire Malayaketu's territory.
1736. 2:23:42–2:23:48The other two desire his elephants and treasury. Let the prince give them what was promised.
1737. 2:23:48–2:23:52Nothing has pleased me so greatly as the dismissal of Chanakya.
1738. 2:23:52–2:23:59What is this? A Chitravemn and the other four plotting against me? It must be so.
1739. 2:23:59–2:24:05They are extremely close to Rakshasa. Therefore it is possible.
1740. 2:24:05–2:24:11Allowed. Vijaya, I wish to see minister Rakshasa.
1741. 2:24:11–2:24:14As my lord commands.
1742. 2:24:14–2:24:17Exit.
1743. 2:24:17–2:24:26RAKSHA SAA enters in his own tent, deep in anxious thought, attended by a servant.
1744. 2:24:26–2:24:33To tell the truth, my mind is not free from doubt. For many deserters from Chandragupta
1745. 2:24:33–2:24:40have joined my army. For, an army whose proven ability suits the objective,
1746. 2:24:40–2:24:47strengthened by reinforcements and free of hostile elements, brings victory, but a commander who
1747. 2:24:47–2:24:53relies upon untested troops mixed from friends and enemies and unsuited to thee.
1748. 2:24:53–2:25:00purpose meets defeat, yet I need not doubt. The deserters in my army have already been
1749. 2:25:00–2:25:02tested and reissued."
1750. 2:25:02–2:25:10Allowed. Priyam Vardhakar. In my name tell the foreign chiefs who follow the prince to
1751. 2:25:10–2:25:19take their proper places in the order of March. For day by day we draw nearer to Patali Putra.
1752. 2:25:19–2:25:24Let the Khasa and Shabara chiefs advance behind me with their forces.
1753. 2:25:24–2:25:29Let the Yavana chief and the chief of Gandhara guard the center.
1754. 2:25:29–2:25:33Let the brave Shaka chief and the Hoona chief remain in the rear.
1755. 2:25:33–2:25:39And let the remaining foreign rulers, the King of Kaluta and the others, take positions
1756. 2:25:39–2:25:44around Prince Malayaketu in the order of March.
1757. 2:25:44–2:25:47As my lord commands.
1758. 2:25:47–2:25:53it. Victory to my lord. The prince summons you.
1759. 2:25:53–2:26:01Good lady, wait a moment. Calling. Is anyone there?
1760. 2:26:01–2:26:08Command me, my lord. Good man. Tell Shakata Dasa that it is not fitting to appear before
1761. 2:26:08–2:26:15the prince without adornment. Since the prince has already given me an ornament, let him
1762. 2:26:15–2:26:23bring one of the three ornaments we purchased. As my lord commands. He goes and returns
1763. 2:26:23–2:26:35with an ornament. My lord, here is the ornament. Good lady, show me the way to the royal pavilion.
1764. 2:26:35–2:26:42Follow me, my lord. High office is a source of fear even to an innocent servant. First
1765. 2:26:42–2:26:49there is fear of the master. Then fear of fellow servants weighs upon the mind. The prominence
1766. 2:26:49–2:26:56of a great man arouses the hatred of the wicked. And his heart remains filled with apprehension
1767. 2:26:56–2:26:58of an undeserved fall.
1768. 2:26:58–2:27:03My lord, there is the prince. Please advance.
1769. 2:27:03–2:27:11Ah! He is there. He stares fixedly ahead. Then, as though crushed by thought, rests
1770. 2:27:11–2:27:16his moon-like face upon his hand.
1771. 2:27:16–2:27:17Approaching.
1772. 2:27:17–2:27:20Victory to the Prince.
1773. 2:27:20–2:27:23Revealed Minister, I salute you.
1774. 2:27:23–2:27:26Take this seat.
1775. 2:27:26–2:27:30R-A-K-S-H-A-S-A sits.
1776. 2:27:30–2:27:37I regret, Revealed Sir, that I see you only after so long a delay.
1777. 2:27:37–2:27:43I have earned the Prince's displeasure because I was arranging the order of the army's march.
1778. 2:27:44–2:27:49Revereed minister, I wish to know how you arranged the order of march.
1779. 2:27:50–2:27:55My lord, these were my directions for the chiefs who follow the prince.
1780. 2:27:57–2:28:03He repeats his earlier orders concerning the Khasa and Shabara chiefs and the others.
1781. 2:28:03–2:28:11Ah! The chiefs who are prepared to kill me and serve Chandragukta have been ordered to remain around me.
1782. 2:28:11–2:28:19Allowed. Revered, sir, has anyone come from or gone to Pataliputra?
1783. 2:28:19–2:28:28My lord, there is no longer any need for messengers to come and go. I shall be there myself within a few days.
1784. 2:28:28–2:28:31I know that.
1785. 2:28:31–2:28:37Allowed. If so, why did the revered minister send this man with a letter?
1786. 2:28:37–2:28:41Ah, it is Siddhartha Gah.
1787. 2:28:41–2:28:45I respectfully submit that, under the lash.
1788. 2:28:45–2:28:49He breaks off and looks down.
1789. 2:28:49–2:28:55Vagurayana. Fear or shame will prevent him from speaking before his master.
1790. 2:28:55–2:28:58Tell the revered minister yourself.
1791. 2:28:58–2:29:01As my Lord commands,
1792. 2:29:01–2:29:06to R.A.K.S.H.A.S.A. Minister.
1793. 2:29:06–2:29:12This man says that you sent him to Shandragupta with a letter and an oral token.
1794. 2:29:12–2:29:16Siddhathaka, is this true?
1795. 2:29:16–2:29:19Yes, under the lash, I said so.
1796. 2:29:19–2:29:24It is false. What will a man not see under torture?
1797. 2:29:24–2:29:32Varguriana, show him the letter. He may hear the oral token from his servant afterward.
1798. 2:29:32–2:29:35Minister, here is the letter.
1799. 2:29:35–2:29:39Prince, this is a fabrication of the enemy.
1800. 2:29:39–2:29:50These ornaments too were sent with the letter as a gift from the revered minister. How? Then, can it be an enemy fabrication?
1801. 2:29:50–2:29:57My Lord, these are not a gift. They are the ornaments my Lord sent to me.
1802. 2:29:57–2:30:04I gave them to Siddharthaka as a reward for a most satisfactory service."
1803. 2:30:04–2:30:11Ornaments of such value, and gifts of my Lord's favour, were given to a man like this.
1804. 2:30:11–2:30:18Revealed minister, the letter says that Siddharthaka will also deliver an oral token.
1805. 2:30:18–2:30:22What oral token? I deny the letter itself.
1806. 2:30:22–2:30:25Then whose seal is this?
1807. 2:30:25–2:30:30A skillful forger can counterfeit a seal as well.
1808. 2:30:30–2:30:34My lord, the minister speaks correctly.
1809. 2:30:34–2:30:43To S.I.D.D.H.A.R.T.H.A.K.A. Good man! Who wrote this letter?
1810. 2:30:43–2:30:53S-I-D-D-H-A-R-T-H-A-K-A looks helplessly toward R-A-K-S-H-A-S-A and remains silent.
1811. 2:30:53–2:30:58Good man! Answer if you wish to avoid another whipping.
1812. 2:30:58–2:31:01Shakatadasa wrote it, my lord.
1813. 2:31:01–2:31:07If Shakatadasa wrote it, it is as good as written by me.
1814. 2:31:07–2:31:11Vijaya! I wish to see Shakatadasa.
1815. 2:31:11–2:31:17The revered Shanakya's spies never propose an action with a doubtful outcome.
1816. 2:31:17–2:31:19I shall manage this."
1817. 2:31:19–2:31:20Allowed.
1818. 2:31:20–2:31:22My Lord.
1819. 2:31:22–2:31:28Shakatadasa will never admit in Minister Rakshasa's presence that he wrote it.
1820. 2:31:28–2:31:31Let some other specimen of his writing be brought.
1821. 2:31:31–2:31:37The similarity of the hand will decide the matter by itself.
1822. 2:31:37–2:31:38Do so.
1823. 2:31:38–2:31:40My Lord.
1824. 2:31:40–2:31:43Let the signet ring also be brought.
1825. 2:31:43–2:31:45Bring both.
1826. 2:31:45–2:31:48As my lord commands.
1827. 2:31:48–2:31:51She goes and returns.
1828. 2:31:51–2:31:58My lord, here is another document written by Shakata Dasa, and here is the signet.
1829. 2:31:58–2:32:02The handwriting is exactly the same.
1830. 2:32:02–2:32:06Yes, the handwriting is exactly the same.
1831. 2:32:06–2:32:13Has Shakta Tadasa, loving mortal relationships more than immortal fame?
1832. 2:32:13–2:32:19Forgotten loyalty to his master through longing to be reunited with his wife and son?
1833. 2:32:19–2:32:21There can be no doubt.
1834. 2:32:21–2:32:24He wears this signet upon his finger.
1835. 2:32:24–2:32:30Siddhathaka is his friend, therefore this letter of conspiracy must indeed be his.
1836. 2:32:30–2:32:33The matching handwriting proves it.
1837. 2:32:33–2:32:37Longing to see his beloved family again.
1838. 2:32:37–2:32:42Shaka Tadasa abandoned devotion to his master and joined the enemy.
1839. 2:32:42–2:32:47Masters of sowing dissension. In this base act.
1840. 2:32:47–2:32:54Revereed minister. In your letter you write that you received three ornaments sent by the honored recipient.
1841. 2:32:54–2:32:57Is this one of them?
1842. 2:32:57–2:33:05Examining it closely, aside, this is an ornament my father used to wear.
1843. 2:33:05–2:33:11Allowed. Revered minister, why did you accept this ornament?
1844. 2:33:11–2:33:13I purchased it.
1845. 2:33:13–2:33:18Vigya, do you recognize this ornament?
1846. 2:33:18–2:33:26How could I fail to recognize it? My lord, Emperor Parvateshvara used to wear it.
1847. 2:33:26–2:33:42Alas, Father, you were the ornament of our dynasty, and you wore this ornament that was worthy of you. Adorned with it, you looked like an autumn evening. Your face shining like the moon amid a field of stars."
1848. 2:33:42–2:33:52She says, Parvateshwar Voit, then the merchant who sold these ornaments to me must certainly have been sent by Chanakya.
1849. 2:33:52–2:34:12Revereed minister, how could you acquire by purchase an ornament once worn by my father and afterward taken by Chandragupta? Perhaps greedy for greater gain, Chandragupta sold you the ornament and you cruelly paid for it with my own life.
1850. 2:34:12–2:34:17How convincingly the accusation has been constructed.
1851. 2:34:17–2:34:21I cannot deny the letter. For the seal is mine.
1852. 2:34:21–2:34:25Who will believe that Shakatadasa betrayed me?
1853. 2:34:25–2:34:30And who will think it possible that the Maurier king sold ornaments for money?
1854. 2:34:30–2:34:35In these circumstances only one answer is fitting.
1855. 2:34:35–2:34:37To accept the blame.
1856. 2:34:37–2:34:40I ask the revered minister.
1857. 2:34:40–2:34:46Ask me without, revered, Prince. I am no longer worthy of it.
1858. 2:34:46–2:35:00The Maurier is the son of your former master, whom you ought to serve with complete submission. I am the son of your friend, and I submit completely to you. You should obey his commands.
1859. 2:35:00–2:35:08While I obey yours, whatever He gives you, He may give, whatever I receive from you.
1860. 2:35:08–2:35:12I receive. Under Him the ministry would be servitude.
1861. 2:35:12–2:35:16With me, your service is honoured independence.
1862. 2:35:16–2:35:21What greater advantage can tempt you to so base an act?
1863. 2:35:21–2:35:28Prince, reverse the statement. The words of the accusation decide the truth.
1864. 2:35:28–2:35:37He repeats the substance of, the Moria is the son of your former master, with the pronouns reversed.
1865. 2:35:37–2:35:40Then whose work is all this?
1866. 2:35:40–2:35:45It is the work of fate. That fate killed my wise,
1867. 2:35:45–2:35:50Highborn and discerning master King Nanda. In whose eyes even I,
1868. 2:35:50–2:35:55A humble servant, was not held beneath royal princes.
1869. 2:35:55–2:36:02All this is the unfathomable work of wicked fate, which defeats human effort.
1870. 2:36:02–2:36:13What! Do you still hide behind words? Is this the work of fate? Not greed? Base in great. First you murdered my father.
1871. 2:36:13–2:36:23Who trusted you with a poison maiden? And now, shame upon you, you sell me. Who honored you as royal minister
1872. 2:36:23–2:36:27to the enemy for the price of my flesh.
1873. 2:36:27–2:36:32As the same goes, who wound upon a boil,
1874. 2:36:32–2:36:37allowed. I am innocent of Pavateśvara's murder.
1875. 2:36:37–2:36:40Then who killed my father?
1876. 2:36:40–2:36:41Ask fate.
1877. 2:36:41–2:36:47I shall ask not fate, but the Buddhist mendicant Jiva-city.
1878. 2:36:47–2:36:52Damnation! Jiva-shiddhi too has been won over by Chanakya.
1879. 2:36:52–2:36:57Alas, the enemy has penetrated the deepest secret of our camp.
1880. 2:36:58–2:37:17Basuraka, carry this order to General Shikharasena, Chitravayaman, King of Kaluta, Simhanada, King of Malaya, Pushkaraksha, King of Kashmir, Sindhu Sena, King of Sindhu, and Megaksha, King of Persia.
1881. 2:37:17–2:37:21The five chiefs who became Rakshasa's friends
1882. 2:37:21–2:37:25have proposed to kill me and enter Chandragupta's service.
1883. 2:37:25–2:37:28The first three desire my kingdom.
1884. 2:37:28–2:37:31Bury them alive in deep pits.
1885. 2:37:31–2:37:34The other two desire my elephant core.
1886. 2:37:34–2:37:38Have them trampled to death by elephants.
1887. 2:37:38–2:37:41As my lord commands.
1888. 2:37:41–2:37:43Exit.
1889. 2:37:43–2:37:44Rakshasa.
1890. 2:37:44–2:37:47I am not an unjust demon.
1891. 2:37:47–2:37:53I am Malayaketu. Go now and serve Chandragupta completely. Behold,
1892. 2:37:53–2:37:57I shall at once destroy Vishnugupta and Chandragupta,
1893. 2:37:57–2:38:04together with you who came to attack me. Just as wicked policy destroys righteousness,
1894. 2:38:04–2:38:10wealth and pleasure, Varguryana. There is no need for further delay.
1895. 2:38:10–2:38:16Let my army march upon Pataliputra this very hour and lay siege to it.
1896. 2:38:16–2:38:26Dust from my cavalry's hooves, rising from the earth mixed with streams of elephantic or, will fall upon the heads of our enemies.
1897. 2:38:26–2:38:36Darkening the cheeks of the women of Gouda whitened with Lodropollen and dulling the lustre of their black, curling hair.
1898. 2:38:36–2:38:44MALAYAKETU, Bargurayana, and the Attendant's Exit
1899. 2:38:44–2:38:48Alas, deluded man that I am.
1900. 2:38:48–2:38:52Chitravaman and the other four have also been killed.
1901. 2:38:52–2:38:53What is this?
1902. 2:38:53–2:38:57Whatever Rakshasa does destroys his friends.
1903. 2:38:57–2:38:58Not his enemies.
1904. 2:38:58–2:39:03What, then, shall an unfortunate man like me do?
1905. 2:39:03–2:39:06Shall I go to a forest of penance?
1906. 2:39:06–2:39:11No, penance will not quiet my vengeful heart.
1907. 2:39:11–2:39:14Shall I follow my master Nanda into the next world?
1908. 2:39:14–2:39:20No, to do so while the enemy lives would be the act of a woman.
1909. 2:39:20–2:39:26Shall I take the sword as my only companion and hurl myself upon the enemy army?
1910. 2:39:26–2:39:30No, that too would be wrong.
1911. 2:39:30–2:39:37For my heart, eager to secure Chandranadasa's release, restrains me, if it did not, I would
1912. 2:39:37–2:39:44be guilty of indratitude." RAKSHA SAXITS
1913. 2:39:44–2:39:57SIDDHARTHAKA ENTERS JOYFULLY, ADORNED WITH COSTLY REWARDS
1914. 2:39:57–2:40:05Glory to Krishna! Who destroyed the demon Keshi? Dark as a storm cloud! Glory also to Shandragupta!
1915. 2:40:05–2:40:11the moon who delights the eyes of men. But above all, glory to the policy of the revered
1916. 2:40:11–2:40:17Chanakya, which has brought the work of victory to completion and destroyed the enemy utterly.
1917. 2:40:17–2:40:24Now, after many days, I shall see my dear friend Samradha Thakur.
1918. 2:40:24–2:40:35He walks a few steps and looks ahead. Samridharthaka enters.
1919. 2:40:35–2:40:42Tor meant a man when he is separated from a beloved friend. Even wine, festivals and family
1920. 2:40:42–2:40:48gatherings continually awaken painful memories. I hear that my dear friend Siddhartha Kha
1921. 2:40:48–2:40:54has arrived from Malayaketu's camp. I shall look for him.
1922. 2:40:54–2:41:02He walks a few steps and looks ahead. Ah! There is Siddhartha Kha.
1923. 2:41:02–2:41:06My friend, I hope you are well.
1924. 2:41:06–2:41:08They embrace.
1925. 2:41:08–2:41:14How can I be well when you arrived this morning and did not come to my house?
1926. 2:41:14–2:41:16Forgive me, my friend.
1927. 2:41:16–2:41:23The moment the revered Chanakya saw me, he commanded, Siddhartha, go and carry the joyful
1928. 2:41:23–2:41:26news to the illustrious King Chandra.
1929. 2:41:26–2:41:31I delivered the news and received these royal rewards.
1930. 2:41:31–2:41:35After that I came straight to your house to see my dear friend.
1931. 2:41:35–2:41:41My friend, if I am permitted to hear it, what was the joyful news you told the illustrious
1932. 2:41:41–2:41:43Chandra?
1933. 2:41:43–2:41:46What could there be that you are not permitted to hear?
1934. 2:41:46–2:41:47Listen!
1935. 2:41:47–2:41:54The foolish Malaya Ketu, bewildered by the revered Shanakya's political devices, dismissed
1936. 2:41:54–2:42:00Rakshasa and immediately killed the five principal foreign chiefs, Shitravamana and
1937. 2:42:00–2:42:01the others.
1938. 2:42:01–2:42:07Seeing him as thoughtless and cruel, the remaining chiefs abandoned the camp and returned to their own countries.
1939. 2:42:07–2:42:12Their troops too. Suddenly seized by fear and eager to depart.
1940. 2:42:12–2:42:15Followed them. Then Badrabhata.
1941. 2:42:15–2:42:16Pura Datta.
1942. 2:42:16–2:42:18Dhingarata.
1943. 2:42:18–2:42:19Balagupta.
1944. 2:42:19–2:42:20Rajasena.
1945. 2:42:20–2:42:22Bhaagurayana.
1946. 2:42:22–2:42:26Rohitaksha and Vijayavarman arrested Malaya Ketu.
1947. 2:42:26–2:42:46My friend, people said that Badrabhata and his companions had become disaffected with our Lord Chandra and entered Malayaketu's service. What has happened? Then, the action begins in one fashion and ends in another, like the play of an unskillful dramatist.
1948. 2:42:46–2:42:55My friend, the methods of the revered Chanakya are as unfathomable as the workings of fate. I can only bow before them.
1949. 2:42:55–2:42:58Never mind. What happened next?
1950. 2:42:58–2:43:10The revered Shanakya immediately marched out with a great force of selected soldiers and took possession of the entire foreign army, which had been left without commanders.
1951. 2:43:10–2:43:14Where is that army now, my friend?
1952. 2:43:14–2:43:24It is approaching. Listen. The elephants. Looking like rain-bearing clouds. Raw in delight as the ica flows from their temples.
1953. 2:43:24–2:43:28Look, the horses fitted with decorated harness
1954. 2:43:28–2:43:32leap and quiver in their hindquarters for fear of the whip.
1955. 2:43:32–2:43:35All that is well, my friend,
1956. 2:43:35–2:43:40but how did the revered Chanakya, who had so publicly and unquestionably
1957. 2:43:40–2:43:42resigned the ministry,
1958. 2:43:42–2:43:45returned to office? Now you,
1959. 2:43:45–2:43:50with your ordinary intelligence, wish to solve the labyrinth of Chanakya's
1960. 2:43:50–2:43:51policy.
1961. 2:43:51–2:43:55A labyrinth even Minister Rakshasa could not unravel.
1962. 2:43:55–2:43:59My friend, where is Minister Rakshasa now?
1963. 2:43:59–2:44:10His story is this. He immediately left Malaya Ketu's camp and, following the spy Udambara, turned back toward this city.
1964. 2:44:10–2:44:13The revered Shanakya told me so.
1965. 2:44:13–2:44:19My friend, Rakshasa set out with a mighty resolve to restore the Nanda Empire.
1966. 2:44:19–2:44:24Why is he returning to Pataliputra without accomplishing his purpose?
1967. 2:44:25–2:44:27Remember his love for Shandana Dasa.
1968. 2:44:28–2:44:31Then do you hope Shandana Dasa will be released?
1969. 2:44:32–2:44:35How can that unfortunate man be released?
1970. 2:44:36–2:44:41The revered Channakya has ordered us both to take him immediately to the execution ground and impale.
1971. 2:44:42–2:44:43Him?
1972. 2:44:43–2:44:47has the revered Chanakya mounted a Shandala executioner.
1973. 2:44:47–2:44:52That he commands us to commit such a sinful act.
1974. 2:44:52–2:44:57My friend, can anyone who values his life oppose the revered Chanakya's command?
1975. 2:44:57–2:45:05Come. We shall put on the dress of Shandalas and take Shandana Dasa to the execution ground.
1976. 2:45:05–2:45:07They exit.
