ANASUYA.--By what stratagem can we best secure to our friend the
accomplishment of her heart's desire, both speedily and secretly?
PRIYAMVADA.--The latter point is all we have to think about. As to
"speedily," I look upon the whole affair as already settled.
ANASUYA.--How so?
PRIYAMVADA.--Did you not observe how the King betrayed his liking by the
tender manner in which he gazed upon her, and how thin he has become the
last few days, as if he had been lying awake thinking of her?
KING [_looking at himself_].--Quite true! I certainly am becoming thin
from want of sleep:--
As night by night in anxious thought I raise
This wasted arm to rest my sleepless head,
My jewelled bracelet, sullied by the tears
That trickle from my eyes in scalding streams,
Slips towards my elbow from my shrivelled wrist.
Oft I replace the bauble, but in vain;
So easily it spans the fleshless limb
That e'en the rough and corrugated skin,
Scarred by the bow-string, will not check its fall.
PRIYAMVADA [_thoughtfully_].--An idea strikes me, Anasuya.
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