KING [_gazing at Sakoontalá. Aside_].--Would I could ascertain whether she is affected towards me as I am towards her! At any rate, my hopes are free to indulge themselves. Because, Although she mingles not her words with mine, Yet doth her listening ear drink in my speech; Although her eye shrinks from my ardent gaze, No form but mine attracts its timid glances.
A VOICE [_behind the scenes_].--O hermits, be ready to protect the animals belonging to our hermitage. King Dushyanta, amusing himself with hunting, is near at hand. Lo! by the feet of prancing horses raised, Thick clouds of moving dust, like glittering swarms Of locusts in the glow of eventide, Fall on the branches of our sacred trees; Where hang the dripping vests of woven bark, Bleached by the waters of the cleansing fountain. And see! Scared by the royal chariot in its course, With headlong haste an elephant invades The hallowed precincts of our sacred grove; Himself the terror of the startled deer, And an embodied hindrance to our rites. The hedge of creepers clinging to his feet, Feeble obstruction to his mad career, Is dragged behind him in a tangled chain; And with terrific shock one tusk he drives Into the riven body of a tree, Sweeping before him all impediments.
KING [_aside_].--Out upon it! my retinue are looking for me, and are disturbing this holy retreat. Well! there is no help for it; I must go and meet them.
PRIYAMVADÁ AND ANASÚYÁ.--Noble Sir, we are terrified by the accidental disturbance caused by the wild elephant. Permit us to return into the cottage.
KING [_hastily_].--Go, gentle maidens. It shall be our care that no injury happen to the hermitage. [_All rise up_.
PRIYAMVADÁ AND ANASÚYÁ.--After such poor hospitality we are ashamed to request the honor of a second visit from you.
KING.--Say not so. The mere sight of you, sweet maidens, has been to me the best entertainment.
SAKOONTALÁ.--Anasúyá, a pointed blade of Kusa-grass[35] has pricked my foot; and my bark-mantle is caught in the branch of a Kuruvaka-bush. Be so good as to wait for me until I have disentangled it. [_Exit with her two companions, after making pretexts for delay, that she may steal glances at the King_.
KING.--I have no longer any desire to return to the city. I will therefore rejoin my attendants, and make them encamp somewhere in the vicinity of this sacred grove. In good truth, Sakoontalá has taken such possession of my thoughts, that I cannot turn myself in any other direction. My limbs drawn onward leave my heart behind, Like silken pennon borne against the wind.