dear friends, and tell
me whether the ideas are appropriately expressed.

PRIYAMVADA AND ANASUYA.--We are all attention.

SAKOONTALA [_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!

[_Sakoontala 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. Sakoontala is confused._]

PRIYAMVADA.--Anyone 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 honored by it.

SAKOONTALA [_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 second deadlier death--
Killed by thy words, as erst by Kama's shafts.

ANASUYA.--Kind Sir