BOTH MAIDENS.--The mighty power of King Dushyanta is not to be disputed.
FIRST MAIDEN.--It is but a few days since Mitrávasu, the king's brother-in-law, sent us to wait upon his Majesty; and, during the whole of our sojourn here, we have been intrusted with the charge of the royal pleasure-grounds. We are therefore strangers in this place, and heard nothing of the order until you informed us of it.
CHAMBERLAIN.--Well then, now you know it, take care you don't continue your preparations.
BOTH MAIDENS.--But tell us, kind sir, why has the King prohibited the usual festivities? We are curious to hear, if we may.
SÁNUMATÍ [_aside_].--Men are naturally fond of festive entertainments. There must be some good reason for the prohibition.
CHAMBERLAIN.--The whole affair is now public; why should I not speak of it! Has not the gossip about the King's rejection of Sakoontalá reached your ears yet?
BOTH MAIDENS.--Oh yes, we heard the story from the King's brother-in-law, as far, at least, as the discovery of the ring.
CHAMBERLAIN.--Then there is little more to tell you. As soon as the King's memory was restored by the sight of his own ring, he exclaimed, "Yes, it is all true. I remember now my secret marriage with Sakoontalá. When I repudiated her, I had lost my recollection." Ever since that moment, he has yielded himself a prey to the bitterest remorse. He loathes his former pleasures; he rejects The daily homage of his ministers. On his lone couch he tosses to and fro, Courting repose in vain. Whene'er he meets The ladies of his palace, and would fain Address them with politeness, he confounds Their names; or, calling them "Sakoontalá," Is straightway silent and abashed with shame.
SÁNUMATÍ [_aside_].--To me this account is delightful.
CHAMBERLAIN.--In short, the King is so completely out of his mind that the festival has been prohibited.
A VOICE [_behind the scenes_].--The King! the King! This way, Sire, this way.
CHAMBERLAIN [_listening_].--Oh! here comes his majesty in this direction. Pass on, maidens; attend to your duties.
_Enter King Dushyanta, dressed in deep mourning, attended by his Jester, Máthavya, and preceded by Vetravatí._
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.