ACT FIFTH
Scene.—A Room in the Palace
The King Dushyanta and the Jester Máthavya are discovered seated.
MÁTHAVYA [listening].—Hark! my dear friend, listen a minute, and you will hear sweet sounds proceeding from the music-room. Someone is singing a charming air. Who can it be? Oh! I know. The queen Hansapadiká is practising her notes, that she may greet you with a new song.
KING.—Hush! Let me listen.
A VOICE [sings behind the scenes].—
How often hither didst thou rove,
Sweet bee, to kiss the mango's cheek;
Oh! leave not, then, thy early love,
The lily's honeyed lip to seek.
KING.—A most impassioned strain, truly!
MÁTHAVYA.—Do you understand the meaning of the words?