their fierce warfare with the powers of hell [41],
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!

[_They offer fruits_.

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 neighbourhood, make this humble petition:--

KING.

What are their commands?

BOTH THE HERMITS.

In the absence of our Superior, the great sage Kanwa, evil demons
are disturbing our sacrificial rites [42]. Deign, therefore,
accompanied by your charioteer, to take up your abode in our
hermitage for a few days.

KING.

I am honoured by your invitation.

MA[T.]HAVYA. [_Aside_.

Most opportune and convenient, certainly!

KING. [_Smiling_.

Ho, there, Raivatika! Tell the charioteer from me to bring round
the chariot with my bow.

WARDER.

I will, Sire.

[_Exit_.

BOTH THE HERMITS. [_Joyfully_.

Well it becomes the King by acts of grace
To emulate the virtues of his race.
Such acts thy lofty destiny attest;
Thy mission is to succour the distressed.

KING. [_Bowing to the_ HERMITS.

Go first, reverend Sirs, I will follow you immediately.

BOTH THE HERMITS.

May victory attend you!

[_Exeunt_.

KING.

My dear Ma[T.]Havya, are not you full of longing to see
[S']akoontala?

MA[T.]HAVYA.

To tell you the truth, though I was just now brimful of desire to
see her, I have not a drop left since this piece of news about
the demons.

KING.

Never fear; you shall keep close to me for protection.

MA[T.]HAVYA.

Well, you must be my guardian-angel, and act the part of a very
Vishnu [43] to me.

WARDER. [_Entering_.

Sire, the chariot is re