The next day I was anxious, restless, and unable to eat; and could do nothing but roam about listlessly, or lie on the couch, thinking of her, and making the excuse of a bad headache.

My friend, seeing me in this state, easily guessed the reason of it, and said to me in private:  “I know the cause of your uneasiness, and can give you good hopes.  That girl is virtuous, whatever her mother and sister may be; and having watched her closely at the performance, I am convinced that she was much struck with you; therefore, if you are willing to make her your wife, there will be no great difficulties to overcome as far as she is concerned; for, resisting all seductions and the persuasions of her wicked mother and sister, she has declared:  ’No man shall have me except as a wife; and I must be won by merit, not by money.’

“On the other hand, her mother and sister, fearing lest she should be withdrawn from the stage, have gone to the king, and obtained, through many tears and entreaties, a decree that if any man shall take the girl, either in marriage or not, without her mother’s consent, he shall be put to death like a robber.  Therefore, when you have gained her love, you must also obtain the mother’s consent; and that can only be done by means of a large bribe; she will not listen to any other inducement.”

“I am equal to all this,” I answered; “I will win the young lady, and find means to satisfy the old one.”  And I lost no time in accomplishing my purpose.  It was first necessary to make acquaintance with Kamamanjari, and to this end I found out a woman often employed by her as a messenger, and having gained her over by bribes, sent, through her, a number of small presents, till at last Kamamanjari was disposed in my favour, and received me at her house.  Meanwhile I contrived to have secret interviews with her beautiful sister, who consented to be my wife.  As soon as this was settled, I said to Kamamanjari, “I am desirous of obtaining your mother’s consent to my marriage with your sister, who has accepted me.  I know that if she ceases to perform, you will lose a large income; and, therefore, offer you in return something better and more certain.  Procure for me the desired permission, and you shall have Dhanamittra’s magic purse, which I will safely steal for you.”

Delighted at the thought of possessing inexhaustible wealth, she agreed to this; the mother’s consent was formally given; and on the day of my marriage I secretly handed over the promised purse.

Very soon after, Vimardaka, by my directions, in a large assembly, began to abuse and insult Dhanamittra, who, as if much astonished, said:  “What does all this mean?  Why should you annoy me?  I am not aware that I have ever given you offence.”

He answered furiously:  “You purse-proud wretch, do you think I will not take my master’s part?  Have you not robbed him of his intended wife, by bribing her father?  Do you think he has no cause for anger against you?  His interests are mine; I am ready to risk my life for him, and I will pay you off.  Some day you shall miss that purse, the source of the riches with which you are so puffed up.”  Saying this, he rushed out of the place in a rage; and though nothing was done at the time, his words were not forgotten.