) This is a
pleasant
spot, with the wind
among the trees.
among the trees.
Kalidasa - Shantukala, and More
Oh, my friend, she needs not many words.
She is God's vision, of pure thought
Composed in His creative mind;
His reveries of beauty wrought
The peerless pearl of womankind.
So plays my fancy when I see
How great is God, how lovely she.
_Clown_. How the women must hate her!
_King_. This too is in my thought.
She seems a flower whose fragrance none has tasted,
A gem uncut by workman's tool,
A branch no desecrating hands have wasted,
Fresh honey, beautifully cool.
No man on earth deserves to taste her beauty,
Her blameless loveliness and worth,
Unless he has fulfilled man's perfect duty--
And is there such a one on earth?
_Clown_. Marry her quick, then, before the poor girl falls into the
hands of some oily-headed hermit.
_King_. She is dependent on her father, and he is not here.
_Clown_. But how does she feel toward you? _King_. My friend,
hermit-girls are by their very nature timid. And yet
When I was near, she could not look at me;
She smiled--but not to me--and half denied it;
She would not show her love for modesty,
Yet did not try so very hard to hide it.
_Clown_. Did you want her to climb into your lap the first time she
saw you?
_King_. But when she went away with her friends, she almost showed
that she loved me.
When she had hardly left my side,
"I cannot walk," the maiden cried,
And turned her face, and feigned to free
The dress not caught upon the tree.
_Clown_. She has given you some memories to chew on. I suppose that is
why you are so in love with the pious grove.
_King_. My friend, think of some pretext under which we may return to
the hermitage.
_Clown_. What pretext do you need? Aren't you the king?
_King_. What of that?
_Clown_. Collect the taxes on the hermits' rice.
_King_. Fool! It is a very different tax which these hermits pay--one
that outweighs heaps of gems.
The wealth we take from common men,
Wastes while we cherish;
These share with us such holiness
As ne'er can perish.
_Voices behind the scenes_. Ah, we have found him.
_King_ (_Listening_). The voices are grave and tranquil. These must be
hermits. (_Enter the door-keeper_. )
_Door-keeper_. Victory, O King. There are two hermit-youths at the
gate.
_King_. Bid them enter at once.
_Door-keeper_. Yes, your Majesty. (_He goes out, then returns with the
youths_. ) Follow me.
_First youth_ (_looking at the king_). A majestic presence, yet it
inspires confidence. Nor is this wonderful in a king who is half a
saint. For to him
The splendid palace serves as hermitage;
His royal government, courageous, sage,
Adds daily to his merit; it is given
To him to win applause from choirs of heaven
Whose anthems to his glory rise and swell,
Proclaiming him a king, and saint as well.
_Second youth_. My friend, is this Dushyanta, friend of Indra?
_First youth_. It is.
_Second youth_.
Nor is it wonderful that one whose arm
Might bolt a city gate, should keep from harm
The whole broad earth dark-belted by the sea;
For when the gods in heaven with demons fight,
Dushyanta's bow and Indra's weapon bright
Are their reliance for the victory.
_The two youths_ (_approaching_). Victory, O King!
_King_ (_rising_). I salute you.
_The two youths_. All hail! (_They offer fruit_. )
_King_ (_receiving it and bowing low_). May I know the reason of your
coming?
_The two youths_. The hermits have learned that you are here, and they
request----
_King_. They command rather.
_The two youths_. The powers of evil disturb our pious life in the
absence of the hermit-father. We therefore ask that you will remain a
few nights with your charioteer to protect the hermitage.
_King_. I shall be most happy to do so.
_Clown_ (_to the king_). You rather seem to like being collared this
way.
_King_. Raivataka, tell my charioteer to drive up, and to bring the
bow and arrows.
_Raivataka_. Yes, your Majesty. (_Exit_)
_The two youths_.
Thou art a worthy scion of
The kings who ruled our nation
And found, defending those in need,
Their truest consecration.
_King_. Pray go before. And I will follow straightway.
_The two youths_. Victory, O King! (_Exeunt_. )
_King_. Madhavya, have you no curiosity to see Shakuntala?
_Clown_. I _did_ have an unending curiosity, but this talk about the
powers of evil has put an end to it.
_King_. Do not fear. You will be with me.
_Clown_. I'll stick close to your chariot-wheel. (_Enter the
door-keeper_. )
_Door-keeper_. Your Majesty, the chariot is ready, and awaits your
departure to victory. But one Karabhaka has come from the city, a
messenger from the queen-mother.
