KING.--Tell my domestic priest, Somaráta, to receive the hermits with due honor, according to the prescribed form. He may then himself introduce them into my presence. I will await them in a place suitable for the reception of such holy guests. CHAMBERLAIN.--Your Majesty's commands shall be obeyed. [_Exit._ KING [_rising and addressing the Warder_].--Vetravatí, lead the way to the chamber of the consecrated fire. WARDER.--This way, Sire. KING [_walking on, with the air of one oppressed by the cares of government_].--People are generally contented and happy when they have gained their desires; but kings have no sooner attained the object of their aspirations than all their troubles begin. 'Tis a fond thought that to attain the end And object of ambition is to rest; Success doth only mitigate the fever Of anxious expectation; soon the fear Of losing what we have, the constant care Of guarding it doth weary. Ceaseless toil Must be the lot of him who with his hands Supports the canopy that shields his subjects. Two HERALDS [_behind the scenes_].--May the King be victorious! FIRST HERALD.--Honor to him who labors day by day For the world's weal, forgetful of his own. Like some tall tree that with its stately head Endures the solar beam, while underneath It yields refreshing shelter to the weary. SECOND HERALD.--Let but the monarch wield his threatening rod And e'en the guilty tremble; at his voice The rebel spirit cowers; his grateful subjects Acknowledge him their guardian; rich and poor Hail him a faithful friend, a loving kinsman. KING.--Weary as I was before, this complimentary address has refreshed me. [_Walks on_. WARDER.--Here is the terrace of the hallowed fire-chamber, and yonder stands the cow that yields the milk for the oblations. The sacred enclosure has been recently purified, and looks clean and beautiful. Ascend, Sire. KING [_leans on the shoulders of his attendants, and ascends_]. Vetravatí, what can possibly be the message that the venerable Kanwa has sent me by these hermits?-- Perchance their sacred rites have been disturbed By demons, or some evil has befallen The innocent herds, their favorites, that graze Within the precincts of the hermitage; Or haply, through my sins, some withering blight Has nipped the creeping plants that spread their arms Around the hallowed grove. Such troubled thoughts Crowd through my mind, and fill me with misgiving. WARDER.--If you ask my opinion, Sire, I think the hermits merely wish to take an opportunity of testifying their loyalty, and are therefore come to offer homage to your Majesty. _Enter the Hermits, leading Śakoontalá, attended by Gautamí; and, in advance of them, the Chamberlain and the domestic Priest._ CHAMBERLAIN.--This way, reverend sirs, this way.