or shall I wait to see
the owner of the cart? On second thoughts, I will not hide myself
in the grove; for men say that the noble Charudatta is ever
helpful to them that seek his protection. I will not go until I have
seen him face to face.

[108.3. S.

'T will bring contentment to that good man's heart
To see me rescued from misfortune's sea.
This body, in its suffering, pain, and smart,
Is saved through his sweet magnanimity. 4

_Vardhamanaka._ Here is the garden. I 'll drive in. [_He does so._]
Maitreya!

_Maitreya._ Good news, my friend. It is Vardhamanaka's voice.
Vasantasena must have come.

_Charudatta._ Good news, indeed.

_Maitreya._ You son of a slave, what makes you so late?

_Vardhamanaka._ Don't get angry, good Maitreya. I remembered
that I had forgotten the cushion, and I had to go back for it, and
that is why I am late.

_Charudatta._ Turn the cart around, Vardhamanaka. Maitreya, my
friend, help Vasantasena to get out.

_Maitreya._ Has she got fetters on her feet, so that she can't get
out by herself? [_He rises and lifts the curtain of the cart._] Why,
this is n't mistress Vasantasena--this is Mister Vasantasena.

_Charudatta._ A truce to your jests, my friend. Love cannot wait.
I will help her to get out myself. [_He rises._]

_Aryaka._ [_Discovers him._] Ah, the owner of the bullock-cart! He
is attractive not only to the ears of men, but also to their eyes.
Thank heaven! I am safe.

_Charudatta._ [_Enters the bullock-cart and discovers Aryaka._] Who
then is this?

As trunk of elephant his arms are long,
His chest is full, his shoulders broad and strong,
His great eyes restless-red;[71]
Why should this man be thus enforced to fight--
So noble he--with such ignoble plight,
His foot to fetters wed? 5

P. 180.14]

Who are you, sir?

_Aryaka._ I am one who seeks your protection, Aryaka, by birth a
herdsman.

_Charudatta._ Are you he whom King Palaka took from the hamlet
where he lived and thrust into prison?

_Aryaka._ The same.

_Charudatta._

'T is fate that brings you to my sight;
May I be reft of heaven's light,
Ere I desert you in your hapless plight. 6

[_Aryaka manifests his joy._]

_Charudatta._ Vardhamanaka, remove the fetters from his foot.

_Vardhamanaka._ Yes, sir. [_He does so._] Master, the fetters are removed.

_Aryaka._ Bu