KING [_aside_].--Out upon it! my retinue are looking for me, and are disturbing this holy retreat. Well! there is no help for it; I must go and meet them. PRIYAMVADÁ AND ANASÚYÁ.--Noble Sir, we are terrified by the accidental disturbance caused by the wild elephant. Permit us to return into the cottage. KING [_hastily_].--Go, gentle maidens. It shall be our care that no injury happen to the hermitage. [_All rise up_. PRIYAMVADÁ AND ANASÚYÁ.--After such poor hospitality we are ashamed to request the honor of a second visit from you. KING.--Say not so. The mere sight of you, sweet maidens, has been to me the best entertainment. ŚAKOONTALÁ.--Anasúyá, a pointed blade of Kuśa-grass[35] has pricked my foot; and my bark-mantle is caught in the branch of a Kuruvaka-bush. Be so good as to wait for me until I have disentangled it. [_Exit with her two companions, after making pretexts for delay, that she may steal glances at the King_. KING.--I have no longer any desire to return to the city. I will therefore rejoin my attendants, and make them encamp somewhere in the vicinity of this sacred grove. In good truth, Śakoontalá has taken such possession of my thoughts, that I cannot turn myself in any other direction. My limbs drawn onward leave my heart behind, Like silken pennon borne against the wind. [33] The speed of the chariot resembled that of the wind and the sun. Indra was the god of the firmament or atmosphere. The sun, in Hindoo mythology, is represented as seated in a chariot drawn by seven green horses, having before him a lovely youth without legs, who acts as charioteer, and who is Aruna, or the Dawn personified. [34] The Matron or Superior of the female part of the society of hermits. Their authority resembled that of an abbess in a convent of nuns. [35] A grass held sacred by the Hindoos and freely used at their religious ceremonies. Its leaves are very long and taper to a needle-like point. ACT SECOND Scene.--A Plain on the Skirts of the Forest _Enter the Jester, Máthavya, in a melancholy mood_.