Call now thy friend Dushyanta to thy aid; His bow is mighty to
defend the weak; Yet all its vaunted power shall be as nought.
KING [_with fury_].--What! dares he defy me to my face? Hold there,
monster! Prepare to die, for your time is come. [_Stringing his bow_.]
Vetravati, lead the way to the terrace.
VETRAVATI.--This way, Sire. [_They advance in haste_.
KING [_looking on every side_].--How's this? there is nothing to be
seen.
A VOICE [_behind the scenes_].--Help! Save me! I can see you, though you
cannot see me. I am like a mouse in the claws of a cat; my life is not
worth a moment's purchase.
KING.--Avaunt, monster! You may pride yourself on the magic that renders
you invisible, but my arrow shall find you out. Thus do I fix a shaft
That shall discern between an impious demon
And a good Brahman; bearing death to thee,
To him deliverance--even as the swan
Distinguishes the milk from worthless water.
[_Takes aim_.
_Enter Matali, holding Mathavya, whom he releases_.
MATALI.--Turn thou thy deadly arrows on the demons;
Such is the will of Indra; let thy bow
Be drawn against the enemies of the gods;
But on thy friends cast only looks of favor.
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