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Abhijnanashakuntalam_Animated_Film.mp4

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Part 10 · VIDEHA MITHILA MAITHILI DISCUSSION CRITICISM SERIES PART 10

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1. 0:00–0:10Kala Dasa's original Sanskrit play, Abhijnan Asha Kuntalam, translated from Sanskrit into Maitili by Gajendra Thakur.
2. 0:10–0:22Abhijnan Asha Kuntalam, the recognition of Shakuntala, the great poet Kala Dasa, dramatic personai. In order of appearance on stage,
3. 0:22–0:30P-R-O-L-O-G-U-E May the Gracious Lord protect us through His eight manifest forms.
4. 0:30–0:37The Creator's first creation, which receives the sacrificial offering, the offering itself,
5. 0:37–0:44the Sacrificer, the two powers that ordain the course of time, the all-pervading element
6. 0:44–0:50perceived by the ear, that which is called, the source of every seed, and that which
7. 0:50–0:53gives the breath of life to all living beings.
8. 0:53–0:54Asterisk.
9. 0:54–0:56The invocation ends.
10. 0:56–1:00Madam, is everyone ready for their part?
11. 1:00–1:02The actress enters.
12. 1:02–1:05Sir, I am here.
13. 1:05–1:07What are your instructions?
14. 1:07–1:12Nearly everyone in this assembly is a discerning and accomplished lover of drama.
15. 1:12–1:17We are to entertain them with a new play by Caladasa.
16. 1:17–1:21Every role must therefore be performed with the greatest care.
17. 1:21–1:25With your skillful direction, nothing can possibly go wrong.
18. 1:25–1:29Madam, let me tell you a truth.
19. 1:29–1:35Until the learned are satisfied, I can never be confident of my skill as a director.
20. 1:35–1:40Even the heart of one who has rehearsed with devotion is troubled by self-doubt.
21. 1:40–1:42That is perfectly true.
22. 1:42–1:44Now tell me, sir.
23. 1:44–1:46What comes next?
24. 1:46–1:52could delight the ears of this gathering more than a song describing the pleasures of thee.
25. 1:52–1:58Summer that has just begun. For now. These are the days when plunging into cool water
26. 1:58–2:05is a joy. When the woodland breeze is scented by trumpet flowers. When sleep comes easily
27. 2:05–2:11beneath deep shade. And evening falls with exquisite charm.
28. 2:11–2:17As you command, tender-hearted women adorn themselves with Sharisha blossoms.
29. 2:17–2:22Whose exquisitely delicate stamens are be kisses only for a moment.
30. 2:22–2:28Beautifully sung, the sweetness of your song has held the entire audience around us so
31. 2:28–2:31still that they seem figures.
32. 2:31–2:33Painted in a picture.
33. 2:33–2:37Now tell me, what play shall we perform for their pleasure?
34. 2:37–2:42Did you not say at the outset that we were to present the new play called Abhijnan Asha
35. 2:42–2:43Kuntalam?
36. 2:43–2:46The Recognition of Shakuntala.
37. 2:46–2:50Madam, you have reminded me just in time.
38. 2:50–2:54The matter had slipped from my mind this very moment.
39. 2:54–2:55And why?
40. 2:55–3:00The enchanting melody of your song carried me helplessly away with it.
41. 3:00–3:06Just as King Dushyanta here has been carried away in pursuit of a fleet-footed deer,
42. 3:06–3:08They both exit.
43. 3:08–3:10The prologue ends.
44. 3:10–3:17King D US HYANTA enters in a chariot, bow in hand, pursuing a deer.
45. 3:17–3:19His charioteer is with him.
46. 3:19–3:25Your Majesty, when I see that deer in you with your bow drawn, it is as though before my
47. 3:25–3:33very eyes I behold Shiva, bearer of the Panakka bow, racing after the sacred antelope.
48. 3:33–3:40tear. This blackbuck has led us a very long way. Even now he turns his head again and
49. 3:40–3:47again to watch the chariot behind him, his neck bending with graceful ease. From fear
50. 3:47–3:54of the arrow he gathers his hindquarters into the fore part of his body. Exhausted, he
51. 3:54–4:00runs with his mouth open, dropping half-chewed grass from his lips and scattering it all
52. 4:00–4:07along the track. Look. With every soaring bound he scarcely touches the earth. As though he
53. 4:07–4:15traveled more through air than over ground. What is this? We are close upon him. Yet he
54. 4:15–4:18is vanishing beyond the reach of sight.
55. 4:18–4:24Your Majesty, the ground was rough and broken. I held the reins tight and slowed the chariot.
56. 4:24–4:30That is why the deer gained some distance. The land is level now. You will have no
57. 4:30–4:32difficulty overtaking him.
58. 4:32–4:34Give the horses their heads.
59. 4:34–4:36As your majesty commands.
60. 4:36–4:42Your majesty, look, look, the instant the reins are loosened.
61. 4:42–4:45These horses stretch their bodies to their fullest length.
62. 4:45–4:49The yak tail plumes upon their heads scarcely stir.
63. 4:49–4:54Their ears stand rigid, and they race beyond even the dust they themselves have raised.
64. 4:54–4:58As though they cannot endure to be outstripped by the deer.
65. 4:58–4:59Truly.
66. 4:59–5:03These horses are outstripping even the steeds of Indra.
67. 5:03–5:044.
68. 5:04–5:09What looked small to the ice wells to greatness in an instant?
69. 5:09–5:14What is in reality divided in two appears to join as one?
70. 5:14–5:17What is naturally crooked seems perfectly straight.
71. 5:17–5:22At the speed of this chariot, nothing remains far from me.
72. 5:22–5:25And nothing near me can remain still.
