ACTRESS,—You, Sir, have so judiciously managed the cast of the characters, that nothing will be defective in the acting.
STAGE-MANAGER.—Lady, I will tell you the
exact state of the case.
No skill in acting can I deem
complete,
Till from the wise the actor
gain applause:
Know that the heart e’en
of the truly skilful,
Shrinks from too boastful
confidence in self.
ACTRESS [modestly].—You judge correctly. And now, what are your commands?
STAGE-MANAGER.—What can you do better than engage the attention of the audience by some captivating melody?
ACTRESS.—Which among the seasons shall I select as the subject of my song?
STAGE-MANAGER.—You surely ought to give
the preference to the present
Summer season that has but recently commenced, a season
so rich in
enjoyment. For now
Unceasing are the charms of
halcyon days,
When the cool bath exhilarates
the frame;
When sylvan gales are laden
with the scent
Of fragrant Patalas; when
soothing sleep
Creeps softly on beneath the
deepening shade;
And when, at last, the dulcet
calm of eve
Entrancing steals o’er
every yielding sense.
ACTRESS.—I will. [Sings.
Fond maids, the chosen of
their hearts to please,
Entwine their
ears with sweet Sirisha flowers,
Whose fragrant lips attract
the kiss of bees
That softly murmur
through the summer hours.
STAGE-MANAGER.—Charmingly sung! The audience are motionless as statues, their souls riveted by the enchanting strain. What subject shall we select for representation, that we may insure a continuance of their favor?
ACTRESS.—Why not the same, Sir, announced by you at first? Let the drama called “Sakoontala, or the Lost Ring,” be the subject of our dramatic performance.
STAGE-MANAGER.—Rightly reminded! For
the moment I had forgotten it.
Your song’s transporting
melody decoyed
My thoughts, and rapt with
ecstasy my soul;
As now the bounding antelope
allures
The King Dushyanta on the
chase intent. [Exeunt.
ACT FIRST
Scene.—A Forest
Enter King Dushyanta, armed with a bow and arrow, in a chariot, chasing an antelope, attended by his Charioteer.
CHARIOTEER [looking at the deer, and then at the
King].—
Great Prince,
When on the antelope I bend
my gaze,
And on your Majesty, whose
mighty bow
Has its string firmly braced;
before my eyes
The god that wields the trident
seems revealed,
Chasing the deer that flies
from him in vain.