PRIYAMVADA AND ANASUYA.--Nay, this is the very point about which we are
so solicitous. Sorrow shared with affectionate friends is relieved of
half its poignancy.

KING.--Pressed by the partners of her joys and griefs, Her much beloved
companions, to reveal The cherished secret locked within her breast,
She needs must utter it; although her looks Encourage me to hope, my
bosom throbs As anxiously I listen for her answer.

SAKOONTALA.--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 Sakoontala, say on.

SAKOONTALA.--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.

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

KING [_with rapture_].--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 Sakoontala. 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 Visakha pines
to be united with the Moon.

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