I made her angry, sho now I 'll fall at her feet and beg her pardon.
_Courtier._ Capital!
_Sansthanaka._ I 'll fall at her feet myshelf. [_He approaches
Vasantasena._] Little mother, mamma dear, lishten to my prayer.
I fold my hands and fall before thy feet--
Thine eyes are large, thy teeth are clean and neat,
Thy finger-nails are ten--forgive thy shlave
What, love-tormented, he offended, shweet. 18
_Vasantasena._ [_Angrily._] Leave me! Your words are an insult! [_She
spurns him with her foot._]
_Sansthanaka._ [_Wrathfully._]
Thish head that mother and that mamma kissed,
That never bent to worship god, I wist,
Upon thish head she dared to plant her feet,
Like jackals on the carrion they meet. 19
Sthavaraka, you shlave, where did you pick her up?
_Sthavaraka._ Master, the highway was blocked by villagers' wagons.
So I stopped my cart near Charudatta's orchard, and got out. And
while I was helping a villager with his wagon, I suppose she mistook
this cart for another, and climbed in.
P. 201.14]
_Sansthanaka._ Oho! she mishtook my cart for another? and did n't
come to shee me? Get out of my cart, get out! You 're going to
visit your poor merchant's shon, are you? Those are my bullocks
you 're driving. Get out, get out, you shlave! Get out, get out!
_Vasantasena._ Truly, you honor me when you say that I came to
see Charudatta. Now what must be, must be.
_Sansthanaka._
These hands of mine, ten-finger-naily,
These hands sho lotush-leafy,
Are itching-anxious, girl, to dally
With you; and in a jiffy
I 'll drag Your Shweetness by the hair
From the cart wherein you ride,
As did Jatayu Bali's fair,
The monkey Bali's bride. 20
_Courtier._
So virtuous ladies may not be
Insulted thus despitefully;
Nor garden creepers may not be
Robbed of their leaves so cruelly. 21
Stand up, man. I will help her to alight. Come, Vasantasena! [_Vasantasena
alights and stands apart._]
_Sansthanaka._ [_Aside._] The flame of wrath was kindled when she
despised my proposition, and now it blazes up because she kicked
me. Sho now I 'll murder her. Good! Thish way. [_Aloud._] Well,
shir, what do you want?
A cloak with fringes hanging down and all,
Tied with a hundred shtrings? or good ragout,
To make you shmack your greedy lips and call
"Chuhoo, chuhoo, chukku, chuhoo, chuhooo"? 22
_Courtier._ Well?
_Sansthanaka._ Do me a favor.
[123.11. S.
_Courtier._ Certainly. Anything, unless it be a sin.
_Sansthanaka._ There's not a shmell of a shin in it, shir. Not a perfume!
_Courtier._ Speak, then.
_Sansthanaka._ Murder Vasantasena.
_Courtier._ [_Stopping his ears._]
A tender lady, gem of this our city,
A courtezan whose love was stainless ever--
If I should kill her, sinless, without pity.
What boat would bear me on the gloomy river? 23
_Sansthanaka._ I'll give you a boat. And beshides, in thish deserted
garden, who'll shee you murdering her?
_Courtier._
The regions ten,[80] the forest gods, the sky,
The wind, the moon, the sun whose rays are light,
Virtue, my conscience--these I cannot fly,
Nor earth, that witnesses to wrong and right. 24
_Sansthanaka._ Well then, put your cloak over her and murder her.
_Courtier._ You fool! You scoundrel!
_Sansthanaka._ The old hog is afraid of a shin. Never mind. I'll
pershuade Sthavaraka, my shlave. Sthavaraka, my little shon, my shlave,
I'll give you golden bracelets.
_Sthavaraka._ And I'll wear them.
_Sansthanaka._ I'll have a golden sheat made for you.
_Sthavaraka._ And I'll sit on it.
_Sansthanaka._ I'll give you all my leavings.
_Sthavaraka._ And I'll eat them.
_Sansthanaka._ I'll make you the chief of all my shervants.
_Sthavaraka._ Master, I'll be the chief.
_Sansthanaka._ You only have to attend to what I shay.
_Sthavaraka._ Master, I will do anything, unless it be a sin.
P. 205.12]
_Sansthanaka._ There's not a shmell of a shin in it.
_Sthavaraka._ Then speak, master.
_Sansthanaka._ Murder Vasantasena.
_Sthavaraka._ Oh, master, be merciful! Unworthy as I am, I brought
this worthy lady hither, because she mistook this bullock-cart for
another.
_Sansthanaka._ You shlave, ain't I your mashter?
_Sthavaraka._ Master of my body, not of my character. Be merciful,
master, be merciful! I am afraid.
_Sansthanaka._ You're my shlave. Who are you afraid of?
_Sthavaraka._ Of the other world, master.
_Sansthanaka._ Who is thish "other world"?
_Sthavaraka._ Master, it is a rewarder of righteousness and sin.
_Sansthanaka._ What is the reward of righteoushness?
_Sthavaraka._ To be like my master, with plenty of golden ornaments.
_Sansthanaka._ What is the reward of shin?
_Sthavaraka._ To be like me, eating another man's bread. That is
why I will do no sin.
_Sansthanaka._ Sho you won't murder her? [_He beats him with all
his might._]
_Sthavaraka._ You may beat me, master. You may kill me, master.
I will do no sin.
A luckless, lifelong slave am I,
A slave I live, a slave I die;
But further woe I will not buy,
I will not, will not sin. 25
_Vasantasena._ Sir, I throw myself upon your protection.
_Courtier._ Pardon him, jackass! Well done, Sthavaraka!
Does this poor, miserable slave
Seek virtue's meed beyond the grave?
And is his lord indifferent?
Then why are not such creatures sent
To instant hell, whose sinful store
Grows great, who know not virtue more? 26
[125.14. S.
And again:
Ah, cruel, cruel is our fate,
And enters through the straitest gate;
Since he is slave, and you are lord,
Since he does not enjoy your hoard,
Since you do not obey his word. 27
_Sansthanaka._ [_Aside._] The old jackal is afraid of a shin, and the
"lifelong shlave" is afraid of the other world. Who am I afraid of,
I, the king's brother-in-law, an arishtocrat, a man? [_Aloud._] Well,
shervant, you "lifelong shlave," you can go. Go to your room and
resht and keep out of my way.
_Sthavaraka._ Yes, master. [_To Vasantasena._] Madam, I have no
further power. [_Exit._
_Sansthanaka._ [_Girds up his loins._] Wait a minute, Vasantasena,
wait a minute. I want to murder you.
_Courtier._ You will kill her before my eyes? [_He seizes him by the
throat._]
_Sansthanaka._ [_Falls to the ground._] Shir, you 're murdering your
mashter. [_He loses consciousness, but recovers._]
I always fed him fat with meat,
And gave him butter too, to eat;
Now for the friend in need I search;
Why does he leave me in the lurch? 28
[_After reflection._] Good! I have an idea. The old jackal gave her
a hint by shaking his head at her. Sho I 'll shend him away, and
then I 'll murder Vasantasena. That's the idea. [_Aloud._] Shir, I
was born in a noble family as great as a wine-glass. How could I
do that shin I shpoke about? I jusht shaid it to make her love me.
P. 209.3]
_Courtier._ Why should you boast of this your noble birth?
'T is character that makes the man of worth;
But thorns and weeds grow rank in fertile earth. 29
_Sansthanaka._ She 's ashamed to confessh her love when you 're here.
Please go. My shervant Sthavaraka has gone too after getting a
beating. He may be running away. Catch him, shir, and come back
with him.
_Courtier._ [_Aside._]
Vasantasena is too proud to own.
While I am near, her love for one so crude;
So now I leave her here with him alone;
Love's confidences long for solitude. 30
[_Aloud._] Very well. I go.
_Vasantasena._ [_Seizing the hem of his garment._] Did I not throw
myself upon your protection?
_Courtier._ Do not fear, Vasantasena. Jackass, Vasantasena is a
pledge, committed to your hand.
_Sansthanaka._ All right. Jusht let her be committed to my hand.
It 's a pledge that I 'll execute.
_Courtier._ Are you honest?
_Sansthanaka._ Honesht.
_Courtier._ [_Takes a few steps._] No! If I go, the wretch might kill
her. I will conceal myself for a moment, and see what he intends
to do. [_He stands apart._]
_Sansthanaka._ Good! I 'll murder her. But no! Perhaps thish tricky
trickshter, thish Brahman, thish old jackal, has gone and hidden
himshelf; he might raise a howl like the jackal he is. I 'll jusht do
thish to deceive him. [_He gathers flowers and adorns himself._]
Vasantasena, my love, my love! Come!
_Courtier._ Yes, he has turned lover. Good! I am content. I will
go. [_Exit._
[127.12. S.
_Sansthanaka._
I 'll give you gold, I 'll call you shweet;
My turbaned head adores your feet.
Why not love me, my clean-toothed girl?
Why worship such a pauper churl? 31
_Vasantasena._ How can you ask? [_She bows her head and recites
the following verses._]
O base and vile! O wretch! What more?
Why tempt me now with gold and power?
The honey-loving bees adore
The pure and stainless lotus flower. 32
Though poverty may strike a good man low,
Peculiar honor waits upon his woe;
And 't is the glory of a courtezan
To set her love upon an honest man. 33
And I, who have loved the mango-tree, I cannot cling to the
locust-tree.
_Sansthanaka._ Wench, you make that poor little Charudatta into
a mango-tree, and me you call a locusht-tree, not even an acacia!
That 's the way you abuse me, and even yet you remember Charudatta.
_Vasantasena._ Why should I not remember him who dwells in my
heart?
_Sansthanaka._ Thish very minute I 'm going to shtrangle "him who dwells
in your heart," and you too. Shtand shtill, you poor-merchant-man's
lover!
_Vasantasena._ Oh speak, oh speak again these words that do me honor!
_Sansthanaka._ Jusht let poor Charudatta--the shon of a shlave--reshcue
you now!
_Vasantasena._ He would rescue me, if he saw me.
_Sansthanaka._
Is he the king of gods? the royal ape?
Shon of a nymph? or wears a demon's shape?
The kingly deity of wind and rain?
The offshpring of the Pandu-princes' bane?
A prophet? or a vulture known afar?
A shtatesman? or a beetle? or a shtar? 34
P. 212.11]
But even if he was, he could n't reshcue you.
As Sita in the Bharata
Was killed by good old Chanakya,
Sho I intend to throttle thee,
As did Jatayu Draupadi. 35
[_He raises his arm to strike her._]
_Vasantasena._ Mother! where are you? Oh, Charudatta! my heart's
longing is unfulfilled, and now I die! I will scream for help. No!
It would bring shame on Vasantasena, should she scream for help.
Heaven bless Charudatta!
_Sansthanaka._ Does the wench shpeak that rashcal's name even
yet? [_He seizes her by the throat._] Remember him, wench, remember
him!
_Vasantasena._ Heaven bless Charudatta!
_Sansthanaka._ Die, wench! [_He strangles her. Vasantasena loses
consciousness, and falls motionless._]
_Sansthanaka._ [_Gleefully._]
Thish bashketful of shin, thish wench,
Thish foul abode of impudence--
She came to love, she shtayed to blench,
For Death's embrace took every sense.
But why boasht I of valorous arms and shtout?
She shimply died because her breath gave out.
Like Sita in the Bharata, she lies.
Ah, mother mine! how prettily she dies. 36
[129.4. S.
