Chārud. Such lax attention we can ill afford.
If we are trusted by a courtezan,
Then, Brahman, prove yourself an honest man,
And guard it safely, till it be restored. 7
[He nods, repeating the stanza "The melody of song, the stricken strings:" page 44.]
Maitreya. Are you going to sleep?
Chārudatta. Yes, so it seems.
For conquering sleep, descending on mine eyes,
First smites the brow with unresisted blow;
Unseen, elusive, like old age, she tries
To gather strength by weakening her foe. 8
Maitreya. Then let's go to sleep. [He does so.]
[Enter Sharvilaka.[1]]
Sharv. I made an entrance for my body's round
By force of art and arms, a path to deeds!
I skinned my sides by crawling on the ground,
Like a snake that sloughs the skin no longer sound;
And now I go where my profession leads. 9
[He gazes at the sky. Joyfully.] See! The blessed moon is setting. For well I know,
My trade would fain from watchmen's eyes be shrouded;
Valiant, I force the dwelling of another.
But see, the stars in deepest dark are clouded,
And the night shields me like a careful mother. 10
I made a breach in the orchard wall and entered. And now I must force my way into the inner court as well.
Yes, let men call it vulgar, if they will,
The trade that thrives while sleeps the sleepyhead;
Yes, knavery, not bravery, call it still,
- ↑ The following scene satirizes the Hindu love of system and classification.
