Page:Little Clay Cart (Ryder 1905).djvu/183

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P. 246.19]
THE TRIAL
147

jewels, and he said to me: "Maitreya, Vasantasenā adorned my dear Rohasena with her own jewels, and sent him thus to his mother. It was fitting that she should give him the jewels, but not that we should receive them. Therefore restore them to her." So now I will go to Vasantasenā's house. [He walks about and looks around, then speaks to a person behind the scenes.] Ah, it is Master Rebhila. Oh, Master Rebhila, why do you seem so exceedingly troubled? [He listens.] What! do you mean to say that my dear friend Chārudatta has been summoned to court? That can hardly be an insignificant matter. [He reflects.] I will go to Vasantasenā's house later, but now I will go to the court-room. [He walks about and looks around.] Here is the court-room. I will go in at once. [He enters.] May happiness be the lot of the magistrates. Where is my friend?

Judge. Here.

Maitreya. My friend, I wish you happiness.

Chārudatta. It will be mine.

Maitreya. And peace.

Chārudatta. That too will be mine.

Maitreya. My friend, why do you seem so exceedingly troubled? And why were you summoned?

Chārudatta. My friend,

A scoundrel I, who bear the blame,
Nor seek in heaven to be blest;
A maid—or goddess—'tis the same—
But he will say the rest. 30

Maitreya. What? what?

Chārudatta. [Whispers.] That is it.

Maitreya. Who says that?

Chārudatta. [Indicating Sansthānaka.] This poor fellow is the instrument that fate uses to accuse me.