Note 8 — Chapter CIV

And one day a servant of Madirávatí’s said to me in secret, “Listen, noble sir, and lay up8 in your heart what I am going to tell you. Ever since my darling Madirávatí beheld you there in your teacher’s house, she has no appetite for her food, she does not adorn herself, she takes no pleasure in music, she does not play with her parrots and other pets; she finds that fanning with plantain leaves, and moist anointings with sandal-wood ointment, and the rays of the moon, though cool as snow, torture her with heat; and every day she grows perceptibly thinner, like the streak of the moon in the black fortnight, and the only thing that seems to give her any relief is conversation about you; this is what my daughter told me, who knows all that she does, who attends her like a shadow, and never leaves her side. Moreover, I drew Madirávatí herself into a confidential conversation, and questioned her, and she confessed to me that her affections were fixed on you. So now, auspicious sir, if you wish her life to be saved, take steps to have her wishes fulfilled.” This nectarous speech of hers delighted me, and I said, “That altogether depends on you, I am completely at your disposal.” When she heard this, she returned delighted, and I, relying on her, conceived hopes, and went home with my mind at ease.