--Some evil demon, invisible to human eyes, has seized him,
and carried him to one of the turrets of the Palace of Clouds.
KING [_rising_].--Impossible! Have evil spirits power over my subjects,
even in my private apartments? Well, well--
Daily I seem less able to avert
Misfortune from myself, and o'er my actions
Less competent to exercise control;
How can I then direct my subjects' ways,
Or shelter them from tyranny and wrong?
A VOICE [_behind the scenes_].--Halloo there! my dear friend; help!
help!
KING [_advancing with rapid strides_].--Fear nothing--
THE SAME VOICE [_behind the scenes_].--Fear nothing, indeed! How can I
help fearing when some monster is twisting back my neck, and is about to
snap it as he would a sugarcane?
KING [_looking round_].--What ho there! my bow.
SLAVE [_entering with a bow_].--Behold your bow, Sire, and your
arm-guard.
[_The king snatches up the bow and arrows_.
ANOTHER VOICE [_behind the scenes_].--Here, thirsting for thy
life-blood, will I slay thee, As a fierce tiger rends his struggling
prey.
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