CHARIOTEER.--I observe it all.
KING [_advancing a little further_].--The inhabitants of this sacred
retreat must not be disturbed. Stay the chariot, that I may alight.
CHARIOTEER.--The reins are held in. Your Majesty may descend.
KING [_alighting_].--Charioteer, groves devoted to penance must be
entered in humble attire. Take these ornaments.
[_Delivers his ornaments and bow to the Charioteer_.]
Charioteer, see that the horses are watered, and attend to them until I
return from visiting the inhabitants of the hermitage.
CHARIOTEER.--I will. [_Exit_.
KING [_walking and looking about_].--Here is the entrance to the
hermitage. I will now go in.
[_Entering he feels a throbbing sensation in his arm_
Serenest peace is in this calm retreat,
By passion's breath unruffled; what portends
My throbbing arm? Why should it whisper here
Of happy love? Yet everywhere around us
Stand the closed portals of events unknown.
A VOICE [_behind the scenes_].--This way, my dear companions; this way.
KING [_listening_].--Hark! I hear voices to the right of yonder grove of
trees.
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