1977. 2:45:07–2:45:10End of the interlude.
1978. 2:45:10–2:45:13AMAN enters carrying a rope.
1979. 2:45:14–2:45:17Glory to the rope of Chanakya's policy
1980. 2:45:17–2:45:21made exceedingly strong by strands of the six political measures
1981. 2:45:21–2:45:23and fitted with a noose formed
1982. 2:45:23–2:45:25from a chain of stratagems,
1983. 2:45:25–2:45:28ready to capture the enemy.
1984. 2:45:29–2:45:32He walks some distance and looks around.
1985. 2:45:33–2:45:38This is the place the spy Udambara identified to the revered Chanakya,
1986. 2:45:38–2:45:46where in accordance with Shanakya's order I am to watch Minister Raksha Saa
1987. 2:45:46–2:45:52looking ahead ah there is Minister Raksha Saa
1988. 2:45:52–2:45:57he is coming this way with his face concealed I shall hide behind the
1989. 2:45:57–2:46:03trees of this deserted garden and see where he settles he goes and hides
1990. 2:46:03–2:46:12behind the trees. RAKSHA SAA enters with a sword, as described.
1991. 2:46:12–2:46:21Alas! How grievous! Royal fortune! Deprived of her master and filled with fear, found another Lord,
1992. 2:46:21–2:46:29and the people, forgetting their law, followed her like a child blindly following a remarried mother.
1993. 2:46:29–2:46:36The faithful followers too, receiving no fruit from their heroic efforts, have cast off the
1994. 2:46:36–2:46:39yoke of enterprise.
1995. 2:46:39–2:46:41What other course was possible?
1996. 2:46:41–2:46:45A body cannot survive long without its head.
1997. 2:46:45–2:46:52And, like a shameless woman of low birth, royal fortune suddenly abandoned King Nandor of
1998. 2:46:52–2:46:54noble lineage.
1999. 2:46:54–2:46:57Chose Bhrishala Chandragupta and plumbed to him.
2000. 2:46:57–2:46:59What can I do?
2001. 2:46:59–2:47:04However a man strives, hostile fate defeats his effort.
2002. 2:47:04–2:47:10For, when Emperor Nanda suddenly departed this world, I made my attempt with the help of
2003. 2:47:10–2:47:14the powerful mountain chief Parvataka.
2004. 2:47:14–2:47:18When he was killed, I tried with the aid of his son.
2005. 2:47:18–2:47:22Yet failure was written into my fate.
2006. 2:47:22–2:47:28Surely fate, not the Brahman Chanakya, is the enemy of the Nanda family.
2007. 2:47:28–2:47:31Why should I grieve over Malaya Ketu?
2008. 2:47:31–2:47:33Who lost all judgment?
2009. 2:47:33–2:47:40How could I, Rakshasa, alive and well, still serving my dead master, make peace with the
2010. 2:47:40–2:47:41enemy?
2011. 2:47:41–2:47:45Yet those senseless foreigners saw nothing.
2012. 2:47:45–2:47:51It is no wonder, when fate has thrust a man into the jaws of destruction and death is
2013. 2:47:51–2:47:52certain.
2014. 2:47:52–2:47:55His mind sees everything in reverse.
2015. 2:47:55–2:48:00Even now Malaya Ketu will fall into the enemy's hands and die.
2016. 2:48:00–2:48:04But Rakshasa will not make peace with Chandragukta.
2017. 2:48:04–2:48:09To break one's promise for selfish advantage is a great disgrace.
2018. 2:48:09–2:48:14To be defeated by an enemy is no disgrace.
2019. 2:48:14–2:48:17He looks around in tears.
2020. 2:48:17–2:48:24This is the part of Pataliputra sanctified by Emperor Nanda's movements.
2021. 2:48:24–2:48:31the emperor used to ride with the reins loosened. Draw his bow and strike a moving target. In
2022. 2:48:31–2:48:38that part of the garden he would halt and converse. Now, without him, this quarter of Pataliputra
2023. 2:48:38–2:48:46watches in stolen silence, and the sight causes me unbearable sorrow. Where shall an unfortunate
2024. 2:48:46–2:48:49man like me go now?
2025. 2:48:49–2:48:51he looks around.
2026. 2:48:51–2:48:53Ah!
2027. 2:48:53–2:48:54I remember.
2028. 2:48:54–2:48:56This is a deserted garden.
2029. 2:48:56–2:49:02I shall go there and learn from someone what has happened to Shandana Dasa.
2030. 2:49:02–2:49:07A man may discover there what good or evil awaits him.
2031. 2:49:07–2:49:10Once I left the city in royal splendor.
2032. 2:49:10–2:49:13Surrounded by a thousand chiefs.
2033. 2:49:13–2:49:16Pointed out by the citizens like the new moon.
2034. 2:49:16–2:49:17Today.
2035. 2:49:17–2:49:19With every effort defeated.
2036. 2:49:19–2:49:24I enter this city's deserted garden alone and in frightened haste.
2037. 2:49:24–2:49:26Like a thief.
2038. 2:49:26–2:49:32But the great king through whose favor I enjoyed that honor is no more.
2039. 2:49:32–2:49:35Entering the garden and looking around.
2040. 2:49:35–2:49:36Alas!
2041. 2:49:36–2:49:39What a pitiable sight!
2042. 2:49:39–2:49:43This deserted garden looks like sorrow embodied.
2043. 2:49:43–2:49:47It resembles a family whose vast enterprises have been destroyed.
2044. 2:49:47–2:49:51A palace whose great buildings have fallen.
2045. 2:49:51–2:49:55A good man's heart burned by grief at the destruction of a friend.
2046. 2:49:55–2:49:57The pond is dry.
2047. 2:49:57–2:50:01A statesman's design frustrated by hostile fate.
2048. 2:50:01–2:50:03The trees are fruitless.
2049. 2:50:03–2:50:07And a fool's mind possessed by corrupt policy.
2050. 2:50:07–2:50:10The ground is overgrown with weeds.
2051. 2:50:10–2:50:12Moreover,
2052. 2:50:12–2:50:14Serpents.
2053. 2:50:14–2:50:15Breathing size.
2054. 2:50:15–2:50:22Fine strips of cast-off snakeskin around the severed stumps of branches cut by great sharp axes.
2055. 2:50:22–2:50:26While the cooing of pigeons sounds like cries of pain,
2056. 2:50:26–2:50:29they do this in sympathy with the trees' suffering,
2057. 2:50:29–2:50:33for they once lived in close companionship with them.
2058. 2:50:33–2:50:36And these trees,
2059. 2:50:36–2:50:40ruined by evil days and sorrowful at the loss of their shade,
2060. 2:50:40–2:50:44they seem to prepare for the cremation ground.
2061. 2:50:44–2:50:50On sides burned by powerful grief and the process of drying hastened.
2062. 2:50:50–2:50:57I shall rest for a while upon this broken stone seat, fitting for my fallen condition.
2063. 2:50:57–2:51:00He sits and listens.
2064. 2:51:00–2:51:01What do I hear?
2065. 2:51:01–2:51:04What is this sudden uproar?
2066. 2:51:04–2:51:06The sound of drums.
2067. 2:51:06–2:51:08Kettle drums and conches.
2068. 2:51:08–2:51:11Shattering the ears of all who hear it.
2069. 2:51:11–2:51:17so intense that it rebounds instantly from the palaces and seems to spread far away,
2070. 2:51:17–2:51:21eager to measure the breadth of the sky.
2071. 2:51:21–2:51:26After a little thought, I understand.
2072. 2:51:26–2:51:33It proclaims that the kingdom, or rather glory herself, rejoices at Malaya Ketu's capture.
2073. 2:51:33–2:51:36His voice breaks with pain.
2074. 2:51:36–2:51:38He sighs.
2075. 2:51:38–2:51:42Alas, deluded man that I am.
2076. 2:51:42–2:51:48I have been forced to hear the proclamation and witness the spectacle of my enemy's triumph.
2077. 2:51:48–2:51:53It seems fate is determined to make me experience it to the full.
2078. 2:51:53–2:52:00He has sat down. Now I shall act exactly as the revered Chanakya instructed me.
2079. 2:52:00–2:52:09Keeping RAKSHASA in view while pretending not to see him, he places the noose around his own neck.
2080. 2:52:09–2:52:20What is this? That man is attempting suicide. Surely he too is afflicted by grief like mine. I must speak to him.
2081. 2:52:20–2:52:25Approaching. Good man. What are you doing?
2082. 2:52:25–2:52:31I am doing what an unfortunate man must do when grief stricken by the death of someone dear."
2083. 2:52:32–2:52:36I understood at once that he suffers as I do.
2084. 2:52:37–2:52:40Allowed. Your grief resembles mine.
2085. 2:52:40–2:52:47If the cause is not a personal secret or private calamity, I wish to hear it.
2086. 2:52:47–2:52:59It is neither a personal secret nor a private calamity. My Lord, but I cannot endure delay in killing myself. The death of a beloved friend overwhelms me with grief.
2087. 2:52:59–2:53:10Alas, deluded man that I am. This man is better than I. For I have remained so indifferent to my friend's suffering.
2088. 2:53:10–2:53:17Allowed. Since it is no personal secret or private calamity, I wish to hear it.
2089. 2:53:17–2:53:27You press me too strongly. My lord, therefore I shall tell you. In this city lives a wealthy jeweler named Jishnudasa.
2090. 2:53:27–2:53:32I know that Jishnudasa is Chandanadasa's intimate friend.
2091. 2:53:32–2:53:35That beloved friend of mine.
2092. 2:53:35–2:53:47Ah! He calls Jishnudasa his beloved friend. He must be closely connected with him and will know what has happened to Chandandasa.
2093. 2:53:47–2:54:01He gave everything he possessed to the poor and immediately left the city. Intending to burn himself to death, I have therefore come to this deserted garden to kill myself before I hear of his terrible end.
2094. 2:54:01–2:54:05Why does your friend intend to burn himself?
2095. 2:54:05–2:54:11Is he afflicted by an incurable disease beyond the power of medicine?
2096. 2:54:11–2:54:12No.
2097. 2:54:12–2:54:16Has he been destroyed by the king's anger,
2098. 2:54:16–2:54:19deadly his fire and poison?
2099. 2:54:19–2:54:20Not that either.
2100. 2:54:20–2:54:24Shandragupta does not deal cruelly with the people.
2101. 2:54:24–2:54:28Is he tormented by desire for another man's wife,
2102. 2:54:28–2:54:31who is beyond his reach?
2103. 2:54:31–2:54:37God protect us from sin. He is incapable of such improper conduct.
2104. 2:54:37–2:54:43Then is one of his friends, like yours, dying helplessly?
2105. 2:54:43–2:54:46That is exactly the case, my lord.
2106. 2:54:46–2:54:50Chandandasa is Jishnudasa's beloved friend.
2107. 2:54:50–2:54:56Chandanadasa's death must therefore be the cause of Jishnudasa's intended suicide.
2108. 2:54:56–2:55:00My heart, filled with affection for him,
2109. 2:55:00–2:55:02with anxiety.
2110. 2:55:02–2:55:04Allowed.
2111. 2:55:04–2:55:05Good man.
2112. 2:55:05–2:55:10I too wish to hear a full account of your beloved friend's noble action.
2113. 2:55:10–2:55:17I am an unfortunate man who might otherwise proceed without interruption to my death.
2114. 2:55:17–2:55:18Good man.
2115. 2:55:18–2:55:21Tell the story that deserves to be heard.
2116. 2:55:21–2:55:24Since I have no choice, I shall speak.
2117. 2:55:24–2:55:26Listen, my lord.
2118. 2:55:26–2:55:30Good man, I am listening with full attention.
2119. 2:55:30–2:55:36In the flower market quarter of this city lives a wealthy jeweler named Chandanadasa.
2120. 2:55:36–2:55:42Alas, fate has opened the flood gate of my sorrow.
2121. 2:55:42–2:55:49Heart, gather your courage now, for something unbearably painful is about to be heard.
2122. 2:55:49–2:55:59Allowed. Yes, good man. He is known as a steadfast friend and a great soul. What of him?
2123. 2:55:59–2:56:02He is Jishnudasa's beloved friend.
2124. 2:56:02–2:56:06Never mind that. Continue.
2125. 2:56:06–2:56:13Therefore Jishnudasa today made this request of Shandragupta as befits a loving friend.
2126. 2:56:13–2:56:15What request?
2127. 2:56:15–2:56:25If His Majesty will permit it, I possess sufficient wealth, please accept it and release my beloved friend Chandanadasa in exchange."
2128. 2:56:25–2:56:37Well done, Jishnudasa! This is the proof of friendship. For money, sons murder parents and parents murder sons as though they were strangers.
2129. 2:56:37–2:56:53For money, friend abandons affection for friend. Yet you offered that very wealth for a friend in distress. You are the finest merchant among merchants. Your wealth has found its true purpose.
2130. 2:56:53–2:56:58Allowed. What did the Moria say when he heard this?
2131. 2:56:58–2:57:02Shandragpta replied to Jishnudasa,
2132. 2:57:02–2:57:05I did not imprison Chandanadasa for money.
2133. 2:57:05–2:57:10I imprisoned him because he refuses to surrender minister Rakeshasa's family.
2134. 2:57:10–2:57:13Though I have repeatedly demanded it.
2135. 2:57:13–2:57:18If he surrenders them, he will be released, otherwise he will die.
2136. 2:57:18–2:57:23With these words, he ordered Chandanadasa taken to the execution ground.
2137. 2:57:23–2:57:26Jishnudasa then left the city.
2138. 2:57:26–2:57:32Thinking, I shall enter the fire before I hear of the terrible end of my friend Chandanadasa.
2139. 2:57:32–2:57:41And I came to this deserted garden to kill myself before I hear of the terrible end of my friend Jishnudasa.
2140. 2:57:41–2:57:45Has Chandanadasa been impealed, then?
2141. 2:57:45–2:57:47No, not yet.
2142. 2:57:47–2:57:53Even in his final moments he is repeatedly ordered to surrender minister Rikshasa's family.
2143. 2:57:53–2:57:58and repeatedly he refuses, steadfast in his love for his friend.
2144. 2:57:58–2:58:01For this reason his death has been delayed.
2145. 2:58:01–2:58:06Well done, Chandandasa. You too are my great friend.
2146. 2:58:06–2:58:12And you have proved yourself a refuge to one who sought your protection.
2147. 2:58:12–2:58:19You have surpassed even the fame of Shibi. One through guarding the suppliant.
2148. 2:58:19–2:58:30Allowed, go quickly. Good man. And prevent Jishnudasa from entering the fire. I shall save Shandana Dasa from death.
2149. 2:58:30–2:58:33How will my lord save him?
2150. 2:58:33–2:58:47With this, the companion of Enterprise, this sword, coloured like a cloudless sky, bears bright streaks of light like the thrill lines raised upon a body by love of battle.
2151. 2:58:47–2:58:53Its excellence has been proved in the test of war against the strength of the enemy.
2152. 2:58:53–2:59:01Beloved companion of my right arm, it urges me, driven wild by love for my friend.
2153. 2:59:01–2:59:03Toward this daring act.
2154. 2:59:03–2:59:08My lord, I cannot confidently say that you are the revered minister Rikshaasa, the
2155. 2:59:08–2:59:11man whose very name is auspicious.
2156. 2:59:11–2:59:16Though your intention to save the life of the wealthy jeweler Chandanadasa reveals
2157. 2:59:16–2:59:23you as such. For you have fallen into such distress. Grant me the favor of removing my doubt."
2158. 2:59:25–2:59:27He falls at Raksha's feet.
2159. 2:59:28–2:59:35Good man, I am indeed that Raksha sir. The man who saw his lord destroyed with his own eyes,
2160. 2:59:36–2:59:42brought his friend into danger, earned the name, base, and made his own name unfortunate.
2161. 2:59:42–2:59:47Oh Lord, what I longed for has been granted to me.
2162. 2:59:47–2:59:55Rise! Do not delay! Tell Jishnudasa that this very moment Rakshasa is saving Chandandasa
2163. 2:59:55–2:59:58from death.
2164. 2:59:58–3:00:05He starts to leave with his drawn sword, repeating, this sword, colored like.
2165. 3:00:05–3:00:11Grant me a moment, revered minister, I have something to say. Earlier, the villain
2166. 3:00:11–3:00:15Villain Shandragupta ordered Shikada Dasa impaled.
2167. 3:00:15–3:00:20Someone rescued him from the execution ground and carried him away.
2168. 3:00:20–3:00:24The villain Shandragupta then quenched the blazing fire of his anger against Shikada
2169. 3:00:24–3:00:31Dasa in the blood of the executioners, who were accused of negligence.
2170. 3:00:31–3:00:36Since then, whenever the executioners see an unknown man approaching from before or
2171. 3:00:36–3:00:41behind with a sword, they immediately kill the prisoner out of concern for their
2172. 3:00:41–3:00:48own safety. Therefore, if the revered minister goes with a sword in his hand, they will hasten
2173. 3:00:48–3:00:53the end of the wealthy jeweler Chandanadasa.
2174. 3:00:53–3:00:55Exit
2175. 3:00:55–3:01:02How impossible to trace is the path of Chanakya's policy. If Shakata Dasa, whose actions were
2176. 3:01:02–3:01:09conducted under my direction, was brought to me by an enemy agent, why did Chanakya
2177. 3:01:09–3:01:18and really kill the executioners? But if that was not so, how was the false letter constructed?
2178. 3:01:18–3:01:22Thought follows thought, and my mind reaches no decision."
2179. 3:01:23–3:01:25After a little reflection
2180. 3:01:27–3:01:33This is not the time to use a sword. For in these circumstances, the executioners would punish
2181. 3:01:33–3:01:41Shandana Dasa at once. A political design bears fruit only after time. What use is it here?
2182. 3:01:42–3:01:48Yet remaining neutral is equally wrong. For my beloved friend suffers this terrible death,
2183. 3:01:48–3:01:55because of me. Ah, I see the way. I shall offer my own life and free him."
2184. 3:01:55–3:02:11He throws the sword away, exit, enter VAJRALOMAKA, an executioner.
2185. 3:02:11–3:02:16Stand back, good people, stand back, keep your distance.
2186. 3:02:16–3:02:23Alas, if you wish to preserve your life, wealth, wife and family,
2187. 3:02:23–3:02:30keep away from conduct politically harmful and deadly as poison. For likewise,
2188. 3:02:30–3:02:33if a man takes something physically harmful,
2189. 3:02:33–3:02:39he himself falls ill or dies. But if he undertakes something politically harmful,
2190. 3:02:39–3:02:44his entire family is destroyed. If you doubt the truth of this,
2191. 3:02:44–3:02:48look. Chandanadasa is coming.
2192. 3:02:48–3:02:56He is being taken to the place of execution because he committed an act politically harmful to the state.
2193. 3:02:57–3:02:59Looking upward
2194. 3:02:59–3:03:01What are you saying?
2195. 3:03:01–3:03:06Gentlemen, you ask whether there is any means of saving him. Yes,
2196. 3:03:06–3:03:12he can be released if he surrenders Minister Raksha's family.
2197. 3:03:12–3:03:15Again looking upward
2198. 3:03:15–3:03:19What do you say? Out of honour for those who sought his protection.
2199. 3:03:19–3:03:23He will not commit that shameful act merely to save himself.
2200. 3:03:23–3:03:28Then know for certain, gentlemen, that he will die.
2201. 3:03:28–3:03:34What use is this anxious inquiry about a remedy for him?
2202. 3:03:34–3:03:42Enter C-H-A-N-D-A-N-A-D-A-S-A. Dressed for execution and carrying the stake upon his shoulder.
2203. 3:03:42–3:03:50accompanied by his wife and son and followed by the executioner BILVAVAKTRA.
2204. 3:03:51–3:03:56Shame! Shame upon that god of death who kills us like thieves,
2205. 3:03:56–3:04:01though even the slightest impropriety has always been feared in our household.
2206. 3:04:01–3:04:08Yes! Wicked men make no distinction between those who refrain from sin and those who commit it.
2207. 3:04:08–3:04:14Otherwise, shame upon hunters who persist in killing innocent deer.
2208. 3:04:14–3:04:21Creatures that, fearing death, have renounced flesh and live only upon grass.
2209. 3:04:21–3:04:27Looking around, dear Jishnudasa, why do you not speak to me?
2210. 3:04:27–3:04:36Alas, at such a time and in such a condition, those who remain close are hard to find.
2211. 3:04:36–3:04:43There is my dear and venerable friend. He looks at me with a sorrowful face and tear-filled eyes.
2212. 3:04:43–3:04:46Then drags himself toward home.
2213. 3:04:46–3:04:54Master Shandana Dasa, you have reached the execution ground. Tell your family to stand back.
2214. 3:04:54–3:05:00My dear wife, take our son and return. You must come no farther.
2215. 3:05:00–3:05:06My Lord, You are not traveling to another country, but to another world.
2216. 3:05:06–3:05:11At such a time it is not right for a faithful wife to turn back.
2217. 3:05:11–3:05:15What then, have You resolved, my dear?
2218. 3:05:15–3:05:20To follow in my husband's footsteps and secure my own blessed fate.
2219. 3:05:20–3:05:26My dear, that is not a wise decision. You must care for this child.
2220. 3:05:26–3:05:29He has no experience of the world.
2221. 3:05:29–3:05:31May God protect him.
2222. 3:05:31–3:05:35Son, bow to your father for the last time.
2223. 3:05:35–3:05:39Father, what shall I do now? Lift fatherless.
2224. 3:05:39–3:05:44Son, live in a country where Chanakia is not.
2225. 3:05:44–3:05:50Master Shandana Dasa, the stake has been planted. Prepare yourself now.
2226. 3:05:50–3:05:54Alas! Is there no hero who will save us?
2227. 3:05:54–3:05:56Why do you weep now?