She would not love me, though I loved the wench;
I shaw the empty garden, set the shnare,
And frightened her, and made the poor girl blench.
My brother! Oh, my father! Thish is where
You misshed the shight of heroism shtout;
Your brother and your shon here blosshomed out
Into a man; like Mother Draupadi,
You were not there, my bravery to shee. 37
Good! The old jackal will be here in a minute. I 'll shtep ashide
and wait. [_He does so._] [_Enter the courtier, with Sthavaraka._]
_Courtier._ I have persuaded the servant Sthavaraka to come back,
and now I will look for the jackass. [_He walks about and looks
around him._] But see! A tree has fallen by the roadside, and killed
a woman in its fall. O cruel! How couldst thou do this deed of
shame? And when I see that a woman was slain by thy fatal fall,
I too am felled to the earth. Truly, my heart's fear for Vasantasena
was an evil omen. Oh, heaven grant that all may yet be well!
[_He approaches Sansthanaka._] Jackass, I have persuaded your servant
Sthavaraka to return.
_Sansthanaka._ How do you do, shir? Sthavaraka, my little shon,
my shlave, how do you do?
_Sthavaraka._ Well, thank you.
_Courtier._ Give me my pledge.
_Sansthanaka._ What pledge?
_Courtier._ Vasantasena.
_Sansthanaka._ She's gone.
_Courtier._ Where?
_Sansthanaka._ Right after you.
_Courtier._ [_Doubtfully._] No, she did not go in that direction.
_Sansthanaka._ In what direction did you go?
_Courtier._ Toward the east.
_Sansthanaka._ Well, she went shouth.[81]
_Courtier._ So did I.
P. 216.2]
_Sansthanaka._ She went north.
_Courtier._ This is nonsense. My heart is not satisfied. Speak the
truth.
_Sansthanaka._ I shwear by your head, shir, and my own feet. You
may be easy in your heart. I murdered her.
_Courtier._ [_Despairingly._] You really killed her?
_Sansthanaka._ If you don't believe my words, then shee the firsht
heroic deed of Sansthanaka, the king's brother-in-law. [_He points
out the body._]
_Courtier._ Alas! Ah, woe is me! [_He falls in a swoon._]
_Sansthanaka._ Hee, hee! The gentleman is calm enough now!
_Sthavaraka._ Oh, sir! Come to yourself! I am the first murderer,
for I brought the bullock-cart hither without looking into it.
_Courtier._ [_Comes to himself. Mournfully._] Alas, Vasantasena!
The stream of courtesy is dried away,
And happiness to her own land doth flee,
Sweet gem of gems, that knew love's gentle play,
Love's mart and beauty's! Joy of men like me!
Thy mirth-shored stream, that kind and healing river--
Alas! is perished, lost, and gone forever! 38
[_Tearfully._] Ah, woe is me!
What sin is yet to come, or woe,
Now thou hast done this deed of hate?
Like sin's foul self, hast thou laid low
The sinless goddess of our state. 39
[_Aside._] Ah! Perhaps the wretch means to lay this sin to my
charge. I must go hence. [_He walks about. Sansthanaka approaches
and holds him back._] Scoundrel! Touch me not. I have done with
you. I go.
_Sansthanaka._ Aha! Firsht you murder Vasantasena, then you
abuse me, and now where will you run to? And sho a man like me
has n't anybody to protect him.
[131.8. S.
_Courtier._ You are an accursèd scoundrel!
_Sansth._
I'll give you countless wealth, a piece of gold,
A copper, and a cap, to have and hold.
And sho the fame of thish great deed shall be
A common property, and shan't touch me. 40
_Courtier._ A curse upon you! Yours, and yours only, be the deed.
_Sthavaraka._ Heaven avert the omen! [_Sansthanaka bursts out
laughing._]
_Courtier._
Be enmity between us! Cease your mirth!
Damned be a friendship that so shames my worth!
Never may I set eyes on one so low!
I fling you off, an unstrung, broken bow. 41
_Sansthanaka._ Don't be angry. Come, let's go and play in the pond.
_Courtier._
Unstained my life, and yet it seems to me
Your friendship stains, and mocks my sinlessness,
You woman-murderer! How could I be
A friend to one whom women ever see
With eyes half-closed in apprehension's stress? 42
[_Mournfully._] Vasantasena,
When thou, sweet maid, art born again,
Be not a courtezan reborn,
But in a house which sinless men,
And virtuous, and good, adorn. 43
_Sansthanaka._ Firsht you murder Vasantasena in my old garden
Pushpakaranda, and now where will you run to? Come, defend
yourshelf in court before my shishter's husband! [_He holds him
back._]
_Courtier._ Enough, you accursèd scoundrel! [_He draws his sword._]
_Sansthanaka._ [_Recoiling in terror._] Shcared, are you? Go along,
then.
_Courtier._ [_Aside._] It would be folly to remain here. Well, I will
go and join myself to Sharvilaka, Chandanaka, and the rest. [_Exit._
P. 219.5]
_Sansthanaka._ Go to hell. Well, my little shon Sthavaraka, what
kind of a thing is thish that I 've done?
_Sthavaraka._ Master, you have committed a terrible crime.
_Sansthanaka._ Shlave! What do you mean by talking about a crime?
Well, I 'll do it thish way. [_He takes various ornaments from his
person._] Take these gems. I give 'em to you. Whenever I want to
wear them, I 'll take them back again, but the resht of the time
they are yours.
_Sthavaraka._ They should be worn only by my master. What have
I to do with such things?
_Sansthanaka._ Go along! Take these bullocks, and wait in the tower
of my palace until I come.
_Sthavaraka._ Yes, master. [_Exit._
_Sansthanaka._ The gentleman has made himshelf invisible. He
wanted to save himshelf. And the shlave I 'll put in irons in the palace
tower, and keep him there. And sho the shecret will be shafe.
I 'll go along, but firsht I 'll take a look at her. Is she dead, or shall
I murder her again? [_He looks at Vasantasena._] Dead as a doornail!
Good! I 'll cover her with thish cloak. No, it has my name
on it. Shome honesht man might recognize it. Well, here are shome
dry leaves that the wind has blown into a heap. I 'll cover her
with them. [_He does so, then pauses to reflect._] Good! I 'll do it
thish way. I 'll go to court at once, and there I 'll lodge a complaint.
I 'll shay that the merchant Charudatta enticed Vasantasena into
my old garden Pushpakaranda, and killed her for her money.
Yesh, Charudatta musht be shlaughtered now,
And I 'll invent the plan, forgetting pity;
The shacrificing of a sinless cow
Is cruel in the kindesht-hearted city. 44
Now I 'm ready to go. [_He starts to go away, but perceives something
that frightens him._] Goodnessh gracioush me! Wherever I
go, thish damned monk comes with his yellow robes. I bored a hole
in his nose once and drove him around, and he hates me. Perhaps
he'll shee me, and will tell people that I murdered her. How shall
I eshcape? [_He looks about._] Aha! I 'll jump over the wall where
it is half fallen down, and eshcape that way.
[133.8. S.
I run, I run, I go,
In heaven, on earth below,
In hell, and in Ceylon,
Hanumat's peaks upon--
Like Indra's self, I go. [_Exit._] 45
[_Enter hurriedly the Buddhist monk, ex-shampooer._]
_Monk._ I 've washed these rags of mine. Shall I let them dry on a
branch? no, the monkeys would steal them. On the ground? the
dust would make them dirty again. Well then, where shall I spread
them out to dry? [_He looks about._] Ah, here is a pile of dry leaves
which the wind has blown into a heap. I 'll spread them out on
that. [_He does so._] Buddha be praised! [_He sits down._] Now I will
repeat a hymn of the faith.
Who slays the Five Men, and the Female Bane,
By whom protection to the Town is given,
By whom the Outcaste impotent is slain,
He cannot fail to enter into heaven. (2)
After all, what have I to do with heaven, before I have paid my
debt to Vasantasena, my sister in Buddha? She bought my freedom
for ten gold-pieces from the gamblers, and since that day I
regard myself as her property. [_He looks about._] What was that?
a sigh that arose from the leaves? It cannot be.
The heated breezes heat the leaves,
The wetted garment wets the leaves,
And so, I guess, the scattered leaves
Curl up like any other leaves. 46
[_Vasantasena begins to recover consciousness, and stretches out her
hand._]
P. 222.12]
_Monk._ Ah, there appears a woman's hand, adorned with beautiful gems.
What! a second hand? [_He examines it with the greatest care._] It seems
to me, I recognize this hand. Yes, there is no doubt about it. Surely,
this is the hand that saved me. But I must see for myself. [_He uncovers
the body, looks at it, and recognizes it._] It _is_ my sister in Buddha.
[_Vasantasena pants for water._] Ah, she seeks water, and the pond is
far away. What shall I do? An idea! I will hold this robe over her and
let it drip upon her. [_He does so. Vasantasena recovers consciousness,
and raises herself. The monk fans her with his garment._]
_Vasantasena._ Who are you, sir?
_Monk._ Has my sister in Buddha forgotten him whose freedom
she bought for ten gold-pieces?
_Vasantasena._ I seem to remember, but not just as you say. It
were better that I had slept never to waken.
_Monk._ What happened here, sister in Buddha?
_Vasantasena._ [_Despairingly._] Nothing but what is fitting--for a
courtezan.
_Monk._ Sister in Buddha, support yourself by this creeper[82] that
clings to the tree, and rise to your feet [_He bends down the creeper.
Vasantasena takes it in her hand, and rises._]
_Monk._ In yonder monastery dwells one who is my sister in the
faith. There shall my sister in Buddha be restored before she returns
home. You must walk very slowly, sister. [_He walks about
and looks around him._] Make way, good people, make way! This is
a young lady, and I am a monk, yet my conduct is above reproach.
The man whose hands, whose lips are free from greed,
Who curbs his senses, he is man indeed.
He little recks, if kingdoms fall or stand;
For heaven is in the hollow of his hand. 47
[_Exeunt._
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 72: An allusion to the practice by which the Buddhists induced
a state of religious ecstasy.]
[Footnote 73: The five senses.]
[Footnote 74: Ignorance.]
[Footnote 75: The body.]
[Footnote 76: The conceit of individuality.]
[Footnote 77: Used as an appetiser.]
[Footnote 78: The elaborate puns of this passage can hardly be
reproduced in a translation.]
[Footnote 79: See page 13.]
[Footnote 80: The four cardinal points, the four intermediate points,
the zenith, and the nadir.]
[Footnote 81: The region of Yama, god of death.]
[Footnote 82: A monk may not touch a woman.]
ACT THE NINTH
THE TRIAL
[_Enter a beadle._]
_Beadle._
The magistrates said to me "Come, beadle, go to the
court-room, and make ready the seats." So now I am on my way to set the
court-room in order. [_He walks about and looks around him._] Here is
the court-room, I will enter. [_He enters, sweeps, and puts a seat in
its place._] There! I have tidied up the court-room and put the seats in
readiness, and now I will go and tell the magistrates. [_He walks about
and looks around him._] But see! Here comes that arrant knave, the
king's brother-in-law. I will go away without attracting his attention.
[_He stands apart. Enter Sansthanaka, in gorgeous raiment._]
_Sansth._
I bathed where water runs and flows and purls;
I shat within a garden, park, and grove
With women, and with females, and with girls,
Whose lovely limbs with grace angelic move. 1
My hair is shometimes done up tight, you shee;
In locks, or curls, it hangs my forehead o'er;
Shometimes 't is matted, shometimes hanging free;
And then again, I wear a pompadour.
