nk heaven! I breathe again. Hooray!

_Gild-warden and Clerk._ Upon whom does the conduct of this
case depend?

_Judge._ The case has a twofold aspect.

_Gild-warden and Clerk._ How so?

_Judge._ We have to consider the allegations, then the facts. Now
the investigation of the allegations depends upon plaintiff and defendant.
But the investigation of the facts must be carried out by
the wisdom of the judge.

_Gild-warden and Clerk._ Then the conduct of the case depends
upon the presence of Vasantasena's mother?

_Judge._ Precisely. My good beadle, summon Vasantasena's mother,
without, however, giving her cause for anxiety.

_Beadle._ Yes, Your Honor. [_He goes out, and returns with the
mother of the courtezan._] Follow me, madam.

_Mother._ My daughter went to the house of a friend to enjoy her
youth. But now comes this gentleman--long life to him!--and
says "Come! The judge summons you." I find myself quite bewildered.
My heart is palpitating. Sir, will you conduct me to the
court-room?

_Beadle._ Follow me, madam. [_They walk about._] Here is the court-room.
Pray enter, madam. [_They enter._]

_Mother._ [_Approaching._] Happiness be yours, most worthy gentlemen.

_Judge._ My good woman, you are very welcome. Pray be seated.

[141.24. S.

_Mother._ Thank you. [_She seats herself._]

_Sansthanaka._ [_Abusively._] You 're here, are you, you old bawd?

_Judge._ Tell me. Are you Vasantasena's mother?

_Mother._ I am.

_Judge._ Whither has Vasantasena gone at this moment?

_Mother._ To the house of a friend.

_Judge._ What is the name of her friend?

_Mother._ [_Aside._] Dear me! Really, this is very embarrassing.
[_Aloud._] Any one else might ask me this, but not a judge.

_Judge._ Pray do not be embarrassed. The conduct of the case puts
the question.

_Gild-warden and Clerk._ The conduct of the case puts the question.
You incur no fault. Speak.

_Mother._ What! the conduct of the case? If that is so, then listen,
worthy gentlemen. There lives in the merchants' quarter the
grandson of the merchant Vinayadatta, the son of Sagaradatta,
a man whose name is a good omen in itself--that name is Charudatta.
In his house my daughter enjoys her youth.

_Sansthanaka._ Did you hear that? Write those words down. My
contention is with Charudatta.

_Gild-warden and Clerk._ It is no sin for Charudatta to be her
friend.

_Judge._ The conduct of this case demands the presence of Charudatta.

_Gild-warde