--What of that?
SECOND HERMIT.--Where is the wonder if his nervous arm,
Puissant and massive as the iron bar
That binds a castle-gateway, singly sways
The sceptre of the universal earth,
E'en to its dark-green boundary of waters?
Or if the gods, beholden to his aid
In their fierce warfare with the powers of hell,
Should blend his name with Indra's in their songs
Of victory, and gratefully accord
No lower meed of praise to his braced bow,
Than to the thunders of the god of heaven?
BOTH THE HERMITS [_approaching_].--Victory to the King!
KING [_rising from his seat_].--Hail to you both!
BOTH THE HERMITS.--Heaven bless your Majesty!
[_They offer fruits_.
KING [_respectfully receiving the offering_].--Tell me, I pray you, the
object of your visit.
BOTH THE HERMITS.--The inhabitants of the hermitage having heard of your
Majesty's sojourn in our neighborhood, make this humble petition.
KING.--What are their commands?
BOTH THE HERMITS.--In the absence of our Superior, the great Sage Kanwa,
evil demons are disturbing our sacrificial rites.
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