ACT II THE SECRET
Project Gutenberg EPUB edition
Kālidāsa and Ryder, Arthur W. (Arthur William)
Clown. What pretext do you need? Aren't you the king?
King. What of that?
Clown. Collect the taxes on the hermits' rice.
King. Fool! It is a very different tax which these hermits pay—one that outweighs heaps of gems.
The wealth we take from common men, Wastes while we cherish; These share with us such holiness As ne'er can perish.
Voices behind the scenes. Ah, we have found him.
King (Listening). The voices are grave and tranquil. These must be hermits. (Enter the door-keeper.)
Door-keeper. Victory, O King. There are two hermit-youths at the gate.
King. Bid them enter at once.
Door-keeper. Yes, your Majesty. (He goes out, then returns with the youths.) Follow me.
First youth (looking at the king). A majestic presence, yet it inspires confidence. Nor is this wonderful in a king who is half a saint. For to him
The splendid palace serves as hermitage; His royal government, courageous, sage, Adds daily to his merit; it is given To him to win applause from choirs of heaven Whose anthems to his glory rise and swell, Proclaiming him a king, and saint as well.
Second youth. My friend, is this Dushyanta, friend of Indra?
First youth. It is.
Second youth.
Nor is it wonderful that one whose arm Might bolt a city gate, should keep from harm The whole broad earth dark-belted by the sea; For when the gods in heaven with demons fight, Dushyanta's bow and Indra's weapon bright Are their reliance for the victory.
The two youths (approaching). Victory, O King!
King (rising). I salute you.
The two youths. All hail! (They offer fruit.)
King (receiving it and bowing low). May I know the reason of your coming?
The two youths. The hermits have learned that you are here, and they request—
King. They command rather.
The two youths. The powers of evil disturb our pious life in the absence of the hermit-father. We therefore ask that you will remain a few nights with your charioteer to protect the hermitage.
King. I shall be most happy to do so.
Clown (to the king). You rather seem to like being collared this way.
King. Raivataka, tell my charioteer to drive up, and to bring the bow and arrows.
Raivataka. Yes, your Majesty. (Exit)
The two youths.
Thou art a worthy scion of The kings who ruled our nation And found, defending those in need, Their truest consecration.
King. Pray go before. And I will follow straightway.
The two youths. Victory, O King! (Exeunt.)
King. Madhavya, have you no curiosity to see Shakuntala?
Clown. I did have an unending curiosity, but this talk about the powers of evil has put an end to it.
King. Do not fear. You will be with me.
Clown. I'll stick close to your chariot-wheel. (Enter the door-keeper.)
Door-keeper. Your Majesty, the chariot is ready, and awaits your departure to victory. But one Karabhaka has come from the city, a messenger from the queen-mother.
King (respectfully). Sent by my mother?
Door-keeper. Yes.
King. Let him enter.
Door-keeper (goes out and returns with KARABHAKA). Karabhaka, here is his Majesty. You may draw near.