t you have bound me with yet stronger fetters of love.

_Maitreya._ Now you may put on the fetters yourself. He is free
anyway. And it 's time for us to be going.

_Charudatta._ Peace! For shame!

_Aryaka._ Charudatta, my friend, I entered your cart somewhat
unceremoniously. I beg your pardon.

_Charudatta._ I feel honored that you should use no ceremony with
me.

_Aryaka._ If you permit it, I now desire to go.

_Charudatta._ Go in peace.

_Aryaka._ Thank you. I will alight from the cart.

_Charudatta._ No, my friend. The fetters have but this moment
been removed, and you will find walking difficult. In this spot
where men seek pleasure, a bullock-cart will excite no suspicion.
Continue your journey then in the cart.

[110.4. S.

_Aryaka._ I thank you, sir.

_Charud._ Seek now thy kinsmen. Happiness be thine!

_Aryaka._ Ah, I have found thee, blessed kinsman mine!

_Charud._ Remember me, when thou hast cause to speak.

_Aryaka._ Thy name, and not mine own, my words shall seek.

_Charud._ May the immortal gods protect thy ways!

_Aryaka._ Thou didst protect me, in most perilous days.

_Charud._ Nay, it was fate that sweet protection lent.

_Aryaka._ But thou wast chosen as fate's instrument. 7

_Charudatta._ King Palaka is aroused, and protection will prove
difficult. You must depart at once.

_Aryaka._ Until we meet again, farewell. [_Exit._

_Charud._

From royal wrath I now have much to fear;
It were unwise for me to linger here.
Then throw the fetters in the well; for spies
Serve to their king as keen, far-seeing eyes. 8

[_His left eye twitches._] Maitreya, my friend, I long to see Vasantasena.
For now, because

I have not seen whom I love best,
My left eye twitches; and my breast
Is causeless-anxious and distressed. 9

Come, let us go. [_He walks about._] See! a Buddhist monk approaches,
and the sight bodes ill. [_Reflecting._] Let him enter by
that path, while we depart by this. [_Exit._

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 71: Lalladiksita says that these are signs of royalty.]

ACT THE EIGHTH

THE STRANGLING OF VASANTASENA

[_Enter a monk, with a wet garment in his hand._]

_Monk._

Ye ignorant, lay by a store of virtue!
Restrain the belly; watch eternally,
Heeding the beat of contemplation's[72] drum,
For else the senses--fearfu