ows, that met before in graceful curves,
Like the arched weapon of the god of love,
Seemed by her frown dissevered; while the fire
Of sudden anger kindled in her eyes.

[_Aloud_.] My good lady, Dushyanta's character is well-known to all. I
comprehend not your meaning.

SAKOONTALA.--Well do I deserve to be thought a harlot for having, in the
innocence of my heart, and out of the confidence I reposed in a Prince
of Puru's race, intrusted my honor to a man whose mouth distils honey,
while his heart is full of poison.
[_Covers her face with her mantle, and bursts into tears_.

SARNGARAVA.--Thus is it that burning remorse must ever follow rash
actions which might have been avoided, and for which one has only one's
self to blame.
Not hastily should marriage be contracted,
And specially in secret. Many a time,
In hearts that know not each the other's fancies,
Fond love is changed into most bitter hate.

KING.--How now! Do you give credence to this woman rather than to me,
that you heap such accusations on me?

SARNGARAVA [_sarcastically_].--That would be too absurd, certainly. You
have heard the proverb--
Hold in contempt the innocent words of those
Who from their infancy have known no guile:--
But trust the treacherous counsels of the man
Who makes a very science of deceit.

KING.--Most veracious Brahman, grant that you are in the right, what end
would be gained by betraying this lady?

SARNGARAVA.--Ruin.

KING.--No one will believe that a Prince of Puru's race would seek to
ruin others or himself.

SARADWATA.--This altercation is idle, Sarngarava. We have executed the
commission of our preceptor; come, let us return. [_To the King_.
Sakoontala is certainly thy bride;
Receive her or reject her, she is thine.
Do with her, King, according to thy pleasure--
The husband o'er the wife is absolute.
Go on before us, Gautami. [_They move away_.

SAKOONTALA.--What! is it not enough to have been betrayed by this
perfidious man? Must you also forsake me, regardless of my tears and
lamentations?
[_Attempts to follow them_.

GAUTAMI [_stopping_].--My son Sarngarava, see, Sakoontala is following
us, and with tears implores us not to leave her. Alas! poor child, what
will she do here with a cruel husband who casts her from him?

SARNGARAVA [_turning angrily towards her_].--Wilful woman, dost thou
seek to be independent of thy lord?