And still I fear the spies that serve the king; Escape is even yet a doubtful thing, While to my foot these cursèd fetters cling. Some good man 't is, within whose cart I lie, Like cuckoo chicks, whose heartless mothers fly, And crows must rear the fledglings, or they die. 3 I have come a long distance from the city. Shall I get out of the cart and seek a hiding-place in the grove? or shall I wait to see the owner of the cart? On second thoughts, I will not hide myself in the grove; for men say that the noble Chārudatta is ever helpful to them that seek his protection. I will not go until I have seen him face to face. [108.3. S. 'T will bring contentment to that good man's heart To see me rescued from misfortune's sea. This body, in its suffering, pain, and smart, Is saved through his sweet magnanimity. 4 _Vardhamānaka._ Here is the garden. I 'll drive in. [_He does so._] Maitreya! _Maitreya._ Good news, my friend. It is Vardhamānaka's voice. Vasantasenā must have come. _Chārudatta._ Good news, indeed. _Maitreya._ You son of a slave, what makes you so late? _Vardhamānaka._ Don't get angry, good Maitreya. I remembered that I had forgotten the cushion, and I had to go back for it, and that is why I am late. _Chārudatta._ Turn the cart around, Vardhamānaka. Maitreya, my friend, help Vasantasenā to get out. _Maitreya._ Has she got fetters on her feet, so that she can't get out by herself? [_He rises and lifts the curtain of the cart._] Why, this is n't mistress Vasantasenā--this is Mister Vasantasena. _Chārudatta._ A truce to your jests, my friend. Love cannot wait. I will help her to get out myself. [_He rises._] _Aryaka._ [_Discovers him._] Ah, the owner of the bullock-cart! He is attractive not only to the ears of men, but also to their eyes. Thank heaven! I am safe. _Chārudatta._ [_Enters the bullock-cart and discovers Aryaka._] Who then is this? As trunk of elephant his arms are long, His chest is full, his shoulders broad and strong, His great eyes restless-red;[71] Why should this man be thus enforced to fight-- So noble he--with such ignoble plight, His foot to fetters wed? 5 P. 180.14] Who are you, sir? _Aryaka._ I am one who seeks your protection, Aryaka, by birth a herdsman. _Chārudatta._ Are you he whom King Pālaka took from the hamlet where he lived and thrust into prison? _Aryaka._ The same. _Chārudatta._ 'T is fate that brings you to my sight; May I be reft of heaven's light, Ere I desert you in your hapless plight. 6 [_Aryaka manifests his joy._] _Chārudatta._ Vardhamānaka, remove the fetters from his foot. _Vardhamānaka._ Yes, sir. [_He does so._] Master, the fetters are removed. _Aryaka._ But you have bound me with yet stronger fetters of love.