_King_ (_respectfully_). Sent by my mother?
_Door-keeper_. Yes.
_King_. Let him enter.
_Door-keeper_ (_goes out and returns with_ KARABHAKA). Karabhaka, here
is his Majesty. You may draw near.
_Karabhaka_ (_approaching and bowing low_). Victory to your Majesty.
The queen-mother sends her commands----
_King_. What are her commands?
_Karabhaka_. She plans to end a fasting ceremony on the fourth day
from to-day. And on that occasion her dear son must not fail to wait
upon her.
_King_. On the one side is my duty to the hermits, on the other my
mother's command. Neither may be disregarded. What is to be done?
_Clown_ (_laughing_). Stay half-way between, like Trishanku.
_King_. In truth, I am perplexed.
Two inconsistent duties sever
My mind with cruel shock,
As when the current of a river
Is split upon a rock.
(_He reflects_. ) My friend, the queen-mother has always felt toward
you as toward a son. Do you return, tell her what duty keeps me here,
and yourself perform the offices of a son.
_Clown_. You don't think I am afraid of the devils?
_King_ (_smiling_). O mighty Brahman, who could suspect it?
_Clown_. But I want to travel like a prince.
_King_. I will send all the soldiers with you, for the pious grove
must not be disturbed. _Clown_ (_strutting_). Aha! Look at the
heir-apparent!
_King_ (_to himself_). The fellow is a chatterbox. He might betray my
longing to the ladies of the palace. Good, then! (_He takes the clown
by the hand. Aloud_. ) Friend Madhavya, my reverence for the hermits
draws me to the hermitage. Do not think that I am really in love with
the hermit-girl. Just think:
A king, and a girl of the calm hermit-grove,
Bred with the fawns, and a stranger to love!
Then do not imagine a serious quest;
The light words I uttered were spoken in jest.
_Clown_. Oh, I understand that well enough. (_Exeunt ambo_. )
ACT III
THE LOVE-MAKING
(_Enter a pupil, with sacred grass for the sacrifice_. )
_Pupil_ (_with meditative astonishment_). How great is the power of
King Dushyanta! Since his arrival our rites have been undisturbed.
He does not need to bend the bow;
For every evil thing,
Awaiting not the arrow, flees
From the twanging of the string.
Well, I will take this sacred grass to the priests, to strew the
altar. (_He walks and looks about, then speaks to some one not
visible_. ) Priyamvada, for whom are you carrying this cuscus-salve and
the fibrous lotus-leaves? (_He listens_. ) What do you say? That
Shakuntala has become seriously ill from the heat, and that these
things are to relieve her suffering? Give her the best of care,
Priyamvada. She is the very life of the hermit-father. And I will give
Gautami the holy water for her. (_Exit. Enter the lovelorn king_. )
_King_ (_with a meditative sigh_).
I know that stern religion's power
Keeps guardian watch my maiden o'er;
Yet all my heart flows straight to her
Like water to the valley-floor.
Oh, mighty Love, thine arrows are made of flowers. How can they be so
sharp? (_He recalls something_. ) Ah, I understand.
Shiva's devouring wrath still burns in thee,
As burns the eternal fire beneath the sea;
Else how couldst thou, thyself long since consumed,
Kindle the fire that flames so ruthlessly?
Indeed, the moon and thou inspire confidence, only to deceive the host
of lovers.
Thy shafts are blossoms; coolness streams
From moon-rays: thus the poets sing;
But to the lovelorn, falsehood seems
To lurk in such imagining;
The moon darts fire from frosty beams;
Thy flowery arrows cut and sting.
And yet
If Love will trouble her
Whose great eyes madden me,
I greet him unafraid,
Though wounded ceaselessly.
O mighty god, wilt thou not show me mercy after such reproaches?
With tenderness unending
I cherished thee when small,
In vain--thy bow is bending;
On me thine arrows fall.
My care for thee to such a plight
Has brought me; and it serves me right.
I have driven off the powers of evil, and the hermits have dismissed
me. Where shall I go now to rest from my weariness? (_He sighs_. )
There is no rest for me except in seeing her whom I love. (_He looks
up_. ) She usually spends these hours of midday heat with her friends
on the vine-wreathed banks of the Malini. I will go there. (_He walks
and looks about_. ) I believe the slender maiden has just passed
through this corridor of young trees. For
The stems from which she gathered flowers
Are still unhealed;
The sap where twigs were broken off
Is uncongealed.
