Alas! to what an advanced period of life have I attained! Even this wand betrays the lapse of years; In youthful days 'twas but a useless badge And symbol of my office; now it serves As a support to prop my tottering steps. Ah me! I feel very unwilling to announce to the King that a deputation of young hermits from the sage Kanwa has arrived, and craves an immediate audience. Certainly, his Majesty ought not to neglect a matter of sacred duty, yet I hardly like to trouble him when he has just risen from the judgment-seat. Well, well; a monarch's business is to sustain the world, and he must not expect much repose; because-- Onward, for ever onward, in his car The unwearied Sun pursues his daily course, Nor tarries to unyoke his glittering steeds. And, ever moving, speeds the rushing Wind Through boundless space, filling the universe With his life-giving breezes. Day and night, The King of Serpents on his thousand heads (76) Upholds the incumbent earth; and even so, Unceasing toil is aye the lot of kings, Who, in return, draw nurture from their subjects. I will therefore deliver my message. (Walking on and looking about.) Ah! here comes the King. His subjects are his children; through the day, Like a fond father, to supply their wants, Incessantly he labours; wearied now, The monarch seeks seclusion and repose; E'en as the prince of elephants defies The sun's fierce heat, and leads the fainting herd To verdant pastures, ere his wayworn limbs He yields to rest beneath the cooling shade. (Approaching.) Victory to the King! So please your Majesty, some hermits who live in a forest near the Snowy Mountains have arrived here, bringing certain women with them. They have a message to deliver from the sage Kanwa and desire an audience. I await your Majesty's commands. (KING: Respectfully. A message from the sage Kanwa, did you say?) Even so, my liege.

Chamberlain Monologue from Sakoontala; Or, The Lost Ring: An Indian Drama

Rehearse Chamberlain's monologue