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Collection: Part 10 · VIDEHA MITHILA MAITHILI DISCUSSION CRITICISM SERIES PART 10
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Detected language: en (0.980255)
Duration: 3:01:34
Source: Open preserved recording

Timestamped machine output

0:02–0:08Kala Dasa's original Sanskrit play, Abhijnan Asha Kuntalam,
0:08–0:14translated from Sanskrit into Maitili by Gajendra Thakur.
0:14–0:17Abhijnan Asha Kuntalam,
0:17–0:20the recognition of Shakuntala,
0:20–0:24the great poet Kala Dasa,
0:24–0:27dramatis personae,
0:27–0:31in order of appearance on stage,
0:31–0:33P-R-O-L-O-G-U-E
0:34–0:39May the Gracious Lord protect us through His eight manifest forms.
0:40–0:45The Creator's first creation, which receives the sacrificial offering,
0:46–0:48the offering itself,
0:49–0:50the Sacrificer,
0:51–0:55the two powers that ordain the course of time,
0:56–0:59the all-pervading element perceived by the ear,
0:59–1:08That which is called the source of every seed, and that which gives the breath of life to all living beings.
1:08–1:10Asterisk.
1:10–1:13The invocation ends.
1:13–1:19Madam, is everyone ready for their part? The actress enters.
1:19–1:24Sir, I am here. What are your instructions?
1:24–1:30Nearly everyone in this assembly is a discerning and accomplished lover of drama.
1:30–1:34We are to entertain them with a new play by Caladasa.
1:34–1:39Every role must therefore be performed with the greatest care.
1:39–1:44With your skillful direction, nothing can possibly go wrong.
1:44–1:50Madam, let me tell you a truth. Until the learned are satisfied,
1:50–2:00I can never be confident of my skill as a director. Even the heart of one who has rehearsed with devotion is troubled by self-doubt.
2:00–2:06That is perfectly true. Now tell me, sir. What comes next?
2:06–2:15What could delight the ears of this gathering more than a song describing the pleasures of the summer that has just begun? For now,
2:15–2:20These are the days when plunging into cool water is a joy.
2:20–2:24When the woodland breeze is scented by trumpet flowers,
2:24–2:28When sleep comes easily beneath deep shade,
2:28–2:32And evening falls with exquisite charm.
2:32–2:35As you command, tender-hearted women adorn themselves with
2:35–2:37Sharisha blossoms.
2:37–2:43Whose exquisitely delicate stamens are be kisses only for a moment.
2:43–2:45Beautifully sung.
2:45–2:50The sweetness of your song has held the entire audience around us so still that they seem
2:50–2:52figures.
2:52–2:53Painted in a picture.
2:53–2:55Now tell me.
2:55–2:58What play shall we perform for their pleasure?
2:58–3:04Sir, did you not say at the outset that we were to present the new play called Abhijnan
3:04–3:05Asha Kuntalam?
3:05–3:08The Recognition of Shakuntala.
3:08–3:13Madam, you have reminded me just in time.
3:13–3:17The matter had slipped from my mind this very moment.
3:17–3:18And why?
3:18–3:23The enchanting melody of your song carried me helplessly away with it.
3:23–3:29Just as King Dushyanta here has been carried away in pursuit of a fleet-footed deer.
3:29–3:30They both exit.
3:30–3:35The prologue ends.
3:35–3:42King Dushyanta enters in a chariot, bow in hand, pursuing a deer.
3:42–3:45His charioteer is with him.
3:45–3:51Your Majesty, when I see that deer in you with your bow drawn, it is as though before
3:51–3:59my very eyes I behold Shiva, bearer of the Panakka bow, racing after the sacred antelope.
3:59–4:00Charioteer.
4:00–4:04This blackbuck has led us a very long way.
4:04–4:10Even now he turns his head again and again to watch the chariot behind him, his neck
4:10–4:16bending with graceful ease. From fear of the arrow he gathers his hind quarters into the
4:16–4:24fore part of his body. Exhausted, he runs with his mouth open, dropping half-tuned grass
4:24–4:31from his lips and scattering it all along the track. Look! With every soaring bound,
4:31–4:37he scarcely touches the earth. As though he traveled more through air than overground.
4:37–4:39What is this?
4:39–4:41We are close upon him.
4:41–4:45Yet he is vanishing beyond the reach of sight.
4:45–4:48Your Majesty, the ground was rough and broken.
4:48–4:51I held the reins tight and slowed the chariot.
4:51–4:54That is why the deer gained some distance.
4:54–4:56The land is level now.
4:56–5:00You will have no difficulty overtaking him.
5:00–5:02Give the horses their heads.
5:02–5:10As your majesty commands, your majesty, look, look, the instant the reins are loosened.
5:10–5:13These horses stretch their bodies to their fullest length.
5:13–5:17The yak tail plumes upon their heads scarcely stir.
5:17–5:22Their ears stand rigid, and they race beyond even the dust they themselves have raised,
5:22–5:26as though they cannot endure to be outstripped by the deer.
5:26–5:28Truly.
5:28–5:32These horses are outstripping even the steeds of Indra.
5:32–5:374. What looked small to the eye swells to greatness in an instant?
5:37–5:41What is in reality divided in two appears to join as one.
5:42–5:45What is naturally crooked seems perfectly straight.
5:46–5:50At the speed of this chariot, nothing remains far from me.
5:51–5:53And nothing near me can remain still.
5:54–5:59Your majesty, hermits have stepped between you and the blackbuck at which your arrow is aimed.
5:59–6:03Then stop the horses.
6:03–6:08I am stopping them. A hermit enters with two companions.
6:08–6:15Oh king! Oh king! This is a deer of the hermitage. One of the hermitage deer.
6:15–6:25Therefore draw back the arrow you have aimed so surely. Your weapons are meant to protect the afflicted, not to strike the innocent.
6:25–6:28I have withdrawn the arrow.
6:28–6:35Well done. Oh, King! Such conduct is worthy of a descendant of Puru.
6:35–6:39May you be blessed with a son who will become a sovereign emperor.
6:39–6:43I gladly accept a hermit's blessing.
6:43–6:49We have come out to gather firewood. There. On the bank of the Malini.
6:49–6:56Close against the slopes of the Himalayas. You can see the hermitage of our preceptor Kasyapa.
6:56–6:59Unless some other duty prevents you,
6:59–7:04enter the hermitage and receive the welcome due to a guest, and
7:04–7:07when you see the holy rites of the ascetics,
7:07–7:10rich in the power of their austerities,
7:10–7:13proceeding without disturbance,
7:13–7:16you will understand how well this arm,
7:16–7:21Marked by the bowstring. Protects your people.
7:21–7:25Is the father superior at the Hermitage?
7:25–7:32This very day he placed the care of guests in the hands of his blameless daughter, Shakhantala, and
7:32–7:39went to the sacred moon shrine at Prabhasa to appease the forces hostile to her destiny.
7:39–7:46Good! I shall meet her. She will speak of my devotion to the Great Sage.
7:46–7:49We must go now.
7:49–7:56Charitya, drive on. First let the sight of the Holy Hermitage purify us.
7:56–7:59As your majesty commands.
7:59–8:08Charitya, even without being told, one can see that we have reached the outskirts of the Sacred Grove.
8:08–8:10How so?
8:10–8:18Do you not see? Here. Beneath the trees lie grains of wild rice fallen from the parrot's nests.
8:18–8:29Here and their stones shine smooth with oil from crushed ingoody fruit. The fawns are so fearless that, even hearing human voices,
8:29–8:38They do not break their stride, and the path leading to the pool is marked by trails of water drops falling from the hems of bark.
8:38–8:40Garments.
8:40–8:42Every sign agrees.
8:42–8:48And look. The roots of the trees have been washed by the overflowing channels.
8:48–8:55The luster of tender leaves is dimmed by smoke rising from offerings of clarified butter.
8:55–9:01And here, in the green meadow where the soft shoots of kusha grass have been cut,
9:01–9:06young deer graze at ease, slow and utterly unafraid.
9:06–9:10Let us cause no disturbance to the hermitage.
9:10–9:12Stop the chariot at the edge.
9:12–9:14I shall dismount.
9:14–9:16The rains are steady.
9:16–9:19You may descend, your majesty.
9:19–9:23One should enter a hermitage in humble dress.
9:23–9:25Take charge of these.
9:25–9:27Charitya.
9:27–9:30While I pay my respects to the sages,
9:30–9:34sprinkle water over the horse's backs and call them.
9:34–9:37As your majesty commands.
9:37–9:40I shall enter the Hermitage through this gate.
9:40–9:43The ground of the Hermitage is peaceful.
9:43–9:46Yet my arm is throbbing.
9:46–9:48How can such an omen arise here?
9:48–9:53Or perhaps the doors of destiny stand open everywhere.
9:53–9:56This way, dear friends, this way.
9:56–9:57Ah!
9:57–10:02I hear conversation to the right of the avenue of flowering trees.
10:02–10:04I shall go there.
10:04–10:09Daughters of the Hermitage are coming this way, watering the young trees from little
10:09–10:12pictures suited to their size.
10:12–10:14How lovely they are!
10:14–10:18I shall conceal myself in this shade and watch.
10:18–10:25S.H.A.K.U.N.T.A.L.A. enters with her two friends, carrying out the work described.
10:26–10:33Dear Shakuntala, it seems Father Kashyapa loves the trees of the Hermitage even more than he loves you.
10:34–10:40That must be why he has given the task of filling their basins to someone as tender as a jasmine.
10:40–10:41Blossom!
10:42–10:47It is not only Father's command. It is my own devotion as well.
10:47–10:51I truly feel a sister's affection for these trees.
10:51–10:57Dear Shakuntala, the grove of trees that flower in summer has drunk its fill.
10:57–11:03Thumb, let us also water those whose flowering season has not yet arrived.
11:03–11:07Perhaps we shall gain an unexpected blessing.
11:07–11:10That is a worthy thought.
11:10–11:15What? Is this Canva's daughter? Extraordinary!
11:15–11:21If beauty so rare even in a royal harem belongs to a girl of the hermitage,
11:21–11:26then surely the wild vine has surpassed the tended vine of the garden.
11:26–11:35Good! Hidden behind this tree, I shall watch her natural behavior while she is free from self-consciousness.
11:35–11:39This Bacoola tree seems to be beckoning me with fingers.
11:39–11:46Its creepers stirred by the wind. As though urging me to hurry, I shall tend it."
11:46–11:53Ravird Kashapa must surely be blind. To set her to such hard work in the hermitage,
11:53–12:03the sage who would make this innocent, lovely body endure the hardships of ascetic life might as well attempt to cut hard firewood with.
12:03–12:06The edge of a blue lotus petal.
12:06–12:12Dear Anzuya, the bark garment Priyam vada tied so tightly is pinching me.
12:12–12:14Please loosen it.
12:14–12:19Blame your youth for that, it is making your breasts grow.
12:19–12:24Granted, the bark cloth does not suit her budding youth.
12:24–12:27Yet it has not failed to increase her beauty.
12:27–12:29How could it?
12:29–12:33A lotus tangled in water moss is still beautiful.
12:33–12:35The dark mark upon the moon.
12:35–12:44Though a blemish only heightens its splendor and this slender girl even dressed in bark
12:44–12:46is irresistibly lovely.
12:46–12:51What is there that cannot become an ornament to a form so beautiful?
12:51–12:57Dear Shakuntala, here in this natural abode is the motherly creeper that father Kashyapur
12:57–13:04has raised just as he raised you, attend to it, or have you forgotten it?
13:04–13:08I shall forget it only when I forget myself.
13:08–13:14Dear Shakuntala, stand beside the Bakula tree for one moment.
13:14–13:15Why?
13:15–13:22When you stand beside it, it seems to me that a flowering wine is embracing the Bakula tree.
13:22–13:28That is why you are called Priyam Vada, she who speaks sweetly.
13:28–13:32Her friends' words are sweet and true.
13:32–13:39for Shakuntala's. Lower lip has the color of a tender leaf upon a young vine. Her arms
13:39–13:47imitate its supple branches. And youth, desirable as a flower, is poised to blossom over her
13:47–13:48body.
13:48–13:55Dear Shakuntala, here is the young Jasmine. The bride of that mango tree. You named her
13:55–14:02Winatoshini, delight of the forest when she chose the mango as her husband.
14:02–14:09My friend, this pair who drink water through their roots have been joined at a most auspicious
14:09–14:10time.
14:10–14:13She is youthful with new flowers.
14:13–14:17While the mango tree, heavy with fruit, is ripe for enjoyment.
14:17–14:24Dear Anzuya, do you know why Shakuntala is gazing so lovingly at Veneto Shini?
14:24–14:33No, I cannot guess. She is thinking, as the young Jasmine has found a worthy tree in Veneto Shini's mango.
14:33–14:40May I do find a worthy husband? That must be the wish in your own heart.
14:40–14:45Was she born into a family different from that of the father superior?
14:45–14:49Or, she is surely fit to marry a kshatriya.
14:49–14:52For my heart desires her.
14:52–14:58In a matter of doubt, the instinct of a virtuous heart is accepted as proof.
14:58–15:02Still, I must learn her true identity.
15:02–15:06Oh! Frightened by the water I splashed,
15:06–15:10a bee has left the jasmine and is attacking my face.
15:10–15:18O B! Again and again you brush her restless eyes, making her tremble.
15:18–15:24You hover at her ear and hum so sweetly, as though whispering some secret.
15:24–15:29And when she waves her hand to drive you away, you drink the nectar of love from her lower
15:29–15:30lip.
15:30–15:34I stand baffled by the ordinance of heaven.
15:34–15:37While you enjoy complete success.
15:37–15:42Friends, protect me, this robber of flowers is tormenting me.
15:42–15:45Who are we to protect you?
15:45–15:50Call Dushinta, the sacred grove is under the king's protection.
15:50–15:54This is the right moment to reveal myself.
15:54–15:56Do not be afraid.
15:56–15:58Do not be afraid.
15:58–16:02But in that way, I shall declare myself to be the king.
16:02–16:03No.
16:03–16:04Let it be.
16:04–16:08I shall receive their welcome as an ordinary guest.
16:08–16:11This insolent creature will not leave me alone.
16:11–16:14I shall go somewhere else.
16:14–16:15Asterisk go.
16:15–16:19Why has it followed me even here?
16:19–16:26While a king of Puru's line, the Chastiser of Evil, rules the earth, who dares molest
16:26–16:29innocent maidens of a hermitage?
16:29–16:31At the sight of the king.
16:31–16:33They are all momentarily alarmed.
16:33–16:36There is no cause for alarm.
16:36–16:41Our dear friend was frightened and distressed by a bee.
16:41–16:46Noble lady, do your sacred duties proceed without disturbance?
16:46–16:51Now that so distinguished a guest has arrived, they certainly do.
16:51–16:54Welcome, sir.
16:54–17:00Dear Shakuntala, bring the offering of fruit from the leaf-patched cottage.
17:00–17:04The water for washing our guest's feet is here.
17:04–17:06Do not trouble yourselves.
17:06–17:12Your affectionate conversation has already completed every right of hospitality.
17:12–17:18Then, sir, please sit upon this platform built around the Saptar Purna tree, cooled by its
17:18–17:22shade, and rest from your weariness.
17:22–17:26You too must be tired from your sacred work.
17:26–17:28Sit for a while.
17:28–17:35Dear Shakuntala, it is our duty to attend upon a guest come, let us sit here.
17:35–17:37What is happening to me?
17:37–17:44The moment I saw him, feeling so rose in my heart that do not belong in this sacred grove.
17:44–17:45Ah!
17:45–17:51Your friendship is charming indeed, for you are alike in age and equally beautiful.
17:51–17:55Ansoya, who can this man be?
17:55–18:00So handsome and possessed of such grave dignity, he speaks with tender affection and shows
18:00–18:03us extraordinary respect.
18:03–18:11I am curious too, my friend, I shall ask him, serve, the trust inspired by your gracious
18:11–18:14words gives me courage to speak.
18:14–18:16What family do you add on?
18:16–18:21And what brings so cultivated a gentleman to undertake the hardship of visiting this
18:21–18:23sacred grove?
18:23–18:25Be patient, my heart.
18:25–18:30Ansela has asked the very question you longed to ask.
18:30–18:33How shall I introduce myself?
18:33–18:37Or rather, how shall I conceal my true identity?
18:37–18:38Good.
18:38–18:41I shall tell them this.
18:41–18:42Noble lady.
18:42–18:45I am a Brahmin learned in the Vedas.
18:45–18:51Appointed by the poor Ava king to oversee the observance of sacred law, I have come
18:51–18:53to this holy.
18:53–18:58to learn whether anything is disturbing the rights of the ascetics.
18:58–19:03Those who practice the sacred life have found a powerful protector.
19:03–19:10Dear Shakuntala, if father were here today, what would happen then?
19:10–19:15He would honor this guest by giving him the treasure dearer to him than life itself.
19:15–19:18Oh, stop it!
19:18–19:22You invent fantasies in your own minds and then chatter nonsense.
19:22–19:24I will not listen.
19:24–19:28I too should like to ask you both something about your friend.
19:28–19:32Sir, your question is an honour to us.
19:32–19:42Revered Kashyapa observes perpetual celibacy. Yet your friend is called his daughter. How is that possible?
19:42–19:48Listen, sir, there is a great royal sage of the Kaushika line.
19:48–19:51His fame is known throughout the world.
19:51–19:55Know him to be our friend's natural father.
19:55–20:01Father Kashyapar is her foster father because he protected and raised her after she was abandoned.
20:02–20:07The word, abandoned, has only increased my curiosity.
20:07–20:11I wish to hear the whole story from the beginning.
20:11–20:17Long ago, while the royal sage Kaushika was engaged in severe austerities,
20:17–20:19the gods became greatly afraid.
20:19–20:25They sent the celestial nymph Menaka to break his penance.
20:25–20:30The gods are indeed frightened by another's profound austerity.
20:30–20:32What happened next?
20:32–20:39Then, at the beginning of spring, he saw Menaka's intoxicating beauty.
20:39–20:41There is no need to say more.
20:41–20:43The rest can be understood.
20:43–20:46She is the daughter of an Apsara.
20:46–20:48Yes, exactly.
20:49–20:51Then everything is as it should be.
20:52–20:56How could beauty such as hers have been born in the mortal world?
20:56–21:02Lightning, glittering with restless radiance, does not spring from the earth.
21:03–21:05My desire lies within reach.
21:06–21:10Yet even after hearing her friend just about wishing her a husband,
21:11–21:14my timid heart still dares not believe it.
21:14–21:20It seems, sir, that you wish to say something more.
21:20–21:23You have understood me correctly.
21:23–21:30From a desire to learn the customs of the virtuous, I should like to ask one more question.
21:30–21:32Then do not hesitate.
21:32–21:37You may regard the people of a hermitage as your own family.
21:37–21:38Certainly.
21:38–21:40Noble lady.
21:40–21:43This is what I wish to know about your friend.
21:43–21:48Will she keep the vow of an ascetic maiden until marriage?
21:48–21:50Defeating every assault of the God of Love?
21:50–21:55Or will she remain here forever among her beloved does?
21:55–21:57Whose eyes resemble her own?
21:57–22:02Sir, even in matters of religion she is under another's authority.
22:02–22:08Her guardian has already resolved to give her to a worthy husband.
22:08–22:12Then the fulfilment of my desire will not be difficult.
22:12–22:20heart, my heart, and fill yourself with hope. The knot of doubt is loosened. What you feared
22:20–22:25to be consuming fire is a precious jewel that may be touched.
22:25–22:33Ansoya, I am going. What has happened? I shall go and tell Raviyad Gautami that Priyam
22:33–22:40Vada is talking nonsense. My friend, it is not proper for one who lives in a hermitage
22:40–22:44to rise and leave it will be forward distinguished.
22:44–22:46Guest has been fully welcomed."
22:46–22:47What?
22:47–22:49Is she leaving?
22:49–22:50Ah!
22:50–22:56The impulses of a lover's mind reveal themselves in the movement of his body.
22:56–23:01For I was about to follow the sage's daughter.
23:01–23:04But propriety suddenly arrested my step.
23:04–23:07I did not move from where I stood.
23:07–23:11But I feel as though I had gone after her and returned.
23:11–23:16You peevish girl, you must not leave like this.
23:16–23:17Why not?
23:17–23:20You owe me two rounds of watering the trees.
23:20–23:24Pay your debt first, then you may go.
23:24–23:25My lady.
23:25–23:29I can see that watering the trees has tired her.
23:29–23:30For her.
23:30–23:33Shoulders droop with weariness.
23:33–23:37Her palms are deeply reddened from repeatedly tilting the pitcher.
23:37–23:43Her breath is still quicker than usual, so that her breasts rise and tremble.
23:43–23:51A fine net of perspiration lies upon her face, disturbing the Cherisha flower at her ear,
23:51–23:54and as her loosened hair escapes it's not.
23:54–23:58She restrains its wildness with one hand.
23:58–24:01Therefore I shall pay her debt.
24:01–24:06Do not take me for someone I am not. It is a gift from the King.
24:06–24:11Then the royal signet must not be parted from you. On your word.
24:11–24:18Sir, I forgive her debt. Dear Shakuntala, this gracious gentleman has set you free.
24:18–24:24Or rather, his majesty has set you free. Now you are in his debt.
24:24–24:29If I have truly regained my freedom, I shall not forget that.
24:29–24:32My friend, why are you not leaving now?
24:32–24:35Who are you to order me now?
24:35–24:38I shall go when I please.
24:38–24:41Does she feel for me what I feel for her?
24:41–24:42No.
24:42–24:46My hope has now found an easy landing place.
24:46–24:50For, she does not openly agree with what I say.
24:50–24:54Yet whenever I speak, she listens intently.
24:54–24:59Granted, she does not turn her face towards me.
24:59–25:02but her eyes rarely rest anywhere else.
25:02–25:13Hermits. Take care. Protect the creatures of the sacred grove. The women and children are in danger. The king is hunting nearby.
25:13–25:24Dust raised by the hooves of his horses, glowing red as the flush of evening, falls like a swarm of locusts upon the trees of the hermitage.
25:24–25:33from whose branches wet bark garments hang. Alas! Disaster! At the sight of this solitary chariot,
25:33–25:38an elephant has taken fright. One tusk is caught in a shattered tree stump,
25:39–25:44and the tangled coils of a great clinging vine are wrapped around its body like chains,
25:45–25:49scattering the herds of deer. It is tearing through the sacred grove,
25:49–25:54like the living embodiment of an obstacle to our penance.
25:54–26:03Alas! What carelessness! My soldiers, searching for me, are causing havoc in the sacred grove.
26:03–26:09In this way I have offended the hermits. I must go at once.
26:09–26:16Sir, this uproar has frightened us. Permit us to return to the leaf-patched cottage.
26:16–26:23Go, noble ladies, I shall make certain that no harm comes to the hermitage.
26:23–26:30We are ashamed to ask that we meet again when we have not completed the rites of hospitality.
26:30–26:37But by now we feel almost acquainted with you. Please forgive our conduct generously.
26:37–26:44Not at all. Not at all. The very sight of you has given me a complete welcome.
26:44–26:50Dear Shakuntala, come quickly. Raviyad Gautami will be worried.
26:50–26:56Oh, a cramp has ceased my thigh. It is difficult to take a step.
26:56–27:04Go carefully. Go slowly. I shall remove the cause of the disturbance in the Hermitage.
27:04–27:07My eagerness to return to the city has faded.
27:07–27:13I shall rejoin my party and have them camp not far from the Sacred Grove.
27:13–27:16I cannot tear my thoughts away from Shakuntala.
27:16–27:204. My body moves forward.
27:20–27:22But my heart is left behind.
27:22–27:27Like the streaming cloth of a banner carried against the wind,
27:27–27:30which cannot keep close to its staff.
27:30–27:33Thus ends Act 1 of Shakuntala.
27:33–27:39A play by the great poet Kalidasa.
27:39–27:42The exhausted clown enters.
27:42–27:48I can barely walk, I am sick to death of keeping company with a king mad for hunting.
27:48–27:54A deer here, a boar there, quote, and off we run even at summer noon along forest tracks
27:54–27:56where the shade is thin.
27:56–27:59We drink lukewarm water from mountain streams.
27:59–28:01Bitter and astringent with rotting leaves.
28:01–28:05We eat meat roasted on spits at all the wrong hours.
28:05–28:06Mostly birds.
28:06–28:10Even at night I cannot stretch my body as I please.
28:10–28:13Every joint has been shaken loose by the jolting carts.
28:13–28:18At daybreak the deafening clamor of hunters setting out for the woods wakes me.
28:18–28:19Sons of wretches.
28:19–28:22And after all this, I am still alive.
28:22–28:25Now there is a boil upon the wound.
28:25–28:27And a blister upon the boil.
28:27–28:33Yesterday I fell behind, his majesty followed some deer into a hermitage and, to my misfortune,
28:33–28:37caught sight of an ascetic's daughter called Shokantala.
28:37–28:40Now he will not even speak of returning to the city.
28:40–28:42He spent the whole night thinking of her.
28:42–28:44What am I to do?
28:44–28:47He must have finished his daily bath and dressing somewhere.
28:47–28:48I shall find him.
28:48–28:54Here comes the king, wearing a garland of forest flowers and surrounded by armed Yavanna women
28:54–28:55of the guard.
28:55–28:56I shall face him.
28:56–28:59No, this is far enough.
28:59–29:00Every limb is bruised.
29:00–29:05I shall stand here, at least I may get a little rest the king enters with the attendance
29:05–29:06Described
29:06–29:11Granted, my love will not be easily one.
29:11–29:15Yet the knowledge of her feelings brings comfort to my heart.
29:15–29:21Though love has not reached fulfillment, mutual affection is joy in itself.
29:21–29:28A lover tormented by desire deceives himself by imagining the beloved's feelings according
29:28–29:31to his own wishes.
29:31–29:32How so?
29:32–29:34That tender glance.
29:34–29:41her eyes were turned away. That slow step, waited by her hips. As though she meant to tease
29:41–29:49me. That angry rebuke to the friend who said, You may not go. All of it was truly meant
29:49–29:55for me. Ah, love interprets everything in its own favor.
29:55–30:03Your Majesty, my hand will not rise. So I salute you only with words. Victory to you. Victory,
30:03–30:05My lord!
30:05–30:06My friend!
30:06–30:09What has made your body so stiff?
30:09–30:11What has made it stiff?
30:11–30:16You poke a finger into my eye and then ask why the tears are falling.
30:16–30:20My friend, I truly do not understand.
30:20–30:21My lord!
30:21–30:25Have you decided to abandon royal duty and the pleasures of a splendid life to become
30:25–30:26a forest?
30:26–30:32Ranger, to tell the truth, chasing wild beasts and birds every day has dislocated every
30:32–30:39rejoined in my body. I no longer have command of my own limbs. Have mercy now, give me leave,
30:39–30:42at least rest for one day."
30:42–30:50My friend pleads so earnestly, and my heart, absorbed in Canva's daughter, has itself turned
30:50–30:57away from the hunt. For, I can no longer bend this drawn bow and set an arrow against the
30:57–31:03the thorns who live beside my beloved, as though they had taught her their innocent gaze.
31:03–31:07My lord, you are turning over some serious thought in your mind.
31:07–31:12I have been calling out to you as though alone in the forest.
31:12–31:14How could I do otherwise?
31:14–31:17I would never disregard a friend's words.
31:17–31:20We shall remain here.
31:20–31:22May you live long.
31:22–31:25Wait, there is something else.
31:25–31:28Guide me, Your Majesty.
31:28–31:33After you have rested, you must help me with one more simple task.
31:33–31:37Tasting sweet cakes and fried pastries?
31:37–31:40I shall tell you what the task is.
31:40–31:42Tell me slowly.
31:42–31:44Who is in attendance?
31:44–31:48Gatekeeper, my lord, your command.
31:48–31:53Raiver, Tarka, summon the general at once.
31:53–31:58As my Lord commands, the general and gatekeeper enter.
31:58–32:01Hunting may be called a vice.
32:01–32:04Yet for my Lord it has proved beneficial.
32:04–32:054.
32:05–32:11The front of his body has been hardened by constant contact with the bowstring.
32:11–32:15He does not perspire even beneath the sun's rays.
32:15–32:18His body has grown lean.
32:18–32:21Yet the strength of his muscles conceals it.
32:21–32:28Like an elephant roaming the mountains, he displays tremendous vitality.
32:28–32:38My Lord is over there. Listening to our conversation and looking this way as he waits for you. Go forward. Sir.
32:38–32:46Victory. Victory to the Commander. The fierce animals of the forest have been surrounded
32:46–32:52and the ground is ready for the hunt. What are we waiting for now?
32:52–32:58Medavia's condemnation of hunting has dampened my enthusiasm.
32:58–33:06Medavia, stand firm in your opposition. I shall test my Lord's feelings. Commander,
33:06–33:15this fall is talking nonsense. His Majesty himself is living proof of the virtues of the hunt.
33:15–33:19The waist grows slender and the firm body light
33:19–33:22fit for fearless feats of courage.
33:22–33:27One sees how wild creatures change under fear and rage
33:27–33:32and what exhilaration an archer feels when his arrow strikes a moving mark
33:32–33:36to condemn hunting as a vice is sheer falsehood.
33:36–33:40Where else can such sport be found?
33:40–33:46His Majesty's good sense has returned at last go on wandering from thicket to thicket until,
33:46–33:51like a jackal leading the pack, you fall into the jaws of some old bear.
33:51–33:58General, we are nearer hermitage. Your words do not please me. Today,
33:58–34:05let the buffaloes plunge into pools whose water they have churned again and again with their horns.
34:05–34:09Let the herds of deer gather in the shade and chew the could.
34:09–34:13Let the leading boars root up sedge undisturbed beside the ponds,
34:13–34:18and let this bow of mine rest with its string slack.
34:18–34:21As the mighty king wishes,
34:21–34:24then call back the forest guards,
34:24–34:27order the soldiers to keep far from the sacred grove.
34:27–34:30Remember, within ascetics,
34:30–34:33ordinarily so calm,
34:33–34:35a blazing power lies concealed,
34:35–34:37like the sunstone,
34:37–34:43Pleasant to the touch. It releases fire when struck by hostile heat.
34:44–34:46As your Majesty commands.
34:47–34:51Off with you now, son of a slave girl. The general exits.
34:52–34:54Take off your hunting dress.
34:54–34:59Rave a tucker. You too must not leave your post unattended.
35:00–35:02As your Majesty commands.
35:02–35:06We have driven away the parasites without even burning incense.
35:06–35:12Now sit comfortably upon this canopied seat, enclosed by the shade of the residence tree,
35:12–35:15so that I too may rest.
35:15–35:18Lead the way, they sit.
35:18–35:23My friend Medavia, your eyes have not received their reward.
35:23–35:27Because you have not seen what is truly worth seeing.
35:27–35:30Are you not standing right before me?
35:30–35:33Every man imagines himself handsome.
35:33–35:37I am speaking of Shakuntala, the ornament of the Hermitage.
35:37–35:41Ah, I must give him no opening.
35:41–35:45If she is truly an ascetic's daughter and therefore not free to marry, what is the use
35:45–35:47of seeing her?
35:47–35:49Fool!
35:49–35:53Could Dushyanta's heart desire what is forbidden?
35:53–35:55Then what is the truth?
35:55–36:01It is said that this daughter of the sage was born of a celestial nymph, then adopted
36:01–36:07after her mother abandoned her. Like a jasmine blossom fallen upon a milkweed bush after
36:07–36:10being torn from its branch.
36:10–36:15Even if she is not the natural daughter of the great sage Kashyapa, what good does seeing
36:15–36:18her do you?
36:18–36:23Crown jewel of fools. How long the whole world lifts rows of unblinking eyes and gazes
36:23–36:30wistfully for the first crescent of the moon? And how could she be wholly beyond the reach
36:30–36:36of a man like me. When she is like a glowing fragment of fragrant aloe would fall in among
36:36–36:43ordinary sticks of fuel. Ha! Just as a man tired of eating sweet dates begins to crave
36:43–36:49sour tamarind. So you have turned from the finest women and developed this longing.
36:49–36:55You speak so only because you have not seen her. Anyone who can astonish even you must
36:55–36:58indeed be surpassingly beautiful.
36:58–37:02My friend, what more can I say?
37:02–37:04Was her likeness painted first?
37:04–37:07And life then breathed into it?
37:07–37:12Or was she imagined by gathering every lovely form into one?
37:12–37:18When I consider the creator's power, her body seems to me a second creation of Lakshmi
37:18–37:19herself.
37:19–37:22The jewel among women.
37:22–37:26And every other beauty has been stripped of her title.
37:26–37:28And this thought has lodged in my heart.
37:28–37:32A flower whose fragrance no one has breathed.
37:32–37:35A tender leaf no fingernail has bruised.
37:35–37:38A jewel never set in an ornament.
37:38–37:41New wine that no one has yet tasted.
37:41–37:47Who upon earth shall be the fortunate enjoyer of this flawless beauty?
37:47–37:50Like the perfect fruit of accumulated merit?
37:50–37:52I do not know.
37:52–37:54Then marry her at once.
37:54–38:01Before she falls into the hands of some rustic hermit whose head is greasy with ingoody oil.
38:01–38:06She is under another's authority, and her guardian is absent.
38:06–38:07Very well.
38:07–38:09What feeling does she have for you?
38:09–38:10My friend.
38:10–38:14A hermit's daughter is naturally modest yet.
38:14–38:19When I stood before her, she turned away her eyes.
38:19–38:22She made her smile appear to have another cause.
38:22–38:30Thus her love, restrained by modesty, was neither fully revealed nor wholly concealed.
38:30–38:31What did you expect?
38:31–38:36That the instant she saw you she would leap into your arms?
38:36–38:44My friend, when she left with her two companions, modest though she was, she let me understand
38:44–38:46something of her feelings.
