Part 27 (1/2)

_Matali_.

Heaven's king is powerless; you shall smite His foes in battle soon; Darkness that overcomes the day, Is scattered by the moon.

Take your bow at once, enter my heavenly chariot, and set forth for victory.

_King_. I am grateful for the honour which Indra shows me. But why did you act thus toward Madhavya?

_Matali_. I will tell you. I saw that you were overpowered by some inner sorrow, and acted thus to rouse you. For

The spurned snake will swell his hood; Fire blazes when 'tis stirred; Brave men are roused to fighting mood By some insulting word.

_King_. Friend Madhavya, I must obey the bidding of heaven's king. Go, acquaint the minister Pishuna with the matter, and add these words of mine:

Your wisdom only shall control The kingdom for a time; My bow is strung; a distant goal Calls me, and tasks sublime.

_Clown_. Very well. (_Exit_.)

_Matali_. Enter the chariot. (_The king does so. Exeunt omnes_.)

ACT VII

(_Enter, in a chariot that flies through the air, the king and_ MATALI.)

_King_. Matali, though I have done what Indra commanded, I think myself an unprofitable servant, when I remember his most gracious welcome.

_Matali_. O King, know that each considers himself the other's debtor.

For

You count the service given Small by the welcome paid, Which to the king of heaven Seems mean for such brave aid.

_King_. Ah, no! For the honour given me at parting went far beyond imagination. Before the G.o.ds, he seated me beside him on his throne.

And then

He smiled, because his son Jayanta's heart Beat quicker, by the self-same wish oppressed, And placed about my neck the heavenly wreath Still fragrant from the sandal on his breast.

_Matali_. But what do you not deserve from heaven's king? Remember:

Twice, from peace-loving Indra's sway The demon-thorn was plucked away: First, by Man-lion's crooked claws; Again, by your smooth shafts to-day.

_King_. This merely proves Indra's majesty. Remember:

All servants owe success in enterprise To honour paid before the great deed's done; Could dawn defeat the darkness otherwise Than resting on the chariot of the sun?

_Matali_. The feeling becomes you. (_After a little_.) See, O King!

Your glory has the happiness of being published abroad in heaven.

With colours used by nymphs of heaven To make their beauty s.h.i.+ne, G.o.ds write upon the surface given Of many a magic vine, As worth their song, the simple story Of those brave deeds that made your glory.

_King_. Matali, when I pa.s.sed before, I was intent on fighting the demons, and did not observe this region. Tell me. In which path of the winds are we?