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Cham. There stands the king—O Carabba, approach him with reverence.

Mess. [Prostrating himself.] May the king be victorious!—The royal mother sends this message

Dushm. Declare her command.

Mess. Four days hence the usual fast for the advancement of her son will be kept with solemnity; and the presence of the king (may his life be prolonged!) will then be required.

Dushm. On one hand is a commission from holy Bráhmens; on the other, a command from my reverend parent; both duties are sacred, and neither must be neglected.

Mádh. [Laughing.] Stay suspended between them both, like king Trisancu between heaven and earth; when the pious men said "Rise!" and the gods of Swerga said "Fall!"

Dushm. In truth I am greatly perplexed. My mind is principally distracted by the distance of the two places where the two duties are to be performed; as the stream of a river is divided by rocks in the middle of its bed.—[Musing.]—Friend Mádhavya, my mother brought you up as her own son, to be my playfellow, and to divert me in my childhood. You may very properly act my part in the queen's devotions. Return then to the city, and give an account of my distress through the commission of these reverend foresters.

Mádh. That I will;—but you could not really suppose that I was afraid of demons!