FIRST CITIZEN. It is a fine thing to argue whether there is a
King or not when one is simply starving for want of food! Will
the King save us?

GRANDFATHER. Brother, you are right. But why not find
the King who owns all the food? You certainly will not find by
your wailings at home.

SECOND CITIZEN. Look at the justice of our King! That
Bhadrasen--you know what a touching sight he is when he is
speaking of his King--the sentimental idiot! He is reduced to
such a state of penury that even the bats that infest his house
find it a too uncomfortable place.

GRANDFATHER. Why, look at me! I am toiling and slaving night
and day for my King, but I have not yet received so much as a
brass farthing for my pains.

THIRD CITIZEN. Now, what do you think of that?

GRANDFATHER. What should I think? Does any one reward his
friends? Go, my friends, and say if you like that our King
exists nowhere. That is also a part of our ceremony in
celebrating this festival.




IV