out, and reenters with two young
Hermits_.] This way, Sirs, this way.

[_Both the Hermits look at the King_

FIRST HERMIT.--How majestic is his mien, and yet what confidence it
inspires! But this might be expected in a king whose character and
habits have earned for him a title only one degree removed from that of
a Saint.
In this secluded grove, whose sacred joys
All may participate, he deigns to dwell
Like one of us; and daily treasures up
A store of purest merit for himself,
By the protection of our holy rites.
In his own person wondrously are joined
Both majesty and saintlike holiness:--
And often chanted by inspired bards,
His hallowed title of "Imperial Sage"
Ascends in joyous accents to the skies.

SECOND HERMIT.--Bear in mind, Gautama, that this is the great Dushyanta,
the friend of Indra.

FIRST HERMIT.--What of that?

SECOND HERMIT.--Where is the wonder if his nervous arm,
Puissant and massive as the iron bar
That binds a castle-gateway, singly sways
The sceptre of the universal earth,
E'en to its dark-green boundary of waters?
Or if the gods, beholden to his aid
In their fierce warfare with the powers of hell,
Should blend his name with Indra's in their songs
Of victory, and gratefully accord
No lower meed of praise to his braced bow,
Than to the thunders of the god of heaven?

BOTH THE HERMITS [_approaching_].--Victory to the King!

KING [_rising from his seat_].--Hail to you both!

BOTH THE HERMITS.--Heaven bless your Majesty!

[_They offer fruits_.

KING [_respectfully receiving the offering_].--Tell me, I pray you, the
object of your visit.

BOTH THE HERMITS.--The inhabitants of the hermitage having heard of your
Majesty's sojourn in our neighborhood, make this humble petition.

KING.--What are their commands?

BOTH THE HERMITS.--In the absence of our Superior, the great Sage Kanwa,
evil demons are disturbing our sacrificial rites.[36] Deign, therefore,
accompanied by your charioteer, to take up your abode in our hermitage
for a few days.

KING.--I am honored by your invitation.

MATHAVYA [_aside_].--Most opportune and convenient, certainly!

KING [_smiling_].--Ho! there, Raivataka! Tell the charioteer from me to
bring round the chariot with my bow.

WARDER.--I will, Sire. [_Exit._

BOTH THE HERMITS [_joyfully_].--Well it becomes the King by acts of
grace
To em