(_He feels a breeze stirring_.
) This is a pleasant spot, with the wind
among the trees.
Limbs that love's fever seizes,
Their fervent welcome pay
To lotus-fragrant breezes
That bear the river-spray.
(_He studies the ground_. ) Ah, Shakuntala must be in this reedy bower.
For
In white sand at the door
Fresh footprints appear,
The toe lightly outlined,
The heel deep and clear.
I will hide among the branches, and see what happens. (_He does so.
Joyfully_. ) Ah, my eyes have found their heaven. Here is the darling
of my thoughts, lying upon a flower-strewn bench of stone, and
attended by her two friends. I will hear what they say to each other.
(_He stands gazing. Enter_ SHAKUNTALA _with her two friends_. )
_The two friends_ (_fanning her_). Do you feel better, dear, when we
fan you with these lotus-leaves?
_Shakuntala_ (_wearily_). Oh, are you fanning me, my dear girls? (_The
two friends look sorrowfully at each other_. )
_King_. She is seriously ill. (_Doubtfully_. ) Is it the heat, or is it
as I hope? (_Decidedly_. ) It _must_ be so.
With salve upon her breast,
With loosened lotus-chain,
My darling, sore oppressed,
Is lovely in her pain.
Though love and summer heat
May work an equal woe,
No maiden seems so sweet
When summer lays her low.
_Priyamvada_ (_aside to_ ANUSUYA). Anusuya, since she first saw the
good king, she has been greatly troubled. I do not believe her fever
has any other cause.
_Anusuya_. I suspect you are right. I am going to ask her. My dear, I
must ask you something. You are in a high fever.
_King_. It is too true.
Her lotus-chains that were as white
As moonbeams shining in the night,
Betray the fever's awful pain,
And fading, show a darker stain.
_Shakuntala_ (_half rising_. ) Well, say whatever you like.
_Anusuya_. Shakuntala dear, you have not told us what is going on in
your mind. But I have heard old, romantic stories, and I can't help
thinking that you are in a state like that of a lady in love. Please
tell us what hurts you. We have to understand the disease before we
can even try to cure it.
_King_. Anusuya expresses my own thoughts.
_Shakuntala_. It hurts me terribly. I can't tell you all at once.
_Priyamvada_. Anusuya is right, dear. Why do you hide your trouble?
You are wasting away every day. You are nothing but a beautiful
shadow.
_King_. Priyamvada is right. See!
Her cheeks grow thin; her breast and shoulders fail;
Her waist is weary and her face is pale:
She fades for love; oh, pitifully sweet!
As vine-leaves wither in the scorching heat.
_Shakuntala_ (_sighing_). I could not tell any one else. But I shall
be a burden to you.
_The two friends_. That is why we insist on knowing, dear. Grief must
be shared to be endured.
_King_.
To friends who share her joy and grief
She tells what sorrow laid her here;
She turned to look her love again
When first I saw her--yet I fear!
_Shakuntala_. Ever since I saw the good king who protects the pious
grove--(_She stops and fidgets_. )
_The two friends_. Go on, dear.
_Shakuntala_. I love him, and it makes me feel like this.
_The two friends_. Good, good! You have found a lover worthy of your
devotion. But of course, a great river always runs into the sea.
_King_ (_joyfully_). I have heard what I longed to hear.
'Twas love that caused the burning pain;
'Tis love that eases it again;
As when, upon a sultry day,
Rain breaks, and washes grief away.
_Shakuntala_. Then, if you think best, make the good king take pity
upon me. If not, remember that I was. _King_. Her words end all
doubt.
_Priyamvada_ (_aside to_ ANUSUYA). Anusuya, she is far gone in love
and cannot endure any delay.
_Anusuya_. Priyamvada, can you think of any scheme by which we could
carry out her wishes quickly and secretly?
_Priyamvada_. We must plan about the "secretly. " The "quickly" is not
hard.
_Anusuya_. How so?
_Priyamvada_. Why, the good king shows his love for her in his tender
glances, and he has been wasting away, as if he were losing sleep.
_King_. It is quite true.
The hot tears, flowing down my cheek
All night on my supporting arm
And on its golden bracelet, seek
To stain the gems and do them harm.
The bracelet slipping o'er the scars
Upon the wasted arm, that show
My deeds in hunting and in wars,
All night is moving to and fro.
