, we have heard it said that kings have many favorite
consorts. You must not, then, by your behavior towards our dear friend,
give her relations cause to sorrow for her.

KING.--Listen, gentle maiden, while in a few words I quiet your anxiety.
Though many beauteous forms my palace grace,
Henceforth two things alone will I esteem
The glory of my royal dynasty;--
My sea-girt realm, and this most lovely maid.

PRIYAMVADA AND ANASUYA.--We are satisfied by your assurances.

PRIYAMVADA [_glancing on one side_],--See, Anasuya, there is our
favorite little fawn running about in great distress, and turning its
eyes in every direction as if looking for its mother; come, let us help
the little thing to find her.

[_Both move away._]

SAKOONTALA.--Dear friends, dear friends, leave me not alone and
unprotected. Why need you both go?

PRIYAMVADA AND ANASUYA.--Unprotected! when the Protector of the world is
at your side. [_Exeunt._]

SAKOONTALA.--What! have they both really left me?

KING.--Distress not thyself, sweet maiden. Thy adorer is at hand to wait
upon thee.
Oh, let me tend thee, fair one, in the place
Of thy dear friends; and, with broad lotus fans,
Raise cooling breezes to refresh thy frame;
Or shall I rather, with caressing touch,
Allay the fever of thy limbs, and soothe
Thy aching feet, beauteous as blushing lilies?

SAKOONTALA.--Nay, touch me not. I will not incur the censure of those
whom I am bound to respect.
[_Rises and attempts to go._]

KING.--Fair one, the heat of noon has not yet subsided, and thy body is
still feeble.
How canst thou quit thy fragrant couch of flowers,
And from thy throbbing bosom cast aside
Its covering of lotus leaves, to brave
With weak and fainting limbs the noon-day heat?

[_Forces her to turn back._]

SAKOONTALA.--Infringe not the rules of decorum, mighty descendant of
Puru. Remember, though I love you, I have no power to dispose of myself.

KING.--Why this fear of offending your relations, timid maid? When your
venerable foster-father hears of it, he will not find fault with you. He
knows that the law permits us to be united without consulting him.
In Indra's heaven, so at least 'tis said,
No nuptial rites prevail,[39] nor is the bride
Led to the altar by her future spouse;
But all in secret does the bridegroom plight
His troth, and each unto the other vow
Mutu