2228. 3:05:56–3:06:03My dear, King Nanda, who showed mercy to those in distress, has gone to heaven.
2229. 3:06:03–3:06:10Bilva Vaktra, sees Chandanadasa, his people will withdraw of their own accord.
2230. 3:06:10–3:06:14I shall? Vajralaman.
2231. 3:06:14–3:06:19Good man, wait a moment. Let me embrace my son.
2232. 3:06:19–3:06:24He embraces his son and inhales the scent of his head.
2233. 3:06:24–3:06:32Since death is certain, my son, I welcome it rather than depart from loyalty to a friend's cause.
2234. 3:06:32–3:06:37Father, need you tell me that? It is the tradition of our family.
2235. 3:06:37–3:06:41Seize him now, I tell you.
2236. 3:06:41–3:06:49The executioner sees C-H-A-N-D-A-N-A-D-A-S-A.
2237. 3:06:49–3:06:52Is there no hero who will save us?
2238. 3:06:52–3:06:59RAKSHA S.A. enters, thrusting aside the curtain.
2239. 3:06:59–3:07:07Do not be afraid, good lady, executioners, do not kill Chandandasa, place upon my neck
2240. 3:07:07–3:07:11the bridal garland that leads to the kingdom of death.
2241. 3:07:11–3:07:18Upon mine, who first watched my master's family perish as though it were an enemy's.
2242. 3:07:18–3:07:26lived at ease while my beloved friend was in danger. As though it were a day of great celebration.
2243. 3:07:26–3:07:31And who plumbed to life though enduring the shame of having been deceived.
2244. 3:07:31–3:07:34Minister, what is this?
2245. 3:07:34–3:07:38An imitation of your noble deed.
2246. 3:07:38–3:07:42What have you done? You have rendered all my efforts useless.
2247. 3:07:42–3:07:45I am accomplishing my purpose.
2248. 3:07:45–3:07:49Do not blame me, my friend."
2249. 3:07:49–3:07:52To the Executioners
2250. 3:07:52–3:07:56Good man, go and tell the wicked Chanakya.
2251. 3:07:56–3:07:58Tell him what?
2252. 3:07:58–3:08:04Here I am, the man on whose account that venerable man was judged worthy of death.
2253. 3:08:04–3:08:11In this corrupted age, when human nature has declined, I have greatly diminished Shibi's
2254. 3:08:11–3:08:18fame by offering my own life to save another. And through the excellence of my deed, I have
2255. 3:08:18–3:08:22even surpassed the noble act of the Buddha."
2256. 3:08:22–3:08:28Bilva Vaktra, take Master Chandanadasa and wait for a while beneath that tree in the
2257. 3:08:28–3:08:38cremation ground. Until I report to the revered Chanakya that Minister Raksasa is in my hands.
2258. 3:08:38–3:08:43Very well. Vajralaman, as you say.
2259. 3:08:43–3:08:50He leads away C.H.A.N.D.A.N.A.D.A.S.A. His wife and son.
2260. 3:08:50–3:08:53Come, minister.
2261. 3:08:53–3:08:58He walks a short distance with R.A.K.S.H.A.S.A.
2262. 3:08:58–3:09:06Ho! Is there a gatekeeper here? Tell the revered Shanakya, the man who destroyed the Nanda
2263. 3:09:06–3:09:09dynasty and established the Moria dynasty.
2264. 3:09:09–3:09:15Alas, even in this condition I must hear that.
2265. 3:09:15–3:09:18Minister Rakshasa is in my hands.
2266. 3:09:18–3:09:25All his intellectual resources have failed before the revered master's stratagems.
2267. 3:09:25–3:09:28Enter C-H-A-N-A-K-Y-A.
2268. 3:09:28–3:09:30Only his face is visible.
2269. 3:09:30–3:09:34His body is covered in fine armor.
2270. 3:09:34–3:09:35Good man.
2271. 3:09:35–3:09:41Who was it that bound in cloth a blazing fire, Red within its vast circle of flame?
2272. 3:09:41–3:09:44Who caught the ever-moving wind in a net?
2273. 3:09:44–3:09:51Who shut within a cage a lion whose mane was fragrant with the wrought fluid of elephants?
2274. 3:09:51–3:09:56Who held back with the strength of his arms the terrible ocean filled with crocodiles
2275. 3:09:56–3:09:58and other...
2276. 3:09:58–3:10:00Monsters?
2277. 3:10:00–3:10:02You did, revered lord.
2278. 3:10:02–3:10:09who a master of statecraft. Do not say so, say that it was the hostile
2279. 3:10:09–3:10:18fate of the Nanda dynasty. Ah, there before me stands the villain. No, no, I should see,
2280. 3:10:18–3:10:26the revered courtelier, he is like an ocean, a treasury of every branch of knowledge.
2281. 3:10:26–3:10:30It is only my hatred that makes light of his virtues.
2282. 3:10:30–3:10:37This is Minister Rikshaasa, that great man, who for so many days kept both the Moria army
2283. 3:10:37–3:10:40and me continuously awake.
2284. 3:10:40–3:10:46The army beneath the crushing burden of military preparation, and my mind beneath the burden
2285. 3:10:46–3:10:50of devising plans.
2286. 3:10:50–3:10:57Using his armor, he advances toward RAKSHA SA.
2287. 3:10:57–3:11:01Minister Rakshasa, Vishnugukta salutes you.
2288. 3:11:01–3:11:05The title, Minister, is laughable now.
2289. 3:11:05–3:11:07Allowed.
2290. 3:11:07–3:11:10Please do not touch me, Vishnugukta.
2291. 3:11:10–3:11:15I have been polluted by the touch of an outcast.
2292. 3:11:15–3:11:18Minister Rakshasa, this man is no outcast.
2293. 3:11:18–3:11:23He is a servant of the king, named Sadarthaka.
2294. 3:11:23–3:11:24You know him.
2295. 3:11:24–3:11:30Disguised as a friend, he arranged the letter written in Shikharadasa's hand.
2296. 3:11:30–3:11:36Though the unfortunate Shikharadasa knew nothing of its purpose, the other man is also a royal
2297. 3:11:36–3:11:37servant.
2298. 3:11:37–3:11:40His name is Samradarthaka.
2299. 3:11:40–3:11:47Fortunately, my mind is now freed from suspicion of Shakatadasa.
2300. 3:11:47–3:11:51In brief, Badrabhata and the other supposed malcontents.
2301. 3:11:51–3:11:58The forged letter, Siddhartha Kha's rescue, the three ornaments offered for sale.
2302. 3:11:58–3:12:00The mendicant who was your friend.
2303. 3:12:00–3:12:03The grieving man in the deserted garden.
2304. 3:12:03–3:12:07And the terrible suffering of the chief of the jewelers.
2305. 3:12:07–3:12:11All these things were contrived at Vrishala's will.
2306. 3:12:11–3:12:18to bring about a meeting with you. Noble Sir, and Vrishala himself is coming to see you.
2307. 3:12:18–3:12:21Look, there he is.
2308. 3:12:21–3:12:26There is nothing I can do. I must face him."
2309. 3:12:26–3:12:31Enter King Shandragukta with his attendance.
2310. 3:12:31–3:12:37Ever since my revered teacher defeated that formidable enemy army without striking a blow,
2311. 3:12:37–3:12:40I have felt somewhat ashamed.
2312. 3:12:40–3:12:47My arrows, their faces bent as though in grief, are ashamed that the desired result was achieved
2313. 3:12:47–3:12:49without their aid.
2314. 3:12:49–3:12:53They will vow to remain forever inside the quiver.
2315. 3:12:53–3:12:55But I should not speak so.
2316. 3:12:55–3:13:00A man can certainly defeat his enemies even without drawing his bow.
2317. 3:13:00–3:13:06When his revered teacher, vigilant in every matter, keeps watch over all the affairs
2318. 3:13:06–3:13:13of the kingdom. Approaching chana kya
2319. 3:13:13–3:13:22Rev. Lord Shandragupta salutes you. Vrishala, you have my blessing. Now salute the venerable
2320. 3:13:22–3:13:29minister Riksasa. Rev. Lord Shandragupta salutes you.
2321. 3:13:29–3:13:35So this is Chandragupta, who obtained the kingdom at the proper time. Just as an
2322. 3:13:35–3:13:41elephant gains leadership of the herd, for his excellence had been manifest from childhood.
2323. 3:13:43–3:13:46Allowed. Victory to your majesty.
2324. 3:13:47–3:13:56Rev. Lord, when you equal to Brihaspati in statecraft, carefully oversee the administration of the
2325. 3:13:56–3:14:02the kingdom. Tell me, what part of the world can I not conquer?
2326. 3:14:02–3:14:08Chandragupta, Chanakya's pupil, is hinting that I should accept the
2327. 3:14:08–3:14:13ministership. No, no, I should not say that. This is
2328. 3:14:13–3:14:21Chandragupta's sincere praise. Only my hostility makes me interpret it otherwise. The fame
2329. 3:14:21–3:14:28Charnakya has worn is entirely deserved. For, even an unintelligent minister, when joined
2330. 3:14:28–3:14:35to a valiant and virtuous king, assuredly wins fame, but even an infallible minister who
2331. 3:14:35–3:14:41attaches himself to a wicked king falls with him like a tree. Upon a river bank when the
2332. 3:14:41–3:14:47bank collapses. Minister Rikshasa, do you wish Chandanadasa
2333. 3:14:47–3:14:50to live?"
2334. 3:14:50–3:14:53Without question, Vishnugupta.
2335. 3:14:53–3:14:55Then accept this sword.
2336. 3:14:55–3:14:59No, Vishnugupta, that cannot be.
2337. 3:14:59–3:15:06I am unworthy to wield a sword, least of all the sword that you wield.
2338. 3:15:06–3:15:11Minister Rikshasa, how can it be that I am worthy and you are not?
2339. 3:15:11–3:15:17Gifted man, consider, the elephants, deprived of the pleasures of bathing.
2340. 3:15:17–3:15:39Feeding, sport, drink and sleep at will, their backs swollen beneath the ceaseless burden of military equipment, and the horses, worn thin from being constantly held in bridle and saddle, all have suffered through fear of your great prowess, which has crushed the pride of arrogant enemies.
2341. 3:15:39–3:15:45But why say more, unless you take this sword? Chandanadasa will die.
2342. 3:15:45–3:15:53Say no more, Vishnugukta. I submit, love for my friend compels me to do anything.
2343. 3:15:53–3:16:03Vrishala, I congratulate you. Out of regard for you, Minister Rikshasa has accepted the sword.
2344. 3:16:03–3:16:09Shandragupta fully recognizes the favor bestowed by the venerable minister.
2345. 3:16:09–3:16:22Victory to your Majesty, Rev. Lord. Malaya Ketu stands in chains at the gate, together with Badrabhata, Bagura Yana and the others.
2346. 3:16:22–3:16:29Good man, report that to Minister Rikshaasa. He now has charge of all such matters.
2347. 3:16:29–3:16:40What am I to do now? Malaya Ketu has been captured, and I am compelled to advice upon his feet. There is no alternative.
2348. 3:16:40–3:16:59Allowed. Your Majesty. It is well known that I spent several months at Malaya Ketu's court. Therefore let his life be spared. The king looks towards C.H.A.N.A.K.Y.A., seeking his approval.
2349. 3:16:59–3:17:07Yes, Vrishala, Minister Rakhshasa's first request deserves to be granted.
2350. 3:17:07–3:17:10To be attendant.
2351. 3:17:10–3:17:11Good man.
2352. 3:17:11–3:17:14Tell Badra Bhatt and the others in my name.
2353. 3:17:14–3:17:22On Minister Rakhshasa's advice, King Shandragupta restores Malayaketu to his ancestral kingdom.
2354. 3:17:22–3:17:25They are to accompany him.
2355. 3:17:25–3:17:27Reinstall him upon his throne.
2356. 3:17:27–3:17:36and then return? Tel Vijayapala, commander of the fortress. That King Shandragupta overjoyed
2357. 3:17:36–3:17:44that minister Raksasa has accepted the sword. Appoints Shandana Dasa, chief of the jewelers,
2358. 3:17:44–3:17:50supreme head of all the guilds in the city, and let every prisoner be released. Accept
2359. 3:17:50–3:17:53the warhorses and war elephants.
2360. 3:17:53–3:17:57Yet now that Minister Rakshaasa directs affairs,
2361. 3:17:57–3:18:01what need have we of warhorses or war elephants?
2362. 3:18:01–3:18:04Let every captive be released,
2363. 3:18:04–3:18:07including the warhorses and war elephants.
2364. 3:18:08–3:18:10As the revered Lord commands.
2365. 3:18:11–3:18:12Exit.
2366. 3:18:13–3:18:18Now, King Shandragapta and Minister Rakshaasa,
2367. 3:18:18–3:18:23Tell me what further good I may do for you beyond this.
2368. 3:18:23–3:18:26What greater good could that be?
2369. 3:18:26–3:18:31If you are still not satisfied, then grant your blessing to this wish.
2370. 3:18:31–3:18:39May my lord Aventi Varman, who is the self-existent lord Vishnu, who once assumed the form of
2371. 3:18:39–3:18:45a board to protect creation and bore the earth, submerged beneath the waters, upon the
2372. 3:18:45–3:18:52tip of his tusk. And who now, in the form of our sovereign, protects with the strength
2373. 3:18:52–3:18:59of his arm the earth oppressed by foreign peoples. May that king, whose kinsmen and
2374. 3:18:59–3:19:04dependents prosper in wealth and grain, delight the earth for many years.

Plain text

The Signet Ring of Minister R.A.K.S.H.A.S.A. An English translation for the stage from Gajendra Thakur's Maitili translation of Vishakha Datta's Sanskrit play Mudra Raksasa. Dramatis Personai M.E.N. 1. Stage Manager SUTRADHA Director of the performance, opens the play. 2. CHANA KYA, the protagonist, also called Vishnugukta, Shandragupta's teacher and minister. 3. Chandragupta, King of Magadhar. 5. H.A.G.U.R.A.Y.A.N.A. Chanakya's agent, who poses as the closest friend of Malayaketu's father. 8. N.I.P.U.N.A.K.A. Chanakya's spy, disguised as a moralist carrying a painted scroll of Yama. 4. J.I.V.A.S.I.D.D.H.I. Inda Shaman in disguise. Chanakya's friend and agent, pretends to be a friend of Rakshasa. 6. Siddh-ar-thaka. Shanakya's agent. He poses as Shakata Dasa's closest friend and, at Shandana Dasa's execution ground, as the attendant Vajrala Maka. 7. Siddha Thakas companion, disguised as the Shandala Venuva Traka. 9. S.H.A.R.A.N.G.A.R.A.V.A. Chanakya's pupil. 10. V.A.I.H.I.N.A.R.I. Shandragupta's personal and bed-chamber attendant. 11. A.K.E.T.U. King of the Mountain Country. Who marches on Patali Putra to avenge his father's murder? 12. R.A.K.S.H.A.S.A. The opposing statesman, minister to the late Emperor Nanda and his son, and supporter of Savarthasidhi. He allies himself with Malayaketu. but in the end accepts the office of Shandragupta's minister to save Shandana Dasa's life. 13. C.H.A.N.D.A.N.A.D.A.S.A. Head of the Jewelers Guild and Rakshasa's dearest friend. 14. S.H.A.K.A.T.A.D.A.S.A. Rakshasa's friend and secretary. 16. K.A.R.A.B.H.A.K.A. Rakshasa's Messenger 17. P-R-I-Y-A-M-V-A-D-A-K-A, Rakshasa's attendant. 18. J-A-J-A-L-I, Malaya Ketu's Chamberlain and Personal Bedchamber Attendant. 19. B-H-A-S-U-R-A-K-A, an attendant of Malaya Ketu. 20. Spai, an agent of Chanakya, Chanakya 21. Viradha Gupta Rakshaasas spy, disguised as a snake charmer. Pryyamvadaka 22. Viradha Gupta S. Jharnavisha, Rakshaasas friend and secret agent, disguised as a snake charmer. 22. First Bard, Shandragupta's court bard. 23. Second Bard, Rakshasa's disguised bard spy, Stanna Kalasha. 24. Doorkeeper, Rakshasa's gatekeeper. 25. Stafbira, the man who announces Malayaketu's arrival. 26. Man, Shanakya's spy, who stages an attempted suicide. 27. Vajralomaka. Siddhartha disguised as the first chandala. 28. Venuvraka. Siddhartha disguised as the second chandala. 29. Sun. Shandana Dasa's son. 30. Messenger. 31. Prisoners. Several. WOMEN. 1. Actress. The stage manager's wife. 2. SHONOTTARA. Shandra Gupta's female chamberlain and gatekeeper. 3. V.I.J.A.Y.A. Malayaketu's female chamberlain and gatekeeper 4. Wife Shandana Dasa's wife S.E.T.T.I.N.G.S. Acts I.3. V.I.N.7. Pataliputra Acts II and IV. The capital of the mountain kingdom Act 5. Malayaketu's camp After the preliminary arrangements have been completed, the stage manager enters to open the performance. Ladies and gentlemen, may the guile of Lord Shiva protect you. The Shiva who tried to conceal the name of the heavenly Ganga when Gowri questioned him. him. Gowri asked, Who is this who rests so beautifully upon your head? Shiva replied, It is the crescent moon. Gowri asked, Is that her name? Shiva said, Yes, that is her name. You know it. How could you have forgotten? Gowri answered, I am speaking of a woman. the moon. Shiva replied, then call Vijaya. If the moon's testimony will not satisfy you and may the dance of Lord Shiva, destroyer of the demon tripperer, protect you. A dance constrained by the limits of space. He checks the sinking earth with the lightest touch of his foot. He repeatedly draws in and extends his arms, letting Jester alone suggest their reach across the worlds. And fearing universal destruction, he restrains the sparks of fire from his terrible eyes. But enough of elaboration. This audience has commanded me to present a new play called The Signet Ring. Composed by the poet Vishakadatta, son of Maharaja Bhaskara Datta and grandson of the feudatory lord Vateshvara Datta. I I am truly delighted to have the opportunity to perform it before an audience capable of appreciating the excellence of poetry. 4. Even the seeds sown by a dull-witted man will sprout in fertile soil. A rich harvest of grain does not depend upon the brilliance of the farmer. I shall therefore begin the performance with my household company. Looking around. What is happening here? servant in the house is working with extraordinary enthusiasm. As though some great festival were at hand, one is fetching water, another is preparing scented colour. That is, grinding fragrant substances, a third is weaving a beautiful garland, and a fourth is working a pestle. Sweetly whenever it falls, I shall call my wife toward the dressing room. My good lady, come quickly. You who are skilled in household policy, rich in resources, steadfast in securing the three aims of life, you are political wisdom embodied in the management of my home. Yes, my lord. Kindly dictate your command. Never mind taking down a command. My good lady, just tell me. Have honoured Brahmins been invited to dine? Or has some worthy guest arrived? What is the reason for all this special preparation of food? My lord, I have invited the honoured Brahmins to dine. On what occasion? People say there will be an eclipse of the moon. Who says so? in the city says so. My good lady, I have studied all 64 branches of astronomy. By all means continue preparing the Brahmin's meal. But you have been misled about the lunar eclipse. Look! The Malignant Rahu, joined by Ketu, is even now attempting to assail the radiant moon. Ha! Who dares attack Chandra while I am still alive? but the conjunction of Mercury will save him. My lord! Who is this mortal man who wishes to save the moon from a demon's attack? To tell the truth, my good lady! I did not notice, but I shall recognize him by his voice. Repeating! The malignant Rahu! And so forth! Ha! Who dares attack Shandragupta while I am still alive? Ah, now I understand. It is Cortilia." The actress begins to tremble with fear. The crooked master of statecraft who burned the Nanda dynasty like reeds in the fire of his anger. Hearing of an eclipse of Chandra, the moon, he feared an assault upon his namesake. Shandragupta. And came at once. We had better leave. They both exit. End of the Prelude. Chanyakya enters in fury, touching the unbound lock of hair upon his head. Ha! Who dares attack Shandragupta while I am still alive? What man, already devoted to death, Wishes still to see this lock of hair unbound, a lock darkened by the fire of my anger into the black serpent that brought doom upon the house of. Nanda? What man, mistaken alike about his enemy's power and his own, wishes to fly like a moth into the fierce blaze of my wrath and die at once. The fire that consumed the Nanda dynasty as a forest fire devours the woods? C.H.A.N.A.K.Y.A. seats himself as his pupil goes out. Aside. And now? Has the news already spread among the citizens that Rakshasa, enraged by the destruction of the dynasty, has allied himself with Malayaketu, the son of Parvataka, burning to avenge his father's murder, tempted by the promise of the entire Nanda kingdom, strengthened by the chiefs of the foreign tribes and preparing to march with Malaya Ketu's army against Frishala. After a moment's thought, let it be. I shall stop him nevertheless. I publicly vow to uproot the Nanda dynasty and I have already crossed the otherwise impassable river of that vow." The fire of my anger is a forest conflagration. In its flames the members of the Nanda House were consumed like dry bamboo abandoned by a terrified populace. The ash hurled up by the explosion of my policy filled the sky with the smoke of their ministers. Downfall unveiled the wives of my enemies in the grief of widowhood. Now the fire has died because no fuel remains. Not because its strength has failed. Moreover, those who had hidden their discontent in their hearts through fear of King Nanda have now seen Nanda and his whole family hurled from the throne by me, as the leader of an elephant herd is cast down from a mountain peak. Though my great vow has been fulfilled, I continue to bear the sword for the sake of Vrishala. In other words, I uprooted the nine world-renowned Nandas, who had lodged like thorns in every heart and made the Moria kingdom firm as a lotus rooted in a lake. Through my labor I have thus distributed fitting rewards to friend an enemy alike. Yet how can the Nanda dynasty be called wholly uprooted or Shandragupta's kingdom firmly established? While Rakshasa remains unsubdued, he pauses in thought. I marvel at Rakshaas's unmatched devotion to the house of Nanda. So long as even one member of that line remained alive, nothing could halt his activity on its behalf. To remove every reason for refusing Shandragupta's ministry, I ordered the death of poor Savatha Siddhi, the last of the Nandas. Though he had taken refuge in a forest hermitage. Now, with Malayaketu's support, Rakshasa is gathering still greater strength to destroy me. Looking into the distance. Minister Rakshasa, you deserve every praise. Men serve a king for profit while he is powerful. Those who follow him in adversity hope for his restoration. But a man such as you, who serves his master without self-interest, even after that master's death. Faithfully remembering old kindnesses. Such a worthy man is difficult indeed to find. For that very reason I am trying to win you to my side, considering how you may be persuaded to accept the office of Shandragupta's minister. 4. What use is a loyal servant without intelligence? And what use is an intelligent and courageous servant without loyalty? Only those in whom intelligence, Courage and devotion are joined together are true servants of a king. The rest merely live upon him, sharing his pleasures and hardships like dependence. Therefore I labor over this matter without sleep. First, I spread a rumor among the citizens that Rakshasa had murdered our ally king Parvataka, who had rendered us great service. By means of my poison maiden, I acted on the calculation that whether Vrishala or Parvataka died, the loss would fall upon me. Chanakya. To make the rumour credible, I deliberately had Bhagavad Gita whisper in Malaya Ketu's ear that I myself had caused his father's death. I knew that even if the prince went to war, he could be stopped by policy. but the stain of having allied himself with the man believed responsible for Parvataka's murder could never be erased. To discover who stands on the side of advantage or danger, of friend or enemy, and where each is placed, I appointed spies skilled like actors in the dress, speech, customs and manners of many regions. Through them I watched the activities of the former Nanda ministers' followers who remain in Kusumapura. I also caused Badrabhata and other senior officers who had supported Shandragupta in battle to appear openly dissatisfied, each on a different pretext. As the king's personal attendance, I appointed tested and trustworthy men who constantly guard against assassins, poisoners and every similar crime. Furthermore, I have a Brahmin fellow student and friend named Indasharman, profoundly learned in the statecraft of Shukra and in all 64 branches of astronomy. After I vowed to destroy the Nanda dynasty, I summoned him to Kasumapura in the guise of a Buddhist mendicant, so that he might make friends among all the Nanda ministers. He became especially intimate with Raksasa. Now he will perform a most important service for me. Thus nothing remains undone. Except that Vrishala, though the center of the political circle, takes no active interest, he leaves the burden of state affairs to us. And a kingdom is truly pleasant, only when its ruler is freed from the crushing labor of managing. Every matter personally. 