38:46–38:534. After taking only a few steps, the slender girl suddenly stopped and said,
38:53–39:03a blade of coosegras has pricked my foot. Then, while freeing her bark garment from a branch in which it was not truly caught,
39:03–39:06she turned her face back towards me.
39:06–39:14Excellent! You have been well provisioned for the journey. I suspect there will be many more expeditions to the hermitage.
39:14–39:20My friend, think of some pretext for returning to the Hermitage grounds.
39:20–39:24I am thinking, do not interrupt my thoughts with your love-sick whining.
39:24–39:27Ah, what other pretext do you need?
39:27–39:29Are you not the king?
39:29–39:31And therefore...
39:31–39:35A king may demand one-sixth of the produce.
39:35–39:36Fool!
39:36–39:40These ascetics give their protector another kind of tribute.
39:40–39:43More precious than heaps of jewels.
39:43–39:49See, the taxes a king receives from the social orders are perishable.
39:49–39:55But forest-dwelling ascetics offer him an imperishable sixth share of the merit of their...
39:55–39:57austerities.
39:57–40:00Good. We have found him.
40:00–40:07Ah! Such steady, tranquil voices. They must be hermits.
40:07–40:10Victory. Victory, my lord.
40:10–40:13Two young hermits are waiting at the entrance.
40:14–40:16Bring them in without delay.
40:17–40:21At once, two hermits enter with the gatekeeper.
40:21–40:25This way. This way, revered sirs.
40:26–40:26Ah!
40:27–40:29Despite his royal splendor,
40:29–40:36how greatly his appearance inspires trust, but that is natural in a king who is like a sage.
40:36–40:454. He too now follows a way of life that benefits the whole world. By protecting his subjects,
40:45–40:52he gathers day by day the merit of austerity. And the sacred title, sage, earned by his
40:52–40:59self-command, is carried to heaven in the songs of paired bards. Only the word, royal, stands
40:59–41:10before it. Gautama. This is Dushyanta, the friend of Indra. No wonder, then. Indeed, what
41:10–41:17wonder that he alone enjoys the whole earth? Girdled by the dark ocean. When his arm is
41:17–41:24long as the bar of a city gate. For victory in the gods, fierce battles with the demons
41:24–41:27This depends upon his strung bow and injuries.
41:27–41:29Thunderbolt.
41:29–41:32Victory to your Majesty.
41:32–41:34I salute you both.
41:34–41:36What is your command?
41:36–41:41The inhabitants of the Hermitage have learned that your Majesty is here.
41:41–41:44They therefore have a request to make.
41:44–41:46What do they command?
41:46–41:50The revered Sage Kashyapa is absent.
41:50–41:52And demons are tormenting us.
41:52–41:59We beg your majesty to remain with your charioteer for several nights and protect the hermitage.
41:59–42:01You honor me.
42:01–42:05The hand of welcome is closing around your throat now.
42:05–42:09Rai Vataka, command the charioteer in my name.
42:09–42:13Bring the chariot with my bow and arrows.
42:13–42:16As my lord commands.
42:16–42:20This befits one who follows the path of his forefathers.
42:20–42:26The descendants of Puru are indeed consecrated to the sacrifice of calming the fears of those
42:26–42:29in distress.
42:29–42:32Rev. Sures, go on ahead.
42:32–42:35I shall follow immediately.
42:35–42:37Victory to you.
42:37–42:41Madhavya, are you curious to see Shakyantala?
42:41–42:44At first my curiosity knew no bounds.
42:44–42:49But after hearing about the demons, I understand its true value.
42:49–42:57has given way to doubt. Do not be afraid. You will remain close beside me. I shall be the
42:57–43:05guardian of the chariot wheel, that is, a target standing upright, ready to die. Asterisk.
43:05–43:13My lord. The chariot stands ready for your majesty's victorious departure. But Karabaka,
43:13–43:18An attendant of the Queen Mother has arrived from the city.
43:18–43:19What?
43:19–43:21My mother has sent him.
43:21–43:23Ask the risk.
43:23–43:26What are your orders?
43:26–43:27Bring him in.
43:27–43:34As your Majesty commands, K-A-R-A-B-H-A-K-A enters with the gatekeeper.
43:34–43:35Victory.
43:35–43:38Victory to your Majesty.
43:38–43:41The Queen Mother sends this message.
43:41–43:48On the coming fourth day of the bright fortnight, the Pumsavana rite, asterisk which ensures
43:48–43:52the birth of a son, will be performed.
43:52–43:56Your Majesty's presence on that occasion is essential.
43:56–43:58Madavia.
43:58–44:01On one side lies my duty to the Hermits.
44:01–44:05On the other, my revered mother's command.
44:05–44:08I cannot neglect either.
44:08–44:10What am I to do?
44:10–44:13suspended between them like Trishanku.
44:13–44:16I am truly caught in a dilemma.
44:16–44:20The two duties must be performed in different places.
44:20–44:23Therefore my mind is divided in two.
44:23–44:29Like a river current split into two branches when a rock lies in its path.
44:29–44:30My friend Madhavya.
44:30–44:33My mother loves you like a son.
44:33–44:38Please return from here and perform a son's duty in my place.
44:38–44:42Tell her that the business of the Hermits has detained me here.
44:42–44:44Ah, I understand.
44:44–44:48You think I am afraid of these demons?
44:48–44:49Great Brahmin!
44:49–44:52No one could even imagine such a thing of you.
44:52–44:58Then, since the king's affection requires me to go, I shall go.
44:58–45:03I shall send the entire army with you, so that it causes no disturbance in the sacred
45:03–45:04grove.
45:04–45:08Now I am the crown prince.
45:08–45:14He is terribly talkative. Before the queens in the inner apartments, he may reveal the
45:14–45:22secret of my love. Good. I shall tell him this. My friend, I am going to the Hermitage out
45:22–45:28of respect for the sages. There is nothing serious in my affection for the hermit's
45:28–45:36daughter. Look. On one side stand men like us. On the other. That girl. Reared among
45:36–45:43thorns and holy innocent of love. My friend, do not mistake a jesting invention for a
45:43–45:45declaration of truth."
45:45–45:52Yes, yes, certainly. I'll exit. End of Act II of Chakintala, a play by the great poet
45:52–45:53Caledasa.
45:53–46:00A disciple of the sacrificial priest enters.
46:00–46:07Ah. How great is Dushyanta's power. The moment his Majesty entered the Hermitage
46:07–46:15grounds with his charioteer. The demon's disturbances ceased, and our rites are proceeding without
46:15–46:22obstruction. What need has he even to set an arrow to the bow? From afar, with the twang
46:22–46:28of the bowstring. As though the bow itself were roaring a threat, he drives the troublemakers
46:28–46:34away. I shall take this coosa grass to the priests so that they may spread it upon the
46:34–46:39the altar. Priyamvada. For whom are you carrying that paste of fragrant
46:39–46:45Eusera and those lotus leaves bound with fibers? What did you say?
46:45–46:51Shaktala has been made gravely ill by the burning heat. And these are to cool her fever.
46:51–46:58Ah! Tend your friend with great care. She is the very life of our venerable master.
46:58–47:04I too shall immediately send consecrated cooling water through Gautami.
47:04–47:06End of the introductory scene.
47:06–47:08The lovesick king enters.
47:08–47:11I know the power of austerity.
47:11–47:15And I know that the maiden is under another's authority.
47:15–47:19Yet, I cannot turn my heart away from her.
47:19–47:20God of love!
47:20–47:24Though you know all this, you show me no mercy.
47:24–47:28How can you be so cruel when flowers are your weapons?
47:28–47:35Yes! Now I understand. The fire of Shiva's anger must still be smoldering within you,
47:36–47:43like the submarine fire beneath the ocean. Otherwise, oh, tormenter of hearts! How could you?
47:44–47:49Reduce two ashes yourself. Rage so fiercely against men like me.
47:50–47:57Flower-armed God. Why do you and the moon, both of whom should inspire trust?
47:57–48:04Attack the caravan of lovers. Your arrows are flowers. And the moon's rays are cool.
48:04–48:12Yet till lovers like me both claims are plainly false. The moon pours fire from his frost-like beams,
48:12–48:18and you make your flower arrows hard as thunderbolts. The priest's rites are complete.
48:18–48:24Now that I have a little leisure, where shall I give my weary mind rest?
48:24–48:31What refuge have I but the sight of my beloved? I must seek her. In this fierce noonday heat
48:32–48:36She and her friends usually remain on that bank of the Malini
48:37–48:41Enclosed by a bower of vines. I shall go there. Ah
48:42–48:46How delightful this place is in the cooling wind
48:46–48:52With limbs made languid by desire. I could almost embrace this breeze
48:52–48:58fragrant with lotus and carrying spray from the waves of the Malini.
48:58–49:02Shakhantala must be in this reed encircled bower.
49:02–49:084. On the white sand at its entrance runs a line of fresh footprints,
49:08–49:14lightly marked at the toes, but deeply pressed behind by the weight of her hips.
49:14–49:17I shall peep through the branches.
49:17–49:43Ah! My eyes have received their arms. My beloved! The foundation of my love lies with her two friends upon a stone slab strewn with flowers. Good! Hidden behind the vines, I shall listen to their private conversation. S-H-A-K-U-N-T-A-L-A enters with her two friends, in the condition described.
49:43–49:50Dear Shakuntala, does the breeze from these lotus leaves bring you any relief?
49:50–49:57What? Are my friends fanning me? The two friends look sorrowfully at one another.
49:57–50:06The lady is very ill. Are these the symptoms of sunstroke? Or was my suspicion right? No more doubt.
50:06–50:09Her breasts are anointed with cooling uceera paste.
50:10–50:15A single bracelet of lotus fiber hangs loose upon her wrist, even in suffering.
50:16–50:18My beloved's appearance is lovely.
50:19–50:23Though the fever born of love and the fever of summer may look alike,
50:24–50:28summer could never fashion such beautiful distress upon a young woman's body.
50:28–50:36Dear Shakuntala, we may be inexperienced in the ways of love, yet your condition resembles
50:36–50:42that of lovers described in old tales. Please tell us the cause of your illness. No cure
50:42–50:48can be found until the root of a disease is known with certainty.
50:48–50:55Anasuya shares my suspicion. My longing has grown too powerful, I cannot easily restrain
50:55–51:04it now. Dear Shakuntala, Ansuya is right. Why hide your suffering from us? Your body grows
51:04–51:09thinner day by day. Only the radiance of your beauty remains.
51:09–51:17Priyamvada speaks the truth. 4. Her cheeks have grown hollow. The firmness of her breasts
51:17–51:24has softened. Her waist has become slender. Her shoulders droop. And the colour has faded
51:24–51:32from her body. Afflicted by love, she is both pitiable and beautiful. Like a Madhavi vine
51:32–51:40touched by a wind that withers its leaves. To whom can I tell this, if not to you too?
51:40–51:47Yet by speaking I shall now cause you pain as well. That is precisely why we insist sorrow
51:47–51:53becomes bearable when it is shared. When a friend who shares both joy and grief
51:53–52:00asks her. This maiden cannot leave the cause of her secret suffering untold. Again and
52:00–52:06again she turned and cast meaningful glances at me. Yet now my heart trembles as I wait
52:06–52:08to hear her answer.
52:08–52:15Ever since that royal sage, the protector of the sacred grove, came within my sight,
52:15–52:21I have fallen in love with him, and this has become my condition.
52:21–52:24I have heard what I longed to hear.
52:24–52:27Love itself is the source of her fever.
52:27–52:30And love has come to soothe it for me.
52:30–52:34Like a clouded day at summer's end that cools the heat of the world.
52:34–52:41Now, if you think it right, tell me what I must do so that the royal sage will take
52:41–52:42pity on me.
52:42–52:48Otherwise, offer water for my funeral rites at once.
52:48–52:54These words, which have cut through my doubt, are the fruit of love.
52:54–52:56The fruit of my effort is yet to come.
52:56–53:00Her illness of love has grown severe.
53:00–53:02It will bear no delay.
53:02–53:06The man upon whom she has set her heart is no ordinary man.
53:06–53:13But a descendant of Puru, we must quickly find a way to win his love for her.
53:13–53:15You are right, my friend.
53:15–53:19By good fortune your desire has settled upon one who is worthy.
53:19–53:23Where else should a mighty river flow but to the sea?
53:23–53:29Who would not wish to see the mango tree blossom beside the Atamukta vine?
53:29–53:35What wonder if the two bright stars of Vishaka follow the crescent moon?
53:35–53:37I am indebted to you both.
53:37–53:43By what means can our friends desire be fulfilled secretly and without delay?
53:43–53:50Secretly, will require some ingenuity, without delay, will not be difficult.
53:50–53:58How so? The royal sage, whose tender glances revealed his desire for her, has also been
53:58–54:02passing these days without sleep and growing thin.
54:02–54:12That is true. I am indeed just so. For, night after night, tears flowing from the corners of my eyes,
54:12–54:19Deated by the fever within, fall upon my arm and dull the stones of this golden bracelet,
54:19–54:23without touching the scar left by the bowstring.
54:23–54:30It slips again and again from my wrist, and again and again I must push it back into place.
54:30–54:34Anzuya, we must try to love letter now.
54:34–54:40We shall hide it among flowers, saying they are remnants of worship, and place it in the
54:40–54:41king's hand.
54:41–54:49I like this subtle plan. What does Shakuntala think? Does one question a command?
54:49–54:54Then compose a lovely verse that begins by speaking of yourself.
54:54–55:00I am thinking, but my heart trembles with fear that I shall be rejected.
55:00–55:07Timid girl. The man whose rejection you fear stands here yearning for your love.
55:07–55:11The petitioner may or may not win good fortune.
55:11–55:17But when good fortune itself desires something, how can it be difficult for her to obtain
55:17–55:18it?
55:18–55:25You who undervalue your own worth, who would try to ward off water moonlight with a parasol?
55:25–55:28I shall do as you say.
55:28–55:33No wonder my unblinking eyes gaze fixedly upon my beloved.
55:33–55:41Four, as she composes her verse, one eyebrow rises, and the thrill upon her cheek reveals
55:41–55:43her love for me.
55:43–55:50My friends, the verse has come to me, but I have nothing with which to write it.
55:50–55:54Can you not scratch the letters with your fingernail upon this tender lotus leaf?
55:54–55:57Green is a parrot's breast.
55:57–56:00Then we shall judge your verse.
56:00–56:04Then listen and tell me whether the meaning is right.
56:04–56:05We are ready.
56:05–56:12Oh hard hearted one, I do not know what lies within your mind, but because I yearn for
56:12–56:13you.
56:13–56:18The God of love burns my limbs in anguish day and night.
56:18–56:26Slender girl, the God of love may continually torment you, but he is reducing me to ashes.
56:26–56:32The day does not work such havoc on a pool of night lotuses as the moon does.
56:32–56:37We welcome this wish, fulfilled without delay merely by being conceived.
56:37–56:45Heart, if you go on pounding like this, nothing will be accomplished.
56:45–56:47Do not trouble yourself.
56:47–56:49Clinging to a bed of flowers.
56:49–56:53Wearing a garland of lotus fibers already fading.
56:53–56:58Your limbs afflicted by fierce fever need not observe ceremony.
56:58–57:02Let our friend grace this side of the stone seat.
57:02–57:09Priyam Vada, I hope your friend is not suffering too severely from this bodily fever.
57:09–57:15Now that the remedy has been found, the fever will subside in due course.
57:15–57:18What do you mean by, in due course?
57:18–57:23Look, just as life suddenly returns to a peeing at the sound of thunder,
57:23–57:27our friend is gazing at him without blinking.
57:27–57:34Gracious sir, your mutual love is plain. Yet, out of affection for my friend,
57:34–57:37I wish to speak openly as well.
57:37–57:43Speak. One regrets leaving the heart's thought unspoken.
57:43–57:47Then may your majesty listen carefully.
57:47–57:49I am listening.
57:49–57:57Because of you, the God of love has brought our friend to this condition. Therefore, please preserve her life.
57:57–57:59It would be an honor.
57:59–58:09My friend, stop troubling the royal sage. Who must be eager to return to the pleasures of his inner palace?
58:09–58:17Beautiful one. You, whose eyes intoxicate like wine, who have taken refuge within my heart.
58:17–58:24If you believe that this heart, devoted to you alone, belongs to some other beauty,
58:24–58:29then you wound me again. Though the arrows of love have wounded me already.
58:30–58:36My friend, we hear that kings have many wives. Act so that our friend does not become an
58:36–58:41object of pity to her family.
58:41–58:48Beautiful one. Though I may marry many women, only two shall be the foundations of my line.
58:48–58:54The royal fortune embodied in my lawful queen. And this friend of yours.
58:54–58:56We are fulfilled.
58:56–59:02My friends, ask the protector of the world to forgive whatever bounds of propriety you
59:02–59:10crossed in this private conversation. One asks forgiveness of the person before whom the words
59:10–59:18were spoken. Who else could be offended? Would do people not say behind one's back?
59:18–59:24Lovely thide girl, make a little room for me as a friend upon this bed of flowers. Half
59:24–59:30emptied by your rising. And I may be able to endure the offence.
59:30–59:33Would that alone satisfy you?
59:33–59:35Enough, you shameless girl.
59:35–59:39You dressed even while I suffer like this.
59:39–59:43Priyam Vada, this distressed faun is looking everywhere.
59:43–59:46It must be searching for its mother.
59:46–59:48I shall take it to her.
59:48–59:51Oh, it is very restless.
59:51–59:53You will not catch it alone.
59:53–59:55I shall help you.
59:55–59:58My friends, only one of you should go.
59:58–1:00:02Otherwise I shall be left helpless.
1:00:02–1:00:05The refuge of the whole world is with you.
1:00:05–1:00:06What?
1:00:06–1:00:09Have they truly both gone?
1:00:09–1:00:11Do not be alarmed.
1:00:11–1:00:12Have I?
1:00:12–1:00:14Who longs for your favour?
1:00:14–1:00:17Not taken the place of your friends?
1:00:17–1:00:22Shall I fan you with a cool lotus leaf and ease your weariness with its moist breeze?
1:00:22–1:00:25Or lovely thide girl?
1:00:25–1:00:32While I place your lotus-red feet in my lap, and soothe them with gentle pressure, I must
1:00:32–1:00:38not allow myself to show disrespect to one whom I ought to honor.
1:00:38–1:00:39Beautiful one!
1:00:39–1:00:42The day is not yet over.
1:00:42–1:00:44Consider your condition as well.
1:00:44–1:00:48Leaving the flower bed in this secluded bower.
1:00:48–1:00:52Your breast covered only by the armor of a plantain leaf.
1:00:52–1:00:54With limbs so tender and pale.
1:00:54–1:00:58How can you venture into the heat outside?
1:00:58–1:01:01My friends are my only refuge.
1:01:01–1:01:04To whom else can I go for protection?
1:01:04–1:01:07Now I am ashamed.
1:01:07–1:01:08I do not blame the king.
1:01:08–1:01:12Asterisk I blame my fate.
1:01:12–1:01:16Why blame a fate that favours you so greatly?
1:01:16–1:01:23Why should I not blame the fate that, though I am not mistress of myself, shows me another's
1:01:23–1:01:30virtues only to mock me." Though maidens feel deep desire within, they frustrate a lover's
1:01:30–1:01:38efforts. Though they long for the joy of union, they fear to surrender their bodies. Once love
1:01:38–1:01:46has gained a footing, the pain is not so great as the pain they cause love by wasting time.
1:01:46–1:01:50S-H-A-K-U-N-T-A-L-A prepares to leave.
1:01:51–1:01:54Why should I not fulfill my desire?
1:01:54–1:01:57Son of Puru, release me.
1:01:57–1:02:00Lady, I shall release you.
1:02:01–1:02:02When?
1:02:02–1:02:06After I have enjoyed the happiness of love with you.
1:02:06–1:02:10A daughter overcome by love is not her own mistress.
1:02:10–1:02:15Besides, my friend's consent must also be obtained.
1:02:15–1:02:17Then I release you.
1:02:17–1:02:21Son of Puru, observe propriety.
1:02:21–1:02:24Sages and hermits pass this way.
1:02:24–1:02:28What? Have we come into the open?
1:02:28–1:02:37Son of Puru, although I have not fulfilled your desire and have given you only the pleasure of seeing me, do not forget me.
1:02:37–1:02:45Beautiful one, though you walk far away, you do not leave my heart, just as, at the close
1:02:45–1:02:51of day, a tree's shadow does not abandon its root in the east.
1:02:51–1:02:52Ah!
1:02:52–1:02:55My feet have no strength to carry me farther.
1:02:55–1:03:01Hidden from him behind this kurabakkar bush, I shall watch the bower from the rear and
1:03:01–1:03:03see what becomes of his love.
1:03:03–1:03:12Beloved, though your love is my only happiness, you have left me and gone away in indifference.
1:03:12–1:03:18Can the heart within your body so tender that it cannot endure rough enjoyment?
1:03:18–1:03:22Be hard as the seed pod of a Cherisha flower?
1:03:22–1:03:23Asterisk.
1:03:23–1:03:28Hearing this, I have no strength left to go.
1:03:28–1:03:32What use is this deserted place without my beloved?
1:03:32–1:03:33I shall leave.
1:03:33–1:03:41Ah! My departure is checked. Here before me lies this bracelet of lotus fiber, fragrant with
1:03:41–1:03:48Eucera, fallen from her wrist, like a chain that binds my heart.
1:03:48–1:03:57Ah! Because I have grown thin, my fiber bracelet loosened and fell, and I did not even notice.
1:03:57–1:04:06Ah! How cool its touch is! Beloved, this unfortunate man has found consolation in the little ornament
1:04:06–1:04:14that slipped from your sacred arm and remained here. Though it is lifeless, and you yourself gave me none.
1:04:15–1:04:22I cannot restrain myself any longer. Let me see. I shall use this as a pretext to approach him.
1:04:22–1:04:32Ah! The mistress of my life has returned. Hearing my lament, fate has shown me mercy. At the
1:04:32–1:04:40prayer of one who rarely begs, his throat parts dry. A newly formed cloud has burst in rain
1:04:40–1:04:42upon his face.
1:04:42–1:04:49Quickly, after I had gone half way, I remembered that this fiber bracelet had fallen from my
1:04:49–1:04:57hand. So I returned. My heart seemed to tell me that you had picked it up. Give it back.
1:04:57–1:05:04Therefore, so that our secret is not revealed before the hermits. Yours and mine are like.
1:05:04–1:05:09I shall return it on one condition, and not otherwise.
1:05:09–1:05:15What condition? I myself must fasten it in its place.
1:05:15–1:05:18How can I escape from this now?
1:05:18–1:05:21Let us go to the stone seat.
1:05:21–1:05:24Is this the shoot of the tree of love?
1:05:24–1:05:30Burned by the fire of Shiva's anger and suddenly revived by a shower of nectar?
1:05:30–1:05:33Quickly, my lord.
1:05:33–1:05:40Now, from this form of a dress used for a husband, I am reassured.
1:05:40–1:05:41Beautiful one.
1:05:41–1:05:45The knot of this lotus fiber bracelet is not very secure.
1:05:45–1:05:50If you wish, I shall fasten it another way.
1:05:50–1:05:53You understand the art of delay very well.
1:05:53–1:05:55As you please.
1:05:55–1:05:56Beautiful one.
1:05:56–1:05:57Look at it.
1:05:57–1:05:59Your lovely arm.
1:05:59–1:06:01Like a dark vine.
1:06:01–1:06:04Seem's adorned with the new moon.
1:06:04–1:06:05That crescent.
1:06:05–1:06:08Taking the form of this fibre bracelet.
1:06:08–1:06:13Has left the sky for the greater beauty of your hand and come here with its two tips
1:06:13–1:06:14joined.
1:06:14–1:06:16I cannot see it clearly.
1:06:16–1:06:19Fallen from the lotus at my ear.
1:06:19–1:06:23Stirred by the wind, has fallen into my eye.
1:06:23–1:06:27With your permission, I shall blow it away.
1:06:27–1:06:32Then I shall be helpless. And I do not trust you.
1:06:32–1:06:34Do not say that.
1:06:34–1:06:39A new servant does not overstep the limits of the one he serves.
1:06:39–1:06:44It is your excessive devotion to service that makes me distrust you.
1:06:45–1:06:50I shall not let such a beautiful opportunity for service escape.
1:06:50–1:06:56Ah! Your eyes are full of tears. Do not fear improper conduct from me.
1:06:56–1:06:58Raise your face.
1:06:58–1:07:04My beloved's lower lip. Tender because no teeth have ever bitten it.
1:07:04–1:07:12Seems, with its enticing tremor, to invite me. Thirsty for its sweetness.
1:07:12–1:07:16My lord seems reluctant to fulfill his promise.
1:07:16–1:07:24Beautiful one, the lotus at your ear is so close to your eye that their likeness confused me.
1:07:24–1:07:34Enough. That is sufficient. It feels better now, but I am ashamed that I can render no service in return to my lord.
1:07:34–1:07:36Who has shown me such kindness?
1:07:37–1:07:39What more could I desire?
1:07:40–1:07:41Maiden!
1:07:41–1:07:45Even to breed the fragrance of your scented mouth is a favour.
1:07:45–1:07:50Yet a bee is not satisfied merely with the fragrance of a lotus.
1:07:51–1:07:54If it is not satisfied, what will it do?
1:07:55–1:07:56This!
1:07:56–1:07:58Lady Gautami!
1:07:58–1:08:00Son of Puru!
1:08:00–1:08:04My father's religious sister is coming to see how I am.
1:08:04–1:08:06Hide among the bushes.
1:08:07–1:08:11G-A-U-T-A-M-I enters carrying a vessel.
1:08:12–1:08:17You shameless girl! Are you lying here with only the Lord as your companion?
1:08:18–1:08:23Priyam Vada and Ansuya have only just gone down towards the Malini River.
1:08:24–1:08:30Child, be well and live long. Has the fever in your limbs lessened at all?
1:08:31–1:08:33I feel better now.
1:08:34–1:08:39the day is ending. Come, let us return to the cottage.
1:08:39–1:08:59Heart, when you found the man, rare is the fulfilment of a wish. Why did you keep him waiting so long? Why torment yourself with regret now? Wine-bowl, I take my leave of you until I have another chance to enjoy your happiness.
1:08:59–1:09:05Ah! The fulfillment of desire is surrounded by difficulties.
1:09:05–1:09:134. The long-lashed maiden's face, her lower lip repeatedly covered by her fingers,
1:09:13–1:09:18stammering syllables of refusal, was turned towards her shoulder.
1:09:18–1:09:22Somehow I raised it, but did not kiss it.
1:09:22–1:09:27Where shall I go now? No. I should remain here.
1:09:27–1:09:31In this abandoned vine-bower that my beloved has enjoyed.
1:09:31–1:09:36Upon this stone lies the flower bed disordered by her body.
1:09:36–1:09:41On this lovely lotus leaf is the love letter scratched by her nail.
1:09:41–1:09:45Here is the lotus fiber ornament that fell from her hand.
1:09:45–1:09:50As I gaze on all these, my sight grows dim.
1:09:50–1:09:55And though this reed-bower is empty, I cannot tear myself away.
1:09:55–1:10:01Alas! I did wrong to delay when I had the opportunity with my beloved.
1:10:01–1:10:06Now, if the lovely-faced girl comes again to some secret meeting,
1:10:06–1:10:08I shall waste no time.
1:10:08–1:10:12A prize is not won through gracious concessions.
1:10:12–1:10:17My foolish heart, thwarted by complicated obstacles,
1:10:17–1:10:19makes such plans.
1:10:19–1:10:22Yet when it reaches my beloved's presence,
1:10:22–1:10:26It becomes hesitant in a hundred ways.
1:10:26–1:10:29Your Majesty! Your Majesty!
1:10:29–1:10:32The evening ablation has begun.
1:10:32–1:10:35Torny as the crests of clouds at sunset.
1:10:35–1:10:42The shadows of flesh-eating demons circle the altar, blazing with sacrificial fire and spread terror.
1:10:42–1:10:44All around.
1:10:44–1:10:47Holy men! Do not be afraid.
1:10:47–1:10:49I am coming.
1:10:49–1:10:51He exits.
1:10:51–1:10:57End of Act 3 of, Shakhuntala, a play by the great poet Kaladasa.
1:10:57–1:11:04The two Hermitage maidens enter, gathering flowers.
1:11:04–1:11:15Priyambada. Although Shakhuntala has found happiness in a secret marriage by mutual consent with a worthy husband, my heart is still uneasy.
1:11:15–1:11:17Why?
1:11:17–1:11:22When the sacrifice ended today, the sages dismissed the king.
1:11:22–1:11:28Once he has returned to the inner apartments of the city, will he remember what happened here?
1:11:28–1:11:30Or not?
1:11:30–1:11:33Put your mind at rest on that point.
1:11:33–1:11:38A man of such grave and noble character, does not act against his own nature.
1:11:38–1:11:45But this troubles me, when father hears what has happened, I do not know how he will react.
1:11:45–1:11:51My friend, if you ask me, father will approve and be pleased.
1:11:51–1:11:55Approve and be pleased, how can you be sure?
1:11:55–1:11:59How else? His chief purpose was always.
1:11:59–1:12:02My daughter must be given to a worthy husband.
1:12:02–1:12:10If destiny itself has accomplished the task, our revered master's purpose has been fulfilled without effort.
1:12:10–1:12:23You are right, my friend, we have gathered enough flowers for the offering. We must also worship the deities who preside over Shakuntala's married happiness.
1:12:23–1:12:25Certainly.
1:12:25–1:12:28Ho! I am here.
1:12:28–1:12:33My friend, it seems that a guest is announcing his arrival.
1:12:33–1:12:36Shakuntala must be near the cottage.
1:12:36–1:12:40Yes, but today her heart is not with her.
1:12:40–1:12:44Then we must make do with these flowers.
1:12:44–1:12:46You who insult a guest,
1:12:46–1:12:52the man upon whom your thoughts are fixed so completely that you failed to notice me when I came as,
1:12:52–1:12:56a guest shall not recognize you even when reminded.
1:12:56–1:13:00Just as a drunken man forgets what he said a moment before.
1:13:00–1:13:07Alas! Disaster! Our absent-minded friend has offended some venerable person.
1:13:07–1:13:18Ah! No ordinary person! It is the great sage Durvasa. Quick to anger! He is striding away! Inexorable is fire!
1:13:18–1:13:22Who can burn anything after fire has passed it by?
1:13:22–1:13:29Ansuya! Fall at his feet and pacify him. I shall prepare water for the guests' welcome.
1:13:29–1:13:34Ah! In my haste I stumbled and dropped the basket of flowers.
1:13:34–1:13:37I must gather them again.
1:13:37–1:13:43My friend, he is anger embodied, whose pief of forgiveness would he accept?
1:13:43–1:13:46Yet he showed a little mercy.
1:13:46–1:13:49From him, even that is much.
1:13:49–1:13:51Tell me what happened?
1:13:51–1:13:54When he refused to turn back, I said,
1:13:54–1:14:04Holy Sir, remember her former devotion, with your divine insight, recognize her true worth and forgive this offence of your daughter.
1:14:04–1:14:05And then?
1:14:05–1:14:14He said, My spoken word cannot prove false. The curse will end the moment she sees a token of recognition.
1:14:14–1:14:16And then he vanished.
1:14:16–1:14:23Now we can breathe again. When the royal sage took leave, he himself placed a ring upon
1:14:23–1:14:30Shakuntala's hand as a keepsake. So long visit remains with her. This remedy will work.
1:14:30–1:14:37Priyam Vada. Look, our friend rests her face upon her left hand and sits like a painted figure.
1:14:38–1:14:43She is so absorbed in thoughts of her husband that she has no awareness even of herself.
1:14:43–1:14:47How could she notice an unfamiliar visitor?
1:14:47–1:14:53Dear Anzuya, let the matter of the curse remain between you and me alone.
1:14:53–1:14:56We must protect our tender-hearted friend.
1:14:56–1:15:00Who would sprinkle hot water upon a jasmine wine?
1:15:00–1:15:06They exit. End of the introductory scene. A disciple of Kashyapa enters.
1:15:06–1:15:08Newly awakened.
1:15:08–1:15:22The revered Kasyapa, returned from Prabhasa, has sent me to determine the hour. I shall go into the open and see how much of the night remains. Ah! Dawn is breaking.
1:15:22–1:15:34For the rising light of morning reddens the mist hanging from the trees. Peacocks. Shaking off sleep. Leave the kusa-thatched cottages.
1:15:34–1:15:39and this deer, lying beside the hoof-scratched edge of the sacrificial altar,
1:15:39–1:15:43starts awake, stretches its limbs
1:15:43–1:15:45and stands.
1:15:45–1:15:46And further?
1:15:46–1:15:47The moon,
1:15:47–1:15:52who spread his rays below and set his foot upon the summit of mighty Mount Sumeru,
1:15:52–1:15:56who drove away darkness and reached the middle stride of Vishnu,
1:15:56–1:16:01now descends from the sky with only a few rays remaining.
1:16:01–1:16:05Even the loftiest rise of the great ends at last in decline.
1:16:05–1:16:09The sun and moon seem to show the world this truth.
1:16:09–1:16:12Prosperity and adversity or unstable.
1:16:12–1:16:154. On one side the moon.
1:16:15–1:16:17Lord of healing herbs.
1:16:17–1:16:21Descends towards the western mountain of setting.
1:16:21–1:16:22On the other.
1:16:22–1:16:26The sun appears with the proclamation of dawn.
1:16:26–1:16:30By the setting and rising of these two lights at the same moment.
1:16:30–1:16:34The world is bound to the alternating fortunes of life.
1:16:34–1:16:36And at this hour,
1:16:36–1:16:38now that the moon has vanished,
1:16:38–1:16:42that same pool of night lotuses no longer delights my eyes.
1:16:42–1:16:46Its beauty survives only in memory.
