[S']AKOONTALA.

[_Moving a step or two further off_.

What! it still persists in following me.

KING. [_Advancing hastily_.

When mighty Puru's offspring sways the earth,
And o'er the wayward holds his threatening rod,
Who dares molest the gentle maids that keep
Their holy vigils here in Kanwa's grove?

[_All look at the_ KING, _and all are embarrassed_.

ANASUYA.

Kind Sir, no outrage has been committed; only our dear friend
here was teased by the attacks of a troublesome bee.

[_Points to_ [S']AKOONTALA.

KING. [_Turning to_ [S']AKOONTALA.

I trust all is well with your devotional rites[24]?

[[S']AKOONTALA _stands confused and silent_.]

ANASUYA.

All is well indeed, now that we are honoured by the reception of
a distinguished guest. Dear [S']akoontala, go, bring from the
hermitage an offering of flowers, rice, and fruit. This water
that we have brought with us will serve to bathe our guest's
feet[25].

KING.

The rites of hospitality are already performed; your truly kind
words are the best offering I can receive.

PRIYAMVADA.

At least be good enough, gentle Sir, to sit down awhile, and rest
yourself on this seat shaded by the leaves of the Sapta-parna
tree[26].

KING.

You, too, must all be fatigued by your employment.

ANASUYA.

Dear [S']akoontala, there is no impropriety in our sitting by the
side of our guest; come, let us sit down here.

[_All sit down together_.

[S']AKOONTALA. [_Aside_.

How is it that the sight of this made me sensible of emotions
inconsistent with religious vows?

KING. [_Gazing at them all By turns_.

How charmingly your friendship is in keeping with the equality of
your ages and appearance!

PRIYAMVADA. [_Aside to ANASUYA_.

Who can this person be, whose lively yet dignified manner, and
polite conversation, bespeak him a man of high rank?

ANASUYA.

I, too, my dear, am very curious to know. I will ask him myself.

[_Aloud_]

Your kind words, noble Sir, fill me with confidence, and prompt
me to inquire of what regal family our noble guest is the
ornament? what country is now mourning his absence? and what
induced a person so delicat