Chapter 13 of 14 · 3973 words · ~20 min read

Part 13

[_He listens._] The headsmen's voices! They shound like a broken brass cymbal. I hear the music of the fatal drum and the kettle-drums, and sho I shuppose that that poor man, Charudatta, is being led to the place of execution. I musht go and shee it. It is a great delight to shee my enemy die. Beshides, I 've heard that a man who shees his enemy being killed, is sure not to have shore eyes in his next birth. I acted like a worm that had crept into the knot of a lotush-root. I looked for a hole to crawl out at, and brought about the death of thish poor man, Charudatta. Now I 'll climb up the tower of my own palace, and have a look at my own heroic deeds. [_He does so and looks about._] Wonderful what a crowd there is, to shee that poor man led to his death! What would it be when an arishtocrat, a big man like me, was being led to his death? [_He gazes._] Look! There he goes toward the shouth, adorned like a young shteer. But why was the proclamation made near my palace tower, and why was it shtopped? [_He looks about._] Why, my shlave Sthavaraka is gone, too. I hope he has n't run away and betrayed the shecret. I musht go and look for him. [_He descends and approaches the crowd._]

_Sthavaraka._ [_Discovers him._] There he comes, good masters!

_Headsmen._

Give way! Make room! And shut the door! Be silent, and say nothing more! Here comes a mad bull through the press, Whose horns are sharp with wickedness. 30

[164.16. S.

_Sansthanaka._ Come, come, make way! [_He approaches._] Sthavaraka, my little shon, my shlave, come, let 's go home.

_Sthavaraka._ You scoundrel! Are you not content with the murder of Vasantasena? Must you try now to murder the noble Charudatta, that tree of life to all who loved him?

_Sansthanaka._ I am beautiful as a pot of jewels. I kill no woman!

_Bystanders._ Oho! _you_ murdered her, not the noble Charudatta.

_Sansthanaka._ Who shays that?

_Bystanders._ [_Pointing to Sthavaraka._] This honest man.

_Sansthanaka._ [_Fearfully. Aside._] Merciful heavens! Why did n't I chain that shlave Sthavaraka fasht? Why, he was a witnessh of my crime. [_He reflects._] I 'll do it thish way. [_Aloud._] Lies, lies, good gentlemen. Why, I caught the shlave shtealing gold, and I pounded him, and murdered him, and put him in chains. He hates me. What he shays can't be true. [_He secretly hands Sthavaraka a bracelet, and whispers._] Sthavaraka, my little shon, my shlave, take thish and shay shomething different.

_Sthavaraka._ [_Takes it._] Look, gentlemen, look! Why, he is trying to bribe me with gold.

_Sansthanaka._ [_Snatches the bracelet from him._] That 's the gold that I put him in chains for. [_Angrily._] Look here, headsmen! I put him in charge of my gold-chest, and when he turned thief, I murdered him and pounded him. If you don't believe it, jusht look at his back.

_Headsmen._ [_Doing so._] Yes, yes. When a servant is branded that way, no wonder he tells tales.

_Sthavaraka._ A curse on slavery! A slave convinces nobody. [_Mournfully._] Noble Charudatta, I have no further power. [_He falls at Charudatta's feet._]

_Charudatta._ [_Mournfully._]

Rise, rise! Kind soul to good men fallen on pain! Brave friend who lendest such unselfish aid! Thy greatest toil to save me was in vain, For fate would not. Thy duty now is paid. 31

P. 270.15]

_Headsmen._ Beat your servant, master, and drive him away.

_Sansthanaka._ Out of the way, you! [_He drives Sthavaraka away._] Come, headsmen, what are you waiting for? Kill him.

_Headsmen._ Kill him yourself, if you are in a hurry.

_Rohasena._ Oh, headsmen, kill me and let father go free.

_Sansthanaka._ Yesh, shon _and_ father, kill them both.

_Charudatta._ This fool might do anything. Go, my son, to your mother.

_Rohasena._ And what should I do then?

_Charud._

Go with thy mother to a hermitage; No moment, dear, delay; Lest of thy father's fault thou reap the wage, And tread the selfsame way. 32

And you, my friend, go with him.

_Maitreya._ Oh, my friend, have you so known me as to think that I can live without you?

