[_He quickens his steps._] Make way, you rascals! [_He discovers
Charudatta. Joyfully._] Is Charudatta yet living, and Vasantasena?
Truly, our sovereign's wishes are fulfilled.

Now, thanks to heaven, from sorrow's shoreless sea
I see him saved by her he loved, set free
By that sweet bark, that knew her course to steer
With virtue's tackle and with goodness' gear.
He seems the moon, whose light shines clear at last,
When all the sad eclipse is overpast. 48

Yet how shall I approach him, who have so grievously sinned
against him? But no! Honesty is always honorable. [_He approaches
and folds his hands. Aloud._] O noble Charudatta!

_Charudatta._ Who are you, sir?

[174.13. S.

_Sharvilaka._

I forced your house in manner base,
And stole the gems there left behind;
But though this sin oppress my mind,
I throw myself upon your grace. 49

_Charudatta._ Not so, my friend. Thereby you showed your faith
in me. [_He embraces him._]

_Sharvilaka._ And one thing more:

The very noble Aryaka,
To save his family and name,
Has slain the wretched Palaka,
A victim at the altar's flame. 50

_Charudatta._ What say you?

_Sharvilaka._

'T was your cart helped him on his way,
Who sought the shelter of your name;
He slew King Palaka to-day,
A victim at the altar's flame. 51

_Charudatta._ Sharvilaka, did you set free that Aryaka, whom Palaka
took from his hamlet, and confined without cause in the tower?

_Sharvilaka._ I did.

_Charudatta._ This is indeed most welcome tidings.

_Sharvilaka._ Scarcely was your friend Aryaka established in Ujjayini,
when he bestowed upon you the throne of Kushavati, on the bank of the
Vena. May you graciously receive this first token of his love. [_He
turns around._] Come, lead hither that rascal, that villain, the
brother-in-law of the king!

_Voices behind the scenes._ We will, Sharvilaka.

_Sharvilaka._ Sir, King Aryaka declares that he won this kingdom
through your virtues, and that you are therefore to have some
benefit from it.

_Charudatta._ The kingdom won through my virtues?

* * * * *

_Voices behind the scenes._ Come on, brother-in-law of the king, and
reap the reward of your insolence. [_Enter Sansthanaka, guarded,
with his hands tied behind his