_] Kind Sir, could you come hither a moment and
help me to release the young lion from the clutch of this child, who is
teasing him in boyish play?
KING [_approaching and smiling_].--Listen to me, thou child of a mighty
saint.
Dost thou dare show a wayward spirit here?
Here, in this hallowed region? Take thou heed
Lest, as the serpent's young defiles the sandal,
Thou bring dishonor on the holy sage,
Thy tender-hearted parent, who delights
To shield from harm the tenants of the wood.
ATTENDANT.--Gentle Sir, I thank you; but he is not the saint's son.
KING.--His behavior and whole bearing would have led me to doubt it, had
not the place of his abode encouraged the idea.
[_Follows the child, and takes him by the hand, according to the request
of the attendant. Speaking aside._
I marvel that the touch of this strange child
Should thrill me with delight; if so it be,
How must the fond caresses of a son
Transport the father's soul who gave him being!
ATTENDANT [_looking at them both_].--Wonderful! Prodigious!
KING.
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