_Shakuntala_. Of course. Can't you see?

_Priyamvada_ (_looking at it joyfully_). And I have something pleasant to tell _you_. You are to be married soon.

_Shakuntala_ (_snappishly_). You know that's just what you want for yourself.

_Priyamvada_. I'm not teasing. I really heard Father Kanva say that this flowering vine was to be a symbol of your coming happiness.

_a.n.u.suya_. Priyamvada, that is why Shakuntala waters the spring-creeper so lovingly.

_Shakuntala_. She is my sister. Why shouldn't I give her water? (_She tips her watering-pot_.)

_King_. May I hope that she is the hermit's daughter by a mother of a different caste? But it _must_ be so.

Surely, she may become a warrior's bride; Else, why these longings in an honest mind?

The motions of a blameless heart decide Of right and wrong, when reason leaves us blind.

Yet I will learn the whole truth.

_Shakuntala_ (_excitedly_). Oh, oh! A bee has left the jasmine-vine and is flying into my face. (_She shows herself annoyed by the bee_.)

_King_ (_ardently_).

As the bee about her flies, Swiftly her bewitching eyes Turn to watch his flight.

She is practising to-day Coquetry and glances' play Not from love, but fright.

(_Jealously_.)

Eager bee, you lightly skim O'er the eyelid's trembling rim Toward the cheek aquiver.

Gently buzzing round her cheek, Whispering in her ear, you seek Secrets to deliver.

While her hands that way and this Strike at you, you steal a kiss, Love's all, honeymaker.

I know nothing but her name, Not her caste, nor whence she came-- You, my rival, take her.

_Shakuntala_. Oh, girls! Save me from this dreadful bee!

_The two friends_ (_smiling_). Who are we, that we should save you?

Call upon Dushyanta. For pious groves are in the protection of the king.

_King_. A good opportunity to present myself. Have no--(_He checks himself. Aside_.) No, they would see that I am the king. I prefer to appear as a guest.

_Shakuntala_. He doesn't leave me alone! I am going to run away.

(_She takes a step and looks about_.) Oh, dear! Oh, dear! He is following me. Please save me.

_King_ (_hastening forward_). Ah!

A king of Puru's mighty line Chastises shameless churls; What insolent is he who baits These artless hermit-girls?

(_The girls are a little flurried on seeing the king_.)

_a.n.u.suya_. It is nothing very dreadful, sir. But our friend (_indicating_ SHAKUNTALA) was teased and frightened by a bee.

_King_ (_to_ SHAKUNTALA). I hope these pious days are happy ones.

(SHAKUNTALA's _eyes drop in embarra.s.sment_.)

_a.n.u.suya_. Yes, now that we receive such a distinguished guest.

_Priyamvada_. Welcome, sir. Go to the cottage, Shakuntala, and bring fruit. This water will do to wash the feet.

_King_. Your courteous words are enough to make me feel at home.

_a.n.u.suya_. Then, sir, pray sit down and rest on this shady bench.

_King_. You, too, are surely wearied by your pious task. Pray be seated a moment.

_Priyamvada_ (_aside to_ SHAKUNTALA). My dear, we must be polite to our guest. Shall we sit down? (_The three girls sit_.)

_Shakuntala_ (_to herself_). Oh, why do I have such feelings 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_ a.n.u.sUYA). Who is he, dear? With his mystery, and his dignity, and his courtesy? He acts like a king and a gentleman.

_a.n.u.suya_. 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. a.n.u.suya 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.

_a.n.u.suya_. Then we of the hermitage have some one to take care of us.

(SHAKUNTALA _shows embarra.s.sment_.)

_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?