She
insisted on taking it from me, and declared she would herself deliver it
into your Majesty's hands.
MATHAVYA.--By what luck did you contrive to escape her?
CHATURIKA.--While her maid was disengaging her mantle, which had caught
in the branch of a shrub, I ran away.
KING.--Here, my good friend, take the picture and conceal it. My
attentions to the Queen have made her presumptuous. She will be here in
a minute.
MATHAVYA.--Conceal the picture! conceal myself, you mean. [_Getting up
and taking the picture_.] The Queen has a bitter draught in store for
you, which you will have to swallow as Siva did the poison at the
Deluge. When you are well quit of her, you may send and call me from the
Palace of Clouds,[42] where I shall take refuge.
[_Exit, running_.
SANUMATI [_aside_].--Although the King's affections are transferred to
another object, yet he respects his previous attachments. I fear his
love must be somewhat fickle.
VETRAVATI [_entering with a despatch in her hand_].--Victory to the
King!
KING.---Vetravati, did you observe the Queen Vasumati coming in this
direction?
VETRAVATI.
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