Part 5

_Priyamvada_. Well, Shakuntala is near the cottage. (_Reflecting_.) Ah, but to-day her heart is far away. Come, we must do with the flowers we have. (_They start to walk away_.)

_The voice_.

Do you dare despise a guest like me? Because your heart, by loving fancies blinded, Has scorned a guest in pious life grown old, Your lover shall forget you though reminded, Or think of you as of a story told.

(_The two girls listen and show dejection_.)

_Priyamvada_. Oh, dear! The very thing has happened. The dear, absent-minded girl has offended some worthy man.

_Anusuya_ (_looking ahead_). My dear, this is no ordinary somebody. It is the great sage Durvasas, the irascible. See how he strides away!

_Priyamvada_. Nothing burns like fire. Run, fall at his feet, bring him back, while I am getting water to wash his feet.

_Anusuya_. I will. (_Exit_.)

_Priyamvada_ (_stumbling_). There! I stumbled in my excitement, and the flower-basket fell out of my hand. (_She collects the scattered flowers_. ANUSUYA _returns_.)

_Anusuya_. My dear, he is anger incarnate. Who could appease him? But I softened him a little.

_Priyamvada_. Even that is a good deal for him. Tell me about it.

_Anusuya_. When he would not turn back, I fell at his feet and prayed to him. "Holy sir," I said, "remember her former devotion and pardon this offence. Your daughter did not recognise your great and holy power to-day."

_Priyamvada_. And then----

_Anusuya_. Then he said: "My words must be fulfilled. But the curse shall be lifted when her lover sees a gem which he has given her for a token." And so he vanished.

_Priyamvada_. We can breathe again. When the good king went away, he put a ring, engraved with his own name, on Shakuntala's finger to remember him by. That will save her.

_Anusuya_. Come, we must finish the sacrifice for her. (_They walk about_.)

_Priyamvada_ (_gazing_). Just look, Anusuya! There is the dear girl, with her cheek resting on her left hand. She looks like a painted picture. She is thinking about him. How could she notice a guest when she has forgotten herself?

_Anusuya_. Priyamvada, we two must keep this thing to ourselves. We must be careful of the dear girl. You know how delicate she is.

_Priyamvada_. Would any one sprinkle a jasmine-vine with scalding water? (_Exeunt ambo_.)

## SCENE II.--_Early Morning_

(_Enter a pupil of_ KANVA, _just risen from sleep_.)

_Pupil_. Father Kanva has returned from his pilgrimage, and has bidden me find out what time it is. I will go into the open air and see how much of the night remains. (_He walks and looks about_.) See! The dawn is breaking. For already

The moon behind the western mount is sinking; The eastern sun is heralded by dawn; From heaven's twin lights, their fall and glory linking, Brave lessons of submission may be drawn.

And again:

Night-blooming lilies, when the moon is hidden, Have naught but memories of beauty left. Hard, hard to bear! Her lot whom heaven has bidden To live alone, of love and lover reft.

And again:

On jujube-trees the blushing dewdrops falter; The peacock wakes and leaves the cottage thatch; A deer is rising near the hoof-marked altar, And stretching, stands, the day's new life to catch.

And yet again:

The moon that topped the loftiest mountain ranges, That slew the darkness in the midmost sky, Is fallen from heaven, and all her glory changes: So high to rise, so low at last to lie!

_Anusuya_ (_entering hurriedly. To herself_). That is just what happens to the innocent. Shakuntala has been treated shamefully by the king. _Pupil_. I will tell Father Kanva that the hour of morning sacrifice is come. (_Exit_.)

_Anusuya_. The dawn is breaking. I am awake bright and early. But what shall I do now that I am awake? My hands refuse to attend to the ordinary morning tasks. Well, let love take its course. For the dear, pure-minded girl trusted him--the traitor! Perhaps it is not the good king's fault. It must be the curse of Durvasas. Otherwise, how could the good king say such beautiful things, and then let all this time pass without even sending a message? (_She reflects_.) Yes, we must send him the ring he left as a token. But whom shall we ask to take it? The hermits are unsympathetic because they have never suffered. It seemed as if her friends were to blame and so, try as we might, we could not tell Father Kanva that Shakuntala was married to Dushyanta and was expecting a baby. Oh, what shall we do? (_Enter_ PRIYAMVADA.)

_Priyamvada_. Hurry, Anusuya, hurry! We are getting Shakuntala ready for her journey.

_Anusuya_ (_astonished_). What do you mean, my dear?

_Priyamuada_. Listen. I just went to Shakuntala, to ask if she had slept well.

