usband, is that the Lost Ring?

KING.--Yes; the moment I recovered it, my memory was restored.

SAKOONTALA.--The ring was to blame in allowing itself to be lost at the
very time when I was anxious to convince my noble husband of the reality
of my marriage.

KING.--Receive it back, as the beautiful twining plant receives again
its blossom in token of its reunion with the spring.

SAKOONTALA.--Nay; I can never more place confidence in it. Let my
husband retain it.

_Enter Matali_.

MATALI.--I congratulate your Majesty. Happy are you in your reunion with
your wife: happy are you in beholding the face of your son.

KING.--Yes, indeed. My heart's dearest wish has borne sweet fruit. But
tell me, Matali, is this joyful event known to the great Indra?

MATALI [_smiling_].--What is unknown to the gods? But come with me,
noble Prince, the divine Kasyapa graciously permits thee to be presented
to him.

KING.--Sakoontala, take our child and lead the way. We will together go
into the presence of the holy Sage.

SAKOONTALA.--I shrink from entering the august presence of the great
Saint, even with my husband at my side.

KING.--Nay; on such a joyous occasion it is highly proper. Come, come; I
entreat thee. [_All advance_.

_Kasyapa is discovered seated on a throne with his wife Aditi_.

KASYAPA [_gazing at Dushyanta. To his wife_].--O Aditi, This is the
mighty hero, King Dushyanta, Protector of the earth; who, at the head Of
the celestial armies of thy son, Does battle with the enemies of heaven.
Thanks to his bow, the thunderbolt of Indra Rests from its work, no more
the minister Of death and desolation to the world, But a mere symbol of
divinity.

ADITI.--He bears in his noble form all the marks of dignity.

MATALI [_to Dushyanta_].--Sire, the venerable progenitors of the
celestials are gazing at your Majesty with as much affection as if you
were their son. You may advance towards them.

KING.--Are these, O Matali, the holy pair,
Offspring of Daksha and divine Marichi,
Children of Brahma's sons, by sages deemed
Sole fountain of celestial light, diffused
Through twelve effulgent orbs? Are these the pair
From whom the ruler of the triple world,
Sovereign of gods and lord of sacrifice,
Sprang into being? That immortal pair
Whom Vishnu, greater than the self-existent,
Chose for his parents, when, to save mankind,
He took upon himself the shape of