[Exeunt.]

[Enter a band of CITIZENS]

FIRST CITIZEN. After all, one cannot help wishing that the King
had allowed himself to be seen at least this one day. What a
great pity, to live in his kingdom and yet not to have seen him
for a single day!

SECOND CITIZEN. If you only knew the real meaning of all this
mystery! I could tell you if you would keep a secret.

FIRST CITIZEN. My dear fellow, we both live in the same quarter
of the town, but have you ever known me letting out any man s
secret? Of course, that matter of your brother's finding a
hidden fortune while digging for a well--well, you know well
enough why I had to give it out. You know all the facts.

SECOND CITIZEN. Of course I know. And it is because I know that
I ask, could you keep a secret if I tell you? It may mean
ruination to us all, you know, if you once let it out.

THIRD CITIZEN. You are a nice man, after all, Virupaksha! Why
are you so anxious to bring down a disaster which as yet only may
happen? Who will be responsible for keeping your secret all his
life?

VIRUPAKSHA. It is only because the topic came up--well, then, I
shall not say anything. I am not the man to say things for