A VOICE [_behind the scenes_].--Help! Save me! I can see you, though you cannot see me. I am like a mouse in the claws of a cat; my life is not worth a moment's purchase. KING.--Avaunt, monster! You may pride yourself on the magic that renders you invisible, but my arrow shall find you out. Thus do I fix a shaft That shall discern between an impious demon And a good Bráhman; bearing death to thee, To him deliverance--even as the swan Distinguishes the milk from worthless water. [_Takes aim_. _Enter Mátali, holding Máthavya, whom he releases_. MÁTALI.--Turn thou thy deadly arrows on the demons; Such is the will of Indra; let thy bow Be drawn against the enemies of the gods; But on thy friends cast only looks of favor. KING [_putting back his arrow_].--What, Mátali! Welcome, most noble charioteer of the mighty Indra. MÁTHAVYA.--So, here is a monster who thought as little about slaughtering me as if I had been a bullock for sacrifice, and you must e'en greet him with a welcome. MÁTALI [_smiling_].--Great Prince, hear on what errand Indra sent me into your presence. KING.--I am all attention. MÁTALI.--There is a race of giants, the descendants of Kálanemi, whom the gods find difficult to subdue. KING.--So I have already heard from Nárada. MÁTALI.--Heaven's mighty lord, who deigns to call thee "friend," Appoints thee to the post of highest honor, As leader of his armies; and commits The subjugation of this giant brood To thy resistless arms, e'en as the sun Leaves the pale moon to dissipate the darkness. Let your Majesty, therefore, ascend at once the celestial car of Indra; and, grasping your arms, advance to victory. KING.--The mighty Indra honors me too highly by such a mark of distinction. But tell me, what made you act thus towards my poor friend Máthavya? MÁTALI.--I will tell you. Perceiving that your Majesty's spirit was completely broken by some distress of mind under which you were laboring, I determined to rouse your energies by moving you to anger. Because To light a flame, we need but stir the embers; The cobra, when incensed, extends his head And springs upon his foe; the bravest men Display their courage only when provoked. KING [_aside to Máthavya_].--My dear Máthavya, the commands of the great Indra must not be left unfulfilled. Go you and acquaint my minister, Piśuna, with what has happened, and say to him from me, Dushyanta to thy care confides his realm-- Protect with all the vigor of thy mind The interests of my people; while my bow Is braced against the enemies of heaven. MÁTHAVYA.--I obey. [_Exit._ MÁTALI.--Ascend, illustrious Prince. [_The King ascends the car. Exeunt_.