PRIYAMVADÁ AND ANASÚYÁ.--Unprotected! when the Protector of the world is at your side. [_Exeunt._] ŚAKOONTALÁ.--What! have they both really left me? KING.--Distress not thyself, sweet maiden. Thy adorer is at hand to wait upon thee. Oh, let me tend thee, fair one, in the place Of thy dear friends; and, with broad lotus fans, Raise cooling breezes to refresh thy frame; Or shall I rather, with caressing touch, Allay the fever of thy limbs, and soothe Thy aching feet, beauteous as blushing lilies? ŚAKOONTALÁ.--Nay, touch me not. I will not incur the censure of those whom I am bound to respect. [_Rises and attempts to go._] KING.--Fair one, the heat of noon has not yet subsided, and thy body is still feeble. How canst thou quit thy fragrant couch of flowers, And from thy throbbing bosom cast aside Its covering of lotus leaves, to brave With weak and fainting limbs the noon-day heat? [_Forces her to turn back._] ŚAKOONTALÁ.--Infringe not the rules of decorum, mighty descendant of Puru. Remember, though I love you, I have no power to dispose of myself. KING.--Why this fear of offending your relations, timid maid? When your venerable foster-father hears of it, he will not find fault with you. He knows that the law permits us to be united without consulting him. In Indra's heaven, so at least 'tis said, No nuptial rites prevail,[39] nor is the bride Led to the altar by her future spouse; But all in secret does the bridegroom plight His troth, and each unto the other vow Mutual allegiance. Such espousals, too, Are authorized on earth, and many daughters Of royal saints thus wedded to their lords, Have still received their father's benison. ŚAKOONTALÁ.--Leave me, leave me; I must take counsel with my female friends. KING.--I will leave thee when------ ŚAKOONTALÁ.--When? KING.--When I have gently stolen from thy lips Their yet untasted nectar, to allay The raging of my thirst, e'en as the bee Sips the fresh honey from the opening bud. [_Attempts to raise her face. Śakoontalá tries to prevent him_. A VOICE [_behind the scenes_].--The loving birds, doomed by fate to nightly separation, must bid farewell to each other, for evening is at hand. ŚAKOONTALÁ [_in confusion_].--Great Prince, I hear the voice of the matron Gautamí. She is coming this way, to inquire after my health. Hasten and conceal yourself behind the branches. KING.--I will. [_Conceals himself_. _Enter Gautamí with a vase in her hand, preceded by two attendants_. ATTENDANTS.--This way, most venerable Gautamí. GAUTAMÍ [_approaching Śakoontalá_].--My child, is the fever of thy limbs allayed? ŚAKOONTALÁ.--Venerable mother, there is certainly a change for the better.