FIRST SCENE.
[Reception hall of the Raja Suddhodana; Indian pompous style; columns and beyond an outlook into a tropical palm-garden. Seats scattered through the room. On the left a compartment, open toward the audience, is separated from the main room by hanging carpets.]
Near the right side Suddhodana is seated with Pajapati and Yasodhara. Rahula in the background (viz., in the garden) in the care of a nurse.
S. The time is troublesome, and it appears that war is imminent.
P.Oh do not fret;
Visakha is a cunning diplomat:
I hope he'll be successful, and he will
Persuade King Bimbisara to keep peace.
S. I do hope too, but hope against conviction.
Visakha and Devala enter.
There come the Brahman and the gallant Captain.
V. [Kneeling on one foot to the King] Hail Maharaja!
D. Hail, my gracious King.
S. Welcome my worthy messengers!
They kneel to Pajapati.