_Priyamvada_ (_reflecting_). Well, she must write him a love-letter.
And I will hide it in a bunch of flowers and see that it gets into the
king's hand as if it were a relic of the sacrifice.
_Anusuya_. It is a pretty plan, dear, and it pleases me. What does
Shakuntala say?
_Shakuntala_. I suppose I must obey orders.
_Priyamvada_. Then compose a pretty little love-song, with a hint of
yourself in it.
_Shakuntala_. I'll try. But my heart trembles, for fear he will
despise me.
_King_.
Here stands the eager lover, and you pale
For fear lest he disdain a love so kind:
The seeker may find fortune, or may fail;
But how could fortune, seeking, fail to find?
And again:
The ardent lover comes, and yet you fear
Lest he disdain love's tribute, were it brought,
The hope of which has led his footsteps here--
Pearls need not seek, for they themselves are sought.
_The two friends_. You are too modest about your own charms. Would
anybody put up a parasol to keep off the soothing autumn moonlight?
_Shakuntala_ (_smiling_). I suppose I shall have to obey orders. (_She
meditates_. )
_King_. It is only natural that I should forget to wink when I see my
darling. For
One clinging eyebrow lifted,
As fitting words she seeks,
Her face reveals her passion
For me in glowing cheeks.
_Shakuntala_. Well, I have thought out a little song. But I haven't
anything to write with.
_Priyamvada_. Here is a lotus-leaf, glossy as a parrot's breast. You
can cut the letters in it with your nails.
_Shakuntala_. Now listen, and tell me whether it makes sense.
_The two friends_. Please.
_Shakuntala_ (_reads_).
I know not if I read your heart aright;
Why, pitiless, do you distress me so?
I only know that longing day and night
Tosses my restless body to and fro,
That yearns for you, the source of all its woe.
_King_ (_advancing_).
Though Love torments you, slender maid,
Yet he consumes me quite,
As daylight shuts night-blooming flowers
And slays the moon outright.
_The two friends_ (_perceive the king and rise joyfully_). Welcome to
the wish that is fulfilled without delay. (SHAKUNTALA _tries to
rise_. )
_King_.
Do not try to rise, beautiful Shakuntala.
Your limbs from which the strength is fled,
That crush the blossoms of your bed
And bruise the lotus-leaves, may be
Pardoned a breach of courtesy.
_Shakuntala_ (_sadly to herself_). Oh, my heart, you were so
impatient, and now you find no answer to make.
_Anusuya_. Your Majesty, pray do this stone bench the honour of
sitting upon it. (SHAKUNTALA _edges away_. )
_King_ (_seating himself_). Priyamvada, I trust your friend's illness
is not dangerous.
_Priyamvada_ (_smiling_). A remedy is being applied and it will soon
be better. It is plain, sir, that you and she love each other. But I
love her too, and I must say something over again.
_King_. Pray do not hesitate. It always causes pain in the end, to
leave unsaid what one longs to say.
_Priyamvada_. Then listen, sir.
_King_. I am all attention.
_Priyamvada_. It is the king's duty to save hermit-folk from all
suffering. Is not that good Scripture?
_King_. There is no text more urgent.
_Priyamvada_. Well, our friend has been brought to this sad state by
her love for you. Will you not take pity on her and save her life?
_King_. We cherish the same desire. I feel it a great honour.
_Shakuntala_ (_with a jealous smile_). Oh, don't detain the good king.
He is separated from the court ladies, and he is anxious to go back to
them.
_King_.
Bewitching eyes that found my heart,
You surely see
It could no longer live apart,
Nor faithless be.
I bear Love's arrows as I can;
Wound not with doubt a wounded man.
_Anusuya_. But, your Majesty, we hear that kings have many favourites.
You must act in such a way that our friend may not become a cause of
grief to her family.
_King_. What more can I say?
Though many queens divide my court,
But two support the throne;
Your friend will find a rival in
The sea-girt earth alone.
_The two friends_. We are content. (SHAKUNTALA _betrays her joy_. )
_Priyamvada_ (_aside to_ ANUSUYA). Look, Anusuya! See how the dear
girl's life is coming back moment by moment--just like a peahen in
summer when the first rainy breezes come.
_Shakuntala_. You must please ask the king's pardon for the rude
things we said when we were talking together.
_The two friends_ (_smiling_). Anybody who says it was rude, may ask
his pardon. Nobody else feels guilty.
