Page:Little Clay Cart (Ryder 1905).djvu/55

P. 35.4

She disappeared; unconscious of the truth,

We did what seems a purposed deed of ill.

I pray you, accept this all-in-all of humblest supplication. [He drops his sword, folds his hands, and falls at Maitreya's feet.]

Maitreya. Good man, rise, rise. When I reviled you, I did not know you. Now I know you and I ask your pardon.

Courtier. It is I who should ask pardon. I will rise on one condition.

Maitreya. And that is—

Courtier. That you will not tell Chārudatta what has happened here.

Maitreya. I will be silent.

Courtier. Brahman, this gracious act of thine

I bow my neck to bear;

For never could this sword of mine

With virtue's steel compare.

Sansthānaka. [Indignantly.] But mashter, what makes you fold your hands sho helplesshly and fall at the feet of thish manikin?

Courtier. I was afraid.

Sansthānaka. What were you afraid of?

Courtier. Of Chārudatta's virtues.

Sansthānaka. Virtues? He? You can go into his houshe and not find a thing to eat.

Courtier. No, no.

His loving-kindness unto such as we

Has brought him low at last;

From him could no man learn what insults be,

Or e'er his wealth was past.

This well-filled pool, that in its summer day

Gave others drink, itself is dried away.

Sansthānaka. [Impatiently.] Who is the shon of a shlave-wench anyway?

Brave Shvetaketu is he, Pandu's child?

Or Rādhā's shon, the ten-necked ogre wild?