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O timid maid, And like the lightning hidden in the cloud, You are not seen; yet you will be betrayed By fragrant garlands and by anklets loud. 35 Have you heard me, Vasantasena? _Vasantasena._ [_To herself._] Heard and understood. [_She removes the ankle-rings, lays aside the garlands, and takes a few steps, feeling her way._] I can feel the wall of the house, and here is a side-entrance. But alas! my fingers tell me that the door is shut. * * * * * _Charudatta_ [_who is within the house_]. Comrade, my prayer is done. Go now and offer sacrifice to the Mothers. _Maitreya._ No, I'm not going. _Charudatta._ Alas! The poor man's kinsmen do not heed his will; The friends who loved him once, now stand afar; His sorrows multiply; his strength is nil; Behold! his character's bright-shining star Fades like the waning moon; and deeds of ill That others do, are counted to him still. 36 And again: No man holds converse with him; none will greet With due respect the poor man when they meet. Where rich men hold a feast, if he draw near, He meets with scornful looks for looks of cheer. [15.19. S. Where vulgar throngs are gathered, 't is the same; His scanty raiment wakes his heartfelt shame. Five are the deadly sins[36] we knew before; Alas! I find the sixth is--to be poor. 37 And yet again: Ah, Poverty, I pity thee, that so To me thou clingest, as thy dearest friend; When my poor life has met its woeful end, I sadly wonder, whither thou wilt go. 38 _Maitreya._ [_Betraying his embarrassment._] Well, comrade, if I must go, at least let Radanika go with me, to keep me company. _Charudatta._ Radanika, you are to accompany Maitreya. _Radanika._ Yes, sir. _Maitreya_. Mistress Radanika, do you take the offering and the candle while I open the side-door. [_He does so._] _Vasantasena._ It seems as if the door took pity on me and opened of itself. I will lose no time, but enter. [_She looks in._] What? a candle? Oh dear, oh dear! [_She puts it out with her skirt and enters._] _Charudatta._ What was that, Maitreya? _Maitreya._ I opened the side-door and the wind came through all in a lump and blew out the candle. Suppose you go out by the side-door, Radanika, and I will follow as soon as I have gone i
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