SUVARNA.
It does not cost much courage to challenge Kanya Kubja—but . . .
KANCHI.
If you once begin to be afraid of “but,” you will hardly find a place in this world safe enough for you.
[Enter a SOLDIER]
SOLDIER.
Your Highness! I have just received the news that the Kings of Koshala, Avanti, and Kalinga are coming this way with their armies. [Exit.]
KANCHI.
Just what I was afraid of! The report of Sudarshana’s flight has spread abroad—now we are going to be in for a general scramble which is sure to end in smoke.
SUVARNA.
It is useless now, Your Highness. These are not good tidings. I am perfectly certain that it is our Emperor himself who has secretly spread the report everywhere.
KANCHI.
Why, what good will it bring him?
SUVARNA.
The greedy ones will tear one another to pieces in the general rivalry and scramble-and he will take advantage of the situation to go back with the booty.
KANCHI.
Now it becomes clear why your King never shows himself. His trick is to multiply himself on every side—fear makes him visible everywhere. But I will still maintain that your King is but an empty fraud from top to bottom.
SUVARNA.
But, please Your Highness, will you have the kindness to let me off?