73. 5:25–5:30Your Majesty, Hermits have stepped between you and the Blackbuck at which your arrow
74. 5:30–5:32is aimed.
75. 5:32–5:33Then stop the horses.
76. 5:33–5:35I am stopping them.
77. 5:35–5:38A hermit enters with two companions.
78. 5:38–5:39Oh King!
79. 5:39–5:41Oh King!
80. 5:41–5:43This is a deer of the Hermitage.
81. 5:43–5:45One of the Hermitage deer.
82. 5:45–5:50Therefore draw back the arrow you have aimed so surely.
83. 5:50–5:53Your weapons are meant to protect the afflicted.
84. 5:53–6:01to strike the innocent. I have withdrawn the arrow. Well done. Oh, King! Such conduct is
85. 6:01–6:07worthy of a descendant of Puru. May you be blessed with a son who will become a sovereign
86. 6:07–6:15emperor. I gladly accept a hermit's blessing. We have come out to gather firewood. There,
87. 6:15–6:21on the bank of the Malini, close against the slopes of the Himalayas. You can see
88. 6:21–6:29the hermitage of our preceptor, Kashyapa. Unless some other duty prevents you, enter the hermitage
89. 6:29–6:36and receive the welcome due to a guest, and when you see the holy rites of the ascetics
90. 6:36–6:43rich in the power of their austerities, proceeding without disturbance, you will understand how
91. 6:43–6:51well this arm. Marked by the bowstring. Protects your people. Is the father superior at the
92. 6:51–6:57hermitage. This very day he placed the care of guests in the hands of his blameless daughter
93. 6:57–7:04Shakuntala, and went to the sacred moon shrine at Prabhasa to appease the forces hostile to
94. 7:04–7:12her destiny. Good. I shall meet her. She will speak of my devotion to the great sage.
95. 7:12–7:14We must go now.
96. 7:14–7:17Charitya, drive on.
97. 7:17–7:21First let the sight of the holy hermitage purify us.
98. 7:21–7:23As your majesty commands.
99. 7:23–7:30Charitya, even without being told, one can see that we have reached the outskirts of
100. 7:30–7:32the sacred grove.
101. 7:32–7:33How so?
102. 7:33–7:34Do you not see?
103. 7:34–7:41Here, beneath the trees lie grains of wild rice fallen from the parrot's nests.
104. 7:41–7:46Here and their stones shine smooth with oil from crushed ingoody fruit.
105. 7:46–7:54The thorns are so fearless that, even hearing human voices, they do not break their stride.
106. 7:54–7:59And the path leading to the pool is marked by trails of water drops falling from the
107. 7:59–8:01hems of bark.
108. 8:01–8:02Garments.
109. 8:02–8:05Every sign agrees.
110. 8:05–8:06And look.
111. 8:06–8:10The roots of the trees have been washed by the overflowing channels.
112. 8:10–8:17The luster of tender leaves is dimmed by smoke rising from offerings of clarified butter.
113. 8:17–8:23And here, in the green meadow where the soft shoots of kusha grass have been cut, young
114. 8:23–8:32dear graze at ease, slow and utterly unafraid, let us cause no disturbance to the hermitage.
115. 8:32–8:34Stop the chariot at the edge.
116. 8:34–8:36I shall dismount.
117. 8:36–8:38The reins are steady.
118. 8:38–8:41You may descend, Your Majesty.
119. 8:41–8:44One should enter a hermitage in humble dress.
120. 8:44–8:46Take charge of these.
121. 8:46–8:48Charitya.
122. 8:48–8:55While I pay my respects to the sages, sprinkle water over the horse's backs and call them.
123. 8:55–8:57As Your Majesty commands.
124. 8:57–9:00I shall enter the hermitage through this gate.
125. 9:00–9:04The ground of the hermitage is peaceful.
126. 9:04–9:06Yet my arm is throbbing.
127. 9:06–9:08How can such an omen arise here?
128. 9:08–9:12Or perhaps the doors of destiny stand open everywhere.
129. 9:12–9:15This way, dear friends, this way.
130. 9:15–9:16Ah!
131. 9:16–9:21I hear conversation to the right of the avenue of flowering trees.
132. 9:21–9:23I shall go there.
133. 9:23–9:28Daughters of the Hermitage are coming this way, watering the young trees from little
134. 9:28–9:31pictures suited to their size.
135. 9:31–9:33How lovely they are!
136. 9:33–9:37I shall conceal myself in this shade and watch.
137. 9:37–9:45S-H-A-K-U-N-T-A-L-A enters with her two friends, carrying out the work described.
138. 9:45–9:50Dear Shakuntala, it seems Father Kashyapur loves the trees of the hermitage even more
139. 9:50–9:52than he loves you.
140. 9:52–9:57That must be why he has given the task of filling their basins to someone as tender
141. 9:57–9:59as a jasmine.
142. 9:59–10:00Blossom.
143. 10:00–10:03It is not only Father's command.
144. 10:03–10:05It is my own devotion as well.
145. 10:05–10:09I truly feel a sister's affection for these trees.
146. 10:09–10:15Dear Shakuntala, the grove of trees that flower in summer has drunk its fill.
147. 10:15–10:21Thumb, let us also water those whose flowering season has not yet arrived.
148. 10:21–10:25Perhaps we shall gain an unexpected blessing.
149. 10:25–10:27That is a worthy thought.
150. 10:27–10:28What?
151. 10:28–10:30Is this Canva's daughter?
152. 10:30–10:32Extraordinary.
153. 10:32–10:39If beauty so rare even in a royal harem belongs to a girl of the hermitage, then surely the
154. 10:39–10:43wild vine has surpassed the tended vine of the garden.
155. 10:43–10:44Good!
156. 10:44–10:51Hidden behind this tree, I shall watch her natural behavior while she is free from self-consciousness.
