n your opposition, my good fellow; I will sound the
King's real feelings, and humour him accordingly.

[_Aloud_.

The blockhead talks nonsense, and your Majesty in your own person
furnishes the best proof of it. Observe, Sire, the advantage and
pleasure the hunter derives from the chase.

MA[T.]HAVYA. [_Angrily_.

Away! tempter, away! The King has recovered his senses, and is
himself again. As for you, you may, if you choose, wander about
from forest to forest, till some old bear seizes you by the nose,
and makes a mouthful of you.

KING.

My good General, as we are just now in the neighbourhood of a
consecrated grove, your panegyric upon hunting is somewhat
ill-timed, and I cannot assent to all you have said. For the
present,

All undisturbed the buffaloes shall sport
In yonder pool, and with their ponderous horns
Scatter its tranquil waters, while the deer,
Couched here and there in groups beneath the shade
Of spreading branches, ruminate in peace.
And all securely shall the herd of boars
Feed on the marshy sedge; and thou, my bow,
With slackened string, enjoy a long repose.

GENERAL.

So please your Majesty, it shall be as you desire.

KING.

Recall, then, the beaters who were sent in advance to surround
the forest. My troops must not be allowed to disturb this sacred
retreat, and irritate its pious inhabitants.

Know that within the calm and cold recluse
Lurks unperceived a germ of smothered flame,
All-potent to destroy; a latent fire
That rashly kindled bursts with fury forth;
As in the disc of crystal[35] that remains
Cool to the touch, until the solar ray
Falls on its polished surface, and excites
The burning heat that lies within concealed.

GENERAL.

Your Majesty's commands shall be obeyed.

MA[T.]HAVYA.

Off with you, you son of a slave! Your nonsense won't go down
here, my fine fellow.

[_Exit_ GENERAL.

KING. [_Looking at his attendants_.

Here, women, take my hunting-dress; and you, Raivatika, keep
guard carefully outside.

ATTENDANTS.

We will, Sire.

[_Exeunt_.

MA[T.]HAVYA.

Now that you have got rid of these plagues, who have been buzzing
about us like so many flies, sit down, do, on that stone slab,
wit