1 have used three published editions of the play: Malavikagnimitram^ ed. C. Sankara Rama Sastri, Mylapore: Balamanorama Press, 1929, with Commentary (modern) by Sahrdayatilaka Rama Pisharody (published as Vol. 12 of Sri Balamanorama Series). Malavikagnmitram, ed. Narayan Ram Acharya, 9th ed., Bombay: Nirnaya Sagar Press, 1950, with Commentary of Katayavemabhupala. Malavika und Agnimitra^ . . . mit kritischen und erklarenden Anmerkungen hemusgegeben von Friedpioh Bollensen^ Leipzig: F. A. Brockhaus, 1879. The third is the only so-called critical edition available; but it is very old and clearly does not cover all the Ms, traditions evidenced in the two Indian editions. Bollensen is also one of those early editors who carried the principle of lectio difficiHor to the point of absurdity. His readings are often so contorted as to be better called leotiones ijnplacabiles. I have, consequently, tended to prefer the Balamanorama Press (BMP) edition, which is often wittier and more elegant than the Nirnaya Sagar Press version (NSP). The BMP Commentary has influenced my readings also to an appreciable extent, for it is an excellent and perceptive literary as well as grammatical commentary. In my notes I have signalled the occasional passages where the NSP or the Bollensen editions were preferred. I should emphasize that the principle of choice is not scientific at all, but is throughly eclectic—governed only by my feeling as to what gave a better sequential fillip to the plot or the story line. Clearly the biases I have already noted were often determinant. The notes also service the general reader with an explanation of those few cultural terms and concepts whose understanding is important to appreciating the developing plot. Brevity is the watchword.