Translations Of Shakuntala And Other Works Part 26

The royal line that flowed A river pure and grand, Dies in the childless king, Like streams in desert sand.

(_He swoons_.)

_Maid_ (_in distress_). Oh, sir, come to yourself.

_Mishrakeski_. Shall I make him happy now? No, I heard the mother of the G.o.ds consoling Shakuntala. She said that the G.o.ds, impatient for the sacrifice, would soon cause him to welcome his true wife. I must delay no longer. I will comfort dear Shakuntala with my tidings.

(_Exit through the air_.)

_A voice behind the scenes_. Help, help!

_King_ (_comes to himself and listens_). It sounds as if Madhavya were in distress.

_Maid_. Your Majesty, I hope that Pingalika and the other maids did not catch poor Madhavya with the picture in his hands.

_King_. Go, Chaturika. Reprove the queen in my name for not controlling her servants.

_Maid_. Yes, your Majesty. (_Exit_.)

_The voice_. Help, help!

_King_. The Brahman's voice seems really changed by fear. Who waits without? (_Enter the chamberlain_.)

_Chamberlain_. Your Majesty commands?

_King_. See why poor Madhavya is screaming so.

_Chamberlain_. I will see. (_He goes out, and returns trembling_.)

_King_. Parvatayana, I hope it is nothing very dreadful.

_Chamberlain_. I hope not.

_King_. Then why do you tremble so? For

Why should the trembling, born Of age, increasing, seize Your limbs and bid them shake Like fig-leaves in the breeze?

_Chamberlain_. Save your friend, O King!

_King_. From what?

_Chamberlain_. From great danger.

_King_. Speak plainly, man.

_Chamberlain_. On the Cloud Balcony, open to the four winds of heaven--

_King_. What has happened there?

_Chamberlain_.

While he was resting on its height, Which palace peac.o.c.ks in their flight Can hardly reach, he seemed to be s.n.a.t.c.hed up--by what, we could not see.

_King_ (_rising quickly_). My very palace is invaded by evil creatures. To be a king, is to be a disappointed man.

The moral stumblings of mine own, The daily slips, are scarcely known; Who then that rules a kingdom, can Guide every deed of every man?

_The voice_. Hurry, hurry!

_King_ (_hears the voice and quickens his steps_). Have no fear, my friend.

_The voice_. Have no fear! When something has got me by the back of the neck, and is trying to break my bones like a piece of sugar-cane!

_King_ (_looks about_). A bow! a bow! (_Enter a Greek woman with a bow_.)

_Greek woman_. A bow and arrows, your Majesty. And here are the finger-guards. (_The king takes the bow and arrows_.)

_Another voice behind the scenes_.

Writhe, while I drink the red blood flowing clear And kill you, as a tiger kills a deer; Let King Dushyanta grasp his bow; but how Can all his kingly valour save you now?

_King_ (_angrily_). He scorns me, too! In one moment, miserable demon, you shall die. (_Stringing his bow_.) Where is the stairway, Parvatayana?

_Chamberlain_. Here, your Majesty. (_All make haste_.)

_King_ (_Looking about_). There is no one here.

_The Clown's voice_. Save me, save me! I see you, if you can't see me.

I am a mouse in the claws of the cat. I am done for. _King_. You are proud of your invisibility. But shall not my arrow see you? Stand still. Do not hope to escape by clinging to my friend.

My arrow, flying when the bow is bent, Shall slay the wretch and spare the innocent; When milk is mixed with water in a cup, Swans leave the water, and the milk drink up.

(_He takes aim. Enter_ MATALI _and the clown_.)

_Matali_. O King, as Indra, king of the G.o.ds, commands,

Seek foes among the evil powers alone; For them your bow should bend; Not cruel shafts, but glances soft and kind Should fall upon a friend.

_King_ (_hastily withdrawing the arrow_). It is Matali. Welcome to the charioteer of heaven's king.

_Clown_. Well! He came within an inch of butchering me. And you welcome him.

_Matali_ (_smiling_). Hear, O King, for what purpose Indra sends me to you.

_King_. I am all attention.

_Matali_. There is a host of demons who call themselves Invincible--the brood of Kalanemi.

_King_. So Narada has told me.