elings when I
see this man? They seem wrong in a hermitage.
_King_ (_looking at the girls_). It is delightful to see your
friendship. For you are all young and beautiful.
_Priyamvada_ (_aside to_ ANUSUYA). Who is he, dear? With his mystery,
and his dignity, and his courtesy? He acts like a king and a
gentleman.
_Anusuya_. I am curious too. I am going to ask him. (_Aloud_.) Sir,
you are so very courteous that I make bold to ask you something. What
royal family do you adorn, sir? What country is grieving at your
absence? Why does a gentleman so delicately bred submit to the weary
journey into our pious grove?
_Shakuntala_ (_aside_). Be brave, my heart. Anusuya speaks your very
thoughts.
_King_ (_aside_). Shall I tell at once who I am, or conceal it? (_He
reflects_.) This will do. (_Aloud_.) I am a student of Scripture.
It is my duty to see justice done in the cities of the king.
And I have come to this hermitage on a tour of inspection.
_Anusuya_. Then we of the hermitage have some one to take care of us.
(SHAKUNTALA _shows embarrassment_.)
_The two friends_ (_observing the demeanour of the pair. Aside to_
SHAKUNTALA). Oh, Shakuntala! If only Father were here to-day.
_Shakuntala_. What would he do?
_The two friends_. He would make our distinguished guest happy, if it
took his most precious treasure.
_Shakuntala_ (_feigning anger_). Go away! You mean something. I'll not
listen to you.
_King_. I too would like to ask a question about your friend.
_The two friends_. Sir, your request is a favour to us.
_King_. Father Kanva lives a lifelong hermit. Yet you say that your
friend is his daughter. How can that be?
_Anusuya_. Listen, sir. There is a majestic royal sage named
Kaushika----
_King_. Ah, yes. The famous Kaushika.
_Anusuya_. Know, then, that he is the source of our friend's being.
But Father Kanva is her real father, because he took care of her when
she was abandoned.
_King_. You waken my curiosity with the word "abandoned." May I hear
the whole story?
_Anusuya_. Listen, sir. Many years ago, that royal sage was leading a
life of stern austerities, and the gods, becoming strangely jealous,
sent the nymph Menaka to disturb his devotions.
_King_. Yes, the gods feel this jealousy toward the austerities of
others. And then--
_Anusuya_. Then in the lovely spring-time he saw her intoxicating
beauty--(_She stops in embarrassment_.)
_King_. The rest is plain. Surely, she is th
|