Act One

Summary

Scene 1

Place: Main entrance to the royal palace. Enter: Saudamini and Sairandhri.

SAUDAMINI

Oh, Sairandhri, have you ever seen so much fun in Hastinapura or Indraprastha as you are seeing here today? My Matsyapuri is really special! I have seen many cities but none matches even a tiny alley here.

SAIRANDHRI

But, Saudamini, will you let others talk, or will you do all the talking?

SAUDAMINI

Maybe your Indraprastha is as big as Matsyapuri – or maybe it's twice as big, four times, eight times, or even sixteen times as big. But does Indraprastha have men as brave and handsome like those in my city?

SAIRANDHRI

Saudamini, can't you speak a bit softly? Shshsh! What if someone hears us discussing men? Women should not discuss men's physical appearance – only their virtues.

SAUDAMINI

What are we dasis going to do with men's virtues? Don't tell me tales like an old woman. And tell me one thing, you also spend a lot of time with Ballabha aachari – is that only because he cooks well, or is it because he has grown big and strong by gorging from the kitchens? Why are you so quiet now, Sairandhri? Please don't feel angry. But don't men praise women's looks? The moment two or three loafers sit down to chat, don't they say awful things about the looks and makeup of other peoples’ wives, as if their own wives are the loyal ones around and other men's wives are not?