"KING". [to his attendants] Retire a little from our presence.
[They retire.] Now you can express your desires without any
reserve.

KANCHI. There will be no reserve on our part--our only fear is
that you might think restraint necessary for yourself.

"KING". Oh no, you need have no scruples on that score.

KANCHI. Come, then, do us homage by placing your head on the
ground before us.

"KING". It seems my servants have distributed the Varuni spirits
too liberally in the reception camps.

KANCHI. False pretender, it is you who are suffering from an
overdose of arrogant spirits. Your head will soon kiss the dust.

"KING". Princes, these heavy jokes are not worthy of a king.

KANCHI. Those who will jest properly with you are near at hand.
General!

"KING". No more, I entreat you. I can see plainly I owe homage to
you all. The head is bowing down of itself--there is no need for
the application of any sharp methods to lay it low. So here I do
my obeisance to you all. If you kindly allow me to escape I
shall not inflict my presence long on you.