4. The Lord of Men and the Lord of Elephants They're all powerful. They're generally unhappy when they must both perform every task themselves and personally enjoy every possession. A spy of chana kya enters, carrying a painted scroll of yama. Bow down at yama's feet. What use are the lesser gods? It is yama who takes away the lives of other gods, trembling devotees. Yet a man surely lives by the grace of the very God he worships. However harsh that God may be. Thus I live by the grace of Yama, destroyer of humankind. Now I shall enter this house. Display my painted scroll and sing a hymn of devotion. Good man, do not enter this house. Brahman, whose house is this? It is the house of my revered teacher, the renowned Chanakya. Brahman, then this is the house of a brother in religion. Not a stranger. Let me enter. I shall teach your master a truth of moral law. What did you say? Do you know more of moral truth than my teacher? Brahman, do not be offended. No one person knows everything. Your teacher knows some things. And men such as I know others. You are trying to rob my teacher of his title of Omniscience. Good Brahman, if your teacher knows everything, let him tell us who in this city does not love Chandra. Ha! The fellow is saying that he knows the names of those who do not love Shandragukta. How can you speak so? You are docking nonsense. In intelligent ears it would not be nonsense, but wisdom. Come in, good man. Here is someone ready to listen. I am coming. He enters an approach as C.H.A.N.A.K.Y.A. Blessings upon you, revered sir. Ah, it is Nipunaka, whom I appointed to test the temper of the people. Allowed, welcome, good man, sit down. As the revered gentleman commands, he sits on the ground. Now give me your report. Do the people love Vrishala? They certainly do. Your skill has removed every cause of discontent. And the people are deeply devoted to the illustrious King Chandragupta. There are, however, three men in the city whose old friendship and reverence for Minister Rakshaasamakam unable to tolerate Chandragupta's rule. Better to say they cannot tolerate their own peace and safety. Allowed. Do you know their names? Revealed, sir. If I did not know them, who would be able to tell you? Then I wish to hear them. Attend. Revealed, sir. The first is a K. Sharpanaka, a Buddhist mendicant, who is in league with the enemy. A Buddhist mendicant in league with the enemy? Surprised. Who can that be? His name is Jiva City. He was involved in King Pavataka's murder by a poison maiden employed by Minister Rakshaasa. Ah, Javasidi, my own agent. Allowed. Who is the second? The second is a scribe named Shikha Tardasa, a dear friend of Minister Rakshaasa. A scribe is no great official. Still, I have planted Siddharthaaka beside him in the guise of a friend. For no enemy, however insignificant, should be ignored, allowed. And the third? The third is a wealthy jeweler named Chandanadasa, who lives in the flower market square. He is Rakhshasa's second self, and the minister left his family in Chandanadasa's care when he fled the city. He must indeed be Rakhshasa's dearest friend. Rakhshasa would never entrust his family to a man who was not another self. Allowed, good man, how did you learn that Rick Shosa left his family in Chandanadasa's care? From this signet ring, sir. The spy gives the ring to C-H-A-N-A-K-Y-A. Yes, I have Rick Shosa around my finger. Allowed, good man, tell me in full how you came by this ring. Listen. Revealed, sir. You secretly appointed me to investigate the citizens' activities. Carrying the painted scroll of Yama and traveling through his realm. A disguise that lets me enter private houses without arousing suspicion. I came to the home of the wealthy Jeweler Chandanadasa. There I spread out my scroll and began to sing a devotional song. And then, go on. A very beautiful child of about five. His eyes wide with natural curiosity, tried to come out from inside the house. At once the women within cried in alarm. The child is going outside. Their agitation was plain. Then a woman appeared at the doorway, scolded the boy, and caught his hand with an arm as tender as a young vine when he tried to come out. In the haste of reaching for him she opened her fingers. And this ring, which was made for a man's finger, slipped from her hand, fell unnoticed upon the threshold, and rolled close to my foot. When I saw Minister Rakshasa's name engraved upon it, I brought it to you. That is how I obtained the ring. I understand. You may go, good man. Your service will soon be rewarded. As the revered gentleman commands, exit. Sharangarava. What are your commands, revered sir? Bring me my writing materials, child. As your command, he goes and returns. Revered sir, the writing materials are here. What shall I write? These words will be the instrument of my victory over Rikshaasa. Victory to your Excellency. I accept the cry of victory as an omen. Allowed, what is it, Shonatara? Revured, sir, the illustrious King Chandraguppa Bows with folded hands, Thurved above his head like a lotus bud, And respectfully submits, with my revered teacher's permission, I wish to give the jewels formerly worn by King Parvata Kattu on at Brahman's, so that the departed king may find peace in the next world. Well done, Vrishala! Your request answers my very wish. Allowed, Shonatara, give Vrishala this reply from me. Dear Prince, you understand what is right and lawful. Yes, do as you propose, but the jewels once worn by Parvadaka are of exquisite workmanship. they should be given not to ordinary brahmins, but to the most distinguished, I shall send Vishvavasu and his two brothers myself. As you command, Ruvyud sir, exit. Sharangarava, in my name, tell Vishvavasu and his two brothers to go to Vrishala and receive the gift of jewels. And then, turning, to come and see me, S-H-A-R-A-N-G-A-R-A-V-A exits and returns. Revealed, sir, your command has been carried out. Exit. Now, what shall I put in this letter? Thinking, yes, I have it. My spies report that the five Five foremost foreign chiefs who follow Rikshaasa are Chitravermin of Kaluta. Siminata, the Lion King of Malaya, Pushkaraksha of Kashmir, Sindhu Sena of Sindhu, the subduer of his enemies. And Fifth, Megacosha of Persia, rich in cavalry, I shall write their names here. May Chitragupta strike them from his register in due course. After a moment's thought, no, no, better leave them all unnamed. Shurangarava. What are your commands, revered sir? Child, the handwriting of men devoted to Vedic study often lacks ease and elegance. Tell Siddharthaaka in my name to have Shikharadasa write a letter under these conditions. He whispers in Shurangarava's ear, and then bring it to me. Nothing is to be written on the outside to indicate an address C. For Siddharthaaka will be instructed to carry an oral message to a particular person. Shikharadasa must not be told that Chanakya dictated the letter. As you command, Ruvyad sir. Exit. How delighted I am. Kaleiketu is already defeated, Siddharthaaka enters with a letter. Victory to you, sir? Revered sir, here is the letter in Shakyatadasa's hand. What beautiful handwriting! Reflecting inwardly, good man, keep its true meaning fixed in your mind and seal the letter. As you command, revered sir, he seals it. What are your commands, Ruviyad sir? Tell Kalapashika, in my name, that Vrishala commands the Buddhist mendicant Javasiddhi, who was implicated in King Parvadaka's murder by a poison maiden employed by Rakeshasa, to be publicly denounced for the crime and driven from the capital in disgrace. As you command, Ruviyad sir. He starts to leave. Wait, child, tell him also that the second offender, the scribe Shikhaadadasa, who has continually plotted treason against his majesty, is to have his crime proclaimed in public, be impaled, and have his family imprisoned. As you command, Ruviyad sir. Exit. Sir, the seal has been set. What must I do next? Go straight to the execution ground. Blower and rage at the executioners so fiercely that they flee stripped of all composure. Then rescue Shikharadasa from the place of execution and take him to Rikshaasa. Rikshaasa will rejoice at the rescue of his friend and reward you. Accept the reward, and for a time serve as Rikshaasa's personal attendant. Later, when the enemy approaches, you must accomplish this purpose. He whispers in Siddhartha Kazeer, that is all. I shall do exactly as you command, Reveread Sir. If only that villain Rikshaasa can be caught after all these measures. Sir, he is caught already. Ha! Rukhshasa is caught. Sir, has your purpose succeeded? May I go, then, and bring my own mission to success? Go, good man, and succeed. S-H-A-R-A-N-G-A-R-A-V-A enters and returns with a message. Ruvird sir, Kalapashika, chief of the city guard, asks leave to execute King Chandragupta's orders at once. Very well, child, I wish the wealthy jeweler Chandanadasa to be brought here. As you command, Ruvird sir, he goes and returns with C-H-A-N-D-A-N-A-D-A-S-A. This way, worthy merchant. Even an innocent man trembles when the cruel Chanakya summons him. What? Then, must be the state of one who is guilty? That is why I told the third Buddhist layman, chief of the Donacina Guild. That villain Chanakya may unexpectedly have my house searched. Remove the family of our great minister Rikshaasa. Let whatever must happen to me happen. Come, merchant. Very well, sir, he comes before Chanakya. Ruvyod sir, the merchant Chandandasar is here. Victory to you, sir. Welcome, merchant, sit upon this seat. Such honor is excessive for a man like me. More oppressive than humiliation. Surely you know that, sir, I shall therefore sit upon the ground, where I belong. Do not speak so, merchant, in the presence of a man like me. That seat is your proper place. Sit where I have indicated. The villain's courtesy hides a barb. Allowed, I obey your command. Sir, he sits upon the indicated seat. Merchant, I hope the profits of your trade continue to increase. By your favor, sir, business prospers. Do Shandragupdas' faults cause the people to remember the virtues of their former king? I reject such a sinful thought. The people rejoice in his majesty as they rejoice in the full moon of autumn. If that is so, the king asks a service in return from his contented subjects. Command me, sir, what is required of this man? Merchant, this is Shandragupta's reign, not Nanda's. Gifts of money please the greedy Nanda kings. But Shandragupta is pleased only when his subjects refrain from wrongdoing. For that, sir, I am grateful to you. And will you ask how one may refrain from wrongdoing? I ask to be instructed, sir. In a word, through loyalty to one sovereign. What unfortunate man would consider himself disloyal to the king? Let us begin with you. I reject such a sinful thought. Can a wisp of straw contend with fire? Yet here it is. You shelter the family of Rekshasa, the king's enemy. That is false, sir. Some wicked man has told you this. Do not be alarmed, merchant. Officials of a former king may flee in terror to another country after first entrusting their families to citizens' homes. That alone is no crime. The crime lies in concealing the fact. What you say is true, sir. In their terror, Minister Rikshasa's family once stayed in my house. And where are they now? I do not know. Yes. Yes. You do not know. A convincing performance. Merchant. Danger is close and rescue far away. Do you not imagine that Minister Riksasa may uproot Shandragapta just as Vishnugupta uprooted? Nanda? He bows his head for a moment, then continues, consider this, while Nanda and his family lived. Royal power was always unstable, though Vakranasa and other honored ministers, endowed with courage and political wisdom, could not make it secure. Now sovereignty rests firmly in Shandragapta, as radiant moonlight rests in the moon and delights the world. Who would dare separate it from him, or moonlight from the moon? Moreover, who would dare fight the lion that stands panting with jaws flung wide? Its teeth gleaming like crescents in the red light of dusk. Stained crimson with the blood of elephants? The boast proves its own claim. It sounds justified. Offstage cries, make way, make way, quote. Shringarava, see what is happening. As you command, revered sir, he goes and returns. Revered sir, it is the traitorous Buddhist mendicant Jeeva Shirdi. being driven from the capital in disgrace by order of King Chandragupta. A Buddhist mendicant? How pityable! Yet he must suffer the consequence of treason. Merchant, a king who punishes even such a man so severely for treason will show no mercy to one who shelters. Rick Shaus's family, save your own wife and your own life. Surrender another man's wife. Sir, I respectfully repeat that, in their terror, Minister Rick Shaus's family once stayed in my house. And where are they now? I do not know. Yes, yes. Then hand over those whom you acknowledge to be Rikshasa's family and free yourself from blame. I respectfully submit, sir, Minister Rikshasa's family is not in my house. Again, offstage cries, make way, make way, quote. Shringarava, what is it now? Revealed, sir, he goes and returns. It is the second traitor. Describe Shakthada Saa, being taken to the execution ground for impalement. He must reap the fruit of his deeds. Merchant, a king who so sternly punishes traitors will show no mercy to one who shelters Rikshaas' family. Surrender another man's wife and save your own wife and life. Sir, you are wasting your effort trying to frighten me. Even if minister Rikshaas' family were with me, I would not surrender them. Whether they are or are not. What difference does it make? Then your mind is made up? Yes, it is made up. Well done, Chandana Dosa. You deserve every praise. In this age you perform a deed thought possible only of King Shibi. So you could so easily profit by betraying another man's trust. So, merchant, your mind is made up? Then, wicked trader, prepare to bear the full weight of the king's wrath. I am prepared, exercise the authority of your high office and do whatever you must, sir. Shurangarava, Telvijayapala, the governor of the fort, that this wicked merchant is to be seized at once. No, not merely that, order him to confiscate the man's property, bind him in chains, and imprison him with his wife and son until I report to Vrishala. Who will personally sentence him to death? As you command, Ruvyud sir. I am coming, good sir. Aside, I am glad to die for a friend, not for some human failing of my own. S-H-A-R-A-N-G-A-R-A-V-A-N-C-H-A-N-D-A-N-A-D-A-S-A exit. Yes. Rikshaasa is safe for the present. A jeweler who risks his life so carelessly for Rikshaasa will surely not be abandoned by Rikshaasa when the jeweler's own day of peril comes. A commotion offstage. Revealed, sir. Siddhartha Kha has escaped, carrying Shaka Tadasa away from the execution ground just as he was about to be impaled. Well done, Siddhartha Kha. The beginning is auspicious, allowed, what, escaped, child, tell Bhagavarayana to pursue and arrest them immediately. Revealed, sir, Bhagavarayan too has already left the city. Let him go, and may he succeed, allowed, child, order Badrabada, Puradatta, Dinkarata, Balagupta, Rajasena, Rohitaksha and Vijaya were men to search for both men and capture them. Very well. He goes and returns in distress. Revered sir, disaster, the whole administration is falling apart. What were Kalimati, Bhadrabhata and his followers are gone. They departed before dawn. Good, let them go, allowed, child, there is no cause for distress. It makes no difference. Those who knowingly departed for the greater purpose have gone. Let those who remain also leave. Each in accordance with my design. Only let my intelligence not desert me. In achieving a political end, that one power is equal to hundreds of armies. The destruction of the Nandas has proved its strength sufficiently. Rising. Now I shall go and arrange matters so that Badrabhata and his followers can be brought back. Looking into the distance. Aside. Rakshasa. Wicked in purpose. Where will you go now? By my intelligence, I shall subdue you and appoint you to Shandragupta's service. You who roam alone, swollen with pride in your own power, independent and ungovernable, able to draw men to yourself with abundant gifts, just as a skilled trainer subdues a wild elephant that wanders alone, proud of its strength, willful and fierce, drawing swarms of bees with the abundant ica streaming from its temples and brings it into service. All exit. A.S.N.A.K.E. Chama enters carrying a wicker basket. Only those who constantly guard the secrecy of their spells know the use of herbs that counteract poison and understand the magic circle may safely deal with serpents in exactly the same way. Only those who constantly guard the secrecy of political designs Understand the science of internal policy and correctly read the circle of friendly. Hostile and neutral kings may safely deal with rulers. Looking up, what are you saying, sir? You ask who I am. Sir, I am a snake charmer. My name is Jharnavisha. What else do you say? You wish to see a performance with snakes. Very well. Sir, but what is your profession? You are an officer of the royal household. Then, sir, you truly do deal with serpents for an officer intoxicated by success at court, an elephant driver drunk on wine, and a snake-charma ignorant of spells and herbs? All three perish in the same way. What? He left before I had finished speaking. looking up. What are you saying? Sir, you ask what is in these wicker baskets? They contain the snakes by which I earn my living. What next? You wish to see them perform? Forgive me. Sir, but this is not a suitable place. If you are curious, come along and I shall show you in that house ahead. What do you say? That is the residence of the mighty minister Rakshasa and men like us have no access there. Then go your own way. Sir, my profession gives me the good fortune of entering such places. Ah, he has gone." Aside. How extraordinary. When I see Shandragupta guided by Chanakya's intelligence, all Rakshasa's efforts seem futile. But when I see Malaya Ketu guided by Rakshasa's intelligence, Shandragupta seems already deprived of his throne. Four. The Moria Empire. Bound fast by the rope of Kortilia's intellect. Appears immovable. Yet at the same time I see Rakshasa using all his diplomatic skill to wrench it away. Thus, in the struggle between these two brilliant and superior ministers, royal fortune appears divided, frightened and uncertain. She turns now toward one minister, now abandons him for the other. She is as distressed as a terrified she-elephant caught between two wild elephants fighting in a vast forest. Now I shall go and see Lord Raksasa." He advances and waits at the door. R-A-K-S-H-A-S-A enters and sits in anxious thought. Attended by a servant. Ah, what misery! Keeping awake day and night. Wholly absorbed and tormented by thoughts of the kingdom. I have conceived this design. Yet no canvas remains on which to paint it. For cruel fate has destroyed the vast Nanda line like the race of the Yardivers. The Nandas, who, like the Yardivers, subdued their enemies through courage and political power. No, no, I should not speak so. I have given my mind wholly and single-mindedly to politics. I have accepted service under a stranger, yet never forgotten my loyalty to my true masters. I do not waste myself in worldly pleasure. I cherish neither my life nor any private ambition for greatness. I endure all this only so that my departed Lord may behold His enemy dead and find satisfaction. Even in the next world. Looking into the distance. Royal fortune. You set no value upon virtue. None at all. Otherwise. Why did you abandon King Nanda, beloved by everyone, and attach yourself to Shandragupta, the son of a Moria of low birth? Why did you not perish with Nanda? As the stream of fragrant Icah ends when the elephant dies. Tell me. And, one-ton woman, have all high-born kings vanished from the earth? that you thought fit to choose this rootless and wicked Moria as your husband? Perhaps a woman's judgment, naturally as unsteady as the tip of a reed flower, cannot recognize the qualities of men. Therefore I shall kill the man to whom you have attached yourself and put an end to your lust. Thinking. In accordance with this purpose, My first correct step was to leave my family in the house of my dearest friend Shandana Dasa when I departed from Pataliputra. The supporters of King Nanda who remain in Pataliputra and assist me will not slacken in their efforts, for they are assured that I have not become indifferent to an attack upon the city. I left Shakatadasa there with sufficient funds to retain the loyalty of the hunters. poison maidens and other agents employed to assassinate Shandragupta and to win over the discontented among the enemy. In addition, I appointed Jiva Siddhi and other friends to gather constant intelligence about the enemy and break apart his alliances. In short, I shall soon pierce his vital point with the arrow of my intelligence. This man through whom King Nanda, who loved him like a son, and Nanda's entire dynasty were destroyed. As a tiger cub lovingly reared, may one day kill its keeper. Unless intolerable fate serves as his armor. Ja ja li, Malayaketu's Chamberlain, enters. Old age has calmed my desires and gradually awakened devotion within me. Just as Chanakya's policy crushed King Nanda and established Shandragapta in Patali Putra, my devotion grows in strength as the Moriya King does. Yet greed constantly tries to uproot devotion. Just as Rakeshasa strives to uproot Shandragapta, for service creates opportunity, but does not always bring success. Advancing. There is Minister Rakshasa. Approaching him. May all be well with you. Honoured Jajili, I salute you. Priyam Vadhakar, place a seat for the respected chamberlain. Here is the seat. Please be seated. Honoured sir. Since Malayiketu respectfully sends this message to the minister, my heart is deeply grieved that for so long you have refused to wear the ornaments appropriate to your rank, it cannot be easy to forget the noble qualities of the revered Nanda kings. Nevertheless, it would be right for you to accept this request of mine. Showing an ornament, wear this ornament, which I have taken from my own person and sent to you. upon it judgely, respectfully tell the prince from me that the memory of my departed lord's noble virtues has already become one with the impression made upon my heart by the prince's incomparable qualities and by my reverence for him. But until our enemies are utterly destroyed in the prince, for most man upon earth is seated upon the golden throne in the Sugunga palace. I shall place no ornament upon this body, which has endured humiliation at the hands of those enemies." Under the minister's skillful guidance, the prince believes every object will easily be attained. Therefore accept this first request from him. Honoured sir, your words are as binding as the prince's own command. I must obey May God bless you. I shall take my leave now. I salute you, honored judge Lee. J-H-A-L-I exits. Priyam Vadhakar, see whether anyone is waiting at the door to speak with me. I shall see. He goes to the door and sees the S-N-A-K-E charmer. Well, friend, who are you? Good sir. I am a snake charmer. I wish to perform with my snakes before the minister. Wait while I inform him. Returning to our AKSHA SA. My lord, a snake charmer has come and wishes to present a performance before you. Ah, the ill omen of seeing a snake. Allowed, Priyam Vadaka, I have no desire to watch a snake performance. Give him something, satisfy him, and send him away. I obey, going to the snake-charma. Friend, the minister cannot grant you an audience, but he will bestow upon you the honorable reward of an audience. Good sir. Respectfully tell the minister that I am not only a snake charmer, but also a poet in prakrit. If he cannot grant me an audience, ask him at least to read this leaf. My lord. The snake charmer respectfully says that he is not merely a snake charmer, but also a prakrit poet. If you cannot see him, he begs you to read this leaf. The honey that a bee skillfully gathers after draining the flow's nectar to the last drop is enjoyed by another. After a moment's thought, aside, ah, the verse means that my spy has returned with news from Kusumapura, the city of flowers. My mind has been so entangled in political designs, and my agents are so numerous that I had forgotten him. Now I recognize him. It must be Viradagukta in the guise of a snake charmer. Allowed, Priyam Vadhakar. Admit him. He is a great poet. I wish to hear his beautiful verses. I obey, going to the snake-charma. Come inside, sir." There is Lord Rakshasa. Alarmed by Rakshasa's activity, Royal Fortune cannot rest her right breast securely against Shandragupta's chest in the delight of a close embrace. Though her left arm is wound about Shandragupta's neck, her frightened right arm repeatedly slips from his shoulder and falls upon her thigh. Approaching. Victory to my lord. Ah, Viradha. Checking himself as he remembers the servants. Priyam Vadaka, I have decided to see the sneak performance after all. The servants may leave now. All of you return to your duties. I obey. P-R-I-Y-A-M-V-A-D-A-K-A and the other servants exit. Dear Viradha Gupta, sit upon this seat. As your command, He sits. Ah, to what a condition the servants of my departed master have been reduced. Leave this lamentation. My lord, very soon you will restore us all to our former glory in splendor. Now, my friend, give me a full and detailed account of Kusumapura. My lord, the story of Kusumapura is very long. Where shall I begin? My friend, I