Page:Little Clay Cart (Ryder 1905).djvu/82

46 Chārud. Such lax attention we can ill afford.

If we are trusted by a courtezan,

Then, Brahman, prove yourself an honest man,

And guard it safely, till it be restored.

[He nods, repeating the stanza "The melody of song, the stricken strings:" page 44.]

Maitreya. Are you going to sleep?

Chārudatta. Yes, so it seems.

For conquering sleep, descending on mine eyes,

First smites the brow with unresisted blow;

Unseen, elusive, like old age, she tries

To gather strength by weakening her foe.

Maitreya. Then let's go to sleep. [He does so.]

Sharv. I made an entrance for my body's round

By force of art and arms, a path to deeds!

I skinned my sides by crawling on the ground,

Like a snake that sloughs the skin no longer sound;

And now I go where my profession leads.

[''He gazes at the sky. Joyfully''.] See! The blessed moon is setting. For well I know,

My trade would fain from watchmen's eyes be shrouded;

Valiant, I force the dwelling of another.

But see, the stars in deepest dark are clouded,

And the night shields me like a careful mother.

I made a breach in the orchard wall and entered. And now I must force my way into the inner court as well.

Yes, let men call it vulgar, if they will,

The trade that thrives while sleeps the sleepyhead;

Yes, knavery, not bravery, call it still,

To overreach confiding folk a-bed.