Shakuntala (observing an evil omen).  Oh, why does my right eye throb?

Gautami.  Heaven avert the omen, my child.  May happiness wait upon you. (They walk about.)

Chaplain (indicating the king).  O hermits, here is he who protects those of every station and of every age.  He has already risen, and awaits you.  Behold him.

Sharngarava.  Yes, it is admirable, but not surprising.  For

  Fruit-laden trees bend down to earth;
    The water-pregnant clouds hang low;
  Good men are not puffed up by power—­
    The unselfish are by nature so.

Portress.  Your Majesty, the hermits seem to be happy.  They give you gracious looks.

King (observing SHAKUNTALA).  Ah!

  Who is she, shrouded in the veil
    That dims her beauty’s lustre,
  Among the hermits like a flower
    Round which the dead leaves cluster?

Portress.  Your Majesty, she is well worth looking at.

King.  Enough!  I must not gaze upon another’s wife.

Shakuntala (laying her hand on her breast.  Aside).  Oh, my heart, why tremble so?  Remember his constant love and be brave.

Chaplain (advancing).  Hail, your Majesty.  The hermits have been received as Scripture enjoins.  They have a message from their teacher.  May you be pleased to hear it.

King (respectfully).  I am all attention.

The two pupils (raising their right hands).  Victory, O King.

King (bowing low).  I salute you all.

The two pupils.  All hail.

King.  Does your pious life proceed without disturbance?

The two pupils.

  How could the pious duties fail
    While you defend the right? 
  Or how could darkness’ power prevail
    O’er sunbeams shining bright?
King (to himself).  Indeed, my royal title is no empty one. (Aloud.) Is holy Kanva in health?

Sharngarava.  O King, those who have religious power can command health.  He asks after your welfare and sends this message.

King.  What are his commands?

Sharngarava.  He says:  “Since you have met this my daughter and have married her, I give you my glad consent.  For

  You are the best of worthy men, they say;
  And she, I know, Good Works personified;
  The Creator wrought for ever and a day,
  In wedding such a virtuous groom and bride.

She is with child.  Take her and live with her in virtue.”

Gautami.  Bless you, sir.  I should like to say that no one invites me to speak.

King.  Speak, mother.

Gautami.

  Did she with father speak or mother? 
  Did you engage her friends in speech? 
  Your faith was plighted each to other;
  Let each be faithful now to each.