I am a wonder, I'm a wondrous thing.
And the husband of my shishter is the king. 2
And beshides, I 've found a big hole, like a worm that has crawled
into the knot of a lotush-root, and is looking for a hole to creep
out at. Now who was I going to accuse of thish wicked deed? [_He
recalls something._] Oh, yesh! I remember. I was going to accuse
poor Charudatta of thish wicked deed. Beshides, he's poor. They 'll
believe anything about him. Good! I 'll go to the court-room and
lodge a public complaint against Charudatta, how he shtrangled
Vasantasena and murdered her. Sho now I 'm on my way to the
court-room. [_He walks about and looks around him._] Here is the
court-room. I 'll go in. [_He enters and looks about._] Well, here are
the sheats, all arranged. While I 'm waiting for the magishtrates,
I 'll jusht sit down a minute on the grass. [_He does so._]
P. 226.10]
_Beadle._ [_Walks about in another direction, and looks before him._]
Here come the magistrates. I will go to them. [_He does so._]
[_Enter the judge, accompanied by a gild-warden, a clerk, and others._]
_Judge._ Gild-warden and clerk!
_Gild-warden and Clerk._ We await your bidding.
_Judge._ A trial depends to such an extent upon others that the task
of the magistrates--the reading of another's thoughts--is most
difficult.
Men often speak of deeds that no man saw,
Matters beyond the province of the law;
Passion so rules the parties that their lies,
Hide their offenses from judicial eyes;
This side and that exaggerate a thing,
Until at last it implicates the king;
To sum it up: false blame is easy won,
A true judge little praised, or praised by none. 3
And again:
Men often point to sins that no man saw,
And in their anger scorn the patient law;
In court-rooms even the righteous with their lies
Hide their offenses from judicial eyes;
And those who did the deed are lost to view,
Who sinned with plaintiff and defendant too;
To sum it up: false blame is easy won,
A true judge little praised, or praised by none. 4
For the judge must be
Learnèd, and skilled in tracing fraud's sly path,
And eloquent, insensible to wrath;
To friend, foe, kinsman showing equal grace,
Reserving judgment till he know the case;
Untouched by avarice, in virtue sound.
The weak he must defend, the knave confound;
An open door to truth, his heart must cling
To others' interests, yet shun each thing
That might awake the anger of the king. 5
[137.94. S.
_Gild-warden and Clerk._ And do men speak of defects in your
virtue? If so, then they speak of darkness in the moonlight.
_Judge._ My good beadle, conduct me to the court-room.
_Beadle._ Follow me, Your Honor. [_They walk about._] Here is the
court-room. May the magistrates be pleased to enter. [_All enter._]
_Judge._ My good beadle, do you go outside and learn who desires
to present a case.
_Beadle._ Yes, sir. [_He goes out._] Gentlemen, the magistrates ask if
there is any here who desires to present a case.
_Sansthanaka._ [_Gleefully._] The magishtrates are here. [_He struts
about._] I desire to present a cashe, I, an arishtocrat, a man, a
Vasudeva, the royal brother-in-law, the brother-in-law of the king.
_Beadle._ [_In alarm._] Goodness! The king's brother-in-law is the first
who desires to present a case. Well! Wait a moment, sir. I will inform
the magistrates at once. [_He approaches the magistrates._] Gentlemen,
here is the king's brother-in-law who has come to court,
desiring to present a case.
_Judge._ What! the king's brother-in-law is the first who desires to
present a case? Like an eclipse at sunrise, this betokens the ruin
of some great man. Beadle, the court will doubtless be very busy
to-day. Go forth, my good man, and say "Leave us for to-day.
Your suit cannot be considered."
_Beadle._ Yes, Your Honor. [_He goes out, and approaches Sansthanaka._]
Sir, the magistrates send word that you are to leave them for to-day;
that your suit cannot be considered.
P. 229.13]
_Sansthanaka._ [_Wrathfully._] Confound it! Why can't my shuit be
conshidered? If it is n't conshidered, then I 'll tell my brother-in-law,
King Palaka, my shishter's husband, and I 'll tell my shishter
and my mother too, and I 'll have thish judge removed, and another
judge appointed. [_He starts to go away._]
_Beadle._ Oh, sir! Brother-in-law of the king! Wait a moment. I
will inform the magistrates at once. [_He returns to the Judge._] The
brother-in-law of the king is angry, and says--[_He repeats Sansthanaka's
words._]
_Judge._ This fool might do anything. My good man, tell him to
come hither, that his suit will be considered.
_Beadle._ [_Approaching Sansthanaka._] Sir, the magistrates send
word that you are to come in, that your suit will be considered.
Pray enter, sir.
_Sansthanaka._ Firsht they shay it won't be conshidered, then they
shay it will be conshidered. The magishtrates are shcared. Whatever
I shay, I 'll make 'em believe it. Good! I 'll enter. [_He enters
and approaches the magistrates._] I am feeling very well, thank you.
Whether you feel well or not--that depends on me.
_Judge._ [_Aside._] Well, well! We seem to have a highly cultivated
plaintiff. [_Aloud._] Pray be seated.
_Sansthanaka._ Well! Thish floor belongs to me. I 'll sit down wherever
I like. [_To the gild-warden._] I'll sit here. [_To the beadle._]
Why should n't I sit here? [_He lays his hand on the Judge's head._]
I 'll sit here. [_He sits down on the floor._]
_Judge._ You desire to present a case?
_Sansthanaka._ Of courshe.
_Judge._ Then state the case.
_Sansthanaka._ I 'll whishper it. I was born in the great family of
a man as glorioush as a wine-glass.
My father's father of the king--in law;
The king, he is my daddy's son-in-law;
And I am brother to the king--in law;
And the husband of my shishter is the king. 6
[140.1. S.
_Judge._ All this we know.
Why should you boast of this your noble birth?
'T is character that makes the man of worth;
But thorns and weeds grow rank in fertile earth. 7
State your case.
_Sansthanaka._ I will, but even if I was guilty, he wouldn't do
anything to me. Well, my shishter's husband liked me, and gave
me the besht garden there is, the old garden Pushpakaranda, to
play in and look after. And there I go every day to look at it, to
keep it dry, to keep it clean, to keep it blosshoming, to keep it
trimmed. But fate decreed that I shaw--or rather, I didn't _shee_--the
proshtrate body of a woman.
_Judge._ Do you know who the unfortunate woman was?
_Sansthanaka._ Hello, magishtrates! Why shouldn't I know? A
woman like that! the pearl of the city! adorned with a hundred
golden ornaments! Shomebody's unworthy shon enticed her into
the old garden Pushpakaranda when it was empty, and for a
mere trifle--for her money!--shtrangled Vasantasena and killed
her. But _I_ didn't--[_He breaks off, and puts his hand over his
mouth._]
_Judge._ What carelessness on the part of the city police! Gild-warden
and clerk, write down the words "I didn't," as the first
article in the case.
_Clerk._ Yes, sir. [_He does so._] Sir, it is written.
_Sansthanaka._ [_Aside._] Goodnessh! Now I've ruined myshelf, like
a man that shwallows a cake of rice and milk in a hurry. Well,
I'll get out of it thish way. [_Aloud._] Well, well, magishtrates! I
was jusht remarking that I didn't shee it happen. What are you
making thish hullabaloo about? [_He wipes out the written words
with his foot._]
P. 233.3]
_Judge._ How do you know that she was strangled--and for her
money?
_Sansthanaka._ Hello! Why shouldn't I think sho, when her neck
was shwollen and bare, and the places where you wear jewels
did n't have any gold on them?
_Gild-warden and Clerk._ That seems plausible.
_Sansthanaka._ [_Aside._] Thank heaven! I breathe again. Hooray!
_Gild-warden and Clerk._ Upon whom does the conduct of this
case depend?
_Judge._ The case has a twofold aspect.
_Gild-warden and Clerk._ How so?
_Judge._ We have to consider the allegations, then the facts. Now
the investigation of the allegations depends upon plaintiff and defendant.
But the investigation of the facts must be carried out by
the wisdom of the judge.
_Gild-warden and Clerk._ Then the conduct of the case depends
upon the presence of Vasantasena's mother?
_Judge._ Precisely. My good beadle, summon Vasantasena's mother,
without, however, giving her cause for anxiety.
_Beadle._ Yes, Your Honor. [_He goes out, and returns with the
mother of the courtezan._] Follow me, madam.
_Mother._ My daughter went to the house of a friend to enjoy her
youth. But now comes this gentleman--long life to him!--and
says "Come! The judge summons you." I find myself quite bewildered.
My heart is palpitating. Sir, will you conduct me to the
court-room?
_Beadle._ Follow me, madam. [_They walk about._] Here is the court-room.
Pray enter, madam. [_They enter._]
_Mother._ [_Approaching._] Happiness be yours, most worthy gentlemen.
_Judge._ My good woman, you are very welcome. Pray be seated.
[141.24. S.
_Mother._ Thank you. [_She seats herself._]
_Sansthanaka._ [_Abusively._] You 're here, are you, you old bawd?
_Judge._ Tell me. Are you Vasantasena's mother?
_Mother._ I am.
_Judge._ Whither has Vasantasena gone at this moment?
_Mother._ To the house of a friend.
_Judge._ What is the name of her friend?
_Mother._ [_Aside._] Dear me! Really, this is very embarrassing.
[_Aloud._] Any one else might ask me this, but not a judge.
_Judge._ Pray do not be embarrassed. The conduct of the case puts
the question.
_Gild-warden and Clerk._ The conduct of the case puts the question.
You incur no fault. Speak.
_Mother._ What! the conduct of the case? If that is so, then listen,
worthy gentlemen. There lives in the merchants' quarter the
grandson of the merchant Vinayadatta, the son of Sagaradatta,
a man whose name is a good omen in itself--that name is Charudatta.
In his house my daughter enjoys her youth.
_Sansthanaka._ Did you hear that? Write those words down. My
contention is with Charudatta.
_Gild-warden and Clerk._ It is no sin for Charudatta to be her
friend.
_Judge._ The conduct of this case demands the presence of Charudatta.
_Gild-warden and Clerk._ Exactly.
_Judge._ Dhanadatta, write as the first article in the case "Vasantasena
went to the house of Charudatta." But must we summon the
worthy Charudatta also? No, the conduct of the case summons
him. Go, my good beadle, summon Charudatta,--but gently, without
haste, without giving him cause for anxiety, respectfully, as it
were incidentally,--with the words "The judge wishes to see you."
P. 236.11]
_Beadle._ Yes, Your Honor. [_He goes out, then returns with Charudatta._]
Follow me, sir.
_Charudatta._ [_Thoughtfully._]
My character and kin are known
Unto the king who rules our state;
And in this summons there is shown
A doubt begotten of my wretched fate. 8
[_Reflectively. Aside._]
Ah! Were there those, the man to recognize
Who met me on the road, from bondage freed?
Or did the king, who sees through cunning spies,
Learn that my cart was lent him in his need?
Why should I else be forced to tread the street,
Like one accused of crime, my judge to meet? 9
But why consider thus? I must go to the court-room. My good
beadle, conduct me to the court.
_Beadle._ Follow me, sir. [_They walk about._]
_Charudatta._ [_Apprehensively._] And what means this?
Hear how the gloomy raven hoarsely croaks;
The slaves of justice summon me again;
My left eye twitches; these repeated strokes
Of threatened evil frighten me and pain. 10
_Beadle._ Follow me, sir, gently and without haste.
