KING [looking on every side].—How's this? there is nothing to be seen.
A VOICE [behind the scenes].—Help! Save me! I can see you, though you cannot see me. I am like a mouse in the claws of a cat; my life is not worth a moment's purchase.
KING.—Avaunt, monster! You may pride yourself on the magic that renders you invisible, but my arrow shall find you out. Thus do I fix a shaft
That shall discern between an impious demon
And a good Bráhman; bearing death to thee,
To him deliverance—even as the swan
Distinguishes the milk from worthless water.
[Takes aim.
Enter Mátali, holding Máthavya, whom he releases.
MÁTALI.—Turn thou thy deadly arrows on the demons;
Such is the will of Indra; let thy bow Be drawn against the enemies of the gods; But on thy friends cast only looks of favor.
KING [putting back his arrow].—What, Mátali! Welcome, most noble charioteer of the mighty Indra.
MÁTHAVYA.—So, here is a monster who thought as little about slaughtering me as if I had been a bullock for sacrifice, and you must e'en greet him with a welcome.
MÁTALI [smiling].—Great Prince, hear on what errand Indra sent me into your presence.