KING.—­Would that my union with her were permissible! and yet I hardly
dare hope that the maiden is sprung from a caste different from that of
the Head of the hermitage.  But away with doubt:—­
    That she is free to wed a warrior-king
    My heart attests.  For, in conflicting doubts,
    The secret promptings of the good man’s soul
    Are an unerring index of the truth.

However, come what may, I will ascertain the fact.

SAKOONTALA [in a flurry].—­Ah! a bee, disturbed by the sprinkling of the water, has left the young jasmine, and is trying to settle on my face. [Attempts to drive it away.

KING [gazing at her ardently].—­Beautiful! there is something charming
even in her repulse. 
    Where’er the bee his eager onset plies,
    Now here, now there, she darts her kindling eyes: 
    What love hath yet to teach, fear teaches now,
    The furtive glances and the frowning brow.
                                [In a tone of envy. 
    Ah happy bee! how boldly dost thou try
    To steal the lustre from her sparkling eye;
    And in thy circling movements hover near,
    To murmur tender secrets in her ear;
    Or, as she coyly waves her hand, to sip
    Voluptuous nectar from her lower lip! 
    While rising doubts my heart’s fond hopes destroy,
    Thou dost the fulness of her charms enjoy.

SAKOONTALA.—­This impertinent bee will not rest quiet.  I must move elsewhere. [Moving a few steps off, and casting a glance around.] How now! he is following me here.  Help! my dear friends, help! deliver me from the attacks of this troublesome insect.

PRIYAMVADA AND ANASUYA.—­How can we deliver you?  Call Dushyanta to your aid.  The sacred groves are under the king’s special protection.

KING.—­An excellent opportunity for me to show myself.  Fear not—­[Checks himself when the words are half-uttered. Aside.] But stay, if I introduce myself in this manner, they will know me to be the King.  Be it so, I will accost them, nevertheless.

SAKOONTALA [moving a step or two further off].—­What! it still persists in following me.

KING [advancing hastily].—­When mighty Puru’s offspring sways the
earth,
    And o’er the wayward holds his threatening rod,
    Who dares molest the gentle maids that keep
    Their holy vigils here in Kanwa’s grove?

          [All look at the King, and are embarrassed.

ANASUYA.—­Kind Sir, no outrage has been committed; only our dear friend here was teased by the attacks of a troublesome bee.
          [Points to Sakoontala.

KING [turning to Sakoontala].—­I trust all is well with your devotional rites?

          [Sakoontala stands confused and silent.

ANASUYA.—­All is well, indeed, now that we are honored by the reception of a distinguished guest.  Dear Sakoontala, go, bring from the hermitage an offering of flowers, rice, and fruit.  This water that we have brought with us will serve to bathe our guest’s feet.