_Anusuya_. And then----

_Priyamvada_. I found her hiding her face for shame, and Father Kanva was embracing her and encouraging her. "My child," he said, "I bring you joy. The offering fell straight in the sacred fire, and auspicious smoke rose toward the sacrificer. My pains for you have proved like instruction given to a good student; they have brought me no regret. This very day I shall give you an escort of hermits and send you to your husband."

_Anusuya_. But, my dear, who told Father Kanva about it?

_Priyamvada_. A voice from heaven that recited a verse when he had entered the fire-sanctuary.

_Anusuya_ (_astonished_). What did it say?

_Priyamvada_. Listen. (_Speaking in good Sanskrit_.)

Know, Brahman, that your child, Like the fire-pregnant tree, Bears kingly seed that shall be born For earth's prosperity.

_Anusuya_ (_hugging_ PRIYAMVADA). I am so glad, dear. But my joy is half sorrow when I think that Shakuntala is going to be taken away this very day.

_Priyamvada_. We must hide our sorrow as best we can. The poor girl must be made happy to-day.

_Anusuya_. Well, here is a cocoa-nut casket, hanging on a branch of the mango-tree. I put flower-pollen in it for this very purpose. It keeps fresh, you know. Now you wrap it in a lotus-leaf, and I will get yellow pigment and earth from a sacred spot and blades of panic grass for the happy ceremony. (PRIYAMVADA _does so. Exit_ ANUSUYA.)

_A voice behind the scenes_. Gautami, bid the worthy Sharngarava and Sharadvata make ready to escort my daughter Shakuntala.

_Priyamvada_ (_listening_). Hurry, Anusuya, hurry! They are calling the hermits who are going to Hastinapura. (_Enter_ ANUSUYA, _with materials for the ceremony_.)

_Anusuya_. Come, dear, let us go. (_They walk about_.)

_Priyamvada_ (_looking ahead_). There is Shakuntala. She took the ceremonial bath at sunrise, and now the hermit-women are giving her rice-cakes and wishing her happiness. Let's go to her. (_They do so. Enter_ SHAKUNTALA _with attendants as described, and_ GAUTAMI.)

_Shakuntala_. Holy women, I salute you.

_Gautami_. My child, may you receive the happy title "queen," showing that your husband honours you.

_Hermit-women_. My dear, may you become the mother of a hero. (_Exeunt all but_ GAUTAMI.)

_The two friends_ (_approaching_). Did you have a good bath, dear?

_Shakuntala_. Good morning, girls. Sit here.

_The two friends_ (_seating themselves_). Now stand straight, while we go through the happy ceremony.

_Shakuntala_. It has happened often enough, but I ought to be very grateful to-day. Shall I ever be adorned by my friends again? (_She weeps_.)

_The two friends_. You ought not to weep, dear, at this happy time.

(_They wipe the tears away and adorn her_.)

_Priyamvada_. You are so beautiful, you ought to have the finest gems. It seems like an insult to give you these hermitage things. (_Enter_ HARITA, _a hermit-youth with ornaments_.) _Harita_. Here are ornaments for our lady. (_The women look at them in astonishment_.)

_Gautami_. Harita, my son, whence come these things?

_Harita_. From the holy power of Father Kanva.

_Gautami_. A creation of his mind?

_Harita_. Not quite. Listen. Father Kanva sent us to gather blossoms from the trees for Shakuntala, and then

One tree bore fruit, a silken marriage dress That shamed the moon in its white loveliness; Another gave us lac-dye for the feet; From others, fairy hands extended, sweet Like flowering twigs, as far as to the wrist, And gave us gems, to adorn her as we list.

_Priyamvada_ (_Looking at_ SHAKUNTALA). A bee may be born in a hole in a tree, but she likes the honey of the lotus.

_Gautami_. This gracious favour is a token of the queenly happiness which you are to enjoy in your husband's palace. (SHAKUNTALA _shows embarrassment_.)

_Harita_. Father Kanva has gone to the bank of the Malini, to perform his ablutions. I will tell him of the favour shown us by the trees.

(_Exit_.)

_Anusuya_. My dear, we poor girls never saw such ornaments. How shall we adorn you? (_She stops to think, and to look at the ornaments_.) But we have seen pictures. Perhaps we can arrange them right.

_Shakuntala_. I know how clever you are. (_The two friends adorn her. Enter_ KANVA, _returning after his ablutions_.)

_Kanva_.

Shakuntala must go to-day; I miss her now at heart; I dare not speak a loving word Or choking tears will start.