_Charudatta._ [_Walks about and looks before him._]
Upon the withered tree, a crow
Turns to the sun;
His left eye falls on me. Ah, woe!
My doubt is done. 11
[_He looks in another direction._] But see! a snake!
His eye is fixed upon me; and his back
Flashes like antimony's lustrous black;
His long tongue quivers; four white fangs appear;
His belly swells and coils. He slumbered here,
This prince of serpents, till I crossed his path,
And now he darts upon me in his wrath. 12
[143.21. S.
And more than this:
I slip, although the ground has felt no rain;
My left eye, and my left arm throb again;
Another bird is screaming overhead;
All bodes a cruel death, and hope is fled. 13
Surely, the gods will grant that all may yet be well.
_Beadle._ Follow me, sir. Here is the court-room. Pray enter.
_Charudatta._ [_Enters and looks about._] How wonderfully splendid
is the court-room. For it seems an ocean,
Whose waters are the king's advisers, deep
In thought; as waves and shells it seems to keep
The attorneys; and as sharks and crocodiles
It has its spies that stand in waiting files;
Its elephants and horses[83] represent
The cruel ocean-fish on murder bent;
As if with herons of the sea, it shines
With screaming pettifoggers' numerous lines;
While in the guise of serpents, scribes are creeping
Upon its statecraft-trodden shore: the court
The likeness of an ocean still is keeping,
To which all harmful-cruel beasts resort. 14
Come! [_As he enters, he strikes his head against the door. Reflectively._]
Alas! This also?
My left eye throbs; a raven cries;
A serpent coils athwart my path.
My safety now with heaven lies. 15
But I must enter. [_He does so._]
P. 238.16]
_Judge._ This is Charudatta.
A countenance like his, with clear-cut nose,
Whose great, wide-opened eye frank candor shows,
Is not the home of wantonness;
With elephants, with horses, and with kine,
The outer form is inner habit's sign;
With men no less. 16
_Charudatta._ My greetings to the officers of justice. Officials, I salute
you.
_Judge._ [_Betraying his agitation._] You are very welcome, sir. My
good beadle, give the gentleman a seat.
_Beadle._ [_Brings a seat._] Here is a seat. Pray be seated, sir.
[_Charudatta seats himself._]
_Sansthanaka._ [_Angrily._] You're here, are you, you woman-murderer?
Well! Thish is a fine trial, thish is a jusht trial, where they
give a sheat to thish woman-murderer. [_Haughtily._] But it's all
right. They can give it to him.
_Judge._ Charudatta, have you any attachment, or affection, or
friendship, with this lady's daughter?
_Charudatta._ What lady?
_Judge._ This lady. [_He indicates Vasantasena's mother._]
_Charudatta._ [_Rising._] Madam, I salute you.
_Mother._ Long life to you, my son! [_Aside._] So this is Charudatta.
My daughter's youth is in good hands.
_Judge._ Sir, is the courtezan your friend? [_Charudatta betrays his
embarrassment._]
_Sansthanaka._
He tries to hide the deed he did;
He lies, from shame or fear;
He murdered her, of her got rid
For gold, and thinks the deed is hid;
Not sho his mashter here. 17
[145.18. S.
_Gild-warden and Clerk._ Speak, Charudatta. Do not be ashamed.
This is a lawsuit.
_Charudatta._ [_In embarrassment._] Officials, how can I testify that
a courtezan is my friend? But at worst, it is youth that bears the
blame, not character.
_Judge._
The case is hard; then banish shame,
Though it oppress your heart;
Speak truth with fortitude, and aim
To set deceit apart. 18
Do not be embarrassed. The conduct of the case puts the question.
_Charudatta._ Officer, with whom have I a lawsuit?
_Sansthanaka._ [_Arrogantly._] With me!
_Charudatta._ A lawsuit with you is unendurable!
_Sansthanaka._ Well, well, woman-murderer! You murder a woman
like Vasantasena who used to wear a hundred gems, and now you
try deceitful deceivings to hide it!
_Charudatta._ You are a fool.
_Judge._ Enough of him, good Charudatta. Speak the truth. Is the
courtezan your friend?
_Charudatta._ She is.
_Judge._ Sir, where is Vasantasena?
_Charudatta._ She has gone home.
_Gild-warden and Clerk._ How did she go? When did she go? Who
accompanied her?
_Charudatta._ [_Aside._] Shall I say that she went unobserved?
_Gild-warden and Clerk._ Speak, sir.
_Charudatta._ She went home. What more shall I say?
_Sansthanaka._ She was enticed into my old garden Pushpakaranda,
and was shtrangled for her money. Now will you shay that she
went home?
_Charudatta._ Man, you are crazy.
The very clouds of heaven wet not you;
Your lips are like the blue-jay's wing-tip worn,
Yes, full as fickle with their speech untrue,
And like the winter lotus lustre-lorn. 19
P. 241.19]
_Judge._ [_Aside._]
Take the Himalayan hills within your hand,
And swim from ocean strand to ocean strand,
And hold within your grasp the fleeting wind:
Then may you think that Charudatta sinned. 20
[_Aloud._] This is the noble Charudatta. How could he commit this crime?
[_He repeats the verse_ "A countenance like his:" _page 141._]
_Sansthanaka._ Why thish partiality in a lawshuit?
_Judge._ Away, you fool!
Illiterate, you gloss the Sacred Law,
And still your tongue uninjured find?
The midday sun with steadfast eye you saw,
And are not straightway stricken blind?
You thrust your hand into the blazing fire,
And draw it forth, unscathed and sound?
Drag Charudatta's virtue in the mire,
Nor sink beneath this yawning ground? 21
How could the noble Charudatta commit a crime?
Of all the riches of the mighty sea
Only the swelling waters now are left,
Because, without consideration, he--
For others' good--himself of all has reft.
And should this high-souled man, this store-house where
All gems of virtue gather and unite,
For lucre's sake, so foul a trespass dare
That in it even his foe could not delight? 22
_Mother._ You scoundrel! When the golden casket that was left
with him as a pledge was stolen by thieves at night, he gave in
place of it a pearl necklace that was the pride of the four seas.
And he should now, for a mere trifle--for her money!--do this
sin? Oh, my child, come back to me, my daughter! [_She weeps._]
[147.16. S.
_Judge._ Noble Charudatta, did she go on foot, or in a bullock-cart?
_Charudatta._ I did not see her when she went. Therefore I do not
know whether she went on foot, or in a bullock-cart.
* * * * *
[_Enter Viraka, in anger._]
_Viraka._
My anger was so prodded to the quick,
By that dishonoring, insulting kick,
And so I brooded, till at last the night
Unwilling yielded to the dawning light. 23
So now I will go to the court-room. [_He enters._] May happiness
be the lot of these honorable gentlemen.
_Judge._ Ah, it is Viraka, the captain of the guard. Viraka, what
is the purpose of your coming?
_Viraka._ Well! I was looking for Aryaka, in all the excitement
about his escape from prison. I had my suspicions about a covered
bullock-cart that was coming, and wanted to look in. "You 've
made one inspection, man, I must make another," said I, and then
I was kicked by the highly respectable Chandanaka. You have
heard the matter, gentlemen. The rest is your affair.
_Judge._ My good man, do you know to whom the bullock-cart
belonged?
_Viraka._ To this gentleman here, Charudatta. And the driver said
that Vasantasena was in it, and was on her way to have a good
time in the old garden Pushpakaranda.
_Sansthanaka._ Lishten to that, too!
_Judge._
This moon, alas, though spotless-bright,
Is now eclipsed, and robbed of light;
The bank is fallen; the waves appear
Befouled, that once were bright and clear. 24
P. 244.8]
Viraka, we will investigate your case here later. Mount the horse
that stands before the court-room door, go to the garden Pushpakaranda,
and see whether a woman has perished there or not.
_Viraka._ Yes, sir. [_He goes out, then returns._] I have been there.
And I saw the body of a woman, torn by wild beasts.
_Gild-warden and Clerk._ How do you know that it was the body
of a woman?
_Viraka._ That I perceived from the traces of hair and arms and
hands and feet.
_Judge._ Alas for the difficulties which are caused by the actions
of men!
The more one may apply his skill,
The harder is the matter still;
Plain are indeed the law's demands,
Yet judgment insecurely stands
As some poor cow on shifting sands. 25
_Charudatta._ [_Aside._]
As bees, when flowers begin to blow,
Gather to sip the honey, so
When man is marked by adverse fate,
Misfortunes enter every gate. 26
_Judge._ Noble Charudatta, speak truth!
_Charudatta._
A mean and jealous creature, passion-blind,
Sets all his soul, some fatal means to find
To slay the man he envies; shall his lies
By evil nature prompted, win the prize?
No! he is unregarded by the wise. 27
And more than this:
The creeper's beauty would I never blight,
Nor pluck its flowers; should I not be afraid
To seize her hair so lovely-long, and bright
As wings of bees, and slay a weeping maid? 28
[149.15. S.
_Sansthanaka._ Hello, magishtrates! How can you inveshtigate the
cashe with such partiality? Why, even now you let thish shcoundrel
Charudatta shtay on his sheat.
_Judge._ My good beadle, so be it [_The beadle follows Sansthanaka's
suggestion._]
_Charudatta._ Consider, magistrates, consider what you are doing!
[_He leaves his seat, and sits on the floor._]
_Sansthanaka._ [_Dancing about gleefully. Aside._] Fine! The shin
that I did falls on another man's head. Sho I 'll sit where Charudatta
was. [_He does so._] Look at me, Charudatta, and confessh
that you murdered her.
_Charudatta._ Magistrates!
A mean and jealous creature, passion-blind,
Sets all his soul, some fatal means to find
To slay the man he envies; shall his lies,
By evil nature prompted, win the prize?
No! he is unregarded by the wise. (27)
[_Sighing. Aside._]
My friend Maitreya! Oh, this cruel blow!
My wife, thou issue of a spotless strain!
My Rohasena! Here am I, laid low
By sternest fate; and thou, thou dost not know
That all thy childish games are played in vain.
Thou playest, heedless of another's pain! 29
But Maitreya I sent to Vasantasena, that he might bring me tidings
of her, and might restore the jewels which she gave my child,
to buy him a toy cart. Why then does he linger?
* * * * *
[_Enter Maitreya with the gems._]
P. 246.19]
_Maitreya._ Charudatta bade me go to Vasantasena, to return her jewels,
and he said to me: "Maitreya, Vasantasena adorned my dear Rohasena with
her own jewels, and sent him thus to his mother. It was fitting that she
should give him the jewels, but not that we should receive them.
Therefore restore them to her." So now I will go to Vasantasena's house.
[_He walks about and looks around, then speaks to a person behind the
scenes._] Ah, it is Master Rebhila. Oh, Master Rebhila, why do you seem
so exceedingly troubled? [_He listens._] What! do you mean to say that
my dear friend Charudatta has been summoned to court? That can hardly be
an insignificant matter. [_He reflects._] I will go to Vasantasena's
house later, but now I will go to the court-room. [_He walks about and
looks around._] Here is the court-room. I will go in at once. [_He
enters._] May happiness be the lot of the magistrates. Where is my
friend?
_Judge._ Here.
_Maitreya._ My friend, I wish you happiness.
_Charudatta._ It will be mine.
_Maitreya._ And peace.
_Charudatta._ That too will be mine.
_Maitreya._ My friend, why do you seem so exceedingly troubled?
And why were you summoned?
