The Little Clay Cart Part 36

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 n.o.ble Charudatta 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

_Vardhamanaka._ Here is the garden. I 'll drive in. [_He does so._]

Maitreya!

_Maitreya._ Good news, my friend. It is Vardhamanaka's voice.

Vasantasena must have come.

_Charudatta._ Good news, indeed.

_Maitreya._ You son of a slave, what makes you so late?

_Vardhamanaka._ Don't get angry, good Maitreya. I remembered that I had forgotten the cus.h.i.+on, and I had to go back for it, and that is why I am late.

_Charudatta._ Turn the cart around, Vardhamanaka. Maitreya, my friend, help Vasantasena 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 Vasantasena--this is Mister Vasantasena.

_Charudatta._ 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.

_Charudatta._ [_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 n.o.ble he--with such ign.o.ble 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.

_Charudatta._ Are you he whom King Palaka took from the hamlet where he lived and thrust into prison?

_Aryaka._ The same.

_Charudatta._

'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._]

_Charudatta._ Vardhamanaka, remove the fetters from his foot.

_Vardhamanaka._ Yes, sir. [_He does so._] Master, the fetters are removed.

_Aryaka._ But you have bound me with yet stronger fetters of love.

_Maitreya._ Now you may put on the fetters yourself. He is free anyway. And it 's time for us to be going.

_Charudatta._ Peace! For shame!

_Aryaka._ Charudatta, my friend, I entered your cart somewhat unceremoniously. I beg your pardon.

_Charudatta._ I feel honored that you should use no ceremony with me.

_Aryaka._ If you permit it, I now desire to go.

_Charudatta._ Go in peace.

_Aryaka._ Thank you. I will alight from the cart.

_Charudatta._ No, my friend. The fetters have but this moment been removed, and you will find walking difficult. In this spot where men seek pleasure, a bullock-cart will excite no suspicion.

Continue your journey then in the cart.

[110.4. S.

_Aryaka._ I thank you, sir.

_Charud._ Seek now thy kinsmen. Happiness be thine!

_Aryaka._ Ah, I have found thee, blessed kinsman mine!

_Charud._ Remember me, when thou hast cause to speak.

_Aryaka._ Thy name, and not mine own, my words shall seek.

_Charud._ May the immortal G.o.ds protect thy ways!

_Aryaka._ Thou didst protect me, in most perilous days.

_Charud._ Nay, it was fate that sweet protection lent.

_Aryaka._ But thou wast chosen as fate's instrument. 7

_Charudatta._ King Palaka is aroused, and protection will prove difficult. You must depart at once.

_Aryaka._ Until we meet again, farewell. [_Exit._

_Charud._