Part 33 (1/2)

Why, the road is blocked with villagers' carts. What am I to do now? [_Haughtily._] Get out of my way, you! Get out of my way!

[_He listens._] What's that? you want to know whose cart this is?

This cart belongs to Sansthanaka, the king's brother-in-law. So get out of my way--and this minute, too! [_He looks about._] Why, here's a man going in the other direction as fast as he can. He is trying to hide like a runaway gambler, and he looks at me as if I were the gambling-master. I wonder who he is. But then, what business is it of mine? I must get there as soon as I can. Get out of my way, you villagers, get out of my way! What's that? you want me to wait a minute and put a shoulder to your wheel? Confound you! A brave man like me, that serves Sansthanaka, the king's brother-in-law, put a shoulder to your wheel? After all, the poor fellow is quite alone. I'll do it. I'll stop my cart at the side-door to Charudatta's orchard. [_He does so._] I'm coming! [_Exit._

_Maid._ Mistress, I think I hear the sound of wheels. The cart must be here.

_Vasantasena._ Come, girl. My heart grows impatient. Go with me to the side-door.

_Maid._ Follow me, mistress.

_Vasantasena._ [_Walks about._] You have earned a rest, girl.

_Maid._ Thank you, mistress. [_Exit._

_Vasantasena._ [_Feels her right eye twitch_[68] _as she enters the cart._] Why should my right eye twitch now? But the sight of Charudatta will smooth away the bad omen. [_Enter Sthavaraka._]

P. 169.8]

_Sthavaraka._ I've cleared the carts out of the way, and now I'll go ahead. [_He mounts and drives away. To himself._] The cart has grown heavy. But I suppose it only seems so, because I got tired helping them with that wheel. Well, I'll go along. Get up, bullocks, get up!

_A voice behind the scenes._ Police! Police! Every man at his post!

The young herdsman has just broken jail, killed the jailer, broken his fetters, escaped, and run away. Catch him! Catch him!

[_Enter, in excited haste, Aryaka, an iron chain on one foot. Covering his face, he walks about._]

_Sthavaraka._ [_To himself._] There is great excitement in the city. I must get out of the way as fast as I possibly can. [_Exit._

_Aryaka._

I leave behind me that accursed sea Of human woe and human misery, The prison of the king.

Like elephants that break their chains and flee, I drag a fettered foot most painfully In flight and wandering. 1

King Palaka was frightened by a prophecy, took me from the hamlet where I lived, fettered me, and thrust me into a solitary cell, there to await my death. But with the help of my good friend Sharvilaka I escaped. [_He sheds tears._]

If such my fate, no sin is mine at least, That he should cage me like a savage beast.

A man may fight with kings, though not with fate-- And yet, can helpless men contend with great? 2

Whither shall I go with my wretchedness? [_He looks about._] Here is the house of some good man who hasn't locked the side-door.

The house is old, the door without a lock, The hinges all awry.

Some man, no doubt, who feels misfortune's shock As cruelly as I. 3

[96.18. S.

I will enter here and wait.

_A voice behind the scenes._ Get up, bullocks, get up!

_Aryaka._ [_Listening._] Ah, a bullock-cart is coming this way.