CHAP. KING. CHAP. KING. CHAP. KING. Great prince, we have beheld a prodigy What is it you have seen? Kanwa's disciples were scarce gone, when lo, Sakuntala, her arms stretched out, all tears, Cried out upon her lamentable lot. Before our eyes, out of the air A light came, and a heavenly form shone toward us Apparelled in the light-a woman's form. Sakuntala was taken in her arms, And both upon the instant disappeared. So, my good priest, there is the end to it. Never can man's conjecture disen twine The riddle of this mystery. Come, since nothing 1ST ACT III SCENE I A Street (Enter the King's brother-in-law as Superintendent of the City Police; and with him two Constables dragging in a poor Fisherman, who has his hands tied behind his back) (Cuffing the Fisherman) Now, thief, tell POLICE. us where you found this ring. The FISHER. King's own signet-ring! See, here is the name engraved on the setting of the splendid jewel. (With a gesture of fear) Mercy, your Honour. I did not steal the ring; indeed, I did not. 1ST POLICE. FISHER. POLICE. SUP. BOTH. FISHER. SUP. FISHER. No doubt the King took you for a famous Brahmin, and made you a present of it! Hear me, Sirs. I am a poor fisherman, and I live on the banks of the Ganges, close by Sachi's sacred pool. You rogue, who asked you where you lived lived or who your ancestors were ? Let him tell his story forthright, Suchaka. Don't interrupt him. As you please, Sir. Go on, then, fellow, and say what you have to say. I am but a poor man, who supports his family by catching fish with nets, hooks, and such things. (Laughing) Truly a noble occupation! Don't speak like that, master. A man can't give up the trade he was born to (as the saying is) even though it has a bad name. Even a butcher might have a tender heart. SUP. FISHER. SUP. 2ND Well, go on with your story. One day I was cutting open a big carp, and in its maw, all sparkling with the jewel, was that ring. Then, just when I was trying to sell it, your honours took me up. That is how I came by the ring. I tell you the simple truth. Now kill me or let me go. (Smelling the ring) It's a queer story, Januka, but there is no doubt of the fellow's trade; he smells so fishy; and so does the ring. We must go further into this matter. We must take it to the King. Very good, Sir. (To the FISHERMAN) POLICE. Rascal, move on. SUP. Now, Suchaka ; take good care your prisoner does not escape, while I go and lay the whole story of the finding of this ring before the King himself. I will soon return. |