Part 12 (1/2)

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.

_a.n.u.suya_. But, your Majesty, we hear that kings have many favourites.

You must act in such a way that our friend may not become a cause of grief to her family.

_King_. 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. (SHAKUNTALA _betrays her joy_.) _Priyamvada_ (_aside to_ a.n.u.sUYA). Look, a.n.u.suya! 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.

_Shakuntala_. You must please ask the king's pardon for the rude things we said when we were talking together.

_The two friends_ (_smiling_). Anybody who says it was rude, may ask his pardon. n.o.body else feels guilty.

_Shakuntala_. Your Majesty, pray forgive what we said when we did not know that you were present. I am afraid that we say a great many things behind a person's back.

_King_ (_smiling_).

Your fault is pardoned if I may Relieve my weariness By sitting on the flower-strewn couch Your fevered members press.

_Priyamvada_. But that will not be enough to satisfy him.

_Shakuntala_ (_feigning anger_). Stop! You are a rude girl. You make fun of me when I am in this condition.

_a.n.u.suya_ (_looking out of the arbour_). Priyamvada, there is a little fawn, looking all about him. He has probably lost his mother and is trying to find her. I am going to help him.

_Priyamvada_. He is a frisky little fellow. You can't catch him alone.

I'll go with you. (_They start to go_.)

_Shakuntala_. I will not let you go and leave me alone.

_The two friends_ (_smiling_). You alone, when the king of the world is with you! (_Exeunt_.)

_Shakuntala_. Are my friends gone?

_King_ (_looking about_). Do not be anxious, beautiful Shakuntala.

Have you not a humble servant here, to take the place of your friends?

Then tell me:

Shall I employ the moistened lotus-leaf To fan away your weariness and grief?

Or take your lily feet upon my knee And rub them till you rest more easily?

_Shakuntala_. I will not offend against those to whom I owe honour.

(_She rises weakly and starts to walk away_.) _King_ (_detaining her_). The day is still hot, beautiful Shakuntala, and you are feverish.