n and Clerk._ Exactly.

_Judge._ Dhanadatta, write as the first article in the case "Vasantasena
went to the house of Charudatta." But must we summon the
worthy Charudatta also? No, the conduct of the case summons
him. Go, my good beadle, summon Charudatta,--but gently, without
haste, without giving him cause for anxiety, respectfully, as it
were incidentally,--with the words "The judge wishes to see you."

P. 236.11]

_Beadle._ Yes, Your Honor. [_He goes out, then returns with Charudatta._]
Follow me, sir.

_Charudatta._ [_Thoughtfully._]

My character and kin are known
Unto the king who rules our state;
And in this summons there is shown
A doubt begotten of my wretched fate. 8

[_Reflectively. Aside._]

Ah! Were there those, the man to recognize
Who met me on the road, from bondage freed?
Or did the king, who sees through cunning spies,
Learn that my cart was lent him in his need?
Why should I else be forced to tread the street,
Like one accused of crime, my judge to meet? 9

But why consider thus? I must go to the court-room. My good
beadle, conduct me to the court.

_Beadle._ Follow me, sir. [_They walk about._]

_Charudatta._ [_Apprehensively._] And what means this?

Hear how the gloomy raven hoarsely croaks;
The slaves of justice summon me again;
My left eye twitches; these repeated strokes
Of threatened evil frighten me and pain. 10

_Beadle._ Follow me, sir, gently and without haste.

_Charudatta._ [_Walks about and looks before him._]

Upon the withered tree, a crow
Turns to the sun;
His left eye falls on me. Ah, woe!
My doubt is done. 11

[_He looks in another direction._] But see! a snake!

His eye is fixed upon me; and his back
Flashes like antimony's lustrous black;
His long tongue quivers; four white fangs appear;
His belly swells and coils. He slumbered here,
This prince of serpents, till I crossed his path,
And now he darts upon me in his wrath. 12

[143.21. S.

And more than this:

I slip, although the ground has felt no rain;
My left eye, and my left arm throb again;
Another bird is screaming overhead;
All bodes a cruel death, and hope is fled. 13

Surely, the gods will grant that all may yet be well.

_Beadle