Charioteer , the deer has led us a long chase . And even now His neck in beauty bends As backward looks he sends At my pursuing car That threatens death from far . Fear shrinks to half the body small ; See how he fears the arrow 's fall ! The path he takes is strewed With blades of grass half-chewed From jaws wide with the stress Of fevered weariness . He leaps so often and so high , He does not seem to run , but fly . Then let the reins hang loose . Is the hermit father there ? The two hermits . No , he has left his daughter to welcome guests , and has just gone to Somatirtha , to avert an evil fate that threatens her . Well , I will see her . She shall feel my devotion , and report it to the sage . The two hermits . Then we will go on our way . Charioteer , drive on . A sight of the pious hermitage will purify us . She is quite right . Beneath the barken dress Upon the shoulder tied , In maiden loveliness Her young breast seems to hide , As when a flower amid The leaves by autumn tossed — Pale , withered leaves — lies hid , And half its grace is lost . Yet in truth the bark dress is not an enemy to her beauty . It serves as an added ornament . For The meanest vesture glows On beauty that enchants : The lotus lovelier shows Amid dull water-plants ; The moon in added splendour Shines for its spot of dark ; Yet more the maiden slender Charms in her dress of bark . ShakuntalaOh , girls , that mango-tree is trying to tell me something with his branches that move in the wind like fingers . I must go and see him . But the flattery is true . Her arms are tender shoots ; her lips Are blossoms red and warm ; Bewitching youth begins to flower In beauty on her form . 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 . ShakuntalaOh , oh ! A bee has left the jasmine-vine and is flying into my face .KingAs 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 .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 . A good opportunity to present myself . Have no —No , they would see that I am the king . I prefer to appear as a guest . Your courteous words are enough to make me feel at home . You , too , are surely wearied by your pious task . Pray be seated a moment . PriyamvadaMy dear , we must be polite to our guest . Shall we sit down ?ShakuntalaOh , why do I have such feelings when I see this man ? They seem wrong in a hermitage . KingIt is delightful to see your friendship . For you are all young and beautiful . PriyamvadaWho is he , dear ? With his mystery , and his dignity , and his courtesy ? He acts like a king and a gentleman . I too would like to ask a question about your friend . The two friends . Sir , your request is a favour to us . Father Kanva lives a lifelong hermit . Yet you say that your friend is his daughter . How can that be ? Ah , yes . The famous Kaushika . You waken my curiosity with the word “ abandoned . ” May I hear the whole story ? Yes , the gods feel this jealousy toward the austerities of others . And then — The rest is plain . Surely , she is the daughter of the nymph . It is as it should be . To beauty such as this No woman could give birth ; The quivering lightning flash Is not a child of earth .KingAh , my wishes become hopes . PriyamvadaSir , it seems as if you had more to say . You are right . Your pious life interests me , and I have another question . My question is this : Does she , till marriage only , keep her vow As hermit-maid , that shames the ways of love ? Or must her soft eyes ever see , as now , Soft eyes of friendly deer in peaceful grove ? It is plain that she is already wearied by watering the trees . See ! Her shoulders droop ; her palms are reddened yet ; Quick breaths are struggling in her bosom fair ; The blossom o'er her ear hangs limply wet ; One hand restrains the loose , dishevelled hair . I therefore remit her debt . Make no mistake . This is a present — from the king . I have offended sadly against the hermits . I must go back . The two friends . Your Honour , we are frightened by this alarm of the elephant . Permit us to return to the cottage . AnusuyaShakuntala dear , Mother Gautami will be anxious . We must hurry and find her . ShakuntalaOh , oh ! I can hardly walk . You must go very slowly . And I will take pains that the hermitage is not disturbed . The two friends . Your honour , we feel as if we knew you very well . Pray pardon our shortcomings as hostesses . May we ask you to seek better entertainment from us another time ? You are too modest . I feel honoured by the mere sight of you . I do not understand you . Speak plainly . The river-current , of course . How so ? Wait . Hear me out . When you are rested , you must be my companion in another task — an easy one . I will tell you presently . Who stands without ? Door-keeper . I await your Majesty 's commands . Raivataka , summon the general . Door-keeper . Yes , your Majesty .Follow me , sir . There is his Majesty , listening to our conversation . Draw near , sir . GeneralHunting is