Scene 15 - Page 2

Then at last it must be the Queen Sudarshana who is
approaching near. [Aside to SUVARNA.]
Suvarna, you must not hide and cower behind me like that.
Mind, the umbrella in your hand is shaking!

[Enter GRANDFATHER, dressed as a warrior]

KALINGA. Who is that?--Who are you?

PANCHALA. Who is this that dares to enter this hall without
being invited?

VIRAT. Amazing impudence! Kalinga, just prevent the fellow from
advancing further.

KALINGA. You are all my superiors in age--you are fitter to do
that than myself.

VIDARBHA. Let us hear what he has to say.

GRANDFATHER. The KING has come.

VIDARBHA. [starting] King?

PANCHALA. Which King?

KALINGA. Where does he come from?

GRANDFATHER. My King!

VIRAT. Your King?

KALINGA. Who is he?

KOSHALA. What do you mean?

GRANDFATHER. You all know whom I mean. He has come.

VIDARBHA. He has come?

KOSHALA. With what intention?

GRANDFATHER. He has summoned you all to come to him.

KANCHI. Summoned us, indeed? In what terms has he been pleased
to summon us?

GRANDFATHER. You can take his call in any way you like--there is
none to prevent you--he is prepared to make all kinds of welcome
to suit your various tastes.

VIRAT. But who are you?

GRANDFATHER. I am one of his generals.

KANCHI. Generals? It is a lie! Do you think of frightening us?
Do you imagine that I cannot see through your disguise? We all
know you well--and you pose as a "general" before us!

GRANDFATHER. You have recognised me to perfection. Who is so
unworthy as I to bear my King's commands? And yet it is he who
has invested me with these robes of a general and sent me here:
he has chosen me before greater generals and mightier warriors.

KANCHI. All right, we shall go to observe the proprieties and
amenities on a fitting occasion--but at present we are in the
midst of a pressing engagement. He will have to wait till this
little function is over.

GRANDFATHER. When he sends out his call he does not wait.

KOSHALA. I shall obey his call; I am going at once.

VIDARBHA. Kanchi, I cannot agree with you in your proposal to
wait till this function is over. I am going.

KALINGA. You are older than I am--I shall follow you.

PANCHALA. Look behind you, Prince of Kanchi, your regal umbrella
is lying in the dust: you have not noticed when your
umbrella-holder has stolen away.

KANCHI. All right, general. I too am going--but not to do him
homage. I go to fight him on the battle-ground.

GRANDFATHER. You will meet my King in the field of battle: that
is no mean place for your reception.

VIRAT.