1:16:46–1:16:51Surely the pain caused by a beloved's absence is unbearable to a helpless woman.
1:16:51–1:16:54A-N-A-S-U-Y-A enters,
1:16:54–1:16:57drawing back the curtain.
1:16:57–1:17:06Even the sage, detached from worldly pleasure, could not have known that the king would behave so basely towards Shakuntala.
1:17:07–1:17:10I shall report that the appointed hour has come.
1:17:11–1:17:13I am awake, but what can I do?
1:17:14–1:17:20Though I have risen, my hands and feet have no strength to perform the tasks I planned for this morning.
1:17:21–1:17:26My tender-hearted friend placed her trust in a man who has broken his word.
1:17:26–1:17:30May the God of Love be satisfied now.
1:17:30–1:17:33Or perhaps the Royal Sage is not at fault.
1:17:33–1:17:36Durvasa's anger is obstructing him.
1:17:36–1:17:45Otherwise, how could the Royal Sage, who spoke such words, fail to send even one letter after so much time?
1:17:45–1:17:48We could send the Ring from here to remind him.
1:17:48–1:17:54But among these hermits, acquainted only with austerity, whom would we dare to tell?
1:17:54–1:17:58And they would think, her friends are to blame.
1:17:58–1:18:00So we are helpless.
1:18:00–1:18:02Who will tell father Kashyapa?
1:18:02–1:18:04Now returned from Prabhasha,
1:18:04–1:18:08that Shakuntala has married Dushyanta and is pregnant?
1:18:08–1:18:11What can we do in such a situation?
1:18:11–1:18:13Priyam Vada enters.
1:18:13–1:18:18Ansuya, the rites for Shakuntala's departure have begun.
1:18:18–1:18:21My friend, how has that happened?
1:18:21–1:18:26Listen, Ansuya, I had just gone to Shakuntala.
1:18:26–1:18:31She had risen from a peaceful sleep and was bowing shyly when Father Kashyapur embraced
1:18:31–1:18:33her and said,
1:18:33–1:18:40Fortunately, though smoke wailed my sight, my oblation fell into the sacred fire.
1:18:40–1:18:45Like knowledge entrusted to a worthy pupil, you have not become a cause of sorrow to
1:18:45–1:18:46me.
1:18:46–1:18:51Therefore, today itself I shall send you with the sages to your husband's home.
1:18:51–1:18:55Then who told father what had happened to Shakuntala?
1:18:55–1:19:02When father entered the fire sanctuary, a heavenly voice spoke in the form of a Vedic verse.
1:19:02–1:19:05What did it say?
1:19:05–1:19:11Listen, my friend, O Brahman, know this, for the welfare of the world.
1:19:11–1:19:19Your daughter bears within her the heroic seed implanted by Dushyanta, as the shami tree bears fire within itself.
1:19:19–1:19:27My friend, I am overjoyed, yet knowing that Shakuntala is being sent away, I feel a happiness
1:19:27–1:19:29that is almost sorrow.
1:19:29–1:19:34Put aside your grief, may she be happy now.
1:19:34–1:19:35Good!
1:19:35–1:19:42In a coconut casket hanging from the branch of that mango tree, I have kept some long-lasting
1:19:42–1:19:45lotus fibers for this very occasion.
1:19:45–1:19:52them, I shall mix yellow Gorochana from the deer, earth from the holy place, and shoots
1:19:52–1:19:58of sacred grass to prepare her auspicious cosmetic paste."
1:19:58–1:20:03Command Shangarava and his companions prepare to escort Shakyantala.
1:20:03–1:20:04Quote,
1:20:04–1:20:11Ansoya, Hari, Hari, the sages are preparing to leave for Hastinapura.
1:20:11–1:20:14My friend, come, let us go.
1:20:14–1:20:16There is Shakuntala.
1:20:16–1:20:23As the sun rises, the female ascetics, carrying bowls of wild grain, are blessing her and bidding
1:20:23–1:20:24her farewell.
1:20:24–1:20:27Some, let us go to her.
1:20:27–1:20:33Shakuntala enters seated as described, with Gautami and the female ascetics.
1:20:33–1:20:39Child, through your husband's special honour, attain the rank of chief queen.
1:20:39–1:20:46Child, bear a heroic son. All except Gautami bless her and exit.
1:20:46–1:20:53My friend, may you be happy. Dear friends, welcome. Sit here.
1:20:53–1:20:59Dear Shakhantala, stand up. We shall apply the auspicious paste to your body.
1:20:59–1:21:04Though I am accustomed to this, today it seems very precious.
1:21:04–1:21:09From now on, I shall really be adorned by my friend's hands.
1:21:10–1:21:15My friend, one must not weep on an auspicious occasion long desired.
1:21:16–1:21:18Your beauty deserves jewels.
1:21:18–1:21:23These ornaments readily available in the Hermitage do it in injustice.
1:21:23–1:21:27Two young hermits enter carrying articles of adornment.
1:21:27–1:21:31Here are ornaments. Adorn the lady.
1:21:31–1:21:33All look on in amazement.
1:21:33–1:21:39Harita, my son, where did these come from?
1:21:39–1:21:42Through father Kashyapa's grace.
1:21:42–1:21:45Were they obtained by mere resolve?
1:21:45–1:21:46No.
1:21:46–1:21:47Listen.
1:21:47–1:21:54At our revered father's command, we went to gather flowers from the trees for Shakuntala.
1:21:54–1:21:55There.
1:21:55–1:21:59One tree gave an auspicious silk garment.
1:21:59–1:22:01White is moonlight.
1:22:01–1:22:06One poured out red-lack dye, ready to be applied to her feet.
1:22:06–1:22:12And from other trees, the hands of forest deities, extending to the wrists and rivaling the beauty
1:22:12–1:22:17of fresh shoots, offered us ornaments.
1:22:17–1:22:21My friend, this foretells extraordinary good fortune.
1:22:21–1:22:25You will enjoy royal splendor in your husband's home.
1:22:25–1:22:28My friend, how beautiful you look now.
1:22:28–1:22:34Take a bee-bond in a hollow. You are longing for the nectar of the lotus.
1:22:34–1:22:40I have never worn ornaments like these. I shall arrange them upon your body as I have seen
1:22:40–1:22:48them in paintings. I know your skill. The two friends act putting on the ornaments.
1:22:48–1:22:56Gautama. Come. Let us tell Father Kashapa, who has gone down to bathe, of the generosity
1:22:56–1:23:04of the trees. Come. K-A-S-H-Y-A-P-A enters after bathing.
1:23:04–1:23:12At the mere thought, Shakantala will leave today, my heart fills with the pain of separation.
1:23:12–1:23:19My throat aches with restrained tears. My sight is blurred by anxiety. If affection makes
1:23:19–1:23:27even me. A forest-dwelling ascetic. So sorrowful. How deeply must the hearts of householders
1:23:27–1:23:35be crushed by the fresh grief of parting from a daughter? F-r-i-e-n-d-s.
1:23:35–1:23:42Dear Shakuntala, your adornment is complete. Now put on this silk garment.
1:23:42–1:23:52Child, your father is here. His eyes filled with tears of joy as though they were embracing you. Bout to him.
1:23:52–1:23:55Father, I bow to you.
1:23:55–1:24:11My daughter, as Shamishta was honoured by Yaiyati, so may you be honoured by your husband. And as she gave birth to Puru, so may you bear a son who will be universal emperor.
1:24:11–1:24:16Venerable sir, that is not a blessing but a boon.
1:24:16–1:24:23Daughter, quickly walk clockwise around the sacrificial fires that bear the ablations.
1:24:23–1:24:27May these three sacred fires protect you.
1:24:27–1:24:29Set around the altar.
1:24:29–1:24:31Kept alive with fuel.
1:24:31–1:24:35Their borders strewn with coo-sa grass.
1:24:35–1:24:39And driving away evil with the fragrance of the offerings.
1:24:39–1:24:48Daughter, now depart. Wear a Shangarava and his companions. The three disciples enter together.
1:24:48–1:24:51Venerable sir, we are here.
1:24:51–1:24:56Shangarava, lead the way for your sister.
1:24:56–1:25:00This way, this way, lady.
1:25:00–1:25:09Daughter Shakuntala, give this message to the trees of the Hermitage within whom deities dwell,
1:25:09–1:25:16she who would not drink water until she had watered you, who, though fond of ornaments,
1:25:16–1:25:24would not pluck your shoots out of love for you, for whom the opening of your first blossom was a festival.
1:25:24–1:25:31That Shakuntala is going to her husband's home. Grant her leave to depart.
1:25:31–1:25:37May her road be pleasantly varied by pools filled with lotus-bearing water.
1:25:37–1:25:41May shady trees ward off the burning rays of the sun.
1:25:41–1:25:45May the dust be soft as lotus pollen floating upon water.
1:25:45–1:25:51May a gentle, favourable breeze blow. And may her journey be auspicious.
1:25:51–1:25:54All listen in amazement.
1:25:54–1:25:58These trees, her companions during her forest life,
1:25:58–1:26:02have granted Shakuntala leave to depart,
1:26:02–1:26:07for in the sweet voices of Kaku's they have answered your words.
1:26:07–1:26:13Child, the deities of the Hermitage have lovingly given you leave as kinsmen would.
1:26:13–1:26:16Bow to the goddesses.
1:26:16–1:26:24Dear Priyambuddha, though I long to see my lord, my feet move away from the hermitage only with great pain.
1:26:24–1:26:34It is not only your friends who grieve depart from you. As your departure draws near, the sacred grove itself appears sorrowful.
1:26:34–1:26:43For, the doe has let the K.U.S.A. grass fall from her mouth. The peacock has ceased dancing and stands dejected.
1:26:43–1:26:47The wine shed yellow leaves like limbs trembling with grief.
1:26:47–1:26:53Father, let me bid farewell to my wine sister, Madhavi.
1:26:53–1:26:59I know your sisterly affection for her. Greet her there on your right.
1:26:59–1:27:07Madhavi, embrace me with your branch like arms from today I shall live far away from you.
1:27:07–1:27:10Daughter! Her care is mine now!
1:27:10–1:27:18See! The worthy husband I once desired for you, you have won for yourself through your own merit.
1:27:18–1:27:22Now! Freed from anxiety for you!
1:27:22–1:27:27I shall arrange her marriage with this neighbouring mango tree.
1:27:27–1:27:30I entrust her to you both.
1:27:30–1:27:34And into whose hands are we being entrusted?
1:27:34–1:27:40Anna Suya, stop weeping. Should you not give Shaktala courage?
1:27:40–1:27:49Father, when this pregnant doe that wanders near the cottage gives birth, please send someone to bring me the happy news.
1:27:49–1:27:53Daughter, I shall not forget.
1:27:53–1:28:00Who is this that has come so close and seems to be tugging at the edge of her garment?
1:28:00–1:28:08Daughter, this is the fawn whose mouth, wounded by the point of Coosa grass, you anointed with
1:28:08–1:28:15healing in Goody oil, whom you raised like a sun, feeding him handful after handful of
1:28:15–1:28:17Shamakha grain.
1:28:17–1:28:19He will not let you leave him behind.
1:28:19–1:28:23Little one, why do you follow me?
1:28:23–1:28:28Who have shown you such faithless affection by leaving my companions?
1:28:28–1:28:32Your mother died immediately after giving birth to you.
1:28:32–1:28:35And I raised you when you were motherless.
1:28:35–1:28:37Now I too am leaving you.
1:28:37–1:28:39Father will care for you.
1:28:39–1:28:41Go back.
1:28:41–1:28:42Therefore."
1:28:42–1:28:43Daughter.
1:28:43–1:28:47Restrain the stream of tears about to burst forth.
1:28:47–1:28:51Which obscures the sight of your uplifted.
1:28:51–1:28:52Long lashed eyes.
1:28:52–1:28:57The hollows and ridges of the path are no longer clear.
1:28:57–1:28:59Therefore your steps are faltering.
1:29:00–1:29:05Scripture directs that a loved one be accompanied as far as the water's edge.
1:29:05–1:29:07This is the bank of the lake.
1:29:07–1:29:11Give us your instructions here and then return.
1:29:11–1:29:15Let us sit in the shade of this peepal tree.
1:29:15–1:29:18They all sit and remain there.
1:29:18–1:29:22What message should I now send to King Dushyanta?
1:29:22–1:29:29Dear friend, there is no creature in the hermitage that is not saddened by your departure.
1:29:29–1:29:33Look here, the Chakravaka hen calls to her mate.
1:29:33–1:29:35Who is hidden behind a lotus leaf?
1:29:35–1:29:39Though the fiber he was eating falls from his mouth.
1:29:39–1:29:43He does not answer, but looks towards you.
1:29:43–1:29:47My friend, it is true, unable to see her mate.
1:29:47–1:29:51Though he is hidden by a nearby lotus leaf.
1:29:51–1:29:53The Chakravaka cries pitifully,
1:29:53–1:29:56Ah! How much suffering my Indio!
1:29:56–1:29:58Quote,
1:29:58–1:30:00Tonight again she will pass a night
1:30:00–1:30:03lengthened by pain without her beloved.
1:30:03–1:30:07The bond of hope makes even profound sorrow bearable.
1:30:07–1:30:10Shantarava, speak to the king
1:30:10–1:30:14about Shakuntala in my name as follows.
1:30:14–1:30:17Command me, revered teacher.
1:30:17–1:30:30Consider well our life of disciplined restraint, your own exalted lineage, and the spontaneous affection that drew her to you without the mediation of her family.
1:30:30–1:30:41Then honour her as you honour your other wives. What lies beyond this rests with fate. A woman's relatives do not beg on her behalf.
1:30:41–1:30:44I have committed the message to memory.
1:30:44–1:30:54Daughter, now I must instruct you. Though we live in the forest, we understand the ways of the world.
1:30:54–1:30:59Nothing truly lies beyond the vision of the wise.
1:30:59–1:31:09Daughter, when you reach your husband's home, obey your elders. Treat your co-wives as sincere friends.
1:31:09–1:31:14Even if your husband neglects you, do not answer in anger.
1:31:14–1:31:17Always be courteous to the servants.
1:31:17–1:31:20Do not grow proud in prosperity.
1:31:20–1:31:25In this way a young woman becomes mistress of her household.
1:31:25–1:31:30One who acts otherwise becomes the misfortune of her family.
1:31:30–1:31:33Gautami, what do you think?
1:31:33–1:31:37This is all the instruction a young bride needs.
1:31:37–1:31:40Child, remember it well.
1:31:40–1:31:43Daughter, come and embrace me.
1:31:43–1:31:48Father, must my friends turn back from here?
1:31:48–1:31:58Daughter, they too must marry someday. It would not be proper for them to go there. Gautami will accompany you.
1:31:58–1:32:06How shall I preserve my life when I am separated from father? Like a she-elephant parted from her herd?
1:32:06–1:32:15Why are you so overcome? Become the honored mistress of a worthy husband's noble house.
1:32:15–1:32:23Remain occupied every moment with his important affairs. And soon, like the eastern sky, give
1:32:23–1:32:30birth to a sun radiant as the sun. Who will fulfill you? Then this grief of separation
1:32:30–1:32:37from me will seem insignificant. And remember this. When the complete separation of soul
1:32:37–1:32:45and body is inevitable, who should be overwhelmed by the pain of cutting away a boil? May every
1:32:45–1:32:55desire of yours be fulfilled. My friends, embrace me together, both at once. My friend, if the
1:32:55–1:32:59The king is slow to remember you, show him this ring and rave with his name.
1:32:59–1:33:06Even at the moment of farewell, compassion is being shown to me.
1:33:06–1:33:12Do not be anxious, affection is always filled with fear of misfortune.
1:33:12–1:33:16The sun has crossed into the second half of the sky.
1:33:16–1:33:20Lady, therefore, make haste.
1:33:20–1:33:23This way, this way, lady.
1:33:23–1:33:25They all move forward.
1:33:25–1:33:29Father, when shall I see this sacred grove again?
1:33:29–1:33:32Daughter, listen.
1:33:32–1:33:37When you have become co-wife with the earth that stretches to every horizon,
1:33:37–1:33:41when you have borne the son of Dushyanta,
1:33:41–1:33:43unconquered in battle,
1:33:43–1:33:48and when that son has taken the burden of the kingdom upon himself,
1:33:48–1:33:52then, accompanied only by your husband,
1:33:52–1:33:56I shall set foot once more in this peaceful hermitage.
1:33:57–1:34:01Child, the proper time for departure is passing.
1:34:01–1:34:07Let your father return now. But no. However long we wait,
1:34:07–1:34:10she will not tell her father to go back.
1:34:10–1:34:15Rev. Teacher, you must turn back of your own accord.
1:34:15–1:34:19Daughter, my austerities are being interrupted.
1:34:19–1:34:21I must return now.
1:34:21–1:34:28Father will soon be free of sorrow, but I am carrying sorrow away upon my own head.
1:34:28–1:34:41Ah! Why do you make me so distraught? Daughter, when I see at the cottage door the grains of wild rice you planted with your own hand only now.
1:34:41–1:34:45Beginning to sprout, how shall my grief be calmed?
1:34:45–1:34:50Daughter, go! May your path be auspicious!
1:34:50–1:34:56S-H-A-K-U-N-T-A-L-A exits with her companions.
1:34:56–1:35:03Ah! Shakuntala is no longer visible, hidden by the rows of trees.
1:35:03–1:35:13Anasuya, your companion in sacred duty has gone. Restrain your grief. I am returning. Follow me.
1:35:13–1:35:18Father, without Shakuntala the sacred grove seems desolate.
1:35:18–1:35:30Affection makes things appear so. Strange. Now that I have sent Shakuntala away, my mind has grown light. Why?
1:35:30–1:35:37A daughter is truly another man's treasure. Now that I have sent her to her husband's home,
1:35:38–1:35:44my inmost spirit is at peace. As when a deposit long held in trust has been returned,
1:35:45–1:35:53all exit. End of Act 4 of Shakhantala, a play by the great poet Kaladasa.
1:35:56–1:35:57The Chamberlain enters.
1:35:57–1:36:07Ah, how old I have grown. When I was given charge of the royal inner apartments, I accepted
1:36:07–1:36:14this staff of office thinking. It is merely a traditional formality. But with the passing
1:36:14–1:36:21of time, now that I can scarcely summon the strength to walk, that same staff has become
1:36:21–1:36:29my support. I must inform his majesty, who is within, of a matter that admits no delay.
1:36:29–1:36:39But what was it? Yes, I recall. Hermits. Disciples of Canva. Desire an audience with the King.
1:36:39–1:36:48Ah, how strange. An old man's understanding suddenly awakens for a moment, then is surrounded
1:36:48–1:36:56again by darkness. Like the flame of a lamp that seems about to go out. He walks on.
1:36:56–1:37:02Mordgalia. I wish to inform his majesty of an unavoidable religious duty. What do you
1:37:02–1:37:07say? But the king has only just risen from the seat of justice and will be disturbed
1:37:07–1:37:15again. Such is the burden of governing the world. See, the sun has yoked his horses once
1:37:15–1:37:22and for all. The wind blows day and night. Fire has no rest from burning, and the duty
1:37:22–1:37:29of a king who receives one sixth in taxes is equally unceasing. What do you say? Then go
1:37:29–1:37:37to the pavilion beside the music hall. Good. Continue with your own task. I shall go there.
1:37:37–1:37:44His Majesty is here. He protects his subjects like the lawgiver Manu, and after tending
1:37:44–1:37:51the herd all day. Like a great elephant heated by the sun retiring to a cool place. He rests
1:37:51–1:37:59in solitude. Where he in mind. The king and the clown enter seated. Surrounded by attendance.
1:37:59–1:38:07Ah, is that not the music hall? Listen, the notes of a vena are sounding in perfect measure.
1:38:07–1:38:11I understand. Hansa Padika must be practicing her voice.
1:38:11–1:38:15Madhavia, be quiet. Let me hear.
1:38:15–1:38:22Ah, his majesty is absorbed. I shall wait for a suitable moment.
1:38:22–1:38:34Oh, be greedy for fresh honey. You once kissed the mango blossom. Why have you forgotten it now? Content merely to hover over the lotus?
1:38:34–1:38:38Ah, a song filled with feeling and melody.
1:38:38–1:38:41What, have you understood its meaning?
1:38:41–1:38:43My friend.
1:38:43–1:38:45I once loved her.
1:38:45–1:38:49Therefore she reproaches me about Queen Vasumati.
1:38:49–1:38:52Tell Hansa Padica in my name.
1:38:52–1:38:55Your rebuke is skillfully delivered.
1:38:55–1:39:00As your majesty commands, my friend, you are trying to seize a bear by the hair through
1:39:00–1:39:02another man's hand.
1:39:02–1:39:05Like a man who has not mastered his own desires.
1:39:05–1:39:08I shall find no escape now.
1:39:08–1:39:11Go, my friend.
1:39:11–1:39:12Speak to her courteously.
1:39:12–1:39:16Ah, what a disaster.
1:39:16–1:39:21How is it that this song has filled me with profound longing, though I am not separated
1:39:21–1:39:24from any beloved?
1:39:24–1:39:31Or perhaps even a happy man grows wistful at a lovely sight or the sound of sweet words.
1:39:31–1:39:37his mind unknowingly remembers deep affection from a former birth.
1:39:37–1:39:39Victory to Your Majesty
1:39:39–1:39:45Hermits who live in the forest at the Himalayan foothills are approaching with women. They
1:39:45–1:39:51bring a message from Kashiapa. Having heard this, it is for Your Majesty to decide what
1:39:51–1:39:54is proper.
1:39:54–1:39:59Hermits bearing a message from Kashiapa, accompanied by women.
1:39:59–1:40:02What are your orders?
1:40:02–1:40:05Request the Preceptor Somerata in my name.
1:40:05–1:40:11Receive these inhabitants of the Hermitage according to scriptural custom, and bring
1:40:11–1:40:13them to me yourself.
1:40:13–1:40:17I too shall receive them in a place suitable for the audience of.
1:40:17–1:40:19Assetics.
1:40:19–1:40:22As your Majesty commands.
1:40:22–1:40:27Vasumati, show me the way to the fire sanctuary.
1:40:27–1:40:32This way, this way, your majesty.
1:40:32–1:40:36Everyone is happy when he obtains what he desires.
1:40:36–1:40:40But kings suffer even after gaining the object of desire.
1:40:40–1:40:42How?
1:40:42–1:40:45Sovereignty merely quiets the longing for power.
1:40:45–1:40:49Preserving what has been gained brings only pain.
1:40:49–1:40:54Royal authority relieves weariness less than it increases it.
1:40:54–1:40:59a parasol held aloft by one's own hand upon its shaft.
1:40:59–1:41:09O-F-F-S-T-A-G-E. B-A-R-D. Victory to your Majesty. Day after day you labor for the welfare of
1:41:09–1:41:16the world. With no thought for your own comfort. But such is the purpose of your birth. A
1:41:16–1:41:21tree bears the fierce sun upon its own crown and gives coolness to those who seek refuge
1:41:21–1:41:29and its shade and more. With the rod of punishment in hand, you discipline those who stray from
1:41:29–1:41:37the right path. You settle disputes and grant protection. When wealth is plentiful, relatives
1:41:37–1:41:44may remain close. But in the end, the duty of a kinsman towards the people falls upon
1:41:44–1:41:53you alone. My wary mind is refreshed. Here is the terrace of the fire sanctuary, freshly
1:41:53–1:42:02plastered and swept. With a tawny cow standing nearby. Your Majesty! Ascend!
1:42:02–1:42:09Vasumati. For what purpose can the revered Kishyapa have sent these sages to me? Has
1:42:09–1:42:14Is there some obstacle arisen in the austerities of the vow keeping ascetics?
1:42:14–1:42:19Or is someone harming the animals of the sacred forest?
1:42:19–1:42:23Have the vine cease to flower because of some offence of mine?
1:42:23–1:42:30Filled with many conjectures, my mind is confused and cannot reach a firm conclusion.
1:42:30–1:42:36Your Majesty's arms embrace the earth, and therefore every hermitage is free from
1:42:36–1:42:37fear.
1:42:37–1:42:40How could any such thing happen?
1:42:40–1:42:43I believe the sages have come.
1:42:43–1:42:46Pleased by your majesty's virtuous deeds.
1:42:46–1:42:47To offer praise.
1:42:47–1:42:56The sages enter with G-A-U-T-A-M-I-S-H-A-K-U-N-T-A-L-A walks before them.
1:42:56–1:43:00The priest and chamberlain lead the procession.
1:43:00–1:43:01This way.
1:43:01–1:43:02This way.
1:43:02–1:43:04Venerable sirs.
1:43:04–1:43:06They move forward.
1:43:06–1:43:07It is true.
1:43:07–1:43:13When a generous king does not transgress the bounds of conduct, even the lowest person
1:43:13–1:43:17in the social order does not stray from the proper path.
1:43:17–1:43:23Yet to my mind, accustomed always to solitude, this building crowded with people seems like
1:43:23–1:43:26a blazing fire.
1:43:26–1:43:30It is natural that entering the city should distress you so.
1:43:30–1:43:32I too.
1:43:32–1:43:33Being a free man.
1:43:33–1:43:40upon these people enslaved by pleasure as a bathed man looks upon one smeared with filth,
1:43:40–1:43:48a pure man upon the impure, a waking man upon sleepers, and one who moves at will upon the
1:43:48–1:43:49bound.
1:43:49–1:43:54Ah, why is my right eye throbbing at this moment?
1:43:54–1:43:57May evil be averted.
1:43:57–1:44:02May the guardian deities of your husband's family grant you happiness.
1:44:02–1:44:11men. Behold his majesty, protector of all four social orders and stages of life. Risen from
1:44:11–1:44:18his seat and waiting for you. Great Brahmin, this is certainly praiseworthy. Yet it leaves
1:44:18–1:44:26us unmoved. Why? A tree bends low beneath its load of fruit. A cloud heavy with fresh
1:44:26–1:44:28Fresh water hangs low.
1:44:28–1:44:34The virtuous do not grow proud when they gain wealth, such is the nature of those who live
1:44:34–1:44:36for others.
1:44:36–1:44:42Your Majesty, the sages' faces appear peaceful and inspire confidence.
1:44:42–1:44:44Then this woman.
1:44:44–1:44:46Who can this veiled woman be?
1:44:46–1:44:50Whose bodily beauty is not fully revealed?
1:44:50–1:44:55Among these ascetics like a fresh bud among yellow leaves.
1:44:55–1:45:01Your Majesty, my curiosity too has increased. I know nothing.
1:45:01–1:45:05Your Majesty, her beauty is worth seeing.
1:45:05–1:45:09One must not gaze upon another man's wife.
1:45:09–1:45:16Heart, why do you tremble? Remember my Lord's unwavering love and be calm.
1:45:16–1:45:23Your Majesty, these ascetics have been received according to custom. They bring their teacher's
1:45:23–1:45:29message. Please hear it. I am listening attentively.
1:45:29–1:45:36Victory to the King. I salute you all. May you prosper.
1:45:36–1:45:41Are your austerities proceeding without obstruction?
1:45:41–1:45:46While you remain our protector, what obstacle could arise in the sacred rites of the
1:45:46–1:45:54virtuous. When the sun blazes with fierce rays, how can darkness appear? Now my
1:45:54–1:46:01title, King, has been made meaningful. Is the revered Kashapa, who blesses the
1:46:01–1:46:07world through his grace? In good health. Perfected beings are masters of their
1:46:07–1:46:13own well-being. After asking after your majesty's welfare, he sends this
1:46:13–1:46:15message.
1:46:15–1:46:18What is the venerable sages' command?
1:46:18–1:46:23You too married this daughter of mine by mutual consent.
1:46:23–1:46:26I am pleased and give you both my approval.
1:46:26–1:46:30For I regard you as the foremost of worthy men.
1:46:30–1:46:37And Shakhantala is virtue embodied in joining bride and groom of equal merit.
1:46:37–1:46:40The Creator has at last performed a praiseworthy deed.
1:46:40–1:46:43Now accept her.
1:46:43–1:46:47with your child and fulfill the duties of marriage.
1:46:47–1:46:56Noble sir, I am eager to speak. Though it may not be proper for me. Why? She did not consult
1:46:56–1:47:03her elders, and you did not ask her relatives. Since you chose one another, what can either
1:47:03–1:47:06side say to the other now?
1:47:06–1:47:09What will my lord say now?
1:47:09–1:47:13Ah, what is the meaning of this statement of yours?
1:47:13–1:47:18Ah, his doubt about this matter burns like fire.
1:47:18–1:47:24What is this? His Majesty surely understands the ways of the world,
1:47:24–1:47:30even when a married woman is virtuous. If she remains only in her parents' home,
1:47:30–1:47:37people suspect her character. Therefore, her relatives sent her to the man who married her.
1:47:37–1:47:40whether that husband loves her or not.
1:47:40–1:47:42Did I marry this woman?
1:47:43–1:47:46Heart, your fear has proved true.
1:47:46–1:47:52Oh King, is it not a dereliction of royal duty to denounce your own deed?
1:47:52–1:47:56Why this inclination to invent falsehoods?
1:47:56–1:48:03Such degradation, born of intoxication with power, commonly robs a man of reason.
1:48:03–1:48:06I am being grossly insulted.
1:48:07–1:48:11Child, put aside your modesty for a moment.
1:48:11–1:48:14I shall remove your veil.
1:48:14–1:48:17Then His Majesty will recognize you.
1:48:17–1:48:23As I try to determine whether I ever married this woman of flawless beauty,
1:48:23–1:48:26now presented before me in this way,
1:48:26–1:48:29I can neither accept her nor reject her.
1:48:29–1:48:31Like a be at dawn,
1:48:31–1:48:36uncertain before a jasmine flower heavy with dew.
1:48:36–1:48:46Ah! How deeply His Majesty reveres righteousness! Who else would hesitate when such a duel among women is so easily offered?
1:48:46–1:48:49Oh, King! Why are you so silent?
1:48:49–1:48:55Hermit! I have thought deeply. Yet I do not remember marrying this lady.
1:48:55–1:49:04How then can I accept a woman who claims me as her husband while displaying the faint signs of...pregnancy?
1:49:04–1:49:07Ah, he doubts even the marriage.
1:49:07–1:49:12My hope, which had risen to touch the sky, is shattered.
1:49:12–1:49:19This is not right. Will you insult the sage whose daughter you seduced and dishonored?
1:49:19–1:49:22He welcomed you to accept what is yours.
1:49:22–1:49:28And, like a robber, you deemed yourself a worthy recipient.
1:49:28–1:49:31Shangarava, be silent now.
1:49:31–1:49:36Shaktala, we have said what we had to say.
1:49:36–1:49:39This is His Majesty's statement.
1:49:39–1:49:40Give Him proof.
1:49:40–1:49:46What use is it now to remind a man who has changed so completely?
1:49:46–1:49:49Whose love lasted so little a time?
1:49:49–1:49:51Yet I must clear my name.
1:49:51–1:49:53And therefore I shall answer him.
1:49:53–1:49:59My lord! No! This form of address itself is now disputed.
1:49:59–1:50:07Son of Puru! In the hermitage you made vows and seduced this woman of simple, innocent heart.
1:50:07–1:50:11Is it right to abandon her now with words like these?
1:50:11–1:50:18Stop these sinful words! Why try to stain your own name and drag me towards ruin?
1:50:18–1:50:25Like a swollen river breaking its banks you muddy your own clear water and uproot the trees along the shore
1:50:26–1:50:31If you truly speak so because you fear accepting another man's wife
1:50:31–1:50:36I shall remove your doubt by showing you this important token of recognition
1:50:38–1:50:41Ah how noble that sounds ah
1:50:42–1:50:44The ring is not on my finger
1:50:44–1:50:50Could it have slipped off when you immersed yourself in the water at Shachi's sacred pool
1:50:50–1:50:54at Indravatarra?
1:50:54–1:50:59Perhaps this is what is called the ready-witter woman receives with her dowry.
1:50:59–1:51:02Here fate has displayed its power.
1:51:02–1:51:05I shall tell you something else.
1:51:05–1:51:09Now something worth hearing is coming.
1:51:09–1:51:15One day in the jasmine wine-bower, did you not hold a lotus leaf cup filled with water?
1:51:15–1:51:19Yes, continue.
1:51:19–1:51:25At that moment my little fawn, whom I had raised like a son, came to us.
1:51:25–1:51:32You coaxed him lovingly and said, Let him drink first, but because he did not know you.
1:51:32–1:51:34He would not drink from your hand.
1:51:34–1:51:37When he drank the same water from mine.
1:51:37–1:51:43You smiled affectionately and said, Everyone trusts one of his own kind.
1:51:43–1:51:47You are both forest dwellers.
1:51:47–1:51:52Women who conspire to achieve their own ends trap pleasure-loving men with the honey of
1:51:52–1:51:54such lies.
1:51:54–1:51:57Your Majesty, do not speak so.
1:51:57–1:52:03Reared in a sacred grove, she knows nothing of deceit or intrigue.
1:52:03–1:52:05Unschooled ascetic woman.
1:52:05–1:52:09Even among female creatures that are not human.
1:52:09–1:52:11Unschooled deceit is plainly seen.
1:52:11–1:52:15How much more must it exist in intelligent women?
1:52:15–1:52:17Before flying away.
1:52:17–1:52:21The cuckoo has another bird, raise her young.
1:52:21–1:52:25You see everything according to the disposition of your own heart.
1:52:25–1:52:27Who could equal you?
1:52:27–1:52:29Armored in righteousness.
1:52:29–1:52:34Yet inwardly deceitful, like a well-hidden beneath grass.
1:52:34–1:52:40Yet this lady's guileless anger truly seems that of a woman reared in the forest for.
1:52:40–1:52:46Her eyes do not shoot side-long glances, but stare directly.
1:52:46–1:52:47Intensely red.
1:52:47–1:52:49Her voice is harsh.
1:52:49–1:52:52Yet her words remain clear.
