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—The king has decided quickly. Now, Cumbhílaca; you will either see your companions again, or be the food of shakàls and vultures.

Sup. Let the fisherman immediately

Cumbh. [In an agony.] Oh! I am a dead man.

Sup. be discharged.—Hola! set him at liberty. The king says he knows his innocence; and his story is true.

Second Off. As our master commands.—The fellow is brought back from the mansion of Yama, to which he was hastening.

[Unbinding the fisherman.

Cambh. [Bowing.] My lord, I owe my life to your kindness.

Sup. Rise, friend; and hear with delight that the king gives thee a sum of money equal to the full value of the ring; it is a fortune to a man in thy station.

[Giving him the money.

Cumbh. [With rapture.] I am transported with joy.

First Off. This vagabond seems to be taken down from the stake, and set on the back of a state elephant.

Second Off. The king I suppose, has a great affection for his gem.

Sup. Not for its intrinsick value: but I guessed the cause of his ecstasy when he saw it.

Both Off. What could occasion it?

Sup. I suspect that it called to his memory some