KING.--A most just observation! This youthful form, whose bosom's swelling charms By the bark's knotted tissue are concealed, Like some fair bud close folded in its sheath, Gives not to view the blooming of its beauty. But what am I saying? In real truth, this bark-dress, though ill-suited to her figure, sets it off like an ornament. The lotus with the Saivala entwined Is not a whit less brilliant: dusky spots Heighten the lustre of the cold-rayed moon: This lovely maiden in her dress of bark Seems all the lovelier. E'en the meanest garb Gives to true beauty fresh attractiveness. ŚAKOONTALÁ [_looking before her_].--Yon Keśara-tree beckons to me with its young shoots, which, as the breeze waves them to and fro, appear like slender fingers. I will go and attend to it. [_Walks towards it_. PRIYAMVADÁ.--Dear Śakoontalá, prithee, rest in that attitude one moment. ŚAKOONTALÁ.--Why so? PRIYAMVADÁ.--The Keśara-tree, whilst your graceful form bends about its stem, appears as if it were wedded to some lovely twining creeper. ŚAKOONTALÁ.--Ah! saucy girl, you are most appropriately named Priyamvadá ("Speaker of flattering things"). KING.--What Priyamvadá says, though complimentary, is nevertheless true. Verily, Her ruddy lip vies with the opening bud; Her graceful arms are as the twining stalks; And her whole form is radiant with the glow Of youthful beauty, as the tree with bloom. ANASÚYÁ.--See, dear Śakoontalá, here is the young jasmine, which you named "the Moonlight of the Grove," the self-elected wife of the mango-tree. Have you forgotten it? ŚAKOONTALÁ.--Rather will I forget myself. [_Approaching the plant and looking at it_.] How delightful is the season when the jasmine-creeper and the mango-tree seem thus to unite in mutual embraces! The fresh blossoms of the jasmine resemble the bloom of a young bride, and the newly-formed shoots of the mango appear to make it her natural protector. [_Continues gazing at it_. PRIYAMVADÁ [_smiling_].--Do you know, my Anasúyá, why Śakoontalá gazes so intently at the jasmine? ANASÚYÁ.--No, indeed, I cannot imagine. I pray thee tell me. PRIYAMVADÁ.--She is wishing that as the jasmine is united to a suitable tree, so, in like manner, she may obtain a husband worthy of her. ŚAKOONTALÁ.--Speak for yourself, girl; this is the thought in your own mind. [_Continues watering the flowers_. KING.--Would that my union with her were permissible! and yet I hardly dare hope that the maiden is sprung from a caste different from that of the Head of the hermitage. But away with doubt:-- That she is free to wed a warrior-king My heart attests. For, in conflicting doubts, The secret promptings of the good man's soul Are an unerring index of the truth. However, come what may, I will ascertain the fact.