_Goha._ It 's your turn to kill him, man. _Ahīnta._ 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. _Ahīnta._ 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." _Ahīnta._ 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] _Sansthānaka._ What? What? A change of kings? _Goha._ Well, let 's reckon it out, whose turn it is. _Sansthānaka._ Oh, come! Kill Chārudatta at once. [_He takes Sthāvaraka, and withdraws a little._] _Headsmen._ Noble Chārudatta, it is the king's commandment that bears the blame, not we headsmen. Think then of what you needs must think. _Chārudatta._ 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 _Chārudatta._ Alas! Ah, woe is me! [_In his agitation he sits down._] _Sansthānaka._ I won't go yet. I 'll jusht shee Chārudatta killed. [_He walks about, gazing._] Well, well! He shat down. _Goha._ Are you frightened, Chārudatta? _Chārudatta._ [_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 Chārudatta, 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 Ahīnta._] Here is the fourth place of proclamation. Let us proclaim the sentence. [_They do so once again._] _Chārudatta._