SUDARSHANA.
Before going out to the battle my father came to me and said, “You have come away from one King, but you have drawn seven Kings after you: I have a mind to cut you up into seven pieces and distribute them among the princes. It would have been well if he did so. Surangama!
SURANGAMA.
Yes?
SUDARSHANA.
If your King had the power to save me, could my present state have left him unmoved?
SURANGAMA.
My Queen, why do you ask me? Have I the power to answer for my King? I know my understanding is dark; that is why I never dare to judge him.
SUDARSHANA.
Who have joined in this fight?
SURANGAMA.
All the seven princes.
SUDARSHANA.
No one else?
SURANGAMA.
Suvarna attempted to escape—in secret before the fight began—but Kanchi has kept him a prisoner in his camps.
SUDARSHANA.
Oh, I should have been dead long ago! But, O King, my King, if you had come and helped my father, your fame would have been none the less! It would have become brighter and higher. Are you quite sure, Surangama, that he has not come?
SURANGAMA.
I know nothing for certain.