1:52:52–1:52:56Her bimbo-red lower lip trembles as though stricken by cold.
1:52:56–1:53:00and her naturally arched brows have suddenly drawn together.
1:53:00–1:53:01Lady,
1:53:01–1:53:05do she aunt's conduct is well known among his people?
1:53:05–1:53:09I perceive no such fault within myself.
1:53:09–1:53:11You yourself are the authority.
1:53:11–1:53:14You understand the ways of the world.
1:53:14–1:53:17What can poor, timid women know?
1:53:17–1:53:18Very well,
1:53:18–1:53:25because I trusted the house of Puru and fell into the hands of a man whose words were sweet, but
1:53:25–1:53:30whose heart concealed a knife. I have been made an adulterous."
1:53:31–1:53:38A deed performed in uncontrolled haste burns in just this way. Therefore, particularly before
1:53:38–1:53:45forming a bond, one must examine everything carefully. Affection given to one whose heart
1:53:45–1:53:49is unknown turns into hatred in this very way.
1:53:49–1:53:57Ah, sir, why do you place such a grave stain upon me solely on the strength of this lady's
1:53:57–1:53:59assertion?"
1:53:59–1:54:03His Majesty understands everything in reverse.
1:54:03–1:54:07The words of one who has never known deceit from birth are no proof.
1:54:07–1:54:13But those who have studied the art of deceiving others under the name of, statecraft, are
1:54:13–1:54:14holy.
1:54:14–1:54:16Trustworthy witnesses.
1:54:16–1:54:23Ah, truth speaking sir, let us accept that I am a politician, but what could I gain by
1:54:23–1:54:25deceiving her?
1:54:25–1:54:27Ruin.
1:54:27–1:54:30I do not desire that.
1:54:30–1:54:34O King, what use is this dispute?
1:54:34–1:54:37We have fulfilled our teacher's command.
1:54:37–1:54:39We shall now take our leave.
1:54:39–1:54:42She is your wife.
1:54:42–1:54:50her or abandon her. For a husband's authority over his wife is held to be absolute. Go Tami.
1:54:50–1:54:53Come. Let us go.
1:54:53–1:55:00Ah, this deceiver has truly betrayed me. And you two are leaving me behind. What recourse
1:55:00–1:55:02have I now?
1:55:02–1:55:11Shangarava. My son. Shaktala is following us. Lamenting piteously. When such a base
1:55:11–1:55:16husband rejects her. What is my daughter to do?
1:55:16–1:55:21Ah, shameless woman. Would you act entirely as you please?
1:55:21–1:55:28Listen. If what the king says is true, what connection can we have with you? Who have
1:55:28–1:55:33brought grief upon your father? But if you know your conduct to be pure, then even living
1:55:33–1:55:40as a servant in your husband's house should be bearable to you. Remain here. We are
1:55:40–1:55:57Why are you deceiving this woman? The moon opens only the night lotus. The sun. Only the day lotus. The nature of a self-controlled man recoils from embracing another man's wife.
1:55:57–1:56:04Oh King, if absorption in another woman has made you forget your former conquest, what
1:56:04–1:56:05can be done?
1:56:05–1:56:07Your Majesty!
1:56:07–1:56:10Protector of your reputation!
1:56:10–1:56:16I wish to ask the revered priest which of these possibilities is more likely.
1:56:16–1:56:21With doubt remaining whether I have forgotten or this woman is speaking falsely.
1:56:21–1:56:29I stain my own wife with disgrace, or violate the honor of another man's wife? Suppose we
1:56:29–1:56:38do this? Please advise me. Let this lady remain in my house until she gives birth. I say this
1:56:38–1:56:45after due consideration. Wise men have foretold that your first son will be an emperor. If
1:56:45–1:56:50The son of this sages daughter bears the marks of imperial destiny.
1:56:50–1:56:55We shall congratulate her and welcome her into the inner palace.
1:56:55–1:57:00Otherwise, we shall return her to her father's home.
1:57:00–1:57:03As my revered teacher wishes.
1:57:03–1:57:05Daughter, follow me.
1:57:05–1:57:09Mother God, give me a place within you.
1:57:09–1:57:11A wonder.
1:57:11–1:57:13A wonder.
1:57:13–1:57:15What is happening now?
1:57:15–1:57:19Your Majesty, a marvel has occurred.
1:57:19–1:57:21What sort of marvel?
1:57:21–1:57:25After Canva's disciples had departed,
1:57:25–1:57:28while the young woman lamented her fate,
1:57:28–1:57:33and began to weep and flung her arms upward.
1:57:33–1:57:35What happened then?
1:57:35–1:57:39Near the sacred pool of the celestial nymphs,
1:57:39–1:57:42a light in the form of a woman descended upon her
1:57:42–1:57:45and lifted her away.
1:57:45–1:57:52revered teacher. I have already reached a decision on this matter. Why exhaust ourselves with idle
1:57:52–1:58:02conjecture? Victory to your Majesty. Vasumati, I am troubled. Show me the way to the bed chamber.
1:58:03–1:58:10This way? Your Majesty, this way. Though I did not remember marrying the sage's daughter and
1:58:10–1:58:18and therefore rejected her. My deeply afflicted heart seems still to yearn for her. All exit.
1:58:18–1:58:27End of Act 5 of Shakhantala, a play by the great poet Kalidasa.
1:58:27–1:58:34The chief of police enters with a man whose hands are tied behind him and two guards.
1:58:34–1:58:41Thief. Confess. Where did you get this royal signet ring? Engraved with his majesty's
1:58:41–1:58:44name and set with precious stones.
1:58:44–1:58:51Mercy, mercy, honorable brothers. I am not capable of such a deed.
1:58:51–1:58:58Perhaps the king mistook you for a holy Brahmin and gave it to you as a present.
1:58:58–1:59:04Hear my whole story first. I am a fisherman living near the sacred pool of Indravatara.
1:59:04–1:59:08Thief, did we ask your caste?
1:59:08–1:59:12Satchaka, let him tell everything in order.
1:59:12–1:59:15Stop interrupting.
1:59:15–1:59:22As our Lord, the King's brother in law, commands, speak, speak.
1:59:22–1:59:27I support my family with nets, hooks, and other fishing gear.
1:59:27–1:59:30Ah, a very holy profession.
1:59:30–1:59:37Sir, it is said that a man must not abandon the hereditary calling of his family.
1:59:37–1:59:42Even if it is condemned, even compassionate and learned brahmin's mercilessly kill animals
1:59:42–1:59:45in sacrifice.
1:59:45–1:59:48Very well, very well.
1:59:48–1:59:54One day, while cutting open a rohu fish, I found this ring shining with jewels inside its
1:59:54–1:59:55belly.
1:59:55–2:00:00Later, while showing it to people here in the hope of selling it.
2:00:00–2:00:02Your men seized me.
2:00:02–2:00:04That is how I found the ring.
2:00:04–2:00:06Now beat me or kill me."
2:00:06–2:00:07Januka.
2:00:07–2:00:10It certainly was inside a fish.
2:00:10–2:00:13That explains the stench of raw flesh.
2:00:13–2:00:16We must now investigate its origin.
2:00:16–2:00:18Come to the royal court.
2:00:18–2:00:20Move.
2:00:20–2:00:23Your Majesty the pickpocket.
2:00:23–2:00:24Sutchacker.
2:00:24–2:00:28You too remain alert and wait for me at the main gate.
2:00:28–2:00:35I shall tell His Majesty how the ring was found, receive His orders, and return.
2:00:35–2:00:39May His Majesty receive our Lord favorably.
2:00:39–2:00:41Janukkah!
2:00:41–2:00:45Our Lord is taking a very long time.
2:00:45–2:00:51Understand that one must wait for a proper opportunity to approach the King.
2:00:51–2:00:56My friend, my hands are itching to throttle this scoundrel.
2:00:56–2:01:03It is not proper to give an untimely death to a man addressed by the auspicious name,
2:01:03–2:01:04Brother.
2:01:04–2:01:08See, our master is returning with the King's command.
2:01:08–2:01:15Now you will either see your family's faces again or become a feast for vultures and jackals.
2:01:15–2:01:19Quickly, quickly, this man.
2:01:19–2:01:22Ah, I am dead.
2:01:22–2:01:24Untie him.
2:01:24–2:01:25Release the fisherman.
2:01:25–2:01:34account of the ring's origin has proved true. My Lord Himself told me so. As our Lord commands,
2:01:34–2:01:39He entered the house of death and slipped out again through a crack.
2:01:39–2:01:42Master, my life belongs to you.
2:01:42–2:01:49Rise. You are being given a reward equal to the value of the ring.
2:01:49–2:01:52I have been shown great favor.
2:01:52–2:01:59favor that he has been taken down from the stake and seated upon an elephant.
2:01:59–2:02:07My lord, this reward shows that his majesty holds that precious jeweled ring very dear.
2:02:07–2:02:11I do not think the king valued it for the jewels.
2:02:11–2:02:13Then why?
2:02:13–2:02:19I suspect that seeing it reminded his majesty of someone exceedingly dear.
2:02:19–2:02:26the king, who is ordinarily self-controlled, became agitated for a moment as soon as he
2:02:26–2:02:28saw it.
2:02:28–2:02:32This fellow has done his majesty a good service.
2:02:32–2:02:36I would say the enemy of fishes has come out ahead.
2:02:36–2:02:43Masters, keep half of it for your expenses on flowers and beetle.
2:02:43–2:02:45That is nobly spoken.
2:02:45–2:02:46Fisherman.
2:02:46–2:02:49You are now my dearest friend.
2:02:49–2:02:52A new friendship should be sealed with wine.
2:02:52–2:02:55Come, let us go to a tavern.
2:02:55–2:02:56All exit.
2:02:56–2:02:59End of the introductory scene.
2:02:59–2:03:05A.k.a. S.H.A.M.A.L.A. enters in an aerial chariot."
2:03:05–2:03:10I have completed my daily rites at the celestial nymphs bathing pool.
2:03:10–2:03:14Now I shall see for myself the royal sage's condition.
2:03:14–2:03:19Through my friendship with Manaka, Shakuntala has become dear to me.
2:03:19–2:03:27to me. And Manaka herself sent me on this errand. How is it that even on a festival day the royal court
2:03:27–2:03:34is not decorated for celebration? It is true that through meditative power we can know everything.
2:03:34–2:03:41But I must honour my friend's wish. Good. Concealed by the magic of invisibility,
2:03:41–2:03:45I shall stand near these two gardeners and learn what has happened.
2:03:45–2:03:52A garden attendant enters, examining a fresh mango shoot.
2:03:52–2:03:54A second attendant follows.
2:03:54–2:03:56Oh mango blossom!
2:03:56–2:03:59Seeing you, like the breath of the spring month,
2:03:59–2:04:05Tawnee upon your green stem, I behold the season's auspicious first sight.
2:04:05–2:04:10Parabrida ca, my friend, why are you talking to yourself?
2:04:10–2:04:16My friend, the tender shoot of the mango intoxicates the cuckoo.
2:04:16–2:04:18Has spring arrived?
2:04:18–2:04:24Maddacaraka, now is the time for your songs filled with the nectar of love.
2:04:24–2:04:29My friend, I shall stand on tiptoe and worship the God of love.
2:04:29–2:04:30Support me.
2:04:30–2:04:34If I receive half the merit of the worship.
2:04:34–2:04:36That need not be said.
2:04:36–2:04:39My friend, we are one soul in two bodies.
2:04:39–2:04:43Ah, the mango cluster has not yet opened.
2:04:43–2:04:46Yet fragrance rises the moment its stem is broken.
2:04:46–2:04:49Victory to the fish-bannered God of Love.
2:04:49–2:04:54Oh mango shoot, I offer you to the bow-bearing God of Love.
2:04:54–2:04:57Become an unfailing arrow whose targets are young women.
2:04:57–2:05:00The chamberlain enters angrily.
2:05:00–2:05:03Stop. Foolish girl.
2:05:03–2:05:07His majesty has expressly forbidden the spring festival.
2:05:07–2:05:10and you are plucking flowers.
2:05:10–2:05:14Forgive us, Master. We heard nothing of this.
2:05:14–2:05:20HMPH. How could you fail to hear His Majesty's command
2:05:20–2:05:25when even the trees of spring and the creatures dwelling in them obey it?
2:05:25–2:05:31For the mango blossom is mature, yet releases no pollen.
2:05:31–2:05:36The Rajamala is ready to bud. Yet does not open.
2:05:36–2:05:42Though winter has passed, the male cuckoo's song remains caught in his throat.
2:05:42–2:05:48I fear that even the startled God of Love has returned to his quiver an arrow half drawn out.
2:05:49–2:05:53There can be no doubt. The Royal Sage's authority is great.
2:05:54–2:05:59Master, the king's brother-in-law, Mithravasu,
2:05:59–2:06:04removed us for several days from his majesty's service and assigned us to decorate the pavilion.
2:06:04–2:06:08Opposite, that is why we knew nothing of the order.
2:06:08–2:06:12Very well, but do not do it again.
2:06:12–2:06:23Master, we are curious. If it is proper for us to know, please tell us why His Majesty has forbidden the Full Moon Festival of Spring.
2:06:23–2:06:30King's delight in festivals. There must be a grave reason behind this.
2:06:30–2:06:41Everyone knows the matter. Why should I not tell you? Has news of the disgrace caused by the rejection of Shakhantala reached your ears?
2:06:41–2:06:47Master, we have heard only as far as the finding of the ring by the king's brother-in-law.
2:06:47–2:06:57Then little remains to be told. The moment his majesty saw the ring, his memory returned. It is true.
2:06:57–2:07:04I secretly married Lady Shackantala and, in delusion, rejected her.
2:07:04–2:07:07Since then he has been filled with remorse.
2:07:07–2:07:09How?
2:07:09–2:07:11He loathes pleasure and luxury.
2:07:11–2:07:16His subjects can no longer approach him freely each day.
2:07:16–2:07:18All night he tosses upon his bed,
2:07:18–2:07:21turning from one side to the other.
2:07:21–2:07:27Even when courtesy makes him speak gently to the women of the inner apartments,
2:07:27–2:07:32He confuses their names and remains ashamed for a long time.
2:07:32–2:07:35I am glad to hear this.
2:07:35–2:07:39The festival was prohibited because of the king's grief.
2:07:39–2:07:41That seems right.
2:07:41–2:07:44Come. Come, sir.
2:07:44–2:07:47His Majesty is approaching this way.
2:07:47–2:07:49Attend to your work.
2:07:49–2:07:52The king enters with the clown and doorkeeper,
2:07:52–2:07:56dressed in a manner befitting his remorse.
2:07:56–2:08:04Ah! A man of extraordinary beauty appears noble in every condition, though wasted by separation
2:08:04–2:08:12from Shakuntala. His majesty remains splendid to behold. He has abandoned ostentatious
2:08:12–2:08:19ornaments and wears only a loose golden bracelet upon his left forearm. His lips are reddened
2:08:19–2:08:26by size, and his eyes are wary from anxious wakefulness. Yet his inborn radiance keeps
2:08:26–2:08:33him from appearing diminished, like a great jewel polished by friction."
2:08:33–2:08:39It is only right that Shakuntala still longs for him, even after he rejected and humiliated
2:08:39–2:08:41her.
2:08:41–2:08:47This unfortunate heart slept before. Though my doe-eyed beloved tried to awaken it,
2:08:47–2:08:53Now it is awake, only to suffer the pain of remorse.
2:08:53–2:08:57The poor girl's fate is much the same.
2:08:57–2:08:59Another attack of the Chakintala sickness.
2:08:59–2:09:03I do not know how it can be cured.
2:09:03–2:09:06Victory to your Majesty, Mighty King.
2:09:06–2:09:13The Royal Pleasure Garden has been inspected, so that you may walk there whenever you wish.
2:09:13–2:09:15Vasumati.
2:09:15–2:09:22Minister Pishuna in my name that, because of prolonged sleeplessness, I cannot sit in the
2:09:22–2:09:30court of justice today. Let him examine today's civil cases and send me a written report.
2:09:30–2:09:38As your majesty commands, Parvatiana, you too may go to your duties.
2:09:38–2:09:40Very well.
2:09:40–2:09:45We have driven the flies away. Now that winter is over. We can rest undisturbed in
2:09:45–2:09:48in this delightful garden.
2:09:48–2:09:49My friend.
2:09:49–2:09:54The proverb, misfortune strikes where one is weakest, is never false.
2:09:54–2:09:55See.
2:09:55–2:10:02The royal signet has restored my memory, and I am lamenting in remorse for the beloved
2:10:02–2:10:04I rejected without cause.
2:10:04–2:10:10At this very moment the delight of fragrant spring has come and stands before me.
2:10:10–2:10:11Wait a moment.
2:10:11–2:10:15shall strike this mango-shaped god of love with my staff.
2:10:15–2:10:23Leave it! I have already seen the power of your braminical splendor. My friend, let us
2:10:23–2:10:30sit here and divert our eyes by looking at these vines, which in some ways resemble my
2:10:30–2:10:31beloved.
2:10:31–2:10:37But you have only just told the painter Medavini. I shall remain for a while in the Medavi
2:10:37–2:10:42vine pavilion. Bring the portrait of Lady Shakhintala that I painted with my own hand upon the
2:10:42–2:10:51canvas. Such is the state of my heart. Show me the way to the Madavi pavilion. Come, your
2:10:51–2:10:58Majesty. This Madavi pavilion, furnished with a jeweled stone seat, silently welcomes my
2:10:58–2:11:06dear friend. Let us enter, your Majesty. Sit. My friend Madavia. Now everything has returned
2:11:06–2:11:14to me. I told you what happened when I first saw Shakuntala, but when I rejected her, you
2:11:14–2:11:21were not beside me. And before that, you never mentioned her name in conversation. Surely
2:11:21–2:11:27you too, like me, had forgotten all that past between us.
2:11:27–2:11:33I had not forgotten, on the contrary, you told me the whole story. But at the end you
2:11:33–2:11:39said it was not true. Merely a joke, dull-witted as a lump of clay, and afraid the secret might
2:11:39–2:11:46be revealed. I took your words as truth. Besides, fate is always powerful.
2:11:46–2:11:48That is true.
2:11:48–2:11:52My friend, help me, help me.
2:11:52–2:11:58How has it come to this? How can the courage of a noble man be shaken by sorrow? A mountain
2:11:58–2:12:02remains unmoved even by storm winds.
2:12:02–2:12:10friend. The moment I remember my beloved's helpless terror, I become utterly distraught.
2:12:10–2:12:18She was driven away from me and tried to follow her own people. Then her father's disciple,
2:12:18–2:12:25a father to her in his stead, commanded sternly, stay, and with eyes blurred by streaming
2:12:25–2:12:33peers. She looked once more at cruel me. All this pierces me like arrows steeped in poison."
2:12:33–2:12:39Ah, what suffering! Seeing his pain brings me satisfaction.
2:12:39–2:12:45Your Majesty, I have a thought. Some being who travels through the sky must have carried
2:12:45–2:12:47the lady away.
2:12:47–2:12:54Who but a deity could have done it? I was told that Manaka is your friend's mother.
2:12:54–2:12:59My heart believes that her companions took Shakuntala away.
2:12:59–2:13:00Ah!
2:13:00–2:13:07His delusion was astonishing, but his understanding has not awakened fully even now.
2:13:07–2:13:12If so, you will certainly be reunited with the lady in the end.
2:13:12–2:13:13How?
2:13:13–2:13:19Her parents cannot bear to see their daughter separated from her husband for very long.
2:13:19–2:13:21My friend!
2:13:21–2:13:22Was she a dream?
2:13:22–2:13:23An illusion?
2:13:23–2:13:33A delusion. Or the fruit of hard-won merit. She has gone beyond the reach of memory and left before my longing and immeasurable abyss.
2:13:33–2:13:42Do not say so. The ring itself is proof. Surely a wondrous reunion decreed by fate begins in just this way.
2:13:42–2:13:49Ah! This unfortunate thing! Fallen from an inaccessible place!
2:13:49–2:13:54Oh ring! The reward of your merit has proved as worthless as mine.
2:13:54–2:14:02You found a place upon her finger, lovely with its crimson nail. Yet you fell from it.
2:14:02–2:14:10My friend! You are far away! Therefore I alone am enjoying this delight that is so sweet to hear.
2:14:10–2:14:14My friend, how did you come to place this ring upon the lady's hand?
2:14:15–2:14:20Listen. As I was departing from the Hermitage for my city,
2:14:20–2:14:25my beloved, her eyes full of tears, asked me,
2:14:25–2:14:29my lord, how many days will you remember me?
2:14:29–2:14:32And then, and then?
2:14:32–2:14:37Then I placed this royal signet upon her finger and said,
2:14:37–2:14:41Each day, count one letter of my name.
2:14:41–2:14:45Beloved, when you reach the final letter,
2:14:45–2:14:48someone will come, show you the way,
2:14:48–2:14:51and conduct you to the inner palace,
2:14:51–2:14:54and then, in my delusion,
2:14:54–2:14:57I committed such a terrible offence.
2:14:57–2:15:00Fate gave you a charming device.
2:15:00–2:15:03Then how did this ring, like a fish hook,
2:15:03–2:15:07reach the mouth of that unfortunate rohu fish?
2:15:07–2:15:13Your friend must have dropped it into the current of the Ganges, while bowing to the waters at
2:15:13–2:15:20Shachi's sacred pool. Let me reproach it. How could you leave that hand with its tender,
2:15:20–2:15:29curved fingers and sink into the water? But no. A lifeless object understands neither virtue nor fault.
2:15:29–2:15:32Then how could I reject my beloved?
2:15:32–2:15:36The beginning and end of this story contradict one another.
2:15:36–2:15:41When shall I see again the beloved whom I rejected without cause?
2:15:41–2:15:45The painter enters carrying a canvas.
2:15:45–2:15:49His Majesty is here. I shall approach him.
2:15:49–2:15:54Victory to your Majesty. I have brought the lady's portrait.
2:15:54–2:15:58Ah, ah, ah, beauty alive before us.
2:15:58–2:16:08Well done, my friend. Well done. What more can I say? It seems a soul has entered the picture. I feel moved to speak to it.
2:16:08–2:16:18Ah! How skillful is the brush of his companion. The painter. My friend appears to be standing before me.
2:16:18–2:16:23Before, I rejected my beloved when she stood before me.
2:16:23–2:16:27Now I honor her when she is only a painted image.
2:16:27–2:16:31Ignoring the river swollen with water upon my path.
2:16:31–2:16:35Ah, I now thirst for a mirage.
2:16:35–2:16:40He has himself admitted everything I wished to say.
2:16:40–2:16:45I see three women. All are beautiful. Which one is Sharkintala?
2:16:45–2:16:51The poor man knows very well how to deceive himself. My friend is not truly here.
2:16:51–2:16:54Which one do you think she is?
2:16:54–2:17:00I think this is Lady Shokintala. The woman standing wearily against the Ashoka vine,
2:17:00–2:17:05drops of perspiration upon her face. Flowers falling from her loosened hair.
2:17:05–2:17:10One vine like arm drooping like a branch. The girdle of her garment undone.
2:17:10–2:17:13The other two are her friends.
2:17:13–2:17:18You are perceptive. The clear marks of my love are in this picture.
2:17:18–2:17:23Near the lines one can see the stain of my damp fingers.
2:17:23–2:17:28And the pigment of the brush has spread where a tear fell from my cheek.
2:17:28–2:17:35Medavini. The pleasure grove is only half painted. Go and bring the brushes.
2:17:35–2:17:39Noble Medavia. Hold the canvas until I return.
2:17:39–2:17:42What else remains to be painted here?
2:17:42–2:17:48Surely he wishes to paint all the places dear to my beloved friend.
2:17:48–2:17:53Madavia! Listen! I shall paint the Malini River
2:17:53–2:17:58with pairs of wild geese in rows upon its sandy bank,
2:17:58–2:18:01the valley at the foot of the sacred Himalaya,
2:18:01–2:18:05father of Gauri, where yak cows rest,
2:18:05–2:18:09and beneath a tree hung with bark garments,
2:18:09–2:18:13a doe rubbing her left eye against the antler of a stag.
2:18:13–2:18:18I suppose he will fill the rest of the picture with the shaggy beards of hermits.
2:18:19–2:18:26Madavia, one more thing. I forgot to paint an ornament beloved by Shakuntala.
2:18:26–2:18:28What was it like?
2:18:28–2:18:32Something suited to a forest dweller and to her tenderness.
2:18:32–2:18:38My friend, I have not painted the Cherisha flower at her ear.
2:18:38–2:18:43It's stem tucked behind it, and its filaments trailing to her cheek.
2:18:43–2:18:46Nor the necklace of lotus fibers.
2:18:46–2:18:48Soft as autumn moonbeams.
2:18:48–2:18:51Resting between her breasts.
2:18:51–2:18:54Why does the lady look so frightened now?
2:18:54–2:18:57Covering her face with fingers lovely as red lotuses?
2:18:57–2:19:02Oh, oh, oh, this slave born plunderer of flowers.
2:19:02–2:19:06A bee is hungry for the lady's lotus face.
2:19:06–2:19:10Go and drive away the insolent intruder.
2:19:10–2:19:15You, the chastiser of the wicked, are the one who can remove him.
2:19:15–2:19:17Very well.
2:19:17–2:19:21Bee, you are a welcome guest to every flowering vine.
2:19:21–2:19:24Why tire yourself flying about here?
2:19:24–2:19:35Your loving female bee, settled within a flower, waits for you. Though thirsty, she will not drink nectar without you.
2:19:35–2:19:38How gracefully he dismisses it.
2:19:38–2:19:43Creatures of this kind become more stubborn when chased away.
2:19:43–2:19:48You are right. Since you will not obey my command. Hear this now.
2:19:48–2:19:53O B, if you bite my beloved's Bimba Red Lower Lip,
2:19:53–2:19:57Lovely as the virgin bud of a young tree,
2:19:57–2:20:01Whose nectar I once drank gently in the festival of love,
2:20:01–2:20:05Then I shall imprison you inside a lotus.
2:20:05–2:20:08How could it fail to fear such a harsh punishment?
2:20:08–2:20:10He has truly gone completely mad.
2:20:10–2:20:15By keeping company with him, I too have been infected.
2:20:15–2:20:19Count me among those awakened to madness now.
2:20:19–2:20:22Beloved, is it still there?
2:20:22–2:20:27Ah, love can master even a steadfast man.
2:20:27–2:20:29It is a picture.
2:20:29–2:20:39My friend, why are you so cruel to me? With my heart wholly absorbed, I was enjoying the sight of her as though she stood before me.
2:20:39–2:20:44You awakened memory and turned her back into a picture.
2:20:44–2:20:51My friend, I have seen with my own eyes that he remembers the dishonour he did you by rejecting you.
2:20:51–2:20:59Your Majesty, your box of pigments has fallen into the hands of Queen Kulaprabha's attendants.
2:20:59–2:21:03Very well. I have no desire to paint now.
2:21:03–2:21:09He shows Kulaprabha great respect. But that matters little.
2:21:09–2:21:12When the many stringed, Vipanchi is unavailable.
2:21:12–2:21:15Even a one-stringed loot seems dear.
2:21:16–2:21:22My friend. See. Why must I endure this pain without end?
2:21:22–2:21:26Wakefulness prevents me from meeting her even in dreams.
2:21:26–2:21:30And tears prevent me from seeing her even in a picture.
2:21:30–2:21:37Your Majesty, Pingalika is coming with her companions to snatch and tear the portrait.
2:21:37–2:21:39Her hopes are ruined now.
2:21:40–2:21:41Ah.
2:21:41–2:21:44Victory to the Queen! Victory!
2:21:44–2:21:54Alas! Pingalika, the Tigris of the Inner Palace, has followed Medavini's tracks like a doe and is about to spring upon us.
2:21:54–2:21:59My friend, protect this portrait of my beloved.
2:21:59–2:22:03In other words, you are telling me to protect myself.
2:22:03–2:22:11My friend, even your portrait has been removed from this man who behaves like an enemy towards you.
2:22:11–2:22:15I shall hide it where no one but the pigeons can see it.
2:22:15–2:22:18Victory to your Majesty
2:22:18–2:22:22Vasumati did the Queen not come.
2:22:22–2:22:28Your Majesty, when she saw me bringing the letter, she turned back.
2:22:28–2:22:33She understands the claims of time and does not obstruct affairs of state.
2:22:33–2:22:37Your Majesty. The minister says that
2:22:37–2:22:44because the work is so great, he has been able to examine only one citizen's case.
2:22:44–2:22:47May Your Majesty consider it.
2:22:47–2:22:50Medivini. Read it.
2:22:50–2:22:55As Your Majesty commands, let His Majesty know that done of Riddhi,
2:22:55–2:23:02The sea merchant whose name proved true, has died in a shipwreck. He has no children.
2:23:02–2:23:09His estate amounts to many thousands of millions and will now pass into the royal treasury.
2:23:09–2:23:14Having heard this, let his majesty pronounce judgment.
2:23:14–2:23:19To have no child is a great sorrow. Vasumati.
2:23:19–2:23:26he was wealthy and therefore must have had several wives. Find out whether any one of them is pregnant.
2:23:26–2:23:33Your Majesty, it has just been learned that the daughter of the guild master Kishava,
2:23:33–2:23:39one of his wives, has undergone the conception right for the birth of a son.
2:23:39–2:23:47Then the unborn child is heir to the father's estate. Go and tell the honorable Pishuna so.
2:23:47–2:23:58as your majesty commands. Return for a moment. I am here. Tell him this as well. What does
2:23:58–2:24:04it matter whether the man has a child or not? Proclaim that whenever any beloved relative
2:24:04–2:24:12of one of my subjects dies, provided the deceased was free from sin, Duceyanta will take that
2:24:12–2:24:21relatives place. It shall certainly be proclaimed in that way. Your Majesty, as people rejoice
2:24:21–2:24:29when clouds thunder at the proper season. So your subjects have rejoiced at your proclamation.
2:24:29–2:24:35When the last man of a family whose lineage has been broken dies without support. His wealth
2:24:35–2:24:41passes to another in just this way. After my death, the glory of Puru's line will
2:24:41–2:24:50suffer the same fate. May that fear never come true. Shame upon me, who condemned and rejected
2:24:50–2:24:58the blessing bestowed by destiny. Surely he is blaming himself because of my friend.
2:24:58–2:25:05I cast away my lawful wife, who was to be the foundation of my line, in whom my very
2:25:05–2:25:13self was planted. Who, like earth sown at the proper season, was destined to bring forth
2:25:13–2:25:20a mighty fruit? What was the minister's purpose in sending this letter? Which saddened his
2:25:20–2:25:29majesty the moment he saw it? But no, he never acts without reflection. Ah, Dushyanta has
2:25:29–2:25:37placed his ancestors in peril. After me, alas, who in my lineage will offer the scripturally
2:25:37–2:25:46ordained rice cakes and water? Surely my ancestors, instead of water, are drinking my pure tears.
2:25:46–2:25:51For I, childless, am incomplete.
2:25:51–2:25:58This is merely a natural error. His Majesty, standing at the height of youth, will father
2:25:58–2:26:04a worthy son by another queen and discharge his debt to his ancestors. He cannot hear
2:26:04–2:26:11my words. Or rather, only the proper medicine can cure a disease.
2:26:11–2:26:20This line of puru, pure from its beginning, is ending because of me. Unworthy and childless.
2:26:20–2:26:25As the sacred Sarasvati river vanishes into a barren desert.
2:26:25–2:26:29Awake, your Majesty! Awake!
2:26:29–2:26:52I shall end his suffering at once. But no! The great gods have ordained matters in this way. I cannot intervene without permission. Very well. The gods, eager for their share of the sacrifice, will arrange the Royal Sages' reunion with his wife. I shall see how they accomplish it.
2:26:52–2:26:57For now, I shall carry this news and comfort my beloved friend."
2:26:58–2:27:02Disaster! Disaster! Help! Disaster!
2:27:03–2:27:07Ah! That sounds like Madhavia's voice in distress.
2:27:08–2:27:12The poor man must have fallen into Lady Pingalaka's jaws.
2:27:13–2:27:19Vasumati, go and rebuke the queen in my name for failing to control her attendance.
2:27:19–2:27:27As commanded, the Brahmin's voice is trembling as though he were truly terrified.
2:27:27–2:27:28Who is there?
2:27:28–2:27:32Command me, your Majesty.
2:27:32–2:27:36Why is that boy Madhavya screaming?
2:27:36–2:27:39Your Majesty, I shall go and see.
2:27:39–2:27:44Parvatiana, is this a matter of mortal danger?
2:27:44–2:27:47No, your Majesty.
2:27:47–2:27:59Then why are you frightened? Yet, the trembling that formerly came only from old age now shakes your whole body violently, like a peepal tree in the wind.
2:27:59–2:28:06Then, mighty king, save your friend. From whom must I save him?
2:28:06–2:28:09From dreadful danger.
2:28:09–2:28:14Ah, say something intelligible.
2:28:14–2:28:19Your Majesty, that royal palace called, Cloud Kissing.
2:28:19–2:28:22What is happening there?
2:28:22–2:28:29From its highest pinnacle, which the tame peacock reaches only after resting many times, some
2:28:29–2:28:33invisible demon has carried away your friend.
2:28:33–2:28:35Impossible.
2:28:35–2:28:38Demons have entered my very house.
2:28:38–2:28:42Real power is surrounded by countless reversals.
2:28:42–2:28:44Day by day.
2:28:44–2:28:48One cannot even discover one's own unseen failures.
2:28:48–2:28:53Who has the power to know completely which path each subject is following?
2:28:53–2:28:54Run.
2:28:54–2:28:56Run.
2:28:56–2:28:58My friend, do not be afraid.
2:28:58–2:29:01Do not be afraid.
2:29:01–2:29:03How can I not be afraid?
2:29:03–2:29:08is squeezing my neck from behind and trying to crush me like sugarcane.