wish to hear what was accomplished by the hunters. Poisoned maidens and other agents whom I set to work when Chandragupta entered Nanda's palace. Then I shall tell you. Chandragupta's and Parvateshwara's army, composed of Sakas, Yavanas, Kirtatas, Kambhajas, Persians, Balfords and many other peoples. And directed by Chana Kya's policy, surrounded Kusumapura on every side like the swelling ocean at the end of the world. Ha! Who has dared besiege Kusumapura while I am alive? Viradha Gupta, let archers be stationed all along the walls and upon the earthen fortifications. Let powerful elephants capable of breaking the enemy's elephant formations be posted at the gates, and let all who desire to strike the enemy's weaker divisions and win glory advance with me. Fearless of death. My lord, restrain this surge of anger. I am describing the past. Ah, it happened in the past I thought it was taking place now. tears in his eyes, he lowers the sword. King Savathasiddhi remembered your great service. Rakshasa and it grieved him. His profound respect magnified your powers a thousandfold in his imagination and under its influence. While you were still within the city, he repeatedly issued commands on the battlefield as though you stood beside him. Let Rakshasa rushed to the place where that massive black elephant strikes like a storm cloud. Let Rakshaasah check and destroy that surging wave of cavalry. Let Rakshaasah annihilate that formation of infantry at once." King Sarvathashidhi saw all this. He could not endure the citizens' terrible suffering under the siege day after day. Therefore, for their welfare, he left through an underground passage in withdrew to a forest of penance. In the king's absence, the courage of your troops failed. You then left the city through the same tunnel, intending to restone Nanda rule, but not before suppressing the public proclamation of Chandragupta's victory in testing K. Citizen's loyalty, after that, poor Parvathaka died at the hands of the poison maiden whom you had kept to kill Chandragupta. friend, see how fate plays with us. That terrible poison maiden could take only one victim. And I had reserved her for Chandragupata. Yet she reached Parvateshwar and killed the very man whom the villain Vishnugupata wished to destroy. It was just as Karna's terrible and unfailing spear, reserved solely to kill Arjuna. Instead reached and killed Ghatotkacha. The victim Krishna wished removed. And at whose death he rejoiced? It was a cruel mockery of fate. What could the minister have done? Continue. Terrified by his father's murder, Prince Malia Ketu fled from there. Chanakya then reassured and won the confidence of Parvateshwara's brother, Viradhakha, a public announcement was made that Chandragupta would enter Nanda's palace. On that day, Charnakya summoned all the carpenters of Kusumapura and commanded them. At the auspicious hour fixed by the astrologers today, Chandragupta will enter Nanda's palace. Decorate the entire royal residence. Beginning with the main gate, the carpenters respectfully replied that. Anticipating King Chandragupta's entry, the carpenter Daruvaman had already erected a golden arch and other magnificent decorations at he. Main gate, only the interior remained to be adorned. The villain Chanakya warmly praised Daruvaman's intelligence and declared himself delighted that. The palace had been decorated without orders, adding that the the carpenter would very soon receive his reward. Ah, do not speak of that villain Chanakya's delight. Daruvaman's excessive devotion, or some foolish mistake, must have awakened harsh suspicion in him in ruined the attempt upon Chandragupta's life. Then, at the auspicious hour at midnight, the sinful Chanakya seated Parvateshwara's brother Virodhaka beside Chandragupta on the same. Throne and divided the empire equally between them. What are you saying, did he truly give Virodhaka half the empire, as he had previously promised? Yes, he did. The deeply cunning Chanakya must have staged this public ceremony to wash away the stain of Parvateshwara's murder, while secretly planning to kill the poor man. Allowed, very well, what happened next? After the coronation festivities, Viradhakha put on royal silk robes embroidered with strings of pearls, adorned his hair with a jeweled crown, and wore fragrant garlands upon his broad chest his appearance was so transformed that even his closest friends could not recognize him. At the villain Chana Kya's command he mounted Chandralekha. The elephant Chandragupta usually rode and arrived at the gate of Nanda's palace accompanied by the princes who normally attended. Chandragukta, your secret agent, the carpenter Daruvaaman, must took Viradhakha for Chandragukta and released the mechanical arch above him. At that moment the Mauria princes had halted their horses outside the palace. Chandrilekhas Mahout, Baburka, your second secret agent, grasps the golden gold within which a concealed sword had been hidden. Both attempts went astray in the same fashion. The elephant suddenly changed her stride. Fearing an injury to her right foot, the mechanical arch released by Dharuvaaman therefore fell away from its intended point and before it could reach Viradhaka, whom they took for Chandragupta, it crushed Babarka to death. In that instant Daruvaaman, seated upon the platform above and knowing his own death was certain once the arch had fallen, struck Virodhaka upon the elephant with the iron bolt that served as the key to the mechanism. A double calamity, Virodhaka and Babarka were killed. While by fate sport Chandragupta remained safe. What happened to the carpenter Daruvaaman? Virudhakar's foot-guard stoned him to death. Ah, I have lost my dearest friend Daruvaaman. And what did my physician Abhidutta accomplish? He performed his task perfectly. Then Chandragukta was killed. No, minister, through the fault of fate, he was not. Then why did you say Abhidutta performed his task perfectly? He prepared a medicinal draft for Chandragupta and secretly mixed powdered poison into it. Chanakya tested the drink and saw that its color changed as soon as it entered a golden vessel. He said to Chandragupta, Vrishala, this drink is poisoned, do not take it. He is certainly very clever. What became of the physician? He was forced to drink the same draft, and died. Ah! A master of medical science has been destroyed. And Pramodika, the officer of the bedchamber, what news of him? He met the same fate as the others. How? The fool began to live in extravagant luxury upon the great sum you had given him. When he was questioned about the source of so much wealth, he gave contradictory answers. Chanakya had him tortured and killed. What misery! Here too fate has defeated us. And Biharth Saka and his companions, whom I appointed to enter the bed-chamber through a tunnel and kill Chandragupta. What news of them? Their end was terrible. Was their presence discovered? Yes, before Chandragupta entered, the villain Chanakya inspected the bed chamber. Looking closely, he saw a line of ants emerging from a hole in the wall carrying grains of cooked rice. From this he concluded that men were concealed inside the chamber, and ordered it set on fire. When the flames rose, Bihar Tsakha and his companions were blinded by smoke. They could not find the door of the tunnel, which they themselves had barred from within. And all were burnt to ashes. My friend, look upon the fortune of that villain Chandragupata. The poison maiden I secretly kept to kill him became. Through fate's cruelty, the cause of Parvataka's death. The man entitled to half the kingdom, those whom I appointed to destroy Chandragupta by weapon and poison were themselves destroyed by. Those very means, every plan of mine has served only the Mārīya's good fortune. Nevertheless, my lord, once a task has been begun. It must never be abandoned. Men of base nature never begin a task for fear of obstacles. Men of meddling nature begin but abandon it when difficulties arise. The best and noblest, however, never forsake what they have undertaken. However many obstacles and hardships confront them. Certainly, what has begun cannot be abandoned. You see the proof with your own eyes. Now continue your account. From that time Chanakya became a thousand times more vigilant for Chandragupta's safety. Discovering whose work these plots were, he began to punish, one by one, your trusted friends who remained in Kusumapura. Who has been punished? First, the Buddhist monk Jiva Shirdi was humiliated and banished from the capital. He can endure that, exile is not painful to a man without family or property. Allowed, my friend, what charge was used to banish him? That, at your command, he used a poison made into murder Parvateshwara. Kotalya, you deserve great praise for this policy. You sow a single seed and gather many fruits. You have washed the stain from your own character and placed it upon me. While also ridding yourself of the claimant to half the kingdom. Allowed. Continue. Then Shakatadasa was sentenced to impalement on the charge that he had employed Daru Vaman and Pei. Others to murder Chandragupta. The accusation was proclaimed throughout the city. Ah, my friend Shaka Tadasa, you did not deserve so painful a death. No, since you gave your life in your master's cause, you are not to be mourned. It is we who deserve mourning, still clinging to life after the destruction of the Nandas. Do not say that, your master's cause is precisely the cause for which you continue to struggle here. friend because I was attached to life and unwilling to abandon this duty. I failed ungratefully to follow my departed master. Forgive me, my lord, but the truth is not as you say. It was your devotion to this great duty, not attachment to life, that kept you from following your departed master. In gratitude, you remained to complete his work. Tell me, my friend, I am ready to hear of another friend in peril. Seeing what was happening, Chandandasa removed your family to a place of safety. That was unwise. He has invited the hostility of the villain Chanakya. Would betraying a friend not have been still more unwise? True. Continue your account. He was pressured to surrender your family, but refused. Chanakya then blaced with anger and killed him, is it true? No, no, he ordered Chandanadasa's property confiscated, had him bound in chains, and imprisoned him with his wife and son. Then why did you say with satisfaction that he moved my family to safety? Why did you not say that I myself am chained? Together with my wife and son. Victory to my lord. Shakatadasa is waiting at the door. Is this true? My lord servants do not know how to lie. Viradha Gupta, how did this happen? It is fate that protects a man. Priyam Vadaka, If it is so, bring him in this instant and restore peace to me. Why do you delay? I obey. P-R-I-Y-A-M-V-A-D-A-K-A exits. S-H-A-K-A-T-A-D-A-S-A enters with S-I-D-D-H-A-R-T-H-A-K-A. I saw the stake driven hard into the ground. Firm as the Moria's power. With bowed head I wore the condemned man's garland, which shook my consciousness as his rule has shaken the kingdom. I heard the execution drums splitting my ears as my masters fall, split the world. Yet my heart did not break. It seems the three earlier blows of disaster have already turned it to stone. Seeing RAKSHASA. Joyfully. There stands Minister Rakshasa, who maintains King Nanda's cause with unbroken loyalty even after the king's death. Foremost among all loyal men on earth. Approaching victory to the minister. My friend Shakata Dasa, by great good fortune I see you alive after you fell into Chanakya's grasp. Come, embrace me. S-H-A-K-A-T-A-D-A-S-A embraces him. Sit here. I shall. He sits. My friend Shakatadasa, who is the noble man who has given my heart this joll. This is my dear friend, Siddharthaka. He drove the executioners from the place of death and brought me away safely. Worthy Siddha Thaka, this gift is very small beside the service you have done me. But accept it nevertheless. He removes an ornament from his body and presents it to S.I.D.D.H.A.R.T.H.A.K.A. My Lord, I am a stranger here and know no one with whom I can safely leave so precious a gift from thee. I therefore ask that it be sealed with this royal sagnet, bearing your name and kept in your treasury. I shall take it when I need it. Very well. There is no objection. Shakatadasa, do as he asks. As the minister commands, looking at the sagnet, quietly to our AKSHA, the minister's name is engraved upon this ring. It is indeed so. This is the very ring my Brahmin wife took from my hand to calm my anxiety. How did it reach this man's possession? Allowed, worthy Siddha Thaka, where did you find this ring? My lord! In Kusumapura there is a wealthy jeweler named Shandana Darsha. It had fallen at the doorway of his house. And I found it there. That is possible. What do you mean by, possible, my lord? I mean that it is natural to find such an object that the entrance of so rich a man's mansion. Dear Siddhartha, this is the minister's own royal signet. My lord will reward you with wealth far beyond its actual value. Give it to him. Honoured friend, I shall count myself fortunate if my lord accepts the ring. He hands it to our AKSHASA. Dear Shaka Tadasa, you may use this ring in affairs of state. As the minister commands. My lord, I have one request. Speak, friend, speak without hesitation. You understand that after making an enemy of Chanakya, I cannot return to Pataliputra. I therefore beg you to take me into your service. Friend, nothing would please me more. I hesitated to invite you only because I did not know your wishes. You are welcome in my service. I am grateful for this favor. Dear Shakthar Dasa, Arrange for Sidhathakas lodging and meals. I shall carry out your command at once. S-H-A-K-A-T-A-D-A-S-A and S-I-D-D-H-A-R-T-H-A-K-A exit. Dear Viradha Gupta, complete your report. Are the principal elements of the state responding to our policy of sowing division? Yes, my lord, they are, the matter is known to everyone. What is known, my friend? That Chandragupta is deeply angry with Chanakya because Malaya Ketu escaped. And that Chanakya, intoxicated by success, repeatedly disobeys Chandragupta's commands and thereby increases the king's displeasure. I tell you this from personal knowledge. Dear Viradha Gupta, return to Kusumapura in the same disguise of a snake-chama. A friend of mine named Stanakal Asha lives there disguised as a kotbhad. In my name, tell him that whenever Chanakya acts against Chandragupta's command, he must inflame Chandragupta by reciting provocative verses. Whatever result follows must be conveyed to me in the deepest secrecy through Karabhaka. I shall obey the minister's command. V.I.R.A.D.H.A.G.U.P.T.A.X.I.T.S. Victory to my lord. Shakata Dasa respectfully reports that these three very precious ornaments have been offered for sale. He asks my lord to examine them. These are indeed extremely valuable. a loud, good man, tell Shaka Tadasa to satisfy the seller and purchase them. I obey. Exit. I should also send Karabhaka to Kusumapura. Rising, I want Chandragupta to break with that villain Chanakya. I no longer have any doubt. Having imposed his commands upon all the feudatory chiefs, the Maurier king has grown fears and proud. Chanakya, thinking that the maurya became king through his support alone, is swollen with arrogance. One has attained an empire and fulfilled his purpose. The other has crossed the ocean of his vow. Their awareness that their purposes are complete, joined with their personal faults, will certainly shatter their friendship. Andragupta's Chamberlain enters. God of Love Once your eyes and other senses experienced forms and their objects and profited from them, every faculty eagerly performed its proper work. But now the organs of action that obeyed your command have lost their strength. Old age has overtaken you. You should abandon your futile desires. He advances and looks upward. Servants of the Shuganga Palace My Lord Shandragupta commands you to decorate the palace courtyards, for he wishes to celebrate the festival of moonlight and view the splendor of Patala Putra. Again looking upward. What are you telling me? The festival of moonlight has been cancelled. Does the king not know? Man. Do you hope to save your life by saying so? Obey the order at once. Let yak tailfans, shining like clustered moonbeams, hang from pillars perfumed with incense and adorned with garlands, and let the earth, seeming crushed beneath the burden of the throne she must continually bear. Be refreshed at once with sandalwood water and a carpet of flowers." looking upward. What do you say? Obey the king's command immediately. Hurry! Good man! Shandragupta himself is coming. This high-spirited young prince bears without stumbling or pain the heavy burden of the kingdom, which King Nanda carried for so many years. Though he is still like a young bull only now being brought under control. This way, my lord. The king enters with a female doorkeeper. Kingship is truly painful. A protector of the people gives up his own happiness to secure the happiness of others. Thus the title, Guardian of the Earth, finds its meaning. And when a man labors more for another's happiness than his own, he becomes a servant. Even for a worthy ruler? It is difficult to satisfy royal fortune. Royal fortune hates the harsh, abandons the gentle out of fear, despises the uneducated, feels no love for the over-learned, is ashamed of the brave, and detests the cowardly. Like a courtesan spoiled by excessive attention, she is difficult to serve. My teacher has ordered me to stage a false quarrel with him and for a while govern independently. I agreed with the greatest reluctance to this act that feels almost sinful. Yet I remain guided at every moment by my teacher's instruction. So long as a pupil acts rightly, he cannot fail. When delusion leads him onto a wrong path, the teacher restrains him. I desire no independence beyond that. Allowed. Honored Vyhanari, show me the way to the Shuganga Palace. This way, my lord, when they reach the palace, here is the Shuganga Palace. Ascend carefully, my lord. How beautiful the quarters of the sky appear. Adorned with the splendor of autumn, whiter than white clouds, filled with flocks of sweet-voiced swans and strewn with beautiful stars. The ten directions seem at night like rivers flowing gently through the sky, white with sandy banks, crowded with swans, and filled with night-blooming lotuses. And further, autumn gathers every prosperity. It is praised for restraining the rivers from overflowing. for teaching humility to rice plants bowed under their heavy ears and for curing the peacocks of their excessive pride. Again, like a skillful messenger of love, Autumn has guided the Ganger along her proper course and brought her to the ocean, once dark and distressed by his love for many wives. She now appears content. Surveying the city. What is this? There is no preparation for the festival of moonlight. Honored Vahinari was the order to celebrate the festival proclaimed in my name or not. It was proclaimed, My Lord. Then have the people disobeyed My command. Do not utter such a sinful thought. Has your command ever been disobeyed anywhere on earth? How could it happen in the capital? Then why has the festival of moonlight not yet been celebrated? Cortison's skilled in charming conversation, surrounded by beloved companions and moving slowly beneath the weight of their full hips. Do not beautify the streets, nor do wealthy citizens and their wives celebrate by openly competing with one another in magnificence. My Lord, the fact is... What is it? The fact is... Speak plainly. The festival of moonlight has been cancelled. What? Who cancelled it? The revered Shanakya, my Lord. Has the revered Shanakya deprived the people of so beautiful a spectacle? My Lord, could any living man disobey Your command? Shana Tara, I wish to sit. Here is the throne, my Lord. Be seated. Honored Vajhanari, I wish to see the revered Chanakya. As my Lord commands. Exit. CHANA KYA is revealed at home, seated in anger and thought. What? Does the villain Rikshasa attempt to compete with me? He wishes to take the kingdom from Shandragapta, Moria. Just as I, Caotelia, insulted, leaving the city poisonous as the Calakuta Venom, killed Nanda and seated Vrishala Moria on the throne. He even attempts to defeat my superior intelligence." Looking upward, Rakshasa, abandoned this futile effort. My king is not the arrogant Nanda. Dependent upon his ministers. He is Shandragupta. And you are not Shanakya. The only resemblance between us is that both of us, enemies of the reigning king, oppose the chief element of the state. But I need think no more about it." Malayaketu. Son of Parvataka. Is surrounded by familiar men who have already entered my confidence. And Siddharthaaka and the other spies are all intent upon their tasks. Now, by staging a false quarrel with Shandragutta Maurya, I shall create a breach between the enemy Malayaketu and the opposing Rakshasa, who considers himself a master of the policy of dissension. Alas! The misery of service! A servant must fear the king, the minister, the courtiers and everyone before him. For the sake of his food he must live in bondage, with sweet words and eyes raised in submission. A life that wise men compare to a dog's. Advancing and reaching Chanakia's house. This is the revered Shanakya's residence. I shall enter. Entering and looking around. Behold the possessions of the Emperor's minister. Here is a stone for shaping cakes of cow dung. There lies a heap of sacred kusha grass brought by the pupils. And that unplasted wall seems to lean against the side of the humble house. It is fitting that my Lord Chandragupta is merely Vrishala to him. A man free of desire treats a king as lightly as a blade of grass. Looking respectfully at C.H.A.N.A.K.Y.A. There is the revered Shanakya. He brought the whole world under control, ended Nanda's rule in an instant and established Chandragupta's competing in greatness with the sun. Reach at one time commands half the world. Kneeling and saluting. Victory to the revered teacher. Vaithanari, why have you come before me? Revered sir. My lord Shandragupta. Whose feet are reddened in battle by the jewels of enemy king's crowns? Bows at your feet and respectfully asks you to grant him an audience. If it will not interrupt your work, Vrishala wishes to see me? How has this happened? Has word reached him that I cancelled the festival of moonlight? Yes, revered sir. What? Who told him? Forgive me, revered sir. My lord Shandragupta climbed to the Shuganga palace and saw for himself that the festival was not. Being celebrated in the city. I understand. You filled his mind with agitation and incited him against me. How could this be otherwise? The chamberlain lowers his head in fear. Why should the king's servants bear resentment against Chanukya? Never mind. Where is Vrishala? My lord was in the Shuganga palace when he sent me to you. Then show me the way to the Suganga palace. This way, revered sir. They go to the Shuganga palace. Here is the Shuganga palace. Ascend carefully, revered sir. Ah, Vrishala is seated upon the throne. Excellent! The throne belongs to the Nandas. Destroyers of kingdoms. Yet it is occupied by Vrishala. The best of kings. The throne suits the king and the king the throne. These three excellences give me threefold satisfaction. Raging Shandragupta, victory to Vrishala, Shandragupta bows at the feet of his revered teacher. Rise, my son, may the light from the crown jewels of hundreds of kings shine between your toes from the Himalayas to the southern ocean. By my teacher's grace, I have already attained all this. Please be seated, revered sir. They sit upon appropriate seats. Vrishala, why did you summon me? So that I might be blessed by the sight of you, revered sir. Enough politeness. A king does not summon his ministers without a reason. What advantage did my revered teacher see in cancelling the festival of moonlight? Did you summon me to rebuke me? No, no. make a respectful request. If so, the pupil should obey the teacher's wish, which is worthy of respect. There is no doubt of that. But my revered teacher never acts without a reason. Vrishala. You speak truly. Chanakya does nothing without reason. Even while sleeping with one eye closed. It is only from a desire to know that reason that I ask. Vrishala, masters of politics describe three forms of government in the world. Rule by the king, rule by the minister, and rule by both. Your government is rule by the minister. Why