Maitreya._ [_Angrily._] Look, man. He acts like the son of a slave
that he is, for he is bringing water. But he makes me wash your
feet, and I am a Brahman.

_Charudatta._ Good Maitreya, do you bring the water, and Vardhamanaka
shall wash my feet.

_Vardhamanaka._ Yes, Maitreya. Do you bring the water. [_Maitreya
does so. Vardhamanaka washes Charudatta's feet, then moves away._]

_Charudatta._ Let water be brought for the Brahman's feet.

_Maitreya._ What good does water do my feet? I shall have to roll
in the dirt again, like a beaten ass.

_Vardhamanaka._ Maitreya, you are a Brahman.

_Maitreya._ Yes, like a slow-worm among all the other snakes, so
am I a Brahman among all the other Brahmans.

_Vardhamanaka._ Maitreya, I will wash your feet after all. [_He does
so._] Maitreya, this golden casket I was to keep by day, you by
night. Take it. [_He gives it to Maitreya, then exit._

_Maitreya._ [_Receiving the casket._] The thing is here still. Isn't there
a single thief in Ujjayini to steal the wretch that robs me of my
sleep? Listen. I am going to take it into the inner court.

[46.1. S.

_Charud._

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. 7

[_He nods, repeating the stanza_ "The melody of song, the stricken
strings:" _page_ 44.]

_Maitreya._ Are you going to sleep?

_Charudatta._ 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. 8

_Maitreya._ Then let's go to sleep. [_He does so._]

* * * * *

[_Enter Sharvilaka._[45]]

_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. 9

[_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. 10

I made a b