_Shakuntala_. Your Majesty, pray forgive what we said when we did not
know that you were present. I am afraid that we say a great many
things behind a person's back.
She is God's vision, of pure thought
Composed in His creative mind;
His reveries of beauty wrought
The peerless pearl of womankind.
So plays my fancy when I see
How great is God, how lovely she.
_Clown_. How the women must hate her!
_King_. This too is in my thought.
She seems a flower whose fragrance none has tasted,
A gem uncut by workman's tool,
A branch no desecrating hands have wasted,
Fresh honey, beautifully cool.
No man on earth deserves to taste her beauty,
Her blameless loveliness and worth,
Unless he has fulfilled man's perfect duty--
And is there such a one on earth?
_Clown_. Marry her quick, then, before the poor girl falls into the
hands of some oily-headed hermit.
_King_. She is dependent on her father, and he is not here.
_Clown_. But how does she feel toward you? _King_. My friend,
hermit-girls are by their very nature timid. And yet
When I was near, she could not look at me;
She smiled--but not to me--and half denied it;
She would not show her love for modesty,
Yet did not try so very hard to hide it.
_Clown_. Did you want her to climb into your lap the first time she
saw you?
_King_. But when she went away with her friends, she almost showed
that she loved me.
When she had hardly left my side,
"I cannot walk," the maiden cried,
And turned her face, and feigned to free
The dress not caught upon the tree.
_Clown_. She has given you some memories to chew on. I suppose that is
why you are so in love with the pious grove.
_King_. My friend, think of some pretext under which we may return to
the hermitage.
_Clown_. What pretext do you need? Aren't you the king?
_King_. What of that?
_Clown_. Collect the taxes on the hermits' rice.
_King_. Fool! It is a very different tax which these hermits pay--one
that outweighs heaps of gems.
The wealth we take from common men,
Wastes while we cherish;
These share with us such holiness
As ne'er can perish.
_Voices behind the scenes_. Ah, we have found him.
_King_ (_Listening_). The voices are grave and tranquil. These must be
hermits. (_Enter the door-keeper_. )
_Door-keeper_. Victory, O King. There are two hermit-youths at the
gate.
_King_. Bid them enter at once.
_Door-keeper_. Yes, your Majesty. (_He goes out, then returns with the
youths_. ) Follow me.
_First youth_ (_looking at the king_). A majestic presence, yet it
inspires confidence. Nor is this wonderful in a king who is half a
saint. For to him
The splendid palace serves as hermitage;
His royal government, courageous, sage,
Adds daily to his merit; it is given
To him to win applause from choirs of heaven
Whose anthems to his glory rise and swell,
Proclaiming him a king, and saint as well.
_Second youth_. My friend, is this Dushyanta, friend of Indra?
_First youth_. It is.
_Second youth_.
Nor is it wonderful that one whose arm
Might bolt a city gate, should keep from harm
The whole broad earth dark-belted by the sea;
For when the gods in heaven with demons fight,
Dushyanta's bow and Indra's weapon bright
Are their reliance for the victory.
_The two youths_ (_approaching_). Victory, O King!
_King_ (_rising_). I salute you.
_The two youths_. All hail! (_They offer fruit_. )
_King_ (_receiving it and bowing low_). May I know the reason of your
coming?
_The two youths_. The hermits have learned that you are here, and they
request----
_King_. They command rather.
_The two youths_. The powers of evil disturb our pious life in the
absence of the hermit-father. We therefore ask that you will remain a
few nights with your charioteer to protect the hermitage.
_King_. I shall be most happy to do so.
_Clown_ (_to the king_). You rather seem to like being collared this
way.
_King_. Raivataka, tell my charioteer to drive up, and to bring the
bow and arrows.
_Raivataka_. Yes, your Majesty. (_Exit_)
_The two youths_.
Thou art a worthy scion of
The kings who ruled our nation
And found, defending those in need,
Their truest consecration.
_King_. Pray go before. And I will follow straightway.
_The two youths_. Victory, O King! (_Exeunt_. )
_King_. Madhavya, have you no curiosity to see Shakuntala?
_Clown_. I _did_ have an unending curiosity, but this talk about the
powers of evil has put an end to it.
_King_. Do not fear. You will be with me.
_Clown_. I'll stick close to your chariot-wheel. (_Enter the
door-keeper_. )
_Door-keeper_. Your Majesty, the chariot is ready, and awaits your
departure to victory. But one Karabhaka has come from the city, a
messenger from the queen-mother.
