________________
INTRODUCTION
13
over his ambition to become the lord of the earth bounded by seven seas, and requests the Queen to enjoy the beauty of the town at the advent of spring. Both of them describe it. Vidūşaka also joins them with his florid description. Candanikā draws their attention to the hospitable invitation of Emerald Park (marakatárāma); she almost competes with Vidūşaka in offering a beautiful description; and both want to win royal approbation. Vidūşaka proposes a visit to the Emerald Park. King's right eye is throbbing, and Vidūşaka prophesies that the King would win the earth
sealed with seven seas. The Queen amens it. Scene 2 (I. 18. 8-). Emerald Park: All enter it.-Behind the
stage, two bards, Mañjukaņtha and Madhurakantha, glorify and greet the King drawing his attention to the charms of the Park.-At Vidūşaka's request to enjoy the wealth of its beauty, the King describes the Park. They all sit to enjoy its charms. The King and Queen congratulate each other on the beauty of the season with its refreshing breezes.- Vidūşaka says that he forgot his learning at home; and when he demands something on loan, Candanikā is ready to give it. He feels offended. She sings a fine verse fulfilling his conditions and to the approval of the King. Vidūşaka quietly transfers his own defeat to the
King, and announces the arrival of minister Sumati. Scene 3 (I. 27. 5-). Enters Sumati with Suśruta, the minister of
Sindhunātha. After mutual welfare-inquiry, Susruta requests the King to accept Sindhunātha's pleasure-gift, namely, the jewel Cintāmaņi, which was acquired by his master from the Ocean and which would fulfil all the desires. It was put in a gold tray under silk cover.
Sumati is asked to look duly after Susruta. Exeunt. Scene 4 (I. 27. 27-). Vidūşaka removes the silk cover, and the
King praises the lustre and power of that Cintāmaņi. Finding Vidūşaka cold about its potency, the King tells him that such jewels are presided over by invisible Deities who can bestow any gift. Thereupon, with King's consent, he entreats, with his eyes closed, the Jewel to bring on
the stage the most lovely girl. Scene 5 (I. 29. 16-). Enters the Heroine (mentioned as Adbhuta
kanyakā, Cintāmaņi-, or Ratna-sambhavā, later on as
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org