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First Officer. [Striking the Prisoner.] Take that, Cumbhílaca, if Cumbhílaca be thy name; and tell us now where thou gottest this ring, bright with a large gem, on which the king's name is engraved.

Cumbh. [Trembling.] Spare me, I entreat your honours to spare me; I am not guilty of so great a crime as you suspect.

First Off. O distinguished Bráhmen, didst thou then receive it from the king as a reward of some important service?

Cumbh. Only hear me; I am a poor fisherman dwelling at Sacrávatára—

Second Off. Did we ask, thou thief, about thy tribe or thy dwelling-place?

Sup. O Súchaca, let the fellow tell his own story.—Now conceal nothing, sirrah.

First Off. Dost thou hear? Do as our master commands.

Cumbh. I am a man who support my family by catching fish in nets, or with hooks, and by various other contrivances.

Sup. [Laughing.] A virtuous way of gaining a livelihood!