[Sinking back.

The arms of many.
Rishyas (starting painedly). What is it he means?

[With emotions he does not understand.

Koïl, what has he said?
Koïl. O let me go!
Rishyas. The arms of many? that can not be true?

[Tortured by half-born thoughts.

O, have I fallen into demon-snares?
Is beauty not the bloom of piety?
Speak.
Koïl. I would go!
Rishyas. Pain only darker pain!
Koïl (at length overwhelmed). I am not holy—nor am I pollution!
But only one sent hither—O, the gods
Bid us to sin, then fell us with calamity!

[Hurries weeping off with Sunandi, who has stood in terror. Rishyas stands dazed, then comprehension dawns upon him and he falls by his father's body in a storm of anguish.

THE END


MANY GODS