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ŚṚNGARAMANJARIKATHA
now? We are more refined, for we accept a man's company only after knowing his charms and conduct. You are meritorious indeed that without knowing the man's place of residence, conduct and wealth you have fallen in love with him at first sight, and have been reduced to this condition". Hearing this LAVANYASUNDARI said: "You have done well to retort thus. It accords with my pride, good fortune and intoxication of youth. But you do not realise that it is not proper to speak such jocose and cutting words to me whose vitals are stung now. Is this the fruit of your friendship? Yet, you may do what you think fit".
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When thus spoken to, she (BAKULIKĀ) said: "What would be the use of my friendship if I do not act as you desire?"
LAVANYASUNDARI said: "You consider this to be an easy matter. But, friend, it is difficult indeed. Because, on seeing him you will satisfy your own desires and will forget mine."
Hearing this BAKULIKĀ said: "Friend, his handsomeness might lead me to do so, still have faith in me, I shall definitely bring him and unite him with you."
So saying she embarked upon her mission. She thought that a stranger could be found only at two places, if a student in a monastery, if a prince in deserted temples, so she first looked for him in a lonely temple. (59) There she saw him sleeping. being waited upon by his servant. She said to his servant: "It is not proper for the fortunate to sleep during the evening. Your friend looks to be a fortunate man, therefore wake him up." The servant woke him up. She said: "O visitor! whence do you come?" RATNADATTA replied: "I have come from another country and shall go to join the services of the sovereign king".
After a moment BAKULIKA started weeping. RATNADATTA enquired: "Good one, why do you weep?" She said: "I had a brother who looked exactly like you. His memory brought tears to mine eyes. You too are my brother". "It is true, but your brother was instrumental in expending your wealth, I will stand by you as a brother in difficulties", he said.
"Then come to my house. Be my guest," BAKULIKA said and brought him to LAVAṆYASUNDARI'S house.
LAVANYASUNDARI was standing on the terrace of her house with a poisonous bulb in her hand, and while she stood there thinking: 'I do not know whether today I will lose two things at a time or gain my end? If BAKULIKA takes him to her house then my friend is out of my hands and he also goes his desired way, I will die
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