________________
OCTOBER, 1975
35
Vijaya :
forgiveness,
They are self-control, renunciation, penitence and austerity.
Sumitra :
Where are these arrows available and which manual teaches their use ? Comrade! this is not military science, but an allegory woven by an intellectual. This does not befit us. belonging to the warrior-class. It is alright for a Brahmin.
Vijaya :
This is not a matter of a Brahmin or a Kshatriya. It is a matter of self-discipline.
Sumitra :
The object of a man's creation and existence does not lie in striving for the impossible. If Prince Vardhaman were to ask you to pierce through the seven colours of the rainbow with these five arrows, can you do it ?
Vijaya :
Not I. And even if I could, two colours of the rainbow will still remain untouched.
Sumitra :
[Laughter] Leave it to Prince Vardhaman to shoot at the remaining two. And here comes the Prince.
Vijaya :
In sooth, he comes. And now you can enquire from him direct his concept of marksmanship.
[Sumitra and Vijaya stand alert. Enters Prince Vardhaman-exceedingly handsome, in attractive crimson robe, open locks of hair, bow and arrow in hand, and shoes beaming with precious stones]
Vijaya & Sumitra :
Victory to the Prince !
Vardhaman :
Victory to Lord Parshva! Vijaya, Sumitra ! So both of you have been practising marksmanship. What are the targets you have achieved ?
[Doth remain silent and downcast]
Vardhaman :
Both of you are silent. One can achieve his target even by silence. [Strolls] If some one speaks ill of you and you remain silent your quiet composure will tear to bits and leave not a trace of the ill-words spoken.
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