2:29:08–2:29:20My bow. My bow. A YAVANA woman enters carrying the bow. YAVANA woman. Victory to your majesty.
2:29:20–2:29:25Here are your bow and arm guard. I shall seize and kill you as a tiger seizes
2:29:25–2:29:32its prey. Thirsting to drink the fresh blood from your neck. Let Dushyanta. Who lifts
2:29:32–2:29:37his bow to remove the fears of the afflicted. Protect you now."
2:29:37–2:29:46"- Is he mocking me? Stand still. Stand still. Disgrace to your race. You shall not escape
2:29:46–2:29:56now. Parva Tyana. Show me the staircase. This way, this way, your majesty. But there is
2:29:56–2:29:58no one here."
2:29:58–2:30:02Hurry, I can see you, but you cannot see me.
2:30:02–2:30:04Like a mouse in a cat's jaws.
2:30:04–2:30:06I have lost all hope of life.
2:30:06–2:30:08Villain.
2:30:08–2:30:11Proud of your invisibility.
2:30:11–2:30:13My arrow will see you.
2:30:13–2:30:14Stand still.
2:30:14–2:30:18Do not imagine yourself safe, because you hold my friend.
2:30:18–2:30:22I am setting this arrow to the bow for you.
2:30:22–2:30:24It will kill you.
2:30:24–2:30:25Your Majesty.
2:30:25–2:30:34has appointed the demons as your targets. Draw your bow against them. A noble man's compassionate,
2:30:34–2:30:39gentle glance falls upon a friend, not a merciless arrow.
2:30:39–2:30:45Ah, Metali, welcome, charioteer of the king of gods.
2:30:45–2:30:49Ah, this demon nearly killed me.
2:30:49–2:30:53Your Majesty, hear why Indra has sent me to you.
2:30:53–2:30:56I am listening attentively.
2:30:56–2:31:03There is an invincible demon king named Durjaya, a descendant of Kalanemi.
2:31:03–2:31:07I have already heard of him from Narada.
2:31:07–2:31:11It is said that your friend Indra cannot kill him.
2:31:11–2:31:15It is said that you can destroy him at the forefront of battle.
2:31:15–2:31:20The moon dispels the darkness of night that the sun cannot remove.
2:31:20–2:31:23Therefore, take up your bow.
2:31:23–2:31:27Indra's chariot, and depart for victory.
2:31:27–2:31:33I am blessed by Indra's honour, but why did you mistreat Madaviya so?
2:31:33–2:31:35I shall tell you.
2:31:35–2:31:36I saw that.
2:31:36–2:31:41For some reason, your majesty was sunk in remorse.
2:31:41–2:31:44I acted so to awaken your anger.
2:31:44–2:31:48For, fire blazes up when its fuel is stirred.
2:31:48–2:31:53A threatened serpent spreads its hood, and a man often recovers his courage.
2:31:53–2:31:55when he is provoked.
2:31:55–2:31:57My friend Medavia,
2:31:57–2:32:01the command of the king of gods cannot be refused.
2:32:01–2:32:04Tell minister Pishuna what has happened here
2:32:04–2:32:07and give him this message in my name.
2:32:07–2:32:12For now, let your keen intelligence alone protect the people.
2:32:12–2:32:16This strong bow has been assigned to another task.
2:32:16–2:32:18As your majesty commands.
2:32:18–2:32:21This way, your majesty
2:32:21–2:32:31All move off an exit. Thus ends Act 6. A Celestial Dancer enters.
2:32:31–2:32:38My teacher Narada has told me that at this very time the Royal Sage Dushyanta has risen above K.
2:32:38–2:32:46Mortal world and gone. At Lord Indra's command to kill a demon. After I bowed and sang his praises.
2:32:46–2:32:52My teacher instructed me to present a dance of auspicious blessing before the learned
2:32:52–2:32:53audience.
2:32:53–2:32:59Go, find another dancer, and come to the dancing pavilion.
2:32:59–2:33:02I am therefore looking for a dancer now.
2:33:02–2:33:04Who is coming towards me?
2:33:04–2:33:09As though she has just received some ornament and is at once excited and satisfied.
2:33:09–2:33:10Why?
2:33:10–2:33:13It is my dear friend Chhutamandri.
2:33:13–2:33:20Good! I shall take her to our teacher. A second dancer enters in the manner described.
2:33:20–2:33:25Ah! How great is the power of the royal sage Dushyanta!
2:33:25–2:33:33Oh! The mighty demon Durjeya has been killed. To speak precisely, accompanied only by his charioteer,
2:33:33–2:33:42Dushyanta poured down countless thousands of weapons and destroyed the powerful Durjeya in a single moment.
2:33:42–2:33:47Chhutam Anjari, my friend, you seem love-struck.
2:33:47–2:33:55Are you Parijitam Anjari, my friend, I shall tell you everything, but first say where you are going.
2:33:55–2:34:06My friend, I shall be brief. Our teacher has commanded a festive performance today to celebrate the royal sage Dushyentha's victory over the demon.
2:34:06–2:34:09We are both to go and see him.
2:34:09–2:34:11There must be some reason for this.
2:34:11–2:34:18But if the king is returning to the mortal world, for whom shall we perform?
2:34:18–2:34:23My friend, has he fulfilled Mahendra's wish and taken his leave, or has something else
2:34:23–2:34:25occurred?
2:34:25–2:34:30Listen, my friend, this very morning he departs for the earth.
2:34:30–2:34:36Carrying with him, as a boon, the remaining life of Durjeya, and the enamoured hearts
2:34:36–2:34:43of the celestial women. That is why I am at once delighted and agitated.
2:34:43–2:34:49My friend, you have brought good news. Our teacher ordered us to perform before the Royal
2:34:49–2:34:57Sage of Purus line. Come, let us compose and sing a song here. As you wish, we can
2:34:57–2:35:02dance together, whether to my song or to your recitation.
2:35:02–2:35:09We shall do so, my friend, the spring season turns one be away from rightful pleasure and
2:35:09–2:35:12leads him towards improper conduct.
2:35:12–2:35:18It fills another with love, and saddens yet another with the earth's crimson beauty.
2:35:18–2:35:23End of the prologue, the king and Matali enter in an aerial chariot.
2:35:23–2:35:25Matali.
2:35:25–2:35:30Although I merely obeyed Indra's command, the lofty honor he has shown me makes me
2:35:30–2:35:36feel unworthy. Your Majesty, neither of you acknowledges the
2:35:36–2:35:43other's debt. How so? Having given Indra such aid, you see his high honor and consider your
2:35:43–2:35:49deed insignificant. While he considers the honor, he bestowed unequal to your great achievement.
2:35:51–2:35:59It is not so. The honor shown me at my departure far exceeded my desire. I was seated upon half
2:35:59–2:36:06his throne before the gods. Then Indra looked smilingly at Jayanta standing beside him.
2:36:06–2:36:12Who inwardly longed for that distinction? And placed upon me a garland of heavenly Mandara
2:36:12–2:36:18flowers that had brushed his breast. Anointed with yellow sandalwood.
2:36:18–2:36:23Why should such honour from the king of gods not befit you?
2:36:23–2:36:30See, for Indra, who desires peace, two things have drawn out the thorns of heaven.
2:36:30–2:36:38The demons, your polished arrows, and, long ago, the claws of Nersimha.
2:36:38–2:36:41The greatness lies with Indra.
2:36:41–2:36:47See, know that when a servant succeeds in a great undertaking, it is because a great
2:36:47–2:36:50master has bestowed honor upon him.
2:36:50–2:36:56If the Thousand Raid's son had not placed Aruna at the front of his chariot, where would
2:36:56–2:37:00Aruna have found the power to destroy darkness?
2:37:00–2:37:04Those words are worthy of you, Your Majesty.
2:37:04–2:37:05Look here.
2:37:05–2:37:10The radiance of your fame has reached the roof of heaven.
2:37:10–2:37:15Considering the greatness of your deeds, the gods paint them upon the outer leaves
2:37:15–2:37:19of wish-fulfilling vines with cosmetic colors left over.
2:37:19–2:37:22by celestial nymphs.
2:37:22–2:37:24Matali.
2:37:24–2:37:25Yesterday.
2:37:25–2:37:29In my eagerness to ascend and battle the demon.
2:37:29–2:37:32I paid no attention to the geography of heaven.
2:37:32–2:37:36Through what divine region are we traveling now?
2:37:36–2:37:40This is the region of the current bearing wind.
2:37:40–2:37:41Free from vapor.
2:37:41–2:37:45Sanctified by Vishnu's second stride.
2:37:45–2:37:52It supports the heavenly stream of the threefold Ganges and turns the constellations with rays,
2:37:52–2:37:55radiating in a circle.
2:37:55–2:38:03That is why my inmost spirit and all my senses, within and without, or at peace, I believe
2:38:03–2:38:06we have descended into the region of clouds.
2:38:06–2:38:09How did you know?
2:38:09–2:38:14Chattaco birds fly between the spokes of your chariot wheels.
2:38:14–2:38:17The horses are coloured by flashes of lightning.
2:38:17–2:38:20And the rims of the wheels are wet.
2:38:20–2:38:25These signs show that the chariot has passed over rain-bearing clouds.
2:38:25–2:38:29In a moment you will reach the realm you rule.
2:38:29–2:38:35Because we are descending at great speed, the mortal world appears strange.
2:38:35–2:38:434. The earth seems to recede as the mountains rise. The screen of leaves lifts, revealing the
2:38:43–2:38:52trunks of trees, rivers that looked waterless, like thin lines, gain their full forms and become
2:38:52–2:38:58distinct. Look, it is as though someone had thrown the earth upward and brought it close to us.
2:38:59–2:39:02Ah, the beauty of the earth is incomparable.
2:39:02–2:39:11Matali. What mountain is this? Plunged into the eastern and western seas, gleaming as
2:39:11–2:39:16though it dripped gold like a wall of clouds at sunset.
2:39:16–2:39:22Your Majesty. This is Golden Peak, the mountain of the Kinaris and the finest place for ascetics
2:39:22–2:39:25to attain perfection.
2:39:25–2:39:36Hirpraja Patti, father of gods and demons, born from the self-existent Marichi, performs austerities with his wife.
2:39:36–2:39:45We should not neglect such an auspicious opportunity. Let us circle him and receive a vision of the Holy One.
2:39:45–2:39:49That is our foremost duty. We have landed.
2:39:49–2:40:04Matali. There was no sound from the wheel rims. No dust rose into view. Your chariot landed without unknowing it. Because it did not touch the earth. There was no jolt.
2:40:04–2:40:08Such is the difference between you and Indra.
2:40:08–2:40:12In which direction is Maricha's hermitage?
2:40:12–2:40:21There stands the sage, facing the sun, motionless as a pillar, half his body buried in an anthill,
2:40:21–2:40:27wearing a second sacred thread made from a serpent's cast skin, his throat bound by the
2:40:27–2:40:32noose of a withered vine, and the immense matted locks covering his shoulders filled
2:40:32–2:40:36with birds' nests.
2:40:36–2:40:38Homage to the Great Ascetic
2:40:38–2:40:46We have now entered Prajapati's Sacred Grove, where Aditi tends the Mandara Tree.
2:40:46–2:40:47How wonderful!
2:40:47–2:40:55I feel as though immersed in a lake of nectar that grants greater repose than heaven itself.
2:40:55–2:40:56Descend.
2:40:56–2:40:58What now?
2:40:58–2:41:01The harnessed chariot will remain here.
2:41:01–2:41:03I too shall descend.
2:41:03–2:41:04This way.
2:41:04–2:41:05This way.
2:41:05–2:41:07Your Majesty.
2:41:07–2:41:08Your Majesty.
2:41:08–2:41:12Behold the sacred grove of the perfected sages.
2:41:12–2:41:16Two things here fill me with wonder.
2:41:16–2:41:20Though they live in a forest of wish-fulfilling trees,
2:41:20–2:41:23they sustain life upon air alone.
2:41:23–2:41:29They bathe at twilight in sacred water filled with thousands of golden lotus leaves.
2:41:29–2:41:32They meditate in caves of jewels.
2:41:32–2:41:36They practice restraint amid celestial nymphs.
2:41:36–2:41:42surrounded by everything for whose attainment other sages perform austerities. These sages
2:41:42–2:41:50still practice austerity." Great men have lofty aspirations. Elder Shakalia,
2:41:50–2:41:57with what task is our teacher occupied? What do you say? Aditi has asked him about the
2:41:57–2:42:05virtues of a faithful wife, and he is explaining them. Therefore my request must await a proper
2:42:05–2:42:14I shall inform Prajapati of your arrival. Until then, sit beneath this Ashoka tree."
2:42:14–2:42:21As you wish. There is no hope that my desire will be fulfilled. Oh, arm, why do you throb
2:42:21–2:42:27in vain? Good fortune rejected once later becomes sorrow.
2:42:27–2:42:34No. Do not be wicked. Lion, how fiercely you display your nature.
2:42:34–2:42:36This is no place for wickedness.
2:42:36–2:42:39Who is administering justice?
2:42:39–2:42:40Ah!
2:42:40–2:42:44A child in years but a grown man in courage.
2:42:44–2:42:48Whom two female ascetics are trying to restrain.
2:42:48–2:42:51Striking a lion cub with his hand.
2:42:51–2:42:53He is dragging it away.
2:42:53–2:42:56It's mane scattered by his harsh grip.
2:42:56–2:42:57The cub.
2:42:57–2:43:01Only half finish drinking at its mother's breast.
2:43:01–2:43:03Struggles against him.
2:43:03–2:43:09The boy enters doing as described, restrained by two female acetics.
2:43:09–2:43:13Open your mouth, lion, open your mouth.
2:43:13–2:43:15I want to count your teeth.
2:43:15–2:43:21Wicked child, why do you torment an animal who is like a son to us?
2:43:21–2:43:25Your ferocity grows greater and greater.
2:43:25–2:43:30The sages rightly named you Sarvadamana, subduer of all.
2:43:30–2:43:35Why does this child draw my heart as though he were my own son?
2:43:35–2:43:40Surely my childlessness has made me affectionate towards all children.
2:43:40–2:43:45If you do not release her cub, the lioness will spring upon you.
2:43:45–2:43:49Ah, I am terribly frightened.
2:43:49–2:43:56This child seems like the seed of mighty splendor, a spark of fire waiting only for fuel.
2:43:56–2:44:01Child, release the lion cub. We shall give you another toy.
2:44:01–2:44:04Where is it? Give it to me.
2:44:04–2:44:09What? His hand bears the marks of an emperor.
2:44:09–2:44:14For, his hand stretched out to ask for the tempting object.
2:44:14–2:44:18Its fingers joined by delicate webs,
2:44:18–2:44:23shines like a single lotus whose gaps between the petals are not yet clear.
2:44:23–2:44:27beginning to open in the redness of dawn.
2:44:27–2:44:31My friend, promises alone cannot restrain him.
2:44:31–2:44:33Go to our cottage.
2:44:33–2:44:38There is a brightly coloured clay peacock belonging to the child Sage Mankankar.
2:44:38–2:44:40Bring him that toy.
2:44:40–2:44:42As you see.
2:44:42–2:44:46For now, I shall keep playing with this one.
2:44:46–2:44:50This obstinate child draws me to him.
2:44:50–2:44:55Blessed are those who take a son upon their lap and are soiled by the dust of his body.
2:44:55–2:44:59Whose little teeth flower in causeless laughter,
2:44:59–2:45:03whose indistinct speech is exceedingly sweet,
2:45:03–2:45:06and who loves to rest in his father's arms.
2:45:06–2:45:09Very well. You will not obey me.
2:45:09–2:45:12Is there any boy of the hermitage here?
2:45:12–2:45:19Noble sir, please come and free the suffering lion cub from this unruly child's grip.
2:45:19–2:45:22which is so difficult to loosen.
2:45:22–2:45:23Certainly.
2:45:23–2:45:25Son of a great sage,
2:45:25–2:45:29why do you perform an act unworthy of a hermitage
2:45:29–2:45:35when your self-controlled father rejoices that living creatures seek his protection?
2:45:35–2:45:40Why stain his glory as a young serpent pollutes a sandalwood tree?
2:45:40–2:45:43He is not the son of a sage.
2:45:43–2:45:45His conduct,
2:45:45–2:45:47suited to his appearance,
2:45:47–2:45:53seemed to declare his identity, trusting the surroundings.
2:45:53–2:45:54I was mistaken.
2:45:54–2:46:00If touching the limbs of this child from another family gives me such joy,
2:46:00–2:46:05how much happiness must he give to the man from whose body he was born?
2:46:05–2:46:08A wonder, a wonder.
2:46:08–2:46:09What is it?
2:46:09–2:46:13I am astonished by the great resemblance between you.
2:46:13–2:46:16Although there is no relationship between you,
2:46:16–2:46:21And he is as easy with you as though you were someone long familiar.
2:46:22–2:46:26If he is not a sage's son, what is his family?
2:46:26–2:46:29He is a descendant of Puru.
2:46:29–2:46:30What?
2:46:31–2:46:33He belongs to my own line.
2:46:33–2:46:36That is why she sees a resemblance to me.
2:46:37–2:46:41The descendants of Puru observe the final custom of their house.
2:46:42–2:46:44First, to protect the earth.
2:46:44–2:46:55They dwell in white plastered royal palaces. Later, living at the roots of trees, they devote themselves solely to ascetic vows.
2:46:55–2:46:59But immortal cannot come here by his own will.
2:46:59–2:47:12You are right, sir, but this child's mother is related to a celestial nymph. And therefore she gave birth to him here, in the sacred grove of the Father of the Gods.
2:47:12–2:47:15Another ground for suspicion has appeared.
2:47:15–2:47:19Of which royal sage is this lady the wife?
2:47:19–2:47:24Who would speak the name of a man who abandoned his lawful wife?
2:47:24–2:47:28Can this story concern me in particular?
2:47:28–2:47:31Should I ask the child's mother's name?
2:47:31–2:47:32No.
2:47:32–2:47:36It is improper to inquire about another man's wife.
2:47:36–2:47:41The second female ascetic enters carrying a clay peacock.
2:47:41–2:47:45Sarvada Mana, look at this beautiful bird.
2:47:45–2:47:47Where is mother?
2:47:47–2:47:52His love for his mother confused him when he heard a similar word.
2:47:52–2:47:59Child, look at the Shakunta, the bird. How beautiful this toy peacock is.
2:47:59–2:48:09Is his mother's name Shakuntala? But names may be alike. Like a mirage? This may end in bitter disappointment.
2:48:09–2:48:13Aunt, I like this beautiful peacock.
2:48:13–2:48:18Ah, the protective hamlet is missing from his wrist.
2:48:18–2:48:24Do not be anxious. It must have fallen while he wrestled with the lion cub.
2:48:24–2:48:28Do not touch it. What has he picked it up?
2:48:28–2:48:30Why are you stopping me?
2:48:30–2:48:39Listen, sir, this is a powerful herb called upper ajata given by Mareacher during the child's birth ceremony.
2:48:39–2:48:48If it falls upon the ground, no one except his mother, his father or the child himself can lift it.
2:48:48–2:48:52What happens if someone else picks it up?
2:48:52–2:48:56It turns into a snake and bites the stranger.
2:48:56–2:48:59Have you yourselves seen this transformation?
2:48:59–2:49:07many times. Then, now that my hope has been fulfilled, why should I not rejoice?
2:49:07–2:49:17Samyata, thumb, let us carry this news to, Shakuntala, who has completed her religious observance.
2:49:17–2:49:22Thumb, let me go, I want to go to mother.
2:49:22–2:49:27Son, we shall go together and bring joy to your mother.
2:49:27–2:49:31My father is Dushyanta, not you.
2:49:31–2:49:34That very denial is my proof.
2:49:34–2:49:40S.H.A.K.U.N.T.ALA enters, her hair bound in a single braid.
2:49:40–2:49:47I have heard that Sarvada Manas protective amulet remained in its natural form even though
2:49:47–2:49:51the condition for its transformation arose.
2:49:51–2:49:53Yet I cannot trust my fortune.
2:49:53–2:49:58Still, what Aksha Mala told me makes it seem possible.
2:49:58–2:50:07Ah! It is Lady Shakuntala. Clothed in grey, her face made thin by religious observance.
2:50:07–2:50:17Her hair bound in a single braid. This woman of spotless character has endured the long austerity of separation from cruel me.
2:50:17–2:50:22He does not look unlike my husband. Then who is he?
2:50:22–2:50:28Touching with his hand and defiling my son. Who is protected by sacred spells?
2:50:28–2:50:33Mother, this stranger keeps calling me, son.
2:50:33–2:50:38Beloved, the cruelty I showed you has now reached a happy end.
2:50:38–2:50:41I beg you to recognize me.
2:50:41–2:50:44Heart. Take courage. Take courage.
2:50:44–2:50:51Fate has shown mercy after casting me down and satisfying its anger. This is my husband.
2:50:52–2:50:54By good fortune.
2:50:54–2:51:00Lovely faced one. Now that the bewildering darkness has lifted from memory,
2:51:00–2:51:02you stand before me
2:51:02–2:51:08when an eclipse has ended. The moon and red Rohini are reunited.
2:51:09–2:51:11Victory to my lord.
2:51:12–2:51:14Beloved, though the word
2:51:14–2:51:21Victory is caught in your tears. I am victorious, for I can see your pale face.
2:51:21–2:51:24Its lips unadorned.
2:51:24–2:51:27Mother, who is he?
2:51:27–2:51:30Son, ask my food.
2:51:30–2:51:35Slender one. Let the pain of my rejection leave your heart.
2:51:35–2:51:39At that time I was lost in terrible delusion.
2:51:39–2:51:44A blind man brushes away even a garland upon his head, thinking it a snake.
2:51:44–2:51:50In deepest darkness, a man treats an auspicious thing in just this way.
2:51:50–2:51:53Rise, my lord!
2:51:53–2:52:00At that time some result of my former deeds, hostile to my happiness, must have been ripening.
2:52:00–2:52:07That is why, though compassionate by nature, you changed so greatly, but how did my lord's
2:52:07–2:52:12memory return? I shall tell you everything after removing the
2:52:12–2:52:19thorn of grief. Slender one! On that day! In my delusion I ignored the tears that troubled
2:52:19–2:52:25your lips. Now I shall wipe away these tears resting upon your trembling lashes and free
2:52:25–2:52:32myself from remorse. My lord! Ah! This is the drink!
2:52:32–2:52:37Yes, when it was miraculously recovered, it restored my memory.
2:52:38–2:52:41It could have fulfilled my desire in a moment.
2:52:41–2:52:46Yet when I needed it to convince my Lord, it was nowhere to be found.
2:52:47–2:52:52Then let the vine receive its flower and proclaim the coming of spring.
2:52:52–2:52:57I do not trust it. Let my Lord keep it upon His own hand.
2:52:57–2:53:08Congratulations! Reunited with his lawful wife and beholding his son's face, your majesty is prosperous once more.
2:53:08–2:53:15Because it was fulfilled through a friend. My desire has borne an excellent fruit.
2:53:15–2:53:19Matali! Did Indra not know of these events?
2:53:19–2:53:26Come! The revered Maritua awaits you and is ready to grant you an audience.
2:53:26–2:53:34Shakhantala, take our son. Walk before me. I wish to visit the venerable sage with you.
2:53:34–2:53:37Am I worthy to go with my lord?
2:53:37–2:53:43It is the custom on a festival occasion. Come, come.
2:53:43–2:53:49M-A-R-I-C-H-A enters seated beside Aditi upon one seat.
2:53:49–2:53:54Daughter of Daksha. This is Dushyanta.
2:53:54–2:54:05Lord of the earth, your son Indra's champion in battle. Because of his bow, Indra's keen thunderbolt has become an idle ornament.
2:54:05–2:54:09His appearance is certainly worthy of honor.
2:54:09–2:54:16Lord of the earth, the mother and father of the gods are looking upon you with parental affection.
2:54:16–2:54:18Approach.
2:54:18–2:54:25Matali. These are the divine pair whom the sages call the source of the twelve-fold radiance.
2:54:25–2:54:31From whom Indra, Lord of the gods who received the sacrificial share,
2:54:31–2:54:40was born, and in whom the supreme spirit, beyond even self-born Brahma, found a birthplace?
2:54:40–2:54:42Indeed.
2:54:42–2:54:47Dushyanta, servant of Indra, bows to you both.
2:54:47–2:54:51Son, protect the earth for many years.
2:54:51–2:54:55Son, may you have no equal in battle.
2:54:55–2:54:59With my son, I worship your feet.
2:54:59–2:55:08Daughter, may your married happiness endure long, with a husband like Indra and a son like Jayanta.
2:55:08–2:55:13What blessing can be given but this? Be like Paul Omi.
2:55:13–2:55:23Daughter, may your husband honor you. May your son become the ornament of both families. Please sit.
2:55:23–2:55:39By good fortune, faithful Shaktala, this accomplished son, and the king, faith, wealth, and righteous duty, this triad has come together in one place.
2:55:39–2:55:43Holy Sir, Your Grace is unprecedented.
2:55:43–2:55:50First, my desire was fulfilled, and only afterwards did I receive Your vision.
2:55:50–2:55:55See, first comes the flower, and then the fruit.
2:55:55–2:55:59First the cloud, and afterwards the rain.
2:55:59–2:56:02Such is the order of cause and effect.
2:56:02–2:56:06But through Your Grace, good fortune came first.
2:56:06–2:56:10is the mercy of the mother and father of the world.
2:56:10–2:56:17Holy Sir, I married this servant of yours by the right of mutual consent.
2:56:17–2:56:22Some time later, her relatives brought her to me.
2:56:22–2:56:29Because my memory had vanished, I rejected her and thus offended the revered Canva.
2:56:29–2:56:35Afterwards, when I saw the ring, the memory of our marriage returned.
2:56:35–2:56:41whole event seemed strange to me. It was as though a man denied an elephant standing plainly
2:56:41–2:56:47before him, doubted it after it had gone, and understood its existence only when he saw
2:56:47–2:56:52its footprints. Such was the disorder of my mind.
2:56:52–2:57:01Son, cease worrying that you committed an offense. You were deceived. Listen. I am
2:57:01–2:57:07listening attentively. When Manaka descended from the celestial nymph's sacred pool and
2:57:07–2:57:15brought the visibly weakened Shaktala to Aditi, meditation revealed to me that the poor girl
2:57:15–2:57:22had been rejected by her husband because of Dervasa's curse, and that the sight of the
2:57:22–2:57:25ring would end that curse.
2:57:25–2:57:28I am freed from guilt.
2:57:28–2:57:29What good fortune!
2:57:29–2:57:36My lord did not reject me of his own will, but I do not remember being cursed.
2:57:36–2:57:39Surely, because my heart was elsewhere.
2:57:39–2:57:42I did not hear the curse.
2:57:42–2:57:47My friends repeatedly insisted that I must show my lord the ring.
2:57:47–2:57:51Daughter, you have understood the truth.
2:57:51–2:57:55Therefore, do not be angry with your husband now.
2:57:55–2:58:02See, your husband rejected you, because the loss of memory made him hard-hearted.
2:58:02–2:58:10Now the darkness of his delusion has been dispelled, and royal fortune is subject to you.
2:58:10–2:58:18In a mirror dimmed by dust, a reflection cannot take shape, but once it is cleaned, the image
2:58:18–2:58:23appears clearly of itself. As the Holy One says,
2:58:23–2:58:31Son, I trust you have accepted this son of Shakhantala, whose birth ceremony I myself
2:58:31–2:58:38performed. Holy Sir, my lineage rests upon him alone.
2:58:38–2:58:45It is true. Know him as a future universal emperor. See, crossing the oceans in a chariot
2:58:45–2:58:52that moves steadily without jolting. This peerless warrior will soon conquer the earth with its
2:58:52–2:59:01seven continents. Because he subdues animals by force, his name here is Sarvada-Mana, subduer
2:59:01–2:59:09of all. Because he will uphold the earth, he shall later be renowned as Bharata.
2:59:09–2:59:16Since the Holy One Himself performed His rites, we may expect all this of Him.
2:59:16–2:59:22Canva too should be told in full how Shakyantala's desire was fulfilled.
2:59:22–2:59:24Manaka is nearby.
2:59:24–2:59:28You have spoken the wish of my heart.
2:59:28–2:59:34Through the power of His austerities, the revered Canva already knows all this clearly.
2:59:34–2:59:36Ah!
2:59:36–2:59:39Then my teacher is not angry with me.
2:59:39–2:59:45and so, he should hear this happy news from me. Who is there?
2:59:45–2:59:48Ravid teacher, I am here.
2:59:48–2:59:56Galeva, my son, tell the renowned Canva this happy news in my words. When Dvasa's curse
2:59:56–3:00:03ended and his memory returned, Dushyanta accepted Shaktala.
3:00:03–3:00:06As my Ravid teacher commands,
3:00:06–3:00:17Son, with your son and wife, mount the chariot of your friend Indra, which stands here, and depart for your capital.
3:00:17–3:00:20As my revered teacher commands,
3:00:20–3:00:28Son, continue to satisfy the gods entitled to their sacrificial shares with abundant offerings.
3:00:28–3:00:33In return, may the king of gods send rain for your subjects.
3:00:33–3:00:41Thus, through mutual service, may the friendship between you endure for many years, together
3:00:41–3:00:44with the glory of your shared generosity.
3:00:44–3:00:50Holy Sir, I shall strive for the welfare of all with my entire strength.
3:00:50–3:00:54Son, tell me now.
3:00:54–3:00:56What further boon shall I grant you?
3:00:56–3:01:05If, after all this, my revered teacher still wishes to show me favor, then may the king
3:01:05–3:01:09remain devoted to the welfare of his people.
3:01:09–3:01:17May the learned honor Sarasvati, may self-existent Shiva, whose power pervades all things.
3:01:17–3:01:20Bring my cycle of rebirth to an end.
3:01:20–3:01:30Act 7. Thus ends, Abhijnan Asha Kuntalam, a play by the great poet Kaladasa, a poet who,
3:01:30–3:01:34by the grace of destiny, attained complete knowledge.

