nothing. You had yourself brought up the question that the King
never showed himself; and I only remarked that it was not for
nothing that the King shut himself up from the public gaze.

FIRST CITIZEN. Pray do tell us why, Virupaksha.

VIRUPAKSHA. Of course I don't mind telling you--for we are all
good friends, aren't we? There can be no harm. (With a low
voice.) The King--is--hideous to look at, so he has made up his
mind never to show himself to his subjects.

FIRST CITIZEN. Ha! that's it! It must be so. We have always
wondered ... why, the mere sight of a King in all countries
makes one's soul quake like an aspen leaf with fear; but why
should our King never have been seen by any mortal soul? Even if
he at least came out and consigned us all to the gibbet, we might
be sure that our King was no hoax. After all, there is much in
Virupaksha's explanation that sounds plausible enough.

THIRD CITIZEN. Not a bit--I don't believe in a syllable of it.

VIRUPAKSHA. What, Vishu, do you mean to say that I am a liar?

VISHU. I don't exactly mean that--but I cannot accept your
theory. Excuse me, I cannot help if I seem a bit rude or
churlish.

VIRUPAKSHA. Small wonder that you can't believe my words--you
who think yourself sage enough to reject the opinions of your
parents and superiors. How long do you think you could have