_Charudatta._ My friend,
A scoundrel I, who bear the blame,
Nor seek in heaven to be blest;
A maid--or goddess--'t is the same--
But _he_ will say the rest. 30
_Maitreya._ What? what?
_Charudatta._ [_Whispers._] That is it.
_Maitreya._ Who says that?
_Charudatta._ [_Indicating Sansthanaka._] This poor fellow is the
instrument that fate uses to accuse me.
[131.12. S.
_Maitreya._ [_Aside to Charudatta._] Why don't you simply say that
she went home?
_Charudatta._ Though I say it, it is not believed, so unfortunate is
my condition.
_Maitreya._ But gentlemen! He adorned the city of Ujjayini with
mansions, cloisters, parks, temples, pools, and fountains, and he
should be mad enough to commit such a crime--and for a mere
trifle? [_Wrathfully._] You offspring of a loose wench, you brother-in-law
of the king, Sansthanaka, you libertine, you slanderer, you
buffoon, you gilded monkey, say it before me! This friend of mine
does n't even draw a flowering jasmine creeper to himself, to gather
the blossoms, for fear that a twig might perhaps be injured.
How should he commit a crime like this, which heaven and earth
call accursèd? Just wait, you son of a bawd! Wait till I split your
head into a hundred pieces with this staff of mine, as crooked as
your heart.
_Sansthanaka._ [_Angrily._] Lishten to that, gentlemen! I have a
quarrel, or a lawshuit, with Charudatta. What right has a man
with a pate that looks like a caret, to shplit my head into a hundred
pieces? Not much! You confounded rashcal! [_Maitreya raises
his staff and repeats his words. Sansthanaka rises angrily and strikes
him. Maitreya strikes back. During the scuffle the jewels fall from
Maitreya's girdle._]
_Sansthanaka._ [_Picks up the jewels and examines them. Excitedly._]
Look, gentlemen, look! These are the poor girl's jewels! [_Pointing
to Charudatta._] For a trifle like thish he murdered her, and killed
her too. [_The magistrates all bow their heads._]
_Charudatta._ [_Aside to Maitreya._]
'T is thus my fate would vent its gall,
That at this moment they should fall,
These gems--and with them, I. 31
_Maitreya._ But why don't you simply tell the truth?
P. 250.1]
_Charudatta._ My friend,
The king perceives with blinded eye,
Nor on the truth that eye will bend;
Though telling all, I cannot fly
A wretched and inglorious end. 32
_Judge._ Alas! Alas!
With Mars strives Jupiter, and dies;
Beside them both there seems to rise
A comet-planet[84] in the skies. 33
_Gild-warden and Clerk._ [_Looking at the casket. To Vasantasena's
mother._] Madam, pray examine this golden casket attentively, to
see whether it be the same or not.
_Mother._ [_Examining the casket._] It is similar, but not the same.
_Sansthanaka._ Oh, you old bawd! You confessh it with your eyes,
and deny it with your lips.
_Mother._ Away, you scoundrel!
_Gild-warden and Clerk._ Speak carefully. Is it the same or not?
_Mother._ Sir, the craftsman's skill captivates the eye. But it is not
the same.
_Judge._ My good woman, do you know these jewels?
_Mother._ No, I said. No! I don't recognize them; but perhaps they
were made by the same craftsman.
_Judge._ Gild-warden, see!
Gems often seem alike in many ways,
When the artist's mind on form and beauty plays;
For craftsmen imitate what they have seen,
And skilful hands remake what once has been. 34
_Gild-warden and Clerk._ Do these jewels belong to Charudatta?
_Charudatta._ Never!
_Gild-warden and Clerk._ To whom then?
[153.12. S.
_Charudatta._ To this lady's daughter.
_Gild-warden and Clerk._ How did she lose them?
_Charudatta._ She lost them. Yes, so much is true.
_Gild-warden and Clerk._ Charudatta, speak the truth in this matter.
For you must remember,
Truth brings well-being in its train;
Through speaking truth, no evils rise;
Truth, precious syllable!--Refrain
From hiding truth in lies. 35
_Charudatta._ The jewels, the jewels! I do not know. But I do know
that they were taken from my house.
_Sansthanaka._ Firsht you take her into the garden and murder
her. And now you hide it by tricky trickinessh.
_Judge._ Noble Charudatta, speak the truth!
Merciless lashes wait to smite
This moment on thy tender flesh;
And we--we can but think it right. 36
_Charudatta._
Of sinless sires I boast my birth,
And sin in me was never found;
Yet if suspicion taints my worth,
What boots it though my heart be sound? 37
[_Aside._] And yet I know not what to do with life, so I be robbed
of Vasantasena. [_Aloud._] Ah, why waste words?
A scoundrel I, who bear the blame,
Nor think of earth, nor heaven blest;
That sweetest maid, in passion's flame--
But _he_ will say the rest. 38
_Sansthanaka._ Killed her! Come, you shay it too. "I killed her."
_Charudatta._ You have said it.
_Sansthanaka._ Lishten, my mashters, lishten! He murdered her! No
one but him! Doubt is over. Let punishment be inflicted on the
body of thish poor Charudatta.
P. 253.1]
_Judge._ Beadle, we must do as the king's brother-in-law says.
Guardsmen, lay hold on this Charudatta. [_The guardsmen do so._]
_Mother._ Be merciful, good gentlemen, be merciful! [_She repeats what
she had said before, beginning_ "When the golden casket:" _page 143._]
If my daughter is killed, she is killed. Let him live for me--bless him!
And besides, a lawsuit is a matter between plaintiff and defendant. I am
the real plaintiff. So let him go free!
_Sansthanaka._ You shlave, get out of the way! What have you got
to shay about him?
_Judge._ Go, madam. Guardsmen, conduct her forth.
_Mother._ Oh, my child, my son! [_Exit weeping._
_Sansthanaka._ [_Aside._] I 've done shomething worthy of myshelf.
Now I 'll go. [_Exit._
_Judge._ Noble Charudatta, the decision lies with us, but the rest
depends on the king. And yet, beadle, let King Palaka be reminded
of this:
The Brahman who has sinned, our laws declare,
May not be slain, but banished from the realm,
And with his wealth entire abroad may fare. 39
_Beadle._ Yes, Your Honor. [_He goes out, then reënters in tears._]
Oh, sirs, I was with the king. And King Palaka says: "Inasmuch
as he killed Vasantasena for such a trifle, these same jewels shall
be hung about his neck, the drum shall be beaten, he shall be conducted
to the southern burying-ground, and there impaled." And
whoever else shall commit such a crime, shall be punished with
the like dreadful doom.
_Charudatta._ Oh, how wanton is this act of King Palaka! Nevertheless,
Although his counsellors may plunge a king
Into injustice' dangers great,
Yet he will reap the woe and suffering;
And 't is a righteous fate. 40
[155.10. S.
And more than this:
They who pervert the king's true bent,
The white crow's part who play,
Have slain their thousands innocent,
And slay, and slay, and slay. 41
My friend Maitreya, go, greet the mother of my son in my name
for the last time. And keep my son Rohasena free from harm.
_Maitreya._ When the root is cut away, how can the tree be saved?
_Charudatta._ No, not so.
When man departs to worlds above,
In living son yet liveth he;
Bestow on Rohasena love
No less than that thou gavest me. 42
_Maitreya._ Oh, my friend! I will prove myself your friend by continuing
the life that you leave unfinished.
_Charudatta._ And let me see Rohasena for a single moment.
_Maitreya._ I will. It is but fitting.
_Judge._ My good beadle, remove this man. [_The beadle does so._]
Who is there? Let the headsmen receive their orders. [_The guardsmen
loose their hold on Charudatta, and all of them go out._]
_Beadle._ Come with me, sir.
_Charudatta._ [_Mournfully repeats the verse, page 146, beginning_ "My
friend Maitreya!" _Then, as if speaking to one not present._]
If you had proved my conduct by the fire,
By water, poison, scales, and thus had known
That I deserved that saws should bite my bone,
My Brahman's frame, more could I not desire.
You trust a foeman, slay me thus? 'T is well.
With sons, and sons' sons, now you plunge to hell! 43
I come! I come! [_Exeunt omnes._
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 83: Elephants were employed as executioners; and, according to
Lalladiksita, the horses served the same purpose.]
[Footnote 84: This refers to the fallen jewels.]
ACT THE TENTH
THE END
[_Enter Charudatta, accompanied by two headsmen._]
_Headsmen._
Then think no longer of the pain;
In just a second you 'll be slain.
We understand the fashions new
To fetter you and kill you too.
In chopping heads we never fail,
Nor when the victim we impale. 1
Out of the way, gentlemen, out of the way! This is the noble Charudatta.
The oleander on his brow,
In headsmen's hands you see him now;
Like a lamp whose oil runs nearly dry,
His light fades gently, ere it die. 2
_Charudatta._ [_Gloomily._]
My body wet by tear-drops falling, falling;
My limbs polluted by the clinging mud;
Flowers from the graveyard torn, my wreath appalling;
For ghastly sacrifice hoarse ravens calling,
And for the fragrant incense of my blood. 3
_Headsmen._ Out of the way, gentlemen, out of the way!
Why gaze upon the good man so?
The ax of death soon lays him low.
Yet good men once sought shelter free,
Like birds, upon this kindly tree. 4
Come, Charudatta, come!
_Charudatta._ Incalculable are the ways of human destiny, that I
am come to such a plight!
Red marks of hands in sandal paste
O'er all my body have been placed;
The man, with meal and powder strewn,
Is now to beast of offering grown. 5
[157.19. S.
[_He gazes intently before him._] Alas for human differences!
[_Mournfully._]
For when they see the fate that I must brave,
With tears for death's poor victim freely given,
The citizens cry "shame," yet cannot save,--
Can only pray that I attain to heaven. 6
_Headsmen._ Out of the way, gentlemen, out of the way! Why do
you gaze upon him?
God Indra moving through the sky,[85]
The calving cow, the falling star,
The good man when he needs must die,--
These four behold not from afar. 7
_Goha._ Look, Ahinta! Look, man!
While he, of citizens the best,
Goes to his death at fate's behest,
Does heaven thus weep that he must die?
Does lightning paint the cloudless sky? 8
_Ahinta._ Goha, man,
The heaven weeps not that he must die,
Nor lightning paints the cloudless sky;
Yet streams are falling constantly
From many a woman's clouded eye. 9
And again:
While this poor victim to his death is led,
No man nor woman here but sorely weeps;
And so the dust, by countless tear-drops fed,
Thus peacefully upon the highway sleeps. 10
_Charudatta._ [_Gazes intently. Mournfully._]
These women, in their palaces who stay,
From half-shut windows peering, thus lament,
"Alas for Charudatta! Woe the day!"
And pity-streaming eyes on me are bent. 11
P. 258.12]
_Headsmen._ Come, Charudatta, come! Here is the place of proclamation.
Beat the drum and proclaim the sentence.
Listen, good people, listen! This is the noble Charudatta, son
of Sagaradatta, and grandson of the merchant Vinayadatta. This
malefactor enticed the courtezan Vasantasena into the deserted
old garden Pushpakaranda, and for a mere trifle murdered her by
strangling. He was taken with the booty, and confessed his guilt.
Therefore are we under orders from King Palaka to execute him.
And if any other commit such a crime, accursèd in this world and
the next, him too King Palaka condemns to the like punishment.
_Charudatta._ [_Despondently. Aside._]
By hundred sacrifices purified,
My radiant name
Was once proclaimed by countless altars' side,
And knew no blame.
