decrepitude would wear the world to the bone but that I follow
them and constantly attack them. I am Eternal Youth.


Chitra

I bow to thee, Lord Vasanta.


Madana

But what stern vow is thine, fair stranger? Why dost thou wither
thy fresh youth with penance and mortification? Such a sacrifice
is not fit for the worship of love. Who art thou and what is thy
prayer?


Chitra

I am Chitra, the daughter of the kingly house of Manipur. With
godlike grace Lord Shiva promised to my royal grandsire an
unbroken line of male descent. Nevertheless, the divine word
proved powerless to change the spark of life in my mother's womb
--so invincible was my nature, woman though I be.


Madana

I know, that is why thy father brings thee up as his son. He has
taught thee the use of the bow and all the duties of a king.