declared to be a sin , yet it brings nothing but good to the king . See ! He does not heed the cruel sting Of his recoiling , twanging string ; The mid-day sun , the dripping sweat Affect him not , nor make him fret ; His form , though sinewy and spare , Is most symmetrically fair ; No mountain-elephant could be More filled with vital strength than he . Bhadrasena , my enthusiasm is broken . Madhavya has been preaching against hunting . GeneralStick to it , friend Madhavya . I will humour the king a moment .Your Majesty , he is a chattering idiot . Your Majesty may judge by his own case whether hunting is an evil . Consider : The hunter 's form grows sinewy , strong , and light ; He learns , from beasts of prey , how wrath and fright Affect the mind ; his skill he loves to measure With moving targets . ‘ Tis life 's chiefest pleasure . ClownGet out ! Get out with your strenuous life ! The king has come to his senses . But you , you son of a slave-wench , can go chasing from forest to forest , till you fall into the jaws of some old bear that is looking for a deer or a jackal . Bhadrasena , I cannot take your advice , because I am in the vicinity of a hermitage . So for to-day The hornèd buffalo may shake The turbid water of the lake ; Shade-seeking deer may chew the cud , Boars trample swamp-grass in the mud ; The bow I bend in hunting , may Enjoy a listless holiday . Send back the archers who have gone ahead . And forbid the soldiers to vex the hermitage , or even to approach it . Remember : There lurks a hidden fire in each Religious hermit-bower ; Cool sun-stones kindle if assailed By any foreign power . Lead the way . Friend Madhavya , you do not know what vision is . You have not seen the fairest of all objects . Yes , every one thinks himself beautiful . But I was speaking of Shakuntala , the ornament of the hermitage . ClownI must n't add fuel to the flame .But you can n't have her because she is a hermit-girl . What is the use of seeing her ? Fool ! And is it selfish longing then , That draws our souls on high Through eyes that have forgot to wink , As the new moon climbs the sky ? Besides , Dushyanta 's thoughts dwell on no forbidden object . My friend , you have not seen her , or you could not talk so . Oh , my friend , she needs not many words . She is God 's vision , of pure thought Composed in His creative mind ; His reveries of beauty wrought The peerless pearl of womankind . So plays my fancy when I see How great is God , how lovely she . This too is in my thought . She seems a flower whose fragrance none has tasted , A gem uncut by workman 's tool , A branch no desecrating hands have wasted , Fresh honey , beautifully cool . No man on earth deserves to taste her beauty , Her blameless loveliness and worth , Unless he has fulfilled man 's perfect duty — And is there such a one on earth ? She is dependent on her father , and he is not here . But when she went away with her friends , she almost showed that she loved me . When she had hardly left my side , “ I cannot walk , ” the maiden cried , And turned her face , and feigned to free The dress not caught upon the tree . My friend , think of some pretext under which we may return to the hermitage . What of that ? Fool ! It is a very different tax which these hermits pay — one that outweighs heaps of gems . The wealth we take from common men , Wastes while we cherish ; These share with us such holiness As ne'er can perish . Voices behind the scenes . Ah , we have found him . KingThe voices are grave and tranquil . These must be hermits .Door-keeper . Victory , O King . There are two hermit-youths at the gate . Bid them enter at once . Door-keeper . Yes , your Majesty .Follow me . First youthA majestic presence , yet it inspires confidence . Nor is this wonderful in a king who is half a saint . For to him The splendid palace serves as hermitage ; His royal government , courageous , sage , Adds daily to his merit ; it is given To him to win applause from choirs of heaven Whose anthems to his glory rise and swell , Proclaiming him a king , and saint as well . They command rather . The two youths . The powers of evil disturb our pious life in the absence of the hermit-father . We therefore ask that you will remain a few nights with your charioteer to protect the hermitage . I shall be most happy to do so . ClownYou rather seem to like being collared this way . Raivataka , tell my charioteer to drive up , and to bring the bow and arrows . Pray go before . And I will follow straightway . The two youths . Victory , O King ! Madhavya , have you no curiosity to see Shakuntala ? Do not fear . You will be with me . Let him enter . Door-keeperKarabhaka , here is his Majesty . You may draw near . KarabhakaVictory to your Majesty . The queen-mother sends her commands —— What are her commands ? On the one side is my duty to the hermits , on the other my mother 's command . Neither may be disregarded . What is to be done ? ClownStay half-way between , like