157. 10:51–10:55This baccala tree seems to be beckoning me with fingers.
158. 10:55–10:58It's creeper stirred by the wind.
159. 10:58–11:02As though urging me to hurry, I shall tend it.
160. 11:02–11:09Kishapa must surely be blind. To set her to such hard work in the Hermitage, the sage
161. 11:09–11:15who would make this innocent, lovely body endure the hardships of ascetic life might as well
162. 11:15–11:20attempt to cut hard firewood with. The edge of a blue lotus petal.
163. 11:20–11:28Dear Ansoya, the bark garment Priyam vada tides so tightly is pinching me. Please loosen
164. 11:28–11:33it. Blame your youth for that, it is making your breasts grow."
165. 11:33–11:40Granted, the bark cloth does not suit her budding youth. Yet it has not failed to increase her
166. 11:40–11:48beauty. How could it? A lotus tangled in water moss is still beautiful. The dark mark upon
167. 11:48–11:56the moon, though a blemish, only heightens its splendor. And this slender girl, even
168. 11:56–12:02dressed in bark. Is irresistibly lovely. What is there that cannot become an ornament to
169. 12:02–12:04a form so beautiful?
170. 12:04–12:10Dear Shakuntala, here in this natural abba is the motherly creeper that Father Kashyapur
171. 12:10–12:18has raised just as he raised you. Attend to it, or have you forgotten it? I shall forget
172. 12:18–12:26it only when I forget myself. Dear Shakuntala, stand beside the Bakula tree for one moment.
173. 12:26–12:31Why? When you stand beside it, it seems to me that a flowering vine is embracing the
174. 12:31–12:39Bakula tree. That is why you are called Priyam Vada, she who speaks sweetly.
175. 12:39–12:46Her friends' words are sweet and true. For Shakuntala's lower lip has the colour of
176. 12:46–12:54a tender leaf upon a young vine. Her arms imitate its supple branches and youth. Desirable
177. 12:54–13:02as a flower is poised to blossom over her body. Dear Shakuntala, here is the young Jasmine,
178. 13:02–13:08the bride of that mango tree. You named her Winatoshini, delight of the forest, when
179. 13:08–13:16she chose the mango as her husband. My friend, this pair, who drink water through their roots,
180. 13:16–13:22have been joined at a most auspicious time. She is youthful with new flowers. While the
181. 13:22–13:27mango tree, heavy with fruit, is ripe for enjoyment.
182. 13:27–13:33Dear Anselya, do you know why Shakuntala is gazing so lovingly at Veneto Shini?
183. 13:33–13:40No, I cannot guess. She is thinking, as the young jasmine has found a worthy tree in
184. 13:40–13:46Veneto Shini's mango. May I do find a worthy husband. That must be the wish in your
185. 13:46–13:48own heart.
186. 13:48–13:52Was she born into a family different from that of the father superior?
187. 13:52–13:57Or, she is surely fit to marry a kshatriya.
188. 13:57–13:59For my heart desires her.
189. 13:59–14:05In a matter of doubt, the instinct of a virtuous heart is accepted as proof.
190. 14:05–14:09Still, I must learn her true identity.
191. 14:09–14:15Oh, frightened by the water I splashed, a bee has left the jasmine and is attacking
192. 14:15–14:17my face.
193. 14:17–14:21O be! Again and again you brush her restless eyes,
194. 14:21–14:27making her tremble. You hover at her ear and hum so sweetly,
195. 14:27–14:33as though whispering some secret. And when she waves her hand to drive you away,
196. 14:33–14:36you drink the nectar of love from her lower lip.
197. 14:36–14:42I stand baffled by the ordinance of heaven, while you enjoy complete success.
198. 14:42–14:47Friends, protect me. This robber of flowers is tormenting me.
199. 14:47–14:49Who are we to protect you?
200. 14:49–14:54Call Dushinta. The sacred grove is under the king's protection.
201. 14:55–15:01This is the right moment to reveal myself. Do not be afraid. Do not be afraid.
202. 15:02–15:09But in that way, I shall declare myself to be the king. No. Let it be. I shall receive their
203. 15:09–15:16welcome as an ordinary guest. This insolent creature will not leave me alone. I shall go
204. 15:16–15:24somewhere else. Asterisk go! Why has it followed me even here? While a king of Puru's line,
205. 15:24–15:32the Chastiser of Evil rules the earth, who dares molest innocent maidens of a hermitage?
206. 15:32–15:39At the sight of the king, they are all momentarily alarmed. There is no cause for alarm. I
207. 15:39–15:43Our dear friend was frightened and distressed by a bee.
208. 15:43–15:48Noble lady, do your sacred duties proceed without disturbance?
209. 15:48–15:53Now that so distinguished a guest has arrived, they certainly do.
210. 15:53–16:00Welcome, sir. Dear Shakuntala, bring the offering of fruit from the leaf-patched cottage.
211. 16:00–16:04The water for washing our guest's feet is here.
212. 16:04–16:11Do not trouble yourselves. Your affectionate conversation has already completed every right of hospitality.
213. 16:11–16:21Then, sir, please sit upon this platform built around the Saptar Purnatri, cooled by its shade, and rest from your weariness.
214. 16:21–16:26You too must be tired from your sacred work. Sit for a while.
215. 16:26–16:33Dear Shakyuntala, it is our duty to attend upon a guest come, let us sit here.
216. 16:33–16:42What is happening to me? The moment I saw him, feelings arose in my heart that do not belong in this sacred grove.
217. 16:42–16:49Ah! Your friendship is charming indeed, for you are alike in age and equally beautiful.
218. 16:49–17:00Ansuya, who can this man be? So handsome and possessed of such grave dignity? He speaks with tender affection and shows us extraordinary respect.
