KING.
Let there be no question whether he may or may not have left offspring; Rather be it proclaimed that whosoe'er Of King Dushyanta's subjects be bereaved
Of any loved relation, an it be not
That his estates are forfeited for crimes,
Dushyanta will himself to them supply
That kinsman's place in tenderest affection.
VETRAVATÍ.
It shall be so proclaimed.
[Exit VETRAVATÍ, and re-enters after an interval.
VETRAVATÍ.
Your Majesty's proclamation was received with acclamations of joy, like grateful rain at the right season.
KING. [Drawing a deep sigh.
So, then, the property of rich men, who have no lineal descendants, passes over to a stranger at their decease. And such, alas! must be the fate of the fortunes of the race of Puru at my death; even as when fertile soil is sown with seed at the wrong season.