Trishanku . In truth , I am perplexed . Two inconsistent duties sever My mind with cruel shock , As when the current of a river Is split upon a rock . I will send all the soldiers with you , for the pious grove must not be disturbed . ClownAha ! Look at the heir-apparent ! KingThe fellow is a chatterbox . He might betray my longing to the ladies of the palace . Good , then !Friend Madhavya , my reverence for the hermits draws me to the hermitage . Do not think that I am really in love with the hermit-girl . Just think : A king , and a girl of the calm hermit-grove , Bred with the fawns , and a stranger to love ! Then do not imagine a serious quest ; The light words I uttered were spoken in jest . She is seriously ill .Is it the heat , or is it as I hope ?It must be so . With salve upon her breast , With loosened lotus-chain , My darling , sore oppressed , Is lovely in her pain . Though love and summer heat May work an equal woe , No maiden seems so sweet When summer lays her low . PriyamvadaAnusuya , since she first saw the good king , she has been greatly troubled . I do not believe her fever has any other cause . It is too true . Her lotus-chains that were as white As moonbeams shining in the night , Betray the fever 's awful pain , And fading , show a darker stain . ShakuntalaWell , say whatever you like . Anusuya . Shakuntala dear , you have not told us what is going on in your mind . But I have heard old , romantic stories , and I can n't help thinking that you are in a state like that of a lady in love . Please tell us what hurts you . We have to understand the disease before we can even try to cure it . Anusuya expresses my own thoughts . Priyamvada is right . See ! Her cheeks grow thin ; her breast and shoulders fail ; Her waist is weary and her face is pale : She fades for love ; oh , pitifully sweet ! As vine-leaves wither in the scorching heat . ShakuntalaI could not tell any one else . But I shall be a burden to you . The two friends . That is why we insist on knowing , dear . Grief must be shared to be endured . King . To friends who share her joy and grief She tells what sorrow laid her here ; She turned to look her love again When first I saw her — yet I fear ! It is quite true . The hot tears , flowing down my cheek All night on my supporting arm And on its golden bracelet , seek To stain the gems and do them harm . The bracelet slipping o'er the scars Upon the wasted arm , that show My deeds in hunting and in wars , All night is moving to and fro . PriyamvadaWell , she must write him a love-letter . And I will hide it in a bunch of flowers and see that it gets into the king 's hand as if it were a relic of the sacrifice . It is only natural that I should forget to wink when I see my darling . For One clinging eyebrow lifted , As fitting words she seeks , Her face reveals her passion For me in glowing cheeks . Pray do not hesitate . It always causes pain in the end , to leave unsaid what one longs to say . I am all attention . There is no text more urgent . We cherish the same desire . I feel it a great honour . ShakuntalaOh , do n't detain the good king . He is separated from the court ladies , and he is anxious to go back to them . King . Bewitching eyes that found my heart , You surely see It could no longer live apart , Nor faithless be . I bear Love 's arrows as I can ; Wound not with doubt a wounded man . What more can I say ? Though many queens divide my court , But two support the throne ; Your friend will find a rival in The sea-girt earth alone . The two friends . We are content .PriyamvadaLook , Anusuya ! See how the dear girl 's life is coming back moment by moment — just like a peahen in summer when the first rainy breezes come . I am rebuked . Why accuse a fate that brings what you desire ? Why should I not have my way ? Do not fear your family , beautiful Shakuntala . Father Kanva knows the holy law . He will not regret it . For many a hermit maiden who By simple , voluntary rite Dispensed with priest and witness , yet Found favour in her father 's sight .Ah , I have come into the open air .ShakuntalaO King , I cannot do as you would have me . You hardly know me after this short talk . But oh , do not forget me . King . When evening comes , the shadow of the tree Is cast far forward , yet does not depart ; Even so , belovèd , wheresoe'er you be , The thought of you can never leave my heart . ShakuntalaOh , oh ! When I hear him speak so , my feet will not move away . I will hide in this amaranth hedge and see how long his love lasts . Oh , my belovèd , my love for you is my whole life , yet you leave me and go away without a thought . Your body , soft as siris-flowers , Engages passion 's utmost powers ; How comes it that your heart is hard As stalks that siris-blossoms guard ? What have I to do here , where she is not ?Ah , I cannot go . The perfumed lotus-chain That once was worn by her Fetters and keeps my heart A hopeless prisoner .ShakuntalaWhy , I was so weak and