219. 17:00–17:10I am curious too, my friend, I shall ask him, serve, the trust inspired by your gracious words gives me courage to speak.
220. 17:10–17:19What family do you add on? And what brings so cultivated a gentleman to undertake the hardship of visiting this sacred grove?
221. 17:19–17:26Be patient, my heart. Ansuya has asked the very question you longed to ask.
222. 17:26–17:36How shall I introduce myself? Or rather, how shall I conceal my true identity? Good! I shall tell them this.
223. 17:36–17:46Noble lady, I am a Brahmin learned in the Vedas, appointed by the poor Rava king to oversee the observance of sacred law.
224. 17:46–17:53I have come to this holy forest to learn whether anything is disturbing the rites of the ascetics.
225. 17:53–17:58Those who practice the sacred life have found a powerful protector.
226. 17:58–18:03Dear Shakuntala, if father were here today, what would happen then?
227. 18:03–18:09He would honor this guest by giving him the treasure dearer to him than life itself.
228. 18:09–18:17Oh, stop it! You invent fantasies in your own minds and then chatter nonsense. I will not listen.
229. 18:17–18:21I too should like to ask you both something about your friend.
230. 18:21–18:25Sir, your question is an honour to us.
231. 18:25–18:29Revered Kashyapa observes perpetual celibacy.
232. 18:29–18:32Yet your friend is called his daughter.
233. 18:32–18:34How is that possible?
234. 18:34–18:39Listen, sir, there is a great royal sage of the Koshika line.
235. 18:39–18:42His fame is known throughout the world.
236. 18:42–18:45Know him to be our friend's natural father.
237. 18:45–18:52Father Kashyapar is her foster father because he protected and raised her after she was abandoned.
238. 18:52–19:01The word, abandoned, has only increased my curiosity. I wish to hear the whole story from the beginning.
239. 19:01–19:09Long ago, while the royal sage Kaushika was engaged in severe austerities, the gods became greatly afraid.
240. 19:09–19:14They sent the celestial nymph Meenakar to break his penance.
241. 19:14–19:18The gods are indeed frightened by another's profound austerity.
242. 19:18–19:20What happened next?
243. 19:20–19:26Then, at the beginning of spring, he saw Meenaka's intoxicating beauty.
244. 19:26–19:29There is no need to say more.
245. 19:29–19:31The rest can be understood.
246. 19:31–19:34She is the daughter of an Apsara.
247. 19:34–19:36Yes. Exactly.
248. 19:36–19:39Then everything is as it should be.
249. 19:39–19:43How could beauty such as hers have been born in the mortal world?
250. 19:43–19:50Lightning, glittering with restless radiance, does not spring from the earth.
251. 19:50–19:52My desire lies within reach.
252. 19:52–19:57Yet even after hearing her friend just about wishing her a husband,
253. 19:57–20:00my timid heart still dares not believe it.
254. 20:00–20:05It seems, sir, that you wish to say something more.
255. 20:05–20:08You have understood me correctly.
256. 20:08–20:12From a desire to learn the customs of the virtuous,
257. 20:12–20:15I should like to ask one more question.
258. 20:15–20:21Then do not hesitate. You may regard the people of a hermitage as your own family.
259. 20:21–20:27Certainly. Noble lady. This is what I wish to know about your friend.
260. 20:27–20:31Will she keep the vow of an ascetic maiden until marriage?
261. 20:31–20:34Defeating every assault of the God of love?
262. 20:34–20:39Or will she remain here forever among her beloved does?
263. 20:39–20:41Whose eyes resemble her own?
264. 20:41–20:46Sir, even in matters of religion she is under another's authority.
265. 20:46–20:51Her guardian has already resolved to give her to a worthy husband.
266. 20:51–20:55Then the fulfilment of my desire will not be difficult.
267. 20:55–21:00Take heart, my heart, and fill yourself with hope.
268. 21:00–21:03The knot of doubt is loosened.
269. 21:03–21:08What you feared to be consuming fire is a precious jewel that may be touched.
270. 21:08–21:15Ansoya, I am going. What has happened? I shall go and tell Raviyad Gautami that Priyam Vada
271. 21:15–21:22is talking nonsense. My friend, it is not proper for one who lives in a hermitage to
272. 21:22–21:28rise and leave it will be forward-distinguished. Guest has been fully welcomed.
273. 21:28–21:35What? Is she leaving? Ah! The impulses of a lover's mind reveal themselves in the
274. 21:35–21:43movement of his body. For I was about to follow the sage's daughter, but propriety suddenly
275. 21:43–21:50arrested my step. I did not move from where I stood. Yet I feel as though I had gone after
276. 21:50–21:52her and returned.
277. 21:52–21:58You peevish girl, you must not leave like this. Why not? You owe me two rounds of watering
278. 21:58–22:03the trees. Pay your debt first, then you may go.
279. 22:03–22:08My lady, I can see that watering the trees has tired her.
280. 22:08–22:12For her, shoulders droop with weariness.
281. 22:12–22:16Her palms are deeply reddened from repeatedly tilting the pitcher.
282. 22:16–22:22Her breath is still quicker than usual, so that her breasts rise and tremble.
283. 22:22–22:30A fine net of perspiration lies upon her face, disturbing the Cheresha flower at her ear,
284. 22:30–22:33And as her loose and hair escapes, it's not.
285. 22:33–22:37She restrains its wildness with one hand.
286. 22:37–22:39Therefore I shall pay her debt.
287. 22:39–22:42Do not take me for someone I am not.
288. 22:42–22:44It is a gift from the king.
289. 22:44–22:48Then the royal signet must not be parted from you.
290. 22:48–22:51On your word, sir, I forgive her debt.
291. 22:51–22:56Dear Shakuntala, this gracious gentle man has set you free.
