The Poison Tree | Page 7

as if that were the age of beauty. The sweetness and
simplicity that precede the budding-time of youth are never seen
afterwards. This Kunda's simplicity is astonishing; she understands
nothing. To-day she even wished to run into the streets to play with the
boys. On being forbidden, she was much frightened, and desisted.
Kamal is teaching her, and says she shows much aptitude in learning,
but she does not understand other things. For instance, her large blue
eyes--eyes swimming ever like the autumn lotus in clear water--these
two eyes may be fixed upon my face, but they say nothing. I lose my

senses gazing on them; I cannot explain better. You will laugh at this
history of my mental stability; but if I could place you in front of those
eyes, I should see what your firmness is worth. Up to this time I have
been unable to determine what those eyes are like. I have not seen them
look twice the same; I think there are no other such eyes in the world,
they seem as if they scarcely saw the things of earth, but were ever
seeking something in space. It is not that Kunda is faultlessly beautiful.
Her features, if compared with those of many others, would not be
highly praised; yet I think I never saw such rare beauty. It is as if there
were in Kunda Nandini something not of this world, as though she
were not made of flesh and blood, but of moonbeams and the scent of
flowers. Nothing presents itself to my mind at this moment to which to
liken her. Incomparable being! her whole person seems to breathe
peace. If in some clear pool you have observed the sheen produced by
the rays of the autumn moon, you have seen something resembling her.
I can think of no other simile."
Surja Mukhi's reply to Nagendra's letter came in a few days. It was
after this manner:
"I know not what fault your servant has committed. If it is necessary
you should stay so long in Calcutta, why am I not with you to attend
upon you? This is my earnest wish; the moment I receive your consent,
I will set out.
"In picking up a little girl, have you forgotten me? Many unripe things
are esteemed. People like green guavas, and green cucumbers; green
cocoa-nuts are cooling. This low-born female is also, I think, very
young, else in meeting with her why should you forget me? Joking
apart, have you given up all right over this girl? if not, I beg her from
you. It is my business to arrange for her. In whatever becomes yours I
have the right to share, but in this case I see your sister has entire
possession. Still, I shall not vex myself much if Kamal usurps my
rights.
"Do you ask what do I want with the girl? I wish to give her in
marriage with Tara Charan. You know how much I have sought for a
suitable wife for him. If Providence has sent us a good girl, do not

disappoint me. If Kamal will give her up, bring Kunda Nandini with
you when you come. I have written to Kamal also recommending this. I
am having ornaments fashioned, and am making other preparations for
the marriage. Do not linger in Calcutta. Is it not true that if a man stays
six months in that city he becomes quite stupid? If you design to marry
Kunda, bring her with you, and I will give her to you. Only say that you
propose to marry her, and I will arrange the marriage-basket."
Who Tara Charan was will be explained later. Whoever he was, both
Nagendra and Kamal Mani consented to Surja Mukhi's proposal.
Therefore it was resolved that when Nagendra went home Kunda
Nandini should accompany him. Every one consented with delight, and
Kamal also prepared some ornaments. How blind is man to the future!
Some years later there came a day when Nagendra and Kamal Mani
bowed to the dust, and, striking their foreheads in grief, murmured: "In
how evil a moment did we find Kunda Nandini! in how evil an hour did
we agree to Surja Mukhi's letter!" Now Kamal Mani, Surja Mukhi, and
Nagendra, together have sowed the poison seed; later they will all
repent it with wailing.
Causing his boat to be got ready, Nagendra returned to Govindpur with
Kunda Nandini. Kunda had almost forgotten her dream; while
journeying with Nagendra it recurred to her memory, but thinking of
his benevolent face and kindly character, Kunda could not believe that
any harm would come to her from him. In like manner there are many
insects who, seeing a destructive flame, enter therein.
CHAPTER IV.
TARA CHARAN.
The Poet Kalidas was supplied with