ther the ideas are
appropriately expressed.

PRIYAMVADA AND ANASUYA.

We are all attention.

[S']AKOONTALA. [_Reads_.

I know not the secret thy bosom conceals,
Thy form is not near me to gladden my sight;
But sad is the tale that my fever reveals,
Of the love that consumes me by day and by night.

KING. [_Advancing hastily towards her_.

Nay, Love does but warm thee, fair maiden,--thy frame
Only droops like the bud in the glare of the noon;
But me he consumes with a pitiless flame,
As the beams of the day-star destroy the pale moon.

PRIYAMVADA AND ANASUYA.

[_Looking at him joyfully and rising to salute him_.

Welcome, the desire of our hearts, that so speedily presents
itself!

[[S']AKOONTALA _makes an effort to rise_.

KING.

Nay, trouble not thyself, dear maiden.

Move not to do me homage; let thy limbs
Still softly rest upon their flowery couch;
And gather fragrance from the lotus-stalks,
Bruised by the fevered contact of thy frame.

ANASUYA.

Deign, gentle Sir, to seat yourself on the rock on which our
friend is reposing.

[_The_ KING _sits down_. [S']AKOONTALA _is confused_.

PRIYAMVADA.

Any one may see at a glance that you are deeply attached to each
other. But the affection I have for my friend prompts me to say
something of which you hardly require to be informed.

KING.

Do not hesitate to speak out, my good girl. If you omit to say
what is in your mind, you may be sorry for it afterwards.

PRIYAMVADA.

Is it not your special office as a King to remove the suffering
of your subjects who are in trouble?

KING.

Such is my duty, most assuredly.

PRIYAMVADA.

Know, then, that our dear friend has been brought to her present
state of suffering entirely through love for you. Her life is in
your hands; take pity on her and restore her to health.

KING.

Excellent maiden, our attachment is mutual. It is I who am the
most honoured by it.

[S']AKOONTALA. [_Looking at PRIYAMVADA_.

What do you mean by detaining the King, who must be anxious to
return to his royal consorts after so long a separation?

KING.

Sweet maiden, banish from thy mind the thought
That I could love another. Thou dost reign
Supreme, without a rival, in my heart,
And I am thine alone; disown me not,
Else must I die a