Kanva.  Son Sharngarava, when you present Shakuntala to the king, give him this message from me.

  Remembering my religious worth,
  Your own high race, the love poured forth
  By her, forgetful of her friends,
  Pay her what honour custom lends
  To all your wives.  And what fate gives
  Beyond, will please her relatives.

Sharngarava.  I will not forget your message, Father.

Kanva (turning to SHAKUNTALA).  My child, I must now give you my counsel.  Though I live in the forest, I have some knowledge of the world.

Sharngarava.  True wisdom, Father, gives insight into everything.

Kanva.  My child, when you have entered your husband’s home,

  Obey your elders; and be very kind
  To rivals; never be perversely blind
  And angry with your husband, even though he
  Should prove less faithful than a man might be;
  Be as courteous to servants as you may,
  Not puffed with pride in this your happy day: 
  Thus does a maiden grow into a wife;
  But self-willed women are the curse of life.

But what does Gautami say?

Gautami.  This is advice sufficient for a bride. (To SHAKUNTALA.) You will not forget, my child.

Kanva.  Come, my daughter, embrace me and your friends.

Shakuntala.  Oh, Father!  Must my friends turn back too?

Kanva.  My daughter, they too must some day be given in marriage.  Therefore they may not go to court.  Gautami will go with you.

Shakuntala (throwing her arms about her father).  I am torn from my father’s breast like a vine stripped from a sandal-tree on the Malabar hills.  How can I live in another soil? (She weeps.)

Kanva.  My daughter, why distress yourself so?

  A noble husband’s honourable wife,
  You are to spend a busy, useful life
  In the world’s eye; and soon, as eastern skies
  Bring forth the sun, from you there shall arise
  A child, a blessing and a comfort strong—­
  You will not miss me, dearest daughter, long.

Shakuntala (falling at his feet).  Farewell, Father.

Kanva.  My daughter, may all that come to you which I desire for you.

Shakuntala (going to her two friends).  Come, girls!  Embrace me, both of you together.

The two friends (do so).  Dear, if the good king should perhaps be slow to recognise you, show him the ring with his own name engraved on it.

Shakuntala.  Your doubts make my heart beat faster.

The two friends.  Do not be afraid, dear.  Love is timid.

Sharngarava (looking about).  Father, the sun is in mid-heaven.  She must hasten.

Shakuntala (embracing KANVA once more).  Father, when shall I see the pious grove again?