_Charudatta._ Not so, my friend. Your life is your own. You may not throw it away.

_Maitreya._ [_Aside._] True. And yet I cannot live apart from my friend. And so, when I have taken the boy to his mother, I will follow my friend even in death. [_Aloud._] Yes, my friend, I will take him to her at once. [_He embraces Charudatta, then falls at his feet. Rohasena does the same, weeping._]

_Sansthanaka._ Look here! Did n't I tell you to kill Charudatta, and his shon, too? [_At this, Charudatta betrays fear._]

_Headsmen._ We have n't any orders from the king to kill Charudatta, and his son, too. Run away, boy, run away! [_They drive Rohasena away._] Here is the third place of proclamation. Beat the drum! [_They proclaim the sentence again._]

[167.1. S.

_Sansthanaka._ [_Aside._] But the citizens don't believe it. [_Aloud._] Charudatta, you jackanapes, the citizens don't believe it. Shay it with your own tongue, "I murdered Vasantasena." [_Charudatta remains silent._] Look here, headsmen! The man won't shpeak, the jackanapes Charudatta. Jusht make him shpeak. Beat him a few times with thish ragged bamboo, or with a chain.

_Goha._ [_Raises his arm to strike._] Come, Charudatta, speak!

_Charudatta._ [_Mournfully._]

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 killed. [_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 wretched sake the noble Charudatta put to death? Quick, quick! Oh, lead me thither!

_Monk._ Hasten, oh, hasten, sister in Buddha, to comfort the noble Charudatta while he yet lives. Make way, gentlemen, make way!

_Vasantasena._ Make way, make way!

* * * * *

_Goha._ Noble Charudatta, it is the king's commandment that bears the blame. Think then of what you needs must think.

_Charudatta._ Why waste words?

_Goha._ [_Drawing his sword._] Noble Charudatta, lie flat and be quiet. With one stroke we will kill you and send you to heaven.

[_Charudatta does so. Goha raises his arm to strike. The sword falls from his hand._] What is this?

I fiercely grasped within my hand My thunderbolt-appalling brand; Why did it fall upon the sand? 36

But since it did, I conclude that the noble Charudatta is not to die. Have mercy, O mighty goddess of the Sahya hills! If only Charudatta might be saved, then hadst thou shown favor to our headsman caste.

_Ahinta._ Let us do as we were ordered.

_Goha._ Well, let us do it. [_They make ready to impale Charudatta._]

[170.23. S.

_Charud._

_Monk and Vasantasena._ [_Perceiving what is being done._] Good gentlemen! Hold, hold!

_Vasantasena._ Good gentlemen! I am the wretch for whose sake he is put to death.

_Goha._ [_Perceiving her._]

Who is the woman with the streaming hair That smites her shoulder, loosened from its bands? She loudly calls upon us to forbear, And hastens hither with uplifted hands. 37

_Vasantasena._ Oh, Charudatta! What does it mean? [_She falls on his breast._]

_Monk._ Oh, Charudatta! What does it mean? [_He falls at his feet._]

_Goha._ [_Anxiously withdrawing._] Vasantasena?--At least, we did not kill an innocent man.

_Monk._ [_Rising._] Thank heaven! Charudatta lives.

_Goha._ And shall live a hundred years!

_Vasantasena._ [_Joyfully._] And I too am brought back to life again.

_Goha._ The king is at the place of sacrifice. Let us report to him what has taken place. [_The two headsmen start to go away._]

_Sansthanaka._ [_Perceives Vasantasena. In terror._] Goodnessh! who brought the shlave back to life? Thish is the end of me. Good! I 'll run away. [_He runs away._]

_Goha._ [_Returning._] Well, did n't we have orders from the king to put the man to death who murdered Vasantasena? Let us hunt for the king's brother-in-law. [_Exeunt the two headsmen._

P. 281.1]

_Charudatta._ [_In amazement._]

Who saves me from the uplifted weapon's scorn, When in Death's jaws I struggled all forlorn, A streaming cloud above the rainless corn? 38

[_He gazes at her._]

Is this Vasantasena's counterfeit? Or she herself, from heaven above descended? Or do I but in madness see my sweet? Or has her precious life not yet been ended? 39

Or again:

Did she return from heaven, That I might rescued be? Was her form to another given? Is this that other she? 40

_Vasantasena._ [_Rises tearfully and falls at his feet._] O noble Charudatta, I am indeed the wretch for whose sake you are fallen upon this unworthy plight.

