ANASÚYÁ.--You know that the pious King was gratefully dismissed by the hermits on the successful termination of their sacrificial rites. He has now returned to his capital, leaving Śakoontalá under our care; and it may be doubted whether, in the society of his royal consorts, he will not forget all that has taken place in this hermitage of ours. PRIYAMVADÁ.--On that score be at ease. Persons of his noble nature are not so destitute of all honorable feeling. I confess, however, that there is one point about which I am rather anxious. What, think you, will father Kanwa say when he hears what has occurred? ANASÚYÁ.--In my opinion, he will approve the marriage. PRIYAMVADÁ.--What makes you think so? ANASÚYÁ.--From the first, it was always his fixed purpose to bestow the maiden on a husband worthy of her; and since heaven has given her such a husband, his wishes have been realized without any trouble to himself. PRIYAMVADÁ [_looking at the flower-basket_].--We have gathered flowers enough for the sacred offering, dear Anasúyá. ANASÚYÁ.--Well, then, let us now gather more, that we may have wherewith to propitiate the guardian-deity of our dear Śakoontalá. PRIYAMVADÁ.--By all means. [_They continue gathering_. A VOICE [_behind the scenes_].--Ho there! See you not that I am here? ANASÚYÁ [_listening_].--That must be the voice of a guest announcing his arrival. PRIYAMVADÁ.--Surely, Śakoontalá is not absent from the cottage. [_Aside_.] Her heart at least is absent, I fear. ANASÚYÁ.--Come along, come along; we have gathered flowers enough. [_They move away_. THE SAME VOICE [_behind the scenes_].--Woe to thee, maiden, for daring to slight a guest like me! Shall I stand here unwelcomed; even I, A very mine of penitential merit, Worthy of all respect? Shalt thou, rash maid, Thus set at nought the ever sacred ties Of hospitality? and fix thy thoughts Upon the cherished object of thy love, While I am present? Thus I curse thee, then-- He, even he of whom thou thinkest, he Shall think no more of thee; nor in his heart Retain thine image. Vainly shalt thou strive To waken his remembrance of the past; He shall disown thee, even as the sot, Roused from his midnight drunkenness, denies The words he uttered in his revellings. PRIYAMVADÁ.--Alas! alas! I fear a terrible misfortune has occurred. Śakoontalá, from absence of mind, must have offended some guest whom she was bound to treat with respect. [_Looking behind the scenes_.] Ah! yes; I see, and no less a person than the great sage Durvasas, who is known to be most irascible. He it is that has just cursed her, and is now retiring with hasty strides, trembling with passion, and looking as if nothing could turn him. His wrath is like a consuming fire. ANASÚYÁ.--Go quickly, dear Priyamvadá, throw yourself at his feet, and persuade him to come back, while I prepare a propitiatory offering for him, with water and refreshments.