“Charioteer, behold this (deer) being struck down (that is, see, now I shall kill this deer).” (Saying this, he acts as though fitting an arrow to the bow) (From behind the scenes) O King, this is a deer belonging to the hermitage; do not kill it, do not kill it! Charioteer— (Hearing and seeing) O long-lived one! In the path of your arrow (that is, before this deer which is the target of your arrow), ascetics have appeared between (the deer and yourself). King— (With alarm) Then let the horses be stopped. Charioteer— Very well. (He stops the chariot). (Thereafter, an ascetic enters along with his disciples) Ascetic— (Raising his hand) O King, this is a deer of the hermitage; do not kill it, do not kill it. Upon the tender body of this gentle deer, do not release (do not shoot) this arrow, which is like fire falling upon a heap of cotton— do not release it (do not shoot it). Alas! Where is the exceedingly fragile and restless life of these poor deer, and where are your arrows, hard and sharp-striking like the thunderbolt?