al allegiance. Such espousals, too,
Are authorized on earth, and many daughters
Of royal saints thus wedded to their lords,
Have still received their father's benison.

SAKOONTALA.--Leave me, leave me; I must take counsel with my female
friends.

KING.--I will leave thee when------

SAKOONTALA.--When?

KING.--When I have gently stolen from thy lips
Their yet untasted nectar, to allay
The raging of my thirst, e'en as the bee
Sips the fresh honey from the opening bud.
[_Attempts to raise her face. Sakoontala tries to prevent him_.

A VOICE [_behind the scenes_].--The loving birds, doomed by fate to
nightly separation, must bid farewell to each other, for evening is at
hand.

SAKOONTALA [_in confusion_].--Great Prince, I hear the voice of the
matron Gautami. She is coming this way, to inquire after my health.
Hasten and conceal yourself behind the branches.

KING.--I will. [_Conceals himself_.

_Enter Gautami with a vase in her hand, preceded by two attendants_.

ATTENDANTS.--This way, most venerable Gautami.

GAUTAMI [_approaching Sakoontala_].--My child, is the fever of thy limbs
allayed?

SAKOONTALA.--Venerable mother, there is certainly a change for the
better.

GAUTAMI.--Let me sprinkle you with this holy water, and all your
ailments will depart. [_Sprinkling Sakoontala on the head_.] The day is
closing, my child; come, let us go to the cottage.
[_They all move away_.

SAKOONTALA [_aside_].--Oh my heart! thou didst fear to taste of
happiness when it was within thy reach. Now that the object of thy
desires is torn from thee, how bitter will be thy remorse, how
distracting thine anguish! [_Moving on a few steps and stopping.
Aloud_.] Farewell! bower of creepers, sweet soother of my sufferings,
farewell! may I soon again be happy under thy shade.
[_Exit reluctantly with the others_.

KING [_returning to his former seat in the arbor. Sighing_].--Alas! how
many are the obstacles to the accomplishment of our wishes!
Albeit she did coyly turn away
Her glowing cheek, and with her fingers guard
Her pouting lips, that murmured a denial
In faltering accents, she did yield herself
A sweet reluctant captive to my will,
As eagerly I raised her lovely face:
But ere with gentle force I stole the kiss,
Too envious Fate did mar my daring purpose.
Whither now shall I betake myself? I will tarry for a brief space in
thi