MÁTHAVYA.--Ah, my dear friend, is yonder upright reed transformed into a crooked plant by its own act, or by the force of the current? KING.--The current of the river causes it, I suppose. MÁTHAVYA.--Aye; just as you are the cause of my crippled limbs. KING.--How so? MÁTHAVYA.--Here are you living the life of a wild man of the woods in a savage, unfrequented region, while your state affairs are left to shift for themselves; and as for poor me, I am no longer master of my own limbs, but have to follow you about day after day in your chases after wild animals, till my bones are all crippled and out of joint. Do, my dear friend, let me have one day's rest. KING [_aside_].--This fellow little knows, while he talks in this manner, that my mind is wholly engrossed by recollections of the hermit's daughter, and quite as disinclined to the chase as his own. No longer can I bend my well-braced bow Against the timid deer; nor e'er again With well-aimed arrows can I think to harm These her beloved associates, who enjoy The privilege of her companionship; Teaching her tender glances in return. MÁTHAVYA [_looking in the King's face_].--I may as well speak to the winds, for any attention you pay to my requests. I suppose you have something on your mind, and are talking it over to yourself. KING [_smiling_].--I was only thinking that I ought not to disregard a friend's request. MÁTHAVYA.--Then may the King live forever! [_Moves off_. KING.--Stay a moment, my dear friend. I have something else to say to you. MÁTHAVYA.--Say on, then. KING.--When you have rested, you must assist me in another business, which will give you no fatigue. MÁTHAVYA.--In eating something nice, I hope. KING.--You shall know at some future time. MÁTHAVYA.--No time better than the present. KING.--What ho! there. WARDER [_entering_].--What are your Majesty's commands? KING.--O Raivataka! bid the General of the forces attend. WARDER.--I will, Sire. [_Exit and reënters with the General_] Come forward, General; his Majesty is looking towards you, and has some order to give you. GENERAL [_looking at the King_].--Though hunting is known to produce ill effects, my royal master has derived only benefit from it. For Like the majestic elephant that roams O'er mountain wilds, so does the King display A stalwart frame, instinct with vigorous life. His brawny arms and manly chest are scored By frequent passage of the sounding string; Unharmed he bears the mid-day sun; no toil His mighty spirit daunts; his sturdy limbs, Stripped of redundant flesh, relinquish nought Of their robust proportions, but appear In muscle, nerve, and sinewy fibre cased. [_Approaching the King_.] Victory to the King! We have tracked the wild beasts to their lairs in the forest. Why delay, when everything is ready? KING.--My friend Máthavya here has been disparaging the chase, till he has taken away all my relish for it.