[_Enter_ MATALI.

MATALI.

I congratulate your Majesty. Happy are you in your reunion with
your wife; happy are you in beholding the face of your own son.

KING.

Yes, indeed. My heart's dearest wish has borne sweet fruit. But
tell me, Matali, is this joyful event known to the great Indra?

MATALI. [_Smiling_.

What is unknown to the gods? But come with me, noble Prince, the
divine Ka[s']yapa graciously permits thee to be presented to him.

KING.

[S']akoontala, take our child and lead the way. We will together go
into the presence of the holy Sage.

[S']AKOONTALA.

I shrink from entering the august presence of the great Saint,
even with my husband at my side.

KING.

Nay; on such a joyous occasion it is highly proper. Come, come; I
entreat thee.

[_All advance_.

KA[S']YAPA _is discovered seated on a throne with his wife_ ADITI.

KA[S']YAPA.

[_Gazing at_ DUSHYANTA. _To his wife_.

O Aditi,

This is the mighty hero, King Dushyanta,
Protector of the earth; who, at the head
Of the celestial armies of thy son,
Does battle with the enemies of heaven.
Thanks to his bow, the thunderbolt of Indra
Rests from its work, no more the minister
Of death and desolation to the world,
But a mere symbol of divinity.

ADITI.

He bears in his noble form all the marks of dignity.

MATALI. [_To_ DUSHYANTA

Sire, the venerable progenitors of the celestials are gazing at
your Majesty with as much affection as if you were their son. You
may advance towards them.

KING.

Are these, O Matali, the holy pair,
Offspring of Daksha and divine Marichi,
Children of Brahma's sons[125], by sages deemed
Sole fountain of celestial light, diffused
Through twelve effulgent orbs [114]? Are these the pair
From whom the ruler of the triple world [126],
Sovereign of gods and lord of sacrifice,
Sprang into being? That immortal pair
Whom Vishnu, greater than the Self-existent [127],
Chose for his parents, when, to save mankind,
He took upon himself the shape of mortals?

MATALI.

Even so.

KING. [_Prostrating himself_.

Most august of beings! Dushyanta, content to have fulfilled the
commands of your son Indra, offers you his adoration.

KA[S']YAPA.

My son, long may's