ANASÚYÁ.--Well, then, it happened that Viśwámitra, gazing on the bewitching beauty of that nymph at a season when, spring being in its glory------ [_Stops short, and appears confused_. KING.--The rest may be easily divined. Śakoontalá, then, is the offspring of the nymph. ANASÚYÁ.--Just so. KING.--It is quite intelligible. How could a mortal to such charms give birth? The lightning's radiance flashes not from earth. [_Śakoontalá remains modestly seated with downcast eyes. [Aside_]. And so my desire has really scope for its indulgence. Yet I am still distracted by doubts, remembering the pleasantry of her female companions respecting her wish for a husband. PRIYAMVADÁ [_looking with a smile at Śakoontalá, and then turning towards the King_].--You seem desirous, Sir, of asking something further. [_Śakoontalá makes a chiding gesture with her finger_. KING.--You conjecture truly. I am so eager to hear the particulars of your friend's history, that I have still another question to ask. PRIYAMVADÁ.--Scruple not to do so. Persons who lead the life of hermits may be questioned unreservedly. KING.--I wish to ascertain one point respecting your friend-- Will she be bound by solitary vows Opposed to love, till her espousals only? Or ever dwell with these her cherished fawns, Whose eyes, in lustre vieing with her own, Return her gaze of sisterly affection? PRIYAMVADÁ.--Hitherto, Sir, she has been engaged in the practice of religious duties, and has lived in subjection to her foster-father; but it is now his fixed intention to give her away in marriage to a husband worthy of her. KING [_aside_].--His intention may be easily carried into effect. Be hopeful, O my heart, thy harrowing doubts Are past and gone; that which thou didst believe To be as unapproachable as fire, Is found a glittering gem that may be touched. ŚAKOONTALÁ [_pretending anger_].--Anasúyá, I shall leave you. ANASÚYÁ.--Why so? ŚAKOONTALÁ.--That I may go and report this impertinent Priyamvadá to the venerable matron, Gautamí.[34] ANASÚYÁ.--Surely, dear friend, it would not be right to leave a distinguished guest before he has received the rights of hospitality, and quit his presence in this wilful manner. [_Śakoontalá, 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. PRIYAMVADÁ [_holding Śakoontalá back_].--Dear Śakoontalá, it does not become you to go away in this manner. ŚAKOONTALÁ [_frowning_].--Why not, pray?