_Sthāvaraka._ I've cleared the carts out of the way, and now I'll go ahead. [_He mounts and drives away. To himself._] The cart has grown heavy. But I suppose it only seems so, because I got tired helping them with that wheel. Well, I'll go along. Get up, bullocks, get up! _A voice behind the scenes._ Police! Police! Every man at his post! The young herdsman has just broken jail, killed the jailer, broken his fetters, escaped, and run away. Catch him! Catch him! [_Enter, in excited haste, Aryaka, an iron chain on one foot. Covering his face, he walks about._] _Sthāvaraka._ [_To himself._] There is great excitement in the city. I must get out of the way as fast as I possibly can. [_Exit._ _Aryaka._ I leave behind me that accursèd sea Of human woe and human misery, The prison of the king. Like elephants that break their chains and flee, I drag a fettered foot most painfully In flight and wandering. 1 King Pālaka was frightened by a prophecy, took me from the hamlet where I lived, fettered me, and thrust me into a solitary cell, there to await my death. But with the help of my good friend Sharvilaka I escaped. [_He sheds tears._] If such my fate, no sin is mine at least, That he should cage me like a savage beast. A man may fight with kings, though not with fate-- And yet, can helpless men contend with great? 2 Whither shall I go with my wretchedness? [_He looks about._] Here is the house of some good man who hasn't locked the side-door. The house is old, the door without a lock, The hinges all awry. Some man, no doubt, who feels misfortune's shock As cruelly as I. 3 [96.18. S. I will enter here and wait. _A voice behind the scenes._ Get up, bullocks, get up! _Aryaka._ [_Listening._] Ah, a bullock-cart is coming this way. If this should prove to be a picnic rig, Its occupants not peevishly inclined; Some noble lady's waiting carriage trig; Or rich man's coach, that leaves the town behind-- And if it empty be, fate proving kind, 'T would seem a godsend to my anxious mind. 4 [_Enter Vardhamānaka with the bullock-cart._] _Vardhamānaka._ There, I've got the cushion. Radanikā, tell mistress Vasantasenā that the cart is ready and waiting for her to get in and drive to the old garden Pushpakaranda. _Aryaka._ [_Listening._] This is a courtezan's cart, going out of the city. Good, I'll climb in. [_He approaches cautiously._]