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) * * * * * [_Enter, in great agitation, Vasantasenā and the Buddhist monk._] _Monk._ Strange! My monkish life did me yeoman service when it proved necessary to comfort Vasantasenā, so untimely wearied, and to lead her on her way. Sister in Buddha, whither shall I lead you? _Vasantasenā._ To the noble Chārudatta'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? _Vasantasenā._ [_Looking before her._] Why, there is a great crowd of people before us. Pray find out, sir, what it means. All Ujjayinī 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, Chārudatta, wait! Don't be frightened. You will be killed very quickly. P. 277.12] _Chārudatta._ Ye blessèd gods! _Monk._ [_Listens. In terror._] Sister in Buddha, Chārudatta is being led to his death for murdering _you_. _Vasantasenā._ [_In terror._] Alas! For my wretched sake the noble Chārudatta put to death? Quick, quick! Oh, lead me thither! _Monk._ Hasten, oh, hasten, sister in Buddha, to comfort the noble Chārudatta while he yet lives. Make way, gentlemen, make way! _Vasantasenā._ Make way, make way! * * * * * _Goha._ Noble Chārudatta, it is the king's commandment that bears the blame. Think then of what you needs must think. _Chārudatta._ 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 Chārudatta, lie flat and be quiet. With one stroke we will kill you and send you to heaven. [_Chārudatta 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 Chārudatta is not to die. Have mercy, O mighty goddess of the Sahya hills! If only Chārudatta might be saved, then hadst thou shown favor to our headsman caste. _Ahīnta._ Let us do as we were ordered.