WARDER.

So please your Majesty, my curiosity is also roused, but no conjecture occurs to my mind.  This at least is certain, that she deserves to be looked at more closely.

KING.

True; but it is not right to gaze at another man’s wife[120].

[S’]AKOONTALA. [Placing her hand on her bosom.  Aside.

O my heart, why this throbbing?  Remember thy lord’s affection, and take courage.

PRIEST. [Advancing.

These holy men have been received with all due honour.  One of them has now a message to deliver from his spiritual superior.  Will your Majesty deign to hear it?

KING.

I am all attention.

HERMITS. [Extending their hands.

Victory to the King!

KING.

Accept my respectful greeting.

HERMITS.

May the desires of your soul be accomplished!

KING.

I trust no one is molesting you in the prosecution of your religious rites.

HERMITS.

  Who dares disturb our penitential rites
  When thou art our protector?  Can the night
  Prevail to cast her shadows o’er the earth
  While the sun’s beams irradiate the sky?

KING.

Such, indeed, is the very meaning of my title—­’Defender of the Just.’  I trust the venerable Kanwa is in good health.  The world is interested in his well-being.

HERMITS.

Holy men have health and prosperity in their own power.  He bade us greet your Majesty, and, after kind inquiries, deliver this message.

KING.

Let me hear his commands.

[S’]ARNGARAVA.

He bade us say that he feels happy in giving his sanction to the marriage which your Majesty contracted with this lady, his daughter, privately and by mutual agreement.  Because,

  By us thou art esteemed the most illustrious
  Of noble husbands; and [S’]akoontala,
  Virtue herself in human form revealed. 
  Great Brahma hath in equal yoke united
  A bride unto a husband worthy of her;
  Henceforth let none make blasphemous complaint
  That he is pleased with ill-assorted unions[81].

Since, therefore, she expects soon to be the mother of thy child, receive her into thy palace, that she may perform, in conjunction with thee, the ceremonies prescribed by religion on such an occasion.

GAUTAMI.

So please your Majesty, I would add a few words; but why should I intrude my sentiments when an opportunity of speaking my mind has never been allowed me?

  She took no counsel with her kindred; thou
  Didst not confer with thine, but all alone
  Didst solemnize thy nuptials with thy wife. 
  Together, then, hold converse; let us leave you.

[S’]AKOONTALA [Aside.