Plain text

Kala Dasa's original Sanskrit play, Abhijnan Asha Kuntalam, translated from Sanskrit into Maitili by Gajendra Thakur. Abhijnan Asha Kuntalam, the recognition of Shakuntala, the great poet Kala Dasa, dramatis personae, in order of appearance on stage, P-R-O-L-O-G-U-E May the Gracious Lord protect us through His eight manifest forms. The Creator's first creation, which receives the sacrificial offering, the offering itself, the Sacrificer, the two powers that ordain the course of time, the all-pervading element perceived by the ear, That which is called the source of every seed, and that which gives the breath of life to all living beings. Asterisk. The invocation ends. Madam, is everyone ready for their part? The actress enters. Sir, I am here. What are your instructions? Nearly everyone in this assembly is a discerning and accomplished lover of drama. We are to entertain them with a new play by Caladasa. Every role must therefore be performed with the greatest care. With your skillful direction, nothing can possibly go wrong. Madam, let me tell you a truth. Until the learned are satisfied, I can never be confident of my skill as a director. Even the heart of one who has rehearsed with devotion is troubled by self-doubt. That is perfectly true. Now tell me, sir. What comes next? What could delight the ears of this gathering more than a song describing the pleasures of the summer that has just begun? For now, These are the days when plunging into cool water is a joy. When the woodland breeze is scented by trumpet flowers, When sleep comes easily beneath deep shade, And evening falls with exquisite charm. As you command, tender-hearted women adorn themselves with Sharisha blossoms. Whose exquisitely delicate stamens are be kisses only for a moment. Beautifully sung. The sweetness of your song has held the entire audience around us so still that they seem figures. Painted in a picture. Now tell me. What play shall we perform for their pleasure? Sir, did you not say at the outset that we were to present the new play called Abhijnan Asha Kuntalam? The Recognition of Shakuntala. Madam, you have reminded me just in time. The matter had slipped from my mind this very moment. And why? The enchanting melody of your song carried me helplessly away with it. Just as King Dushyanta here has been carried away in pursuit of a fleet-footed deer. They both exit. The prologue ends. King Dushyanta enters in a chariot, bow in hand, pursuing a deer. His charioteer is with him. Your Majesty, when I see that deer in you with your bow drawn, it is as though before my very eyes I behold Shiva, bearer of the Panakka bow, racing after the sacred antelope. Charioteer. This blackbuck has led us a very long way. Even now he turns his head again and again to watch the chariot behind him, his neck bending with graceful ease. From fear of the arrow he gathers his hind quarters into the fore part of his body. Exhausted, he runs with his mouth open, dropping half-tuned grass from his lips and scattering it all along the track. Look! With every soaring bound, he scarcely touches the earth. As though he traveled more through air than overground. What is this? We are close upon him. Yet he is vanishing beyond the reach of sight. Your Majesty, the ground was rough and broken. I held the reins tight and slowed the chariot. That is why the deer gained some distance. The land is level now. You will have no difficulty overtaking him. Give the horses their heads. As your majesty commands, your majesty, look, look, the instant the reins are loosened. These horses stretch their bodies to their fullest length. The yak tail plumes upon their heads scarcely stir. Their ears stand rigid, and they race beyond even the dust they themselves have raised, as though they cannot endure to be outstripped by the deer. Truly. These horses are outstripping even the steeds of Indra. 4. What looked small to the eye swells to greatness in an instant? What is in reality divided in two appears to join as one. What is naturally crooked seems perfectly straight. At the speed of this chariot, nothing remains far from me. And nothing near me can remain still. Your majesty, hermits have stepped between you and the blackbuck at which your arrow is aimed. Then stop the horses. I am stopping them. A hermit enters with two companions. Oh king! Oh king! This is a deer of the hermitage. One of the hermitage deer. Therefore draw back the arrow you have aimed so surely. Your weapons are meant to protect the afflicted, not to strike the innocent. I have withdrawn the arrow. Well done. Oh, King! Such conduct is worthy of a descendant of Puru. May you be blessed with a son who will become a sovereign emperor. I gladly accept a hermit's blessing. We have come out to gather firewood. There. On the bank of the Malini. Close against the slopes of the Himalayas. You can see the hermitage of our preceptor Kasyapa. Unless some other duty prevents you, enter the hermitage and receive the welcome due to a guest, and when you see the holy rites of the ascetics, rich in the power of their austerities, proceeding without disturbance, you will understand how well this arm, Marked by the bowstring. Protects your people. Is the father superior at the Hermitage? This very day he placed the care of guests in the hands of his blameless daughter, Shakhantala, and went to the sacred moon shrine at Prabhasa to appease the forces hostile to her destiny. Good! I shall meet her. She will speak of my devotion to the Great Sage. We must go now. Charitya, drive on. First let the sight of the Holy Hermitage purify us. As your majesty commands. Charitya, even without being told, one can see that we have reached the outskirts of the Sacred Grove. How so? Do you not see? Here. Beneath the trees lie grains of wild rice fallen from the parrot's nests. Here and their stones shine smooth with oil from crushed ingoody fruit. The fawns are so fearless that, even hearing human voices, They do not break their stride, and the path leading to the pool is marked by trails of water drops falling from the hems of bark. Garments. Every sign agrees. And look. The roots of the trees have been washed by the overflowing channels. The luster of tender leaves is dimmed by smoke rising from offerings of clarified butter. And here, in the green meadow where the soft shoots of kusha grass have been cut, young deer graze at ease, slow and utterly unafraid. Let us cause no disturbance to the hermitage. Stop the chariot at the edge. I shall dismount. The rains are steady. You may descend, your majesty. One should enter a hermitage in humble dress. Take charge of these. Charitya. While I pay my respects to the sages, sprinkle water over the horse's backs and call them. As your majesty commands. I shall enter the Hermitage through this gate. The ground of the Hermitage is peaceful. Yet my arm is throbbing. How can such an omen arise here? Or perhaps the doors of destiny stand open everywhere. This way, dear friends, this way. Ah! I hear conversation to the right of the avenue of flowering trees. I shall go there. Daughters of the Hermitage are coming this way, watering the young trees from little pictures suited to their size. How lovely they are! I shall conceal myself in this shade and watch. S.H.A.K.U.N.T.A.L.A. enters with her two friends, carrying out the work described. Dear Shakuntala, it seems Father Kashyapa loves the trees of the Hermitage even more than he loves you. That must be why he has given the task of filling their basins to someone as tender as a jasmine. Blossom! It is not only Father's command. It is my own devotion as well. I truly feel a sister's affection for these trees. Dear Shakuntala, the grove of trees that flower in summer has drunk its fill. Thumb, let us also water those whose flowering season has not yet arrived. Perhaps we shall gain an unexpected blessing. That is a worthy thought. What? Is this Canva's daughter? Extraordinary! If beauty so rare even in a royal harem belongs to a girl of the hermitage, then surely the wild vine has surpassed the tended vine of the garden. Good! Hidden behind this tree, I shall watch her natural behavior while she is free from self-consciousness. This Bacoola tree seems to be beckoning me with fingers. Its creepers stirred by the wind. As though urging me to hurry, I shall tend it." Ravird Kashapa must surely be blind. To set her to such hard work in the hermitage, the sage who would make this innocent, lovely body endure the hardships of ascetic life might as well attempt to cut hard firewood with. The edge of a blue lotus petal. Dear Anzuya, the bark garment Priyam vada tied so tightly is pinching me. Please loosen it. Blame your youth for that, it is making your breasts grow. Granted, the bark cloth does not suit her budding youth. Yet it has not failed to increase her beauty. How could it? A lotus tangled in water moss is still beautiful. The dark mark upon the moon. Though a blemish only heightens its splendor and this slender girl even dressed in bark is irresistibly lovely. What is there that cannot become an ornament to a form so beautiful? Dear Shakuntala, here in this natural abode is the motherly creeper that father Kashyapur has raised just as he raised you, attend to it, or have you forgotten it? I shall forget it only when I forget myself. Dear Shakuntala, stand beside the Bakula tree for one moment. Why? When you stand beside it, it seems to me that a flowering wine is embracing the Bakula tree. That is why you are called Priyam Vada, she who speaks sweetly. Her friends' words are sweet and true. for Shakuntala's. Lower lip has the color of a tender leaf upon a young vine. Her arms imitate its supple branches. And youth, desirable as a flower, is poised to blossom over her body. Dear Shakuntala, here is the young Jasmine. The bride of that mango tree. You named her Winatoshini, delight of the forest when she chose the mango as her husband. My friend, this pair who drink water through their roots have been joined at a most auspicious time. She is youthful with new flowers. While the mango tree, heavy with fruit, is ripe for enjoyment. Dear Anzuya, do you know why Shakuntala is gazing so lovingly at Veneto Shini? No, I cannot guess. She is thinking, as the young Jasmine has found a worthy tree in Veneto Shini's mango. May I do find a worthy husband? That must be the wish in your own heart. Was she born into a family different from that of the father superior? Or, she is surely fit to marry a kshatriya. For my heart desires her. In a matter of doubt, the instinct of a virtuous heart is accepted as proof. Still, I must learn her true identity. Oh! Frightened by the water I splashed, a bee has left the jasmine and is attacking my face. O B! Again and again you brush her restless eyes, making her tremble. You hover at her ear and hum so sweetly, as though whispering some secret. And when she waves her hand to drive you away, you drink the nectar of love from her lower lip. I stand baffled by the ordinance of heaven. While you enjoy complete success. Friends, protect me, this robber of flowers is tormenting me. Who are we to protect you? Call Dushinta, the sacred grove is under the king's protection. This is the right moment to reveal myself. Do not be afraid. Do not be afraid. But in that way, I shall declare myself to be the king. No. Let it be. I shall receive their welcome as an ordinary guest. This insolent creature will not leave me alone. I shall go somewhere else. Asterisk go. Why has it followed me even here? While a king of Puru's line, the Chastiser of Evil, rules the earth, who dares molest innocent maidens of a hermitage? At the sight of the king. They are all momentarily alarmed. There is no cause for alarm. Our dear friend was frightened and distressed by a bee. Noble lady, do your sacred duties proceed without disturbance? Now that so distinguished a guest has arrived, they certainly do. Welcome, sir. Dear Shakuntala, bring the offering of fruit from the leaf-patched cottage. The water for washing our guest's feet is here. Do not trouble yourselves. Your affectionate conversation has already completed every right of hospitality. Then, sir, please sit upon this platform built around the Saptar Purna tree, cooled by its shade, and rest from your weariness. You too must be tired from your sacred work. Sit for a while. Dear Shakuntala, it is our duty to attend upon a guest come, let us sit here. What is happening to me? The moment I saw him, feeling so rose in my heart that do not belong in this sacred grove. Ah! Your friendship is charming indeed, for you are alike in age and equally beautiful. Ansoya, who can this man be? So handsome and possessed of such grave dignity, he speaks with tender affection and shows us extraordinary respect. I am curious too, my friend, I shall ask him, serve, the trust inspired by your gracious words gives me courage to speak. What family do you add on? And what brings so cultivated a gentleman to undertake the hardship of visiting this sacred grove? Be patient, my heart. Ansela has asked the very question you longed to ask. How shall I introduce myself? Or rather, how shall I conceal my true identity? Good. I shall tell them this. Noble lady. I am a Brahmin learned in the Vedas. Appointed by the poor Ava king to oversee the observance of sacred law, I have come to this holy. to learn whether anything is disturbing the rights of the ascetics. Those who practice the sacred life have found a powerful protector. Dear Shakuntala, if father were here today, what would happen then? He would honor this guest by giving him the treasure dearer to him than life itself. Oh, stop it! You invent fantasies in your own minds and then chatter nonsense. I will not listen. I too should like to ask you both something about your friend. Sir, your question is an honour to us. Revered Kashyapa observes perpetual celibacy. Yet your friend is called his daughter. How is that possible? Listen, sir, there is a great royal sage of the Kaushika line. His fame is known throughout the world. Know him to be our friend's natural father. Father Kashyapar is her foster father because he protected and raised her after she was abandoned. The word, abandoned, has only increased my curiosity. I wish to hear the whole story from the beginning. Long ago, while the royal sage Kaushika was engaged in severe austerities, the gods became greatly afraid. They sent the celestial nymph Menaka to break his penance. The gods are indeed frightened by another's profound austerity. What happened next? Then, at the beginning of spring, he saw Menaka's intoxicating beauty. There is no need to say more. The rest can be understood. She is the daughter of an Apsara. Yes, exactly. Then everything is as it should be. How could beauty such as hers have been born in the mortal world? Lightning, glittering with restless radiance, does not spring from the earth. My desire lies within reach. Yet even after hearing her friend just about wishing her a husband, my timid heart still dares not believe it. It seems, sir, that you wish to say something more. You have understood me correctly. From a desire to learn the customs of the virtuous, I should like to ask one more question. Then do not hesitate. You may regard the people of a hermitage as your own family. Certainly. Noble lady. This is what I wish to know about your friend. Will she keep the vow of an ascetic maiden until marriage? Defeating every assault of the God of Love? Or will she remain here forever among her beloved does? Whose eyes resemble her own? Sir, even in matters of religion she is under another's authority. Her guardian has already resolved to give her to a worthy husband. Then the fulfilment of my desire will not be difficult. heart, my heart, and fill yourself with hope. The knot of doubt is loosened. What you feared to be consuming fire is a precious jewel that may be touched. Ansoya, I am going. What has happened? I shall go and tell Raviyad Gautami that Priyam Vada is talking nonsense. My friend, it is not proper for one who lives in a hermitage to rise and leave it will be forward distinguished. Guest has been fully welcomed." What? Is she leaving? Ah! The impulses of a lover's mind reveal themselves in the movement of his body. For I was about to follow the sage's daughter. But propriety suddenly arrested my step. I did not move from where I stood. But I feel as though I had gone after her and returned. You peevish girl, you must not leave like this. Why not? You owe me two rounds of watering the trees. Pay your debt first, then you may go. My lady. I can see that watering the trees has tired her. For her. Shoulders droop with weariness. Her palms are deeply reddened from repeatedly tilting the pitcher. Her breath is still quicker than usual, so that her breasts rise and tremble. A fine net of perspiration lies upon her face, disturbing the Cherisha flower at her ear, and as her loosened hair escapes it's not. She restrains its wildness with one hand. Therefore I shall pay her debt. Do not take me for someone I am not. It is a gift from the King. Then the royal signet must not be parted from you. On your word. Sir, I forgive her debt. Dear Shakuntala, this gracious gentleman has set you free. Or rather, his majesty has set you free. Now you are in his debt. If I have truly regained my freedom, I shall not forget that. My friend, why are you not leaving now? Who are you to order me now? I shall go when I please. Does she feel for me what I feel for her? No. My hope has now found an easy landing place. For, she does not openly agree with what I say. Yet whenever I speak, she listens intently. Granted, she does not turn her face towards me. but her eyes rarely rest anywhere else. Hermits. Take care. Protect the creatures of the sacred grove. The women and children are in danger. The king is hunting nearby. Dust raised by the hooves of his horses, glowing red as the flush of evening, falls like a swarm of locusts upon the trees of the hermitage. from whose branches wet bark garments hang. Alas! Disaster! At the sight of this solitary chariot, an elephant has taken fright. One tusk is caught in a shattered tree stump, and the tangled coils of a great clinging vine are wrapped around its body like chains, scattering the herds of deer. It is tearing through the sacred grove, like the living embodiment of an obstacle to our penance. Alas! What carelessness! My soldiers, searching for me, are causing havoc in the sacred grove. In this way I have offended the hermits. I must go at once. Sir, this uproar has frightened us. Permit us to return to the leaf-patched cottage. Go, noble ladies, I shall make certain that no harm comes to the hermitage. We are ashamed to ask that we meet again when we have not completed the rites of hospitality. But by now we feel almost acquainted with you. Please forgive our conduct generously. Not at all. Not at all. The very sight of you has given me a complete welcome. Dear Shakuntala, come quickly. Raviyad Gautami will be worried. Oh, a cramp has ceased my thigh. It is difficult to take a step. Go carefully. Go slowly. I shall remove the cause of the disturbance in the Hermitage. My eagerness to return to the city has faded. I shall rejoin my party and have them camp not far from the Sacred Grove. I cannot tear my thoughts away from Shakuntala. 4. My body moves forward. But my heart is left behind. Like the streaming cloth of a banner carried against the wind, which cannot keep close to its staff. Thus ends Act 1 of Shakuntala. A play by the great poet Kalidasa. The exhausted clown enters. I can barely walk, I am sick to death of keeping company with a king mad for hunting. A deer here, a boar there, quote, and off we run even at summer noon along forest tracks where the shade is thin. We drink lukewarm water from mountain streams. Bitter and astringent with rotting leaves. We eat meat roasted on spits at all the wrong hours. Mostly birds. Even at night I cannot stretch my body as I please. Every joint has been shaken loose by the jolting carts. At daybreak the deafening clamor of hunters setting out for the woods wakes me. Sons of wretches. And after all this, I am still alive. Now there is a boil upon the wound. And a blister upon the boil. Yesterday I fell behind, his majesty followed some deer into a hermitage and, to my misfortune, caught sight of an ascetic's daughter called Shokantala. Now he will not even speak of returning to the city. He spent the whole night thinking of her. What am I to do? He must have finished his daily bath and dressing somewhere. I shall find him. Here comes the king, wearing a garland of forest flowers and surrounded by armed Yavanna women of the guard. I shall face him. No, this is far enough. Every limb is bruised. I shall stand here, at least I may get a little rest the king enters with the attendance Described Granted, my love will not be easily one. Yet the knowledge of her feelings brings comfort to my heart. Though love has not reached fulfillment, mutual affection is joy in itself. A lover tormented by desire deceives himself by imagining the beloved's feelings according to his own wishes. How so? That tender glance. her eyes were turned away. That slow step, waited by her hips. As though she meant to tease me. That angry rebuke to the friend who said, You may not go. All of it was truly meant for me. Ah, love interprets everything in its own favor. Your Majesty, my hand will not rise. So I salute you only with words. Victory to you. Victory, My lord! My friend! What has made your body so stiff? What has made it stiff? You poke a finger into my eye and then ask why the tears are falling. My friend, I truly do not understand. My lord! Have you decided to abandon royal duty and the pleasures of a splendid life to become a forest? Ranger, to tell the truth, chasing wild beasts and birds every day has dislocated every rejoined in my body. I no longer have command of my own limbs. Have mercy now, give me leave, at least rest for one day." My friend pleads so earnestly, and my heart, absorbed in Canva's daughter, has itself turned away from the hunt. For, I can no longer bend this drawn bow and set an arrow against the the thorns who live beside my beloved, as though they had taught her their innocent gaze. My lord, you are turning over some serious thought in your mind. I have been calling out to you as though alone in the forest. How could I do otherwise? I would never disregard a friend's words. We shall remain here. May you live long. Wait, there is something else. Guide me, Your Majesty. After you have rested, you must help me with one more simple task. Tasting sweet cakes and fried pastries? I shall tell you what the task is. Tell me slowly. Who is in attendance? Gatekeeper, my lord, your command. Raiver, Tarka, summon the general at once. As my Lord commands, the general and gatekeeper enter. Hunting may be called a vice. Yet for my Lord it has proved beneficial. 4. The front of his body has been hardened by constant contact with the bowstring. He does not perspire even beneath the sun's rays. His body has grown lean. Yet the strength of his muscles conceals it. Like an elephant roaming the mountains, he displays tremendous vitality. My Lord is over there. Listening to our conversation and looking this way as he waits for you. Go forward. Sir. Victory. Victory to the Commander. The fierce animals of the forest have been surrounded and the ground is ready for the hunt. What are we waiting for now? Medavia's condemnation of hunting has dampened my enthusiasm. Medavia, stand firm in your opposition. I shall test my Lord's feelings. Commander, this fall is talking nonsense. His Majesty himself is living proof of the virtues of the hunt. The waist grows slender and the firm body light fit for fearless feats of courage. One sees how wild creatures change under fear and rage and what exhilaration an archer feels when his arrow strikes a moving mark to condemn hunting as a vice is sheer falsehood. Where else can such sport be found? His Majesty's good sense has returned at last go on wandering from thicket to thicket until, like a jackal leading the pack, you fall into the jaws of some old bear. General, we are nearer hermitage. Your words do not please me. Today, let the buffaloes plunge into pools whose water they have churned again and again with their horns. Let the herds of deer gather in the shade and chew the could. Let the leading boars root up sedge undisturbed beside the ponds, and let this bow of mine rest with its string slack. As the mighty king wishes, then call back the forest guards, order the soldiers to keep far from the sacred grove. Remember, within ascetics, ordinarily so calm, a blazing power lies concealed, like the sunstone, Pleasant to the touch. It releases fire when struck by hostile heat. As your Majesty commands. Off with you now, son of a slave girl. The general exits. Take off your hunting dress. Rave a tucker. You too must not leave your post unattended. As your Majesty commands. We have driven away the parasites without even burning incense. Now sit comfortably upon this canopied seat, enclosed by the shade of the residence tree, so that I too may rest. Lead the way, they sit. My friend Medavia, your eyes have not received their reward. Because you have not seen what is truly worth seeing. Are you not standing right before me? Every man imagines himself handsome. I am speaking of Shakuntala, the ornament of the Hermitage. Ah, I must give him no opening. If she is truly an ascetic's daughter and therefore not free to marry, what is the use of seeing her? Fool! Could Dushyanta's heart desire what is forbidden? Then what is the truth? It is said that this daughter of the sage was born of a celestial nymph, then adopted after her mother abandoned her. Like a jasmine blossom fallen upon a milkweed bush after being torn from its branch. Even if she is not the natural daughter of the great sage Kashyapa, what good does seeing her do you? Crown jewel of fools. How long the whole world lifts rows of unblinking eyes and gazes wistfully for the first crescent of the moon? And how could she be wholly beyond the reach of a man like me. When she is like a glowing fragment of fragrant aloe would fall in among ordinary sticks of fuel. Ha! Just as a man tired of eating sweet dates begins to crave sour tamarind. So you have turned from the finest women and developed this longing. You speak so only because you have not seen her. Anyone who can astonish even you must indeed be surpassingly beautiful. My friend, what more can I say? Was her likeness painted first? And life then breathed into it? Or was she imagined by gathering every lovely form into one? When I consider the creator's power, her body seems to me a second creation of Lakshmi herself. The jewel among women. And every other beauty has been stripped of her title. And this thought has lodged in my heart. A flower whose fragrance no one has breathed. A tender leaf no fingernail has bruised. A jewel never set in an ornament. New wine that no one has yet tasted. Who upon earth shall be the fortunate enjoyer of this flawless beauty? Like the perfect fruit of accumulated merit? I do not know. Then marry her at once. Before she falls into the hands of some rustic hermit whose head is greasy with ingoody oil. She is under another's authority, and her guardian is absent. Very well. What feeling does she have for you? My friend. A hermit's daughter is naturally modest yet. When I stood before her, she turned away her eyes. She made her smile appear to have another cause. Thus her love, restrained by modesty, was neither fully revealed nor wholly concealed. What did you expect? That the instant she saw you she would leap into your arms? My friend, when she left with her two companions, modest though she was, she let me understand something of her feelings. 4. After taking only a few steps, the slender girl suddenly stopped and said, a blade of coosegras has pricked my foot. Then, while freeing her bark garment from a branch in which it was not truly caught, she turned her face back towards me. Excellent! You have been well provisioned for the journey. I suspect there will be many more expeditions to the hermitage. My friend, think of some pretext for returning to the Hermitage grounds. I am thinking, do not interrupt my thoughts with your love-sick whining. Ah, what other pretext do you need? Are you not the king? And therefore... A king may demand one-sixth of the produce. Fool! These ascetics give their protector another kind of tribute. More precious than heaps of jewels. See, the taxes a king receives from the social orders are perishable. But forest-dwelling ascetics offer him an imperishable sixth share of the merit of their... austerities. Good. We have found him. Ah! Such steady, tranquil voices. They must be hermits. Victory. Victory, my lord. Two young hermits are waiting at the entrance. Bring them in without delay. At once, two hermits enter with the gatekeeper. This way. This way, revered sirs. Ah! Despite his royal splendor, how greatly his appearance inspires trust, but that is natural in a king who is like a sage. 4. He too now follows a way of life that benefits the whole world. By protecting his subjects, he gathers day by day the merit of austerity. And the sacred title, sage, earned by his self-command, is carried to heaven in the songs of paired bards. Only the word, royal, stands before it. Gautama. This is Dushyanta, the friend of Indra. No wonder, then. Indeed, what wonder that he alone enjoys the whole earth? Girdled by the dark ocean. When his arm is long as the bar of a city gate. For victory in the gods, fierce battles with the demons This depends upon his strung bow and injuries. Thunderbolt. Victory to your Majesty. I salute you both. What is your command? The inhabitants of the Hermitage have learned that your Majesty is here. They therefore have a request to make. What do they command? The revered Sage Kashyapa is absent. And demons are tormenting us. We beg your majesty to remain with your charioteer for several nights and protect the hermitage. You honor me. The hand of welcome is closing around your throat now. Rai Vataka, command the charioteer in my name. Bring the chariot with my bow and arrows. As my lord commands. This befits one who follows the path of his forefathers. The descendants of Puru are indeed consecrated to the sacrifice of calming the fears of those in distress. Rev. Sures, go on ahead. I shall follow immediately. Victory to you. Madhavya, are you curious to see Shakyantala? At first my curiosity knew no bounds. But after hearing about the demons, I understand its true value. has given way to doubt. Do not be afraid. You will remain close beside me. I shall be the guardian of the chariot wheel, that is, a target standing upright, ready to die. Asterisk. My lord. The chariot stands ready for your majesty's victorious departure. But Karabaka, An attendant of the Queen Mother has arrived from the city. What? My mother has sent him. Ask the risk. What are your orders? Bring him in. As your Majesty commands, K-A-R-A-B-H-A-K-A enters with the gatekeeper. Victory. Victory to your Majesty. The Queen Mother sends this message. On the coming fourth day of the bright fortnight, the Pumsavana rite, asterisk which ensures the birth of a son, will be performed. Your Majesty's presence on that occasion is essential. Madavia. On one side lies my duty to the Hermits. On the other, my revered mother's command. I cannot neglect either. What am I to do? suspended between them like Trishanku. I am truly caught in a dilemma. The two duties must be performed in different places. Therefore my mind is divided in two. Like a river current split into two branches when a rock lies in its path. My friend Madhavya. My mother loves you like a son. Please return from here and perform a son's duty in my place. Tell her that the business of the Hermits has detained me here. Ah, I understand. You think I am afraid of these demons? Great Brahmin! No one could even imagine such a thing of you. Then, since the king's affection requires me to go, I shall go. I shall send the entire army with you, so that it causes no disturbance in the sacred grove. Now I am the crown prince. He is terribly talkative. Before the queens in the inner apartments, he may reveal the secret of my love. Good. I shall tell him this. My friend, I am going to the Hermitage out of respect for the sages. There is nothing serious in my affection for the hermit's daughter. Look. On one side stand men like us. On the other. That girl. Reared among thorns and holy innocent of love. My friend, do not mistake a jesting invention for a declaration of truth." Yes, yes, certainly. I'll exit. End of Act II of Chakintala, a play by the great poet Caledasa. A disciple of the sacrificial priest enters. Ah. How great is Dushyanta's power. The moment his Majesty entered the Hermitage grounds with his charioteer. The demon's disturbances ceased, and our rites are proceeding without obstruction. What need has he even to set an arrow to the bow? From afar, with the twang of the bowstring. As though the bow itself were roaring a threat, he drives the troublemakers away. I shall take this coosa grass to the priests so that they may spread it upon the the altar. Priyamvada. For whom are you carrying that paste of fragrant Eusera and those lotus leaves bound with fibers? What did you say? Shaktala has been made gravely ill by the burning heat. And these are to cool her fever. Ah! Tend your friend with great care. She is the very life of our venerable master. I too shall immediately send consecrated cooling water through Gautami. End of the introductory scene. The lovesick king enters. I know the power of austerity. And I know that the maiden is under another's authority. Yet, I cannot turn my heart away from her. God of love! Though you know all this, you show me no mercy. How can you be so cruel when flowers are your weapons? Yes! Now I understand. The fire of Shiva's anger must still be smoldering within you, like the submarine fire beneath the ocean. Otherwise, oh, tormenter of hearts! How could you? Reduce two ashes yourself. Rage so fiercely against men like me. Flower-armed God. Why do you and the moon, both of whom should inspire trust? Attack the caravan of lovers. Your arrows are flowers. And the moon's rays are cool. Yet till lovers like me both claims are plainly false. The moon pours fire from his frost-like beams, and you make your flower arrows hard as thunderbolts. The priest's rites are complete. Now that I have a little leisure, where shall I give my weary mind rest? What refuge have I but the sight of my beloved? I must seek her. In this fierce noonday heat She and her friends usually remain on that bank of the Malini Enclosed by a bower of vines. I shall go there. Ah How delightful this place is in the cooling wind With limbs made languid by desire. I could almost embrace this breeze fragrant with lotus and carrying spray from the waves of the Malini. Shakhantala must be in this reed encircled bower. 4. On the white sand at its entrance runs a line of fresh footprints, lightly marked at the toes, but deeply pressed behind by the weight of her hips. I shall peep through the branches. Ah! My eyes have received their arms. My beloved! The foundation of my love lies with her two friends upon a stone slab strewn with flowers. Good! Hidden behind the vines, I shall listen to their private conversation. S-H-A-K-U-N-T-A-L-A enters with her two friends, in the condition described. Dear Shakuntala, does the breeze from these lotus leaves bring you any relief? What? Are my friends fanning me? The two friends look sorrowfully at one another. The lady is very ill. Are these the symptoms of sunstroke? Or was my suspicion right? No more doubt. Her breasts are anointed with cooling uceera paste. A single bracelet of lotus fiber hangs loose upon her wrist, even in suffering. My beloved's appearance is lovely. Though the fever born of love and the fever of summer may look alike, summer could never fashion such beautiful distress upon a young woman's body. Dear Shakuntala, we may be inexperienced in the ways of love, yet your condition resembles that of lovers described in old tales. Please tell us the cause of your illness. No cure can be found until the root of a disease is known with certainty. Anasuya shares my suspicion. My longing has grown too powerful, I cannot easily restrain it now. Dear Shakuntala, Ansuya is right. Why hide your suffering from us? Your body grows thinner day by day. Only the radiance of your beauty remains. Priyamvada speaks the truth. 