Part 19 (1/2)

_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 s.h.i.+ning bright?

_King_ (_to himself_). Indeed, my royal t.i.tle 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.

_Shakuntala_. What will my husband say?

_King_ (_listening with anxious suspicion_). What is this insinuation?

_Shakuntala_ (_to herself_). Oh, oh! So haughty and so slanderous!

_Sharngarava_. ”What is this insinuation?” What is your question?