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, Ahīnta! 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 _Ahīnta._ 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 _Chārudatta._ [_Gazes intently. Mournfully._] These women, in their palaces who stay, From half-shut windows peering, thus lament, "Alas for Chārudatta! Woe the day!" And pity-streaming eyes on me are bent. 11 P. 258.12] _Headsmen._ Come, Chārudatta, come! Here is the place of proclamation. Beat the drum and proclaim the sentence. Listen, good people, listen! This is the noble Chārudatta, son of Sāgaradatta, and grandson of the merchant Vinayadatta. This malefactor enticed the courtezan Vasantasenā 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 Pālaka to execute him. And if any other commit such a crime, accursèd in this world and the next, him too King Pālaka condemns to the like punishment. _Chārudatta._ [_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._] Vasantasenā! 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 _Chārudatta._ [_Looks about him._]