Page:Little Clay Cart (Ryder 1905).djvu/109

P. 126.7] look dingy. [He looks in another direction.] And the pond here looks like the morning twilight, for the lilies and red lotuses are as splendid as the rising sun. And again:

The ashoka-tree, whose twigs so merry

And crimson flowers have just appeared,

Seems like a battling mercenary,

With clotting crimson gore besmeared.

Good! Now where's your mistress?

Maid. If you would stop star-gazing, sir, you would see her.

Maitreya. [Perceives Vasantasenā and approaches.] Heaven bless you!

Vasantasenā. [Speaking in Sanskrit. ] Ah, Maitreya! [Rising.] You are very welcome. Here is a seat. Pray be seated.

Maitreya. When you are seated, madam. [They both seat themselves.]

Vasantasenā. Is the merchant's son well?

Maitreya. Well, madam.

Vasantasenā. Tell me, good Maitreya,

Do friends, like birds, yet seek a shelter free

Beneath the modest boughs of this fair tree,

Whose leaves are virtues, confidence its root,

Its blossoms honor, good its precious fruit?

Maitreya. [Aside.] A good description by a naughty woman. [Aloud.] They do, indeed.

Vasantasenā. Tell me, what is the purpose of your coming?

Maitreya. Listen, madam. The excellent Chārudatta folds his hands and requests—

Vasantasenā. [Folding her hands.] And commands—

Maitreya. He says he imagined that that golden casket was his own and gambled it away. And nobody knows where the