ill that when the lotus-bracelet fell off , I did not even notice it . KingAh ! Once , dear , on your sweet arm it lay , And on my heart shall ever stay ; Though you disdain to give me joy , I find it in a lifeless toy . I will restore it on one condition . That I may myself place it where it belongs . ShakuntalaWhat can I do ? Let us sit on this stone bench .KingAh ! When Shiva 's anger burned the tree Of love in quenchless fire , Did heavenly fate preserve a shoot To deck my heart 's desire ? ShakuntalaHasten , my dear , hasten . KingNow I am content . She speaks as a wife to her husband .Beautiful Shakuntala , the clasp of the bracelet is not very firm . May I fasten it in another way ? ShakuntalaIf you like . KingSee , my beautiful girl ! The lotus-chain is dazzling white As is the slender moon at night . Perhaps it was the moon on high That joined her horns and left the sky , Believing that your lovely arm Would , more than heaven , enhance her charm . Oh , my bewitching girl , have no fear of me .Her sweetly trembling lip With virgin invitation Provokes my soul to sip Delighted fascination . The lotus over your ear is so near your eye , and so like it , that I was confused . What more could I ask ? It ought to be enough for me To hover round your fragrant face ; Is not the lotus-haunting bee Content with perfume and with grace ? This ! This !A voice behind the scenes . O sheldrake bride , bid your mate farewell . The night is come . ShakuntalaOh , my dear , this is Mother Gautami , come to inquire about me . Please hide among the branches . Be quiet . I wish to listen . ChamberlainAh , the king is occupied . I must await his leisure .A song behind the scenes . You who kissed the mango-flower , Honey-loving bee , Gave her all your passion 's power , Ah , so tenderly ! How can you be tempted so By the lily , pet ? Fresher honey 's sweet , I know ; But can you forget ? What an entrancing song ! Go . Soothe her like a gentleman . Request my chaplain Somarata in my name to receive these hermits in the manner prescribed by Scripture , and to conduct them himself before me . I will await them in a place fit for their reception . Enough ! I must not gaze upon another 's wife . ShakuntalaOh , my heart , why tremble so ? Remember his constant love and be brave . ChaplainHail , your Majesty . The hermits have been received as Scripture enjoins . They have a message from their teacher . May you be pleased to hear it . KingI am all attention . The two pupilsVictory , O King . KingI salute you all . The two pupils . All hail . Does your pious life proceed without disturbance ? The two pupils . How could the pious duties fail While you defend the right ? Or how could darkness ’ power prevail O'er sunbeams shining bright ? King Indeed , my royal title is no empty one . Is holy Kanva in health ? What are his commands ? Speak , mother . Gautami . Did she with father speak or mother ? Did you engage her friends in speech ? Your faith was plighted each to other ; Let each be faithful now to each . You cannot mean that this young woman is my wife . ShakuntalaOh , my heart , you feared it , and now it has come . Sharngarava . O King , A king , and shrink when love is done , Turn coward 's back on truth , and flee ! What means this dreadful accusation ? Sharngarava O drunk with power ! We might have known That you were steeped in treachery . A stinging rebuke ! GautamiForget your shame , my child . I will remove your veil . Then your husband will recognise you .KingAs my heart ponders whether I could ever Have wed this woman that has come to me In tortured loveliness , as I endeavour To bring it back to mind , then like a bee That hovers round a jasmine flower at dawn , While frosty dews of morning still o'erweave it , And hesitates to sip ere they be gone , I cannot taste the sweet , and cannot leave it . PortressWhat a virtuous king he is ! Would any other man hesitate when he saw such a pearl of a woman coming of her own accord ? Hermit , I have taken thought . I cannot believe that this woman is my wife . She is plainly with child . How can I take her , confessing myself an adulterer ? ShakuntalaOh , oh , oh ! He even casts doubt on our marriage . The vine of my hope climbed high , but it is broken now . An excellent idea ! ShakuntalaOh , oh ! The ring is lost . Ready wit , ready wit ! Let me hear what you have to say . I hear you . It is just such women , selfish , sweet , false , that entice fools . Gautami . You have no right to say that . She grew up in the pious grove . She does not know how to deceive . Old hermit woman , The female 's untaught cunning may be seen In beasts , far more in women selfish-wise ; The cuckoo 's eggs are left to hatch and rear By foster-parents , and away she flies . ShakuntalaWretch ! You judge all this by your own false heart . Would any other man do what you have done ? To hide behind virtue , like a yawning well covered over with grass ! KingBut her anger is free from coquetry , because she has lived in the forest . See ! Her glance is straight ; her eyes are flashing red ; Her speech is harsh , not drawlingly well-bred ; Her whole lip quivers , seems to shake with cold ; Her frown has straightened eyebrows arching bold . No , she saw that I was doubtful , and her anger was feigned . Thus When I refused but now Hard-heartedly , to know Of love or secret vow , Her eyes grew red ; and so , Bending her arching brow , She fiercely snapped Love 's bow . Why do you trust this girl , and accuse me of an imaginary crime ? SharngaravaYou have learned your wisdom upside down . It would be monstrous to believe A girl who never lies ; Trust those who study to deceive And think it very wise . Aha , my candid friend ! Suppose I were to admit that I am such a man . What would happen if I deceived the girl ? It is unthinkable that ruin should fall on Puru 's line . Hermit , why deceive this woman ? Remember : Night-blossoms open to the moon , Day-blossoms to the sun ; A man of honour ever strives Another 's wife to shun . Sharngarava . O King , suppose you had forgotten your former actions in the midst of distractions . Should you now desert your wife — you who fear to fail in virtue ? I ask you which is the heavier sin : Not knowing whether I be mad Or falsehood be in her , Shall I desert a faithful wife Or turn adulterer ? Chaplain Now if this were done —— Instruct me , my teacher . Why this ? It is good advice , my teacher . ChaplainFollow me , my daughter . What ? What then ? Chaplain . Before our eyes a heavenly light In woman 's form , but shining bright , Seized her and vanished straight . My teacher , we have already settled the matter . Why speculate in vain ? Let us seek repose . Chaplain . Victory to your Majesty . Vetravati , I am bewildered . Conduct me to my apartment . Vetravati , tell the minister Pishuna in my name that a sleepless night prevents me from mounting the throne of judgment . He is to investigate the citizens ’ business and send me a memorandum . And you , Parvatayana , return to your post of duty . It is my only consolation . Lead the way to the bower of spring-creepers . My friend , I am quite forlorn . I keep thinking of her pitiful state when I rejected her . Thus : When I denied her , then she tried To join her people . “ Stay , ” one cried , Her father 's representative . She stopped , she turned , she could but give A tear-dimmed glance to heartless me — That arrow burns me poisonously . Who else would dare to touch a faithful wife ? Her friends told me that Menaka was her mother . My heart persuades me that it was she , or companions of hers , who carried Shakuntala away . How so ? My friend , And was it phantom , madness , dream , Or fatal retribution stern ? My hopes fell down a precipice And never , never will return . Listen , my friend . When I left the pious grove for the city , my darling wept and said : “ But how long will you remember us , dear ? ” Then I put this engraved ring on her finger , and said to her —— While she was worshipping the Ganges at Shachitirtha , it fell . Well , I can only reproach this ring . ClownAnd I will reproach this stick of mine . Why are you crooked when I am straight ? KingHow could you fail to linger On her soft , tapering finger , And in the water fall ? And yet Things lifeless know not beauty ; But I — I scorned my duty , The sweetest task of all . My friend , What in the picture is not fair , Is badly done ; Yet something of her beauty there , I feel , is won . Which one do you think ? ClownI think it is this one , leaning against the creeper which she has just sprinkled . Her face is hot and the flowers are dropping from her hair ; for the ribbon is loosened . Her arms droop like weary branches ; she has loosened her girdle , and she seems a little fatigued . This , I think , is the lady Shakuntala , the others are her friends . You are good at guessing . Besides , here are proofs of my love . See where discolorations faint Of loving handling tell ; And here the swelling of the paint Shows where my sad tears fell . Chaturika , I have not finished the background . Go , get the brushes . I will hold it . Listen , my friend . The stream of Malini , and on its sands The swan-pairs resting ; holy foot-hill lands Of great Himalaya 's sacred ranges , where The yaks are seen ; and under trees that bear Bark hermit-dresses on their branches high , A doe that on the buck 's horn rubs her eye . ClownTo hear him talk , I should think he was going to fill up the picture with heavy-bearded hermits . And another ornament that Shakuntala loved I have forgotten to paint . Drive him away . True . O welcome guest of the flowering vine , why do you waste your time in buzzing here ? Your faithful , loving queen , Perched on a flower , athirst , Is waiting for you still , Nor tastes the honey first . Will he not go , though I warn him ? A picture ? You have done an ill-natured thing . When I was happy in the sight , And when