Now comes my hour of death, and evil men
Of baser fame
In public spots proclaim it once again,
But linked with shame. 12
[_He looks up and stops his ears._]
Vasantasena! Oh, my belovèd!
From thy dear lips, that vied with coral's red,
Betraying teeth more bright than moonbeams fair,
My soul with heaven's nectar once was fed.
How can I, helpless, taste that poison dread,
To drink shame's poisoned cup how can I bear? 13
_Headsmen._ Out of the way, gentlemen, out of the way!
This treasure-house, with pearls of virtue stored,
This bridge for good men o'er misfortune's river,
This gem now robbed of all its golden hoard,
Departs our town to-day, departs forever. 14
[159.15. S.
And again:
Whom fortune favors, find
That all the world is kind;
Whose happy days are ended,
Are rarely thus befriended. 15
_Charudatta._ [_Looks about him._]
Their faces with their garments' hem now hiding,
They stand afar, whom once I counted friends:
Even foes have smiles for men with Fortune biding:
But friends prove faithless when good fortune ends. 16
_Headsmen._ They are out of the way. The street is cleared. Lead
on the condemned criminal.
_Charudatta._ [_Sighing._]
My friend Maitreya! Oh, this cruel blow!
My wife, thou issue of a spotless strain!
My Rohasena! Here am I, laid low
By sternest fate; and thou, thou dost not know
That all thy childish games are played in vain.
Thou playest, heedless of another's pain! (ix. 29)
* * * * *
_Voices behind the scenes._ My father! Oh, my friend!
_Charudatta._ [_Listens. Mournfully._] You are a leader in your own
caste. I would beg a favor at your hands.
_Headsmen._ From _our_ hands you would receive a favor?
_Charudatta._ Heaven forbid! Yet a headsman is neither so wanton
nor so cruel as King Palaka. That I may be happy in the other
world, I ask to see the face of my son.
_Headsmen._ So be it.
_A voice behind the scenes._ My father! oh, my father! [_Charudatta
hears the words, and mournfully repeats his request._]
_Headsmen._ Citizens, make way a moment. Let the noble Charudatta
look upon the face of his son. [_Turning to the back of the
stage._] This way, sir! Come on, little boy!
P. 261.15]
[_Enter Maitreya, with Rohasena._]
_Maitreya._ Make haste, my boy, make haste! Your father is being
led to his death.
_Rohasena._ My father! oh, my father!
_Maitreya._ Oh, my friend! Where must I behold you now?
_Charudatta._ [_Perceives his son and his friend._] Alas, my son! Alas,
Maitreya! [_Mournfully._] Ah, woe is me!
Long, too long, shall I thirst in vain
Through all my sojourn dread;
This vessel[86] small will not contain
The water for the dead. 17
What may I give my son? [_He looks at himself, and perceives the
sacrificial cord._] Ah, this at least is mine.
The precious cord that Brahmans hold
Is unadorned with pearls and gold;
Yet, girt therewith, they sacrifice
To gods above and fathers[87] old. 18
[_He gives Rohasena the cord._]
_Goha._ Come, Charudatta! Come, man!
_Ahinta._ Man, do you name the noble Charudatta's name, and forget
the title? Remember:
In happy hours, in death, by night, by day,
Roving as free as a yet unbroken colt,
Fate wanders on her unrestricted way. 19
And again:
Life will depart his body soon;
Shall our reproaches bow his head?
Although eclipse may seize the moon,
We worship while it seems but dead. 20
_Rohasena._ Oh, headsmen, where are you leading my father?
[161.10. S.
_Charudatta._ My darling,
About my neck I needs must wear
The oleander-wreath;
Upon my shoulder I must bear
The stake, and in my heart the care
Of near-approaching death.
I go to-day to meet a dastard's ending,
A victim, at the fatal altar bending. 21
_Goha._ My boy,
Not we the headsmen are,
Though born of headsman race;
Thy father's life who mar,
These, these are headsmen base. 22
_Rohasena._ Then why do you murder my father?
_Goha._ Bless you, 't is the king's orders must bear the blame, not we.
_Rohasena._ Kill me, and let father go free.
_Goha._ Bless you, may you live long for saying that!
_Charudatta._ [_Tearfully embracing his son._]
This treasure--love--this taste of heaven,
To rich and poor alike is given;
Than sandal better, or than balm,
To soothe the heart and give it calm. 23
About my neck I needs must wear
The oleander-wreath,
Upon my shoulder I must bear
The stake, and in my heart the care
Of near-approaching death.
I go to-day to meet a dastard's ending,
A victim, at the fatal altar bending. (21)
[_He looks about. Aside._]
Their faces with their garments' hem now hiding,
They stand afar, whom once I counted friends:
Even foes have smiles (16)
P. 264.7]
_Maitreya._ My good men, let my dear friend Charudatta go free,
and kill me instead.
_Charudatta._ Heaven forbid! [_He looks about. Aside._] Now I understand.
for men with Fortune biding;
But friends prove faithless when good fortune ends. (16)
[_Aloud._]
These women, in their palaces who stay,
From half-shut windows peering, thus lament,
"Alas for Charudatta! Woe the day!"
And pity-streaming eyes on me are bent. (11)
_Goha._ Out of the way, gentlemen, out of the way!
Why gaze upon the good man so,
When shame his living hope lays low?
The cord was broken at the well,
And down the golden pitcher fell. 24
_Charudatta._ [_Mournfully._]
From thy dear lips, that vied with coral's red,
Betraying teeth more bright than moonbeams fair,
My soul with heaven's nectar once was fed.
How can I, helpless, taste that poison dread,
To drink shame's poisoned cup how can I bear? (13)
_Ahinta._ Proclaim the sentence again, man. [_Goha does so._]
_Charud._
So lowly fallen! till shame my virtues blur,
Till such an ending seem not loss, but gain!
Yet o'er my heart there creeps a saddening pain,
To hear them cry abroad "_You_ murdered _her_!" 25
[162.18. S.
[_Enter Sthavaraka, fettered, in the palace tower._]
_Sthavaraka._ [_After listening to the proclamation. In distress._]
What! the innocent Charudatta is being put to death? And my
master has thrown me into chains! Well, I must shout to them.--Listen,
good gentlemen, listen! It was I, wretch that I am, who
carried Vasantasena to the old garden Pushpakaranda, because
she mistook my bullock-cart for another. And then my master,
Sansthanaka, found that she would not love him, and it was he,
not this gentleman, who murdered her by strangling.--But they
are so far away that no one hears me. What shall I do? Shall I cast
myself down? [_He reflects._] If I do, then the noble Charudatta
will not be put to death. Yes, through this broken window I will
throw myself down from the palace tower. Better that I should
meet my end, than that the noble Charudatta should perish, this
tree of life for noble youths. And if I die in such a cause, I have
attained heaven. [_He throws himself down._] Wonderful! I did not
meet my end, and my fetters are broken. So I will follow the
sound of the headsmen's voices. [_He discovers the headsmen, and
hastens forward._] Headsmen, headsmen, make way!
_Headsmen._ For whom shall we make way?
_Sthavaraka._ Listen, good gentlemen, listen! It was I, wretch that
I am, who carried Vasantasena to the old garden Pushpakaranda,
because she mistook my bullock-cart for another. And then my
master, Sansthanaka, found that she would not love him, and it
was he, not this gentleman, who murdered her by strangling.
_Charudatta._ Thank heaven!
But who thus gladdens this my latest morn,
When in Time's snare I struggle all forlorn,
A streaming cloud above the rainless corn? 26
Listen! do you hear what I say?
Death have I never feared, but blackened fame;
My death were welcome, coming free from shame,
As were a son, new-born to bear my name. 27
And again:
That small, weak fool, whom I have never hated,
Stained me with sin wherewith himself was mated,
An arrow, with most deadly poison baited. 28
_Headsmen._ Are you telling the truth, Sthavaraka?
P. 266.13]
_Sthavaraka._ I am. And to keep me from telling anybody, he cast
me into chains, and imprisoned me in the tower of his palace.
* * * * *
[_Enter Sansthanaka._]
_Sansthanaka._ [_Gleefully._]
I ate a shour and bitter dish
Of meat and herbs and shoup and fish;
I tried at home my tongue to tickle
With rice-cakes plain, and rice with treacle. 29
[_He listens._] The headsmen's voices! They shound like a broken brass
cymbal. I hear the music of the fatal drum and the kettle-drums, and sho
I shuppose that that poor man, Charudatta, is being led to the place of
execution. I musht go and shee it. It is a great delight to shee my
enemy die. Beshides, I 've heard that a man who shees his enemy being
killed, is sure not to have shore eyes in his next birth. I acted like a
worm that had crept into the knot of a lotush-root. I looked for a hole
to crawl out at, and brought about the death of thish poor man,
Charudatta. Now I 'll climb up the tower of my own palace, and have a
look at my own heroic deeds. [_He does so and looks about._] Wonderful
what a crowd there is, to shee that poor man led to his death! What
would it be when an arishtocrat, a big man like me, was being led to his
death? [_He gazes._] Look! There he goes toward the shouth, adorned like
a young shteer. But why was the proclamation made near my palace tower,
and why was it shtopped? [_He looks about._] Why, my shlave Sthavaraka
is gone, too. I hope he has n't run away and betrayed the shecret. I
musht go and look for him. [_He descends and approaches the crowd._]
_Sthavaraka._ [_Discovers him._] There he comes, good masters!
_Headsmen._
Give way! Make room! And shut the door!
Be silent, and say nothing more!
Here comes a mad bull through the press,
Whose horns are sharp with wickedness. 30
[164.16. S.
_Sansthanaka._ Come, come, make way! [_He approaches._] Sthavaraka,
my little shon, my shlave, come, let 's go home.
_Sthavaraka._ You scoundrel! Are you not content with the murder
of Vasantasena? Must you try now to murder the noble Charudatta,
that tree of life to all who loved him?
_Sansthanaka._ I am beautiful as a pot of jewels. I kill no woman!
_Bystanders._ Oho! _you_ murdered her, not the noble Charudatta.
_Sansthanaka._ Who shays that?
_Bystanders._ [_Pointing to Sthavaraka._] This honest man.
_Sansthanaka._ [_Fearfully. Aside._] Merciful heavens! Why did n't
I chain that shlave Sthavaraka fasht? Why, he was a witnessh of
my crime. [_He reflects._] I 'll do it thish way. [_Aloud._] Lies, lies,
good gentlemen. Why, I caught the shlave shtealing gold, and I
pounded him, and murdered him, and put him in chains. He hates
me. What he shays can't be true. [_He secretly hands Sthavaraka
a bracelet, and whispers._] Sthavaraka, my little shon, my shlave,
take thish and shay shomething different.
_Sthavaraka._ [_Takes it._] Look, gentlemen, look! Why, he is trying
to bribe me with gold.
_Sansthanaka._ [_Snatches the bracelet from him._] That 's the gold that
I put him in chains for. [_Angrily._] Look here, headsmen! I put
him in charge of my gold-chest, and when he turned thief, I murdered
him and pounded him. If you don't believe it, jusht look
at his back.
_Headsmen._ [_Doing so._] Yes, yes. When a servant is branded that
way, no wonder he tells tales.
_Sthavaraka._ A curse on slavery! A slave convinces nobody.
[_Mournfully._] Noble Charudatta, I have no further power. [_He
falls at Charudatta's feet._]
_Charudatta._ [_Mournfully._]
Rise, rise! Kind soul to good men fallen on pain!
Brave friend who lendest such unselfish aid!
