Enter two young Hermits, bearing costly presents.

BOTH HERMITS.—­Here are ornaments suitable for a queen.

          [The women look at them in astonishment.

GAUTAMI.—­Why, Narada, my son, whence came these?

FIRST HERMIT.—­You owe them to the devotion of Father Kanwa.

GAUTAMI.—­Did he create them by the power of his own mind?

SECOND HERMIT.—­Certainly not; but you shall hear.  The venerable sage
ordered us to collect flowers for Sakoontala from the forest-trees; and
we went to the wood for that purpose, when
    Straightway depending from a neighboring tree
    Appeared a robe of linen tissue, pure
    And spotless as a moon-beam—­mystic pledge
    Of bridal happiness; another tree
    Distilled a roseate dye wherewith to stain
    The lady’s feet; and other branches near
    Glistened with rare and costly ornaments. 
    While, ’midst the leaves, the hands of forest-nymphs,
    Vying in beauty with the opening buds,
    Presented us with sylvan offerings.

PRIYAMVADA [looking at Sakoontala].—­The wood-nymphs have done you honor, indeed.  This favor doubtless signifies that you are soon to be received as a happy wife into your husband’s house, and are from this forward to become the partner of his royal fortunes.
          [Sakoontala appears confused.

FIRST HERMIT.—­Come, Gautama; Father Kanwa has finished his ablutions.  Let us go and inform him of the favor we have received from the deities who preside over our trees.

SECOND HERMIT.—­By all means. [Exeunt.

PRIYAMVADA AND ANASUYA.—­Alas! what are we to do?  We are unused to such splendid decorations, and are at a loss how to arrange them.  Our knowledge of painting must be our guide.  We will dispose the ornaments as we have seen them in pictures.

SAKOONTALA.—­Whatever pleases you, dear girls, will please me.  I have perfect confidence in your taste. [They commence dressing her.

          Enter Kanwa, having just finished his ablutions.

KANWA.—­This day my loved one leaves me, and my heart
    Is heavy with its grief:  the streams of sorrow
    Choked at the source, repress my faltering voice. 
    I have no words to speak; mine eyes are dimmed
    By the dark shadows of the thoughts that rise
    Within my soul.  If such the force of grief
    In an old hermit parted from his nursling,
    What anguish must the stricken parent feel—­
    Bereft forever of an only daughter?
          [Advances towards Sakoontala

PRIYAMVADA AND ANASUYA.—­Now, dearest Sakoontala, we have finished
decorating you.  You have only to put on the two linen mantles.
           [Sakoontala rises and puts them on.

GAUTAMI.—­Daughter, see, here comes thy foster-father; he is eager to fold thee in his arms; his eyes swim with tears of joy.  Hasten to do him reverence.