A VOICE [_behind the scenes_].--We are fortunate; here is the object of our search.
KING [_listening],_--Surely those must be the voices of hermits, to judge by their deep tones.
WARDER [_entering],_--Victory to the King! two young hermits are in waiting outside, and solicit an audience of your Majesty.
WARDER.--I will, my liege. [_Goes out, and reënters with two young Hermits_.] This way, Sirs, this way.
FIRST HERMIT.--How majestic is his mien, and yet what confidence it inspires! But this might be expected in a king whose character and habits have earned for him a title only one degree removed from that of a Saint. In this secluded grove, whose sacred joys All may participate, he deigns to dwell Like one of us; and daily treasures up A store of purest merit for himself, By the protection of our holy rites. In his own person wondrously are joined Both majesty and saintlike holiness:-- And often chanted by inspired bards, His hallowed title of "Imperial Sage" Ascends in joyous accents to the skies.
SECOND HERMIT.--Bear in mind, Gautama, that this is the great Dushyanta, the friend of Indra.
SECOND HERMIT.--Where is the wonder if his nervous arm, Puissant and massive as the iron bar That binds a castle-gateway, singly sways The sceptre of the universal earth, E'en to its dark-green boundary of waters? Or if the gods, beholden to his aid In their fierce warfare with the powers of hell, Should blend his name with Indra's in their songs Of victory, and gratefully accord No lower meed of praise to his braced bow, Than to the thunders of the god of heaven?
BOTH THE HERMITS [_approaching_].--Victory to the King!
KING [_rising from his seat_].--Hail to you both!
BOTH THE HERMITS.--Heaven bless your Majesty!
KING [_respectfully receiving the offering_].--Tell me, I pray you, the object of your visit.
BOTH THE HERMITS.--The inhabitants of the hermitage having heard of your Majesty's sojourn in our neighborhood, make this humble petition.
BOTH THE HERMITS.--In the absence of our Superior, the great Sage Kanwa, evil demons are disturbing our sacrificial rites.[36] Deign, therefore, accompanied by your charioteer, to take up your abode in our hermitage for a few days.
MÁTHAVYA [_aside_].--Most opportune and convenient, certainly!