PRIYAMVADÁ.--I will. [_Exit._ ANASÚYÁ [_advancing hastily a few steps and stumbling_].--Alas! alas! this comes of being in a hurry. My foot has slipped and my basket of flowers has fallen from my hand. [_Stays to gather them up_. PRIYAMVADÁ [_reëntering_].--Well, dear Anasúyá, I have done my best; but what living being could succeed in pacifying such a cross-grained, ill-tempered old fellow? However, I managed to mollify him a little. ANASÚYÁ [_smiling_].--Even a little was much for him. Say on. PRIYAMVADÁ.--When he refused to turn back, I implored his forgiveness in these words: "Most venerable sage, pardon, I beseech you, this first offence of a young and inexperienced girl, who was ignorant of the respect due to your saintly character and exalted rank." ANASÚYÁ.--And what did he reply? PRIYAMVADÁ.--"My word must not be falsified; but at the sight of the ring of recognition the spell shall cease." So saying, he disappeared. ANASÚYÁ.--Oh! then we may breathe again; for now I think of it, the King himself, at his departure, fastened on Śakoontalá's finger, as a token of remembrance, a ring on which his own name was engraved. She has, therefore, a remedy for her misfortune at her own command. PRIYAMVADÁ.--Come, dear Anasúyá, let us proceed with our religious duties. [_They walk away_. PRIYAMVADÁ [_looking off the stage_].--See, Anasúyá, there sits our dear friend, motionless as a statue, resting her face on her left hand, her whole mind absorbed in thinking of her absent husband. She can pay no attention to herself, much less to a stranger. ANASÚYÁ.--Priyamvadá, let this affair never pass our lips. We must spare our dear friend's feelings. Her constitution is too delicate to bear much emotion. PRIYAMVADÁ.--I agree with you. Who would think of watering a tender jasmine with hot water? ACT FOURTH Scene.--The Neighborhood of the Hermitage _Enter one of Kanwa's pupils, just arisen from his couch at the dawn of day_.