led. [_He
walks about, gazing._] Well, well! He shat down.

_Goha._ Are you frightened, Charudatta?

_Charudatta._ [_Rising hastily._] Fool!

Death have I never feared, but blackened fame;
My death were welcome, coming free from shame,
As were a son, new-born to bear my name. (27)

[169.3. S.

_Goha._ Noble Charudatta, the moon and the sun dwell in the vault
of heaven, yet even they are overtaken by disaster. How much
more, death-fearing creatures, and men! In this world, one rises
only to fall, another falls only to rise again. But from him who has
risen and falls, his body drops like a garment. Lay these thoughts
to heart, and be strong. [_To Ahinta._] Here is the fourth place of
proclamation. Let us proclaim the sentence. [_They do so once
again._]

_Charudatta._

Vasantasena! Oh, my beloved!
From thy dear lips, that vied with coral's red,
Betraying teeth more bright than moonbeams fair,
My soul with heaven's nectar once was fed.
How can I, helpless, taste that poison dread,
To drink shame's poisoned cup how can I bear? (13)

* * * * *

[_Enter, in great agitation, Vasantasena and the Buddhist monk._]

_Monk._ Strange! My monkish life did me yeoman service when it
proved necessary to comfort Vasantasena, so untimely wearied, and
to lead her on her way. Sister in Buddha, whither shall I lead you?

_Vasantasena._ To the noble Charudatta's house. Revive me with
the sight of him, as the night-blooming water-lily is revived by
the sight of the moon.

_Monk._ [_Aside._] By which road shall I enter? [_He reflects._] The
king's highway--I 'll enter by that. Come, sister in Buddha!
Here is the king's highway. [_Listening._] But what is this great
tumult that I hear on the king's highway?

_Vasantasena._ [_Looking before her._] Why, there is a great crowd
of people before us. Pray find out, sir, what it means. All Ujjayini
tips to one side, as if the earth bore an uneven load.

* * * * *

_Goha._ And here is the last place of proclamation. Beat the drum!
Proclaim the sentence! [_They do so._] Now, Charudatta, wait!
Don't be frightened. You will be killed very quickly.

P. 277.12]

_Charudatta._ Ye blessed gods!

_Monk._ [_Listens. In terror._] Sister in Buddha, Charudatta is being
led to his death for murdering _you_.

_Vasantasena._ [_In terror._] Alas! For my wretc