should you ask the reason? The business is mine. The king turns his face away. Two bards recite versus offstage. May sheavers body destroy your sorrows. The body that whitens the sky with its ashes. Silver's the hide of the elephant demon with rays from the moon upon his head. Wears a garland of skulls. And shines with loud laughter. As autumn whitens, the sky with white reed flowers. Silver's the clouds with moonlight. a garland of water lilies, and shines with royal swans. And may the slightly side-long eyes of Vishnu protect us as he yawns, considering whether to leave his broad couch upon the hood of Shesha. Their lids are dim as they begin to open. For a moment they turn from the light of the jeweled lamps. Their movement is slow. They are moist with tears of sleep and deeply reddened by its interruption. Like a lion king, fashioned by the Creator as a treasury of pride, who cannot endure the breaking of his jaw? Conscious of his dignity, defeating the leaders of elephant herds by his own strength and living in complete independence. So the king of men, fashioned as a treasury of pride, cannot endure the violation of his commands and by his own power defeats arrogant rulers who command divisions of war elephants. And a man does not become a king merely by wearing ornaments and insignia. He is truly a king when, as with you, no one disobeys his command. The first Bard's verse praises Shiva and Vishnu while alluding to Autumn. But I do not understand the second Bard's verse. After a little thought, I understand. This is Rakshasa's move. Villain Rakshasa. You have been discovered. Cortillia is awake. Honored Vajhanari, give each of these two Bards one thousand gold pieces. As my Lord commands, he starts to leave. Stop, Vihannari, you are not to go. The Chamberlain looks fearfully at the king. Vrishala, what purpose is served by wasting so great a sum? When my revered teacher restrains me in every matter, independence is bondage, not independence. This misfortune overtakes a king who turns away from his duty. If you cannot endure restraint, then perform your duty. I do perform my duty. I am greatly pleased to hear it. Then I wish to know why the festival of moonlight was cancelled. And I wish to know why it should have been celebrated. The chief reason is that my command should be obeyed. And my chief reason for cancelling it is that your command should not be obeyed. For if your command, born upon the bowed heads of millions of kings, does not command me, it proclaims of itself that humility adorns your rule, I can give you another reason, if you wish. Give it! Shonatara, in my name tell the clerk Achalaka to send a list of Badrabhata and his companions Who? Becoming disaffected. Fled from here and entered Malayaketu's service. As you command, she goes and returns with the list. Here is the list, revered sir. Vrishala, listen. I am listening. List of the warriors of my lord Shandragapta who became disaffected. Fled from here and entered Malayaketu's service. Badrabhata, commander of the war elephants. Puradatta, commander of the cavalry. Dhingarata, nephew of the chief chamberlain. Balagupta, a kinsman of the king. Rajasena, the king's bodyguard when he was still a prince. Bagurayana, younger brother of the general Shirabala, Rootaksha of the Malava line, and Vijayawarman, commander of the Kshatriya division. I wish to know the causes of their disaffection. Listen, Vrishala, Badrabhata and Paradatta, officers of the elephants and horses, were were addicted to wine, women and hunting in the forest they were removed from office for neglecting their duties. Though they continued to receive annual stipends, therefore they deserted. Dinkarada and Balagupta were exceedingly greedy. Considering the stipends you gave them insufficient, they left and entered Malayakatu's service. Rajasena feared that the elephants, horses and vast wealth he had unexpectedly received through your favor might as suddenly be taken away. Therefore he fled. Bhagavadaka was Parvadaka's friend and loved him like a parent. He whispered into Malayakatu's ear. Chanakya caused your father's death and frightened him into flight. When Chanakya began punishing conspirators. Baghurayana fled in fear of his own offense. In gratitude for saving his life, Malayaketu appointed him keeper of the royal seal. Rootakshya and Vijayawarmen were exceedingly proud. They could not endure seeing honor shown to your kinsmen, and therefore left. If the causes of their disaffection were known, why did my revered teacher not immediately remedy them? I could not, v through the causes of their disaffection were known. Why did my revered teacher not immediately remedy them? I could not, for a reason. I could not, for a reason. Through inability or political reasons. Listen, there are two remedies for a disaffected subject. Favor and punishment, Badrabhata and Puradatta had been removed from office. Reinstating them would have been an act of favor. But if men guilty of such faults were restored, the Elephant and Cavalry Divisions, the principal supports of the state, would be ruined. Dhingarada and Balagupta were so greedy that even the whole kingdom would not have satisfied them. Rajasena and Bhagurayana suspected that I meant to kill them and confiscate their property. How could they have accepted any favor from me? Rohitaksha and Vijayawarmen were so proud that they could not endure the honor shown to your relatives. How could they have been pleased? This favor was impossible, punishment was also impossible, if, having only recently come to power after Nanda, we severely punished the senior officers who had led our armies. The subject still attached to the Nanda cause would never trust us. All these disaffected officers have been received by Malayaketu, who, filled with rage over his father's murder and guided by Rekshasa is preparing to attack us with a vast foreign army. This is a time to prepare for war, not for festivities. When we must concentrate upon fortifying the city, what purpose can the festival of moonlight serve? Much may be said about this matter. Speak freely. I too have much to say. Why did you assist Malaya Ketu? The root of all this unrest? To escape? To prevent his escape, only two courses were possible. Arrest and punish him, or give him half the kingdom as promised. If I arrested and punished him, I would place my own seal upon the charge of ingratitude for Parvadaka's murder. If I gave him half the kingdom, that too would look like a device for washing away the stain of Parvada Khetu's death. Therefore I assisted his escape." That is your defense in Malaya Khetu's case. But what can be said of your helping Rakshaasa? Who was here in the city? To escape? Rakshaasa was completely trusted by the Nanda partisans, for they had served together for many years. He was intelligent and brave, with many followers and a vast treasury. Therefore I helped him escape. Had he remained here, he would have raised a serious rebellion within the city, outside it, even if he stirred rebellion in the country. He would not be difficult to control. Why did you take no measures against him while he was here? How can you say I took no measures? He was a thorn in my heart, and I skillfully drew him out and cast him away. Why did you not seize him by force? Remember that he is Rikshaasa. If we tried to seize him by force, he would either die or destroy our troops. Either result would be a loss. If pressed too hard, he might die and slip from our hands. If he killed our best warriors, the loss would be equally great. Therefore he must be subdued by skill, like a wild elephant." �I cannot argue with you, revered sir. Yet Minister Raksha sir deserves praise in every respect. �And you do not? Is that the praise? Never mind, what has he achieved? �Listen. After the city was conquered. That great man remained within it as long as he wished and caused us severe trouble. He prevented our soldiers from proclaiming victory and, through superior statecraft, entangled me so deeply that I began to suspect even my most trusted men. Is that all Rikshaasa has accomplished? For a moment I thought he had removed you from the throne and made Malayaketu Emperor. Just as I removed Nanda and made you Emperor. That was another man's achievement. Why does my revered teacher count it to his own credit? Ungrateful man. Who else publicly made the terrible vow to destroy the entire race of his enemy? Who else, with fingers crooked in anger, bound up his hair and slaughtered the nine Nandas? rich in millions of gold pieces, one by one like sacrificial beasts? It was fate, terrible to the Nandas, that did it. Only the ignorant trust in fate. And the learned become proud. Vrishala, do you wish to rebuke me like a servant? My hand is again ready to loosen the knot of hair that I had bound. My feet move again to enter upon another vow. And you, standing before your own death, rekindle the fire of my anger that had grown calm after the destruction of the Nandas. My revered teacher is truly filled with anger. What am I to do? Though tears have softened the blaze of his eyes and his eyelids tremble, their fire Rikshasa seems to flare again as his terrible brows thrust forward. The earth shakes beneath the stamp of his foot, as though terrified by Rudra's furious dance. Vrishala, there is nothing more to say. If you consider Rikshasa superior to me, let this sword be given to him. He throws down the sword, rises from his seat and looks upward. Aside, Rakshasa, this is the highest reach of your intelligence. You attempt to defeat mine. Ha! You apply every policy of dissension in the confidence that Shandragupta Maurya, once separated from me, will easily be defeated. Through this feigned quarrel, I shall instead make you quarrel with your own Malaya Ketu. Chana kya exits. Honored Vahenari proclaimed to the people that from this day Shandragupta will govern independently of Channakya. Alas! The king called him merely Channakya. He has been dismissed. Yet it is no fault of his. When a king acts wrongly, the blame falls upon the minister. An elephant grows unruly through the folly of its driver. Honored Brahmin, why do you hesitate? Revered Lord, I rejoice that you will govern your own kingdom. I hope my revered teacher is only striving to appear in this form for the accomplishment of his purpose. Allowed, Honored Brahmin, hurry. As my Lord commands. Exit. Shona Tara. This bitter quarrel has given me a headache. Show me the way to the bedchamber. This way, my Lord. Though I disobeyed my revered teacher, only at his own command. I wish the earth would swallow me. How? Then? who truly insults his teacher, not die of shame. All Exit K-A-R-A-B-H-A-K-A enters disguised as a traveler. People of Mathila, is it not astonishing that a man, obeying his master's urgent command, should cross more than a hundred Yeojinas without pausing? Now I shall go and meet minister Rikshaasa. Advancing This is the residence of the revered minister Rakshasa. Is any gatekeeper here? Announce that Karabhaka has arrived in haste from Pataliputra. Good man. Speak softly. The minister has a headache after a sleepless night spent worrying over affairs of state. He is still in his chamber. Wait a little. At a suitable moment I shall announce your arrival. man, you may do so." R.A.K.S.H.A.S.A. enters from the bed chamber, deep in anxious thought. I have won over all of Chanakya's disaffected men. Yet as I reflect upon the uncertainty of fortune in Pondu Chanakya's crooked policy, anxiety over what may happen robs me of sleep night after night. A poet or statesman such as I undergo this kind of labor. First, with intelligence, he plants the most subtle seed of his design. Then he nurtures its growth. When the seed has reached a half-developed state, he applies an unseen policy whose fruit lies far in the future. After that he creates a condition of uncertainty. At last he brings the expanded design to completion. Victory to the minister Allowed. Good man. What are you trying to say? Karabhaka has come from Pataliputra. He wishes to see the minister. Admit him at once. As my lord commands. Going to K.A.R.A.B.H.A.K.A. Good man! You may see the minister. Exit. Victory to my lord. Sit, good man. As you command. He sits on the ground. There are so many operations in progress that I cannot remember what task I assigned this man. He tries to remember. A.S.T.A. F.F. Beerer enters. Stand aside. Good people. Clear the way. Do you not know that even the fortunate rarely gain sight of him? Much less approach him. Looking upward. What do you say? Good people? Why do I order you to clear the way? Listen! Prince Malaya Ketu is coming to visit Minister Rakshaasa, who is suffering from a headache. That is why I tell you to stand aside. Exit! M-A-L-A-Y-A-K-E-T-U enters with B-H-A-G-U-R-A-Y-A-N-A and the Chamberlain. Today marks ten months since my father's death, and despite all my proud claims to Valor I have not yet been able even to offer him the funeral water. I vowed that I would offer that water only after wiping joyful tears from the eyes of my enemies. Wives and transferring to them the grief my mothers suffered at my father's death. When they beat their breasts until their jeweled bracelets shattered, their garments slipped, their hair filled with dust, and the sky echoed with their piteous cries of, Alas! Alas! In a word, either I shall endure bravely and following the path of my ancestors, meet death upon the battlefield, or I shall wipe the tears from my mother's eyes and place those tears in the eyes of my enemies' wives." Allowed. Honored Ja'jali. I wish to visit Minister Rakshasa privately and surprise him. Do not let the usual royal assembly follow me. Proclaim in Malayaketu's name that no one is to come behind me. I obey my Lord's command. Turning back and looking upward. Hear this. Members of the court. Prince Malaiaketu commands that no one follow him. Watching their movements with satisfaction. See. My Lord. The commanders halt the instant they receive the Prince's order. Some are reigning in their horses, whose high necks bend sharply under the tight bit as though their hooves were trying to touch the sky. Others restrain their heroic elephants, whose bells fall silent. This royal host, like the sea that does not pass the limit of the tide, does not cross the boundary of respect. Honored Ja Jaali, you too return with the litter bearers. Only Baguri Yana will accompany me. As my Lord commands. He exits with the litter bearers. My friend Baguri Yana, Badrabhata and the others who came over to me entered my service through General Shikharasena. They specifically stated that they had not entered through Minister Rakshasa. They said, I myself am a king worthy to be served, one whose qualities attract men. Whereas Chandragupta was merely the follower of a wicked minister. I have thought deeply, but I do not understand their intention. My lord. It is simple. A man who wishes to serve an energetic king endowed with royal qualities should enter his service through a well-wishing friend of that king. That is the proper course. But, my friend, Rakshasa is my greatest well-wisher. Ah! So he is. Yet Rakshasa's enmity is with Chanakya, not with Shandragukta. It may happen that Shandragukta, intolerant of Chanakya's pride and success, dismisses him from the ministry. Then Rakshasa, out of affection for a descendant of the Nanda line and respect for old friends, might make peace with Shandragupta. In that event he could betray my lord. That is what those men intended to suggest. You speak truly. Now show me the way to minister Rakshasa's residence. This way, my lord. Reaching the minister's house. We have arrived. Enter, my lord. I shall. Ah, I remember now. Allowed. Good man. Did you meet the bard Stana Kalashya in Patali Putra? Yes, my lord, I did. Varguryana. They are discussing operations in Pataliputra. I shall not go in yet. I shall remain here and listen. For ministers speak one way before the king out of fear of the court, and another way when they speak without restraint to their own men. As my Lord commands, did the operation succeed? By my Lord's grace, it succeeded. What operation was it, my friend? A minister's operations are exceedingly deep. It is difficult to determine their purpose at this stage. Listen silently. My lord. I wish to hear every detail. Listen, my lord. You ordered me to go to Patali Putra and tell the Bard Stannakalasha that whenever Chanakya acted Against Shandragupta's command, he was to recite verses that would inflame Shandragupta. Go on. I went to Patali Putra and conveyed your order to the bard. At that time Shandragupta, wishing to cheer the people who mourned the destruction of the Nanda family, commanded that the festival of moonlight be celebrated. The people welcomed the beloved festival as one welcomes a dear relative after a long separation. Alas, King Nanda, which is a festival of moonlight without you, who were as dear to the world as the moon among kings? There may be a physical moon to make the night lotuses bloom and a maurya, moon, to please thee, people, but neither is you. The festival, so dear to the people's eyes, was cancelled by the villain Chanakya against the king's desire. At that moment Stanakalasha recited verses designed to inflame Shandragukta. What would be? Like the Lion King, fashioned by the Creator as a Treasury of Pride, who cannot endure the breaking of his jaw. So the King of Men. And, a man does not become a king merely by wearing ornaments. He is truly a king when no one disobeys his command. Well done. My friend Stanakalasha. A seed of separation sown at the proper moment must bear fruit. Even an ordinary man cannot endure being deprived of his festival. How could a king endure it? Exactly so. Continue. Anchored by the violation of his order, Shandra Gupta entered into a bitter quarrel with the villain Chanakya, praised my lord in the argument, and dismissed Chanakya from office. Aguriyana, Chandragupta's praise of Raksasa reveals an inclination toward him. My lord, the main point is not the praise of Raksasa, but the dismissal of Chanakya. Was the cancellation of the festival of moonlight the only cause of Chandragupta's displeasure with Chanakya, or was there another? my friend. Why does he search for another cause of Chandragupta's displeasure?" Chanakya is discerning. He would not provoke Chandragupta over a trivial matter. Chandragupta too is grateful. For this reason alone he would not cross the limits of respect due to Chanakya. For their separation to be lasting, many causes are needed. That That is why Raksasa asks, Yes, there was another cause. Chanakya assisted Prince Malayaketu and my lord Raksasa to escape. My friend Shakata Dasa, Chandragukta is now completely within my power. Then Shandana Dasa will be released. My lord will see his wife and son. And Jiva Siddhi will be freed from suffering. When Jiva Siddhi's suffering will truly come to an end, what does he mean? My friend, when he says, Chandragupta is in my power. Chandragupta is now separated from Chanakya. Raksasa sees no obstacle to keeping them apart. What other meaning could there be? Good man, where is the person who was dismissed from office now? My lord, he is still there. Is he still composed? Has he not gone to a forest of penance, or undertaken some new vow? My lord, people say that he intends to go to the forest. Shaktarasa, that is impossible. A man who could not endure an insult from King Nanda will never endure an insult from Chandragupta. A king of his own making. friend, what purpose would Chanakya achieve by going to the forest or taking a new vow?" It is obvious. His purpose would be achieved while he remained at a distance. Do not take offense. My lord! But it is possible. Would a king who has become almost divine by placing his foot upon the heads of enemies endure thee? Disobedience of one of his own men. And Dhanakya? Though naturally wrathful. May not! After completing one vow through good fortune, undertake another severe vow. He has personally experienced the hardship of violent action, and may fear failure in the future. It may be so. Karabhaka, go and take rest in food. As my Lord commands, S-H-A-K-A-T-A-D-A-S-A and K-A-R-A-B-H-A-K-A exit, I shall carry the good news to the Prince. I have come in person to see the Minister. Ah, the Prince. Rising, my Lord, take this seat. I shall let the minister also be seated. They sit on appropriate seats. Has the minister's headache improved? How can it improve until the title, Prince, is replaced by Emperor? Since the minister has pledged to accomplish this himself, success is easy. Why should I remain inactive? Are my forces ready to march while they wait for some weakness in the enemy? Why delay any longer? My lord may set out upon the campaign of victory. Has the minister found some weakness in the enemy? Yes. What is it? A weakness in the ministry itself. Chandragopta has broken with Chanakya. V. So, weakness in the ministry is indeed a weakness. It would be so in the realm of another king, but not in Chandragupta's case. Minister, that is not so. Chanakya's faults merely displeased Chandragupta's subjects. Now that he has been removed, those who already loved Chandragupta will love him still more. No, the subjects fall into two classes. Supporters of Chandragupta and unshakable devotees of the Nanda family. Chanakya's faults angered Chandragupta's supporters. Not the Nanda loyalists. They are enraged by Chandragupta's ingratitude in destroying the Nanda house. Lacking a worthy master, they have followed Chandragupta. Now they find in me the leader whose power to destroy the enemy is universally acknowledged. They will soon abandon him and seek refuge with my lord. Let my own example prove it." Revealed Sir, is this the only reason for attacking Chandragukta, or are there others? There are many others, but this is the most important. How is it the most important? Can Chandragupta not appoint another minister and adopt suitable measures? No, he cannot. That would be possible for a king accustomed to independent government. But the wicked Chandragupta has always favored government by a minister. How can he now adopt suitable measures on his own? Just as the newborn infant, Dependent upon its mother's breast, cannot live even for a moment without it. So an inexperienced and ignorant king, dependent upon a minister, cannot remain independent for even a moment. Fortunately, I do not favor government by a minister. Allowed. Even so, an attack upon an enemy who suffers weakness in the ministry and many other disadvantages must certainly succeed. My lord may be completely confident. Every circumstance favors you. The city of Pataliputra remains devoted to the Nandas. Chanakya is estranged from Chandragupta. The maurya is a new king. And I am here, merely to show the road. In these conditions, nothing stands between us in success except the absence of my lord's command. If the minister considers this the proper time for the campaign, why should I remain inactive? My elephants, truly reddened with vermilion, towering in height, streaming with hickor, dark in color, roaring mightily and breaking banks with their tusks, will scatter the so-called Shona River in a hundred directions. The river with high banks, flowing water, with Derva grass, sweetly rippling and breaking its own shores. And the ranks of my elephants, roaring deeply and pouring streams of hikor, will surround Patali Putra as lines of storm clouds pour rain upon the Vindya Mountains. M-A-L-A-Y-A-K-E-T-U and B-H-A-G-U are A-Y-A-N-A exit. Is there any sow and bear? Found me, my lord. Priyam Vadaka, is there an astrologer at the door? A K. Shappanaka. What? A repulsive mendicant? Jiva Siddhi. Ah, he is welcome. Send him in. As my lord commands. Exit Jiva Siddhi, the Buddhist mendicant, enters. the teaching of the Ahats, which cures those afflicted by the disease of delusion. At first it offers only stern instruction, but in the end it brings true welfare. Approaching our AKSHASA May the revered Lord attain liberation. Venerable Sir, name the date on which we should set out on our campaign. I have determined it. The afternoon of the full moon day is auspicious in every respect. The constellation too favors my Lord's journey from north to south. Furthermore, at the hour of departure, Mercury's sign will be in the ascendant. The sun will be descending toward sunset. The full moon will rise in complete radiance, and the sudden appearance of K2 will end in his setting. Venerable sir, the lunar date itself appears unfavorable. Rev. Lord. The lunar date has one degree of