KING [_to the Priest_],--You must counsel me, revered sir, as to my course of action. Which of the two evils involves the greater or less sin? Whether by some dark veil my mind be clouded, Or this designing woman speak untruly, I know not. Tell me, must I rather be The base disowner of my wedded wife, Or the defiling and defiled adulterer? PRIEST [_after deliberation_].--You must take an intermediate course. KING.--What course, revered sir? Tell me at once. PRIEST.--I will provide an asylum for the lady in my own house until the birth of her child; and my reason, if you ask me, is this. Soothsayers have predicted that your first-born will have universal dominion. Now, if the hermit's daughter bring forth a son with the discus or mark of empire in the lines of his hand, you must admit her immediately into your royal apartments with great rejoicings; if not, then determine to send her back as soon as possible to her father. KING.--I bow to the decision of my spiritual adviser. PRIEST.--Daughter, follow me. ŚAKOONTALÁ.--O divine earth, open and receive me into thy bosom! [_Exit Śakoontalá weeping, with the Priest and the Hermits. The King remains absorbed in thinking of her, though the curse still clouds his recollection_. A VOICE [_behind the scenes_].--A miracle! a miracle! KING [_listening_].--What has happened now? PRIEST [_entering with an air of astonishment_].--Great Prince, a stupendous prodigy has just occurred! KING.--What is it? PRIEST.--May it please your Majesty, so soon as Kanwa's pupils had departed, Śakoontalá, her eyes all bathed in tears, With outstretched arms bewailed her cruel fate-- KING.--Well, well, what happened then? PRIEST.--When suddenly a shining apparition, In female shape, descended from the skies, Near the nymphs' pool, and bore her up to heaven. [_All remain motionless with astonishment_. KING.--My good priest, from the very first I declined having anything to do with this matter. It is now all over, and we can never, by our conjectures, unravel the mystery; let it rest; go, seek repose. PRIEST [_looking at the King_].--Be it so. Victory to the King! [_Exit._ KING.--Vetravatí, I am tired out; lead the way to the bed-chamber. WARDER.--This way, Sire. [_They move away_. KING.--Do what I will, I cannot call to mind That I did e'er espouse the sage's daughter-- Therefore I have disowned her; yet 'tis strange How painfully my agitated heart Bears witness to the truth of her assertion, And makes me credit her against my judgment. [_Exeunt._ PRELUDE TO ACT SIXTH Scene.--A Street _Enter the King's brother-in-law as Superintendent of the city police; and with him two Constables, dragging a poor fisherman, who has his hands tied behind his back_.