ntala" has been spelt "Sa-koontala," the _u_ being
pronounced like the _u_ in the English word _rule_.

The vowel _a_ must invariably be pronounced with a dull sound, like the
_a_ in _organ_, or the _u_ in _fun, sun. Dushyanta_ must therefore be
pronounced as if written _Dooshyunta_. The long vowel _a_ is pronounced
like the _a_ in _last, cart; i_ like the _i_ in _pin, sin_; _i_ like the
_i_ in _marine; e_ like the _e_ in _prey; o_ like the _o_ in _so; ai_
like the _ai_ in _aisle; au_ like _au_ in the German word _baum_, or
like the _ou_ in _our_.

The consonants are generally pronounced as in English, but _g_ has
always the sound of _g_ in _gun, give_, never of _g_ in _gin. S_ with
the accent over it (s) has the sound of _s_ in _sure_, or of the last
_s_ in _session_.

SAKOONTALA

PROLOGUE

Benediction

Isa preserve you! he who is revealed
In these eight forms by man perceptible--
Water, of all creation's works the first;
The fire that bears on high the sacrifice
Presented with solemnity to heaven;
The Priest, the holy offerer of gifts;
The Sun and Moon, those two majestic orbs,
Eternal marshallers of day and night;
The subtle Ether, vehicle of sound,
Diffused throughout the boundless universe;
The Earth, by sages called "The place of birth
Of all material essences and things";
And Air, which giveth life to all that breathe.

STAGE-MANAGER [_after the recitation of the benediction, looking towards
the tiring-room._]--Lady, when you have finished attiring yourself, come
this way.

ACTRESS [_entering._]--Here I am, Sir; what are your commands?

STAGE-MANAGER.--We are here before the eyes of an audience of educated
and discerning men; and have to represent in their presence a new drama
composed by Kalidasa, called "Sakoontala, or the Lost Ring." Let the
whole company exert themselves to do justice to their several parts.

ACTRESS,--You, Sir, have so judiciously managed the cast of the
characters, that nothing will be defective in the acting.

STAGE-MANAGER.--Lady, I will tell you the exact state of the case.
No skill in acting can I deem complete,
Till from the wise the actor gain applause:
Know that the heart e'en of the truly skilful,
Shrinks from too boastful confidence in self.

ACTRESS [_modestly_].--You judge correctly. And now, what are your
commands?

STAGE-MANAGER.--What can you do better than engage the attention of the