When I met the queen Vasumatí, attended by Taraliká. She insisted on taking it from me, and declared she would herself deliver it into your Majesty's hands.

MÁ[T.]HAVYA.

By what luck did you contrive to escape her?

CHATURIKÁ.

While her maid was disengaging her mantle, which had caught in the branch, of a shrub, I ran away.

KING.

Here, my good friend, take the picture and conceal it. My attentions to the Queen have made her presumptuous. She will be here in a minute.

MÁ[T.]HAVYA.

Conceal the picture! conceal myself, you mean.

[Getting up and taking the picture.]