SÁNUMATÍ.--Behold me just arrived from attending in my proper turn at the nymphs' pool, where I have left the other nymphs to perform their ablutions, whilst I seek to ascertain, with my own eyes, how it fares with King Dushyanta. My connection with the nymph Menaká has made her daughter Śakoontalá dearer to me than my own flesh and blood; and Menaká it was who charged me with this errand on her daughter's behalf. [_Looking round in all directions_.] How is it that I see no preparations in the King's household for celebrating the great vernal festival? I could easily discover the reason by my divine faculty of meditation; but respect must be shown to the wishes of my friend. How then shall I arrive at the truth? I know what I will do. I will become invisible, and place myself near those two maidens who are tending the plants in the garden. [_Descends and takes her station_. _Enter a Maiden, who stops in front of a mango-tree and gazes at the blossom. Another Maiden is seen behind her_. FIRST MAIDEN.--Hail to thee, lovely harbinger of spring! The varied radiance of thy opening flowers Is welcome to my sight. I bid thee hail, Sweet mango, soul of this enchanting season. SECOND MAIDEN.--Parabaitiká, what are you saying there to yourself? FIRST MAIDEN.--Dear Madhukariká, am I not named after the Köil?[41] and does not the Köil sing for joy at the first appearance of the mango-blossom? SECOND MAIDEN [_approaching hastily, with transport_].--What! is spring really come? FIRST MAIDEN.--Yes, indeed, Madhukariká, and with it the season of joy, love, and song. SECOND MAIDEN.--Let me lean upon you, dear, while I stand on tip-toe and pluck a blossom of the mango, that I may present it as an offering to the god of love. FIRST MAIDEN.--Provided you let me have half the reward which the god will bestow in return. SECOND MAIDEN.--To be sure you shall, and that without asking. Are we not one in heart and soul, though divided in body? [_Leans on her friend and plucks a mango-blossom._] Ah! here is a bud just bursting into flower. It diffuses a delicious perfume, though not yet quite expanded. [_Joining her hands reverentially_. God of the bow, who with spring's choicest flowers Dost point thy five unerring shafts; to thee I dedicate this blossom; let it serve To barb thy truest arrow; be its mark Some youthful heart that pines to be beloved. [_Throws down a mango-blossom._ CHAMBERLAIN [_entering in a hurried manner, angrily_].--Hold there, thoughtless woman. What are you about breaking off those mango-blossoms, when the King has forbidden the celebration of the spring festival? BOTH MAIDENS [_alarmed_].--Pardon us, kind sir, we have heard nothing of it.