The Little Clay Cart Part 57

The very n.o.ble Aryaka, To save his family and name, Has slain the wretched Palaka, A victim at the altar's flame. 50

_Charudatta._ What say you?

_Sharvilaka._

'T was your cart helped him on his way, Who sought the shelter of your name; He slew King Palaka to-day, A victim at the altar's flame. 51

_Charudatta._ Sharvilaka, did you set free that Aryaka, whom Palaka took from his hamlet, and confined without cause in the tower?

_Sharvilaka._ I did.

_Charudatta._ This is indeed most welcome tidings.

_Sharvilaka._ Scarcely was your friend Aryaka established in Ujjayini, when he bestowed upon you the throne of Kushavati, on the bank of the Vena. May you graciously receive this first token of his love. [_He turns around._] Come, lead hither that rascal, that villain, the brother-in-law of the king!

_Voices behind the scenes._ We will, Sharvilaka.

_Sharvilaka._ Sir, King Aryaka declares that he won this kingdom through your virtues, and that you are therefore to have some benefit from it.

_Charudatta._ The kingdom won through my virtues?

_Voices behind the scenes._ Come on, brother-in-law of the king, and reap the reward of your insolence. [_Enter Sansthanaka, guarded, with his hands tied behind his back._]

P. 285.18]

_Sansthanaka._ Goodnessh gracious!

It came to pa.s.s, I ran away Like any a.s.s, and had my day.

They drag me round, a prishoner, As if they 'd found a naughty cur. 52

[_He looks about him._] They crowd around me, though I 'm a relative of the king's. To whom shall I go for help in my helplesshnessh?

[_He reflects._] Good! I 'll go to the man who gives help and shows mercy to the shuppliant. [_He approaches._] n.o.ble Charudatta, protect me, protect me! [_He falls at his feet._]

_Voices behind the scenes._ n.o.ble Charudatta, leave him to us! let us kill him!

_Sansthanaka._ [_To Charudatta._] O helper of the helplessh, protect me!

_Charudatta._ [_Mercifully._] Yes, yes. He who seeks protection shall be safe.

_Sharvilaka._ [_Impatiently._] Confound him! Take him away from Charudatta! [_To Charudatta._] Tell me. What shall be done with the wretch?

Shall he be bound and dragged until he dies?

Shall dogs devour the scoundrel as he lies?

If he should be impaled, 't would be no blunder, Nor if we had the rascal sawn asunder. 53

_Charudatta._ Will you do as I say?

_Sharvilaka._ How can you doubt it?

_Sansthanaka._ Charudatta! Mashter! I sheek your protection. Protect me, protect me! Do shomething worthy of yourshelf. I 'll never do it again!

_Voices of citizens behind the scenes._ Kill him! Why should the wretch be allowed to live?

[176.8. S.

[_Vasantasena takes the garland of death from Charudatta's neck, and throws it upon Sansthanaka._]

_Sansthanaka._ You shlave-wench, be merciful, be merciful! I 'll never murder you again. Protect me!

_Sharvilaka._ Come, take him away! n.o.ble Charudatta, say what shall be done with the wretch.

_Charudatta._ Will you do as I say?

_Sharvilaka._ How can you doubt it?

_Charudatta._ Really?

_Sharvilaka._ Really.

_Charudatta._ Then let him be immediately--

_Sharvilaka._ Killed?

_Charudatta._ No, no! Set free.

_Sharvilaka._ What for?

_Charud._

The humbled foe who seeks thine aid, Thou mayst not smite with steely blade--

_Sharvilaka._ All right. We will have the dogs eat him alive.

_Charudatta._ No, no!

Be cruelty with kindness paid. 54

_Sharvilaka._ Wonderful! What shall I do? Tell me, sir.

_Charudatta._ Why, set him free.

_Sharvilaka._ It shall be done.

_Sansthanaka._ Hooray! I breathe again. [_Exit, with the guards._

_Sharvilaka._ Mistress Vasantasena, the king is pleased to bestow upon you the t.i.tle "wedded wife."