[_Reflecting._] It is long since Maitreya went to visit Vasantasena. And even yet he does not come. [_Enter Maitreya._]
_Maitreya._ Confound the courtezan's avarice and her incivility! To think of her making so short a story of it! Over and over she repeats something about the affection she feels, and then without more ado she pockets the necklace. She is rich enough so that she might at least have said: "Good Maitreya, rest a little. You must not go until you have had a cup to drink." Confound the courtezan! I hope I 'll never set eyes on her again. [_Wearily._] The proverb is right. "It is hard to find a lotus-plant without a root, a merchant who never cheats, a goldsmith who never steals, a village-gathering without a fight, and a courtezan without avarice." Well, I 'll find my friend and persuade him to have nothing more to do with this courtezan. [_He walks about until he discovers Charudatta._] Ah, my good friend is sitting in the orchard. I 'll go to him. [_Approaching._] Heaven bless you! May happiness be yours.
_Charudatta._ [_Looking up._] Ah, my friend Maitreya has returned. You are very welcome, my friend. Pray be seated.
_Charudatta._ Tell me of your errand, my friend.
_Charudatta._ What! did she not accept the necklace?
_Maitreya._ How could we expect such a piece of luck? She put her lotus-tender hands to her brow,[62] and took it.
_Charudatta._ Then why do you say "went wrong"?
_Maitreya._ Why not, when we lost a necklace that was the pride of the four seas for a cheap golden casket, that was stolen before we had a bite or a drink out of it?
She showed her trust in leaving us her treasure; The price of confidence has no less measure. 7
_Maitreya._ Now look here! I have a second grievance. She tipped her friend the wink, covered her face with the hem of her dress, and laughed at me. And so, Brahman though I am, I hereby fall on my face before you and beg you not to have anything more to do with this courtezan. That sort of society does any amount of damage. A courtezan is like a pebble in your shoe. It hurts before you get rid of it. And one thing more, my friend. A courtezan, an elephant, a scribe, a mendicant friar, a swindler, and an ass--where these dwell, not even rogues are born.