Part 6 (1/2)
_a.n.u.suya_. Listen, sir. There is a majestic royal sage named Kaus.h.i.+ka----
_King_. Ah, yes. The famous Kaus.h.i.+ka.
_a.n.u.suya_. Know, then, that he is the source of our friend's being.
But Father Kanva is her real father, because he took care of her when she was abandoned.
_King_. You waken my curiosity with the word ”abandoned.” May I hear the whole story?
_a.n.u.suya_. Listen, sir. Many years ago, that royal sage was leading a life of stern austerities, and the G.o.ds, becoming strangely jealous, sent the nymph Menaka to disturb his devotions.
_King_. Yes, the G.o.ds feel this jealousy toward the austerities of others. And then--
_a.n.u.suya_. Then in the lovely spring-time he saw her intoxicating beauty--(_She stops in embarra.s.sment_.)
_King_. The rest is plain. Surely, she is the daughter of the nymph.
_a.n.u.suya_. Yes.
_King_. 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.
(SHAKUNTALA _hangs her head in confusion_.) _King_ (_to himself_).
Ah, my wishes become hopes.
_Priyamvada_ (_looking with a smile at_ SHAKUNTALA). Sir, it seems as if you had more to say. (SHAKUNTALA _threatens her friend with her finger_.)
_King_. You are right. Your pious life interests me, and I have another question.
_Priyamvada_. Do not hesitate. We hermit people stand ready to answer all demands.
_King_. 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?
_Priyamvada_. Sir, we are under bonds to lead a life of virtue. But it is her father's wish to give her to a suitable lover.
_King_ (_joyfully to himself_).
O heart, your wish is won!
All doubt at last is done; The thing you feared as fire, Is the jewel of your desire.
_Shakuntala_ (_pettishly_). a.n.u.suya, I'm going.
_a.n.u.suya_. What for?
_Shakuntala_. I am going to tell Mother Gautami that Priyamvada is talking nonsense. (_She rises_.)