Act I Act 1 takes place in the forest on the foothills of the Himalayas and moves to the hermitage of the great sage Kanva, by the river Malini. The King Duhsanta appears, followed by his Charioteer, in hot pursuit of a deer, specifically a Blackbuck, which is a sacred animal. Duhsanta is stopped in his hunt by an ascetic who reminds him of his duty This deer is of the Hermitage, O King! He should not be killed…no…no…do not strike him down. How fragile the life of this deer! How cruel your sharp- pointed arrows, swift-winged! Never should they fall on his tender frame like tongues of flame on a heap of flowers. Quickly withdraw your well-aimed arrow, bound to protect the distressed, not strike the pure. (p. 173) Furthermore, Duhsanta has entered the sacred Hermitage, where such slaughter is sacrilegious. At the ascetic surging, Duhsanta decides to go to the Hermitage of Kanva, to pay his respect as well enjoy the hospitality offered there. As they near the Hermitag...
Comments
Post a Comment