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Misr. [Aside.] How his heart dwells on the idea of his beloved!

Dushm. My lawful wife, whom I basely deserted, remains fixed in my soul: she would have been the glory of my family, and might have produced a son brilliant as the richest fruit of the teeming earth.

Misr. [Aside.] She is not forsaken by all; and soon, I trust, will be thine.

Dams. [Aside.] What a change has the minister made in the king by sending him that mischievous leaf! Behold, he is deluged with tears.

Dushm. Ah me! the departed souls of my ancestors, who claim a share in the funeral cake, which I have no son to offer, are apprehensive of losing their due honour, when Dushmanta shall be no more on earth:—who then, alas, will perform in our family those obsequies which the Véda prescribes?—My forefathers must drink, instead of a pure libation, this flood of tears, the only offering which a man who dies childless can make them.

[Weeping.

Misr. [Aside.] Such a veil obscures the king's eyes, that he thinks it total darkness, though a lamp be now shining brightly.

Dams. Afflict not yourself immoderately: our lord is young; and when sons illustrious as himself shall be born of other queens, his ancestors will be redeemed from their offences committed here below.

Dushm. [With agony.] The race of Puru, which has hitherto been fruitful and unblemished,