Page:Little Clay Cart (Ryder 1905).djvu/207

P. 283.11]

And victory to Aryaka the king—

His mighty foe he kills—

Far over all the earth's expansive ring,

That earth her joyous flag abroad may fling,

The snowy banner of Kailāsa's hills.

Sharv. Yes, Pālaka, the royal wretch, I slew,

Anointing Aryaka good king and true;

And now, like sacrificial flowers, I wed

The king's commandment to my bended head,

To give sad Chārudatta life anew.

The foe whose powers and friends had fled, he slew,

Consoled and comforted his subjects true;

And earth's broad sovereignty has gladly wed

His power, and bent to him her lowly head,

Who toward his foe plays Indra's part anew.

[He looks before him.] Ah! There he will be found, where the people are thus gathered together. Oh, that this deed of King Aryaka might be crowned with the rescued life of noble Chārudatta! [He quickens his steps.] Make way, you rascals! [''He discovers Chārudatta. Joyfully''.] Is Chārudatta yet living, and Vasantasenā? Truly, our sovereign's wishes are fulfilled.

Now, thanks to heaven, from sorrow's shoreless sea

I see him saved by her he loved, set free

By that sweet bark, that knew her course to steer

With virtue's tackle and with goodness' gear.

He seems the moon, whose light shines clear at last,

When all the sad eclipse is overpast.

Yet how shall I approach him, who have so grievously sinned against him? But no! Honesty is always honorable. [''He approaches and folds his hands. Aloud''.] O noble Chārudatta!

Chārudatta. Who are you, sir?