to hope, my bosom throbs
As anxiously I listen for her answer.

[S']AKOONTALA.

Know then, dear friends, that from the first moment the
illustrious Prince who is the guardian of our sacred grove
presented himself to my sight--

[_Stops short, and appears confused_.

PRIYAMVADA AND ANASUYA.

Say on, dear [S']akoontala, say on.

[S']AKOONTALA.

Ever since that happy moment, my heart's affections have been
fixed upon him, and my energies of mind and body have all
deserted me, as you see.

KING. [_With rapture_.

Her own lips have uttered the words I most longed to hear.

Love lit the flame, and Love himself allays
My burning fever, as when gathering clouds
Rise o'er the earth in summer's dazzling noon,
And grateful showers dispel the morning heat.

[S']AKOONTALA.

You must consent, then, dear friends, to contrive some means by
which I may find favour with the King, or you will have ere long
to assist at my funeral.

KING.

Enough! These words remove all my doubts.

PRIYAMVADA. [_Aside to_ ANASUYA.

She is far gone in love, dear Anasuya, and no time ought to be
lost. Since she has fixed her affections on a monarch who is the
ornament of Puru's line, we need not hesitate for a moment to
express our approval.

ANASUYA.

I quite agree with you.

PRIYAMVADA. [_Aloud_.

We wish you joy, dear [S']akoontala. Your affections are fixed on an
object in every respect worthy of you,. The noblest river will unite itself
to the ocean, and the lovely Madhavi-creeper clings naturally to the
Mango, the only tree capable of supporting it.

KING.

Why need we wonder if the beautiful constellation Vi[s']akha pines
to be united with the Moon[53]?

ANASUYA.

By what stratagem can we best secure to our friend the
accomplishment of her heart's desire both speedily and secretly?

PRIYAMVADA.

The latter point is all we have to think about. As to 'speedily,'
I look upon the whole affair as already settled.

ANASUYA.

How so?

PRIYAMVADA.

Did you not observe how the King betrayed his liking by the
tender manner in which he gazed upon her, and how thin he has
become the last few days, as if he had been lying awake thinking
of her?

KING. [_Looking at himself_.

Quite true! I certainly am becoming thin from wan