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undisturbed, like that of a man who has restored to its owner an inestimable deposit which he long had kept with solicitude.

[They go out.

 

Alas! what a decrepit old age have I attained!—This wand, which I first held for the discharge of my customary duties in the secret apartments of my prince, is now my support, whilst I walk feebly through the multitude of years which I have passed.—I must now mention to the king, as he goes through the palace, an event which concerns himself: it must not be delayed.—[Advancing slowly.]—What is it?—Oh! I recollect; the devout pupils of Canna desire an audience.—How strange a thing is human life!—The intellects of an old man seem at one time luminous, and then on a sudden are involved in darkness, like the flame of a lamp at the point of extinction. [He walks round and looks.] —There is Dushmanta; he has been attending to his people, as to his own family; and now with a tranquil heart seeks a solitary chamber; as an elephant the chief of his herd, having grazed the whole morning, and being heated by the meridian 