292. 22:56–22:59Or rather, his majesty has set you free.
293. 22:59–23:01Now you are in his debt.
294. 23:01–23:07If I have truly regained my freedom, I shall not forget that.
295. 23:07–23:09My friend, why are you not leaving now?
296. 23:09–23:12Who are you to order me now?
297. 23:12–23:14I shall go when I please."
298. 23:14–23:17Does she feel for me what I feel for her?
299. 23:17–23:18No.
300. 23:18–23:22My hope has now found an easy landing place.
301. 23:22–23:234.
302. 23:23–23:26She does not openly agree with what I say.
303. 23:26–23:28Yet whenever I speak,
304. 23:28–23:30She listens intently.
305. 23:30–23:38Granted, she does not turn her face towards me, but her eyes rarely rest anywhere else.
306. 23:38–23:40Hermits.
307. 23:40–23:41Take care.
308. 23:41–23:44Protect the creatures of the sacred grove.
309. 23:44–23:47The women and children are in danger.
310. 23:47–23:49The king is hunting nearby.
311. 23:49–23:55Dust raised by the hooves of his horses, glowing red as the flush of evening, falls
312. 23:55–24:02like a swarm of locusts upon the trees of the Hermitage, from whose branches wet bark garments
313. 24:02–24:11hang. Alas! disaster! at the sight of this solitary chariot! an elephant has taken fright.
314. 24:11–24:17One tusk is caught in a shattered tree stump, and the tangled coils of a great clinging
315. 24:17–24:23vine are wrapped around its body like chains, scattering the herds of deer. It is tearing
316. 24:23–24:29through the sacred grove, like the living embodiment of an obstacle to our penance.
317. 24:29–24:39Alas! What carelessness! My soldiers, searching for me, are causing havoc in the sacred grove.
318. 24:39–24:44In this way I have offended the hermits. I must go at once.
319. 24:44–24:50Sir, this uproar has frightened us. Permit us to return to the leaf-patched cottage.
320. 24:50–24:57Go, noble ladies, I shall make certain that no harm comes to the hermitage.
321. 24:57–25:03We are ashamed to ask that we meet again when we have not completed the rites of hospitality.
322. 25:03–25:07But by now we feel almost acquainted with you.
323. 25:07–25:10Please forgive our conduct generously.
324. 25:10–25:13Not at all. Not at all.
325. 25:13–25:17The very sight of you has given me a complete welcome.
326. 25:17–25:22Dear Shakuntala, come quickly. Raviyad Gopami will be worried.
327. 25:22–25:28Oh, a cramp has ceased my thigh. It is difficult to take a step.
328. 25:28–25:35Go carefully. Go slowly. I shall remove the cause of the disturbance in the Hermitage.
329. 25:35–25:44My eagerness to return to the city has faded. I shall rejoin my party and have them camp not far from the Sacred Grove.
330. 25:44–25:48I cannot tear my thoughts away from Shakuntala.
331. 25:48–25:54For, my body moves forward, but my heart is left behind.
332. 25:54–25:58Like the streaming cloth of a banner carried against the wind,
333. 25:58–26:01which cannot keep close to its staff.
334. 26:01–26:04Thus ends Act 1 of Shakuntala.
335. 26:04–26:07A play by the great poet Kalidasa.
336. 26:07–26:10The exhausted clown enters.
337. 26:10–26:15I can barely walk, I am sick to death of keeping company with a king mad for hunting.
338. 26:15–26:21A deer here, a boar there, quote, and off we run even at summer noon along forest tracks
339. 26:21–26:23where the shade is thin.
340. 26:23–26:26We drink lukewarm water from mountain streams.
341. 26:26–26:29Bitter and astringent with rotting leaves.
342. 26:29–26:33We eat meat roasted on spits at all the wrong hours.
343. 26:33–26:37Mostly birds, even at night I cannot stretch my body as I please.
344. 26:37–26:41Every joint has been shaken loose by the jolting carts.
345. 26:41–26:46At daybreak the deafening clamor of hunters setting out for the woods wakes me.
346. 26:46–26:47Sons of wretches.
347. 26:47–26:52And after all this, I am still alive, now there is a boil upon the wound.
348. 26:52–26:54And a blister upon the boil.
349. 26:54–27:01Yesterday I fell behind, his majesty followed some deer into a hermitage and, to my misfortune,
350. 27:01–27:04caught sight of an ascetic's daughter called Shokantala.
351. 27:04–27:07Now he will not even speak of returning to the city.
352. 27:07–27:10He spent the whole night thinking of her.
353. 27:10–27:11What am I to do?
354. 27:11–27:14He must have finished his daily bath and dressing somewhere.
355. 27:14–27:16I shall find him.
356. 27:16–27:21Here comes the king, wearing a garland of forest flowers and surrounded by armed Yavanna women
357. 27:21–27:22of the guard.
358. 27:22–27:24I shall face him.
359. 27:24–27:26No, this is far enough.
360. 27:26–27:27Every limb is bruised.
361. 27:27–27:32I shall stand here, at least I may get a little rest the king enters with the attendance
362. 27:32–27:33described.
363. 27:33–27:38Granted, my love will not be easily one.
364. 27:38–27:42Yet the knowledge of her feelings brings comfort to my heart.
365. 27:42–27:48Though love has not reached fulfillment, mutual affection is joy in itself.
366. 27:48–27:55A lover tormented by desire deceives himself by imagining the beloved's feelings according
367. 27:55–27:57to his own wishes.
368. 27:57–27:59How so?
369. 27:59–28:00That tender glance.
370. 28:00–28:08Though her eyes were turned away, that slow step, waited by her hips, as though she meant
371. 28:08–28:14to tease me, that angry rebuke to the friend who said, You may not go.
