_Maitreya._ But see, my friend! The very dogs are sound asleep in the shops that look out on the market. Let us go home. [_He looks before him._] Look, look! The blessèd moon seems to give place to darkness, as she descends from her palace in heaven.
The moon gives place to darkness as she dips Behind the western mountain; and the tips Of her uplifted horns alone appear, Like two sharp-pointed tusks uplifted clear, Where bathes an elephant in waters cool, Who shows naught else above the jungle pool. 6
_Maitreya._ Well, here is our house. Vardhamanaka, Vardhamanaka, open the door!
_Vardhamanaka._ I hear Maitreya's voice. Charudatta has returned. I must open the door for him. [_He does so._] Master, I salute you. Maitreya, I salute you too. The couch is ready. Pray be seated. [_Charudatta and Maitreya enter and seat themselves._]
_Maitreya._ Vardhamanaka, call Radanika to wash our feet.
_Charudatta._ [_Compassionately._] She sleeps. Do not wake her.
_Vardhamanaka._ I will bring the water, Maitreya, and you may wash Charudatta's feet.
_Maitreya._ [_Angrily._] Look, man. He acts like the son of a slave that he is, for he is bringing water. But he makes me wash your feet, and I am a Brahman.
_Charudatta._ Good Maitreya, do you bring the water, and Vardhamanaka shall wash my feet.
_Vardhamanaka._ Yes, Maitreya. Do you bring the water. [_Maitreya does so. Vardhamanaka washes Charudatta's feet, then moves away._]
_Charudatta._ Let water be brought for the Brahman's feet.
_Maitreya._ What good does water do my feet? I shall have to roll in the dirt again, like a beaten ass.
_Vardhamanaka._ Maitreya, you are a Brahman.
_Maitreya._ Yes, like a slow-worm among all the other snakes, so am I a Brahman among all the other Brahmans.
_Vardhamanaka._ Maitreya, I will wash your feet after all. [_He does so._] Maitreya, this golden casket I was to keep by day, you by night. Take it. [_He gives it to Maitreya, then exit._
_Maitreya._ [_Receiving the casket._] The thing is here still. Isn't there a single thief in Ujjayini to steal the wretch that robs me of my sleep? Listen. I am going to take it into the inner court.
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