PRIYAMVADA.—­We shall find means of consoling ourselves after her departure.  Let the dear creature only be made happy, at any cost.

ANASUYA.—­Yes, yes, Priyamvada, it shall be so; and now to prepare our bridal array.  I have always looked forward to this occasion, and some time since, I deposited a beautiful garland of Kesara flowers in a cocoa-nut box, and suspended it on a bough of yonder mango-tree.  Be good enough to stretch out your hand and take it down, while I compound unguents and perfumes with this consecrated paste and these blades of sacred grass.

PRIYAMVADA.—­Very well.

          [Exit Anasuya.  Priyamvada takes down the flowers.

A VOICE [behind the scenes].—­Gautami, bid Sarngarava and the others hold themselves in readiness to escort Sakoontala.

PRIYAMVADA [listening].—­Quick, quick, Anasuya!  They are calling the hermits who are to go with Sakoontala to Hastinapur.

ANASUYA [reentering, with the perfumed unguents in her hand].—­Come along then, Priyamvada; I am ready to go with you. [They walk away.

PRIYAMVADA [looking].—­See! there sits Sakoontala, her locks arranged even at this early hour of the morning.  The holy women of the hermitage are congratulating her, and invoking blessings on her head, while they present her with wedding-gifts and offerings of consecrated wild-rice.  Let us join them. [They approach.

Sakoontala is seen seated, with women surrounding her, occupied in the manner described.

FIRST WOMAN [to Sakoontala].—­My child, may’st thou receive the title of “Chief-queen,” and may thy husband delight to honor thee above all others!

SECOND WOMAN.—­My child, may’st thou be the mother of a hero!

THIRD WOMAN.—­My child, may’st thou be highly honored by thy lord!

[Exeunt all the women, excepting Gautami, after blessing Sakoontala.

PRIYAMVADA AND ANASUYA [approaching].—­Dear Sakoontala, we are come to assist you at your toilet, and may a blessing attend it!

SAKOONTALA.—­Welcome, dear friends, welcome.  Sit down here.

PRIYAMVADA AND ANASUYA [taking the baskets containing the bridal decorations, and sitting down].—­Now, then, dearest, prepare to let us dress you.  We must first rub your limbs with these perfumed unguents.

SAKOONTALA.—­I ought indeed to be grateful for your kind offices, now that I am so soon to be deprived of them.  Dear, dear friends, perhaps I shall never be dressed by you again. [Bursts into tears.

PRIYAMVADA AND ANASUYA.—­Weep not, dearest, tears are out of season on such a happy occasion.

          [They wipe away her tears and begin to dress her.

PRIYAMVADA.—­Alas! these simple flowers and rude ornaments which our hermitage offers in abundance, do not set off your beauty as it deserves.