SECOND CITIZEN.
But I have heard that he is not dead yet.
THIRD CITIZEN.
No, the physicians have saved him—but he will carry the mark of his defeat on his breast till his dying day.
FIRST CITIZEN.
None of the other Kings who fled has escaped; they have all been taken prisoners. But what sort of justice is this that was meted out to them?
SECOND CITIZEN.
I heard that every one was punished except Kanchi, whom the judge placed on his right on the throne of justice, putting a crown on his head.
THIRD CITIZEN.
This beats all mystery hollow.
SECOND CITIZEN.
This sort of justice, to speak frankly, strikes us as fantastic and capricious.
FIRST CITIZEN.
Just so. The greatest offender is certainly the King of Kanchi; as for the others, greed of gain now pressed them to advance, now they drew back in fear.
THIRD CITIZEN.
What kind of justice is this, I ask? It is as if the tiger got scot-free, while his tail got cut off.
SECOND CITIZEN.
If I were the judge, do you think Kanchi would be whole and sound at this hour? There would be nothing left of him altogether.
THIRD CITIZEN.
They are great, high justices, my friends; their brains are of a different stamp from ours.