KING.--The unborn child has a title to his father's property. Such is my
decree. Go, bid my minister proclaim it so.
VETRAVATI.--I will, my liege. [_Going_.
KING.--Stay a moment.
VETRAVATI.--I am at your Majesty's service.
KING.--Let there be no question whether he may or may not have left
offspring;
Rather be it proclaimed that whosoe'er
Of King Dushyanta's subjects be bereaved
Of any loved relation, an it be not
That his estates are forfeited for crimes,
Dushyanta will himself to them supply
That kinsman's place in tenderest affection.
VETRAVATI.--It shall be so proclaimed.
[_Exit Vetravati, and reenter after an interval_.
VETRAVATI.--Your Majesty's proclamation was received with acclamations
of joy, like grateful rain at the right season.
KING [_drawing a deep sigh_].--So then, the property of rich men, who
have no lineal descendants, passes over to a stranger at their decease.
And such, alas! must be the fate of the fortunes of the race of Puru at
my death; even as when fertile soil is sown with seed at the wrong
season.
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