_Goha._ Well, let us do it. [_They make ready to impale Chārudatta._] [170.23. S. _Chārud._ 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) _Monk and Vasantasenā._ [_Perceiving what is being done._] Good gentlemen! Hold, hold! _Vasantasenā._ 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 hither with uplifted hands. 37 _Vasantasenā._ Oh, Chārudatta! What does it mean? [_She falls on his breast._] _Monk._ Oh, Chārudatta! What does it mean? [_He falls at his feet._] _Goha._ [_Anxiously withdrawing._] Vasantasenā?--At least, we did not kill an innocent man. _Monk._ [_Rising._] Thank heaven! Chārudatta lives. _Goha._ And shall live a hundred years! _Vasantasenā._ [_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._] _Sansthānaka._ [_Perceives Vasantasenā. In terror._] Goodnessh! 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 Vasantasenā? Let us hunt for the king's brother-in-law. [_Exeunt the two headsmen._ P. 281.1] _Chārudatta._ [_In amazement._] Who saves me from the uplifted weapon's scorn, When in Death's jaws I struggled all forlorn, A streaming cloud above the rainless corn? 38 [_He gazes at her._] Is this Vasantasenā's counterfeit? Or she herself, from heaven above descended? Or do I but in madness see my sweet? Or has her precious life not yet been ended? 39 Or again: Did she return from heaven, That I might rescued be? Was her form to another given? Is this that other she? 40 _Vasantasenā._ [_Rises tearfully and falls at his feet._] O noble Chārudatta, I am indeed the wretch for whose sake you are fallen upon this unworthy plight. _Voices behind the scenes._ A miracle, a miracle! Vasantasenā lives. [_The bystanders repeat the words._] _Chārudatta._ [_Listens, then rises suddenly, embraces Vasantasenā, and closes his eyes. In a voice trembling with emotion._] My love! You _are_ Vasantasenā! _Vasantasenā._ That same unhappy woman. _Chārudatta._ [_Gazes upon her. Joyfully._] Can it be? Vasantasenā herself? [_In utter happiness._]