ng, under all varieties of
outward circumstances. The King's person is as charming as ever,
notwithstanding his sorrow of mind.

Though but a single golden bracelet spans
His wasted arm; though costly ornaments
Have given place to penitential weeds;
Though oft-repeated sighs have blanched his lips,
And robbed them of their bloom; though sleepless care
And carking thought have dimmed his beaming eye;
Yet does his form, by its inherent lustre,
Dazzle the gaze; and, like a priceless gem
Committed to some cunning polisher,
Grow more effulgent by the loss of substance.

SANUMATI. [_Aside. Looking at the_ KING.

Now that I have seen him, I can well understand why [S']akoontala
should pine after such a man, in spite of his disdainful
rejection of her.

KING. [_Walking slowly up and down in deep thought_.

When fatal lethargy o'erwhelmed my soul,
My loved one strove to rouse me, but in vain;
And now, when I would fain in slumber deep
Forget myself, full soon remorse doth wake me.

SANUMATI. [_Aside_.

My poor [S']akoontala's sufferings are very similar.

MA[T.]HAVYA. [_Aside_.

He is taken with another attack of this odious [S']akoontala-fever.
How shall we ever cure him?

CHAMBERLAIN. [_Approaching_.

Victory to the King! Great Prince, the royal pleasure-grounds
have been put in order. Your Majesty can resort to them for
exercise and amusement whenever you think proper.

KING.

Vetravati, tell the worthy Pi[S']una, my prime minister, from me,
that I am so exhausted by want of sleep that I cannot sit on the
judgment-seat to-day. If any case of importance be brought before
the tribunal, he must give it his best attention, and inform me
of the circumstances by letter.

VETRAVATI.

Your Majesty's commands shall be obeyed.

[_Exit_.

KING. [_To the CHAMBERLAIN_.

And you, Vatayana, may go about your own affairs.

CHAMBERLAIN.

I will, Sire.

MA[T.]HAVYA.

Now that you have rid yourself of these troublesome fellows, you
can enjoy the delightful coolness of your pleasure-grounds
without interruption.

KING.

Ah! my dear friend, there is an old adage:--'When affliction has
a mind to enter, she will find a crevice so