importance. The constellation 4 and the moon 100 so declares the science of astrology. Therefore, the moment touched by Mercury's sign is auspicious. Avoid only the inauspicious interval of the Badra Karana. The moon's favor will bring my lord, great advantage. Venerable sir, I shall consult other astrologers as well. Let the revered minister do as he pleases. I am going. What has happened, is the venerable sir angry with me? I am not angry with you. Then who is? The divine power that rules human fortune is angry. you trust foreigners and slight your own people. Exit Priyam Vadaka, what time is it? The sun is nearing its setting. Indeed, the sun is about to set. Just as the shadow of a tree that worships the sun at dawn moves westward when the sun rises but abandons its lord when the sun sets. So as so and deserts his master when that master's importance declines. All Exit S-I-D-D-H-A-R-T-H-A-K-A enters carrying a sealed letter and a casket of ornaments. Oh Lord! The climbing vine of Chanakya's policy, watered by intelligence from the vessels of time and place, has begun to bear the precious fruit of fulfilled purpose. I carry the letter that the revered Shanakya earlier had Shakattadasa right, and that was sealed with Minister Rakshasa's signet. This casket of ornaments too bears the same seal. I shall pretend that I am traveling to Patali Putra. After a few steps, seeing a Buddhist mendicant. Ah! A K. Shapanaka is coming. I shall wait for him. Jiva Siddhi, the Buddhist mendicant, enters. I bow to the Ahats. Who through profound knowledge attain Nirvana in this world by the highest path? Venerable Sir, I salute you. May you attain liberation. Good man. Looking closely, you are setting out on a journey. How did you know? Venerable Sir, What is there to know? That letter, which urges you onward, announces it plainly. You have judged correctly. I am going elsewhere. Tell me. Venerable sir, what is the quality of this day? Good man, your head is already being shaved, and you ask which constellation rules the day. What harm is there in asking? Even if it It is late. If the day is auspicious, I shall go. If not, I shall turn back. Even if today were perfectly auspicious, you could not leave Malayaketu's camp. How is that? Venerable sir, tell me. Listen. Formerly one could come and go without restriction. But now that Patali Putra is No one may enter or leave the camp without a pass. If you possess a pass from Bhagavad Gita, you may go safely. Otherwise remain here. Lest the guards bind your hands and feet and drag you before his tribunal. Do you not know that I am Siddharthaaka, an attendant of the revered Rakshasa? Who has the power to stop me, even without a pass? Whether you serve Rakshasa or a real demon, there is no way out without a pass. Forgive me, venerable sir, and bless my undertaking. Go, good man, I bless your undertaking. I shall now ask Bhagavad Gita for a pass myself. They exit in different directions. End of the interlude BHAGURAYANA enters with an attendant. How astonishingly changeable is the policy of the revered Chanakya. I marvel at the methods of statesmen, which, like the workings of fate, assume many forms according to the purpose. A policy may sometimes be simple to understand and sometimes exceedingly intricate, sometimes fully visible and sometimes unseen. Sometimes it leaves only the faintest clue, and sometimes its objective expands into a vast design. Allowed Basaraka The prince wishes me to remain near him. Bring me a seat in this public audience pavilion. Here is a seat, my lord. Please sit. Bring before me anyone who seeks a pass. As my Lord commands. Exit How painful it is to deceive Prince Malaiaketu. Who loves me so deeply? Yet, a man who has become another's servant has sold his body for momentary gain, surrendering the nobility of his birth, his shame, his honor, and even the value of his name. name. What room remains for him to debate what is right or wrong?" M-A-L-A-Y-A-K-E-T-U enters with the female doorkeeper, V-I-J-A-Y-A. Troubled by many suspicions, my mind can reach no decision about Rakshaasah. Will his deep devotion to the Nanda family lead him to make peace with the clever Mauria? A descendant of that line. Now that Chandragukta has dismissed Chanakya, or will he remain faithful to his promise and continue to serve me? My mind turns ceaselessly in doubt, as though fixed upon a pot as wheel. Allowed. Vijaya, where is Bhagurayana? My Lord, He is here, issuing passes to those who wish to leave the camp. Vijaya, remain here while I cover his eyes from the other side before he sees me. As my lord commands. My lord, a Buddhist mendicant wishes to see you for a pass. Admit him. As my lord commands. Exit. Revered sir, may you attain liberation? Ah, this is Rakshasa's friend Jiva Siddhi. Allowed. Venerable sir, I presume you are travelling on some business of Rakshasa. I reject that sinful thought. I am going where Rakshasa's name will never be heard. Venerable sir, you seem deeply angry with your friend. What offence has Rakshasa committed against you? Revered sir. Rakshasa has committed no offence. Unfortunately, I myself have become the author of my own misfortune. Venerable sir, you make me curious. And me as well. I wish to hear the matter. So do I. What will you do after hearing it? If it is secret, say no more. It is not secret. If it is not secret, tell me. Revered, sir, it is no secret, but I shall not tell you. Then I shall not give you a pass. He is determined to know. It is proper that I tell him. Allowed. Since I cannot avoid it, I shall speak. Listen, revered, sir. When I formerly lived in Pataliputra, I became Raksasa's friend. During that time Rakshasa secretly used a poison maiden to murder Emperor Parvateshvara. Alas! What do I hear? Rakshasa murdered my father, not Chanakya? Then the villain Chanakya, taking me for an accomplice in the murder, because I was Rakshasa's friend, humiliated me and banished me from the city. Even now Rakshasa, skilled in every political game, proposes some kind of revenge. that may banish me from life itself." That sinful deed was committed not by Raksasa, but by the villain Chanakya, who did not wish to give Parvatesvara the half of the kingdom he had promised. That is what I have heard. May Lord Buddha free me from sin. The very name of the poison maiden had never reached Chanakya's ears. Venerable sir, take this pass. Come and repeat this statement before the prince. My friend. I have heard the statement made by my enemy's friend. It doubles the pain of my father's murder and tears through my ears. Ah. The foolish Malayaketu has heard everything. My task is accomplished. Exit. Rakshasa. This is grossly unjust, you murdered my father. Who trusted you? Regarded you as his friend. Surrendered everything to your care and lived without fear. At his fall, his relatives' tears flowed. You are Rakshasa, a demon in name, and demonic indeed. The revered Shanakya ordered that Rakshasa's life be preserved. I shall act accordingly. Allowed. I beg my lord not to yield to anger. Take your seat. I have something to say. My friend, what do you wish to say? My lord, among those who conduct political affairs, the distinctions between friend, Enemy and neutral depend upon political purpose, not upon personal affection as among ordinary men. At that time, King Parvateshvara was from Rakshasa's political perspective, the only obstacle to restoring Savarthasiddhi. For he was more powerful than Shandragupta. Thus, Parvateshvara was Rakshasa's true political enemy. That is why Rakshasa acted as he did. In these circumstances I do not see the deed as an extreme offence. Consider, my lord, according to political purpose, a friend's enemy may become a friend and an enemy's friend an enemy. Politics gives a man a kind of rebirth in which the relationships of the former life are forgotten. Therefore do not condemn Rakshasa for this action. Keep him satisfied until you have secured the Nanda Empire. After that, my lord is free to retain or dismiss him. My friend, I agree. You speak correctly. The death of the minister would disturb the other elements of the state and might ultimately endanger my success. Victory to my lord. Turning to be H-A-G-U-R-A-Y-A-N-A. My Lord! The captain of the guard reports that a man has been caught attempting to leave the camp without her. Pass! He carries a letter. My Lord should examine him. Bring him in, good man! As my Lord commands! Exit! S-I-D-D-H-A-R-T-H-A-K-A enters in chains, followed by an attendant. I bow to the spirit of dutiful loyalty, guardian of men like me, which turns its face away from every calculation of the merit or danger of a mission. My Lord, here is the man. Good man! Are you newly arrived, or are you someone's servant? My Lord, I am an attendant of the revered Raksasa. Then why were you leaving the camp without a pass? My business is urgent. Can any business be so urgent that it excuses disobedience to the king's command? Vagurjana. Take the letter. Here is the letter. Exumining the seal. The seal bears the name Rakshasa. Open it. Spread out the sheet and show it to me. BHAGURAYANA opens the letter and shows it to the prince. Hasty! A certain person, from a certain place and in a certain place, submits to a certain high official by dealing with the writer's enemy. The truthful man has proved his truthfulness. While keeping his promise, He must now reward the writer's friends who have concluded an agreement. According to his word, once they are satisfied to this extent, by destroying the enemy of the man whom he serves, he will render the writer true service. One of these friends desires the enemy's elephants, another his treasury, and another his territory. The truthful man does not forget such matters. The writer now merely reminds him. The writer acknowledges that the three ornaments sent earlier have been received. Let the recipient accept the trifling gift sent with this letter. The trusted bearer Sidharthaka will deliver the oral token. Whose letter is this? Bhaagurayana. Sidharthaka, whose letter is it? My lord, I do not know. What? Rogue, you carry a letter and do not know whose it is. Never mind that. Who is to receive the oral token from you? My Lord, You are. I am to receive it. What are You saying? My Lord, You have caught me. I do not know what to say. You will know immediately. To the attendant, Bassa Raka, take him away and whip him thoroughly until he tells everything. As my lord commands. He takes SIDDHAR-THAKA out and returns. My lord, while we were whipping this man, this sealed casket fell from under his arm. Its seal too bears the name, Rakshasa. It must be the gift mentioned in the letter. Keep the seal intact until it is noted. Then open the casket and show it to me. B-H-A-G-U-R-A-Y-A-N-A opens the casket and shows it to the prince. Ah! These are the very ornaments I removed from my own body and sent to Rakshasa. The matter is clear. The recipient of the letter must be Chandragupta. Every doubt will soon be removed. To the attendant. Good man! Whip him again. As my lord commands. He goes out and returns with S-I-D-D-H-A-R-T-H-A-K-A. Under the lash, this man says he will tell the matter only to the prince himself. Then speak. I beg the prince to promise me safety. A man who is no longer free is already safe. Continue, good man. May the prince graciously listen. The revered Raksasa gave me this letter and sent me to Shandragupta. Now I wish to hear the oral token. My lord! The minister told me that the oral message was this. Shitravaman. King of Kaluta. Simhanada. King of Malaya. Pushkaraksha. King of Kashmir. Sindhu Sena. King of Sindhu. And Megaksha. King of Persia. These five foreign chiefs are my dear friends. The first three desire Malayaketu's territory. The other two desire his elephants and treasury. Let the prince give them what was promised. Nothing has pleased me so greatly as the dismissal of Chanakya. What is this? A Chitravemn and the other four plotting against me? It must be so. They are extremely close to Rakshasa. Therefore it is possible. Allowed. Vijaya, I wish to see minister Rakshasa. As my lord commands. Exit. RAKSHA SAA enters in his own tent, deep in anxious thought, attended by a servant. To tell the truth, my mind is not free from doubt. For many deserters from Chandragupta have joined my army. For, an army whose proven ability suits the objective, strengthened by reinforcements and free of hostile elements, brings victory, but a commander who relies upon untested troops mixed from friends and enemies and unsuited to thee. purpose meets defeat, yet I need not doubt. The deserters in my army have already been tested and reissued." Allowed. Priyam Vardhakar. In my name tell the foreign chiefs who follow the prince to take their proper places in the order of March. For day by day we draw nearer to Patali Putra. Let the Khasa and Shabara chiefs advance behind me with their forces. Let the Yavana chief and the chief of Gandhara guard the center. Let the brave Shaka chief and the Hoona chief remain in the rear. And let the remaining foreign rulers, the King of Kaluta and the others, take positions around Prince Malayaketu in the order of March. As my lord commands. it. Victory to my lord. The prince summons you. Good lady, wait a moment. Calling. Is anyone there? Command me, my lord. Good man. Tell Shakata Dasa that it is not fitting to appear before the prince without adornment. Since the prince has already given me an ornament, let him bring one of the three ornaments we purchased. As my lord commands. He goes and returns with an ornament. My lord, here is the ornament. Good lady, show me the way to the royal pavilion. Follow me, my lord. High office is a source of fear even to an innocent servant. First there is fear of the master. Then fear of fellow servants weighs upon the mind. The prominence of a great man arouses the hatred of the wicked. And his heart remains filled with apprehension of an undeserved fall. My lord, there is the prince. Please advance. Ah! He is there. He stares fixedly ahead. Then, as though crushed by thought, rests his moon-like face upon his hand. Approaching. Victory to the Prince. Revealed Minister, I salute you. Take this seat. R-A-K-S-H-A-S-A sits. I regret, Revealed Sir, that I see you only after so long a delay. I have earned the Prince's displeasure because I was arranging the order of the army's march. Revereed minister, I wish to know how you arranged the order of march. My lord, these were my directions for the chiefs who follow the prince. He repeats his earlier orders concerning the Khasa and Shabara chiefs and the others. Ah! The chiefs who are prepared to kill me and serve Chandragukta have been ordered to remain around me. Allowed. Revered, sir, has anyone come from or gone to Pataliputra? My lord, there is no longer any need for messengers to come and go. I shall be there myself within a few days. I know that. Allowed. If so, why did the revered minister send this man with a letter? Ah, it is Siddhartha Gah. I respectfully submit that, under the lash. He breaks off and looks down. Vagurayana. Fear or shame will prevent him from speaking before his master. Tell the revered minister yourself. As my Lord commands, to R.A.K.S.H.A.S.A. Minister. This man says that you sent him to Shandragupta with a letter and an oral token. Siddhathaka, is this true? Yes, under the lash, I said so. It is false. What will a man not see under torture? Varguriana, show him the letter. He may hear the oral token from his servant afterward. Minister, here is the letter. Prince, this is a fabrication of the enemy. These ornaments too were sent with the letter as a gift from the revered minister. How? Then, can it be an enemy fabrication? My Lord, these are not a gift. They are the ornaments my Lord sent to me. I gave them to Siddharthaka as a reward for a most satisfactory service." Ornaments of such value, and gifts of my Lord's favour, were given to a man like this. Revealed minister, the letter says that Siddharthaka will also deliver an oral token. What oral token? I deny the letter itself. Then whose seal is this? A skillful forger can counterfeit a seal as well. My lord, the minister speaks correctly. To S.I.D.D.H.A.R.T.H.A.K.A. Good man! Who wrote this letter? S-I-D-D-H-A-R-T-H-A-K-A looks helplessly toward R-A-K-S-H-A-S-A and remains silent. Good man! Answer if you wish to avoid another whipping. Shakatadasa wrote it, my lord. If Shakatadasa wrote it, it is as good as written by me. Vijaya! I wish to see Shakatadasa. The revered Shanakya's spies never propose an action with a doubtful outcome. I shall manage this." Allowed. My Lord. Shakatadasa will never admit in Minister Rakshasa's presence that he wrote it. Let some other specimen of his writing be brought. The similarity of the hand will decide the matter by itself. Do so. My Lord. Let the signet ring also be brought. Bring both. As my lord commands. She goes and returns. My lord, here is another document written by Shakata Dasa, and here is the signet. The handwriting is exactly the same. Yes, the handwriting is exactly the same. Has Shakta Tadasa, loving mortal relationships more than immortal fame? Forgotten loyalty to his master through longing to be reunited with his wife and son? There can be no doubt. He wears this signet upon his finger. Siddhathaka is his friend, therefore this letter of conspiracy must indeed be his. The matching handwriting proves it. Longing to see his beloved family again. Shaka Tadasa abandoned devotion to his master and joined the enemy. Masters of sowing dissension. In this base act. Revereed minister. In your letter you write that you received three ornaments sent by the honored recipient. Is this one of them? Examining it closely, aside, this is an ornament my father used to wear. Allowed. Revered minister, why did you accept this ornament? I purchased it. Vigya, do you recognize this ornament? How could I fail to recognize it? My lord, Emperor Parvateshvara used to wear it. Alas, Father, you were the ornament of our dynasty, and you wore this ornament that was worthy of you. Adorned with it, you looked like an autumn evening. Your face shining like the moon amid a field of stars." She says, Parvateshwar Voit, then the merchant who sold these ornaments to me must certainly have been sent by Chanakya. Revereed minister, how could you acquire by purchase an ornament once worn by my father and afterward taken by Chandragupta? Perhaps greedy for greater gain, Chandragupta sold you the ornament and you cruelly paid for it with my own life. How convincingly the accusation has been constructed. I cannot deny the letter. For the seal is mine. Who will believe that Shakatadasa betrayed me? And who will think it possible that the Maurier king sold ornaments for money? In these circumstances only one answer is fitting. To accept the blame. I ask the revered minister. Ask me without, revered, Prince. I am no longer worthy of it. The Maurier is the son of your former master, whom you ought to serve with complete submission. I am the son of your friend, and I submit completely to you. You should obey his commands. While I obey yours, whatever He gives you, He may give, whatever I receive from you. I receive. Under Him the ministry would be servitude. With me, your service is honoured independence. What greater advantage can tempt you to so base an act? Prince, reverse the statement. The words of the accusation decide the truth. He repeats the substance of, the Moria is the son of your former master, with the pronouns reversed. Then whose work is all this? It is the work of fate. That fate killed my wise, Highborn and discerning master King Nanda. In whose eyes even I, A humble servant, was not held beneath royal princes. All this is the unfathomable work of wicked fate, which defeats human effort. What! Do you still hide behind words? Is this the work of fate? Not greed? Base in great. First you murdered my father. Who trusted you with a poison maiden? And now, shame upon you, you sell me. Who honored you as royal minister to the enemy for the price of my flesh. As the same goes, who wound upon a boil, allowed. I am innocent of Pavateśvara's murder. Then who killed my father? Ask fate. I shall ask not fate, but the Buddhist mendicant Jiva-city. Damnation! Jiva-shiddhi too has been won over by Chanakya. Alas, the enemy has penetrated the deepest secret of our camp. Basuraka, carry this order to General Shikharasena, Chitravayaman, King of Kaluta, Simhanada, King of Malaya, Pushkaraksha, King of Kashmir, Sindhu Sena, King of Sindhu, and Megaksha, King of Persia. The five chiefs who became Rakshasa's friends have proposed to kill me and enter Chandragupta's service. The first three desire my kingdom. Bury them alive in deep pits. The other two desire my elephant core. Have them trampled to death by elephants. As my lord commands. Exit. Rakshasa. I am not an unjust demon. I am Malayaketu. Go now and serve Chandragupta completely. Behold, I shall at once destroy Vishnugupta and Chandragupta, together with you who came to attack me. Just as wicked policy destroys righteousness, wealth and pleasure, Varguryana. There is no need for further delay. Let my army march upon Pataliputra this very hour and lay siege to it. Dust from my cavalry's hooves, rising from the earth mixed with streams of elephantic or, will fall upon the heads of our enemies. Darkening the cheeks of the women of Gouda whitened with Lodropollen and dulling the lustre of their black, curling hair. MALAYAKETU, Bargurayana, and the Attendant's Exit Alas, deluded man that I am. Chitravaman and the other four have also been killed. What is this? Whatever Rakshasa does destroys his friends. Not his enemies. What, then, shall an unfortunate man like me do? Shall I go to a forest of penance? No, penance will not quiet my vengeful heart. Shall I follow my master Nanda into the next world? No, to do so while the enemy lives would be the act of a woman. Shall I take the sword as my only companion and hurl myself upon the enemy army? No, that too would be wrong. For my heart, eager to secure Chandranadasa's release, restrains me, if it did not, I would be guilty of indratitude." RAKSHA SAXITS SIDDHARTHAKA ENTERS JOYFULLY, ADORNED WITH COSTLY REWARDS Glory to Krishna! Who destroyed the demon Keshi? Dark as a storm cloud! Glory also to Shandragupta! the moon who delights the eyes of men. But above all, glory to the policy of the revered Chanakya, which has brought the work of victory to completion and destroyed the enemy utterly. Now, after many days, I shall see my dear friend Samradha Thakur. He walks a few steps and looks ahead. Samridharthaka enters. Tor meant a man when he is separated from a beloved friend. Even wine, festivals and family gatherings continually awaken painful memories. I hear that my dear friend Siddhartha Kha has arrived from Malayaketu's camp. I shall look for him. He walks a few steps and looks ahead. Ah! There is Siddhartha Kha. My friend, I hope you are well. They embrace. How can I be well when you arrived this morning and did not come to my house? Forgive me, my friend. The moment the revered Chanakya saw me, he commanded, Siddhartha, go and carry the joyful news to the illustrious King Chandra. I delivered the news and received these royal rewards. After that I came straight to your house to see my dear friend. My friend, if I am permitted to hear it, what was the joyful news you told the illustrious Chandra? What could there be that you are not permitted to hear? Listen! The foolish Malaya Ketu, bewildered by the revered Shanakya's political devices, dismissed Rakshasa and immediately killed the five principal foreign chiefs, Shitravamana and the others. Seeing him as thoughtless and cruel, the remaining chiefs abandoned the camp and returned to their own countries. Their troops too. Suddenly seized by fear and eager to depart. Followed them. Then Badrabhata. Pura Datta. Dhingarata. Balagupta. Rajasena. Bhaagurayana. Rohitaksha and Vijayavarman arrested Malaya Ketu. My friend, people said that Badrabhata and his companions had become disaffected with our Lord Chandra and entered Malayaketu's service. What has happened? Then, the action begins in one fashion and ends in another, like the play of an unskillful dramatist. My friend, the methods of the revered Chanakya are as unfathomable as the workings of fate. I can only bow before them. Never mind. What happened next? The revered Shanakya immediately marched out with a great force of selected soldiers and took possession of the entire foreign army, which had been left without commanders. Where is that army