KANCHI.
What is the use of shouting and cringing to the empty air? It is a much better way of spending the time to search for the way.
“KING”.
I shall lie down here—I shall not move an inch. Come what will, I shall not complain.
KANCHI.
I will not allow all this nonsense. If I am to be burnt to death, you will be my companion to the very end.
From the Outside.
Oh, save us, save us, our King! The fire is on all sides of us!
KANCHI.
Fool, get up, lose no more time.
SUDARSHANA.
[entering] King, O my King! save me, save me from death! I am surrounded by fire.
“KING”.
Who is the King? I am no King.
SUDARSHANA.
You are not the King?
“KING”.
No, I am a hypocrite, I am a scoundrel. [Flinging his crown on the ground.] Let my deception and hypocrisy be shattered into dust! [Goes out with KANCHI.]
SUDARSHANA.
No King! He is not the King? Then, O thou God of fire, burn me, reduce me to ashes! I shall throw myself into thy hands, O thou great purifier; burn to ashes my shame, my longing, my desire.