(Enter a chamberlain.)
Chamberlain (sighing). Alas! To what a state am I reduced!
I once assumed the staff of reed For custom's sake alone, As officer to guard at need. The ladies round the throne. But years have passed away and made It serve, my tottering steps to aid.
The king is within. I will tell him of the urgent business which demands his attention. (He takes a few steps.) But what is the business? (He recalls it.) Yes, I remember. Certain hermits, pupils of Kanva, desire to see his Majesty. Strange, strange!
The mind of age is like a lamp Whose oil is running thin; One moment it is shining bright, Then darkness closes in.
(He walks and looks about.) Here is his Majesty.
He does not seek--until a father's care Is shown his subjects--rest in solitude; As a great elephant recks not of the sun Until his herd is sheltered in the wood.
In truth, I hesitate to announce the coming of Kanva's pupils to the king. For he has this moment risen from the throne of justice. But kings are never weary. For
The sun unyokes his horses never; Blows night and day the breeze; Shesha upholds the world forever: And kings are like to these.
(He walks about. Enter the king, the clown, and retinue according to rank.) King (betraying the cares of office). Every one is happy on attaining his desire--except a king. His difficulties increase with his power. Thus:
Security slays nothing but ambition;
With great possessions, troubles gather thick;
Pain grows, not lessens, with a king's position,
As when one's hand must hold the sunshade's stick.Two court poets behind the scenes. Victory to your Majesty.
First poet.
The world you daily guard and bless,
Not heeding pain or weariness;
Thus is your nature made.
A tree will brave the noonday, when
The sun is fierce, that weary men
May rest beneath its shade.Second poet.
Vice bows before the royal rod;
Strife ceases at your kingly nod;
You are our strong defender.
Friends come to all whose wealth is sure,
But you, alike to rich and poor,
Are friend both strong and tender.King (listening). Strange! I was wearied by the demands of my office, but this renews my spirit.
Clown. Does a bull forget that he is tired when you call him the leader of the herd?
King (smiling). Well, let us sit down. (They seat themselves, and the retinue arranges itself. A lute is heard behind the scenes.)
Clown (listening). My friend, listen to what is going on in the music-room. Some one is playing a lute, and keeping good time. I suppose Lady Hansavati is practising.
King. Be quiet. I wish to listen.
Chamberlain (looks at the king). Ah, the king is occupied. I must await his leisure. (He stands aside.)
A song behind the scenes.
You who kissed the mango-flower,
Honey-loving bee,
Gave her all your passion's power,
Ah, so tenderly!How can you be tempted so By the lily, pet? Fresher honey's sweet, I know; But can you forget?
King. What an entrancing song!
Clown. But, man, don't you understand what the words mean?
King (smiling). I was once devoted to Queen Hansavati. And the rebuke comes from her. Friend Madhavya, tell Queen Hansavati in my name that the rebuke is a very pretty one.
Clown. Yes, sir. (He rises.) But, man, you are using another fellow's fingers to grab a bear's tail-feathers with. I have about as much chance of salvation as a monk who hasn't forgotten his passions.
King. Go. Soothe her like a gentleman.
Clown. I suppose I must. (Exit.)
King (to himself). Why am I filled with wistfulness on hearing such a song? I am not separated from one I love. And yet
In face of sweet presentment Or harmonies of sound, Man e'er forgets contentment, By wistful longings bound.
There must be recollections Of things not seen on earth, Deep nature's predilections, Loves earlier than birth.
(He shows the wistfulness that comes from unremembered things.)
Chamberlain (approaching). Victory to your Majesty. Here are hermits who dwell in the forest at the foot of the Himalayas. They bring women with them, and they carry a message from Kanva. What is your pleasure with regard to them?
King (astonished). Hermits? Accompanied by women? From Kanva?
Chamberlain. Yes.
King. Request my chaplain Somarata in my name to receive these hermits in the manner prescribed by Scripture, and to conduct them himself before me. I will await them in a place fit for their reception.
Chamberlain. Yes, your Majesty. (Exit.)
King (rising). Vetravati, conduct me to the fire-sanctuary.
Portress. Follow me, your Majesty. (She walks about) Your Majesty, here is the terrace of the fire-sanctuary. It is beautiful, for it has just been swept, and near at hand is the cow that yields the milk of sacrifice. Pray ascend it.
King (ascends and stands leaning on the shoulder of an attendant.) Vetravati, with what purpose does Father Kanva send these hermits to me?
Do leagu