Page:Little Clay Cart (Ryder 1905).djvu/191

P. 258.12]

Alas for Chārudatta! Woe the day!"

And pity-streaming eyes on me are bent.

Headsmen. Come, Chārudatta, come! Here is the place of proclamation. Beat the drum and proclaim the sentence.

Listen, good people, listen! This is the noble Chārudatta, son of Sāgaradatta, and grandson of the merchant Vinayadatta. This malefactor enticed the courtezan Vasantasenā into the deserted old garden Pushpakaranda, and for a mere trifle murdered her by strangling. He was taken with the booty, and confessed his guilt. Therefore are we under orders from King Pālaka to execute him. And if any other commit such a crime, accursed in this world and the next, him too King Pālaka condemns to the like punishment.

Chārudatta. [''Despondently. Aside''.]

By hundred sacrifices purified,

My radiant name

Was once proclaimed by countless altars' side,

And knew no blame.

Now comes my hour of death, and evil men

Of baser fame

In public spots proclaim it once again,

But linked with shame.

[He looks up and stops his ears.] Vasantasenā! Oh, my belovèd!

From thy dear lips, that vied with coral's red,

Betraying teeth more bright than moonbeams fair,

My soul with heaven's nectar once was fed.

How can I, helpless, taste that poison dread,

To drink shame's poisoned cup how can I bear?

Headsmen. Out of the way, gentlemen, out of the way!

This treasure-house, with pearls of virtue stored,

This bridge for good men o'er misfortune's river,

This gem now robbed of all its golden hoard,

Departs our town to-day, departs forever.

And again: