second deadlier death,
Killed by thy words, as erst by Kama's[47] shafts.

ANASUYA.

Kind Sir, we have heard it said that kings have many favourite
consorts. You must not, then, by your behaviour towards our dear
friend, give her relations cause to sorrow for her.

KING.

Listen, gentle maiden, while in a few words I quiet your anxiety.

Though many beauteous forms my palace grace,
Henceforth two things alone will I esteem
The glory of my royal dynasty--
My sea-girt realm, and this most lovely maid.

PRIYAMVADA AND ANASUYA.

We are satisfied by your assurances.

PRIYAMVADA. [_Glancing on one side_.

See, Anasuya, there is our favourite little fawn running about in
great distress, and turning its eyes in every direction as if
looking for its mother; come, let us help the little thing to
find her. [_Both move away_.

[S']AKOONTALA.

Dear friends, dear friends, leave me not alone and unprotected.
Why need you both go?

PRIYAMVADA AND ANASUYA.

Unprotected! when the Protector of the world is at your side.

[_Exeunt_.

[S']AKOONTALA.

What! have they both really left me?

KING.

Distress not thyself, sweet maiden. Thy adorer is at hand to wait
upon thee.

Oh let me tend thee, fair one, in the place
Of thy dear friends; and with broad lotus fans
Raise cooling breezes to refresh thy frame;
Or shall I rather, with caressing touch,
Allay the fever of thy limbs, and soothe
Thy aching feet, beauteous as blushing lilies?

[S']AKOONTALA.

Nay, touch me not. I will not incur the censure of those whom I
am bound to respect.

[_Rises and attempts to go_.

KING.

Fair one, the heat of noon has not yet subsided, and thy body is
still feeble.

How canst thou quit thy fragrant couch of flowers,
And from thy throbbing bosom cast aside
Its covering of lotus-leaves, to brave
With weak and fainting limbs the noon-day heat?

[_Forces her to turn back_.

[S']AKOONTALA.

Infringe not the rules of decorum, mighty descendant of Puru.
Remember, though I love you, I have no power to dispose of
myself.

KING.

Why this fear of offending your relations, timid maid? When your
venerable foster-father hears of it, he will not find fault with
you. He knows that the law permits us to be united without
consulting him.