Page:Little Clay Cart (Ryder 1905).djvu/51

P. 28.3 Courtier. Like the tinkling of her jewels, for instance, or the fragrance of her garlands.

Sansthānaka. I hear the shmell of her garlands, but my nose is shtuffed so full of darkness that I don't shee the shound of her jewels very clearly.

Courtier. [''To Vasantasenā. Aside''.] Vasantasenā,

'Tis true, the night is dark, O timid maid,

And like the lightning hidden in the cloud,

You are not seen; yet you will be betrayed

By fragrant garlands and by anklets loud.

Have you heard me, Vasantasenā?

Vasantasenā. To herself.] Heard and understood. [She removes the ankle-rings, lays aside the garlands, and takes a few steps, feeling her way.] I can feel the wall of the house, and here is a side-entrance. But alas! my fingers tell me that the door is shut.

Chārudatta [who is within the house]. Comrade, my prayer is done. Go now and offer sacrifice to the Mothers.

Maitreya. No, I'm not going.

Chārudatta. Alas!

The poor man's kinsmen do not heed his will;

The friends who loved him once, now stand afar;

His sorrows multiply; his strength is nil;

Behold! his character's bright-shining star

Fades like the waning moon; and deeds of ill

That others do, are counted to him still. And again:

No man holds converse with him; none will greet

With due respect the poor man when they meet.

Where rich men hold a feast, if he draw near,

He meets with scornful looks for looks of cheer.