aw,
sent us to wait upon his Majesty; and, during the whole of our
sojourn here, we have been entrusted with the charge of the royal
pleasure-grounds. We are therefore strangers in this place, and
heard nothing of the order till you informed us of it.

CHAMBERLAIN.

Well then, now you know it, take care you don't continue your
preparations.

BOTH MAIDENS.

But tell us, kind Sir, why has the King prohibited the usual
festivities? We are curious to hear, if we may.

SANUMATI. [_Aside_.

Men are naturally fond of festive entertainments. There must be
some good reason for the prohibition.

CHAMBERLAIN.

The whole affair is now public; why should I not speak of it?
Has not the gossip about the King's rejection of [S']akoontala
reached your ears yet?

BOTH MAIDENS.

Oh yes, we heard the story from the King's brother-in-law, as
far, at least, as the discovery of the ring.

CHAMBERLAIN.

Then there is little more to tell you. As soon as the King's
memory was restored by the sight of his own ring, he exclaimed:
'Yes, it is all true. I remember now my secret marriage with
[S']akoontala. When I repudiated her, I had lost my recollection!'
Ever since that moment, he has yielded himself a prey to the
bitterest remorse.

He loathes his former pleasures; he rejects
The daily homage of his ministers;
On his lone couch he tosses to and fro,
Courting repose in vain. Whene'er he meets
The ladies of his palace, and would fain
Address them with politeness, he confounds
Their names; or, calling them '[S']akoontala,'
Is straightway silent and abashed with shame.

SANUMATI. [_Aside_.

To me this account is delightful.

CHAMBERLAIN.

In short, the King is so completely out of his mind that the
festival has been prohibited.

BOTH MAIDENS.

Perfectly right.

A VOICE BEHIND THE SCENES.

The King! the King! This way, Sire, this way.

CHAMBERLAIN. [_Listening_.

Oh! here comes his Majesty in this direction. Pass on, maidens;
attend to your duties.

BOTH MAIDENS.

We will, sir.

[_Exeunt_.

_Enter King_ DUSHYANTA, _dressed in deep mourning, attended his
Jester_, MA[T.]HAVYA, _and preceded by_ VETRAVATI.

CHAMBERLAIN. [_Gazing at the_ KING.

Well, noble forms are certainly pleasi