KING [_putting back his arrow_].--What, Matali! Welcome, most noble
charioteer of the mighty Indra.
MATHAVYA.--So, here is a monster who thought as little about
slaughtering me as if I had been a bullock for sacrifice, and you must
e'en greet him with a welcome.
MATALI [_smiling_].--Great Prince, hear on what errand Indra sent me
into your presence.
KING.--I am all attention.
MATALI.--There is a race of giants, the descendants of Kalanemi, whom
the gods find difficult to subdue.
KING.--So I have already heard from Narada.
MATALI.--Heaven's mighty lord, who deigns to call thee "friend,"
Appoints thee to the post of highest honor,
As leader of his armies; and commits
The subjugation of this giant brood
To thy resistless arms, e'en as the sun
Leaves the pale moon to dissipate the darkness.
Let your Majesty, therefore, ascend at once the celestial car of Indra;
and, grasping your arms, advance to victory.
KING.--The mighty Indra honors me too highly by such a mark of
distinction. But tell me, what made you act thus towards my poor friend
Mathavya?
MATALI.
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