372. 28:14–28:17All of it was truly meant for me.
373. 28:17–28:21Ah, love interprets everything in its own favor.
374. 28:21–28:27Your Majesty, my hand will not rise, so I salute you only with words.
375. 28:27–28:28Victory to you.
376. 28:28–28:30Victory, my lord.
377. 28:30–28:34My friend, what has made your body so stiff?
378. 28:34–28:36What has made it stiff?
379. 28:36–28:41You poke a finger into my eye and then ask why the tears are falling.
380. 28:41–28:44My friend, I truly do not understand.
381. 28:44–28:49My lord, have you decided to abandon royal duty and the pleasures of a splendid life
382. 28:49–28:50to become a forest?
383. 28:50–28:57Ranger, to tell the truth, chasing wild beasts and birds every day has dislocated every
384. 28:57–28:58joint in my body.
385. 28:58–29:01I no longer have command of my own limbs.
386. 29:01–29:02Have mercy now.
387. 29:02–29:04Give me leave.
388. 29:04–29:06At least rest for one day."
389. 29:06–29:09My friend pleads so earnestly.
390. 29:09–29:16And my heart, absorbed in Canva's daughter, has itself turned away from the hunt.
391. 29:16–29:21For I can no longer bend this drawn bow and set an arrow against the thorns who live
392. 29:21–29:26beside my beloved, as though they had taught her their innocent gaze.
393. 29:26–29:30My lord, you are turning over some serious thought in your mind.
394. 29:30–29:34I have been calling out to you as though alone in the forest.
395. 29:34–29:41How could I do otherwise? I would never disregard a friend's words. We shall remain here.
396. 29:41–29:43May you live long.
397. 29:43–29:45Wait, there is something else.
398. 29:45–29:48Command me, your majesty.
399. 29:48–29:53After you have rested, you must help me with one more simple task.
400. 29:53–29:57Tasting sweet cakes and fried pastries?
401. 29:57–29:59I shall tell you what the task is.
402. 29:59–30:01Tell me slowly.
403. 30:01–30:03Who is in attendance?
404. 30:03–30:06Gatekeeper, my lord, your command.
405. 30:06–30:10Rava Tarka, summon the general at once.
406. 30:10–30:15As my lord commands, the general and gatekeeper enter.
407. 30:15–30:18Hunting may be called a vice.
408. 30:18–30:22Yet for my lord it has proved beneficial.
409. 30:22–30:284. The front of his body has been hardened by constant contact with the bowstring.
410. 30:28–30:32He does not perspire even beneath the sun's rays.
411. 30:32–30:38His body has grown lean, yet the strength of his muscles conceals it.
412. 30:38–30:46And, like an elephant roaming the mountains, he displays tremendous vitality.
413. 30:46–30:48My lord is over there.
414. 30:48–30:53Listening to our conversation and looking this way as he waits for you.
415. 30:53–30:54Go forward.
416. 30:54–30:55Sir.
417. 30:55–30:57Victory.
418. 30:57–30:59Victory to the commander.
419. 30:59–31:03The fierce animals of the forest have been surrounded
420. 31:03–31:06and the ground is ready for the hunt.
421. 31:06–31:08What are we waiting for now?
422. 31:08–31:13Madavia's condemnation of hunting has dampened my enthusiasm.
423. 31:13–31:15Madavia.
424. 31:15–31:20Stand firm in your opposition. I shall test my Lord's feelings.
425. 31:21–31:25Commander, this fall is talking nonsense.
426. 31:25–31:30His Majesty himself is living proof of the virtues of the hunt.
427. 31:30–31:34The waist grows slender and the firm body light
428. 31:34–31:37fit for fearless feats of courage.
429. 31:37–31:42One sees how wild creatures change under fear and rage
430. 31:42–31:48and what exhilaration an archer feels when his arrow strikes a moving mark.
431. 31:48–31:52To condemn hunting as a vice is sheer falsehood.
432. 31:52–31:55Where else can such sport be found?
433. 31:55–32:01His majesty's good sense has returned at last go on wandering from thicket to thicket until
434. 32:01–32:03like a jackal leading the pack.
435. 32:03–32:06You fall into the jaws of some old bear.
436. 32:06–32:09General, we are nearer hermitage.
437. 32:09–32:12Your words do not please me.
438. 32:12–32:19Today, let the buffaloes plunge into pools whose water they have churned again and again with their horns.
439. 32:19–32:23Let the herds of deer gather in the shade and chew the could.
440. 32:23–32:28Let the leading boars root up sedge undisturbed beside the ponds.
441. 32:28–32:32And let this bow of mine rest with its string slack.
442. 32:32–32:37As the mighty king wishes, then call back the forest guards.
443. 32:37–32:41Order the soldiers to keep far from the sacred grove.
444. 32:41–32:53Remember, within ascetics, ordinarily so calm, a blazing power lies concealed, like the Sunstone, pleasant to the touch.
445. 32:53–32:57It releases fire when struck by hostile heat.
446. 32:57–32:59As your majesty commands,
447. 32:59–33:04Off with you now, son of a slave girl. The general exits.
448. 33:04–33:06Take off your hunting dress.
449. 33:06–33:11Rave ataka, you too must not leave your post unattended.
450. 33:11–33:13As your majesty commands.
451. 33:13–33:17We have driven away the parasites without even burning incense.
452. 33:17–33:20Now sit comfortably upon this canopied seat,
453. 33:20–33:23enclosed by the shade of the residence tree,
454. 33:23–33:25so that I too may rest.
455. 33:25–33:27Lead the way. They sit.
456. 33:27–33:32My friend Madhavia, your eyes have not received their reward.
457. 33:32–33:36Because you have not seen what is truly worth seeing.
