KING.

Nay, trouble not thyself, dear maiden.

Move not to do me homage; let thy limbs
Still softly rest upon their flowery couch;
And gather fragrance from the lotus-stalks,
Bruised by the fevered contact of thy frame.

ANASUYA.

Deign, gentle Sir, to seat yourself on the rock on which our friend is reposing.

[The KING sits down. [S’]AKOONTALA is confused.

PRIYAMVADA.

Any one may see at a glance that you are deeply attached to each other.  But the affection I have for my friend prompts me to say something of which you hardly require to be informed.

KING.

Do not hesitate to speak out, my good girl.  If you omit to say what is in your mind, you may be sorry for it afterwards.

PRIYAMVADA.

Is it not your special office as a King to remove the suffering of your subjects who are in trouble?

KING.

Such is my duty, most assuredly.

PRIYAMVADA.

Know, then, that our dear friend has been brought to her present state of suffering entirely through love for you.  Her life is in your hands; take pity on her and restore her to health.

KING.

Excellent maiden, our attachment is mutual.  It is I who am the most honoured by it.

[S’]AKOONTALA. [Looking at PRIYAMVADA.

What do you mean by detaining the King, who must be anxious to return to his royal consorts after so long a separation?

KING.

  Sweet maiden, banish from thy mind the thought
  That I could love another.  Thou dost reign
  Supreme, without a rival, in my heart,
  And I am thine alone; disown me not,
  Else must I die a second deadlier death,
  Killed by thy words, as erst by Kama’s[47] shafts.

ANASUYA.

Kind Sir, we have heard it said that kings have many favourite consorts.  You must not, then, by your behaviour towards our dear friend, give her relations cause to sorrow for her.

KING.

Listen, gentle maiden, while in a few words I quiet your anxiety.

  Though many beauteous forms my palace grace,
  Henceforth two things alone will I esteem
  The glory of my royal dynasty—­
  My sea-girt realm, and this most lovely maid.

PRIYAMVADA AND ANASUYA.

We are satisfied by your assurances.

PRIYAMVADA. [Glancing on one side.

See, Anasuya, there is our favourite little fawn running about in great distress, and turning its eyes in every direction as if looking for its mother; come, let us help the little thing to find her. [Both move away.

[S’]AKOONTALA.

Dear friends, dear friends, leave me not alone and unprotected. 
Why need you both go?

PRIYAMVADA AND ANASUYA.