KING.—I am all attention.
HERMITS [extending their hands].—Victory to the King!
KING.—Accept my respectful greeting.
HERMITS.—May the desires of your soul be accomplished!
KING.—I trust no one is molesting you in the prosecution of your religious rites.
HERMITS.—Who dares disturb our penitential rites
When thou art our protector? Can the night
Prevail to cast her shadows o'er the earth
While the sun's beams irradiate the sky?
KING.—Such, indeed, is the very meaning of my title—"Defender of the Just." I trust the venerable Kanwa is in good health. The world is interested in his well-being.
HERMITS.—Holy men have health and prosperity in their own power. He bade us greet your Majesty, and, after kind inquiries, deliver this message.
KING.—Let me hear his commands.