458. 33:36–33:38Are you not standing right before me?
459. 33:38–33:42Every man imagines himself handsome.
460. 33:42–33:46I am speaking of Shakuntala, the ornament of the Hermitage.
461. 33:46–33:49Ah, I must give him no opening.
462. 33:49–33:53If she is truly an ascetic's daughter and therefore not free to marry,
463. 33:53–33:55what is the use of seeing her?
464. 33:55–34:00Fool! Could Dushyanta's heart desire what is forbidden?
465. 34:00–34:01Then what is the truth?
466. 34:01–34:06It is said that this daughter of the sage was born of a celestial nymph,
467. 34:06–34:10then adopted after her mother abandoned her.
468. 34:10–34:16Like a jasmine blossom fallen upon a milkweed bush after being torn from its branch.
469. 34:16–34:20Even if she is not the natural daughter of the great sage Kashiapa,
470. 34:20–34:22what good does seeing her do you?
471. 34:22–34:25Crown jewel of fools.
472. 34:25–34:31How long the whole world lifts rows of unblinking eyes and gazes wistfully for the first crescent
473. 34:31–34:37of the moon? And how could she be wholly beyond the reach of a man like me?
474. 34:37–34:44When she is like a glowing fragment of fragrant aloe would fall in among ordinary sticks of fuel.
475. 34:44–34:49Ha! Just as a man tired of eating sweet dates begins to crave sour tamarind.
476. 34:49–34:54So you have turned from the finest women and developed this longing.
477. 34:54–34:57You speak so only because you have not seen her.
478. 34:57–35:02Anyone who can astonish even you must indeed be surpassingly beautiful.
479. 35:02–35:05My friend, what more can I say?
480. 35:05–35:08Was her likeness painted first?
481. 35:08–35:11And life then breathed into it?
482. 35:11–35:15Or was she imagined by gathering every lovely form into one?
483. 35:15–35:18When I consider the creator's power,
484. 35:18–35:23her body seems to me a second creation of Lakshmi herself.
485. 35:23–35:25The jewel among women.
486. 35:25–35:28Then every other beauty has been stripped of her title.
487. 35:28–35:31And this thought has lodged in my heart
488. 35:31–35:34a flower whose fragrance no one has breathed,
489. 35:34–35:38a tender leaf no fingernail has bruised,
490. 35:38–35:41a jewel never set in an ornament.
491. 35:41–35:44New wine that no one has yet tasted,
492. 35:44–35:49who upon earth shall be the fortunate enjoyer of this flawless beauty.
493. 35:49–35:52Like the perfect fruit of accumulated merit,
494. 35:52–35:59merit? I do not know." Then marry her at once. Before she falls into the hands of some rustic
495. 35:59–36:03hermit whose head is greasy with ingoody oil.
496. 36:03–36:07She is under another's authority, and her guardian is absent.
497. 36:07–36:10Very well. What feeling does she have for you?
498. 36:10–36:17My friend. A hermit's daughter is naturally modest yet. When I stood before her, she
499. 36:17–36:20She turned away her eyes.
500. 36:20–36:23She made her smile appear to have another cause.
501. 36:23–36:31Thus her love, restrained by modesty, was neither fully revealed nor wholly concealed.
502. 36:31–36:32What did you expect?
503. 36:32–36:36That the instant she saw you she would leap into your arms?
504. 36:36–36:44My friend, when she left with her two companions, modus though she was, she let me understand
505. 36:44–36:46something of her feelings.
506. 36:46–36:53Four. After taking only a few steps, the slender girl suddenly stopped and said,
507. 36:53–37:00A blade of coosegras has pricked my foot. Then, while freeing her bark garment from a branch
508. 37:00–37:06in which it was not truly caught, she turned her face back towards me.
509. 37:06–37:11Excellent! You have been well provisioned for the journey. I suspect there will be many more
510. 37:11–37:18expeditions to the Hermitage. My friend, think of some pretext for returning to the Hermitage grounds.
511. 37:18–37:23I am thinking, do not interrupt my thoughts with your lovesick whining.
512. 37:23–37:26Ah, what other pretext do you need? Are you not the king?
513. 37:27–37:31And therefore, a king may demand one-sixth of the produce.
514. 37:32–37:36Fool! These ascetics give their protector another kind of tribute.
515. 37:36–37:45more precious than heaps of jewels. See, the taxes a king receives from the social orders are perishable,
516. 37:45–37:51but forest-dwelling ascetics offer him an imperishable sixth share of the merit of their
517. 37:51–38:02austerities. Good, we have found him. Ah, such steady, tranquil voices. They must be hermits.
518. 38:02–38:09Victory! Victory! My Lord! Two young hermits are waiting at the entrance.
519. 38:09–38:15Bring them in without delay. At once, two hermits enter with the gatekeeper.
520. 38:15–38:20This way! This way! Revere'd, sirs! Ah!
521. 38:20–38:26Despite his royal splendor, how greatly his appearance inspires trust,
522. 38:26–38:30trust, but that is natural in a king who is like a sage.
523. 38:30–38:314.
524. 38:31–38:36He too now follows a way of life that benefits the whole world.
525. 38:36–38:43By protecting his subjects, he gathers day by day the merit of austerity, and the sacred
526. 38:43–38:49title, sage, earned by his self-command, is carried to heaven in the songs of paired
527. 38:49–38:51bards.
528. 38:51–38:54Only the word, royal, stands before it.
529. 38:54–39:03Gautama. This is Dushyanta, the friend of Indra. No wonder, then. Indeed. What wonder that
530. 39:03–39:10he alone enjoys the whole earth? Girdled by the dark ocean. When his arm is long as the
531. 39:10–39:17bar of a city gate. For victory in the gods, fierce battles with the demons depends upon
532. 39:17–39:21his strung bow and Indra's thunderbolt.
