SUCHAKA.--Oh! very good, sir; as you please.

SECOND CONSTABLE.--The fellow had one foot in hell, and now here he is
in the land of the living. [_Releases him_.

FISHERMAN [_bowing to the Superintendent_].--Now, master, what think you
of my way of getting a livelihood?

SUPERINTENDENT.--Here, my good man, the King desired me to present you
with this purse. It contains a sum of money equal to the full value of
the ring.
[_Gives him the money_.

FISHERMAN [_taking it and bowing_].--His Majesty does me too great
honor.

SUCHAKA.--You may well say so. He might as well have taken you from the
gallows to seat you on his state elephant.

JANUKA.--Master, the King must value the ring very highly, or he would
never have sent such a sum of money to this ragamuffin.

SUPERINTENDENT.--I don't think he prizes it as a costly jewel so much as
a memorial of some person he tenderly loves. The moment it was shown to
him he became much agitated, though in general he conceals his feelings.

SUCHAKA.--Then you must have done a great service------

JANUKA.--Yes, to this husband of a fish-wife.
[_Looks enviously at the fisherman_.

FISHERMAN.--Here's half the money for you, my masters. It will serve to
purchase the flowers you spoke of, if not to buy me your good-will.

JANUKA.--Well, now, that's just as it should be.

SUPERINTENDENT.--My good fisherman, you are an excellent fellow, and I
begin to feel quite a regard for you. Let us seal our first friendship
over a glass of good liquor. Come along to the next wine-shop and we'll
drink your health.

ALL.--By all means.
[_Exeunt._

ACT SIXTH

Scene.--The Garden of the Palace

_The nymph Sanumati is seen descending in a celestial car_.

SANUMATI.--Behold me just arrived from attending in my proper turn at
the nymphs' pool, where I have left the other nymphs to perform their
ablutions, whilst I seek to ascertain, with my own eyes, how it fares
with King Dushyanta. My connection with the nymph Menaka has made her
daughter Sakoontala dearer to me than my own flesh and blood; and Menaka
it was who charged me with this errand on her daughter's behalf.
[_Looking round in all directions_.] How is it that I see no
preparations in the King's household for celebrating the great vernal
festival? I could easily discover the reason by my divine faculty of
meditation; but respect must be shown to the wishes of my friend. How
then shall I ar