The Story of Kalidas(The Last Words of Kalidas)
The Story of Kalidas(The Last Words of Kalidas)
After many months of his departure from Dharanagri, Kalidas stepped on the soil of Ceylon. He was struck by the grandeur which met his eyes. It was dusk when he landed there. The sound of soft music floated through the air. A stranger in Ceylon, Kalidas started looking for shelter for the night.
At a villa, he met Kamini, a young damsel who enquired where he had come from and who he wished to see.
Kalidas told her that he had come from India to see the land of beauty and grandeur and asked whether the kind lady would give him shelter for the night.
Kalidas was invited to spend the night at the villa.
Inside, the floors were carpeted, paintings adorned the walls, silken tapestries were hung on doors and windows and there was a regal touch about everything.
Kalidas washed, dined and was led into a room to rest and sleep.
In the middle of the night, Kalidas woke up and saw light coming out the girl's room. He thought something was wrong and got up. He knocked at the door and the girl enquired, "Do you want anything?"
Kalidas asked "Why are you up at this time ? Are you all right ? Can I do anything for you?"
The girl said, "O stranger to this land, you come from India where people are honest, trustworthy and observe the dharma. You inspire confidence in me and I will tell you why I am awake at this hour."
Then Kamini said to Kalidas, "I am in love with Kumargupta, the Prince of Ceylon. He returns my love. He is a great poet and has laid a condition for our marriage. He composed half a verse and wants me to complete the rest before our marriage can be solemnised. I have spent many sleepless nights on it but it is beyond me.тАЭ
"And what are the lines the Prince wrote?" asked Kalidas.
The girl read aloud:
"Was lotus growing on a lotus seen?"
"Nay, only heard, it is never seen."
and handed the piece of paper to Kalidas.
Kalidas took his pen and wrote under it:
"How does it happen, O lovely lass.
Thy lotus face has two lotus eyes?"
and returned the paper to the girl.
