[_He looks about him._] They crowd around me, though I 'm a relative of the king's. To whom shall I go for help in my helplesshnessh? [_He reflects._] Good! I 'll go to the man who gives help and shows mercy to the shuppliant. [_He approaches._] Noble Chārudatta, protect me, protect me! [_He falls at his feet._] _Voices behind the scenes._ Noble Chārudatta, leave him to us! let us kill him! _Sansthānaka._ [_To Chārudatta._] O helper of the helplessh, protect me! _Chārudatta._ [_Mercifully._] Yes, yes. He who seeks protection shall be safe. _Sharvilaka._ [_Impatiently._] Confound him! Take him away from Chārudatta! [_To Chārudatta._] Tell me. What shall be done with the wretch? Shall he be bound and dragged until he dies? Shall dogs devour the scoundrel as he lies? If he should be impaled, 't would be no blunder, Nor if we had the rascal sawn asunder. 53 _Chārudatta._ Will you do as I say? _Sharvilaka._ How can you doubt it? _Sansthānaka._ Chārudatta! Mashter! I sheek your protection. Protect me, protect me! Do shomething worthy of yourshelf. I 'll never do it again! _Voices of citizens behind the scenes._ Kill him! Why should the wretch be allowed to live? [176.8. S. [_Vasantasenā takes the garland of death from Chārudatta's neck, and throws it upon Sansthānaka._] _Sansthānaka._ You shlave-wench, be merciful, be merciful! I 'll never murder you again. Protect me! _Sharvilaka._ Come, take him away! Noble Chārudatta, say what shall be done with the wretch. _Chārudatta._ Will you do as I say? _Sharvilaka._ How can you doubt it? _Chārudatta._ Really? _Sharvilaka._ Really. _Chārudatta._ Then let him be immediately-- _Sharvilaka._ Killed? _Chārudatta._ No, no! Set free. _Sharvilaka._ What for? _Chārud._ The humbled foe who seeks thine aid, Thou mayst not smite with steely blade-- _Sharvilaka._ All right. We will have the dogs eat him alive. _Chārudatta._ No, no! Be cruelty with kindness paid. 54 _Sharvilaka._ Wonderful! What shall I do? Tell me, sir. _Chārudatta._ Why, set him free. _Sharvilaka._ It shall be done. _Sansthānaka._ Hooray! I breathe again. [_Exit, with the guards._ _Sharvilaka._ Mistress Vasantasenā, the king is pleased to bestow upon you the title "wedded wife." _Vasantasenā._ Sir, I desire no more. _Sharvilaka._ [_Places the veil[88] upon Vasantasenā. To Chārudatta._] Sir, what shall be done for this monk? _Chārudatta._ Monk, what do you most desire? _Monk._ When I see this example of the uncertainty of all things, I am twice content to be a monk. P. 292.16] _Chārudatta._ His purpose is not to be changed, my friend. Let him be appointed spiritual father over all the monasteries in the land. _Sharvilaka._ It shall be done. _Monk._ It is all that I desire. _Vasantasenā._ Now I am indeed brought back to life. _Sharvilaka._ What shall be done for Sthāvaraka?