hness performed the natal rites.

ADITI.--My revered husband, should not the intelligence be conveyed to
Kanwa, that his daughter's wishes are fulfilled, and her happiness
complete? He is Sakoontala's foster-father. Menaka, who is one of my
attendants, is her mother, and dearly does she love her daughter.

SAKOONTALA [_aside_].--The venerable matron has given utterance to the
very wish that was in my mind.

KASYAPA.--His penances have gained for him the faculty of omniscience,
and the whole scene is already present to his mind's eye.

KING.--Then most assuredly he cannot be very angry with me.

KASYAPA.--Nevertheless it becomes us to send him intelligence of this
happy event, and hear his reply. What, ho there!

PUPIL [_entering_].--Holy father, what are your commands?

KASYAPA.--My good Galava, delay not an instant, but hasten through the
air and convey to the venerable Kanwa, from me, the happy news that the
fatal spell has ceased, that Dushyanta's memory is restored, that his
daughter Sakoontala has a son, and that she is once more tenderly
acknowledged by her husband.

PUPIL.--Your highness's commands shall be obeyed. [_Exit._

KASYAPA.--And now, my dear son, take thy consort and thy child,
re-ascend the car of Indra, and return to thy imperial capital.

KING.--Most holy father, I obey.

KASYAPA.--And accept this blessing--
For countless ages may the god of gods,
Lord of the atmosphere, by copious showers
Secure abundant harvest to thy subjects;
And thou by frequent offerings preserve
The Thunderer's friendship! Thus, by interchange
Of kindly actions, may you both confer
Unnumbered benefits on earth and heaven!

KING.--Holy father, I will strive, as far as I am able, to attain this
happiness.

KASYAPA.--What other favor can I bestow on thee, my son?

KING.--What other can I desire? If, however, you permit me to form
another wish, I would humbly beg that the saying of the sage Bharata be
fulfilled:--
May kings reign only for their subjects' weal!
May the divine Saraswati, the source
Of speech, and goddess of dramatic art,
Be ever honored by the great and wise!
And may the purple self-existent god,
Whose vital Energy pervades all space,
From future transmigrations save my soul!

[_Exeunt omnes_.

[43] A sacred range of mountains lying along the Himalaya chain
immediately adjacent to Kailasa, the paradise of Kuvera, the