KAŚYAPA.--Nevertheless it becomes us to send him intelligence of this happy event, and hear his reply. What, ho there! PUPIL [_entering_].--Holy father, what are your commands? KAŚYAPA.--My good Gálava, delay not an instant, but hasten through the air and convey to the venerable Kanwa, from me, the happy news that the fatal spell has ceased, that Dushyanta's memory is restored, that his daughter Śakoontalá has a son, and that she is once more tenderly acknowledged by her husband. PUPIL.--Your highness's commands shall be obeyed. [_Exit._ KAŚYAPA.--And now, my dear son, take thy consort and thy child, re-ascend the car of Indra, and return to thy imperial capital. KING.--Most holy father, I obey. KAŚYAPA.--And accept this blessing-- For countless ages may the god of gods, Lord of the atmosphere, by copious showers Secure abundant harvest to thy subjects; And thou by frequent offerings preserve The Thunderer's friendship! Thus, by interchange Of kindly actions, may you both confer Unnumbered benefits on earth and heaven! KING.--Holy father, I will strive, as far as I am able, to attain this happiness. KAŚYAPA.--What other favor can I bestow on thee, my son? KING.--What other can I desire? If, however, you permit me to form another wish, I would humbly beg that the saying of the sage Bharata be fulfilled:-- May kings reign only for their subjects' weal! May the divine Saraswati, the source Of speech, and goddess of dramatic art, Be ever honored by the great and wise! And may the purple self-existent god, Whose vital Energy pervades all space, From future transmigrations save my soul! [_Exeunt omnes_. [43] A sacred range of mountains lying along the Himálaya chain immediately adjacent to Kailása, the paradise of Kuvera, the god of wealth. [44] According to the mythical geography of the Hindoos the earth consisted of seven islands surrounded by seven seas. BALLADS OF HINDOSTAN MISCELLANEOUS POEMS BY TORU DUTT INTRODUCTION