Thy greatest toil to save me was in vain,
For fate would not. Thy duty now is paid. 31
P. 270.15]
_Headsmen._ Beat your servant, master, and drive him away.
_Sansthanaka._ Out of the way, you! [_He drives Sthavaraka away._]
Come, headsmen, what are you waiting for? Kill him.
_Headsmen._ Kill him yourself, if you are in a hurry.
_Rohasena._ Oh, headsmen, kill me and let father go free.
_Sansthanaka._ Yesh, shon _and_ father, kill them both.
_Charudatta._ This fool might do anything. Go, my son, to your
mother.
_Rohasena._ And what should I do then?
_Charud._
Go with thy mother to a hermitage;
No moment, dear, delay;
Lest of thy father's fault thou reap the wage,
And tread the selfsame way. 32
And you, my friend, go with him.
_Maitreya._ Oh, my friend, have you so known me as to think that
I can live without you?
_Charudatta._ Not so, my friend. Your life is your own. You may
not throw it away.
_Maitreya._ [_Aside._] True. And yet I cannot live apart from my
friend. And so, when I have taken the boy to his mother, I will
follow my friend even in death. [_Aloud._] Yes, my friend, I will
take him to her at once. [_He embraces Charudatta, then falls at
his feet. Rohasena does the same, weeping._]
_Sansthanaka._ Look here! Did n't I tell you to kill Charudatta, and
his shon, too? [_At this, Charudatta betrays fear._]
_Headsmen._ We have n't any orders from the king to kill Charudatta, and
his son, too. Run away, boy, run away! [_They drive Rohasena away._]
Here is the third place of proclamation. Beat the drum! [_They proclaim
the sentence again._]
[167.1. S.
_Sansthanaka._ [_Aside._] But the citizens don't believe it. [_Aloud._]
Charudatta, you jackanapes, the citizens don't believe it. Shay it
with your own tongue, "I murdered Vasantasena." [_Charudatta remains
silent._] Look here, headsmen! The man won't shpeak, the
jackanapes Charudatta. Jusht make him shpeak. Beat him a few
times with thish ragged bamboo, or with a chain.
_Goha._ [_Raises his arm to strike._] Come, Charudatta, speak!
_Charudatta._ [_Mournfully._]
Now am I sunk so deep in sorrow's sea,
I know no fear, I know no sadness more;
Yet even now one flame still tortures me,
That men should say I slew whom I adore. 33
[_Sansthanaka repeats his words._]
_Charudatta._ Men of my own city!
A scoundrel I, who bear the blame,
Nor seek in heaven to be blest;
A maid--or goddess--'t is the same--
But _he_ will say the rest. (ix. 30)
_Sansthanaka._ Killed her!
_Charudatta._ So be it.
_Goha._ It 's your turn to kill him, man.
_Ahinta._ No, yours.
_Goha._ Well, let 's reckon it out. [_He does so at great length._] Well,
if it 's my turn to kill him, we will just let it wait a minute.
_Ahinta._ Why?
_Goha._ Well, when my father was going to heaven, he said to me,
"Son Goha, if it 's your turn to kill him, don't kill the sinner too
quick."
_Ahinta._ But why?
_Goha._ "Perhaps," said he, "some good man might give the money
to set him free. Perhaps a son might be born to the king, and to
celebrate the event, all the prisoners might be set free. Perhaps
an elephant might break loose, and the prisoner might escape in
the excitement. Perhaps there might be a change of kings, and all
the prisoners might be set free."
P. 274.8]
_Sansthanaka._ What? What? A change of kings?
_Goha._ Well, let 's reckon it out, whose turn it is.
_Sansthanaka._ Oh, come! Kill Charudatta at once. [_He takes Sthavaraka,
and withdraws a little._]
_Headsmen._ Noble Charudatta, it is the king's commandment that
bears the blame, not we headsmen. Think then of what you needs
must think.
_Charudatta._
Though slandered by a cruel fate,
And stained by men of high estate,
If that my virtue yet regarded be,
Then she who dwells with gods above
Or wheresoever else--my love--
By her sweet nature wipe the stain from me! 34
Tell me. Whither would you have me go?
_Goha._ [_Pointing ahead._] Why, here is the southern burying-ground,
and when a criminal sees that, he says good-by to life in
a minute. For look!
One half the corpse gaunt jackals rend and shake,
And ply their horrid task;
One half still hangs impaled upon the stake,
Loud laughter's grinning mask. 35
_Charudatta._ Alas! Ah, woe is me! [_In his agitation he sits down._]
_Sansthanaka._ I won't go yet. I 'll jusht shee Charudatta killed. [_He
walks about, gazing._] Well, well! He shat down.
_Goha._ Are you frightened, Charudatta?
_Charudatta._ [_Rising hastily._] Fool!
Death have I never feared, but blackened fame;
My death were welcome, coming free from shame,
As were a son, new-born to bear my name. (27)
[169.3. S.
_Goha._ Noble Charudatta, the moon and the sun dwell in the vault
of heaven, yet even they are overtaken by disaster. How much
more, death-fearing creatures, and men! In this world, one rises
only to fall, another falls only to rise again. But from him who has
risen and falls, his body drops like a garment. Lay these thoughts
to heart, and be strong. [_To Ahinta._] Here is the fourth place of
proclamation. Let us proclaim the sentence. [_They do so once
again._]
_Charudatta._
Vasantasena! Oh, my belovèd!
From thy dear lips, that vied with coral's red,
Betraying teeth more bright than moonbeams fair,
My soul with heaven's nectar once was fed.
How can I, helpless, taste that poison dread,
To drink shame's poisoned cup how can I bear? (13)
* * * * *
[_Enter, in great agitation, Vasantasena and the Buddhist monk._]
_Monk._ Strange! My monkish life did me yeoman service when it
proved necessary to comfort Vasantasena, so untimely wearied, and
to lead her on her way. Sister in Buddha, whither shall I lead you?
_Vasantasena._ To the noble Charudatta's house. Revive me with
the sight of him, as the night-blooming water-lily is revived by
the sight of the moon.
_Monk._ [_Aside._] By which road shall I enter? [_He reflects._] The
king's highway--I 'll enter by that. Come, sister in Buddha!
Here is the king's highway. [_Listening._] But what is this great
tumult that I hear on the king's highway?
_Vasantasena._ [_Looking before her._] Why, there is a great crowd
of people before us. Pray find out, sir, what it means. All Ujjayini
tips to one side, as if the earth bore an uneven load.
* * * * *
_Goha._ And here is the last place of proclamation. Beat the drum!
Proclaim the sentence! [_They do so._] Now, Charudatta, wait!
Don't be frightened. You will be killed very quickly.
P. 277.12]
_Charudatta._ Ye blessèd gods!
_Monk._ [_Listens. In terror._] Sister in Buddha, Charudatta is being
led to his death for murdering _you_.
_Vasantasena._ [_In terror._] Alas! For my wretched sake the noble
Charudatta put to death? Quick, quick! Oh, lead me thither!
_Monk._ Hasten, oh, hasten, sister in Buddha, to comfort the noble
Charudatta while he yet lives. Make way, gentlemen, make way!
_Vasantasena._ Make way, make way!
* * * * *
_Goha._ Noble Charudatta, it is the king's commandment that bears
the blame. Think then of what you needs must think.
_Charudatta._ Why waste words?
Though slandered by a cruel fate,
And stained by men of high estate,
If that my virtue yet regarded be,
Then she who dwells with gods above
Or wheresoever else--my love--
By her sweet nature wipe the stain from me! (34)
_Goha._ [_Drawing his sword._] Noble Charudatta, lie flat and be
quiet. With one stroke we will kill you and send you to heaven.
[_Charudatta does so. Goha raises his arm to strike. The sword falls
from his hand._] What is this?
I fiercely grasped within my hand
My thunderbolt-appalling brand;
Why did it fall upon the sand? 36
But since it did, I conclude that the noble Charudatta is not to
die. Have mercy, O mighty goddess of the Sahya hills! If only
Charudatta might be saved, then hadst thou shown favor to our
headsman caste.
_Ahinta._ Let us do as we were ordered.
_Goha._ Well, let us do it. [_They make ready to impale Charudatta._]
[170.23. S.
_Charud._
Though slandered by a cruel fate,
And stained by men of high estate,
If that my virtue yet regarded be,
Then she who dwells with gods above
Or wheresoever else--my love--
By her sweet nature wipe the stain from me! (34)
_Monk and Vasantasena._ [_Perceiving what is being done._] Good
gentlemen! Hold, hold!
_Vasantasena._ Good gentlemen! I am the wretch for whose sake
he is put to death.
_Goha._ [_Perceiving her._]
Who is the woman with the streaming hair
That smites her shoulder, loosened from its bands?
She loudly calls upon us to forbear,
And hastens hither with uplifted hands. 37
_Vasantasena._ Oh, Charudatta! What does it mean? [_She falls on
his breast._]
_Monk._ Oh, Charudatta! What does it mean? [_He falls at his feet._]
_Goha._ [_Anxiously withdrawing._] Vasantasena?--At least, we did
not kill an innocent man.
_Monk._ [_Rising._] Thank heaven! Charudatta lives.
_Goha._ And shall live a hundred years!
_Vasantasena._ [_Joyfully._] And I too am brought back to life again.
_Goha._ The king is at the place of sacrifice. Let us report to him
what has taken place. [_The two headsmen start to go away._]
_Sansthanaka._ [_Perceives Vasantasena. In terror._] Goodnessh! who
brought the shlave back to life? Thish is the end of me. Good!
I 'll run away. [_He runs away._]
_Goha._ [_Returning._] Well, did n't we have orders from the king to
put the man to death who murdered Vasantasena? Let us hunt
for the king's brother-in-law. [_Exeunt the two headsmen._
P. 281.1]
_Charudatta._ [_In amazement._]
Who saves me from the uplifted weapon's scorn,
When in Death's jaws I struggled all forlorn,
A streaming cloud above the rainless corn? 38
[_He gazes at her._]
Is this Vasantasena's counterfeit?
Or she herself, from heaven above descended?
Or do I but in madness see my sweet?
Or has her precious life not yet been ended? 39
Or again:
Did she return from heaven,
That I might rescued be?
Was her form to another given?
Is this that other she? 40
_Vasantasena._ [_Rises tearfully and falls at his feet._] O noble
Charudatta, I am indeed the wretch for whose sake you are fallen upon
this unworthy plight.
_Voices behind the scenes._ A miracle, a miracle! Vasantasena lives.
[_The bystanders repeat the words._]
_Charudatta._ [_Listens, then rises suddenly, embraces Vasantasena,
and closes his eyes. In a voice trembling with emotion._] My love!
You _are_ Vasantasena!
_Vasantasena._ That same unhappy woman.
_Charudatta._ [_Gazes upon her. Joyfully._] Can it be? Vasantasena
herself? [_In utter happiness._]
Her bosom bathed in streaming tears,
When in Death's power I fell,
Whence is she come to slay my fears,
Like heavenly magic's spell? 41
Vasantasena! Oh, my belovèd!
Unto my body, whence the life was fleeting,
And all for thee, thou knewest life to give.
Oh, magic wonderful in lovers' meeting!
What power besides could make the dead man live? 42
[172.17. S.
But see, my belovèd!
My blood-red garment seems a bridegroom's cloak,
Death's garland seems to me a bridal wreath;
My love is near.
And marriage music seems the fatal stroke
Of drums that heralded my instant death;
For she is here. 43
_Vasantasena._ You with your utter kindliness, what can it be that
you have done?
