_Maitreya._ Good news, my friend. It is Vardhamanaka's voice. Vasantasena must have come.
_Maitreya._ You son of a slave, what makes you so late?
_Vardhamanaka._ Don't get angry, good Maitreya. I remembered that I had forgotten the cushion, and I had to go back for it, and that is why I am late.
_Charudatta._ Turn the cart around, Vardhamanaka. Maitreya, my friend, help Vasantasena to get out.
_Maitreya._ Has she got fetters on her feet, so that she can't get out by herself? [_He rises and lifts the curtain of the cart._] Why, this is n't mistress Vasantasena--this is Mister Vasantasena.
_Charudatta._ A truce to your jests, my friend. Love cannot wait. I will help her to get out myself. [_He rises._]
_Aryaka._ [_Discovers him._] Ah, the owner of the bullock-cart! He is attractive not only to the ears of men, but also to their eyes. Thank heaven! I am safe.
_Charudatta._ [_Enters the bullock-cart and discovers Aryaka._] Who then is this?
As trunk of elephant his arms are long, His chest is full, his shoulders broad and strong, His great eyes restless-red;[71] Why should this man be thus enforced to fight-- So noble he--with such ignoble plight, His foot to fetters wed? 5
_Aryaka._ I am one who seeks your protection, Aryaka, by birth a herdsman.
_Charudatta._ Are you he whom King Palaka took from the hamlet where he lived and thrust into prison?
'T is fate that brings you to my sight; May I be reft of heaven's light, Ere I desert you in your hapless plight. 6
_Charudatta._ Vardhamanaka, remove the fetters from his foot.
_Vardhamanaka._ Yes, sir. [_He does so._] Master, the fetters are removed.
_Aryaka._ But you have bound me with yet stronger fetters of love.
_Maitreya._ Now you may put on the fetters yourself. He is free anyway. And it 's time for us to be going.
_Aryaka._ Charudatta, my friend, I entered your cart somewhat unceremoniously. I beg your pardon.
_Charudatta._ I feel honored that you should use no ceremony with me.
_Aryaka._ If you permit it, I now desire to go.
_Aryaka._ Thank you. I will alight from the cart.
_Charudatta._ No, my friend. The fetters have but this moment been removed, and you will find walking difficult. In this spot where men seek pleasure, a bullock-cart will excite no suspicion. Continue your journey then in the cart.