and, should not the intelligence be conveyed to
Kanwa, that his daughter's wishes are fulfilled, and her
happiness complete? He is [S']akoontala's foster-father. Menaka,
who is one of my attendants, is her mother, and dearly does she
love her daughter.

[S']AKOONTALA. [_Aside_.

The venerable matron has given utterance to the very wish that
was in my mind.

KA[S']YAPA.

His penances have gained for him the faculty of omniscience, and
the whole scene is already present to his mind's eye.

KING.

Then most assuredly he cannot be very angry with me.

KA[S']YAPA.

Nevertheless, it becomes us to send him intelligence of this
happy event, and hear his reply. What ho there!

PUPIL. [_Entering_.

Holy father, what are your commands?

KA[S']YAPA.

My good Galava, delay not an instant, but hasten through the air
and convey to the venerable Kanwa, from me, the happy news that
the fatal spell has ceased, that Dushyanta's memory is restored,
that his daughter [S']akoontala has a son, and that she is once
more tenderly acknowledged by her husband.

PUPIL.

Your Highness' commands shall be obeyed.

[_Exit_.

KA[S']YAPA.

And now, my dear son, take thy consort and thy child, re-ascend
the car of Indra, and return to thy imperial capital.

KING.

Most holy father, I obey.

KA[S']YAPA.

And accept this blessing--

For countless ages may the god of gods,
Lord of the atmosphere, by copious showers
Secure abundant harvests to thy subjects;
And thou by frequent offerings preserve
The Thunderer's friendship. Thus, by interchange
Of kindly actions may you both confer
Unnumbered benefits on earth and heaven.

KING.

Holy father, I will strive, as far as I am able, to attain this
happiness.

KA[S']YAPA.

What other favour can I bestow on thee, my son?

KING.

What other can I desire? If, however, you permit me to form
another wish, I would humbly beg that the saying of the sage
Bharata[130] be fulfilled:

May kings reign only for their subjects' weal;
May the divine Saraswati[131], the source
Of speech, and goddess of dramatic art,
Be ever honoured by the great and wise;
And may the purple self-existent god[132],
Whose vital Energy[133] pervades all space,
From future transmigrations save my soul.