_Sthāvaraka._ [_After listening to the proclamation. In distress._] What! the innocent Chārudatta 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 Vasantasenā to the old garden Pushpakaranda, because she mistook my bullock-cart for another. And then my master, Sansthānaka, 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 Chārudatta 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 Chārudatta 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? _Sthāvaraka._ Listen, good gentlemen, listen! It was I, wretch that I am, who carried Vasantasenā to the old garden Pushpakaranda, because she mistook my bullock-cart for another. And then my master, Sansthānaka, found that she would not love him, and it was he, not this gentleman, who murdered her by strangling. _Chārudatta._ 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, Sthāvaraka? P. 266.13] _Sthāvaraka._ I am. And to keep me from telling anybody, he cast me into chains, and imprisoned me in the tower of his palace. * * * * * [_Enter Sansthānaka._] _Sansthānaka._ [_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