Читать книгу The Lady of the Jewel Necklace & The Lady who Shows her Love - Harsha - Страница 25

had gotten the garlands; she said she had gotten them from Avantika, and then the king knew that Avantika must be Vasava·datta. The minister told the king all, and the king and his two wives were reconciled (‘Ocean of the Rivers of Stories’ 15–16 [3.1–2]).

Udayana recognizes Vasava·datta by recognizing himself in her—through the art of making garlands that he had taught her.

But before Padmavati (and, therefore, before Kalinga·se- na), there had been:

Virachita and the Slip of the Tongue

King Udayana married Vasava·datta, but after a while, Udayana became unfaithful and made love with a woman in the harem named Virachita, with whom he had had an affair before. One day he called the queen by the wrong name, Virachita, and had to appease her by falling at her feet. Later, a beautiful princess named Bandhumati was sent as a present to the queen. The queen concealed her under the name of Manjulika, but the king saw her and secretly seduced her. Vasava·datta, who was hidden, witnessed this act; furious at first, she eventually relented and accepted Bandhumati, for she had a tender heart (‘Ocean of the Rivers of Stories’ 14 [2.60].64–75).

The king mistakes one woman for another, mistaking not the person but the name; when the queen conceals first the rival and then herself, the king finds the secret woman and the queen watches the secret act. In the end, all is revealed and all is accepted.