Dushm. No, Mádhavya; they pay a different tribute, who, having abandoned all the gems and gold of this world, possess riches far superior. The wealth of princes, collected from the four orders of their subjects, is perishable; but pious men give us a sixth part of the fruits of their piety; fruits which never perish.
Behind the scenes.] Happy men that we are! we have now attained the object of our desire.
Dushm. Hah! I hear the voices of some religious anchorites.
The Chamberlain enters.
Cham. May the king be victorious!—Two young men, sons of a hermit, are waiting at my station, and soliciting an audience.
Dushm. Introduce them without delay.
Cham. As the king commands.—[He goes out, and re-enters with two Bráhmens.]—Come on; come this way.
First Bráhm. [Looking at the king.] Oh! what confidence is inspired by his brilliant appearance!—Or proceeds it rather from his disposition to virtue and holiness?—Whence comes it, that my fear vanishes?—He now has taken his abode in a wood which supplies us with every enjoyment; and with all his exertions for our safety, his devotion increases from day to day.—The praise of a monarch who has conquered his passions ascends even to heaven: inspired bards are continually singing, "Behold a virtuous prince!" but with us the name stands first: "Behold, among kings, a sage!"
