When man once sees that miserable day, When fate almighty sweeps his wealth away, Then ancient friendships will no longer hold, Then all his former bosom-friends grow cold. 53 _Maitreya._ [_Drawing near to Radanikā._] Sir, here is Radanikā. _Chārudatta._ Here is Radanikā? Who then is this-- This unknown lady, by my robe Thus clinging, desecrated, _Vasantasenā._ [_To herself._] Say rather "consecrated." _Chārudatta._ Until she seems the crescent moon. With clouds of autumn[38] mated? 54 But no! I may not gaze upon another's wife. _Maitreya._ Oh, you need not fear that you are looking at another man's wife. This is Vasantasenā, who has been in love with you ever since she saw you in the garden where Kāma's temple stands. _Chārudatta._ What! this is Vasantasenā? [_Aside._] My love for whom--my fortune spent-- My wretched self in twain has rent. Like coward's anger, inward bent. 55 [23. 19. S. _Maitreya._ My friend, that brother-in-law of the king says-- _Chārudatta._ Well? _Maitreya._ "This wench with golden ornaments and golden jewels, this female stage-manager looking after the rehearsal of a new play, this Vasantasenā--she has been in love with you ever since she went into the park where Kāma's temple stands. And when we tried to conciliate her by force, she went into your house." _Vasantasenā._ [_To herself._] "Tried to conciliate me by force"--truly, I am honored by these words. _Maitreya._ "Now if you send her away yourself and hand her over to me, if you restore her at once, without any lawsuit in court, then I'll be friends with you forever. Otherwise, there will be a fight to the death." _Chārudatta._ [_Contemptuously._] He is a fool. [_To himself._] How is this maiden worthy of the worship that we pay a goddess! For now Although I bade her enter, yet she seeks To spare my poverty, nor enters here; Though men are known to her, yet all she speaks Contains no word to wound a modest ear. 56 [_Aloud._] Mistress Vasantasenā, I have unwittingly made myself guilty of an offense; for I greeted as a servant one whom I did not recognize. I bend my neck to ask your pardon. _Vasantasenā._ It is I who have offended by this unseemly intrusion. I bow my head to seek your forgiveness. _Maitreya._ Yes, with your pretty bows you two have knocked your heads together, till they look like a couple of rice-fields. I also bow my head like a camel colt's knee and beseech you both to stand up. [_He does so, then rises._] _Chārudatta._ Very well, let us no longer trouble ourselves with conventions.