Part 8 (1/2)

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.

_Clown_ (_angrily_). Get 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.

_King_. Bhadrasena, I cannot take your advice, because I am in the vicinity of a hermitage. So for to-day

The horned buffalo may shake The turbid water of the lake; Shade-seeking deer may chew the cud, Boars trample swamp-gra.s.s in the mud; The bow I bend in hunting, may Enjoy a listless holiday.

_General_. Yes, your Majesty.

_King_. 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 a.s.sailed By any foreign power.

_General_. Yes, your Majesty.

_Clown_. Now will you get out with your strenuous life? (_Exit general_.)

_King_ (_to his attendants_). Lay aside your hunting dress. And you, Raivataka, return to your post of duty.

_Raivataka_. Yes, your Majesty. (_Exit_.)

_Clown_. You have got rid of the vermin. Now be seated on this flat stone, over which the trees spread their canopy of shade. I can't sit down till you do.

_King_. Lead the way.

_Clown_. Follow me. (_They walk about and sit down_.)

_King_. Friend Madhavya, you do not know what vision is. You have not seen the fairest of all objects.

_Clown_. I see you, right in front of me.

_King_. Yes, every one thinks himself beautiful. But I was speaking of Shakuntala, the ornament of the hermitage.

_Clown_ (_to himself_). I mustn't add fuel to the flame. (_Aloud_.) But you can't have her because she is a hermit-girl. What is the use of seeing her?

_King_. 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.

_Clown_. Well, tell me about her.

_King_.

Sprung from a nymph of heaven Wanton and gay, Who spurned the blessing given, Going her way;

By the stern hermit taken In her most need: So fell the blossom shaken, Flower on a weed.

_Clown_ (_laughing_). You are like a man who gets tired of good dates and longs for sour tamarind. All the pearls of the palace are yours, and you want this girl!