[_The king snatches up the bow and arrows_.
ANOTHER VOICE [_behind the scenes_].--Here, thirsting for thy life-blood, will I slay thee, As a fierce tiger rends his struggling prey. Call now thy friend Dushyanta to thy aid; His bow is mighty to defend the weak; Yet all its vaunted power shall be as nought.
KING [_with fury_].--What! dares he defy me to my face? Hold there, monster! Prepare to die, for your time is come. [_Stringing his bow_.] Vetravatí, lead the way to the terrace.
VETRAVATÍ.--This way, Sire. [_They advance in haste_.
KING [_looking on every side_].--How's this? there is nothing to be seen.
A VOICE [_behind the scenes_].--Help! Save me! I can see you, though you cannot see me. I am like a mouse in the claws of a cat; my life is not worth a moment's purchase.
KING.--Avaunt, monster! You may pride yourself on the magic that renders you invisible, but my arrow shall find you out. Thus do I fix a shaft That shall discern between an impious demon And a good Bráhman; bearing death to thee, To him deliverance--even as the swan Distinguishes the milk from worthless water. [_Takes aim_.
_Enter Mátali, holding Máthavya, whom he releases_.
MÁTALI.--Turn thou thy deadly arrows on the demons; Such is the will of Indra; let thy bow Be drawn against the enemies of the gods; But on thy friends cast only looks of favor.
KING [_putting back his arrow_].--What, Mátali! Welcome, most noble charioteer of the mighty Indra.
MÁTHAVYA.--So, here is a monster who thought as little about slaughtering me as if I had been a bullock for sacrifice, and you must e'en greet him with a welcome.
MÁTALI [_smiling_].--Great Prince, hear on what errand Indra sent me into your presence.
MÁTALI.--There is a race of giants, the descendants of Kálanemi, whom the gods find difficult to subdue.
KING.--So I have already heard from Nárada.
MÁTALI.--Heaven's mighty lord, who deigns to call thee "friend," Appoints thee to the post of highest honor, As leader of his armies; and commits The subjugation of this giant brood To thy resistless arms, e'en as the sun Leaves the pale moon to dissipate the darkness.
Let your Majesty, therefore, ascend at once the celestial car of Indra; and, grasping your arms, advance to victory.