KING.

Hear me, then dull and undiscerning bauble!
For so it argues thee, that thou could'st leave
The slender fingers of her hand, to sink
Beneath the waters. Yet what marvel is it
That thou should'st lack discernment? let me rather
Heap curses on myself, who, though endowed
With reason, yet rejected her I loved.

MA[T.]HAVYA. [_Aside_.

And so, I suppose, I must stand here to be devoured by hunger,
whilst he goes on in this sentimental strain.

KING.

O forsaken one, unjustly banished from my presence, take pity on
thy slave, whose heart is consumed by the fire of remorse, and
return to my sight.

_Enter_ CHATURIKA _hurriedly, with a picture in her hand_.

CHATURIKA.

Here is the Queen's portrait.

[_Shows the picture_.

MA[T.]HAVYA.

Excellent, my dear friend, excellent! The imitation of nature is
perfect, and the attitude of the figures is really charming. They
stand out in such bold relief that the eye is quite deceived.

SANUMATI. [_Aside_.

A most artistic performance! I admire the King's skill, and could
almost believe that [S']akoontala herself was before me.

KING.

I own 'tis not amiss, though it portrays
But feebly her angelic loveliness.
Aught less than perfect is depicted falsely,
And fancy must supply the imperfection.

SANUMATI. [_Aside_.

A very just remark from a modest man, whose affection is
exaggerated by the keenness of his remorse.

MA[T.]HAVYA.

Tell me:--I see three female figures drawn on the canvas, and all
of them beautiful; which of the three is her Majesty [S']akoontala?

SANUMATI. [_Aside_.

If he cannot distinguish her from the others, the simpleton might
as well have no eyes in his head.

KING.

Which should you imagine to be intended for her?

MA[T.]HAVYA.

She who is leaning, apparently a little tired, against the stem
of that mango-tree, the tender leaves of which glitter with the
water she has poured upon them. Her arms are gracefully extended;
her face is somewhat flushed with the heat; and a few flowers
have escaped from her hair, which has become unfastened, and hangs
in loose tresses about her neck. That must be the queen
[S']akoontala, and the others, I presume, are her two attendants.

KING.