HERMITS.--May the desires of your soul be accomplished! KING.--I trust no one is molesting you in the prosecution of your religious rites. HERMITS.--Who dares disturb our penitential rites When thou art our protector? Can the night Prevail to cast her shadows o'er the earth While the sun's beams irradiate the sky? KING.--Such, indeed, is the very meaning of my title--"Defender of the Just." I trust the venerable Kanwa is in good health. The world is interested in his well-being. HERMITS.--Holy men have health and prosperity in their own power. He bade us greet your Majesty, and, after kind inquiries, deliver this message. KING.--Let me hear his commands. ŚÁRNGARAVA.--He bade us say that he feels happy in giving his sanction to the marriage which your Majesty contracted with this lady, his daughter, privately and by mutual agreement. Because By us thou art esteemed the most illustrious Of noble husbands; and Śakoontalá Virtue herself in human form revealed. Great Brahmá hath in equal yoke united A bride unto a husband worthy of her:-- Henceforth let none make blasphemous complaint That he is pleased with ill-assorted unions. Since, therefore, she expects soon to be the mother of thy child, receive her into thy palace, that she may perform, in conjunction with thee, the ceremonies prescribed by religion on such an occasion. GAUTAMÍ.--So please your Majesty, I would add a few words: but why should I intrude my sentiments when an opportunity of speaking my mind has never been allowed me? She took no counsel with her kindred; thou Didst not confer with thine, but all alone Didst solemnize thy nuptials with thy wife. Together, then, hold converse; let us leave you. ŚAKOONTALÁ [_aside_].--Ah! how I tremble for my lord's reply. KING.--What strange proposal is this? ŚAKOONTALÁ [_aside_].--His words are fire to me. ŚÁRNGARAVA.--What do I hear? Dost thou, then, hesitate? Monarch, thou art well acquainted with the ways of the world, and knowest that A wife, however virtuous and discreet, If she live separate from her wedded lord, Though under shelter of her parent's roof, Is mark for vile suspicion. Let her dwell Beside her husband, though he hold her not In his affection. So her kinsmen will it. KING.--Do you really mean to assert that I ever married this lady? ŚAKOONTALÁ [_despondingly. Aside_].--O my heart, thy worst misgivings are confirmed. ŚÁRNGARAVA.--Is it becoming in a monarch to depart from the rules of justice, because he repents of his engagements? KING.--I cannot answer a question which is based on a mere fabrication. SÁRNGARAVA.--Such inconstancy is fortunately not common, excepting in men intoxicated by power. KING.--Is that remark aimed at me? GAUTAMÍ.--Be not ashamed, my daughter. Let me remove thy veil for a little space. Thy husband will then recognize thee. [_Removes her veil_.