_Voices behind the scenes._ A miracle, a miracle! Vasantasena lives. [_The bystanders repeat the words._]

_Charudatta._ [_Listens, then rises suddenly, embraces Vasantasena, and closes his eyes. In a voice trembling with emotion._] My love! You _are_ Vasantasena!

_Vasantasena._ That same unhappy woman.

_Charudatta._ [_Gazes upon her. Joyfully._] Can it be? Vasantasena herself? [_In utter happiness._]

Her bosom bathed in streaming tears, When in Death's power I fell, Whence is she come to slay my fears, Like heavenly magic's spell? 41

Vasantasena! Oh, my beloved!

Unto my body, whence the life was fleeting, And all for thee, thou knewest life to give. Oh, magic wonderful in lovers' meeting! What power besides could make the dead man live? 42

[172.17. S.

But see, my beloved!

My blood-red garment seems a bridegroom's cloak, Death's garland seems to me a bridal wreath; My love is near. And marriage music seems the fatal stroke Of drums that heralded my instant death; For she is here. 43

_Vasantasena._ You with your utter kindliness, what can it be that you have done?

_Charudatta._ My beloved, he said that I had killed you.

For ancient hatred's sake, my mighty foe, Hell's victim now, had almost laid me low. 44

_Vasantasena._ [_Stopping her ears._] Heaven avert the omen! It was he, the king's brother-in-law, who killed me.

_Charudatta._ [_Perceiving the monk._] But who is this?

_Vasantasena._ When that unworthy wretch had killed me, this worthy man brought me back to life.

_Charudatta._ Who are you, unselfish friend?

_Monk._ You do not remember me, sir. I am that shampooer, who once was happy to rub your feet. When I fell into the hands of certain gamblers, this sister in Buddha, upon hearing that I had been your servant, bought my freedom with her jewels. Thereupon I grew tired of the gambler's life, and became a Buddhist monk. Now this lady made a mistake in her bullock-cart, and so came to the old garden Pushpakaranda. But when that unworthy wretch learned that she would not love him, he murdered her by strangling. And I found her there.

P. 283.11]

_Loud voices behind the scenes._

Unending victory to Shiva be, Who Daksha's offering foiled; And victory may Karttikeya see, Who Krauncha smote and spoiled;

And victory to Aryaka the king-- His mighty foe he kills-- Far over all the earth's expansive ring, That earth her joyous flag abroad may fling, The snowy banner of Kailasa's hills. 45

* * * * *

[_Enter hurriedly Sharvilaka._]

_Sharv._

Yes, Palaka, the royal wretch, I slew, Anointing Aryaka good king and true; And now, like sacrificial flowers, I wed The king's commandment to my bended head, To give sad Charudatta life anew. 46

The foe whose powers and friends had fled, he slew, Consoled and comforted his subjects true; And earth's broad sovereignty has gladly wed His power, and bent to him her lowly head, Who toward his foe plays Indra's part anew. 47

[_He looks before him._] Ah! There he will be found, where the people are thus gathered together. Oh, that this deed of King Aryaka might be crowned with the rescued life of noble Charudatta! [_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 back._]

P. 285.18]

_Sansthanaka._ Goodnessh gracious!

It came to pass, I ran away Like any ass, and had my day. They drag me round, a prishoner, As if they 'd found a naughty cur. 52

[_He looks about him._] They crowd around me, though I 'm a relative of the king's. To whom shall I go for help in my helplesshnessh? [_He reflects._] Good! I 'll go to the man who gives help and shows mercy to the shuppliant. [_He approaches._] Noble Charudatta, protect me, protect me! [_He falls at his feet._]

_Voices behind the scenes._ Noble Charudatta, leave him to us! let us kill him!

_Sansthanaka._ [_To Charudatta._] O helper of the helplessh, protect me!

_Charudatta._ [_Mercifully._] Yes, yes. He who seeks protection shall be safe.

