_Shampooer._ I have an idea. [_He nudges the gambler._] I'll give you
half, if you'll forgive me the other half.

_Gambler._ All right.

_Shampooer._ [_To Mathura._] I'll give you surety for a half. You
might forgive me the other half.

_Mathura._ All right. Where's the harm?

_Shampooer._ [_Aloud._] You forgave me a half, sir?

[31.24. S.

_Mathura._ Yes.

_Shampooer._ [_To the gambler._] And you forgave me a half?

_Gambler._ Yes.

_Shampooer._ Then I think I'll be going.

_Mathura._ Pay me my ten gold-pieces! Where are you going?

_Shampooer._ Look at this, gentlemen, look at this! Here I just gave
surety to one of them for a half, and the other forgave me a half.
And even after that he is dunning me, poor helpless me!

_Mathura._ [_Seizing him._] My name is Mathura, the clever swindler,
and you're not going to swindle me this time. Pay up, jail-bird,
every bit of my money, and this minute, too.

_Shampooer._ How can I pay?

_Mathura._ Sell your father and pay.

_Shampooer._ Where can I get a father?

_Mathura._ Sell your mother and pay.

_Shampooer._ Where can I get a mother?

_Mathura._ Sell yourself and pay.

_Shampooer._ Have mercy! Lead me to the king's highway.

_Mathura._ Go ahead.

_Shampooer._ If it must be. [_He walks about._] Gentlemen, will you
buy me for ten gold-pieces from this gambling-master? [_He sees
a passer-by and calls out._] What is that? You wish to know what
I can do? I will be your house-servant. What! he has gone without
even answering. Well, here's another. I'll speak to him. [_He repeats
his offer._] What! this one too takes no notice of me. He is
gone. Confound it! I've had hard luck ever since Charudatta lost
his fortune.

_Mathura._ Will you pay?

_Shampooer._ How can I pay? [_He falls down. Mathura drags him
about._] Good gentlemen, save me, save me! [_Enter Darduraka._]

P. 61.5]

_Darduraka._ Yes, gambling is a kingdom without a throne.

You do not mind defeat at all;
Great are the sums you spend and win;
While kingly revenues roll in,
Rich men, like slaves, before you fall. 7

And again:

You earn your coin by gambling,
Your friends and wife by gambling,
Your gifts and food by gambling;
Your last cent goes by gambling. 8

And again:

My cash was taken by the trey;
The deuce then took my health away;
The ace then set me on the street;
The fo