Part 19 (1/2)

Aloud._] Look, man! You are always saying ”Maitreya is a fool, Maitreya is no scholar.” But I certainly acted wisely in handing over that golden casket to you. If I hadn't, the son of a slave would have carried it off.

_Charudatta._ A truce to your jests!

_Maitreya._ Just because I'm a fool, do you suppose I don't even know the place and time for a jest?

_Charudatta._ But when did this happen?

_Maitreya._ Why, when I told you that your fingers were cold.

_Charudatta._ It might have been. [_He searches about. Joyfully._]

My friend, I have something pleasant to tell you.

_Maitreya._ What? Wasn't it stolen?

_Charudatta._ Yes.

_Maitreya._ What is the pleasant news, then?

_Charudatta._ The fact that he did not go away disappointed.

_Maitreya._ But it was only entrusted to our care.

_Charudatta._ What! entrusted to our care? [_He swoons._]

_Maitreya._ Come to yourself, man. Is the fact that a thief stole what was entrusted to you, any reason why you should swoon?

53.5. S.]

_Charudatta._ [_Coming to himself._] Ah, my friend,

Who will believe the truth?

Suspicion now is sure.

This world will show no ruth To the inglorious poor. 24

Alas! If envious fate before Has wooed my wealth alone.

Why should she seek my store Of virtue as her own? 25

_Maitreya._ I intend to deny the whole thing. Who gave anybody anything? who received anything from anybody? who was a witness?

_Charudatta._ And shall I tell a falsehood now?

No! I will beg until I earn The wherewithal my debt to pay.

Ign.o.ble falsehood I will spurn.

That steals the character away. 26

_Radanika._ I will go and tell his good wife. [_She goes out, returning with Charudatta's wife._]