The intelligence reaches the lovers.  They are thrown into despair.

Requested by Lavangika, Kamandaki thus describes Madhava in the presence of Malati:—­

“The sovereign of Vidarbha boasts for minister the wise and long-experienced Devarata, who bears the burden of state and spreads throughout the world his piety and fame.  Your father knows him well.  For, in their youth, they were joined in study and trained to learning by the same preceptor.

In this world we rarely behold such characters as theirs.  Their lofty rank is the abode of wisdom and of piety, of valour and of virtue.  Their fame spreads white and spotless through the universe.  A son has sprung from Devarata whose opening virtues early give occasion of rejoicing to the world.  Now, in his bloom, this youth has been sent to our city to collect ripe stores of knowledge.  His name is Madhava.”

Kamandaki soliloquises thus:—­

“Malati is tutored to our wishes and inspired with hatred of the bridegroom Nandan.  He is reminded of the examples of Sakuntala and Vasavadatta that vindicate the free choice of a husband.  Her admiration of her youthful lover is now approved by his illustrious birth and my encomium of his high descent.  All this must strengthen and confirm her passion.  Now their union may be left to fate.”

By the contrivance of Kamandaki, a second interview between the lovers takes place in the public garden of the temple of Sankara.  Malati is persuaded that the god Sankara is to be propitiated with offerings of flowers gathered by one’s self.  Whilst she is collecting her oblation she and Madhava meet as if by accident.

At this moment, a great tumult and terrific screams announce that a tremendous tiger has escaped from an iron cage in the temple of Siva, spreading destruction everywhere.  Instantly, Nandana’s youthful sister, Madayantika happens to be passing, and is attacked by the tiger and is reported to be in imminent danger.

Madhava and Makaranda both rush to the rescue.  The latter kills the animal, and thus saves her who is then brought in a half-fainting state into the garden.  He is himself wounded.  Mandayantika is thus saved by the valour of Makaranda.  The gallant youth is brought in insensible.  By the care of the women, he revives.

On recovering, Madayantika naturally falls in love with her deliverer.

The two couples are thus brought together.  Malati affiances herself there and then to Madhava.

Soon afterwards, the king prepares to enforce the marriage of Malati with Nandan.  A messenger arrives to summon Madayantika to be present at the marriage.  Another messenger summons Malati herself to the king’s place.