SAKOONTALÁ [_feeling a quivering sensation in her right eyelid, and suspecting a bad omen_],--Alas! what means this throbbing of my right eyelid?
GAUTAMÍ.--Heaven avert the evil omen, my child! May the guardian deities of thy husband's family convert it into a sign of good fortune! [_Walks on_.
PRIEST [_pointing to the King_].--Most reverend sirs, there stands the protector of the four classes of the people; the guardian of the four orders of the priesthood. He has just left the judgment-seat, and is waiting for you. Behold him!
SÁRNGARAVA.--Great Bráhman, we are happy in thinking that the King's power is exerted for the protection of all classes of his subjects. We have not come as petitioners--we have the fullest confidence in the generosity of his nature. The loftiest trees bend humbly to the ground Beneath the teeming burden of their fruit; High in the vernal sky the pregnant clouds Suspend their stately course, and hanging low, Scatter their sparkling treasures o'er the earth:-- And such is true benevolence; the good Are never rendered arrogant by riches.
WARDER.--So please your Majesty, I judge from the placid countenance of the hermits that they have no alarming message to deliver.
KING [_looking at Sakoontalá_].--But the lady there-- Who can she be, whose form of matchless grace Is half concealed beneath her flowing veil? Among the sombre hermits she appears Like a fresh bud 'mid sear and yellow leaves.
WARDER.--So please your Majesty, my curiosity is also roused, but no conjecture occurs to my mind. This at least is certain, that she deserves to be looked at more closely.
KING.--True; but it is not right to gaze at another man's wife.
SAKOONTALÁ [_placing her hand on her bosom. Aside_].--O my heart, why this throbbing? Remember thy lord's affection, and take courage.
PRIEST [_advancing_].--These holy men have been received with all due honor. One of them has now a message to deliver from his spiritual superior. Will your Majesty deign to hear it?
HERMITS [_extending their hands_].--Victory to the King!
HERMITS.--May the desires of your soul be accomplished!
KING.--I trust no one is molesting you in the prosecution of your religious rites.
HERMITS.--Who dares disturb our penitential rites When thou art our protector? Can the night Prevail to cast her shadows o'er the earth While the sun's beams irradiate the sky?