SECOND ATTENDANT.

We shall never pacify him by mere words, dear Suvrata.  Be kind enough to go to my cottage, and you will find there a plaything belonging to Markandeya, one of the hermit’s children.  It is a peacock made of china-ware, painted in many colours.  Bring it here for the child.

FIRST ATTENDANT.

Very well. [Exit.

CHILD.

No, no; I shall go on playing with the young lion.

[Looks at the FEMALE ATTENDANT and laughs.

KING.

  I feel an unaccountable affection for this wayward child. 
  How blessed the virtuous parents whose attire
  Is soiled with dust, by raising from the ground
  The child that asks a refuge in their arms! 
  And happy are they while with lisping prattle,
  In accents sweetly inarticulate,
  He charms their ears; and with his artless smiles
  Gladdens their hearts[119], revealing to their gaze
  His pearly teeth just budding into view.

ATTENDANT.

I see how it is.  He pays me no manner of attention.

[Looking off the stage.]

I wonder whether any of the hermits are about here.

[_ Seeing the_ KING.]

Kind Sir, could you come hither a moment and help me to release the young lion from the clutch of this child who is teasing him in boyish play?

KING. [Approaching and smiling.

Listen to me, thou child of a mighty saint!

  Dost thou dare show a wayward spirit here? 
  Here, in this hallowed region?  Take thou heed
  Lest, as the serpent’s young defiles the sandal[71],
  Thou bring dishonour on the holy sage
  Thy tender-hearted parent, who delights
  To shield from harm the tenants of the wood.

ATTENDANT.

Gentle Sir, I thank you; but he is not the saint’s son.

KING.

His behaviour and whole bearing would have led me to doubt it, had not the place of his abode encouraged the idea.

[Follows the CHILD, and takes him by the hand, according to
the request of the attendant.  Aside.

I marvel that the touch of this strange child
Should thrill me with delight; if so it be,
How must the fond caresses of a son
Transport the father’s soul who gave him being!

ATTENDANT. [Looking at them both.

Wonderful!  Prodigious!

KING.

What excites your surprise, my good woman?

ATTENDANT.

I am astonished at the striking resemblance between the child and yourself; and, what is still more extraordinary, he seems to have taken to you kindly and submissively, though you are a stranger to him.

KING. [Fondling the CHILD.