THIRD CITIZEN.
What do you say now?
GRANDFATHER.
What then? Shall I lose my King too because I have lost my children? Don’t take me for such a big fool as that.
FIRST CITIZEN.
It is a fine thing to argue whether there is a King or not when one is simply starving for want of food! Will the King save us?
GRANDFATHER.
Brother, you are right. But why not find the King who owns all the food? You certainly will not find by your wailings at home.
SECOND CITIZEN.
Look at the justice of our King! That Bhadrasen—you know what a touching sight he is when he is speaking of his King—the sentimental idiot! He is reduced to such a state of penury that even the bats that infest his house find it a too uncomfortable place.
GRANDFATHER.
Why, look at me! I am toiling and slaving night and day for my King, but I have not yet received so much as a brass farthing for my pains.
THIRD CITIZEN.
Now, what do you think of that?
GRANDFATHER.
What should I think? Does any one reward his friends? Go, my friends, and say if you like that our King exists nowhere. That is also a part of our ceremony in celebrating this festival.
IV
[Turret of the Royal Palace. SUDARSHANA and her friend ROHINI]