—The king has decided quickly. Now, Cumbhílaca; you will either see your companions again, or be the food of shakàls and vultures.
The Superintendent re-enters.
Sup. Let the fisherman immediately———
Cumbh. [In an agony.] Oh! I am a dead man.
Sup. ——— be discharged.—Hola! set him at liberty. The king says he knows his innocence; and his story is true.
Second Off. As our master commands.—The fellow is brought back from the mansion of Yama, to which he was hastening.
Cambh. [Bowing.] My lord, I owe my life to your kindness.
Sup. Rise, friend; and hear with delight that the king gives thee a sum of money equal to the full value of the ring; it is a fortune to a man in thy station.
Cumbh. [With rapture.] I am transported with joy.
First Off. This vagabond seems to be taken down from the stake, and set on the back of a state elephant.
Second Off. The king I suppose, has a great affection for his gem.
Sup. Not for its intrinsick value: but I guessed the cause of his ecstasy when he saw it.
Both Off. What could occasion it?
Sup. I suspect that it called to his memory some