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For you, my timid maid, last night

I did the deed of sin.

Vasantasenā. His face is tranquil. It would be troubled, if he had sinned.

Madanikā. Oh, Sharvilaka! For a mere nothing for a woman you have risked both things!

Sharvilaka. What things?

Madanikā. Your life and your character.

Sharvilaka. My foolish girl, fortune favors the brave.

Madanikā. Oh, Sharvilaka! Your character was without a stain. You didn't do anything very bad, did you, when for my sake you did the deed of sin?

Sharv. The gems that magnify a woman's charm,

As flowers the creeping plant, I do not harm.

I do not rob the Brahman of his pelf,

Nor seize the sacrificial gold myself.

I do not steal the baby from the nurse,

Simply because I need to fill my purse.

Even as a thief, I strive with main and might

For just distinction 'twixt the wrong and right.

And so you may tell Vasantasenā this:

These ornaments were made for you to don,

Or so it seems to me;

But as you love me, never put them on

Where other folks may see.

Madanikā. But Sharvilaka, ornaments that nobody may see, and a courtezan—the two things do not hang together. Give me the jewels. I want to see them.

Sharvilaka. Here they are. [He gives them to her with some uneasiness.]

Madanikā. [Examining the jewels.] It seems to me I have seen these before. Tell me. Where did you get them?