en on a husband worthy of her; and since heaven has given her such a
husband, his wishes have been realized without any trouble to himself.

PRIYAMVADA [_looking at the flower-basket_].--We have gathered flowers
enough for the sacred offering, dear Anasuya.

ANASUYA.--Well, then, let us now gather more, that we may have wherewith
to propitiate the guardian-deity of our dear Sakoontala.

PRIYAMVADA.--By all means. [_They continue gathering_.

A VOICE [_behind the scenes_].--Ho there! See you not that I am here?

ANASUYA [_listening_].--That must be the voice of a guest announcing his
arrival.

PRIYAMVADA.--Surely, Sakoontala is not absent from the cottage.
[_Aside_.] Her heart at least is absent, I fear.

ANASUYA.--Come along, come along; we have gathered flowers enough.
[_They move away_.

THE SAME VOICE [_behind the scenes_].--Woe to thee, maiden, for daring
to slight a guest like me!
Shall I stand here unwelcomed; even I,
A very mine of penitential merit,
Worthy of all respect? Shalt thou, rash maid,
Thus set at nought the ever sacred ties
Of hospitality? and fix thy thoughts
Upon the cherished object of thy love,
While I am present? Thus I curse thee, then--
He, even he of whom thou thinkest, he
Shall think no more of thee; nor in his heart
Retain thine image. Vainly shalt thou strive
To waken his remembrance of the past;
He shall disown thee, even as the sot,
Roused from his midnight drunkenness, denies
The words he uttered in his revellings.

PRIYAMVADA.--Alas! alas! I fear a terrible misfortune has occurred.
Sakoontala, from absence of mind, must have offended some guest whom she
was bound to treat with respect. [_Looking behind the scenes_.] Ah! yes;
I see, and no less a person than the great sage Durvasas, who is known
to be most irascible. He it is that has just cursed her, and is now
retiring with hasty strides, trembling with passion, and looking as if
nothing could turn him. His wrath is like a consuming fire.

ANASUYA.--Go quickly, dear Priyamvada, throw yourself at his feet, and
persuade him to come back, while I prepare a propitiatory offering for
him, with water and refreshments.

PRIYAMVADA.--I will. [_Exit._

ANASUYA [_advancing hastily a few steps and stumbling_].--Alas! alas!
this comes of being in a hurry. My foot has slipped and my basket of
flowers has fallen from my hand.
[_Stays to ga