_Charudatta._ My belovèd, he said that I had killed you.
For ancient hatred's sake, my mighty foe,
Hell's victim now, had almost laid me low. 44
_Vasantasena._ [_Stopping her ears._] Heaven avert the omen! It was
he, the king's brother-in-law, who killed me.
_Charudatta._ [_Perceiving the monk._] But who is this?
_Vasantasena._ When that unworthy wretch had killed me, this
worthy man brought me back to life.
_Charudatta._ Who are you, unselfish friend?
_Monk._ You do not remember me, sir. I am that shampooer, who
once was happy to rub your feet. When I fell into the hands of
certain gamblers, this sister in Buddha, upon hearing that I had
been your servant, bought my freedom with her jewels. Thereupon
I grew tired of the gambler's life, and became a Buddhist
monk. Now this lady made a mistake in her bullock-cart, and so
came to the old garden Pushpakaranda. But when that unworthy
wretch learned that she would not love him, he murdered her by
strangling. And I found her there.
P. 283.11]
_Loud voices behind the scenes._
Unending victory to Shiva be,
Who Daksha's offering foiled;
And victory may Karttikeya see,
Who Krauncha smote and spoiled;
And victory to Aryaka the king--
His mighty foe he kills--
Far over all the earth's expansive ring,
That earth her joyous flag abroad may fling,
The snowy banner of Kailasa's hills. 45
* * * * *
[_Enter hurriedly Sharvilaka._]
_Sharv._
Yes, Palaka, the royal wretch, I slew,
Anointing Aryaka good king and true;
And now, like sacrificial flowers, I wed
The king's commandment to my bended head,
To give sad Charudatta life anew. 46
The foe whose powers and friends had fled, he slew,
Consoled and comforted his subjects true;
And earth's broad sovereignty has gladly wed
His power, and bent to him her lowly head,
Who toward his foe plays Indra's part anew. 47
[_He looks before him._] Ah! There he will be found, where the
people are thus gathered together. Oh, that this deed of King
Aryaka might be crowned with the rescued life of noble Charudatta!
[_He quickens his steps._] Make way, you rascals! [_He discovers
Charudatta. Joyfully._] Is Charudatta yet living, and Vasantasena?
Truly, our sovereign's wishes are fulfilled.
Now, thanks to heaven, from sorrow's shoreless sea
I see him saved by her he loved, set free
By that sweet bark, that knew her course to steer
With virtue's tackle and with goodness' gear.
He seems the moon, whose light shines clear at last,
When all the sad eclipse is overpast. 48
Yet how shall I approach him, who have so grievously sinned
against him? But no! Honesty is always honorable. [_He approaches
and folds his hands. Aloud._] O noble Charudatta!
_Charudatta._ Who are you, sir?
[174.13. S.
_Sharvilaka._
I forced your house in manner base,
And stole the gems there left behind;
But though this sin oppress my mind,
I throw myself upon your grace. 49
_Charudatta._ Not so, my friend. Thereby you showed your faith
in me. [_He embraces him._]
_Sharvilaka._ And one thing more:
The very noble Aryaka,
To save his family and name,
Has slain the wretched Palaka,
A victim at the altar's flame. 50
_Charudatta._ What say you?
_Sharvilaka._
'T was your cart helped him on his way,
Who sought the shelter of your name;
He slew King Palaka to-day,
A victim at the altar's flame. 51
_Charudatta._ Sharvilaka, did you set free that Aryaka, whom Palaka
took from his hamlet, and confined without cause in the tower?
_Sharvilaka._ I did.
_Charudatta._ This is indeed most welcome tidings.
_Sharvilaka._ Scarcely was your friend Aryaka established in Ujjayini,
when he bestowed upon you the throne of Kushavati, on the bank of the
Vena. May you graciously receive this first token of his love. [_He
turns around._] Come, lead hither that rascal, that villain, the
brother-in-law of the king!
_Voices behind the scenes._ We will, Sharvilaka.
_Sharvilaka._ Sir, King Aryaka declares that he won this kingdom
through your virtues, and that you are therefore to have some
benefit from it.
_Charudatta._ The kingdom won through my virtues?
* * * * *
_Voices behind the scenes._ Come on, brother-in-law of the king, and
reap the reward of your insolence. [_Enter Sansthanaka, guarded,
with his hands tied behind his back._]
P. 285.18]
_Sansthanaka._ Goodnessh gracious!
It came to pass, I ran away
Like any ass, and had my day.
They drag me round, a prishoner,
As if they 'd found a naughty cur. 52
[_He looks about him._] They crowd around me, though I 'm a relative
of the king's. To whom shall I go for help in my helplesshnessh?
[_He reflects._] Good! I 'll go to the man who gives help and
shows mercy to the shuppliant. [_He approaches._] Noble Charudatta,
protect me, protect me! [_He falls at his feet._]
_Voices behind the scenes._ Noble Charudatta, leave him to us! let
us kill him!
_Sansthanaka._ [_To Charudatta._] O helper of the helplessh, protect
me!
_Charudatta._ [_Mercifully._] Yes, yes. He who seeks protection shall
be safe.
_Sharvilaka._ [_Impatiently._] Confound him! Take him away from
Charudatta! [_To Charudatta._] Tell me. What shall be done with
the wretch?
Shall he be bound and dragged until he dies?
Shall dogs devour the scoundrel as he lies?
If he should be impaled, 't would be no blunder,
Nor if we had the rascal sawn asunder. 53
_Charudatta._ Will you do as I say?
_Sharvilaka._ How can you doubt it?
_Sansthanaka._ Charudatta! Mashter! I sheek your protection. Protect
me, protect me! Do shomething worthy of yourshelf. I 'll
never do it again!
_Voices of citizens behind the scenes._ Kill him! Why should the
wretch be allowed to live?
[176.8. S.
[_Vasantasena takes the garland of death from Charudatta's neck,
and throws it upon Sansthanaka._]
_Sansthanaka._ You shlave-wench, be merciful, be merciful! I 'll
never murder you again. Protect me!
_Sharvilaka._ Come, take him away! Noble Charudatta, say what
shall be done with the wretch.
_Charudatta._ Will you do as I say?
_Sharvilaka._ How can you doubt it?
_Charudatta._ Really?
_Sharvilaka._ Really.
_Charudatta._ Then let him be immediately--
_Sharvilaka._ Killed?
_Charudatta._ No, no! Set free.
_Sharvilaka._ What for?
_Charud._
The humbled foe who seeks thine aid,
Thou mayst not smite with steely blade--
_Sharvilaka._ All right. We will have the dogs eat him alive.
_Charudatta._ No, no!
Be cruelty with kindness paid. 54
_Sharvilaka._ Wonderful! What shall I do? Tell me, sir.
_Charudatta._ Why, set him free.
_Sharvilaka._ It shall be done.
_Sansthanaka._ Hooray! I breathe again. [_Exit, with the guards._
_Sharvilaka._ Mistress Vasantasena, the king is pleased to bestow
upon you the title "wedded wife."
_Vasantasena._ Sir, I desire no more.
_Sharvilaka._ [_Places the veil[88] upon Vasantasena. To Charudatta._]
Sir, what shall be done for this monk?
_Charudatta._ Monk, what do you most desire?
_Monk._ When I see this example of the uncertainty of all things,
I am twice content to be a monk.
P. 292.16]
_Charudatta._ His purpose is not to be changed, my friend. Let him
be appointed spiritual father over all the monasteries in the land.
_Sharvilaka._ It shall be done.
_Monk._ It is all that I desire.
_Vasantasena._ Now I am indeed brought back to life.
_Sharvilaka._ What shall be done for Sthavaraka?
_Charudatta._ Let the good fellow be given his freedom. Let those
headsmen be appointed chiefs of all the headsmen. Let Chandanaka
be appointed chief of all the police in the land. Let the brother-in-law
of the king continue to act exactly as he acted in the past.
_Sharvilaka._ It shall be done. Only _that_ man--leave him to me,
and I 'll kill him.
_Charudatta._
He who seeks protection shall be safe.
The humbled foe who seeks thine aid,
Thou mayst not smite with steely blade.
Be cruelty with kindness paid. (54)
_Sharvilaka._ Then tell me what I may yet do for you.
_Charudatta._ Can there be more than this?
I kept unstained my virtue's even worth,
Granted my enemy his abject suit;
Friend Aryaka destroyed his foeman's root,
And rules a king o'er all the steadfast earth.
This dear-loved maiden is at last mine own,
And you united with me as a friend.
And shall I ask for further mercies, shown
To me, who cannot sound these mercies' end? 58
Fate plays with us like buckets at the well,
Where one is filled, and one an empty shell,
Where one is rising, while another falls;
And shows how life is change--now heaven, now hell. 59
Yet may the wishes of our epilogue be fulfilled.
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 85: That is, the lightning.]
[Footnote 86: Rohasena is himself conceived as the receptacle of the
water which a son must pour as a drink-offering to his dead father.]
[Footnote 87: The Manes or spirits of the blessèd dead.]
[Footnote 88: A token of honorable marriage. Compare page 66.]
EPILOGUE
[178.9. S.
May kine yield streaming milk, the earth her grain,
And may the heaven give never-failing rain,
The winds waft happiness to all that breathes,
And all that lives, live free from every pain.
In paths of righteousness may Brahmans tread,
And high esteem their high deserving wed;
May kings in justice' ways be ever led,
And earth, submissive, bend her grateful head. 60
[_Exeunt omnes._]
A LIST OF PASSAGES
IN WHICH THE TRANSLATION DEPARTS FROM PARAB'S TEXT
35.15: Here _nirmitah_ is apparently a mere misprint for _nirjitah_.
45.11: The addition of _utthedha tti_ seems almost necessary.
53.10; 54.9; 55.11; 62.7; 66.7: In these passages I have substituted
"shampooer" for "gambler," to prevent confusion of the shampooer with
the unnamed gambler.
57.13: I have added the stage-direction _dyutakaramandalim krtva_.
67.5: Read _kam_ for _kim_.
72.9: Read _ajjo bandhuanam samassasidum_ for Parab's _ajja bandhuano
samassasadu_.
73.5: We should probably read _bihaccham_ (_bibhatsam_) for
_vihattham_.
87.3: The words _cikitsam krtva_ seem to be part of the text, not of
the stage-direction.
97.13: I regard _nayasya_ as one word, not two (_na yasya_).
100.12: Read _raksan_ for _raksyan_.
114.5: Read _naaranari-_ for _naranari-_.
125.8-11: These lines I have omitted.
126.4: Read _accharia-_ (_açcarya-_) for _accharidi-_.
170.8: Read _eka-_ for _eka-_.
178.11: Read _vaddhamanao_ for _vaddhamanaa_.
184.9: Read _a_ (_ca_) for _ka_.
217.15: Whatever _çavodiam_ may be, I have translated it in accordance
with Lalladiksita's gloss, _savestikam_.
226.2: Apparently _khala-_ is a misprint for _khana-_.
238.10: Read _-ruciram_ for _-racitam_.
259.16: Read _udviksya_ for _udvijya_.
262.4: Read _-bhajanam_ for _-bhojanam_.
262.14: Read _padicchidam_ (_pratistam_) for _padicchidum_.
265.6: Read _tvaya_ for _maya_.
284.14: The words _atha va_ plainly belong to the text, not to the
stage-direction.
287.2: I take _paurah_ as part of the stage-direction.
288.3-292.9: This passage I have omitted: compare page xii.
* * * * *