travati._

CHAMBERLAIN [_gazing at the King_].--Well, noble forms are certainly
pleasing, under all varieties of outward circumstances. The King's
person is as charming as ever, notwithstanding his sorrow of mind.
Though but a single golden bracelet spans
His wasted arm; though costly ornaments
Have given place to penitential weeds;
Though oft-repeated sighs have blanched his lips,
And robbed them of their bloom; though sleepless care
And carking thought have dimmed his beaming eye;
Yet does his form, by its inherent lustre,
Dazzle the gaze; and, like a priceless gem
Committed to some cunning polisher,
Grow more effulgent by the loss of substance.

SANUMATI [_aside. Looking at the King_].--Now that I have seen him, I
can well understand why Sakoontala should pine after such a man, in
spite of his disdainful rejection of her.

KING [_walking slowly up and down, in deep thought_].--
When fatal lethargy overwhelmed my soul,
My loved one strove to rouse me, but in vain:--
And now when I would fain in slumber deep
Forget myself, full soon remorse doth wake me.

SANUMATI [_aside_].--My poor Sakoontala's sufferings are very similar.

MATHAVYA [_aside_].--He is taken with another attack of this odious
Sakoontala fever. How shall we ever cure him?

CHAMBERLAIN [_approaching_].--Victory to the King! Great Prince, the
royal pleasure-grounds have been put in order. Your Majesty can resort
to them for exercise and amusement whenever you think proper.

KING.--Vetravati, tell the worthy Pisuna, my prime minister, from me,
that I am so exhausted by want of sleep that I cannot sit on the
judgment-seat to-day. If any case of importance be brought before the
tribunal he must give it his best attention, and inform me of the
circumstances by letter.

VETRAVATI.--Your Majesty's commands shall be obeyed. [_Exit._

KING [_to the Chamberlain_].--And you, Vatayana, may go about your own
affairs.

CHAMBERLAIN.--I will, Sire. [_Exit._

MATHAVYA.--Now that you have rid yourself of these troublesome fellows,
you can enjoy the delightful coolness of your pleasure-grounds without
interruption.

KING.--Ah! my dear friend, there is an old adage--"When affliction has a
mind to enter, she will find a crevice somewhere"--and it is verified in
me.
Scarce is my soul delivered from the cloud
That darkened its remembrance of the past,
When lo! the heart-born deity of love