om
the gods find difficult to subdue.

KING.--So I have already heard from Narada.

MATALI.--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
Mathavya?

MATALI.--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 Mathavya_].--My dear Mathavya, the commands of the great
Indra must not be left unfulfilled. Go you and acquaint my minister,
Pisuna, 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.

MATHAVYA.--I obey. [_Exit._

MATALI.--Ascend, illustrious Prince.
[_The King ascends the car. Exeunt_.

[41] The Koeil is the Indian cuckoo. It is sometimes called Parabhrita
(nourished by another) because the female is known to leave her eggs in
the nest of the crow to be hatched. The bird is a great favorite with
the Indian poets, as the nightingale with Europeans.

[42] Palace of King Dushyanta, so-called because it was as lofty as the
clouds.

ACT SEVENTH

Scene.--The Sky

_Enter King Dushyanta and Matali in the car of Indra, moving in the
air_.

KING.--My good Matali, it appears to me incredible that I can merit such
a mark of distinction for having simply fulfilled the behests of the
great Indra.

MATALI [_smiling_].--Great Prince, it seems to me that neither of you is
satisfied with himself--
You underrate the service you have rendered,
And think too highly of the god's reward:
He deems it scarce sufficient recompense
For your heroic deeds on his behalf.