PRIYAMVADÁ AND ANASÚYÁ.--Alas! what are we to do? We are unused to such splendid decorations, and are at a loss how to arrange them. Our knowledge of painting must be our guide. We will dispose the ornaments as we have seen them in pictures. ŚAKOONTALÁ.--Whatever pleases you, dear girls, will please me. I have perfect confidence in your taste. [_They commence dressing her_. _Enter Kanwa, having just finished his ablutions_. KANWA.--This day my loved one leaves me, and my heart Is heavy with its grief: the streams of sorrow Choked at the source, repress my faltering voice. I have no words to speak; mine eyes are dimmed By the dark shadows of the thoughts that rise Within my soul. If such the force of grief In an old hermit parted from his nursling, What anguish must the stricken parent feel-- Bereft forever of an only daughter? [_Advances towards Śakoontalá_ PRIYAMVADÁ AND ANASÚYÁ.--Now, dearest Śakoontalá, we have finished decorating you. You have only to put on the two linen mantles. [_Śakoontalá rises and puts them on_. GAUTAMÍ.--Daughter, see, here comes thy foster-father; he is eager to fold thee in his arms; his eyes swim with tears of joy. Hasten to do him reverence. ŚAKOONTALÁ [_reverently_].--My father, I salute you. KANWA.--My daughter, May'st thou be highly honored by thy lord, E'en as Yayáti Śarmishthá adored! And, as she bore him Puru; so may'st thou Bring forth a son to whom the world shall bow! GAUTAMÍ.--Most venerable father, she accepts your benediction as if she already possessed the boon it confers. KANWA.--Now come this way, my child, and walk reverently round these sacrificial fires. [_They all walk round_. KANWA [_repeats a prayer in the metre of the Rig-veda_].-- Holy flames, that gleam around Every altar's hallowed ground; Holy flames, whose frequent food Is the consecrated wood, And for whose encircling bed, Sacred Kuśa-grass is spread; Holy flames, that waft to heaven Sweet oblations daily given, Mortal guilt to purge away;-- Hear, oh hear me, when I pray-- Purify my child this day! Now then, my daughter, set out on thy journey. [_Looking on one side_.] Where are thy attendants, Śárngarava and the others? YOUNG HERMIT [_entering_].--Here we are, most venerable father. KANWA.--Lead the way for thy sister. SÁRNGARAVA.--Come, Śakoontalá, let us proceed. [_All move away_.