Part 8 (1/2)
one whose youth Is in the guidance of her own sweet will; She disappeared: unconscious of the truth, We did what seems a purposed deed of ill. 44
P. 35.4]
I pray you, accept this all-in-all of humblest supplication. [_He drops his sword, folds his hands, and falls at Maitreya's feet._]
_Maitreya._ Good man, rise, rise. When I reviled you, I did not know you. Now I know you and I ask your pardon.
_Courtier._ It is I who should ask pardon. I will rise on one condition.
_Maitreya._ And that is--
_Courtier._ That you will not tell Charudatta what has happened here.
_Maitreya._ I will be silent.
_Courtier._
Brahman, this gracious act of thine I bow my neck to bear; For never could this sword of mine With virtue's steel compare. 45
_Sansthanaka._ [_Indignantly._] But mashter, what makes you fold your hands sho helplesshly and fall at the feet of thish manikin?
_Courtier._ I was afraid.
_Sansthanaka._ What were _you_ afraid of?
_Courtier._ Of Charudatta's virtues.
_Sansthanaka._ Virtues? He? You can go into his houshe and not find a thing to eat.
_Courtier._ No, no.
His loving-kindness unto such as we Has brought him low at last; From him could no man learn what insults be, Or e'er his wealth was past.
This well-filled pool, that in its summer day Gave others drink, itself is dried away. 46
_Sansthanaka._ [_Impatiently._] Who is the shon of a shlave-wench anyway?
Brave Shvetaketu is he, Pandu's child?
Or Radha's shon, the ten-necked ogre wild?
Or Indradatta? or again, is he Shon of brave Rama and of fair Kunti?
Or Dharmaputra? Ashvatthaman bold?
Perhaps Jatayu's shelf, that vulture old? 47
[19.19. S.
_Courtier._ Fool! I will tell you who Charudatta is.
A tree of life to them whose sorrows grow, Beneath its fruit of virtue bending low; Father to good men; virtue's touchstone he; The mirror of the learned; and the sea Where all the tides of character unite; A righteous man, whom pride could never blight; A treasure-house, with human virtues stored; Courtesy's essence, honor's precious h.o.a.rd.