_King_ (_respectfully_). Sent by my mother?
_Door-keeper_. Yes.
_King_. Let him enter.
_Door-keeper_ (_goes out and returns with_ KARABHAKA). Karabhaka, here
is his Majesty. You may draw near.
_Karabhaka_ (_approaching and bowing low_). Victory to your Majesty.
The queen-mother sends her commands----
_King_. What are her commands?
_Karabhaka_. She plans to end a fasting ceremony on the fourth day
from to-day. And on that occasion her dear son must not fail to wait
upon her.
_King_. On the one side is my duty to the hermits, on the other my
mother's command. Neither may be disregarded. What is to be done?
_Clown_ (_laughing_). Stay half-way between, like Trishanku.
_King_. In truth, I am perplexed.
Two inconsistent duties sever
My mind with cruel shock,
As when the current of a river
Is split upon a rock.
(_He reflects_. ) My friend, the queen-mother has always felt toward
you as toward a son. Do you return, tell her what duty keeps me here,
and yourself perform the offices of a son.
_Clown_. You don't think I am afraid of the devils?
_King_ (_smiling_). O mighty Brahman, who could suspect it?
_Clown_. But I want to travel like a prince.
_King_. I will send all the soldiers with you, for the pious grove
must not be disturbed. _Clown_ (_strutting_). Aha! Look at the
heir-apparent!
_King_ (_to himself_). The fellow is a chatterbox. He might betray my
longing to the ladies of the palace. Good, then! (_He takes the clown
by the hand. Aloud_. ) Friend Madhavya, my reverence for the hermits
draws me to the hermitage. Do not think that I am really in love with
the hermit-girl. Just think:
A king, and a girl of the calm hermit-grove,
Bred with the fawns, and a stranger to love!
Then do not imagine a serious quest;
The light words I uttered were spoken in jest.
_Clown_. Oh, I understand that well enough. (_Exeunt ambo_. )
ACT III
THE LOVE-MAKING
(_Enter a pupil, with sacred grass for the sacrifice_. )
_Pupil_ (_with meditative astonishment_). How great is the power of
King Dushyanta! Since his arrival our rites have been undisturbed.
He does not need to bend the bow;
For every evil thing,
Awaiting not the arrow, flees
From the twanging of the string.
Well, I will take this sacred grass to the priests, to strew the
altar. (_He walks and looks about, then speaks to some one not
visible_. ) Priyamvada, for whom are you carrying this cuscus-salve and
the fibrous lotus-leaves? (_He listens_. ) What do you say? That
Shakuntala has become seriously ill from the heat, and that these
things are to relieve her suffering? Give her the best of care,
Priyamvada. She is the very life of the hermit-father. And I will give
Gautami the holy water for her. (_Exit. Enter the lovelorn king_. )
_King_ (_with a meditative sigh_).
I know that stern religion's power
Keeps guardian watch my maiden o'er;
Yet all my heart flows straight to her
Like water to the valley-floor.
Oh, mighty Love, thine arrows are made of flowers. How can they be so
sharp? (_He recalls something_. ) Ah, I understand.
Shiva's devouring wrath still burns in thee,
As burns the eternal fire beneath the sea;
Else how couldst thou, thyself long since consumed,
Kindle the fire that flames so ruthlessly?
Indeed, the moon and thou inspire confidence, only to deceive the host
of lovers.
Thy shafts are blossoms; coolness streams
From moon-rays: thus the poets sing;
But to the lovelorn, falsehood seems
To lurk in such imagining;
The moon darts fire from frosty beams;
Thy flowery arrows cut and sting.
And yet
If Love will trouble her
Whose great eyes madden me,
I greet him unafraid,
Though wounded ceaselessly.
O mighty god, wilt thou not show me mercy after such reproaches?
With tenderness unending
I cherished thee when small,
In vain--thy bow is bending;
On me thine arrows fall.
My care for thee to such a plight
Has brought me; and it serves me right.
I have driven off the powers of evil, and the hermits have dismissed
me. Where shall I go now to rest from my weariness? (_He sighs_. )
There is no rest for me except in seeing her whom I love. (_He looks
up_. ) She usually spends these hours of midday heat with her friends
on the vine-wreathed banks of the Malini. I will go there. (_He walks
and looks about_. ) I believe the slender maiden has just passed
through this corridor of young trees. For
The stems from which she gathered flowers
Are still unhealed;
The sap where twigs were broken off
Is uncongealed.
