BOTH MAIDENS.—­Perfectly right.

A VOICE [behind the scenes].—­The King! the King!  This way, Sire, this way.

CHAMBERLAIN [listening].—­Oh! here comes his majesty in this direction.  Pass on, maidens; attend to your duties.

BOTH MAIDENS.—­We will, sir. [Exeunt.

Enter King Dushyanta, dressed in deep mourning, attended by his Jester, Mathavya, and preceded by Vetravati.

CHAMBERLAIN [gazing at the King].—­Well, noble forms are certainly
pleasing, under all varieties of outward circumstances.  The King’s
person is as charming as ever, notwithstanding his sorrow of mind. 
    Though but a single golden bracelet spans
    His wasted arm; though costly ornaments
    Have given place to penitential weeds;
    Though oft-repeated sighs have blanched his lips,
    And robbed them of their bloom; though sleepless care
    And carking thought have dimmed his beaming eye;
    Yet does his form, by its inherent lustre,
    Dazzle the gaze; and, like a priceless gem
    Committed to some cunning polisher,
    Grow more effulgent by the loss of substance.

SANUMATI [aside.  Looking at the King].—­Now that I have seen him, I can well understand why Sakoontala should pine after such a man, in spite of his disdainful rejection of her.

KING [walking slowly up and down, in deep thought].—­
    When fatal lethargy overwhelmed my soul,
    My loved one strove to rouse me, but in vain:—­
    And now when I would fain in slumber deep
    Forget myself, full soon remorse doth wake me.

SANUMATI [aside].—­My poor Sakoontala’s sufferings are very similar.

MATHAVYA [aside].—­He is taken with another attack of this odious
Sakoontala fever.  How shall we ever cure him?

CHAMBERLAIN [approaching].—­Victory to the King!  Great Prince, the royal pleasure-grounds have been put in order.  Your Majesty can resort to them for exercise and amusement whenever you think proper.

KING.—­Vetravati, tell the worthy Pisuna, my prime minister, from me, that I am so exhausted by want of sleep that I cannot sit on the judgment-seat to-day.  If any case of importance be brought before the tribunal he must give it his best attention, and inform me of the circumstances by letter.

VETRAVATI.—­Your Majesty’s commands shall be obeyed. [Exit.

KING [to the Chamberlain].—­And you, Vatayana, may go about your own affairs.

CHAMBERLAIN.—­I will, Sire. [Exit.

MATHAVYA.—­Now that you have rid yourself of these troublesome fellows, you can enjoy the delightful coolness of your pleasure-grounds without interruption.