[_He enters the bullock-cart with Madanikā, and starts away._] _A voice behind the scenes._ Men! Men! We have the following orders from the chief of police: "A soothsayer has declared that a young herdsman named Aryaka is to become king. Trusting to this prophecy, and alarmed thereat, King Pālaka has taken him from his hamlet, and thrown him into strict confinement. Therefore be watchful, and every man at his post." _Sharvilaka._ [_Listening._] What! King Pālaka has imprisoned my good friend Aryaka? And here I am, a married man. Confound it! But no, Two things alone--his friend, his wife-- Deserve man's love below; A hundred brides may forfeit life Ere he should suffer so. 25 Good! I will get out [_He does so._] _Madanikā._ [_Folding her hands. Tearfully._] My lord, if you must, at least bring me first to your parents. _Sharvilaka._ Yes, my love. I will. I had the same thought in mind. [_To the servant._] My good fellow, do you know the house of the merchant Rebhila? _Servant._ Certainly. _Sharvilaka._ Bring my wife thither. _Servant._ Yes, sir. _Madanikā_. If you desire it, dear. But dear, you must be very careful. [_Exit._ P. 113.6] _Sharvilaka._ Now as for me, I'll rouse my kin, the kitchen cabinet. Those high in fame by strength of good right arm, And those who with the king's contempt have met, And royal slaves, to save my friend from harm: Like old Yaugandharāyana For the good king Udayana. 26 And again: My friend has causeless been confined By wicked foes of timid kind; I fly, I fly to free him soon, Like the eclipse-oppressèd moon. [_Exit._] 27 _Maid._ [_Entering._] Mistress, I congratulate you. A Brahman has come with a message from Chārudatta. _Vasantasenā._ Ah, this is a joyful day. Show him every mark of respect, girl, and have him conducted hither by one of the pages. _Maid._ Yes, mistress. [_Exit._ * * * * * [_Enter Maitreya with a page._] _Maitreya._ Well! Rāvana, the king of the demons, travels with his chariot that they call the "Blossom." He earned it by his penances. Now I am a Brahman, and though I never performed any penances, I travel with another sort of a blossom--a woman of the town. _Maid._ Sir, will you inspect our gateway.