Present: Nagadeva (N), the prime minister, General Siha (GS), commander-in-chief of the Magadha forces. Later on the Master of Ceremonies (MC), King Bimbisara (Bb.), a trumpeter and a small body guard.
N. It is a joy to serve this mighty king
Whose power extendeth over many lands.
In peace he ruleth wisely, and his subjects
Obey him willingly for he is just.
In war he swoops upon his enemies
As doth a hawk upon a helpless chicken,
Quick in attack, lucky in every fight.
Indeed he earned his name deservedly,
The warlike Bimbisara.
GS.At his side
I fought with him in many a doubtful battle
With all the odds against us, but his daring,
Joined to a rare instinctive foresight
By which he could anticipate all dangers,
Would win the day and ne'er was he defeated!
In this our latest war he took great risks,
Might have been taken by his foes, and would
Have lost his liberty, his throne, his life;
But venturing much he won, and by exposing
His own high person in the brunt of battle
He stirred the courage of his followers
To do great deeds of valor.
Master of Ceremonies enters with a trumpeter.
MC.Noble lords,
Mis majesty, our royal lord, is coming
To meet you here in private council.
Trumpeter blows a signal.
GS. Hail the victorious, warlike Bimbisara!
Both kneel as the king enters preceded and followed by a small body guard.
Bb. Be greeted noble lords.
N. We wish you joy and the continuance of your good fortune.
Bb. I have a matter to bespeak with you,
Far-reaching weighty plans of great importance.
I wish to be alone with you.