Shukra. God alone can command me.
Old Man. Vishnu protect me! Art thou dreaming, my child? Yonder lies thy mother, fighting death,—
Shukra. I have heard it all.
Old Man. And yet thou wilt not go?
Shukra. Nay, father, I cannot go. The day I took the vow of a monk, that day I cut the bond that binds me to you all. I must be free of all ties. I must love none for myself that I may love all for God. Here I must remain where God has placed me, until He calls me elsewhere.
Old Man. But thy mother lies, fighting with each breath. She wishes to see thee.
Shukra. I cannot come.
Old Man. But thou must.
Shukra. I would if I could; but my life is in the hands of God.
Old Man [mocking]. God! Thy life belongs to God? Who gave thee life? Not God, but she who lies there dying; what ingratitude! This, indeed, is the age of darkness; sons are turning against their fathers,—and killing their own mother.