Now am I sunk so deep in sorrow's sea,
I know no fear, I know no sadness more;
Yet even now one flame still tortures me,
That men should say I slew whom I adore. 33

[_Sansthanaka repeats his words._]

_Charudatta._ Men of my own city!

A scoundrel I, who bear the blame,
Nor seek in heaven to be blest;
A maid--or goddess--'t is the same--
But _he_ will say the rest. (ix. 30)

_Sansthanaka._ Killed her!

_Charudatta._ So be it.

_Goha._ It 's your turn to kill him, man.

_Ahinta._ No, yours.

_Goha._ Well, let 's reckon it out. [_He does so at great length._] Well,
if it 's my turn to kill him, we will just let it wait a minute.

_Ahinta._ Why?

_Goha._ Well, when my father was going to heaven, he said to me,
"Son Goha, if it 's your turn to kill him, don't kill the sinner too
quick."

_Ahinta._ But why?

_Goha._ "Perhaps," said he, "some good man might give the money
to set him free. Perhaps a son might be born to the king, and to
celebrate the event, all the prisoners might be set free. Perhaps
an elephant might break loose, and the prisoner might escape in
the excitement. Perhaps there might be a change of kings, and all
the prisoners might be set free."

P. 274.8]

_Sansthanaka._ What? What? A change of kings?

_Goha._ Well, let 's reckon it out, whose turn it is.

_Sansthanaka._ Oh, come! Kill Charudatta at once. [_He takes Sthavaraka,
and withdraws a little._]

_Headsmen._ Noble Charudatta, it is the king's commandment that
bears the blame, not we headsmen. Think then of what you needs
must think.

_Charudatta._

Though slandered by a cruel fate,
And stained by men of high estate,
If that my virtue yet regarded be,
Then she who dwells with gods above
Or wheresoever else--my love--
By her sweet nature wipe the stain from me! 34

Tell me. Whither would you have me go?

_Goha._ [_Pointing ahead._] Why, here is the southern burying-ground,
and when a criminal sees that, he says good-by to life in
a minute. For look!

One half the corpse gaunt jackals rend and shake,
And ply their horrid task;
One half still hangs impaled upon the stake,
Loud laughter's grinning mask. 35

_Charudatta._ Alas! Ah, woe is me! [_In his agitation he sits down._]

_Sansthanaka._ I won't go yet. I 'll jusht shee Charudatta kil