_Sharvilaka._ [_Impatiently._] Confound him! Take him away from Charudatta! [_To Charudatta._] Tell me. What shall be done with the wretch?

Shall he be bound and dragged until he dies? Shall dogs devour the scoundrel as he lies? If he should be impaled, 't would be no blunder, Nor if we had the rascal sawn asunder. 53

_Charudatta._ Will you do as I say?

_Sharvilaka._ How can you doubt it?

_Sansthanaka._ Charudatta! Mashter! I sheek your protection. Protect me, protect me! Do shomething worthy of yourshelf. I 'll never do it again!

_Voices of citizens behind the scenes._ Kill him! Why should the wretch be allowed to live?

[176.8. S.

[_Vasantasena takes the garland of death from Charudatta's neck, and throws it upon Sansthanaka._]

_Sansthanaka._ You shlave-wench, be merciful, be merciful! I 'll never murder you again. Protect me!

_Sharvilaka._ Come, take him away! Noble Charudatta, say what shall be done with the wretch.

_Charudatta._ Will you do as I say?

_Sharvilaka._ How can you doubt it?

_Charudatta._ Really?

_Sharvilaka._ Really.

_Charudatta._ Then let him be immediately--

_Sharvilaka._ Killed?

_Charudatta._ No, no! Set free.

_Sharvilaka._ What for?

_Charud._

The humbled foe who seeks thine aid, Thou mayst not smite with steely blade--

_Sharvilaka._ All right. We will have the dogs eat him alive.

_Charudatta._ No, no!

Be cruelty with kindness paid. 54

_Sharvilaka._ Wonderful! What shall I do? Tell me, sir.

_Charudatta._ Why, set him free.

_Sharvilaka._ It shall be done.

_Sansthanaka._ Hooray! I breathe again. [_Exit, with the guards._

_Sharvilaka._ Mistress Vasantasena, the king is pleased to bestow upon you the title "wedded wife."

_Vasantasena._ Sir, I desire no more.

_Sharvilaka._ [_Places the veil[88] upon Vasantasena. To Charudatta._] Sir, what shall be done for this monk?

_Charudatta._ Monk, what do you most desire?

_Monk._ When I see this example of the uncertainty of all things, I am twice content to be a monk.

P. 292.16]

_Charudatta._ His purpose is not to be changed, my friend. Let him be appointed spiritual father over all the monasteries in the land.

_Sharvilaka._ It shall be done.

_Monk._ It is all that I desire.

_Vasantasena._ Now I am indeed brought back to life.

_Sharvilaka._ What shall be done for Sthavaraka?

_Charudatta._ Let the good fellow be given his freedom. Let those headsmen be appointed chiefs of all the headsmen. Let Chandanaka be appointed chief of all the police in the land. Let the brother-in-law of the king continue to act exactly as he acted in the past.

_Sharvilaka._ It shall be done. Only _that_ man--leave him to me, and I 'll kill him.

_Charudatta._

He who seeks protection shall be safe. The humbled foe who seeks thine aid, Thou mayst not smite with steely blade. Be cruelty with kindness paid. (54)

_Sharvilaka._ Then tell me what I may yet do for you.

_Charudatta._ Can there be more than this?

I kept unstained my virtue's even worth, Granted my enemy his abject suit; Friend Aryaka destroyed his foeman's root, And rules a king o'er all the steadfast earth.

This dear-loved maiden is at last mine own, And you united with me as a friend. And shall I ask for further mercies, shown To me, who cannot sound these mercies' end? 58

Fate plays with us like buckets at the well, Where one is filled, and one an empty shell, Where one is rising, while another falls; And shows how life is change--now heaven, now hell. 59

Yet may the wishes of our epilogue be fulfilled.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 85: That is, the lightning.]

[Footnote 86: Rohasena is himself conceived as the receptacle of the water which a son must pour as a drink-offering to his dead father.]

[Footnote 87: The Manes or spirits of the blessed dead.]

[Footnote 88: A token of honorable marriage. Compare page 66.]

EPILOGUE

[178.9. S.

May kine yield streaming milk, the earth her grain, And may the heaven give never-failing rain, The winds waft happiness to all that breathes, And all that lives, live free from every pain.