THE SAME VOICE BEHIND THE SCENES.

Fear nothing, indeed! How can I help fearing when some monster is twisting back my neck, and is about to snap it as he would a sugar-cane?

KING. [Looking round.
What ho there! my bow!

SLAVE. [Entering with a bow.

Behold your bow, Sire, and your arm-guard.

[The KING snatches up the bow and arrows.

ANOTHER VOICE BEHIND THE SCENES.

Here, thirsting for thy life-blood, will I slay thee,
As a fierce tiger rends his struggling prey.
Call now thy friend Dushyanta to thy aid;
His bow is mighty to defend the weak;
Yet all its vaunted power shall be as nought.

KING. [With fury.

What! dares he defy me to my face? Hold there, monster! Prepare to die, for your time is come.