murdered her, of her got rid
For gold, and thinks the deed is hid;
Not sho his mashter here. 17

[145.18. S.

_Gild-warden and Clerk._ Speak, Charudatta. Do not be ashamed.
This is a lawsuit.

_Charudatta._ [_In embarrassment._] Officials, how can I testify that
a courtezan is my friend? But at worst, it is youth that bears the
blame, not character.

_Judge._

The case is hard; then banish shame,
Though it oppress your heart;
Speak truth with fortitude, and aim
To set deceit apart. 18

Do not be embarrassed. The conduct of the case puts the question.

_Charudatta._ Officer, with whom have I a lawsuit?

_Sansthanaka._ [_Arrogantly._] With me!

_Charudatta._ A lawsuit with you is unendurable!

_Sansthanaka._ Well, well, woman-murderer! You murder a woman
like Vasantasena who used to wear a hundred gems, and now you
try deceitful deceivings to hide it!

_Charudatta._ You are a fool.

_Judge._ Enough of him, good Charudatta. Speak the truth. Is the
courtezan your friend?

_Charudatta._ She is.

_Judge._ Sir, where is Vasantasena?

_Charudatta._ She has gone home.

_Gild-warden and Clerk._ How did she go? When did she go? Who
accompanied her?

_Charudatta._ [_Aside._] Shall I say that she went unobserved?

_Gild-warden and Clerk._ Speak, sir.

_Charudatta._ She went home. What more shall I say?

_Sansthanaka._ She was enticed into my old garden Pushpakaranda,
and was shtrangled for her money. Now will you shay that she
went home?

_Charudatta._ Man, you are crazy.

The very clouds of heaven wet not you;
Your lips are like the blue-jay's wing-tip worn,
Yes, full as fickle with their speech untrue,
And like the winter lotus lustre-lorn. 19

P. 241.19]

_Judge._ [_Aside._]

Take the Himalayan hills within your hand,
And swim from ocean strand to ocean strand,
And hold within your grasp the fleeting wind:
Then may you think that Charudatta sinned. 20

[_Aloud._] This is the noble Charudatta. How could he commit this crime?
[_He repeats the verse_ "A countenance like his:" _page 141._]

_Sansthanaka._ Why thish partiality in a lawshuit?

_Judge._ Away, you fool!

Illiterate, you gloss the Sacred Law,
And still your tongue uninjured find?
The midday sun with steadfast eye you saw,
And are not s