--What! is spring
really come?
FIRST MAIDEN.--Yes, indeed, Madhukarika, and with it the season of joy,
love, and song.
SECOND MAIDEN.--Let me lean upon you, dear, while I stand on tip-toe and
pluck a blossom of the mango, that I may present it as an offering to
the god of love.
FIRST MAIDEN.--Provided you let me have half the reward which the god
will bestow in return.
SECOND MAIDEN.--To be sure you shall, and that without asking. Are we
not one in heart and soul, though divided in body? [_Leans on her friend
and plucks a mango-blossom._] Ah! here is a bud just bursting into
flower. It diffuses a delicious perfume, though not yet quite expanded.
[_Joining her hands reverentially_.
God of the bow, who with spring's choicest flowers
Dost point thy five unerring shafts; to thee
I dedicate this blossom; let it serve
To barb thy truest arrow; be its mark
Some youthful heart that pines to be beloved.
[_Throws down a mango-blossom._
CHAMBERLAIN [_entering in a hurried manner, angrily_].--Hold there,
thoughtless woman.
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