onor, indeed. This favor doubtless signifies that you are soon to be
received as a happy wife into your husband's house, and are from this
forward to become the partner of his royal fortunes.
[_Sakoontala appears confused_.

FIRST HERMIT.--Come, Gautama; Father Kanwa has finished his ablutions.
Let us go and inform him of the favor we have received from the deities
who preside over our trees.

SECOND HERMIT.--By all means. [_Exeunt._

PRIYAMVADA AND ANASUYA.--Alas! what are we to do? We are unused to such
splendid decorations, and are at a loss how to arrange them. Our
knowledge of painting must be our guide. We will dispose the ornaments
as we have seen them in pictures.

SAKOONTALA.--Whatever pleases you, dear girls, will please me. I have
perfect confidence in your taste. [_They commence dressing her_.

_Enter Kanwa, having just finished his ablutions_.

KANWA.--This day my loved one leaves me, and my heart
Is heavy with its grief: the streams of sorrow
Choked at the source, repress my faltering voice.
I have no words to speak; mine eyes are dimmed
By the dark shadows of the thoughts that rise
Within my soul. If such the force of grief
In an old hermit parted from his nursling,
What anguish must the stricken parent feel--
Bereft forever of an only daughter?
[_Advances towards Sakoontala_

PRIYAMVADA AND ANASUYA.--Now, dearest Sakoontala, we have finished
decorating you. You have only to put on the two linen mantles.
[_Sakoontala rises and puts them on_.

GAUTAMI.--Daughter, see, here comes thy foster-father; he is eager to
fold thee in his arms; his eyes swim with tears of joy. Hasten to do him
reverence.

SAKOONTALA [_reverently_].--My father, I salute you.

KANWA.--My daughter,
May'st thou be highly honored by thy lord,
E'en as Yayati Sarmishtha adored!
And, as she bore him Puru; so may'st thou
Bring forth a son to whom the world shall bow!

GAUTAMI.--Most venerable father, she accepts your benediction as if she
already possessed the boon it confers.

KANWA.--Now come this way, my child, and walk reverently round these
sacrificial fires. [_They all walk round_.

KANWA [_repeats a prayer in the metre of the Rig-veda_].--
Holy flames, that gleam around
Every altar's hallowed ground;
Holy flames, whose frequent food
Is the consecrated wood,
And for whose encircling bed,