My eyes are dim with anxious thought; Love strikes me to the life: And yet I strove for pious peace-- I have no child, no wife.

What must a father feel, when come The pangs of parting from his child at home?

(_He walks about_.) _The two friends_. There, Shakuntala, we have arranged your ornaments. Now put on this beautiful silk dress.

(SHAKUNTALA _rises and does so_.)

_Gautami_. My child, here is your father. The eyes with which he seems to embrace you are overflowing with tears of joy. You must greet him properly. (SHAKUNTALA _makes a shamefaced reverence_.)

_Kanva_. My child,

Like Sharmishtha, Yayati's wife, Win favour measured by your worth; And may you bear a kingly son Like Puru, who shall rule the earth.

_Gautami_. My child, this is not a prayer, but a benediction.

_Kanva_. My daughter, walk from left to right about the fires in which the offering has just been thrown. (_All walk about_.)

The holy fires around the altar kindle, And at their margins sacred grass is piled; Beneath their sacrificial odours dwindle Misfortunes. May the fires protect you, child!

(SHAKUNTALA _walks about them from left to right_.)

_Kanva_. Now you may start, my daughter. (_He glances about_.) Where are Sharngarava and Sharadvata? (_Enter the two pupils_.)

_The two pupils_. We are here, Father.

_Kanva_. Sharngarava, my son, lead the way for your sister.

_Sharngarava_. Follow me. (_They all walk about_.)

_Kanva_. O trees of the pious grove, in which the fairies dwell,

She would not drink till she had wet Your roots, a sister's duty, Nor pluck your flowers; she loves you yet Far more than selfish beauty.

'Twas festival in her pure life When budding blossoms showed; And now she leaves you as a wife-- Oh, speed her on her road!

_Sharngarava_ (_listening to the song of koïl-birds_). Father,

The trees are answering your prayer In cooing cuckoo-song, Bidding Shakuntala farewell, Their sister for so long.

_Invisible beings_,

May lily-dotted lakes delight your eye; May shade-trees bid the heat of noonday cease; May soft winds blow the lotus-pollen nigh; May all your path be pleasantness and peace.

(_All listen in astonishment_.)

_Gautami_. My child, the fairies of the pious grove bid you farewell. For they love the household. Pay reverence to the holy ones.

_Shakuntala_ (_does so. Aside to_ PRIYAMVADA). Priyamvada, I long to see my husband, and yet my feet will hardly move. It is hard, hard to leave the hermitage.

_Priyamvada_. You are not the only one to feel sad at this farewell. See how the whole grove feels at parting from you.

The grass drops from the feeding doe; The peahen stops her dance; Pale, trembling leaves are falling slow, The tears of clinging plants.

_Shakuntala_ (_recalling something_). Father, I must say good-bye to the spring-creeper, my sister among the vines.

_Kanva_. I know your love for her. See! Here she is at your right hand.

_Shakuntala_ (_approaches the vine and embraces it_). Vine sister, embrace me too with your arms, these branches. I shall be far away from you after to-day. Father, you must care for her as you did for me.

_Kanva_.

My child, you found the lover who Had long been sought by me; No longer need I watch for you; I'll give the vine a lover true, This handsome mango-tree.

And now start on your journey. _Shakuntala_ (_going to the two friends_). Dear girls, I leave her in your care too.

_The two friends_. But who will care for poor us? (_They shed tears_.)

_Kanva_. Anusuya! Priyamvada! Do not weep. It is you who should cheer Shakuntala. (_All walk about_.)

_Shakuntala_. Father, there is the pregnant doe, wandering about near the cottage. When she becomes a happy mother, you must send some one to bring me the good news. Do not forget.

_Kanva_. I shall not forget, my child.

_Shakuntala_ (_stumbling_) Oh, oh! Who is it that keeps pulling at my dress, as if to hinder me? (_She turns round to see_.)

_Kanva_.

It is the fawn whose lip, when torn By kusha-grass, you soothed with oil; The fawn who gladly nibbled corn Held in your hand; with loving toil You have adopted him, and he Would never leave you willingly.

_Shakuntala_. My dear, why should you follow me when I am going away from home? Your mother died when you were born and I brought you up. Now I am leaving you, and Father Kanva will take care of you. Go back, dear! Go back! (_She walks away, weeping_.)

_Kanva_. Do not weep, my child. Be brave. Look at the path before you.

Be brave, and check the rising tears That dim your lovely eyes; Your feet are stumbling on the path That so uneven lies.

_Sharngarava_. Holy Father, the Scripture declares that one should accompany a departing loved one only to the first water. Pray give us your commands on the bank of this pond, and then return.

