Kamandaki addresses her favourite disciple Avalokita thus:—­

“Dear Avalokita!  Oh how I wish for the marital union of Madhava, the son of Devarata, and Malati, the daughter of Bhurivasu!  Auspicious signs forerun a happy fate.  Even now my throbbing eyeball tells that propitious destiny shall crown my schemes.”

Avalokita replies:—­

“Oh, here is a serious cause of anxiety.  How strange!  You are already burdened with the austerities of devotional exercises, Bhurivasu has commissioned you to perform this arduous task.  Though retired from the world, you could not avoid this business.”

Kamandaki says, “Never say so.  The commission is an office of love and trust.  If my friend’s object is gained even at the expense of my life and penances, I shall feel myself gratified.”

The pupil asks “why is a stolen marriage intended?”

The priestess answers, “Nandana, a favourite of the king of Padmavati, sues him for Malati.  The king demands the maiden of her father.  To evade the anger of the king, this ingenious device has been adopted.  Let the world deem their union was the work of mutual passion only.  So the king and Nandan will be foiled.  A wise man veils his projects from the world.”  The pupil says, “I take Madhava to walk in the street in front of the house of the minister Bhurivasu.”

The priestess says,

“I have heard from Lavangika, the foster-sister of Malati, that Malati has seen Madhava from the windows of her house.

Her waning form faithfully betrays the lurking care she now first learns to suffer.”

The pupil says, “I have heard that, to soothe that care, Malati has drawn a picture of Madhava and has sent it through Lavangika to Mandarika, her attendant.”

The priestess perceives that Malati has done so with the object that the picture would reach Madhava as Mandarika is in love with Kalahansa, the servant of Madhava.  Avalokita again says,

“To-day is the great festival of Madan; Malati will surely come to join the festival, I have interested Madhava to go to the garden of Love’s god with a view that the youthful pair may meet there.”

The priestess replies, “I tender my best thanks for your kindly zeal to aid the object of my wishes.  Can you give me any tidings of Soudamini, my former pupil?”

Avalokita answers, “she now resides upon mount Sriparvata.  She has now arrived at supernatural power by religious austerities.  I have learnt the news about her from Kapala Kundala, the female pupil of a tremendous magician Aghorghanta, a seer and a wandering mendicant, but now residing amidst the neighbouring forest, who frequents the temple of the dreadful goddess Chamunda near the city cemetry.”  Avalokita remarks, “Madhava would be highly pleased if his early friend Makaranda is united in wedlock with Madayantika, the sister of Nandana.”

The priestess observes, “I have already engaged my disciple Buddharakshita for the purpose.  Let us go forth and having learnt how Madhava has fared, repair to Malati.  May our devices prosper!”