ANAS.

SAKUN.

Slim as a flower-stem. Youth
With all its magic charm
Blossoms within her blood.
Sakuntala, see, here is the young
jasmine

You called The Moonlight of the
Forest; see,

She has chosen the Mango for her own

bridegroom.

Have you forgotten her?

Forgotten? I? How lovely a season for their union

this!

The Moonlight of the Forest is all flowers,

All youth; and like a bridegroom newly-drest,

The Mango takes and holds her to his breast.

PRIYAM. Anasuya, why do you think Sakuntala Looks upon Forest-Moonlight so in

PRIYAM. She is wishing, as the jasmine's

wedded

To her own tree, so may she also find A husband worthy of her dreams of him.

SAKUN. (Pouring water)

PRIYAM.

ANAS.

It's not the season, yet the wild vine's

full

Of little buds, down to the very root.

PRIYAM. Joy! There's blessing in such news,

For Father Kanwa said that when

this vine

ANAS.

Flowered, it should mean your bridal

was at hand.

Priyamvada, that is why Sakuntala
Waters her tender vine so lovingly.

SAKUN. She is my sister; how should I not

ANAS.

love her?

(She continues her watering)

A bee! A bee has flown from the
young jasmine,

And it is trying to settle on my face.
Fancying it to be a lotus-bloom.

SAKUN. Help!

PRIYAM.

KING.

What can we do? Call on Dushyanta. It is the King protects this sacred

grove.

My cue is aptly given to me.
(Advancing hastily)

Fear not!

Who dares molest the gentle maids

that keep

This hermitage the more, since he

who rules

ANAS.

KING.

PRIYAM.

The earth is of the moon-descended

race,

Swift to chastise the wanton tres

passer?

(All look at the KING and all are embarrassed)

Sir, it is nothing more terrible than a bee

That teased our friend and halfaffrighted her.

(Turning to SAKUNTALA)

I trust the dwellers in this hermitage
Have suffered no disturbance in the

rites

They dedicate their days to in this

grove?

Is all well with you ?

(SAKUNTALA stands confused and silent)

KING.

Go, dear Sakuntala; bring from the

cell

An offering of flowers, and rice, and fruit.

This water we have brought with us will serve

To wash the feet of this most honoured

guest.

Such gracious speech already has performed

Whatever hospitable rites enjoin.

PRIYAM. Sit then, kind Sir, in the cool shade of this tree.

KING.

You, too, must all be wearied with your tasks.

SAKUN. (Aside)

(All sit down together)

Why does my heart begin to beat so fast

Beholding him? What am I guilty of ?

It was not so within the hermitage.