_Kanva_. Then let us rest in the shade of this fig-tree. (_All do so_.) What commands would it be fitting for me to lay on King Dushyanta? (_He reflects_.)

_Anusuya_. My dear, there is not a living thing in the whole hermitage that is not grieving to-day at saying good-bye to you. Look!

The sheldrake does not heed his mate Who calls behind the lotus-leaf; He drops the lily from his bill And turns on you a glance of grief.

_Kanva_. Son Sharngarava, when you present Shakuntala to the king, give him this message from me.

Remembering my religious worth, Your own high race, the love poured forth By her, forgetful of her friends, Pay her what honour custom lends To all your wives. And what fate gives Beyond, will please her relatives.

_Sharngarava_. I will not forget your message, Father.

_Kanva_ (_turning to_ SHAKUNTALA). My child, I must now give you my counsel. Though I live in the forest, I have some knowledge of the world.

_Sharngarava_. True wisdom, Father, gives insight into everything.

_Kanva_. My child, when you have entered your husband's home,

Obey your elders; and be very kind To rivals; never be perversely blind And angry with your husband, even though he Should prove less faithful than a man might be; Be as courteous to servants as you may, Not puffed with pride in this your happy day: Thus does a maiden grow into a wife; But self-willed women are the curse of life.

But what does Gautami say?

_Gautami_. This is advice sufficient for a bride. (_To_ SHAKUNTALA.) You will not forget, my child.

_Kanva_. Come, my daughter, embrace me and your friends.

_Shakuntala_. Oh, Father! Must my friends turn back too?

_Kanva_. My daughter, they too must some day be given in marriage. Therefore they may not go to court. Gautami will go with you.

_Shakuntala_ (_throwing her arms about her father_). I am torn from my father's breast like a vine stripped from a sandal-tree on the Malabar hills. How can I live in another soil? (_She weeps_.)

_Kanva_. My daughter, why distress yourself so?

A noble husband's honourable wife, You are to spend a busy, useful life In the world's eye; and soon, as eastern skies Bring forth the sun, from you there shall arise A child, a blessing and a comfort strong-- You will not miss me, dearest daughter, long.

_Shakuntala_ (_falling at his feet_). Farewell, Father.

_Kanva_. My daughter, may all that come to you which I desire for you.

_Shakuntala_ (_going to her two friends_). Come, girls! Embrace me, both of you together.

_The two friends_ (_do so_). Dear, if the good king should perhaps be slow to recognise you, show him the ring with his own name engraved on it.

_Shakuntala_. Your doubts make my heart beat faster.

_The two friends_. Do not be afraid, dear. Love is timid.

_Sharngarava_ (_looking about_). Father, the sun is in mid-heaven. She must hasten.

_Shakuntala_ (_embracing_ KANVA _once more_). Father, when shall I see the pious grove again?

_Kanva_. My daughter,

When you have shared for many years The king's thoughts with the earth, When to a son who knows no fears You shall have given birth,

When, trusted to the son you love, Your royal labours cease, Come with your husband to the grove And end your days in peace.

_Gautami_. My child, the hour of your departure is slipping by. Bid your father turn back. No, she would never do that. Pray turn back, sir.

_Kanva_. Child, you interrupt my duties in the pious grove.

_Shakuntala_. Yes, Father. You will be busy in the grove. You will not miss me. But oh! I miss you. _Kanva_. How can you think me so indifferent? (_He sighs_.)

My lonely sorrow will not go, For seeds you scattered here Before the cottage door, will grow; And I shall see them, dear.

Go. And peace go with you. (_Exit_ SHAKUNTALA, _with_ GAUTAMI, SHARNGARAVA, _and_ SHARADVATA.)

_The two friends_ (_gazing long after her. Mournfully_). Oh, oh! Shakuntala is lost among the trees.

_Kanva_. Anusuya! Priyamvada! Your companion is gone. Choke down your grief and follow me. (_They start to go back_.)

_The two friends_. Father, the grove seems empty without Shakuntala.

_Kanva_. So love interprets. (_He walks about, sunk in thought_.) Ah! I have sent Shakuntala away, and now I am myself again. For

A girl is held in trust, another's treasure; To arms of love my child to-day is given; And now I feel a calm and sacred pleasure; I have restored the pledge that came from heaven.

(_Exeunt omnes_.)

## ACT V

SHAKUNTALA'S REJECTION

(_Enter a chamberlain_.)

_Chamberlain_ (_sighing_). Alas! To what a state am I reduced!

