Priyamvada (looking at it joyfully).  And I have something pleasant to tell you.  You are to be married soon.

Shakuntala (snappishly).  You know that’s just what you want for yourself.

Priyamvada.  I’m not teasing.  I really heard Father Kanva say that this flowering vine was to be a symbol of your coming happiness.

Anusuya.  Priyamvada, that is why Shakuntala waters the spring-creeper so lovingly.

Shakuntala.  She is my sister.  Why shouldn’t I give her water? (She tips her watering-pot.)

King.  May I hope that she is the hermit’s daughter by a mother of a different caste?  But it must be so.

  Surely, she may become a warrior’s bride;
    Else, why these longings in an honest mind? 
  The motions of a blameless heart decide
    Of right and wrong, when reason leaves us blind.

Yet I will learn the whole truth.

Shakuntala (excitedly).  Oh, oh!  A bee has left the jasmine-vine and is flying into my face. (She shows herself annoyed by the bee.)

King (ardently).

  As the bee about her flies,
  Swiftly her bewitching eyes
    Turn to watch his flight. 
  She is practising to-day
  Coquetry and glances’ play
    Not from love, but fright.

(Jealously.)

  Eager bee, you lightly skim
  O’er the eyelid’s trembling rim
    Toward the cheek aquiver. 
  Gently buzzing round her cheek,
  Whispering in her ear, you seek
    Secrets to deliver.

  While her hands that way and this
  Strike at you, you steal a kiss,
    Love’s all, honeymaker. 
  I know nothing but her name,
  Not her caste, nor whence she came—­
    You, my rival, take her.

Shakuntala.  Oh, girls!  Save me from this dreadful bee!

The two friends (smiling).  Who are we, that we should save you?  Call upon Dushyanta.  For pious groves are in the protection of the king.

King.  A good opportunity to present myself.  Have no—­(He checks himself.  Aside.) No, they would see that I am the king.  I prefer to appear as a guest.

Shakuntala.  He doesn’t leave me alone!  I am going to run away. (She takes a step and looks about.) Oh, dear!  Oh, dear!  He is following me.  Please save me.

King (hastening forward).  Ah!

  A king of Puru’s mighty line
    Chastises shameless churls;
  What insolent is he who baits
    These artless hermit-girls?

(The girls are a little flurried on seeing the king.)

Anusuya.  It is nothing very dreadful, sir.  But our friend (indicating SHAKUNTALA) was teased and frightened by a bee.

King (to SHAKUNTALA).  I hope these pious days are happy ones.