now, my friend? It is approaching. Listen. The elephants. Looking like rain-bearing clouds. Raw in delight as the ica flows from their temples. Look, the horses fitted with decorated harness leap and quiver in their hindquarters for fear of the whip. All that is well, my friend, but how did the revered Chanakya, who had so publicly and unquestionably resigned the ministry, returned to office? Now you, with your ordinary intelligence, wish to solve the labyrinth of Chanakya's policy. A labyrinth even Minister Rakshasa could not unravel. My friend, where is Minister Rakshasa now? His story is this. He immediately left Malaya Ketu's camp and, following the spy Udambara, turned back toward this city. The revered Shanakya told me so. My friend, Rakshasa set out with a mighty resolve to restore the Nanda Empire. Why is he returning to Pataliputra without accomplishing his purpose? Remember his love for Shandana Dasa. Then do you hope Shandana Dasa will be released? How can that unfortunate man be released? The revered Channakya has ordered us both to take him immediately to the execution ground and impale. Him? has the revered Chanakya mounted a Shandala executioner. That he commands us to commit such a sinful act. My friend, can anyone who values his life oppose the revered Chanakya's command? Come. We shall put on the dress of Shandalas and take Shandana Dasa to the execution ground. They exit. End of the interlude. AMAN enters carrying a rope. Glory to the rope of Chanakya's policy made exceedingly strong by strands of the six political measures and fitted with a noose formed from a chain of stratagems, ready to capture the enemy. He walks some distance and looks around. This is the place the spy Udambara identified to the revered Chanakya, where in accordance with Shanakya's order I am to watch Minister Raksha Saa looking ahead ah there is Minister Raksha Saa he is coming this way with his face concealed I shall hide behind the trees of this deserted garden and see where he settles he goes and hides behind the trees. RAKSHA SAA enters with a sword, as described. Alas! How grievous! Royal fortune! Deprived of her master and filled with fear, found another Lord, and the people, forgetting their law, followed her like a child blindly following a remarried mother. The faithful followers too, receiving no fruit from their heroic efforts, have cast off the yoke of enterprise. What other course was possible? A body cannot survive long without its head. And, like a shameless woman of low birth, royal fortune suddenly abandoned King Nandor of noble lineage. Chose Bhrishala Chandragupta and plumbed to him. What can I do? However a man strives, hostile fate defeats his effort. For, when Emperor Nanda suddenly departed this world, I made my attempt with the help of the powerful mountain chief Parvataka. When he was killed, I tried with the aid of his son. Yet failure was written into my fate. Surely fate, not the Brahman Chanakya, is the enemy of the Nanda family. Why should I grieve over Malaya Ketu? Who lost all judgment? How could I, Rakshasa, alive and well, still serving my dead master, make peace with the enemy? Yet those senseless foreigners saw nothing. It is no wonder, when fate has thrust a man into the jaws of destruction and death is certain. His mind sees everything in reverse. Even now Malaya Ketu will fall into the enemy's hands and die. But Rakshasa will not make peace with Chandragukta. To break one's promise for selfish advantage is a great disgrace. To be defeated by an enemy is no disgrace. He looks around in tears. This is the part of Pataliputra sanctified by Emperor Nanda's movements. the emperor used to ride with the reins loosened. Draw his bow and strike a moving target. In that part of the garden he would halt and converse. Now, without him, this quarter of Pataliputra watches in stolen silence, and the sight causes me unbearable sorrow. Where shall an unfortunate man like me go now? he looks around. Ah! I remember. This is a deserted garden. I shall go there and learn from someone what has happened to Shandana Dasa. A man may discover there what good or evil awaits him. Once I left the city in royal splendor. Surrounded by a thousand chiefs. Pointed out by the citizens like the new moon. Today. With every effort defeated. I enter this city's deserted garden alone and in frightened haste. Like a thief. But the great king through whose favor I enjoyed that honor is no more. Entering the garden and looking around. Alas! What a pitiable sight! This deserted garden looks like sorrow embodied. It resembles a family whose vast enterprises have been destroyed. A palace whose great buildings have fallen. A good man's heart burned by grief at the destruction of a friend. The pond is dry. A statesman's design frustrated by hostile fate. The trees are fruitless. And a fool's mind possessed by corrupt policy. The ground is overgrown with weeds. Moreover, Serpents. Breathing size. Fine strips of cast-off snakeskin around the severed stumps of branches cut by great sharp axes. While the cooing of pigeons sounds like cries of pain, they do this in sympathy with the trees' suffering, for they once lived in close companionship with them. And these trees, ruined by evil days and sorrowful at the loss of their shade, they seem to prepare for the cremation ground. On sides burned by powerful grief and the process of drying hastened. I shall rest for a while upon this broken stone seat, fitting for my fallen condition. He sits and listens. What do I hear? What is this sudden uproar? The sound of drums. Kettle drums and conches. Shattering the ears of all who hear it. so intense that it rebounds instantly from the palaces and seems to spread far away, eager to measure the breadth of the sky. After a little thought, I understand. It proclaims that the kingdom, or rather glory herself, rejoices at Malaya Ketu's capture. His voice breaks with pain. He sighs. Alas, deluded man that I am. I have been forced to hear the proclamation and witness the spectacle of my enemy's triumph. It seems fate is determined to make me experience it to the full. He has sat down. Now I shall act exactly as the revered Chanakya instructed me. Keeping RAKSHASA in view while pretending not to see him, he places the noose around his own neck. What is this? That man is attempting suicide. Surely he too is afflicted by grief like mine. I must speak to him. Approaching. Good man. What are you doing? I am doing what an unfortunate man must do when grief stricken by the death of someone dear." I understood at once that he suffers as I do. Allowed. Your grief resembles mine. If the cause is not a personal secret or private calamity, I wish to hear it. It is neither a personal secret nor a private calamity. My Lord, but I cannot endure delay in killing myself. The death of a beloved friend overwhelms me with grief. Alas, deluded man that I am. This man is better than I. For I have remained so indifferent to my friend's suffering. Allowed. Since it is no personal secret or private calamity, I wish to hear it. You press me too strongly. My lord, therefore I shall tell you. In this city lives a wealthy jeweler named Jishnudasa. I know that Jishnudasa is Chandanadasa's intimate friend. That beloved friend of mine. Ah! He calls Jishnudasa his beloved friend. He must be closely connected with him and will know what has happened to Chandandasa. He gave everything he possessed to the poor and immediately left the city. Intending to burn himself to death, I have therefore come to this deserted garden to kill myself before I hear of his terrible end. Why does your friend intend to burn himself? Is he afflicted by an incurable disease beyond the power of medicine? No. Has he been destroyed by the king's anger, deadly his fire and poison? Not that either. Shandragupta does not deal cruelly with the people. Is he tormented by desire for another man's wife, who is beyond his reach? God protect us from sin. He is incapable of such improper conduct. Then is one of his friends, like yours, dying helplessly? That is exactly the case, my lord. Chandandasa is Jishnudasa's beloved friend. Chandanadasa's death must therefore be the cause of Jishnudasa's intended suicide. My heart, filled with affection for him, with anxiety. Allowed. Good man. I too wish to hear a full account of your beloved friend's noble action. I am an unfortunate man who might otherwise proceed without interruption to my death. Good man. Tell the story that deserves to be heard. Since I have no choice, I shall speak. Listen, my lord. Good man, I am listening with full attention. In the flower market quarter of this city lives a wealthy jeweler named Chandanadasa. Alas, fate has opened the flood gate of my sorrow. Heart, gather your courage now, for something unbearably painful is about to be heard. Allowed. Yes, good man. He is known as a steadfast friend and a great soul. What of him? He is Jishnudasa's beloved friend. Never mind that. Continue. Therefore Jishnudasa today made this request of Shandragupta as befits a loving friend. What request? If His Majesty will permit it, I possess sufficient wealth, please accept it and release my beloved friend Chandanadasa in exchange." Well done, Jishnudasa! This is the proof of friendship. For money, sons murder parents and parents murder sons as though they were strangers. For money, friend abandons affection for friend. Yet you offered that very wealth for a friend in distress. You are the finest merchant among merchants. Your wealth has found its true purpose. Allowed. What did the Moria say when he heard this? Shandragpta replied to Jishnudasa, I did not imprison Chandanadasa for money. I imprisoned him because he refuses to surrender minister Rakeshasa's family. Though I have repeatedly demanded it. If he surrenders them, he will be released, otherwise he will die. With these words, he ordered Chandanadasa taken to the execution ground. Jishnudasa then left the city. Thinking, I shall enter the fire before I hear of the terrible end of my friend Chandanadasa. And I came to this deserted garden to kill myself before I hear of the terrible end of my friend Jishnudasa. Has Chandanadasa been impealed, then? No, not yet. Even in his final moments he is repeatedly ordered to surrender minister Rikshasa's family. and repeatedly he refuses, steadfast in his love for his friend. For this reason his death has been delayed. Well done, Chandandasa. You too are my great friend. And you have proved yourself a refuge to one who sought your protection. You have surpassed even the fame of Shibi. One through guarding the suppliant. Allowed, go quickly. Good man. And prevent Jishnudasa from entering the fire. I shall save Shandana Dasa from death. How will my lord save him? With this, the companion of Enterprise, this sword, coloured like a cloudless sky, bears bright streaks of light like the thrill lines raised upon a body by love of battle. Its excellence has been proved in the test of war against the strength of the enemy. Beloved companion of my right arm, it urges me, driven wild by love for my friend. Toward this daring act. My lord, I cannot confidently say that you are the revered minister Rikshaasa, the man whose very name is auspicious. Though your intention to save the life of the wealthy jeweler Chandanadasa reveals you as such. For you have fallen into such distress. Grant me the favor of removing my doubt." He falls at Raksha's feet. Good man, I am indeed that Raksha sir. The man who saw his lord destroyed with his own eyes, brought his friend into danger, earned the name, base, and made his own name unfortunate. Oh Lord, what I longed for has been granted to me. Rise! Do not delay! Tell Jishnudasa that this very moment Rakshasa is saving Chandandasa from death. He starts to leave with his drawn sword, repeating, this sword, colored like. Grant me a moment, revered minister, I have something to say. Earlier, the villain Villain Shandragupta ordered Shikada Dasa impaled. Someone rescued him from the execution ground and carried him away. The villain Shandragupta then quenched the blazing fire of his anger against Shikada Dasa in the blood of the executioners, who were accused of negligence. Since then, whenever the executioners see an unknown man approaching from before or behind with a sword, they immediately kill the prisoner out of concern for their own safety. Therefore, if the revered minister goes with a sword in his hand, they will hasten the end of the wealthy jeweler Chandanadasa. Exit How impossible to trace is the path of Chanakya's policy. If Shakata Dasa, whose actions were conducted under my direction, was brought to me by an enemy agent, why did Chanakya and really kill the executioners? But if that was not so, how was the false letter constructed? Thought follows thought, and my mind reaches no decision." After a little reflection This is not the time to use a sword. For in these circumstances, the executioners would punish Shandana Dasa at once. A political design bears fruit only after time. What use is it here? Yet remaining neutral is equally wrong. For my beloved friend suffers this terrible death, because of me. Ah, I see the way. I shall offer my own life and free him." He throws the sword away, exit, enter VAJRALOMAKA, an executioner. Stand back, good people, stand back, keep your distance. Alas, if you wish to preserve your life, wealth, wife and family, keep away from conduct politically harmful and deadly as poison. For likewise, if a man takes something physically harmful, he himself falls ill or dies. But if he undertakes something politically harmful, his entire family is destroyed. If you doubt the truth of this, look. Chandanadasa is coming. He is being taken to the place of execution because he committed an act politically harmful to the state. Looking upward What are you saying? Gentlemen, you ask whether there is any means of saving him. Yes, he can be released if he surrenders Minister Raksha's family. Again looking upward What do you say? Out of honour for those who sought his protection. He will not commit that shameful act merely to save himself. Then know for certain, gentlemen, that he will die. What use is this anxious inquiry about a remedy for him? Enter C-H-A-N-D-A-N-A-D-A-S-A. Dressed for execution and carrying the stake upon his shoulder. accompanied by his wife and son and followed by the executioner BILVAVAKTRA. Shame! Shame upon that god of death who kills us like thieves, though even the slightest impropriety has always been feared in our household. Yes! Wicked men make no distinction between those who refrain from sin and those who commit it. Otherwise, shame upon hunters who persist in killing innocent deer. Creatures that, fearing death, have renounced flesh and live only upon grass. Looking around, dear Jishnudasa, why do you not speak to me? Alas, at such a time and in such a condition, those who remain close are hard to find. There is my dear and venerable friend. He looks at me with a sorrowful face and tear-filled eyes. Then drags himself toward home. Master Shandana Dasa, you have reached the execution ground. Tell your family to stand back. My dear wife, take our son and return. You must come no farther. My Lord, You are not traveling to another country, but to another world. At such a time it is not right for a faithful wife to turn back. What then, have You resolved, my dear? To follow in my husband's footsteps and secure my own blessed fate. My dear, that is not a wise decision. You must care for this child. He has no experience of the world. May God protect him. Son, bow to your father for the last time. Father, what shall I do now? Lift fatherless. Son, live in a country where Chanakia is not. Master Shandana Dasa, the stake has been planted. Prepare yourself now. Alas! Is there no hero who will save us? Why do you weep now? My dear, King Nanda, who showed mercy to those in distress, has gone to heaven. Bilva Vaktra, sees Chandanadasa, his people will withdraw of their own accord. I shall? Vajralaman. Good man, wait a moment. Let me embrace my son. He embraces his son and inhales the scent of his head. Since death is certain, my son, I welcome it rather than depart from loyalty to a friend's cause. Father, need you tell me that? It is the tradition of our family. Seize him now, I tell you. The executioner sees C-H-A-N-D-A-N-A-D-A-S-A. Is there no hero who will save us? RAKSHA S.A. enters, thrusting aside the curtain. Do not be afraid, good lady, executioners, do not kill Chandandasa, place upon my neck the bridal garland that leads to the kingdom of death. Upon mine, who first watched my master's family perish as though it were an enemy's. lived at ease while my beloved friend was in danger. As though it were a day of great celebration. And who plumbed to life though enduring the shame of having been deceived. Minister, what is this? An imitation of your noble deed. What have you done? You have rendered all my efforts useless. I am accomplishing my purpose. Do not blame me, my friend." To the Executioners Good man, go and tell the wicked Chanakya. Tell him what? Here I am, the man on whose account that venerable man was judged worthy of death. In this corrupted age, when human nature has declined, I have greatly diminished Shibi's fame by offering my own life to save another. And through the excellence of my deed, I have even surpassed the noble act of the Buddha." Bilva Vaktra, take Master Chandanadasa and wait for a while beneath that tree in the cremation ground. Until I report to the revered Chanakya that Minister Raksasa is in my hands. Very well. Vajralaman, as you say. He leads away C.H.A.N.D.A.N.A.D.A.S.A. His wife and son. Come, minister. He walks a short distance with R.A.K.S.H.A.S.A. Ho! Is there a gatekeeper here? Tell the revered Shanakya, the man who destroyed the Nanda dynasty and established the Moria dynasty. Alas, even in this condition I must hear that. Minister Rakshasa is in my hands. All his intellectual resources have failed before the revered master's stratagems. Enter C-H-A-N-A-K-Y-A. Only his face is visible. His body is covered in fine armor. Good man. Who was it that bound in cloth a blazing fire, Red within its vast circle of flame? Who caught the ever-moving wind in a net? Who shut within a cage a lion whose mane was fragrant with the wrought fluid of elephants? Who held back with the strength of his arms the terrible ocean filled with crocodiles and other... Monsters? You did, revered lord. who a master of statecraft. Do not say so, say that it was the hostile fate of the Nanda dynasty. Ah, there before me stands the villain. No, no, I should see, the revered courtelier, he is like an ocean, a treasury of every branch of knowledge. It is only my hatred that makes light of his virtues. This is Minister Rikshaasa, that great man, who for so many days kept both the Moria army and me continuously awake. The army beneath the crushing burden of military preparation, and my mind beneath the burden of devising plans. Using his armor, he advances toward RAKSHA SA. Minister Rakshasa, Vishnugukta salutes you. The title, Minister, is laughable now. Allowed. Please do not touch me, Vishnugukta. I have been polluted by the touch of an outcast. Minister Rakshasa, this man is no outcast. He is a servant of the king, named Sadarthaka. You know him. Disguised as a friend, he arranged the letter written in Shikharadasa's hand. Though the unfortunate Shikharadasa knew nothing of its purpose, the other man is also a royal servant. His name is Samradarthaka. Fortunately, my mind is now freed from suspicion of Shakatadasa. In brief, Badrabhata and the other supposed malcontents. The forged letter, Siddhartha Kha's rescue, the three ornaments offered for sale. The mendicant who was your friend. The grieving man in the deserted garden. And the terrible suffering of the chief of the jewelers. All these things were contrived at Vrishala's will. to bring about a meeting with you. Noble Sir, and Vrishala himself is coming to see you. Look, there he is. There is nothing I can do. I must face him." Enter King Shandragukta with his attendance. Ever since my revered teacher defeated that formidable enemy army without striking a blow, I have felt somewhat ashamed. My arrows, their faces bent as though in grief, are ashamed that the desired result was achieved without their aid. They will vow to remain forever inside the quiver. But I should not speak so. A man can certainly defeat his enemies even without drawing his bow. When his revered teacher, vigilant in every matter, keeps watch over all the affairs of the kingdom. Approaching chana kya Rev. Lord Shandragupta salutes you. Vrishala, you have my blessing. Now salute the venerable minister Riksasa. Rev. Lord Shandragupta salutes you. So this is Chandragupta, who obtained the kingdom at the proper time. Just as an elephant gains leadership of the herd, for his excellence had been manifest from childhood. Allowed. Victory to your majesty. Rev. Lord, when you equal to Brihaspati in statecraft, carefully oversee the administration of the the kingdom. Tell me, what part of the world can I not conquer? Chandragupta, Chanakya's pupil, is hinting that I should accept the ministership. No, no, I should not say that. This is Chandragupta's sincere praise. Only my hostility makes me interpret it otherwise. The fame Charnakya has worn is entirely deserved. For, even an unintelligent minister, when joined to a valiant and virtuous king, assuredly wins fame, but even an infallible minister who attaches himself to a wicked king falls with him like a tree. Upon a river bank when the bank collapses. Minister Rikshasa, do you wish Chandanadasa to live?" Without question, Vishnugupta. Then accept this sword. No, Vishnugupta, that cannot be. I am unworthy to wield a sword, least of all the sword that you wield. Minister Rikshasa, how can it be that I am worthy and you are not? Gifted man, consider, the elephants, deprived of the pleasures of bathing. Feeding, sport, drink and sleep at will, their backs swollen beneath the ceaseless burden of military equipment, and the horses, worn thin from being constantly held in bridle and saddle, all have suffered through fear of your great prowess, which has crushed the pride of arrogant enemies. But why say more, unless you take this sword? Chandanadasa will die. Say no more, Vishnugukta. I submit, love for my friend compels me to do anything. Vrishala, I congratulate you. Out of regard for you, Minister Rikshasa has accepted the sword. Shandragupta fully recognizes the favor bestowed by the venerable minister. Victory to your Majesty, Rev. Lord. Malaya Ketu stands in chains at the gate, together with Badrabhata, Bagura Yana and the others. Good man, report that to Minister Rikshaasa. He now has charge of all such matters. What am I to do now? Malaya Ketu has been captured, and I am compelled to advice upon his feet. There is no alternative. Allowed. Your Majesty. It is well known that I spent several months at Malaya Ketu's court. Therefore let his life be spared. The king looks towards C.H.A.N.A.K.Y.A., seeking his approval. Yes, Vrishala, Minister Rakhshasa's first request deserves to be granted. To be attendant. Good man. Tell Badra Bhatt and the others in my name. On Minister Rakhshasa's advice, King Shandragupta restores Malayaketu to his ancestral kingdom. They are to accompany him. Reinstall him upon his throne. and then return? Tel Vijayapala, commander of the fortress. That King Shandragupta overjoyed that minister Raksasa has accepted the sword. Appoints Shandana Dasa, chief of the jewelers, supreme head of all the guilds in the city, and let every prisoner be released. Accept the warhorses and war elephants. Yet now that Minister Rakshaasa directs affairs, what need have we of warhorses or war elephants? Let every captive be released, including the warhorses and war elephants. As the revered Lord commands. Exit. Now, King Shandragapta and Minister Rakshaasa, Tell me what further good I may do for you beyond this. What greater good could that be? If you are still not satisfied, then grant your blessing to this wish. May my lord Aventi Varman, who is the self-existent lord Vishnu, who once assumed the form of a board to protect creation and bore the earth, submerged beneath the waters, upon the tip of his tusk. And who now, in the form of our sovereign, protects with the strength of his arm the earth oppressed by foreign peoples. May that king, whose kinsmen and dependents prosper in wealth and grain, delight the earth for many years.

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