I once assumed the staff of reed For custom's sake alone, As officer to guard at need The ladies round the throne. But years have passed away and made It serve, my tottering steps to aid.

The king is within. I will tell him of the urgent business which demands his attention. (_He takes a few steps_.) But what is the business? (_He recalls it_.) Yes, I remember. Certain hermits, pupils of Kanva, desire to see his Majesty. Strange, strange!

The mind of age is like a lamp Whose oil is running thin; One moment it is shining bright, Then darkness closes in.

(_He walks and looks about_.) Here is his Majesty.

He does not seek--until a father's care Is shown his subjects--rest in solitude; As a great elephant recks not of the sun Until his herd is sheltered in the wood.

In truth, I hesitate to announce the coming of Kanva's pupils to the king. For he has this moment risen from the throne of justice. But kings are never weary. For

The sun unyokes his horses never; Blows night and day the breeze; Shesha upholds the world forever: And kings are like to these.

(_He walks about. Enter the king, the clown, and retinue according to rank_.) _King_ (_betraying the cares of office_). Every one is happy on attaining his desire--except a king. His difficulties increase with his power. Thus:

Security slays nothing but ambition; With great possessions, troubles gather thick; Pain grows, not lessens, with a king's position, As when one's hand must hold the sunshade's stick.

_Two court poets behind the scenes_. Victory to your Majesty.

_First poet_.

The world you daily guard and bless, Not heeding pain or weariness; Thus is your nature made. A tree will brave the noonday, when The sun is fierce, that weary men May rest beneath its shade.

_Second poet_.

Vice bows before the royal rod; Strife ceases at your kingly nod; You are our strong defender. Friends come to all whose wealth is sure, But you, alike to rich and poor, Are friend both strong and tender.

_King_ (_listening_). Strange! I was wearied by the demands of my office, but this renews my spirit.

_Clown_. Does a bull forget that he is tired when you call him the leader of the herd?

_King_ (_smiling_). Well, let us sit down. (_They seat themselves, and the retinue arranges itself. A lute is heard behind the scenes_.)

_Clown_ (_listening_). My friend, listen to what is going on in the music-room. Some one is playing a lute, and keeping good time. I suppose Lady Hansavati is practising.

_King_. Be quiet. I wish to listen.

_Chamberlain_ (_looks at the king_). Ah, the king is occupied. I must await his leisure. (_He stands aside_.)

_A song behind the scenes_.

You who kissed the mango-flower, Honey-loving bee, Gave her all your passion's power, Ah, so tenderly!

How can you be tempted so By the lily, pet? Fresher honey's sweet, I know; But can you forget?

_King_. What an entrancing song!

_Clown_. But, man, don't you understand what the words mean?

_King_ (_smiling_). I was once devoted to Queen Hansavati. And the rebuke comes from her. Friend Madhavya, tell Queen Hansavati in my name that the rebuke is a very pretty one.

_Clown_. Yes, sir. (_He rises_.) But, man, you are using another fellow's fingers to grab a bear's tail-feathers with. I have about as much chance of salvation as a monk who hasn't forgotten his passions.

_King_. Go. Soothe her like a gentleman.

_Clown_. I suppose I must. (_Exit_.)

_King_ (_to himself_). Why am I filled with wistfulness on hearing such a song? I am not separated from one I love. And yet

In face of sweet presentment Or harmonies of sound, Man e'er forgets contentment, By wistful longings bound.

There must be recollections Of things not seen on earth, Deep nature's predilections, Loves earlier than birth.

(_He shows the wistfulness that comes from unremembered things_.)

_Chamberlain_ (_approaching_). Victory to your Majesty. Here are hermits who dwell in the forest at the foot of the Himalayas. They bring women with them, and they carry a message from Kanva. What is your pleasure with regard to them?

_King_ (_astonished_). Hermits? Accompanied by women? From Kanva?

_Chamberlain_. Yes.

_King_. Request my chaplain Somarata in my name to receive these hermits in the manner prescribed by Scripture, and to conduct them himself before me. I will await them in a place fit for their reception.

_Chamberlain_. Yes, your Majesty. (_Exit_.)

_King_ (_rising_). Vetravati, conduct me to the fire-sanctuary.

_Portress_. Follow me, your Majesty. (_She walks about_) Your Majesty, here is the terrace of the fire-sanctuary. It is beautiful, for it has just been swept, and near at hand is the cow that yields the milk of sacrifice. Pray ascend it.

_King_ (_ascends and stands leaning on the shoulder of an attendant_.) Vetravati, with what purpose does Father Kanva send these hermits to me?