4. Her cheeks have grown hollow. The firmness of her breasts has softened. Her waist has become slender. Her shoulders droop. And the colour has faded from her body. Afflicted by love, she is both pitiable and beautiful. Like a Madhavi vine touched by a wind that withers its leaves. To whom can I tell this, if not to you too? Yet by speaking I shall now cause you pain as well. That is precisely why we insist sorrow becomes bearable when it is shared. When a friend who shares both joy and grief asks her. This maiden cannot leave the cause of her secret suffering untold. Again and again she turned and cast meaningful glances at me. Yet now my heart trembles as I wait to hear her answer. Ever since that royal sage, the protector of the sacred grove, came within my sight, I have fallen in love with him, and this has become my condition. I have heard what I longed to hear. Love itself is the source of her fever. And love has come to soothe it for me. Like a clouded day at summer's end that cools the heat of the world. Now, if you think it right, tell me what I must do so that the royal sage will take pity on me. Otherwise, offer water for my funeral rites at once. These words, which have cut through my doubt, are the fruit of love. The fruit of my effort is yet to come. Her illness of love has grown severe. It will bear no delay. The man upon whom she has set her heart is no ordinary man. But a descendant of Puru, we must quickly find a way to win his love for her. You are right, my friend. By good fortune your desire has settled upon one who is worthy. Where else should a mighty river flow but to the sea? Who would not wish to see the mango tree blossom beside the Atamukta vine? What wonder if the two bright stars of Vishaka follow the crescent moon? I am indebted to you both. By what means can our friends desire be fulfilled secretly and without delay? Secretly, will require some ingenuity, without delay, will not be difficult. How so? The royal sage, whose tender glances revealed his desire for her, has also been passing these days without sleep and growing thin. That is true. I am indeed just so. For, night after night, tears flowing from the corners of my eyes, Deated by the fever within, fall upon my arm and dull the stones of this golden bracelet, without touching the scar left by the bowstring. It slips again and again from my wrist, and again and again I must push it back into place. Anzuya, we must try to love letter now. We shall hide it among flowers, saying they are remnants of worship, and place it in the king's hand. I like this subtle plan. What does Shakuntala think? Does one question a command? Then compose a lovely verse that begins by speaking of yourself. I am thinking, but my heart trembles with fear that I shall be rejected. Timid girl. The man whose rejection you fear stands here yearning for your love. The petitioner may or may not win good fortune. But when good fortune itself desires something, how can it be difficult for her to obtain it? You who undervalue your own worth, who would try to ward off water moonlight with a parasol? I shall do as you say. No wonder my unblinking eyes gaze fixedly upon my beloved. Four, as she composes her verse, one eyebrow rises, and the thrill upon her cheek reveals her love for me. My friends, the verse has come to me, but I have nothing with which to write it. Can you not scratch the letters with your fingernail upon this tender lotus leaf? Green is a parrot's breast. Then we shall judge your verse. Then listen and tell me whether the meaning is right. We are ready. Oh hard hearted one, I do not know what lies within your mind, but because I yearn for you. The God of love burns my limbs in anguish day and night. Slender girl, the God of love may continually torment you, but he is reducing me to ashes. The day does not work such havoc on a pool of night lotuses as the moon does. We welcome this wish, fulfilled without delay merely by being conceived. Heart, if you go on pounding like this, nothing will be accomplished. Do not trouble yourself. Clinging to a bed of flowers. Wearing a garland of lotus fibers already fading. Your limbs afflicted by fierce fever need not observe ceremony. Let our friend grace this side of the stone seat. Priyam Vada, I hope your friend is not suffering too severely from this bodily fever. Now that the remedy has been found, the fever will subside in due course. What do you mean by, in due course? Look, just as life suddenly returns to a peeing at the sound of thunder, our friend is gazing at him without blinking. Gracious sir, your mutual love is plain. Yet, out of affection for my friend, I wish to speak openly as well. Speak. One regrets leaving the heart's thought unspoken. Then may your majesty listen carefully. I am listening. Because of you, the God of love has brought our friend to this condition. Therefore, please preserve her life. It would be an honor. My friend, stop troubling the royal sage. Who must be eager to return to the pleasures of his inner palace? Beautiful one. You, whose eyes intoxicate like wine, who have taken refuge within my heart. If you believe that this heart, devoted to you alone, belongs to some other beauty, then you wound me again. Though the arrows of love have wounded me already. My friend, we hear that kings have many wives. Act so that our friend does not become an object of pity to her family. Beautiful one. Though I may marry many women, only two shall be the foundations of my line. The royal fortune embodied in my lawful queen. And this friend of yours. We are fulfilled. My friends, ask the protector of the world to forgive whatever bounds of propriety you crossed in this private conversation. One asks forgiveness of the person before whom the words were spoken. Who else could be offended? Would do people not say behind one's back? Lovely thide girl, make a little room for me as a friend upon this bed of flowers. Half emptied by your rising. And I may be able to endure the offence. Would that alone satisfy you? Enough, you shameless girl. You dressed even while I suffer like this. Priyam Vada, this distressed faun is looking everywhere. It must be searching for its mother. I shall take it to her. Oh, it is very restless. You will not catch it alone. I shall help you. My friends, only one of you should go. Otherwise I shall be left helpless. The refuge of the whole world is with you. What? Have they truly both gone? Do not be alarmed. Have I? Who longs for your favour? Not taken the place of your friends? Shall I fan you with a cool lotus leaf and ease your weariness with its moist breeze? Or lovely thide girl? While I place your lotus-red feet in my lap, and soothe them with gentle pressure, I must not allow myself to show disrespect to one whom I ought to honor. Beautiful one! The day is not yet over. Consider your condition as well. Leaving the flower bed in this secluded bower. Your breast covered only by the armor of a plantain leaf. With limbs so tender and pale. How can you venture into the heat outside? My friends are my only refuge. To whom else can I go for protection? Now I am ashamed. I do not blame the king. Asterisk I blame my fate. Why blame a fate that favours you so greatly? Why should I not blame the fate that, though I am not mistress of myself, shows me another's virtues only to mock me." Though maidens feel deep desire within, they frustrate a lover's efforts. Though they long for the joy of union, they fear to surrender their bodies. Once love has gained a footing, the pain is not so great as the pain they cause love by wasting time. S-H-A-K-U-N-T-A-L-A prepares to leave. Why should I not fulfill my desire? Son of Puru, release me. Lady, I shall release you. When? After I have enjoyed the happiness of love with you. A daughter overcome by love is not her own mistress. Besides, my friend's consent must also be obtained. Then I release you. Son of Puru, observe propriety. Sages and hermits pass this way. What? Have we come into the open? Son of Puru, although I have not fulfilled your desire and have given you only the pleasure of seeing me, do not forget me. Beautiful one, though you walk far away, you do not leave my heart, just as, at the close of day, a tree's shadow does not abandon its root in the east. Ah! My feet have no strength to carry me farther. Hidden from him behind this kurabakkar bush, I shall watch the bower from the rear and see what becomes of his love. Beloved, though your love is my only happiness, you have left me and gone away in indifference. Can the heart within your body so tender that it cannot endure rough enjoyment? Be hard as the seed pod of a Cherisha flower? Asterisk. Hearing this, I have no strength left to go. What use is this deserted place without my beloved? I shall leave. Ah! My departure is checked. Here before me lies this bracelet of lotus fiber, fragrant with Eucera, fallen from her wrist, like a chain that binds my heart. Ah! Because I have grown thin, my fiber bracelet loosened and fell, and I did not even notice. Ah! How cool its touch is! Beloved, this unfortunate man has found consolation in the little ornament that slipped from your sacred arm and remained here. Though it is lifeless, and you yourself gave me none. I cannot restrain myself any longer. Let me see. I shall use this as a pretext to approach him. Ah! The mistress of my life has returned. Hearing my lament, fate has shown me mercy. At the prayer of one who rarely begs, his throat parts dry. A newly formed cloud has burst in rain upon his face. Quickly, after I had gone half way, I remembered that this fiber bracelet had fallen from my hand. So I returned. My heart seemed to tell me that you had picked it up. Give it back. Therefore, so that our secret is not revealed before the hermits. Yours and mine are like. I shall return it on one condition, and not otherwise. What condition? I myself must fasten it in its place. How can I escape from this now? Let us go to the stone seat. Is this the shoot of the tree of love? Burned by the fire of Shiva's anger and suddenly revived by a shower of nectar? Quickly, my lord. Now, from this form of a dress used for a husband, I am reassured. Beautiful one. The knot of this lotus fiber bracelet is not very secure. If you wish, I shall fasten it another way. You understand the art of delay very well. As you please. Beautiful one. Look at it. Your lovely arm. Like a dark vine. Seem's adorned with the new moon. That crescent. Taking the form of this fibre bracelet. Has left the sky for the greater beauty of your hand and come here with its two tips joined. I cannot see it clearly. Fallen from the lotus at my ear. Stirred by the wind, has fallen into my eye. With your permission, I shall blow it away. Then I shall be helpless. And I do not trust you. Do not say that. A new servant does not overstep the limits of the one he serves. It is your excessive devotion to service that makes me distrust you. I shall not let such a beautiful opportunity for service escape. Ah! Your eyes are full of tears. Do not fear improper conduct from me. Raise your face. My beloved's lower lip. Tender because no teeth have ever bitten it. Seems, with its enticing tremor, to invite me. Thirsty for its sweetness. My lord seems reluctant to fulfill his promise. Beautiful one, the lotus at your ear is so close to your eye that their likeness confused me. Enough. That is sufficient. It feels better now, but I am ashamed that I can render no service in return to my lord. Who has shown me such kindness? What more could I desire? Maiden! Even to breed the fragrance of your scented mouth is a favour. Yet a bee is not satisfied merely with the fragrance of a lotus. If it is not satisfied, what will it do? This! Lady Gautami! Son of Puru! My father's religious sister is coming to see how I am. Hide among the bushes. G-A-U-T-A-M-I enters carrying a vessel. You shameless girl! Are you lying here with only the Lord as your companion? Priyam Vada and Ansuya have only just gone down towards the Malini River. Child, be well and live long. Has the fever in your limbs lessened at all? I feel better now. the day is ending. Come, let us return to the cottage. Heart, when you found the man, rare is the fulfilment of a wish. Why did you keep him waiting so long? Why torment yourself with regret now? Wine-bowl, I take my leave of you until I have another chance to enjoy your happiness. Ah! The fulfillment of desire is surrounded by difficulties. 4. The long-lashed maiden's face, her lower lip repeatedly covered by her fingers, stammering syllables of refusal, was turned towards her shoulder. Somehow I raised it, but did not kiss it. Where shall I go now? No. I should remain here. In this abandoned vine-bower that my beloved has enjoyed. Upon this stone lies the flower bed disordered by her body. On this lovely lotus leaf is the love letter scratched by her nail. Here is the lotus fiber ornament that fell from her hand. As I gaze on all these, my sight grows dim. And though this reed-bower is empty, I cannot tear myself away. Alas! I did wrong to delay when I had the opportunity with my beloved. Now, if the lovely-faced girl comes again to some secret meeting, I shall waste no time. A prize is not won through gracious concessions. My foolish heart, thwarted by complicated obstacles, makes such plans. Yet when it reaches my beloved's presence, It becomes hesitant in a hundred ways. Your Majesty! Your Majesty! The evening ablation has begun. Torny as the crests of clouds at sunset. The shadows of flesh-eating demons circle the altar, blazing with sacrificial fire and spread terror. All around. Holy men! Do not be afraid. I am coming. He exits. End of Act 3 of, Shakhuntala, a play by the great poet Kaladasa. The two Hermitage maidens enter, gathering flowers. Priyambada. Although Shakhuntala has found happiness in a secret marriage by mutual consent with a worthy husband, my heart is still uneasy. Why? When the sacrifice ended today, the sages dismissed the king. Once he has returned to the inner apartments of the city, will he remember what happened here? Or not? Put your mind at rest on that point. A man of such grave and noble character, does not act against his own nature. But this troubles me, when father hears what has happened, I do not know how he will react. My friend, if you ask me, father will approve and be pleased. Approve and be pleased, how can you be sure? How else? His chief purpose was always. My daughter must be given to a worthy husband. If destiny itself has accomplished the task, our revered master's purpose has been fulfilled without effort. You are right, my friend, we have gathered enough flowers for the offering. We must also worship the deities who preside over Shakuntala's married happiness. Certainly. Ho! I am here. My friend, it seems that a guest is announcing his arrival. Shakuntala must be near the cottage. Yes, but today her heart is not with her. Then we must make do with these flowers. You who insult a guest, the man upon whom your thoughts are fixed so completely that you failed to notice me when I came as, a guest shall not recognize you even when reminded. Just as a drunken man forgets what he said a moment before. Alas! Disaster! Our absent-minded friend has offended some venerable person. Ah! No ordinary person! It is the great sage Durvasa. Quick to anger! He is striding away! Inexorable is fire! Who can burn anything after fire has passed it by? Ansuya! Fall at his feet and pacify him. I shall prepare water for the guests' welcome. Ah! In my haste I stumbled and dropped the basket of flowers. I must gather them again. My friend, he is anger embodied, whose pief of forgiveness would he accept? Yet he showed a little mercy. From him, even that is much. Tell me what happened? When he refused to turn back, I said, Holy Sir, remember her former devotion, with your divine insight, recognize her true worth and forgive this offence of your daughter. And then? He said, My spoken word cannot prove false. The curse will end the moment she sees a token of recognition. And then he vanished. Now we can breathe again. When the royal sage took leave, he himself placed a ring upon Shakuntala's hand as a keepsake. So long visit remains with her. This remedy will work. Priyam Vada. Look, our friend rests her face upon her left hand and sits like a painted figure. She is so absorbed in thoughts of her husband that she has no awareness even of herself. How could she notice an unfamiliar visitor? Dear Anzuya, let the matter of the curse remain between you and me alone. We must protect our tender-hearted friend. Who would sprinkle hot water upon a jasmine wine? They exit. End of the introductory scene. A disciple of Kashyapa enters. Newly awakened. The revered Kasyapa, returned from Prabhasa, has sent me to determine the hour. I shall go into the open and see how much of the night remains. Ah! Dawn is breaking. For the rising light of morning reddens the mist hanging from the trees. Peacocks. Shaking off sleep. Leave the kusa-thatched cottages. and this deer, lying beside the hoof-scratched edge of the sacrificial altar, starts awake, stretches its limbs and stands. And further? The moon, who spread his rays below and set his foot upon the summit of mighty Mount Sumeru, who drove away darkness and reached the middle stride of Vishnu, now descends from the sky with only a few rays remaining. Even the loftiest rise of the great ends at last in decline. The sun and moon seem to show the world this truth. Prosperity and adversity or unstable. 4. On one side the moon. Lord of healing herbs. Descends towards the western mountain of setting. On the other. The sun appears with the proclamation of dawn. By the setting and rising of these two lights at the same moment. The world is bound to the alternating fortunes of life. And at this hour, now that the moon has vanished, that same pool of night lotuses no longer delights my eyes. Its beauty survives only in memory. Surely the pain caused by a beloved's absence is unbearable to a helpless woman. A-N-A-S-U-Y-A enters, drawing back the curtain. Even the sage, detached from worldly pleasure, could not have known that the king would behave so basely towards Shakuntala. I shall report that the appointed hour has come. I am awake, but what can I do? Though I have risen, my hands and feet have no strength to perform the tasks I planned for this morning. My tender-hearted friend placed her trust in a man who has broken his word. May the God of Love be satisfied now. Or perhaps the Royal Sage is not at fault. Durvasa's anger is obstructing him. Otherwise, how could the Royal Sage, who spoke such words, fail to send even one letter after so much time? We could send the Ring from here to remind him. But among these hermits, acquainted only with austerity, whom would we dare to tell? And they would think, her friends are to blame. So we are helpless. Who will tell father Kashyapa? Now returned from Prabhasha, that Shakuntala has married Dushyanta and is pregnant? What can we do in such a situation? Priyam Vada enters. Ansuya, the rites for Shakuntala's departure have begun. My friend, how has that happened? Listen, Ansuya, I had just gone to Shakuntala. She had risen from a peaceful sleep and was bowing shyly when Father Kashyapur embraced her and said, Fortunately, though smoke wailed my sight, my oblation fell into the sacred fire. Like knowledge entrusted to a worthy pupil, you have not become a cause of sorrow to me. Therefore, today itself I shall send you with the sages to your husband's home. Then who told father what had happened to Shakuntala? When father entered the fire sanctuary, a heavenly voice spoke in the form of a Vedic verse. What did it say? Listen, my friend, O Brahman, know this, for the welfare of the world. Your daughter bears within her the heroic seed implanted by Dushyanta, as the shami tree bears fire within itself. My friend, I am overjoyed, yet knowing that Shakuntala is being sent away, I feel a happiness that is almost sorrow. Put aside your grief, may she be happy now. Good! In a coconut casket hanging from the branch of that mango tree, I have kept some long-lasting lotus fibers for this very occasion. them, I shall mix yellow Gorochana from the deer, earth from the holy place, and shoots of sacred grass to prepare her auspicious cosmetic paste." Command Shangarava and his companions prepare to escort Shakyantala. Quote, Ansoya, Hari, Hari, the sages are preparing to leave for Hastinapura. My friend, come, let us go. There is Shakuntala. As the sun rises, the female ascetics, carrying bowls of wild grain, are blessing her and bidding her farewell. Some, let us go to her. Shakuntala enters seated as described, with Gautami and the female ascetics. Child, through your husband's special honour, attain the rank of chief queen. Child, bear a heroic son. All except Gautami bless her and exit. My friend, may you be happy. Dear friends, welcome. Sit here. Dear Shakhantala, stand up. We shall apply the auspicious paste to your body. Though I am accustomed to this, today it seems very precious. From now on, I shall really be adorned by my friend's hands. My friend, one must not weep on an auspicious occasion long desired. Your beauty deserves jewels. These ornaments readily available in the Hermitage do it in injustice. Two young hermits enter carrying articles of adornment. Here are ornaments. Adorn the lady. All look on in amazement. Harita, my son, where did these come from? Through father Kashyapa's grace. Were they obtained by mere resolve? No. Listen. At our revered father's command, we went to gather flowers from the trees for Shakuntala. There. One tree gave an auspicious silk garment. White is moonlight. One poured out red-lack dye, ready to be applied to her feet. And from other trees, the hands of forest deities, extending to the wrists and rivaling the beauty of fresh shoots, offered us ornaments. My friend, this foretells extraordinary good fortune. You will enjoy royal splendor in your husband's home. My friend, how beautiful you look now. Take a bee-bond in a hollow. You are longing for the nectar of the lotus. I have never worn ornaments like these. I shall arrange them upon your body as I have seen them in paintings. I know your skill. The two friends act putting on the ornaments. Gautama. Come. Let us tell Father Kashapa, who has gone down to bathe, of the generosity of the trees. Come. K-A-S-H-Y-A-P-A enters after bathing. At the mere thought, Shakantala will leave today, my heart fills with the pain of separation. My throat aches with restrained tears. My sight is blurred by anxiety. If affection makes even me. A forest-dwelling ascetic. So sorrowful. How deeply must the hearts of householders be crushed by the fresh grief of parting from a daughter? F-r-i-e-n-d-s. Dear Shakuntala, your adornment is complete. Now put on this silk garment. Child, your father is here. His eyes filled with tears of joy as though they were embracing you. Bout to him. Father, I bow to you. My daughter, as Shamishta was honoured by Yaiyati, so may you be honoured by your husband. And as she gave birth to Puru, so may you bear a son who will be universal emperor. Venerable sir, that is not a blessing but a boon. Daughter, quickly walk clockwise around the sacrificial fires that bear the ablations. May these three sacred fires protect you. Set around the altar. Kept alive with fuel. Their borders strewn with coo-sa grass. And driving away evil with the fragrance of the offerings. Daughter, now depart. Wear a Shangarava and his companions. The three disciples enter together. Venerable sir, we are here. Shangarava, lead the way for your sister. This way, this way, lady. Daughter Shakuntala, give this message to the trees of the Hermitage within whom deities dwell, she who would not drink water until she had watered you, who, though fond of ornaments, would not pluck your shoots out of love for you, for whom the opening of your first blossom was a festival. That Shakuntala is going to her husband's home. Grant her leave to depart. May her road be pleasantly varied by pools filled with lotus-bearing water. May shady trees ward off the burning rays of the sun. May the dust be soft as lotus pollen floating upon water. May a gentle, favourable breeze blow. And may her journey be auspicious. All listen in amazement. These trees, her companions during her forest life, have granted Shakuntala leave to depart, for in the sweet voices of Kaku's they have answered your words. Child, the deities of the Hermitage have lovingly given you leave as kinsmen would. Bow to the goddesses. Dear Priyambuddha, though I long to see my lord, my feet move away from the hermitage only with great pain. It is not only your friends who grieve depart from you. As your departure draws near, the sacred grove itself appears sorrowful. For, the doe has let the K.U.S.A. grass fall from her mouth. The peacock has ceased dancing and stands dejected. The wine shed yellow leaves like limbs trembling with grief. Father, let me bid farewell to my wine sister, Madhavi. I know your sisterly affection for her. Greet her there on your right. Madhavi, embrace me with your branch like arms from today I shall live far away from you. Daughter! Her care is mine now! See! The worthy husband I once desired for you, you have won for yourself through your own merit. Now! Freed from anxiety for you! I shall arrange her marriage with this neighbouring mango tree. I entrust her to you both. And into whose hands are we being entrusted? Anna Suya, stop weeping. Should you not give Shaktala courage? Father, when this pregnant doe that wanders near the cottage gives birth, please send someone to bring me the happy news. Daughter, I shall not forget. Who is this that has come so close and seems to be tugging at the edge of her garment? Daughter, this is the fawn whose mouth, wounded by the point of Coosa grass, you anointed with healing in Goody oil, whom you raised like a sun, feeding him handful after handful of Shamakha grain. He will not let you leave him behind. Little one, why do you follow me? Who have shown you such faithless affection by leaving my companions? Your mother died immediately after giving birth to you. And I raised you when you were motherless. Now I too am leaving you. Father will care for you. Go back. Therefore." Daughter. Restrain the stream of tears about to burst forth. Which obscures the sight of your uplifted. Long lashed eyes. The hollows and ridges of the path are no longer clear. Therefore your steps are faltering. Scripture directs that a loved one be accompanied as far as the water's edge. This is the bank of the lake. Give us your instructions here and then return. Let us sit in the shade of this peepal tree. They all sit and remain there. What message should I now send to King Dushyanta? Dear friend, there is no creature in the hermitage that is not saddened by your departure. Look here, the Chakravaka hen calls to her mate. Who is hidden behind a lotus leaf? Though the fiber he was eating falls from his mouth. He does not answer, but looks towards you. My friend, it is true, unable to see her mate. Though he is hidden by a nearby lotus leaf. The Chakravaka cries pitifully, Ah! How much suffering my Indio! Quote, Tonight again she will pass a night lengthened by pain without her beloved. The bond of hope makes even profound sorrow bearable. Shantarava, speak to the king about Shakuntala in my name as follows. Command me, revered teacher. Consider well our life of disciplined restraint, your own exalted lineage, and the spontaneous affection that drew her to you without the mediation of her family. Then honour her as you honour your other wives. What lies beyond this rests with fate. A woman's relatives do not beg on her behalf. I have committed the message to memory. Daughter, now I must instruct you. Though we live in the forest, we understand the ways of the world. Nothing truly lies beyond the vision of the wise. Daughter, when you reach your husband's home, obey your elders. Treat your co-wives as sincere friends. Even if your husband neglects you, do not answer in anger. Always be courteous to the servants. Do not grow proud in prosperity. In this way a young woman becomes mistress of her household. One who acts otherwise becomes the misfortune of her family. Gautami, what do you think? This is all the instruction a young bride needs. Child, remember it well. Daughter, come and embrace me. Father, must my friends turn back from here? Daughter, they too must marry someday. It would not be proper for them to go there. Gautami will accompany you. How shall I preserve my life when I am separated from father? Like a she-elephant parted from her herd? Why are you so overcome? Become the honored mistress of a worthy husband's noble house. Remain occupied every moment with his important affairs. And soon, like the eastern sky, give birth to a sun radiant as the sun. Who will fulfill you? Then this grief of separation from me will seem insignificant. And remember this. When the complete separation of soul and body is inevitable, who should be overwhelmed by the pain of cutting away a boil? May every desire of yours be fulfilled. My friends, embrace me together, both at once. My friend, if the The king is slow to remember you, show him this ring and rave with his name. Even at the moment of farewell, compassion is being shown to me. Do not be anxious, affection is always filled with fear of misfortune. The sun has crossed into the second half of the sky. Lady, therefore, make haste. This way, this way, lady. They all move forward. Father, when shall I see this sacred grove again? Daughter, listen. When you have become co-wife with the earth that stretches to every horizon, when you have borne the son of Dushyanta, unconquered in battle, and when that son has taken the burden of the kingdom upon himself, then, accompanied only by your husband, I shall set foot once more in this peaceful hermitage. Child, the proper time for departure is passing. Let your father return now. But no. However long we wait, she will not tell her father to go back. Rev. Teacher, you must turn back of your own accord. Daughter, my austerities are being interrupted. I must return now. Father will soon be free of sorrow, but I am carrying sorrow away upon my own head. Ah! Why do you make me so distraught? Daughter, when I see at the cottage door the grains of wild rice you planted with your own hand only now. Beginning to sprout, how shall my grief be calmed? Daughter, go! May your path be auspicious! S-H-A-K-U-N-T-A-L-A exits with her companions. Ah! Shakuntala is no longer visible, hidden by the rows of trees. Anasuya, your companion in sacred duty has gone. Restrain your grief. I am returning. Follow me. Father, without Shakuntala the sacred grove seems desolate. Affection makes things appear so. Strange. Now that I have sent Shakuntala away, my mind has grown light. Why? A daughter is truly another man's treasure. Now that I have sent her to her husband's home, my inmost spirit is at peace. As when a deposit long held in trust has been returned, all exit. End of Act 4 of Shakhantala, a play by the great poet Kaladasa. The Chamberlain enters. Ah, how old I have grown. When I was given charge of the royal inner apartments, I accepted this staff of office thinking. It is merely a traditional formality. But with the passing of time, now that I can scarcely summon the strength to walk, that same staff has become my support. I must inform his majesty, who is within, of a matter that admits no delay. But what was it? Yes, I recall. Hermits. Disciples of Canva. Desire an audience with the King. Ah, how strange. An old man's understanding suddenly awakens for a moment, then is surrounded again by darkness. Like the flame of a lamp that seems about to go out. He walks on. Mordgalia. I wish to inform his majesty of an unavoidable religious duty. What do you say? But the king has only just risen from the seat of justice and will be disturbed again. Such is the burden of governing the world. See, the sun has yoked his horses once and for all. The wind blows day and night. Fire has no rest from burning, and the duty of a king who receives one sixth in taxes is equally unceasing. What do you say? Then go to the pavilion beside the music hall. Good. Continue with your own task. I shall go there. His Majesty is here. He protects his subjects like the lawgiver Manu, and after tending the herd all day. Like a great elephant heated by the sun retiring to a cool place. He rests in solitude. Where he in mind. The king and the clown enter seated. Surrounded by attendance. Ah, is that not the music hall? Listen, the notes of a vena are sounding in perfect measure. I understand. Hansa Padika must be practicing her voice. Madhavia, be quiet. Let me hear. Ah, his majesty is absorbed. I shall wait for a suitable moment. Oh, be greedy for fresh honey. You once kissed the mango blossom. Why have you forgotten it now? Content merely to hover over the lotus? Ah, a song filled with feeling and melody. What, have you understood its meaning? My friend. I once loved her. Therefore she reproaches me about Queen Vasumati. Tell Hansa Padica in my name. Your rebuke is skillfully delivered. As your majesty commands, my friend, you are trying to seize a bear by the hair through another man's hand. Like a man who has not mastered his own desires. I shall find no escape now. Go, my friend. Speak to her courteously. Ah, what a disaster. How is it that this song has filled me with profound longing, though I am not separated from any beloved? Or perhaps even a happy man grows wistful at a lovely sight or the sound of sweet words. his mind unknowingly remembers deep affection from a former birth. Victory to Your Majesty Hermits who live in the forest at the Himalayan foothills are approaching with women. They bring a message from Kashiapa. Having heard this, it is for Your Majesty to decide what is proper. Hermits bearing a message from Kashiapa, accompanied by women. What are your orders? Request the Preceptor Somerata in my name. Receive these inhabitants of the Hermitage according to scriptural custom, and bring them to me yourself. I too shall receive them in a place suitable for the audience of. Assetics. As your Majesty commands. Vasumati, show me the way to the fire sanctuary. This way, this way, your majesty. Everyone is happy when he obtains what he desires. But kings suffer even after gaining the object of desire. How? Sovereignty merely quiets the longing for power. Preserving what has been gained brings only pain. Royal authority relieves weariness less than it increases it. a parasol held aloft by one's own hand upon its shaft. O-F-F-S-T-A-G-E. B-A-R-D. Victory to your Majesty. Day after day you labor for the welfare of the world. With no thought for your own comfort. But such is the purpose of your birth. A tree bears the fierce sun upon its own crown and gives coolness to those who seek refuge and its shade and more. With the rod of punishment in hand, you discipline those who stray from the right path. You settle disputes and grant protection. When wealth is plentiful, relatives may remain close. But in the end, the duty of a kinsman towards the people falls upon you alone. My wary mind is refreshed. Here is the terrace of the fire sanctuary, freshly plastered and swept. With a tawny cow standing nearby. Your Majesty! Ascend! Vasumati. For what purpose can the revered Kishyapa have sent these sages to me? Has Is there some obstacle arisen in the austerities of the vow keeping ascetics? Or is someone harming the animals of the sacred forest? Have the vine cease to flower because of some offence of mine? Filled with many conjectures, my mind is confused and cannot reach a firm conclusion. Your Majesty's arms embrace the earth, and therefore every hermitage is free from fear. How could any such thing happen? I believe the sages have come. Pleased by your majesty's virtuous deeds. To offer praise. The sages enter with G-A-U-T-A-M-I-S-H-A-K-U-N-T-A-L-A walks before them. The priest and chamberlain lead the procession. This way. This way. Venerable sirs. They move forward. It is true. When a generous king does not transgress the bounds of conduct, even the lowest person in the social order does not stray from the proper path. Yet to my mind, accustomed always to solitude, this building crowded with people seems like a blazing fire. It is natural that entering the city should distress you so. I too. Being a free man. upon these people enslaved by pleasure as a bathed man looks upon one smeared with filth, a pure man upon the impure, a waking man upon sleepers, and one who moves at will upon the bound. Ah, why is my right eye throbbing at this moment? May evil be averted. May the guardian deities of your husband's family grant you happiness. men. Behold his majesty, protector of all four social orders and stages of life. Risen from his seat and waiting for you. Great Brahmin, this is certainly praiseworthy. Yet it leaves us unmoved. Why? A tree bends low beneath its load of fruit. A cloud heavy with fresh Fresh water hangs low. The virtuous do not grow proud when they gain wealth, such is the nature of those who live for others. Your Majesty, the sages' faces appear peaceful and inspire confidence. Then this woman. Who can this veiled woman be? Whose bodily beauty is not fully revealed? Among these ascetics like a fresh bud among yellow leaves. Your Majesty, my curiosity too has increased. I know nothing. Your Majesty, her beauty is worth seeing. One must not gaze upon another man's wife. Heart, why do you tremble? Remember my Lord's unwavering love and be calm. Your Majesty, these ascetics have been received according to custom. They bring their teacher's message. Please hear it. I am listening attentively. Victory to the King. I salute you all. May you prosper. Are your austerities proceeding without obstruction? While you remain our protector, what obstacle could arise in the sacred rites of the virtuous. When the sun blazes with fierce rays, how can darkness appear? Now my title, King, has been made meaningful. Is the revered Kashapa, who blesses the world through his grace? In good health. Perfected beings are masters of their own well-being. After asking after your majesty's welfare, he sends this message. What is the venerable sages' command? You too married this daughter of mine by mutual consent. I am pleased and give you both my approval. For I regard you as the foremost of worthy men. And Shakhantala is virtue embodied in joining bride and groom of equal merit. The Creator has at last performed a praiseworthy deed. Now accept her. with your child and fulfill the duties of marriage. Noble sir, I am eager to speak. Though it may not be proper for me. Why? She did not consult her elders, and you did not ask her relatives. Since you chose one another, what can either side say to the other now? What will my lord say now? Ah, what is the meaning of this statement of yours? Ah, his doubt about this matter burns like fire. What is this? His Majesty surely understands the ways of the world, even when a married woman is virtuous. If she remains only in her parents' home, people suspect her character. Therefore, her relatives sent her to the man who married her. whether that husband loves her or not. Did I marry this woman? Heart, your fear has proved true. Oh King, is it not a dereliction of royal duty to denounce your own deed? Why this inclination to invent falsehoods? Such degradation, born of intoxication with power, commonly robs a man of reason. I am being grossly insulted. Child, put aside your modesty for a moment. I shall remove your veil. Then His Majesty will recognize you. As I try to determine whether I ever married this woman of flawless beauty, now presented before me in this way, I can neither accept her nor reject her. Like a be at dawn, uncertain before a jasmine flower heavy with dew. Ah! How deeply His Majesty reveres righteousness! Who else would hesitate when such a duel among women is so easily offered? Oh, King! Why are you so silent? Hermit! I have thought deeply. Yet I do not remember marrying this lady. How then can I accept a woman who claims me as her husband while displaying the faint signs of...pregnancy? Ah, he doubts even the marriage. My hope, which had risen to touch the sky, is shattered. This is not right. Will you insult the sage whose daughter you seduced and dishonored? He welcomed you to accept what is yours. And, like a robber, you deemed yourself a worthy recipient. Shangarava, be silent now. Shaktala, we have said what we had to say. This is His Majesty's statement. Give Him proof. What use is it now to remind a man who has changed so completely? Whose love lasted so little a time? Yet I must clear my name. And therefore I shall answer him. My lord! No! This form of address itself is now disputed. Son of Puru! In the hermitage you made vows and seduced this woman of simple, innocent heart. Is it right to abandon her now with words like these? Stop these sinful words! Why try to stain your own name and drag me towards ruin? Like a swollen river breaking its banks you muddy your own clear water and uproot the trees along the shore If you truly speak so because you fear accepting another man's wife I shall remove your doubt by showing you this important token of recognition Ah how noble that sounds ah The ring is not on my finger Could it have slipped off when you immersed yourself in the water at Shachi's sacred pool at Indravatarra? Perhaps this is what is called the ready-witter woman receives with her dowry. Here fate has displayed its power. I shall tell you something else. Now something worth hearing is coming. One day in the jasmine wine-bower, did you not hold a lotus leaf cup filled with water? Yes, continue. At that moment my little fawn, whom I had raised like a son, came to us. You coaxed him lovingly and said, Let him drink first, but because he did not know you. He would not drink from your hand. When he drank the same water from mine. You smiled affectionately and said, Everyone trusts one of his own kind. You are both forest dwellers. Women who conspire to achieve their own ends trap pleasure-loving men with the honey of such lies. Your Majesty, do not speak so. Reared in a sacred grove, she knows nothing of deceit or intrigue. Unschooled ascetic woman. Even among female creatures that are not human. Unschooled deceit is plainly seen. How much more must it exist in intelligent women? Before flying away. The cuckoo has another bird, raise her young. You see everything according to the disposition of your own heart. Who could equal you? Armored in righteousness. Yet inwardly deceitful, like a well-hidden beneath grass. Yet this lady's guileless anger truly seems that of a woman reared in the forest for. Her eyes do not shoot side-long glances, but stare directly. Intensely red. Her voice is harsh. Yet her words remain clear. Her bimbo-red lower lip trembles as though stricken by cold. and her naturally arched brows have suddenly drawn together. Lady, do she aunt's conduct is well known among his people? I perceive no such fault within myself. You yourself are the authority. You understand the ways of the world. What can poor, timid women know? Very well, because I trusted the house of Puru and fell into the hands of a man whose words were sweet, but whose heart concealed a knife. I have been made an adulterous." A deed performed in uncontrolled haste burns in just this way. Therefore, particularly before forming a bond, one must examine everything carefully. Affection given to one whose heart is unknown turns into hatred in this very way. Ah, sir, why do you place such a grave stain upon me solely on the strength of this lady's assertion?" His Majesty understands everything in reverse. The words of one who has never known deceit from birth are no proof. But those who have studied the art of deceiving others under the name of, statecraft, are holy. Trustworthy witnesses. Ah, truth speaking sir, let us accept that I am a politician, but what could I gain by deceiving her? Ruin. I do not desire that. O King, what use is this dispute? We have fulfilled our teacher's command. We shall now take our leave. She is your wife. her or abandon her. For a husband's authority over his wife is held to be absolute. Go Tami. Come. Let us go. Ah, this deceiver has truly betrayed me. And you two are leaving me behind. What recourse have I now? Shangarava. My son. Shaktala is following us. Lamenting piteously. When such a base husband rejects her. What is my daughter to do? Ah, shameless woman. Would you act entirely as you please? Listen. If what the king says is true, what connection can we have with you? Who have brought grief upon your father? But if you know your conduct to be pure, then even living as a servant in your husband's house should be bearable to you. Remain here. We are Why are you deceiving this woman? The moon opens only the night lotus. The sun. Only the day lotus. The nature of a self-controlled man recoils from embracing another man's wife. Oh King, if absorption in another woman has made you forget your former conquest, what can be done? Your Majesty! Protector of your reputation! I wish to ask the revered priest which of these possibilities is more likely. With doubt remaining whether I have forgotten or this woman is speaking falsely. I stain my own wife with disgrace, or violate the honor of another man's wife? Suppose we do this? Please advise me. Let this lady remain in my house until she gives birth. I say this after due consideration. Wise men have foretold that your first son will be an emperor. If The son of this sages daughter bears the marks of imperial destiny. We shall congratulate her and welcome her into the inner palace. Otherwise, we shall return her to her father's home. As my revered teacher wishes. Daughter, follow me. Mother God, give me a place within you. A wonder. A wonder. What is happening now? Your Majesty, a marvel has occurred. What sort of marvel? After Canva's disciples had departed, while the young woman lamented her fate, and began to weep and flung her arms upward. What happened then? Near the sacred pool of the celestial nymphs, a light in the form of a woman descended upon her and lifted her away. revered teacher. I have already reached a decision on this matter. Why exhaust ourselves with idle conjecture? Victory to your Majesty. Vasumati, I am troubled. Show me the way to the bed chamber. This way? Your Majesty, this way. Though I did not remember marrying the sage's daughter and and therefore rejected her. My deeply afflicted heart seems still to yearn for her. All exit. End of Act 5 of Shakhantala, a play by the great poet Kalidasa. The chief of police enters with a man whose hands are tied behind him and two guards. Thief. Confess. Where did you get this royal signet ring? Engraved with his majesty's name and set with precious stones. Mercy, mercy, honorable brothers. I am not capable of such a deed. Perhaps the king mistook you for a holy Brahmin and gave it to you as a present. Hear my whole story first. I am a fisherman living near the sacred pool of Indravatara. Thief, did we ask your caste? Satchaka, let him tell everything in order. Stop interrupting. As our Lord, the King's brother in law, commands, speak, speak. I support my family with nets, hooks, and other fishing gear. Ah, a very holy profession. Sir, it is said that a man must not abandon the hereditary calling of his family. Even if it is condemned, even compassionate and learned brahmin's mercilessly kill animals in sacrifice. Very well, very well. One day, while cutting open a rohu fish, I found this ring shining with jewels inside its belly. Later, while showing it to people here in the hope of selling it. Your men seized me. That is how I found the ring. Now beat me or kill me." Januka. It certainly was inside a fish. That explains the stench of raw flesh. We must now investigate its origin. Come to the royal court. Move. Your