In Indra's heaven, so at least 'tis said,
No nuptial rites prevail[55], nor is the bride
Led to the altar by her future lord;
But all in secret does the bridegroom plight
His troth, and each unto the other vow
Mutual allegiance. Such espousals, too,
Are authorised on earth, and many daughters
Of royal saints thus wedded to their lords
Have still received their father's benison.

[S']AKOONTALA.

Leave me, leave me; I must take counsel with my female friends.

KING.

I will leave thee when--

[S']AKOONTALA.

When?

KING.

When I have gently stolen from thy lips
Their yet untasted nectar, to allay
The raging of my thirst, e'en as the bee
Sips the fresh honey from the opening bud.

[_Attempts to raise her face_. [S']AKOONTALA tries to
prevent him_.

A VOICE BEHIND THE SCENES.

The loving birds, doomed by fate to nightly separation[56], must
bid farewell to each other, for evening is at hand.

[S']AKOONTALA. [_In confusion_.

Great Prince, I hear the voice of the matron Gautami. She is
coming this way to inquire after my health. Hasten and conceal
yourself behind the branches.

KING.

I will. [_Conceals himself_.

_Enter_ GAUTAMI _with a vase in her hand, preceded by two
attendants_.

ATTENDANTS.

This way, most venerable Gautami.

GAUTAMI. [_Approaching_ [S']AKOONTALA.

My child, is the fever of thy limbs allayed?

[S']AKOONTALA.

Venerable mother, there is certainly a change for the better.

GAUTAMI.

Let me sprinkle you with this holy water, and all
your ailments will depart.

[_Sprinkling_ [S']AKOONTALA on the head_.]

The day is closing, my child; come, let us go to the cottage.

[_They all move away_.

[S']AKOONTALA. [_Aside_.

Oh my heart! thou didst fear to taste of happiness when it was
within thy reach. Now that the object of thy desires is torn from
thee, how bitter will be thy remorse, how distracting thine
anguish!

[_Moving on a few steps and stopping. Aloud_.]

Farewell! bower of creepers, sweet soother of my sufferings,
farewell! may I soon again be happy under thy shade.

[_Exit reluctantly with the others_.

KING.

[_Returning to his former sea