[ Seeing the KING.]
Kind Sir, could you come hither a moment and help me to release the young lion from the clutch of this child who is teasing him in boyish play?
KING. [Approaching and smiling.
Listen to me, thou child of a mighty saint!
Dost thou dare show a wayward spirit here?
Here, in this hallowed region? Take thou heed
Lest, as the serpent's young defiles the sandal[71],
Thou bring dishonour on the holy sage
Thy tender-hearted parent, who delights
To shield from harm the tenants of the wood.
ATTENDANT.
Gentle Sir, I thank you; but he is not the saint's son.
KING.
His behaviour and whole bearing would have led me to doubt it, had not the place of his abode encouraged the idea.
[Follows the CHILD, and takes him by the hand, according to
the request of the attendant. Aside.