Shanta. You will find Him soon; your time is nigh.
Shukra. I wish it were true.
Shanta. Master, if there be anything that I can do for you. If I could only lighten your burden a little,—
Shukra. Thou hast done that already. All the cares of the monastery thou hast taken from me. Thou hast bound me to thee by bonds of gratitude that can never break. [Enter Kanada.] Ah, Kanada, how be it with you to-day? [Coming to him.]
Kanada. [He is a lad of twenty and two.] By your blessing I am well and at peace. Have you finished your meditation?
Shukra. [Sadly.] Nine hours have I meditated, but—I shall say the prayers now. [Enters the temple and shuts the door.]
Kanada. He seems not to be himself.
Shanta. When he is in meditation for a long time, he becomes another being.
Kanada. There is sadness in his eyes.
Shanta. How can he be sad,—he who has risen above joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain, hate and love?