(_He feels a breeze stirring_.
) This is a pleasant spot, with the wind
among the trees.
Limbs that love's fever seizes,
Their fervent welcome pay
To lotus-fragrant breezes
That bear the river-spray.
(_He studies the ground_. ) Ah, Shakuntala must be in this reedy bower.
For
In white sand at the door
Fresh footprints appear,
The toe lightly outlined,
The heel deep and clear.
I will hide among the branches, and see what happens. (_He does so.
Joyfully_. ) Ah, my eyes have found their heaven. Here is the darling
of my thoughts, lying upon a flower-strewn bench of stone, and
attended by her two friends. I will hear what they say to each other.
(_He stands gazing. Enter_ SHAKUNTALA _with her two friends_. )
_The two friends_ (_fanning her_). Do you feel better, dear, when we
fan you with these lotus-leaves?
_Shakuntala_ (_wearily_). Oh, are you fanning me, my dear girls? (_The
two friends look sorrowfully at each other_. )
_King_. She is seriously ill. (_Doubtfully_. ) Is it the heat, or is it
as I hope? (_Decidedly_. ) It _must_ be so.
With salve upon her breast,
With loosened lotus-chain,
My darling, sore oppressed,
Is lovely in her pain.
Though love and summer heat
May work an equal woe,
No maiden seems so sweet
When summer lays her low.
_Priyamvada_ (_aside to_ ANUSUYA). Anusuya, since she first saw the
good king, she has been greatly troubled. I do not believe her fever
has any other cause.
_Anusuya_. I suspect you are right. I am going to ask her. My dear, I
must ask you something. You are in a high fever.
_King_. It is too true.
Her lotus-chains that were as white
As moonbeams shining in the night,
Betray the fever's awful pain,
And fading, show a darker stain.
_Shakuntala_ (_half rising_. ) Well, say whatever you like.
_Anusuya_. Shakuntala dear, you have not told us what is going on in
your mind. But I have heard old, romantic stories, and I can't help
thinking that you are in a state like that of a lady in love. Please
tell us what hurts you. We have to understand the disease before we
can even try to cure it.
_King_. Anusuya expresses my own thoughts.
_Shakuntala_. It hurts me terribly. I can't tell you all at once.
_Priyamvada_. Anusuya is right, dear. Why do you hide your trouble?
You are wasting away every day. You are nothing but a beautiful
shadow.
_King_. Priyamvada is right. See!
Her cheeks grow thin; her breast and shoulders fail;
Her waist is weary and her face is pale:
She fades for love; oh, pitifully sweet!
As vine-leaves wither in the scorching heat.
_Shakuntala_ (_sighing_). I could not tell any one else. But I shall
be a burden to you.
_The two friends_. That is why we insist on knowing, dear. Grief must
be shared to be endured.
_King_.
To friends who share her joy and grief
She tells what sorrow laid her here;
She turned to look her love again
When first I saw her--yet I fear!
_Shakuntala_. Ever since I saw the good king who protects the pious
grove--(_She stops and fidgets_. )
_The two friends_. Go on, dear.
_Shakuntala_. I love him, and it makes me feel like this.
_The two friends_. Good, good! You have found a lover worthy of your
devotion. But of course, a great river always runs into the sea.
_King_ (_joyfully_). I have heard what I longed to hear.
'Twas love that caused the burning pain;
'Tis love that eases it again;
As when, upon a sultry day,
Rain breaks, and washes grief away.
_Shakuntala_. Then, if you think best, make the good king take pity
upon me. If not, remember that I was. _King_. Her words end all
doubt.
_Priyamvada_ (_aside to_ ANUSUYA). Anusuya, she is far gone in love
and cannot endure any delay.
_Anusuya_. Priyamvada, can you think of any scheme by which we could
carry out her wishes quickly and secretly?
_Priyamvada_. We must plan about the "secretly. " The "quickly" is not
hard.
_Anusuya_. How so?
_Priyamvada_. Why, the good king shows his love for her in his tender
glances, and he has been wasting away, as if he were losing sleep.
_King_. It is quite true.
The hot tears, flowing down my cheek
All night on my supporting arm
And on its golden bracelet, seek
To stain the gems and do them harm.
The bracelet slipping o'er the scars
Upon the wasted arm, that show
My deeds in hunting and in wars,
All night is moving to and fro.
_Priyamvada_ (_reflecting_). Well, she must write him a love-letter.
