GENERAL [_aside to Máthavya_].--Persevere in your opposition, my good fellow; I will sound the King's real feelings, and humor 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. Freed from all grosser influences, his frame Loses its sluggish humors, and becomes Buoyant, compact, and fit for bold encounter. 'Tis his to mark with joy the varied passions, Fierce heats of anger, terror, blank dismay, Of forest animals that cross his path. Then what a thrill transports the hunter's soul, When, with unerring course, his driven shaft Pierces the moving mark! Oh! 'tis conceit In moralists to call the chase a vice; What recreation can compare with this? MÁTHAVYA [_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 neighborhood 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 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. MÁTHAVYA.--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, Raivataka, keep guard carefully outside. ATTENDANTS.--We will, sire. [_Exeunt._ MÁTHAVYA.--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, with the shade of the tree as your canopy, and I will seat myself by you quite comfortably. KING.--Go you, and sit down first. MÁTHAVYA.--Come along, then.