ŚAKOONTALÁ [_in a flurry_].--Ah! a bee, disturbed by the sprinkling of the water, has left the young jasmine, and is trying to settle on my face. [_Attempts to drive it away_. KING [_gazing at her ardently_].--Beautiful! there is something charming even in her repulse. Where'er the bee his eager onset plies, Now here, now there, she darts her kindling eyes: What love hath yet to teach, fear teaches now, The furtive glances and the frowning brow. [_In a tone of envy_. Ah happy bee! how boldly dost thou try To steal the lustre from her sparkling eye; And in thy circling movements hover near, To murmur tender secrets in her ear; Or, as she coyly waves her hand, to sip Voluptuous nectar from her lower lip! While rising doubts my heart's fond hopes destroy, Thou dost the fulness of her charms enjoy. ŚAKOONTALÁ.--This impertinent bee will not rest quiet. I must move elsewhere. [_Moving a few steps off, and casting a glance around_.] How now! he is following me here. Help! my dear friends, help! deliver me from the attacks of this troublesome insect. PRIYAMVADÁ AND ANASÚYÁ.--How can we deliver you? Call Dushyanta to your aid. The sacred groves are under the king's special protection. KING.--An excellent opportunity for me to show myself. Fear not--[_Checks himself when the words are half-uttered._ _Aside_.] But stay, if I introduce myself in this manner, they will know me to be the King. Be it so, I will accost them, nevertheless. ŚAKOONTALÁ [_moving a step or two further off_].--What! it still persists in following me. KING [_advancing hastily_].--When mighty Puru's offspring sways the earth, And o'er the wayward holds his threatening rod, Who dares molest the gentle maids that keep Their holy vigils here in Kanwa's grove? [_All look at the King, and are embarrassed_. ANASÚYÁ.--Kind Sir, no outrage has been committed; only our dear friend here was teased by the attacks of a troublesome bee. [_Points to Śakoontalá_. KING [_turning to Śakoontalá_].--I trust all is well with your devotional rites? [_Śakoontalá stands confused and silent_. ANASÚYÁ.--All is well, indeed, now that we are honored by the reception of a distinguished guest. Dear Śakoontalá, go, bring from the hermitage an offering of flowers, rice, and fruit. This water that we have brought with us will serve to bathe our guest's feet. KING.--The rites of hospitality are already performed; your truly kind words are the best offering I can receive. PRIYAMVADÁ.--At least be good enough, gentle Sir, to sit down awhile, and rest yourself on this seat shaded by the leaves of the Sapta-parna tree. KING.--You, too, must all be fatigued by your employment. ANASÚYÁ.--Dear Śakoontalá, there is no impropriety in our sitting by the side of our guest: come, let us sit down here. [_All sit down together_.