my heart was warm , You brought sad memories back , and made My love a painted form . My friend , how can I endure a grief that has no respite ? I cannot sleep at night And meet her dreaming ; I cannot see the sketch While tears are streaming . Well ? My friend , the queen has come because she feels touched in her honour . You had better take care of this picture . Vetravati , did you not meet Queen Vasumati ? The queen knows times and seasons . She will not interrupt business . Give me the document .King“ Be it known to his Majesty . A seafaring merchant named Dhanavriddhi has been lost in a shipwreck . He is childless , and his property , amounting to several millions , reverts to the crown . Will his Majesty take action ? ”It is dreadful to be childless . Vetravati , he had great riches . There must be several wives . Let inquiry be made . There may be a wife who is with child . The child shall receive the inheritance . Go , inform the minister . Wait a moment . PortressYes , your Majesty . King . After all , what does it matter whether he have issue or not ? Let King Dushyanta be proclaimed To every sad soul kin That mourns a kinsman loved and lost , Yet did not plunge in sin . Alas ! I despised the happiness that offered itself to me . Alas ! The ancestors of Dushyanta are in a doubtful case . For I am childless , and they do not know , When I am gone , what child of theirs will bring The scriptural oblation ; and their tears Already mingle with my offering . Go , Chaturika . Reprove the queen in my name for not controlling her servants . The Brahman 's voice seems really changed by fear . Who waits without ? See why poor Madhavya is screaming so . Parvatayana , I hope it is nothing very dreadful . Then why do you tremble so ? For Why should the trembling , born Of age , increasing , seize Your limbs and bid them shake Like fig-leaves in the breeze ? From what ? Speak plainly , man . What has happened there ? Chamberlain . While he was resting on its height , Which palace peacocks in their flight Can hardly reach , he seemed to be Snatched up — by what , we could not see . KingMy very palace is invaded by evil creatures . To be a king , is to be a disappointed man . The moral stumblings of mine own , The daily slips , are scarcely known ; Who then that rules a kingdom , can Guide every deed of every man ? I am all attention . So Narada has told me . Matali . Heaven 's king is powerless ; you shall smite His foes in battle soon ; Darkness that overcomes the day , Is scattered by the moon . Take your bow at once , enter my heavenly chariot , and set forth for victory . I am grateful for the honour which Indra shows me . But why did you act thus toward Madhavya ? Matali , though I have done what Indra commanded , I think myself an unprofitable servant , when I remember his most gracious welcome . Ah , no ! For the honour given me at parting went far beyond imagination . Before the gods , he seated me beside him on his throne . And then He smiled , because his son Jayanta 's heart Beat quicker , by the self-same wish oppressed , And placed about my neck the heavenly wreath Still fragrant from the sandal on his breast . This merely proves Indra 's majesty . Remember : All servants owe success in enterprise To honour paid before the great deed 's done ; Could dawn defeat the darkness otherwise Than resting on the chariot of the sun ? Matali , when I passed before , I was intent on fighting the demons , and did not observe this region . Tell me . In which path of the winds are we ? Matali . It is the windpath sanctified By holy Vishnu 's second stride ; Which , freed from dust of passion , ever Upholds the threefold heavenly river ; And , driving them with reins of light , Guides the stars in wheeling flight . That is why serenity pervades me , body and soul .It seems that we have descended into the region of the clouds . In which direction lies the hermitage of Marichi 's son ? MataliSee ! Where stands the hermit , horridly austere , Whom clinging vines are choking , tough and sore ; Half-buried in an ant-hill that has grown About him , standing post-like and alone ; Sun-staring with dim eyes that know no rest , The dead skin of a serpent on his breast : So long he stood unmoved , insensate there That birds build nests within his mat of hair . KingAll honour to one who mortifies the flesh so terribly . MataliWe have entered the hermitage of the ancient sage , whose wife Aditi tends the coral-trees . King . Here is deeper contentment than in heaven . I seem plunged in a pool of nectar . MataliDescend , O King . KingBut how will you fare ? I look with amazement both at their simplicity and at what they might enjoy . Their appetites are fed with air Where grows whatever is most fair ; They bathe religiously in pools Which golden lily-pollen cools ; They pray within a jewelled home , Are chaste where nymphs of heaven roam : They mortify desire and sin With things that others fast to win . Very well .I