KING.—­I have.

ANASUYA.—­Know that he is the real father of our friend.  The venerable Kanwa is only her reputed father.  He it was who brought her up, when she was deserted by her mother.

KING.—­“Deserted by her mother!” My curiosity is excited; pray let me hear the story from the beginning.

ANASUYA.—­You shall hear it, Sir.  Some time since, this sage of regal caste, while performing a most severe penance on the banks of the river Godavari, excited the jealousy and alarm of the gods; insomuch that they despatched a lovely nymph named Menaka to interrupt his devotions.

KING.—­The inferior gods, I am aware, are jealous of the power which the practice of excessive devotion confers on mortals.

ANASUYA.—­Well, then, it happened that Viswamitra, gazing on the bewitching beauty of that nymph at a season when, spring being in its glory------
          [Stops short, and appears confused.

KING.—­The rest may be easily divined.  Sakoontala, then, is the offspring of the nymph.

ANASUYA.—­Just so.

KING.—­It is quite intelligible. 
    How could a mortal to such charms give birth? 
    The lightning’s radiance flashes not from earth.

          [Sakoontala remains modestly seated with downcast eyes.

[Aside_].  And so my desire has really scope for its indulgence.  Yet I am still distracted by doubts, remembering the pleasantry of her female companions respecting her wish for a husband.

PRIYAMVADA [looking with a smile at Sakoontala, and then turning towards the King].—­You seem desirous, Sir, of asking something further.

          [Sakoontala makes a chiding gesture with her finger.

KING.—­You conjecture truly.  I am so eager to hear the particulars of your friend’s history, that I have still another question to ask.

PRIYAMVADA.—­Scruple not to do so.  Persons who lead the life of hermits may be questioned unreservedly.

KING.—­I wish to ascertain one point respecting your friend—­
    Will she be bound by solitary vows
    Opposed to love, till her espousals only? 
    Or ever dwell with these her cherished fawns,
    Whose eyes, in lustre vieing with her own,
    Return her gaze of sisterly affection?

PRIYAMVADA.—­Hitherto, Sir, she has been engaged in the practice of religious duties, and has lived in subjection to her foster-father; but it is now his fixed intention to give her away in marriage to a husband worthy of her.

KING [aside].—­His intention may be easily carried into effect. 
    Be hopeful, O my heart, thy harrowing doubts
    Are past and gone; that which thou didst believe
    To be as unapproachable as fire,
    Is found a glittering gem that may be touched.

SAKOONTALA [pretending anger].—­Anasuya, I shall leave you.

ANASUYA.—­Why so?