STAGE-MANAGER.

[After the recitation of the benediction.]

[Looking toward the tiring-room.

Lady, when you have finished attiring yourself, come

this way.

ACTRESS.

Here I am, Sir; what are your commands?

[Entering.

STAGE-MANAGER.

We are here before the eyes of an audience of educated and discerning men 3; and have to represent in their presence a new drama composed by Kálidása, called 'Sakoon talá; or, the Lost Ring.' Let the whole company exert themselves to do justice to their several parts.

ACTRESS.

You, Sir, have so judiciously managed the cast of the characters, that nothing will be defective in the acting.

STAGE-MANAGER.

Lady, I will tell you the exact state of the case.
No skill in acting can I deem complete,
Till from the wise the actor gain applause;
Know that the heart e'en of the truly skilful,
Shrinks from too boastful confidence in self.

You judge correctly And now, what are your commands?

STAGE-MANAGER.

What can you do better than engage the attention of the audience by some captivating melody?

ACTRESS.

Which among the seasons shall I select as the subject of my song?

STAGE-MANAGER.

5

You surely ought to give the preference to the present Summer season that has but recently commenced, a season so rich in enjoyment. For now Unceasing are the charms of halcyon days, When the cool bath exhilarates the frame; When sylvan gales are laden with the scent Of fragrant Páṭalas; when soothing sleep Creeps softly on beneath the deepening shade; And when, at last, the dulcet calm of eve Entrancing steals o'er every yielding sense.

I will:

ACTRESS.

[Sings.

Fond maids, the chosen of their hearts to please,
Entwine their ears with sweet Sirísha flowers7,

Whose fragrant lips attract the kiss of bees
That softly murmur through the summer hours.

STAGE-MANAGER.

Charmingly sung! The audience are motionless as statues, their souls riveted by the enchanting strain. What subject shall we select for representation, that we may ensure a continuance of their favour?

ACTRESS.

Why not the same, Sir, announced by you at first? Let the drama called 'Śakoontalá; or, the Lost Ring,' be the subject of our dramatic performance.

STAGE-MANAGER.

Rightly reminded! For the moment I had forgotten it.

Your song's transporting melody decoyed

My thoughts, and rapt with ecstasy my soul;
As now the bounding antelope allures

8

The King Dushyanta on the chase intent.

[Exeunt.

ACT I.

SCENE A Forest.

Enter King Dushyanta, armed with a bow and arrow, in a chariot, chasing an antelope, attended by his CHARIOTEER.

Great Prince,

CHARIOTEER.

[Looking at the deer, and then at the KING.

When on the antelope I bend my gaze,
And on your Majesty, whose mighty bow
Has its string firmly braced; before my eyes
The god that wields the trident seems revealed,
Chasing the deer that flies from him in vain.

KING.

9

Charioteer, this fleet antelope has drawn us far from

my attendants. See! there he runs:

Aye and anon his graceful neck he bends.
To cast a glance at the pursuing car;

And dreading now the swift-descending shaft,
Contracts into itself his slender frame;

About his path, in scattered fragments strewn,
The half-chewed grass falls from his panting
mouth;

See! in his airy bounds he seems to fly,
And leaves no trace upon th' elastic turf.

[With astonishment. How now! swift as is our pursuit, I scarce can see him.

CHARIOTEER.

Sire, the ground here is full of hollows; I have therefore drawn in the reins and checked the speed of the chariot. Hence the deer has somewhat gained upon us. Now that we are passing over level ground, we shall have no difficulty in overtaking him.

Loosen the reins, then.

KING.

CHARIOTEER.

The King is obeyed.

[Drives the chariot at full speed.]

Great Prince, see! see!

Responsive to the slackened rein, the steeds,
Chafing with eager rivalry, career

With emulative fleetness o'er the plain;

Their necks outstretched, their waving plumes,
that late

Fluttered above their brows, are motionless 10;
Their sprightly ears, but now erect, bent low;
Themselves unsullied by the circling dust,
That vainly follows on their rapid course.