The Little Clay Cart Part 55

_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._ n.o.ble 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 beloved!

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 n.o.ble 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 blessed G.o.ds!

_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 n.o.ble Charudatta put to death? Quick, quick! Oh, lead me thither!

_Monk._ Hasten, oh, hasten, sister in Buddha, to comfort the n.o.ble Charudatta while he yet lives. Make way, gentlemen, make way!

_Vasantasena._ Make way, make way!

_Goha._ n.o.ble 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 G.o.ds above Or wheresoever else--my love-- By her sweet nature wipe the stain from me! (34)

_Goha._ [_Drawing his sword._] n.o.ble 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 n.o.ble Charudatta is not to die. Have mercy, O mighty G.o.ddess 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 G.o.ds 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. .h.i.ther 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._] Goodness.h.!.+ 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._