Jain Journal 1982 04

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 23

SCENE I
[A glade. The darkness of night is slowly disappearing. The daughters of the woodland, the Vanabalas (nymphs), dance and sing]
Gladness to-day lilts in singing, Gladness to-day in soul is ringing, Gladness wafts in the air, Gladness is felt by breathes inhaled. - Gladness transcends the firmament blue, Gladness in water murmurs the clue, Gladness echoes in the rustling leaves, The heart by the scent of flowers feels regaled.
(Suddenly far-away sound of trumpets and a noise are heard. The woodland daughters feel alert. It is being heard from afar)
To extriminate you all In the sylvan peace The murderous hunters have swooped With strength of retainers and grouped. O ye animals of the wood, Fly away, away So as you may And deeper in the forest lay.
[The Vanabalas are quickly leaving the glade. The deer, the hare, the boar and other animals are running away. The leader of the hunters is charging on the stage. His retinue are acting the manoeuvre of surrounding the forest. The leader, the captain of the royal hunters, is singing with a dance)
Hooray, hooray, hooray ! Encircle the wood in the fray, None must escape, I say, Hooray, hooray, hooray! A heavy feast is waiting, This we have come for arranging, We have the king's order Whom we need fear ? Hooray, hooray, hooray!