Scene 3 - Page 2

The King of this country come out for the
festivities!

AVANTI. Indeed! We shall then have to return with a sight of
him only--leaving the delectable Queen unseen.

KANCHI. Do you really think that fellow spoke the truth?
Anybody can pass himself off as the King of this kingless
country. Can you not see that the man looks like a dressed-up
King--much too over-dressed?

AVANTI. But he looks handsome--his appearance is not without a
certain pleasing attractiveness.

KANCHI. He may be pleasing to your eye, but if you look at him
closely enough there can be no mistaking him . You will see how
I expose him before you all.

[Enter the trumped-up "KING".]

"KING". Welcome, princes, to our kingdom! I trust your
reception has been properly looked after by my officials?

KINGS. [with feigned courtesy] Oh yes--nothing was lacking in
the reception.

KANCHI. If there was any shortcoming at all, it has been made up
by the honour of our sight of your Majesty.

"KING". We do not show ourselves to the general public, but your
great devotion and loyalty to us has made it a pleasure for us
not to deny ourselves to you.

KANCHI. It is truly hard for us, your Majesty, to bear the
weight of your gracious favours.

"KING". We are afraid we shall not be able to stop here long.

KANCHI. I have thought so, already: you do not quite look up to
it.

"KING". In the meantime if you have any favours to ask of us

KANCHI. We have: but we would like to speak a little more in
private.

"KING". [to his attendants] Retire a little from our presence.
[They retire.] Now you can express your desires without any
reserve.

KANCHI. There will be no reserve on our part--our only fear is
that you might think restraint necessary for yourself.

"KING". Oh no, you need have no scruples on that score.

KANCHI. Come, then, do us homage by placing your head on the
ground before us.

"KING". It seems my servants have distributed the Varuni spirits
too liberally in the reception camps.

KANCHI. False pretender, it is you who are suffering from an
overdose of arrogant spirits. Your head will soon kiss the dust.

"KING". Princes, these heavy jokes are not worthy of a king.

KANCHI. Those who will jest properly with you are near at hand.
General!

"KING". No more, I entreat you. I can see plainly I owe homage to
you all. The head is bowing down of itself--there is no need for
the application of any sharp methods to lay it low. So here I do
my obeisance to you all. If you kindly allow me to escape I
shall not inflict