For at the entrance here I plainly see A line of footsteps printed in the sand. Here are the fresh impressions of her feet; Their well-known outline faintly marked in front, More deeply towards the heel; betokening The graceful undulation of her gait. I will peep through those branches. [_Walking and looking. With transport._] Ah! now my eyes are gratified by an entrancing sight. Yonder is the beloved of my heart reclining on a rock strewn with flowers, and attended by her two friends. How fortunate! Concealed behind the leaves, I will listen to their conversation, without raising their suspicions. [_Stands concealed, and gazes at them._] _Śakoontalá and her two attendants, holding fans in their hands are discovered as described_. PRIYAMVADÁ AND ANASÚYÁ [_fanning her. In a tone of affection._]--Dearest Śakoontalá, is the breeze raised by these broad lotus leaves refreshing to you? ŚAKOONTALÁ.--Dear friends, why should you trouble yourselves to fan me? [_Priyamvadá and Anasúyá look sorrowfully at one another._] KING.--Śakoontalá seems indeed to be seriously ill. [_Thoughtfully._]Can it be the intensity of the heat that has affected her? or does my heart suggest the true cause of her malady? [_Gazing at her passionately._] Why should I doubt it? The maiden's spotless bosom is o'erspread With cooling balsam; on her slender arm Her only bracelet, twined with lotus stalks, Hangs loose and withered; her recumbent form Expresses languor. Ne'er could noon-day sun Inflict such fair disorder on a maid-- No, love, and love alone, is hereto blame. PRIYAMVADÁ [_aside to Anasúyá._]--I have observed, Anasúyá, that Śakoontalá has been indisposed ever since her first interview with King Dushyanta. Depend upon it, her ailment is to be traced to this source. ANASÚYÁ.--The same suspicion, dear Priyamvadá, has crossed my mind. But I will at once ask her and ascertain the truth. [_Aloud._] Dear Śakoontalá, I am about to put a question to you. Your indisposition is really very serious. ŚAKOONTALÁ [_half-rising from her couch_].--What were you going to ask? ANASÚYÁ.--We know very little about love-matters, dear Śakoontalá; but for all that, I cannot help suspecting your present state to be something similar to that of the lovers we have read about in romances. Tell us frankly what is the cause of your disorder. It is useless to apply a remedy, until the disease be understood. KING.--Anasúyá bears me out in my suspicion. ŚAKOONTALÁ [_aside_].--I am, indeed, deeply in love; but cannot rashly disclose my passion to these young girls. PRIYAMVADÁ.--What Anasúyá says, dear Śakoontalá, is very just. Why give so little heed to your ailment? Every day you are becoming thinner; though I must confess your complexion is still as beautiful as ever.