he very centre of the sacred fire, though
thick smoke obstructed his vision. Henceforth thou wilt cease to be an
object of compassion. This very day I purpose sending thee, under the
charge of certain trusty hermits, to the King's palace; and shall
deliver thee into the hands of thy husband, as I would commit knowledge
to the keeping of a wise and faithful student."

ANASUYA.--Who, then, informed the holy Father of what passed in his
absence?

PRIYAMVADA.--As he was entering the sanctuary of the consecrated fire,
an invisible being chanted a verse in celestial strains.

ANASUYA [_with astonishment_].--Indeed! pray repeat it.

PRIYAMVADA [_repeats the verse_].--
Glows in thy daughter King Dushyanta's glory,
As in the sacred tree the mystic fire.
Let worlds rejoice to hear the welcome story;
And may the son immortalize the sire.

ANASUYA [_embracing Priyamvada_].--Oh, my dear Priyamvada, what
delightful news! I am pleased beyond measure; yet when I think that we
are to lose our dear Sakoontala this very day, a feeling of melancholy
mingles with my joy.

PRIYAMVADA.--We shall find means of consoling ourselves after her
departure. Let the dear creature only be made happy, at any cost.

ANASUYA.--Yes, yes, Priyamvada, it shall be so; and now to prepare our
bridal array. I have always looked forward to this occasion, and some
time since, I deposited a beautiful garland of Kesara flowers in a
cocoa-nut box, and suspended it on a bough of yonder mango-tree. Be good
enough to stretch out your hand and take it down, while I compound
unguents and perfumes with this consecrated paste and these blades of
sacred grass.

PRIYAMVADA.--Very well.

[_Exit Anasuya. Priyamvada takes down the flowers._

A VOICE [_behind the scenes_].--Gautami, bid Sarngarava and the others
hold themselves in readiness to escort Sakoontala.

PRIYAMVADA [_listening_].--Quick, quick, Anasuya! They are calling the
hermits who are to go with Sakoontala to Hastinapur.

ANASUYA [_reentering, with the perfumed unguents in her hand_].--Come
along then, Priyamvada; I am ready to go with you. [_They walk away_.

PRIYAMVADA [_looking_].--See! there sits Sakoontala, her locks arranged
even at this early hour of the morning. The holy women of the hermitage
are congratulating her, and invoking blessings on her head, while they
present her with wedding-gifts and offerings of consecrated wild-rice.
Let us join them. [_