Part 51 (1/2)

With sons, and sons' sons, now you plunge to h.e.l.l! 43

I come! I come! [_Exeunt omnes._

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 83: Elephants were employed as executioners; and, according to Lalladik?ita, the horses served the same purpose.]

[Footnote 84: This refers to the fallen jewels.]

ACT THE TENTH

THE END

[_Enter Charudatta, accompanied by two headsmen._]

_Headsmen._

Then think no longer of the pain; In just a second you 'll be slain.

We understand the fas.h.i.+ons new To fetter you and kill you too.

In chopping heads we never fail, Nor when the victim we impale. 1

Out of the way, gentlemen, out of the way! This is the n.o.ble Charudatta.

The oleander on his brow, In headsmen's hands you see him now; Like a lamp whose oil runs nearly dry, His light fades gently, ere it die. 2

_Charudatta._ [_Gloomily._]

My body wet by tear-drops falling, falling; My limbs polluted by the clinging mud; Flowers from the graveyard torn, my wreath appalling; For ghastly sacrifice hoa.r.s.e ravens calling, And for the fragrant incense of my blood. 3

_Headsmen._ Out of the way, gentlemen, out of the way!

Why gaze upon the good man so?

The ax of death soon lays him low.

Yet good men once sought shelter free, Like birds, upon this kindly tree. 4

Come, Charudatta, come!

_Charudatta._ Incalculable are the ways of human destiny, that I am come to such a plight!

Red marks of hands in sandal paste O'er all my body have been placed; The man, with meal and powder strewn, Is now to beast of offering grown. 5

[157.19. S.

[_He gazes intently before him._] Alas for human differences!

[_Mournfully._]

For when they see the fate that I must brave, With tears for death's poor victim freely given, The citizens cry ”shame,” yet cannot save,-- Can only pray that I attain to heaven. 6

_Headsmen._ Out of the way, gentlemen, out of the way! Why do you gaze upon him?