Majesty the pickpocket. Sutchacker. You too remain alert and wait for me at the main gate. I shall tell His Majesty how the ring was found, receive His orders, and return. May His Majesty receive our Lord favorably. Janukkah! Our Lord is taking a very long time. Understand that one must wait for a proper opportunity to approach the King. My friend, my hands are itching to throttle this scoundrel. It is not proper to give an untimely death to a man addressed by the auspicious name, Brother. See, our master is returning with the King's command. Now you will either see your family's faces again or become a feast for vultures and jackals. Quickly, quickly, this man. Ah, I am dead. Untie him. Release the fisherman. account of the ring's origin has proved true. My Lord Himself told me so. As our Lord commands, He entered the house of death and slipped out again through a crack. Master, my life belongs to you. Rise. You are being given a reward equal to the value of the ring. I have been shown great favor. favor that he has been taken down from the stake and seated upon an elephant. My lord, this reward shows that his majesty holds that precious jeweled ring very dear. I do not think the king valued it for the jewels. Then why? I suspect that seeing it reminded his majesty of someone exceedingly dear. the king, who is ordinarily self-controlled, became agitated for a moment as soon as he saw it. This fellow has done his majesty a good service. I would say the enemy of fishes has come out ahead. Masters, keep half of it for your expenses on flowers and beetle. That is nobly spoken. Fisherman. You are now my dearest friend. A new friendship should be sealed with wine. Come, let us go to a tavern. All exit. End of the introductory scene. A.k.a. S.H.A.M.A.L.A. enters in an aerial chariot." I have completed my daily rites at the celestial nymphs bathing pool. Now I shall see for myself the royal sage's condition. Through my friendship with Manaka, Shakuntala has become dear to me. to me. And Manaka herself sent me on this errand. How is it that even on a festival day the royal court is not decorated for celebration? It is true that through meditative power we can know everything. But I must honour my friend's wish. Good. Concealed by the magic of invisibility, I shall stand near these two gardeners and learn what has happened. A garden attendant enters, examining a fresh mango shoot. A second attendant follows. Oh mango blossom! Seeing you, like the breath of the spring month, Tawnee upon your green stem, I behold the season's auspicious first sight. Parabrida ca, my friend, why are you talking to yourself? My friend, the tender shoot of the mango intoxicates the cuckoo. Has spring arrived? Maddacaraka, now is the time for your songs filled with the nectar of love. My friend, I shall stand on tiptoe and worship the God of love. Support me. If I receive half the merit of the worship. That need not be said. My friend, we are one soul in two bodies. Ah, the mango cluster has not yet opened. Yet fragrance rises the moment its stem is broken. Victory to the fish-bannered God of Love. Oh mango shoot, I offer you to the bow-bearing God of Love. Become an unfailing arrow whose targets are young women. The chamberlain enters angrily. Stop. Foolish girl. His majesty has expressly forbidden the spring festival. and you are plucking flowers. Forgive us, Master. We heard nothing of this. HMPH. How could you fail to hear His Majesty's command when even the trees of spring and the creatures dwelling in them obey it? For the mango blossom is mature, yet releases no pollen. The Rajamala is ready to bud. Yet does not open. Though winter has passed, the male cuckoo's song remains caught in his throat. I fear that even the startled God of Love has returned to his quiver an arrow half drawn out. There can be no doubt. The Royal Sage's authority is great. Master, the king's brother-in-law, Mithravasu, removed us for several days from his majesty's service and assigned us to decorate the pavilion. Opposite, that is why we knew nothing of the order. Very well, but do not do it again. Master, we are curious. If it is proper for us to know, please tell us why His Majesty has forbidden the Full Moon Festival of Spring. King's delight in festivals. There must be a grave reason behind this. Everyone knows the matter. Why should I not tell you? Has news of the disgrace caused by the rejection of Shakhantala reached your ears? Master, we have heard only as far as the finding of the ring by the king's brother-in-law. Then little remains to be told. The moment his majesty saw the ring, his memory returned. It is true. I secretly married Lady Shackantala and, in delusion, rejected her. Since then he has been filled with remorse. How? He loathes pleasure and luxury. His subjects can no longer approach him freely each day. All night he tosses upon his bed, turning from one side to the other. Even when courtesy makes him speak gently to the women of the inner apartments, He confuses their names and remains ashamed for a long time. I am glad to hear this. The festival was prohibited because of the king's grief. That seems right. Come. Come, sir. His Majesty is approaching this way. Attend to your work. The king enters with the clown and doorkeeper, dressed in a manner befitting his remorse. Ah! A man of extraordinary beauty appears noble in every condition, though wasted by separation from Shakuntala. His majesty remains splendid to behold. He has abandoned ostentatious ornaments and wears only a loose golden bracelet upon his left forearm. His lips are reddened by size, and his eyes are wary from anxious wakefulness. Yet his inborn radiance keeps him from appearing diminished, like a great jewel polished by friction." It is only right that Shakuntala still longs for him, even after he rejected and humiliated her. This unfortunate heart slept before. Though my doe-eyed beloved tried to awaken it, Now it is awake, only to suffer the pain of remorse. The poor girl's fate is much the same. Another attack of the Chakintala sickness. I do not know how it can be cured. Victory to your Majesty, Mighty King. The Royal Pleasure Garden has been inspected, so that you may walk there whenever you wish. Vasumati. Minister Pishuna in my name that, because of prolonged sleeplessness, I cannot sit in the court of justice today. Let him examine today's civil cases and send me a written report. As your majesty commands, Parvatiana, you too may go to your duties. Very well. We have driven the flies away. Now that winter is over. We can rest undisturbed in in this delightful garden. My friend. The proverb, misfortune strikes where one is weakest, is never false. See. The royal signet has restored my memory, and I am lamenting in remorse for the beloved I rejected without cause. At this very moment the delight of fragrant spring has come and stands before me. Wait a moment. shall strike this mango-shaped god of love with my staff. Leave it! I have already seen the power of your braminical splendor. My friend, let us sit here and divert our eyes by looking at these vines, which in some ways resemble my beloved. But you have only just told the painter Medavini. I shall remain for a while in the Medavi vine pavilion. Bring the portrait of Lady Shakhintala that I painted with my own hand upon the canvas. Such is the state of my heart. Show me the way to the Madavi pavilion. Come, your Majesty. This Madavi pavilion, furnished with a jeweled stone seat, silently welcomes my dear friend. Let us enter, your Majesty. Sit. My friend Madavia. Now everything has returned to me. I told you what happened when I first saw Shakuntala, but when I rejected her, you were not beside me. And before that, you never mentioned her name in conversation. Surely you too, like me, had forgotten all that past between us. I had not forgotten, on the contrary, you told me the whole story. But at the end you said it was not true. Merely a joke, dull-witted as a lump of clay, and afraid the secret might be revealed. I took your words as truth. Besides, fate is always powerful. That is true. My friend, help me, help me. How has it come to this? How can the courage of a noble man be shaken by sorrow? A mountain remains unmoved even by storm winds. friend. The moment I remember my beloved's helpless terror, I become utterly distraught. She was driven away from me and tried to follow her own people. Then her father's disciple, a father to her in his stead, commanded sternly, stay, and with eyes blurred by streaming peers. She looked once more at cruel me. All this pierces me like arrows steeped in poison." Ah, what suffering! Seeing his pain brings me satisfaction. Your Majesty, I have a thought. Some being who travels through the sky must have carried the lady away. Who but a deity could have done it? I was told that Manaka is your friend's mother. My heart believes that her companions took Shakuntala away. Ah! His delusion was astonishing, but his understanding has not awakened fully even now. If so, you will certainly be reunited with the lady in the end. How? Her parents cannot bear to see their daughter separated from her husband for very long. My friend! Was she a dream? An illusion? A delusion. Or the fruit of hard-won merit. She has gone beyond the reach of memory and left before my longing and immeasurable abyss. Do not say so. The ring itself is proof. Surely a wondrous reunion decreed by fate begins in just this way. Ah! This unfortunate thing! Fallen from an inaccessible place! Oh ring! The reward of your merit has proved as worthless as mine. You found a place upon her finger, lovely with its crimson nail. Yet you fell from it. My friend! You are far away! Therefore I alone am enjoying this delight that is so sweet to hear. My friend, how did you come to place this ring upon the lady's hand? Listen. As I was departing from the Hermitage for my city, my beloved, her eyes full of tears, asked me, my lord, how many days will you remember me? And then, and then? Then I placed this royal signet upon her finger and said, Each day, count one letter of my name. Beloved, when you reach the final letter, someone will come, show you the way, and conduct you to the inner palace, and then, in my delusion, I committed such a terrible offence. Fate gave you a charming device. Then how did this ring, like a fish hook, reach the mouth of that unfortunate rohu fish? Your friend must have dropped it into the current of the Ganges, while bowing to the waters at Shachi's sacred pool. Let me reproach it. How could you leave that hand with its tender, curved fingers and sink into the water? But no. A lifeless object understands neither virtue nor fault. Then how could I reject my beloved? The beginning and end of this story contradict one another. When shall I see again the beloved whom I rejected without cause? The painter enters carrying a canvas. His Majesty is here. I shall approach him. Victory to your Majesty. I have brought the lady's portrait. Ah, ah, ah, beauty alive before us. Well done, my friend. Well done. What more can I say? It seems a soul has entered the picture. I feel moved to speak to it. Ah! How skillful is the brush of his companion. The painter. My friend appears to be standing before me. Before, I rejected my beloved when she stood before me. Now I honor her when she is only a painted image. Ignoring the river swollen with water upon my path. Ah, I now thirst for a mirage. He has himself admitted everything I wished to say. I see three women. All are beautiful. Which one is Sharkintala? The poor man knows very well how to deceive himself. My friend is not truly here. Which one do you think she is? I think this is Lady Shokintala. The woman standing wearily against the Ashoka vine, drops of perspiration upon her face. Flowers falling from her loosened hair. One vine like arm drooping like a branch. The girdle of her garment undone. The other two are her friends. You are perceptive. The clear marks of my love are in this picture. Near the lines one can see the stain of my damp fingers. And the pigment of the brush has spread where a tear fell from my cheek. Medavini. The pleasure grove is only half painted. Go and bring the brushes. Noble Medavia. Hold the canvas until I return. What else remains to be painted here? Surely he wishes to paint all the places dear to my beloved friend. Madavia! Listen! I shall paint the Malini River with pairs of wild geese in rows upon its sandy bank, the valley at the foot of the sacred Himalaya, father of Gauri, where yak cows rest, and beneath a tree hung with bark garments, a doe rubbing her left eye against the antler of a stag. I suppose he will fill the rest of the picture with the shaggy beards of hermits. Madavia, one more thing. I forgot to paint an ornament beloved by Shakuntala. What was it like? Something suited to a forest dweller and to her tenderness. My friend, I have not painted the Cherisha flower at her ear. It's stem tucked behind it, and its filaments trailing to her cheek. Nor the necklace of lotus fibers. Soft as autumn moonbeams. Resting between her breasts. Why does the lady look so frightened now? Covering her face with fingers lovely as red lotuses? Oh, oh, oh, this slave born plunderer of flowers. A bee is hungry for the lady's lotus face. Go and drive away the insolent intruder. You, the chastiser of the wicked, are the one who can remove him. Very well. Bee, you are a welcome guest to every flowering vine. Why tire yourself flying about here? Your loving female bee, settled within a flower, waits for you. Though thirsty, she will not drink nectar without you. How gracefully he dismisses it. Creatures of this kind become more stubborn when chased away. You are right. Since you will not obey my command. Hear this now. O B, if you bite my beloved's Bimba Red Lower Lip, Lovely as the virgin bud of a young tree, Whose nectar I once drank gently in the festival of love, Then I shall imprison you inside a lotus. How could it fail to fear such a harsh punishment? He has truly gone completely mad. By keeping company with him, I too have been infected. Count me among those awakened to madness now. Beloved, is it still there? Ah, love can master even a steadfast man. It is a picture. My friend, why are you so cruel to me? With my heart wholly absorbed, I was enjoying the sight of her as though she stood before me. You awakened memory and turned her back into a picture. My friend, I have seen with my own eyes that he remembers the dishonour he did you by rejecting you. Your Majesty, your box of pigments has fallen into the hands of Queen Kulaprabha's attendants. Very well. I have no desire to paint now. He shows Kulaprabha great respect. But that matters little. When the many stringed, Vipanchi is unavailable. Even a one-stringed loot seems dear. My friend. See. Why must I endure this pain without end? Wakefulness prevents me from meeting her even in dreams. And tears prevent me from seeing her even in a picture. Your Majesty, Pingalika is coming with her companions to snatch and tear the portrait. Her hopes are ruined now. Ah. Victory to the Queen! Victory! Alas! Pingalika, the Tigris of the Inner Palace, has followed Medavini's tracks like a doe and is about to spring upon us. My friend, protect this portrait of my beloved. In other words, you are telling me to protect myself. My friend, even your portrait has been removed from this man who behaves like an enemy towards you. I shall hide it where no one but the pigeons can see it. Victory to your Majesty Vasumati did the Queen not come. Your Majesty, when she saw me bringing the letter, she turned back. She understands the claims of time and does not obstruct affairs of state. Your Majesty. The minister says that because the work is so great, he has been able to examine only one citizen's case. May Your Majesty consider it. Medivini. Read it. As Your Majesty commands, let His Majesty know that done of Riddhi, The sea merchant whose name proved true, has died in a shipwreck. He has no children. His estate amounts to many thousands of millions and will now pass into the royal treasury. Having heard this, let his majesty pronounce judgment. To have no child is a great sorrow. Vasumati. he was wealthy and therefore must have had several wives. Find out whether any one of them is pregnant. Your Majesty, it has just been learned that the daughter of the guild master Kishava, one of his wives, has undergone the conception right for the birth of a son. Then the unborn child is heir to the father's estate. Go and tell the honorable Pishuna so. as your majesty commands. Return for a moment. I am here. Tell him this as well. What does it matter whether the man has a child or not? Proclaim that whenever any beloved relative of one of my subjects dies, provided the deceased was free from sin, Duceyanta will take that relatives place. It shall certainly be proclaimed in that way. Your Majesty, as people rejoice when clouds thunder at the proper season. So your subjects have rejoiced at your proclamation. When the last man of a family whose lineage has been broken dies without support. His wealth passes to another in just this way. After my death, the glory of Puru's line will suffer the same fate. May that fear never come true. Shame upon me, who condemned and rejected the blessing bestowed by destiny. Surely he is blaming himself because of my friend. I cast away my lawful wife, who was to be the foundation of my line, in whom my very self was planted. Who, like earth sown at the proper season, was destined to bring forth a mighty fruit? What was the minister's purpose in sending this letter? Which saddened his majesty the moment he saw it? But no, he never acts without reflection. Ah, Dushyanta has placed his ancestors in peril. After me, alas, who in my lineage will offer the scripturally ordained rice cakes and water? Surely my ancestors, instead of water, are drinking my pure tears. For I, childless, am incomplete. This is merely a natural error. His Majesty, standing at the height of youth, will father a worthy son by another queen and discharge his debt to his ancestors. He cannot hear my words. Or rather, only the proper medicine can cure a disease. This line of puru, pure from its beginning, is ending because of me. Unworthy and childless. As the sacred Sarasvati river vanishes into a barren desert. Awake, your Majesty! Awake! I shall end his suffering at once. But no! The great gods have ordained matters in this way. I cannot intervene without permission. Very well. The gods, eager for their share of the sacrifice, will arrange the Royal Sages' reunion with his wife. I shall see how they accomplish it. For now, I shall carry this news and comfort my beloved friend." Disaster! Disaster! Help! Disaster! Ah! That sounds like Madhavia's voice in distress. The poor man must have fallen into Lady Pingalaka's jaws. Vasumati, go and rebuke the queen in my name for failing to control her attendance. As commanded, the Brahmin's voice is trembling as though he were truly terrified. Who is there? Command me, your Majesty. Why is that boy Madhavya screaming? Your Majesty, I shall go and see. Parvatiana, is this a matter of mortal danger? No, your Majesty. Then why are you frightened? Yet, the trembling that formerly came only from old age now shakes your whole body violently, like a peepal tree in the wind. Then, mighty king, save your friend. From whom must I save him? From dreadful danger. Ah, say something intelligible. Your Majesty, that royal palace called, Cloud Kissing. What is happening there? From its highest pinnacle, which the tame peacock reaches only after resting many times, some invisible demon has carried away your friend. Impossible. Demons have entered my very house. Real power is surrounded by countless reversals. Day by day. One cannot even discover one's own unseen failures. Who has the power to know completely which path each subject is following? Run. Run. My friend, do not be afraid. Do not be afraid. How can I not be afraid? is squeezing my neck from behind and trying to crush me like sugarcane. My bow. My bow. A YAVANA woman enters carrying the bow. YAVANA woman. Victory to your majesty. Here are your bow and arm guard. I shall seize and kill you as a tiger seizes its prey. Thirsting to drink the fresh blood from your neck. Let Dushyanta. Who lifts his bow to remove the fears of the afflicted. Protect you now." "- Is he mocking me? Stand still. Stand still. Disgrace to your race. You shall not escape now. Parva Tyana. Show me the staircase. This way, this way, your majesty. But there is no one here." Hurry, I can see you, but you cannot see me. Like a mouse in a cat's jaws. I have lost all hope of life. Villain. Proud of your invisibility. My arrow will see you. Stand still. Do not imagine yourself safe, because you hold my friend. I am setting this arrow to the bow for you. It will kill you. Your Majesty. has appointed the demons as your targets. Draw your bow against them. A noble man's compassionate, gentle glance falls upon a friend, not a merciless arrow. Ah, Metali, welcome, charioteer of the king of gods. Ah, this demon nearly killed me. Your Majesty, hear why Indra has sent me to you. I am listening attentively. There is an invincible demon king named Durjaya, a descendant of Kalanemi. I have already heard of him from Narada. It is said that your friend Indra cannot kill him. It is said that you can destroy him at the forefront of battle. The moon dispels the darkness of night that the sun cannot remove. Therefore, take up your bow. Indra's chariot, and depart for victory. I am blessed by Indra's honour, but why did you mistreat Madaviya so? I shall tell you. I saw that. For some reason, your majesty was sunk in remorse. I acted so to awaken your anger. For, fire blazes up when its fuel is stirred. A threatened serpent spreads its hood, and a man often recovers his courage. when he is provoked. My friend Medavia, the command of the king of gods cannot be refused. Tell minister Pishuna what has happened here and give him this message in my name. For now, let your keen intelligence alone protect the people. This strong bow has been assigned to another task. As your majesty commands. This way, your majesty All move off an exit. Thus ends Act 6. A Celestial Dancer enters. My teacher Narada has told me that at this very time the Royal Sage Dushyanta has risen above K. Mortal world and gone. At Lord Indra's command to kill a demon. After I bowed and sang his praises. My teacher instructed me to present a dance of auspicious blessing before the learned audience. Go, find another dancer, and come to the dancing pavilion. I am therefore looking for a dancer now. Who is coming towards me? As though she has just received some ornament and is at once excited and satisfied. Why? It is my dear friend Chhutamandri. Good! I shall take her to our teacher. A second dancer enters in the manner described. Ah! How great is the power of the royal sage Dushyanta! Oh! The mighty demon Durjeya has been killed. To speak precisely, accompanied only by his charioteer, Dushyanta poured down countless thousands of weapons and destroyed the powerful Durjeya in a single moment. Chhutam Anjari, my friend, you seem love-struck. Are you Parijitam Anjari, my friend, I shall tell you everything, but first say where you are going. My friend, I shall be brief. Our teacher has commanded a festive performance today to celebrate the royal sage Dushyentha's victory over the demon. We are both to go and see him. There must be some reason for this. But if the king is returning to the mortal world, for whom shall we perform? My friend, has he fulfilled Mahendra's wish and taken his leave, or has something else occurred? Listen, my friend, this very morning he departs for the earth. Carrying with him, as a boon, the remaining life of Durjeya, and the enamoured hearts of the celestial women. That is why I am at once delighted and agitated. My friend, you have brought good news. Our teacher ordered us to perform before the Royal Sage of Purus line. Come, let us compose and sing a song here. As you wish, we can dance together, whether to my song or to your recitation. We shall do so, my friend, the spring season turns one be away from rightful pleasure and leads him towards improper conduct. It fills another with love, and saddens yet another with the earth's crimson beauty. End of the prologue, the king and Matali enter in an aerial chariot. Matali. Although I merely obeyed Indra's command, the lofty honor he has shown me makes me feel unworthy. Your Majesty, neither of you acknowledges the other's debt. How so? Having given Indra such aid, you see his high honor and consider your deed insignificant. While he considers the honor, he bestowed unequal to your great achievement. It is not so. The honor shown me at my departure far exceeded my desire. I was seated upon half his throne before the gods. Then Indra looked smilingly at Jayanta standing beside him. Who inwardly longed for that distinction? And placed upon me a garland of heavenly Mandara flowers that had brushed his breast. Anointed with yellow sandalwood. Why should such honour from the king of gods not befit you? See, for Indra, who desires peace, two things have drawn out the thorns of heaven. The demons, your polished arrows, and, long ago, the claws of Nersimha. The greatness lies with Indra. See, know that when a servant succeeds in a great undertaking, it is because a great master has bestowed honor upon him. If the Thousand Raid's son had not placed Aruna at the front of his chariot, where would Aruna have found the power to destroy darkness? Those words are worthy of you, Your Majesty. Look here. The radiance of your fame has reached the roof of heaven. Considering the greatness of your deeds, the gods paint them upon the outer leaves of wish-fulfilling vines with cosmetic colors left over. by celestial nymphs. Matali. Yesterday. In my eagerness to ascend and battle the demon. I paid no attention to the geography of heaven. Through what divine region are we traveling now? This is the region of the current bearing wind. Free from vapor. Sanctified by Vishnu's second stride. It supports the heavenly stream of the threefold Ganges and turns the constellations with rays, radiating in a circle. That is why my inmost spirit and all my senses, within and without, or at peace, I believe we have descended into the region of clouds. How did you know? Chattaco birds fly between the spokes of your chariot wheels. The horses are coloured by flashes of lightning. And the rims of the wheels are wet. These signs show that the chariot has passed over rain-bearing clouds. In a moment you will reach the realm you rule. Because we are descending at great speed, the mortal world appears strange. 4. The earth seems to recede as the mountains rise. The screen of leaves lifts, revealing the trunks of trees, rivers that looked waterless, like thin lines, gain their full forms and become distinct. Look, it is as though someone had thrown the earth upward and brought it close to us. Ah, the beauty of the earth is incomparable. Matali. What mountain is this? Plunged into the eastern and western seas, gleaming as though it dripped gold like a wall of clouds at sunset. Your Majesty. This is Golden Peak, the mountain of the Kinaris and the finest place for ascetics to attain perfection. Hirpraja Patti, father of gods and demons, born from the self-existent Marichi, performs austerities with his wife. We should not neglect such an auspicious opportunity. Let us circle him and receive a vision of the Holy One. That is our foremost duty. We have landed. Matali. There was no sound from the wheel rims. No dust rose into view. Your chariot landed without unknowing it. Because it did not touch the earth. There was no jolt. Such is the difference between you and Indra. In which direction is Maricha's hermitage? There stands the sage, facing the sun, motionless as a pillar, half his body buried in an anthill, wearing a second sacred thread made from a serpent's cast skin, his throat bound by the noose of a withered vine, and the immense matted locks covering his shoulders filled with birds' nests. Homage to the Great Ascetic We have now entered Prajapati's Sacred Grove, where Aditi tends the Mandara Tree. How wonderful! I feel as though immersed in a lake of nectar that grants greater repose than heaven itself. Descend. What now? The harnessed chariot will remain here. I too shall descend. This way. This way. Your Majesty. Your Majesty. Behold the sacred grove of the perfected sages. Two things here fill me with wonder. Though they live in a forest of wish-fulfilling trees, they sustain life upon air alone. They bathe at twilight in sacred water filled with thousands of golden lotus leaves. They meditate in caves of jewels. They practice restraint amid celestial nymphs. surrounded by everything for whose attainment other sages perform austerities. These sages still practice austerity." Great men have lofty aspirations. Elder Shakalia, with what task is our teacher occupied? What do you say? Aditi has asked him about the virtues of a faithful wife, and he is explaining them. Therefore my request must await a proper I shall inform Prajapati of your arrival. Until then, sit beneath this Ashoka tree." As you wish. There is no hope that my desire will be fulfilled. Oh, arm, why do you throb in vain? Good fortune rejected once later becomes sorrow. No. Do not be wicked. Lion, how fiercely you display your nature. This is no place for wickedness. Who is administering justice? Ah! A child in years but a grown man in courage. Whom two female ascetics are trying to restrain. Striking a lion cub with his hand. He is dragging it away. It's mane scattered by his harsh grip. The cub. Only half finish drinking at its mother's breast. Struggles against him. The boy enters doing as described, restrained by two female acetics. Open your mouth, lion, open your mouth. I want to count your teeth. Wicked child, why do you torment an animal who is like a son to us? Your ferocity grows greater and greater. The sages rightly named you Sarvadamana, subduer of all. Why does this child draw my heart as though he were my own son? Surely my childlessness has made me affectionate towards all children. If you do not release her cub, the lioness will spring upon you. Ah, I am terribly frightened. This child seems like the seed of mighty splendor, a spark of fire waiting only for fuel. Child, release the lion cub. We shall give you another toy. Where is it? Give it to me. What? His hand bears the marks of an emperor. For, his hand stretched out to ask for the tempting object. Its fingers joined by delicate webs, shines like a single lotus whose gaps between the petals are not yet clear. beginning to open in the redness of dawn. My friend, promises alone cannot restrain him. Go to our cottage. There is a brightly coloured clay peacock belonging to the child Sage Mankankar. Bring him that toy. As you see. For now, I shall keep playing with this one. This obstinate child draws me to him. Blessed are those who take a son upon their lap and are soiled by the dust of his body. Whose little teeth flower in causeless laughter, whose indistinct speech is exceedingly sweet, and who loves to rest in his father's arms. Very well. You will not obey me. Is there any boy of the hermitage here? Noble sir, please come and free the suffering lion cub from this unruly child's grip. which is so difficult to loosen. Certainly. Son of a great sage, why do you perform an act unworthy of a hermitage when your self-controlled father rejoices that living creatures seek his protection? Why stain his glory as a young serpent pollutes a sandalwood tree? He is not the son of a sage. His conduct, suited to his appearance, seemed to declare his identity, trusting the surroundings. I was mistaken. If touching the limbs of this child from another family gives me such joy, how much happiness must he give to the man from whose body he was born? A wonder, a wonder. What is it? I am astonished by the great resemblance between you. Although there is no relationship between you, And he is as easy with you as though you were someone long familiar. If he is not a sage's son, what is his family? He is a descendant of Puru. What? He belongs to my own line. That is why she sees a resemblance to me. The descendants of Puru observe the final custom of their house. First, to protect the earth. They dwell in white plastered royal palaces. Later, living at the roots of trees, they devote themselves solely to ascetic vows. But immortal cannot come here by his own will. You are right, sir, but this child's mother is related to a celestial nymph. And therefore she gave birth to him here, in the sacred grove of the Father of the Gods. Another ground for suspicion has appeared. Of which royal sage is this lady the wife? Who would speak the name of a man who abandoned his lawful wife? Can this story concern me in particular? Should I ask the child's mother's name? No. It is improper to inquire about another man's wife. The second female ascetic enters carrying a clay peacock. Sarvada Mana, look at this beautiful bird. Where is mother? His love for his mother confused him when he heard a similar word. Child, look at the Shakunta, the bird. How beautiful this toy peacock is. Is his mother's name Shakuntala? But names may be alike. Like a mirage? This may end in bitter disappointment. Aunt, I like this beautiful peacock. Ah, the protective hamlet is missing from his wrist. Do not be anxious. It must have fallen while he wrestled with the lion cub. Do not touch it. What has he picked it up? Why are you stopping me? Listen, sir, this is a powerful herb called upper ajata given by Mareacher during the child's birth ceremony. If it falls upon the ground, no one except his mother, his father or the child himself can lift it. What happens if someone else picks it up? It turns into a snake and bites the stranger. Have you yourselves seen this transformation? many times. Then, now that my hope has been fulfilled, why should I not rejoice? Samyata, thumb, let us carry this news to, Shakuntala, who has completed her religious observance. Thumb, let me go, I want to go to mother. Son, we shall go together and bring joy to your mother. My father is Dushyanta, not you. That very denial is my proof. S.H.A.K.U.N.T.ALA enters, her hair bound in a single braid. I have heard that Sarvada Manas protective amulet remained in its natural form even though the condition for its transformation arose. Yet I cannot trust my fortune. Still, what Aksha Mala told me makes it seem possible. Ah! It is Lady Shakuntala. Clothed in grey, her face made thin by religious observance. Her hair bound in a single braid. This woman of spotless character has endured the long austerity of separation from cruel me. He does not look unlike my husband. Then who is he? Touching with his hand and defiling my son. Who is protected by sacred spells? Mother, this stranger keeps calling me, son. Beloved, the cruelty I showed you has now reached a happy end. I beg you to recognize me. Heart. Take courage. Take courage. Fate has shown mercy after casting me down and satisfying its anger. This is my husband. By good fortune. Lovely faced one. Now that the bewildering darkness has lifted from memory, you stand before me when an eclipse has ended. The moon and red Rohini are reunited. Victory to my lord. Beloved, though the word Victory is caught in your tears. I am victorious, for I can see your pale face. Its lips unadorned. Mother, who is he? Son, ask my food. Slender one. Let the pain of my rejection leave your heart. At that time I was lost in terrible delusion. A blind man brushes away even a garland upon his head, thinking it a snake. In deepest darkness, a man treats an auspicious thing in just this way. Rise, my lord! At that time some result of my former deeds, hostile to my happiness, must have been ripening. That is why, though compassionate by nature, you changed so greatly, but how did my lord's memory return? I shall tell you everything after removing the thorn of grief. Slender one! On that day! In my delusion I ignored the tears that troubled your lips. Now I shall wipe away these tears resting upon your trembling lashes and free myself from remorse. My lord! Ah! This is the drink! Yes, when it was miraculously recovered, it restored my memory. It could have fulfilled my desire in a moment. Yet when I needed it to convince my Lord, it was nowhere to be found. Then let the vine receive its flower and proclaim the coming of spring. I do not trust it. Let my Lord keep it upon His own hand. Congratulations! Reunited with his lawful wife and beholding his son's face, your majesty is prosperous once more. Because it was fulfilled through a friend. My desire has borne an excellent fruit. Matali! Did Indra not know of these events? Come! The revered Maritua awaits you and is ready to grant you an audience. Shakhantala, take our son. Walk before me. I wish to visit the venerable sage with you. Am I worthy to go with my lord? It is the custom on a festival occasion. Come, come. M-A-R-I-C-H-A enters seated beside Aditi upon one seat. Daughter of Daksha. This is Dushyanta. Lord of the earth, your son Indra's champion in battle. Because of his bow, Indra's keen thunderbolt has become an idle ornament. His appearance is certainly worthy of honor. Lord of the earth, the mother and father of the gods are looking upon you with parental affection. Approach. Matali. These are the divine pair whom the sages call the source of the twelve-fold radiance. From whom Indra, Lord of the gods who received the sacrificial share, was born, and in whom the supreme spirit, beyond even self-born Brahma, found a birthplace? Indeed. Dushyanta, servant of Indra, bows to you both. Son, protect the earth for many years. Son, may you have no equal in battle. With my son, I worship your feet. Daughter, may your married happiness endure long, with a husband like Indra and a son like Jayanta. What blessing can be given but this? Be like Paul Omi. Daughter, may your husband honor you. May your son become the ornament of both families. Please sit. By good fortune, faithful Shaktala, this accomplished son, and the king, faith, wealth, and righteous duty, this triad has come together in one place. Holy Sir, Your Grace is unprecedented. First, my desire was fulfilled, and only afterwards did I receive Your vision. See, first comes the flower, and then the fruit. First the cloud, and afterwards the rain. Such is the order of cause and effect. But through Your Grace, good fortune came first. is the mercy of the mother and father of the world. Holy Sir, I married this servant of yours by the right of mutual consent. Some time later, her relatives brought her to me. Because my memory had vanished, I rejected her and thus offended the revered Canva. Afterwards, when I saw the ring, the memory of our marriage returned. whole event seemed strange to me. It was as though a man denied an elephant standing plainly before him, doubted it after it had gone, and understood its existence only when he saw its footprints. Such was the disorder of my mind. Son, cease worrying that you committed an offense. You were deceived. Listen. I am listening attentively. When Manaka descended from the celestial nymph's sacred pool and brought the visibly weakened Shaktala to Aditi, meditation revealed to me that the poor girl had been rejected by her husband because of Dervasa's curse, and that the sight of the ring would end that curse. I am freed from guilt. What good fortune! My lord did not reject me of his own will, but I do not remember being cursed. Surely, because my heart was elsewhere. I did not hear the curse. My friends repeatedly insisted that I must show my lord the ring. Daughter, you have understood the truth. Therefore, do not be angry with your husband now. See, your husband rejected you, because the loss of memory made him hard-hearted. Now the darkness of his delusion has been dispelled, and royal fortune is subject to you. In a mirror dimmed by dust, a reflection cannot take shape, but once it is cleaned, the image appears clearly of itself. As the Holy One says, Son, I trust you have accepted this son of Shakhantala, whose birth ceremony I myself performed. Holy Sir, my lineage rests upon him alone. It is true. Know him as a future universal emperor. See, crossing the oceans in a chariot that moves steadily without jolting. This peerless warrior will soon conquer the earth with its seven continents. Because he subdues animals by force, his name here is Sarvada-Mana, subduer of all. Because he will uphold the earth, he shall later be renowned as Bharata. Since the Holy One Himself performed His rites, we may expect all this of Him. Canva too should be told in full how Shakyantala's desire was fulfilled. Manaka is nearby. You have spoken the wish of my heart. Through the power of His austerities, the revered Canva already knows all this clearly. Ah! Then my teacher is not angry with me. and so, he should hear this happy news from me. Who is there? Ravid teacher, I am here. Galeva, my son, tell the renowned Canva this happy news in my words. When Dvasa's curse ended and his memory returned, Dushyanta accepted Shaktala. As my Ravid teacher commands, Son, with your son and wife, mount the chariot of your friend Indra, which stands here, and depart for your capital. As my revered teacher commands, Son, continue to satisfy the gods entitled to their sacrificial shares with abundant offerings. In return, may the king of gods send rain for your subjects. Thus, through mutual service, may the friendship between you endure for many years, together with the glory of your shared generosity. Holy Sir, I shall strive for the welfare of all with my entire strength. Son, tell me now. What further boon shall I grant you? If, after all this, my revered teacher still wishes to show me favor, then may the king remain devoted to the welfare of his people. May the learned honor Sarasvati, may self-existent Shiva, whose power pervades all things. Bring my cycle of rebirth to an end. Act 7. Thus ends, Abhijnan Asha Kuntalam, a play by the great poet Kaladasa, a poet who, by the grace of destiny, attained complete knowledge.

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