And I will hide it in a bunch of flowers and see that it gets into the
king's hand as if it were a relic of the sacrifice.
_Anusuya_. It is a pretty plan, dear, and it pleases me. What does
Shakuntala say?
_Shakuntala_. I suppose I must obey orders.
_Priyamvada_. Then compose a pretty little love-song, with a hint of
yourself in it.
_Shakuntala_. I'll try. But my heart trembles, for fear he will
despise me.
_King_.
Here stands the eager lover, and you pale
For fear lest he disdain a love so kind:
The seeker may find fortune, or may fail;
But how could fortune, seeking, fail to find?
And again:
The ardent lover comes, and yet you fear
Lest he disdain love's tribute, were it brought,
The hope of which has led his footsteps here--
Pearls need not seek, for they themselves are sought.
_The two friends_. You are too modest about your own charms. Would
anybody put up a parasol to keep off the soothing autumn moonlight?
_Shakuntala_ (_smiling_). I suppose I shall have to obey orders. (_She
meditates_. )
_King_. It is only natural that I should forget to wink when I see my
darling. For
One clinging eyebrow lifted,
As fitting words she seeks,
Her face reveals her passion
For me in glowing cheeks.
_Shakuntala_. Well, I have thought out a little song. But I haven't
anything to write with.
_Priyamvada_. Here is a lotus-leaf, glossy as a parrot's breast. You
can cut the letters in it with your nails.
_Shakuntala_. Now listen, and tell me whether it makes sense.
_The two friends_. Please.
_Shakuntala_ (_reads_).
I know not if I read your heart aright;
Why, pitiless, do you distress me so?
I only know that longing day and night
Tosses my restless body to and fro,
That yearns for you, the source of all its woe.
_King_ (_advancing_).
Though Love torments you, slender maid,
Yet he consumes me quite,
As daylight shuts night-blooming flowers
And slays the moon outright.
_The two friends_ (_perceive the king and rise joyfully_). Welcome to
the wish that is fulfilled without delay. (SHAKUNTALA _tries to
rise_. )
_King_.
Do not try to rise, beautiful Shakuntala.
Your limbs from which the strength is fled,
That crush the blossoms of your bed
And bruise the lotus-leaves, may be
Pardoned a breach of courtesy.
_Shakuntala_ (_sadly to herself_). Oh, my heart, you were so
impatient, and now you find no answer to make.
_Anusuya_. Your Majesty, pray do this stone bench the honour of
sitting upon it. (SHAKUNTALA _edges away_. )
_King_ (_seating himself_). Priyamvada, I trust your friend's illness
is not dangerous.
_Priyamvada_ (_smiling_). A remedy is being applied and it will soon
be better. It is plain, sir, that you and she love each other. But I
love her too, and I must say something over again.
_King_. Pray do not hesitate. It always causes pain in the end, to
leave unsaid what one longs to say.
_Priyamvada_. Then listen, sir.
_King_. I am all attention.
_Priyamvada_. It is the king's duty to save hermit-folk from all
suffering. Is not that good Scripture?
_King_. There is no text more urgent.
_Priyamvada_. Well, our friend has been brought to this sad state by
her love for you. Will you not take pity on her and save her life?
_King_. We cherish the same desire. I feel it a great honour.
_Shakuntala_ (_with a jealous smile_). Oh, don't detain the good king.
He is separated from the court ladies, and he is anxious to go back to
them.
_King_.
Bewitching eyes that found my heart,
You surely see
It could no longer live apart,
Nor faithless be.
I bear Love's arrows as I can;
Wound not with doubt a wounded man.
_Anusuya_. But, your Majesty, we hear that kings have many favourites.
You must act in such a way that our friend may not become a cause of
grief to her family.
_King_. What more can I say?
Though many queens divide my court,
But two support the throne;
Your friend will find a rival in
The sea-girt earth alone.
_The two friends_. We are content. (SHAKUNTALA _betrays her joy_. )
_Priyamvada_ (_aside to_ ANUSUYA). Look, Anusuya! See how the dear
girl's life is coming back moment by moment--just like a peahen in
summer when the first rainy breezes come.
_Shakuntala_. You must please ask the king's pardon for the rude
things we said when we were talking together.
_The two friends_ (_smiling_). Anybody who says it was rude, may ask
his pardon. Nobody else feels guilty.
_Shakuntala_. Your Majesty, pray forgive what we said when we did not
know that you were present. I am afraid that we say a great many
things behind a person's back.
