Part 29 (1/2)

_First woman_. Look, All-tamer. Here is the bird, the _shakunta_.

Isn't the _shakunta_ lovely?

_Boy_ (_looks about_). Where is my mamma? (_The two women burst out laughing_.)

_First woman_. It sounded like her name, and deceived him. He loves his mother.

_Second woman_. She said: ”See how pretty the peac.o.c.k is.” That is all.

_King_ (_to himself_). His mother's name is Shakuntala! But names are alike. I trust this hope may not prove a disappointment in the end, like a mirage.

_Boy_. I like this little peac.o.c.k, sister. Can it fly? (_He seizes the toy_.) _First woman_ (_looks at the boy. Anxiously_), Oh, the amulet is not on his wrist.

_King_. Do not be anxious, mother. It fell while he was struggling with the lion cub. (_He starts to pick it up_.)

_The two women_. Oh, don't, don't! (_They look at him_.) He has touched it! (_Astonished, they lay their hands on their bosoms, and look at each other_.)

_King_. Why did you try to prevent me?

_First woman_. Listen, your Majesty. This is a divine and most potent charm, called the Invincible. Marichi's holy son gave it to the baby when the birth-ceremony was performed. If it falls on the ground, no one may touch it except the boy's parents or the boy himself.

_King_. And if another touch it?

_First woman_. It becomes a serpent and stings him.

_King_. Did you ever see this happen to any one else?

_Both women_. More than once.

_King_ (_joyfully_). Then why may I not welcome my hopes fulfilled at last? (_He embraces the boy_.)

_Second woman_. Come, Suvrata. Shakuntala is busy with her religious duties. We must go and tell her what has happened. (_Exeunt ambo_.)

_Boy_. Let me go. I want to see my mother.

_King_. My son, you shall go with me to greet your mother.

_Boy_. Dushyanta is my father, not you.

_King_ (_smiling_). You show I am right by contradicting me. (_Enter_ SHAKUNTALA, _wearing her hair in a single braid_.)

_Shakuntala_ (_doubtfully_). I have heard that All-tamer's amulet did not change when it should have done so. But I do not trust my own happiness. Yet perhaps it is as Mishrakes.h.i.+ told me. (_She walks about_.)

_King_ (_looking at_ SHAKUNTALA. _With plaintive joy_). It is she. It is Shakuntala.

The pale, worn face, the careless dress, The single braid, Show her still true, me pitiless, The long vow paid.

_Shakuntala_ (_seeing the king pale with remorse. Doubtfully_). It is not my husband. Who is the man that soils my boy with his caresses?

The amulet should protect him. _Boy_ (_running to his mother_).

Mother, he is a man that belongs to other people. And he calls me his son.