ASUYA.

Surely, dear friend, it would not be right to leave a
distinguished guest before he has received the rites of
hospitality, and quit his presence in this wilful manner.

[[S']AKOONTALA, _without answering a word, moves away_.

KING.

[_Making a movement to arrest her departure, but checking
himself. Aside_.

Ah! a lover's feelings betray themselves by his gestures.

When I would fain have stayed the maid, a sense
Of due decorum checked my bold design;
Though I have stirred not, yet my mien betrays
My eagerness to follow on her steps.

PRIYAMVADA.

[_Holding [S']AKOONTALA back_.

Dear [S']akoontala, it does not become you to go away in this
manner.

[S']AKOONTALA. [_Frowning_.

Why not, pray?

PRIYAMVADA.

You are under a promise to water two more shrubs for me. When you
have paid your debt, you shall go, and not before.

[_Forces her to turn back_.

KING.

Spare her this trouble, gentle maiden. The exertion of watering
the shrubs has already fatigued her.

The water-jar has overtasked the strength
Of her slim arms; her shoulders droop, her hands
Are ruddy with the glow of quickened pulses;
E'en now her agitated breath imparts
Unwonted tremor to her heaving breast;
The pearly drops that mar the recent bloom
Of the [S']irisha pendent in her ear,
Gather in clustering circles on her cheek;
Loosed is the fillet of her hair; her hand
Restrains the locks that struggle to be free.
Suffer me, then, thus to discharge the debt for you.

[_Offers a ring to_ PRIYAMVADA. _Both the maidens, reading the
name_ DUSHYANTA _on the seal, look at each other with
surprise_.

KING.

Nay, think not that I am King Dushyanta. I am only the King's
officer, and this is the ring which I have received from him as
my credentials.

PRIYAMVADA.

The greater the reason you ought not to part with the ring from
your finger. I am content to release her from her obligation at
your simple request.

[_With a smile_.]

Now, [S']akoontala, my love, you are at liberty to retire, thanks
to the intercession of this noble stranger, or rather of this
mighty prince.

[S']AKOONTALA. [_Aside_.

My mov