ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Answer. The hermit is the speaker.

Detailed explanation-2: -The bearded man is being referred to in these lines. He had planned to attack the king, but was instead attacked by the kings bodyguards, as they had recognised him.

Detailed explanation-3: -Answer: In answer to the first question, the hermit said that there is only one time that is important and that time is ‘Now’. It is the only time when one has any power to act. The hermit answered the second question by saying that the most necessary person is the person you are with at a particular moment.

Detailed explanation-4: -The king went up to the hermit and said, “I have come to you, wise hermit, to ask you to answer three questions: How can I learn to do the right thing at the right time? Who are the people I need most? And what affairs are the most important?”