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CHAPTER FIVE
'You are in the heart of all. You dwell there always. Therefore you know their inclinations, blessed Makaradhvaja. Is this fitting for you, lord, knowing the inclination of everyone, that you unite me by force with an unloved husband? My mind does not delight in any one except Vasantadeva. Another husband is for my death, like a poison-maiden 874 for that of a husband. May Vasantadeva be my husband in another birth. You have been worshipped for a long time. This is the last worship.'
After saying this, she hung herself to the arched doorway and, at the same time, Vasanta ran and unfastened the noose. The lotus-eyed girl said with astonishment, shame, and fear, 'Where did this man come from?' and was told by Vasantadeva: 'Dear, I am the very Vasantadeva, your husband for whom you were asking Manobhava in another life. I have entered here secretly, planning to seize you, at the plan of this disinterested noble friend, slender maiden. Give him your costume so that he can go to your house, wearing your clothes, like you, and deceive your attendants. When he has managed with your attendants, we shall go to a foreign place that suits us, dark-haired maiden.'
So instructed, she handed her own costume to Kāmapāla and Vasanta stood behind Kāmadeva. Kāmapāla worshipped Kāmadeva with flowers, et cetera, and put on Kesara's clothes, his face covered with a veil. He opened the door and, leaning on Priyankarā, got into the palanquin which was carried by bearers. Undetected by the servants, he went to Pañcanandin's house. Even Brahma does not penetrate a well-planned trick. He was assisted from the conveyance by Priyankară, led to the bridal house, and seated on a gold and cane seat. Priyankarā, a benefactor, went away, after instructing him, 'Kesară, continue to recite the charm 'meeting with a lover'.' He, intelligent, appreciated the real meaning of that speech and recalled
874 494. See above, n. 66.
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