PUPIL.—­Well, I must let my revered preceptor know that it is time to offer the burnt oblation. [Exit.

ANASUYA.—­I am broad awake, but what shall I do?  I have no energy to go about my usual occupations.  My hands and feet seem to have lost their power.  Well, Love has gained his object; and Love only is to blame for having induced our dear friend, in the innocence of her heart, to confide in such a perfidious man.  Possibly, however, the imprecation of Durvasas may be already taking effect.  Indeed, I cannot otherwise account for the King’s strange conduct, in allowing so long a time to elapse without even a letter; and that, too, after so many promises and protestations.  I cannot think what to do, unless we send him the ring which was to be the token of recognition.  But which of these austere hermits could we ask to be the bearer of it?  Then, again, Father Kanwa has just returned from his pilgrimage:  and how am I to inform him of Sakoontala’s marriage to King Dushyanta, and her expectation of being soon a mother?  I never could bring myself to tell him, even if I felt that Sakoontala had been in fault, which she certainly has not.  What is to be done?

PRIYAMVADA [entering; joyfully].—­Quick! quick!  Anasuya! come and assist in the joyful preparations for Sakoontala’s departure to her husband’s palace.

ANASUYA.—­My dear girl, what can you mean?

PRIYAMVADA.—­Listen, now, and I will tell you all about it.  I went just now to Sakoontala, to inquire whether she had slept comfortably—­

ANASUYA.—­Well, well; go on.

PRIYAMVADA.—­She was sitting with her face bowed down to the very ground with shame, when Father Kanwa entered and, embracing her, of his own accord offered her his congratulations.  “I give thee joy, my child,” he said, “we have had an auspicious omen.  The priest who offered the oblation dropped it into the very centre of the sacred fire, though thick smoke obstructed his vision.  Henceforth thou wilt cease to be an object of compassion.  This very day I purpose sending thee, under the charge of certain trusty hermits, to the King’s palace; and shall deliver thee into the hands of thy husband, as I would commit knowledge to the keeping of a wise and faithful student.”

ANASUYA.—­Who, then, informed the holy Father of what passed in his absence?

PRIYAMVADA.—­As he was entering the sanctuary of the consecrated fire, an invisible being chanted a verse in celestial strains.

ANASUYA [with astonishment].—­Indeed! pray repeat it.

PRIYAMVADA [repeats the verse].—­
    Glows in thy daughter King Dushyanta’s glory,
      As in the sacred tree the mystic fire. 
    Let worlds rejoice to hear the welcome story;
      And may the son immortalize the sire.

ANASUYA [embracing Priyamvada].—­Oh, my dear Priyamvada, what delightful news!  I am pleased beyond measure; yet when I think that we are to lose our dear Sakoontala this very day, a feeling of melancholy mingles with my joy.