What are you about breaking off those mango-blossoms,
when the King has forbidden the celebration of the spring festival?
BOTH MAIDENS [_alarmed_].--Pardon us, kind sir, we have heard nothing of
it.
CHAMBERLAIN.--You have heard nothing of it? Why, all the vernal plants
and shrubs, and the very birds that lodge in their branches, show more
respect to the King's order than you do.
Yon mango-blossoms, though long since expanded,
Gather no down upon their tender crests;
The flower still lingers in the amaranth,
Imprisoned in its bud; the tuneful Koeil,
Though winter's chilly dews be overpast,
Suspends the liquid volume of his song
Scarce uttered in his throat; e'en Love, dismayed,
Restores the half-drawn arrow to his quiver.
BOTH MAIDENS.--The mighty power of King Dushyanta is not to be disputed.
FIRST MAIDEN.--It is but a few days since Mitravasu, the king's
brother-in-law, sent us to wait upon his Majesty; and, during the whole
of our sojourn here, we have been intrusted with the charge of the royal
pleasure-grounds.
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