dare not hope for what I pray ; Why thrill — in vain ? For heavenly bliss once thrown away Turns into pain . A voice behind the scenes . Do n't ! You must n't be so foolhardy . Oh , you are always the same . KingNo naughtiness could feel at home in this spot . Who draws such a rebuke upon himself ?It is a child , but no child in strength . And two hermit-women are trying to control him . He drags a struggling lion cub , The lioness ’ milk half-sucked , half-missed , Towzles his mane , and tries to drub Him tame with small , imperious fist . Why should my heart go out to this boy as if he were my own son ?No doubt my childless state makes me sentimental . My heart goes out to this wilful child .They show their little buds of teeth In peals of causeless laughter ; They hide their trustful heads beneath Your heart . And stumbling after Come sweet , unmeaning sounds that sing To you . The father warms And loves the very dirt they bring Upon their little forms . Hermit-womanWo n't you mind me ?Which one of the hermit-boys is here ?Oh , sir , please come here and free this lion cub . The little rascal is tormenting him , and I can n't make him let go . Very well .O little son of a great sage ! Your conduct in this place apart , Is most unfit ; ‘ Twould grieve your father 's pious heart And trouble it . To animals he is as good As good can be ; You spoil it , like a black snake 's brood In sandal tree . Hermit-woman . But , sir , he is not the son of a hermit . So it would seem , both from his looks and his actions . But in this spot , I had no suspicion of anything else .It makes me thrill to touch the boy , The stranger 's son , to me unknown ; What measureless content must fill The man who calls the child his own ! Hermit-womanWonderful ! wonderful ! Why do you say that , mother ? Hermit-woman . I am astonished to see how much the boy looks like you , sir . You are not related . Besides , he is a perverse little creature and he does not know you . Yet he takes no dislike to you . KingMother , if he is not the son of a hermit , what is his family ? Hermit-woman . The family of Puru . KingHe is of one family with me ! Then could my thought be true ?But this is the custom of Puru 's line : In glittering palaces they dwell While men , and rule the country well ; Then make the grove their home in age , And die in austere hermitage . But how could human beings , of their own mere motion , attain this spot ? Hermit-woman . You are quite right , sir . But the boy 's mother was related to a nymph , and she bore her son in the pious grove of the father of the gods . KingAh , a second ground for hope .What was the name of the good king whose wife she was ? Hermit-woman . Who would speak his name ? He rejected his true wife . KingThis story points at me . Suppose I ask the boy for his mother 's name .No , it is wrong to concern myself with one who may be another 's wife . Do not be anxious , mother . It fell while he was struggling with the lion cub .The two women . Oh , do n't , do n't !He has touched it ! Why did you try to prevent me ? And if another touch it ? Did you ever see this happen to any one else ? My son , you shall go with me to greet your mother . My darling , the cruelty I showed you has turned to happiness . Will you not recognise me ? ShakuntalaOh , my heart , believe it . Fate struck hard , but its envy is gone and pity takes its place . It is my husband . King . Black madness flies ; Comes memory ; Before my eyes My love I see . Eclipse flees far ; Light follows soon ; The loving star Draws to the moon . Yes . And when a miracle recovered it , my memory returned . Then let the vine receive her flower , as earnest of her union with spring . My desires bear sweeter fruit because fulfilled through a friend . Matali , was not this matter known to Indra ? MataliWhat is hidden from the gods ? Come . Marichi 's holy son , Kashyapa , wishes to see you . My dear wife , bring our son . I could not appear without you before the holy one . It is the custom in times of festival . Come .KashyapaAditi , ‘ Tis King Dushyanta , he who goes before Your son in battle , and who rules the earth , Whose bow makes Indra 's weapon seem no more Than a fine plaything , lacking sterner worth . Holy one , your favour shown to us is without parallel . You granted the fulfilment of our wishes before you called us to your presence . For , holy one , The flower comes first , and then the fruit ; The clouds appear before the rain ; Effect comes after cause ; but you First helped , then made your favour plain . I am all attention . It is most true , holy one . Holy one , the hope of my race centres in him . I anticipate everything from him , since you have performed the rites for him . Yes , holy one . Holy one , I will do my best . Can there be more than this ? Yet may this prayer be fulfilled . May kingship benefit the land , And wisdom grow in scholars ’ band ; May Shiva see my faith on earth And make me free of all rebirth .