SHANTA. How wonderful a vision he is! As he stands at the threshold of the temple he seems like a new God, another divinity come down to earth to lead the righteous on to the realms celestial. Ah, Master, how grateful am I to have thee as my teacher! I thank Brahma for giving thee to me. [_Enter Kanada. Shukra then walks to Shanta, with Kanada following him._] KANADA. Master, all is ready. SHUKRA. Go ye to the village; ask them if all be well with them. When the heavens are unkind--ah, if it rains another day all the crops will be destroyed. What will they live on? No, no, it cannot be. Go ye both down to them and take them my blessings: Tell them we will make another offering to Indra to-night. It must not rain any more. SHANTA. Bring out begging bowls, Kanada. KANADA. Shall I bring the torches, too? [_Crossing._] SHUKRA. The clouds may hide the moon; yea, the torches, too. [_Kanada exits R._] SHUKRA. Yea. [_Thunder growls above head._] The storm grows apace. I hope thou wilt find shelter ere it breaks. [_A short silence._] The world is growing darker and darker each day. Sin and Vice are gathering around it like a vast coiling Serpent. We monks be the only ones that can save it and set it free. Shanta, be steadfast; strengthen me. Help me to bring the light to the world. Thou art not only my disciple, but my friend and brother. [_He embraces Shanta._] Save me from the world. KANADA. [_Entering._] Here be--[_Stops in surprise._] SHUKRA. [_Releasing Shanta._] Come to me, Kanada. [_The latter does so, Shukra putting an arm around Kanada's neck._] Little Brother-- KANADA. [_Radiantly._] Master-- SHUKRA. Be brave and free--free from the delusions of this world, Sansara. Go yet to the village; take them our blessings! Hari be with them all! May ye return hither safely. [_Thunder and lightning._] Ah, Lord Indra!--Look, it is raining yonder. Go, hasten-- SHANTA. [_Taking a begging bowl and torch from Kanada._] Come! SHUKRA. [_Putting his hands on their heads._] I bless ye both. May Indra protect ye--[_the rest of his words are drowned by the lightning flash and peal of thunder_]. [_The two disciples intone_: "OM Shanti OM." _They go down the steps._]