533. 39:21–39:28to your majesty. I salute you both. What is your command? The inhabitants of the Hermitage
534. 39:28–39:35have learned that your majesty is here. They therefore have a request to make. What do
535. 39:35–39:42they command? The revered sage Kashyapa is absent. And demons are tormenting us. We beg
536. 39:42–39:48your majesty to remain with your charioteer for several nights and protect the Hermitage.
537. 39:48–39:50You honor me.
538. 39:50–39:53The hand of welcome is closing around your throat now.
539. 39:53–39:57Rai Vataka, command the charioteer in my name.
540. 39:57–40:01Bring the chariot with my bow and arrows.
541. 40:01–40:07As my lord commands, this befits one who follows the path of his forefathers.
542. 40:07–40:12The descendants of Puru were indeed consecrated to the sacrifice of calming the fears
543. 40:12–40:16of those in distress.
544. 40:16–40:21Revid says, go on ahead. I shall follow immediately.
545. 40:21–40:27Victory to you. Madavia, are you curious to see Shakhantala?
546. 40:27–40:34At first my curiosity knew no bounds. But after hearing about the demons, I understand its true value.
547. 40:34–40:37Curiosity has given way to doubt.
548. 40:37–40:41Do not be afraid. You will remain close beside me.
549. 40:41–40:47I shall be the guardian of the chariot wheel, that is, a target standing upright, ready to die.
550. 40:47–40:48Asterisk.
551. 40:48–40:54My lord. The chariot stands ready for your majesty's victorious departure.
552. 40:54–41:01But Karabaka, an attendant of the Queen Mother, has arrived from the city.
553. 41:01–41:05What? My mother has sent him. Asterisk.
554. 41:05–41:07What are your orders?
555. 41:07–41:11Bring him in. As your Majesty commands,
556. 41:11–41:16K-A-R-A-B-H-A-K-A enters with the gatekeeper.
557. 41:16–41:19Victory! Victory to your Majesty!
558. 41:19–41:22The Queen Mother sends this message.
559. 41:22–41:25On the coming fourth day of the bright fortnight,
560. 41:25–41:31the Pumsavana rite, asterisk which ensures the birth of a son,
561. 41:31–41:37will be performed. Your Majesty's presence on that occasion is essential.
562. 41:37–41:49Madhavia. 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?
563. 41:49–41:53Hang suspended between them like Trishanku.
564. 41:53–42:03I am truly caught in a dilemma. The two duties must be performed in different places. Therefore my mind is divided in two.
565. 42:03–42:08Like a river current split into two branches when a rock lies in its path.
566. 42:08–42:12My friend Madhavya, my mother loves you like a son.
567. 42:12–42:17Please return from here and perform a son's duty in my place.
568. 42:17–42:21Tell her that the business of the Hermits has detained me here.
569. 42:21–42:25Ah, I understand. You think I am afraid of these demons.
570. 42:25–42:30Great Brahmin! No one could even imagine such a thing of you.
571. 42:30–42:35Then, since the king's affection requires me to go, I shall go.
572. 42:35–42:42I shall send the entire army with you, so that it causes no disturbance in the sacred grove.
573. 42:42–42:44Now I am the crown prince.
574. 42:44–42:47He is terribly talkative.
575. 42:47–42:53Before the queens in the inner apartments, he may reveal the secret of my love.
576. 42:53–42:54Good.
577. 42:54–42:56I shall tell him this.
578. 42:56–42:57My friend.
579. 42:57–43:02I am going to the Hermitage out of respect for the sages.
580. 43:02–43:06There is nothing serious in my affection for the Hermits daughter.
581. 43:06–43:07Look!
582. 43:07–43:10On one side stand men like us.
583. 43:10–43:11On the other.
584. 43:11–43:12That girl!
585. 43:12–43:16Reared among fawns and holy innocent of love.
586. 43:16–43:18My friend!
587. 43:18–43:22Do not mistake a jesting invention for a declaration of truth.
588. 43:22–43:24Yes, yes, certainly!
589. 43:24–43:25I'll exit.
590. 43:25–43:30of act 2 of Shakhintala, a play by the great poet Kalidasa.
591. 43:30–43:34A disciple of the sacrificial priest enters.
592. 43:34–43:35Ah!
593. 43:35–43:38How great is Dushyanta's power!
594. 43:38–43:44The moment his majesty entered the hermitage grounds with his charioteer, the demon's disturbance
595. 43:44–43:46is ceased.
596. 43:46–43:49And our rites are proceeding without obstruction.
597. 43:49–43:53What need has he even to set an arrow to the bow?
598. 43:53–43:59afar. With the twang of the bowstring. As though the bow itself were roaring a threat.
599. 43:59–44:05He drives the troublemakers away. I shall take this coosa grass to the priests, so that
600. 44:05–44:12they may spread it upon the altar. Priyam Vada. For whom are you carrying that paste of fragrant
601. 44:12–44:18Eusera and those lotus leaves bound with fibers? What did you say? Shakhantala has
602. 44:18–44:25has been made gravely ill by the burning heat. And these are to cool her fever. Ah! Tend
603. 44:25–44:32your friend with great care. She is the very life of our venerable master. I too shall immediately
604. 44:32–44:36send consecrated cooling water through Gautami.
605. 44:36–44:41End of the introductory scene. The Love-Sick King enters.
606. 44:41–44:47I know the power of austerity. And I know that the maiden is under another's authority.
607. 44:47–44:51Yet, I cannot turn my heart away from her.
608. 44:51–44:56God of love, though you know all this, you show me no mercy.
609. 44:56–45:00How can you be so cruel when flowers are your weapons?
610. 45:00–45:01Yes.
611. 45:01–45:03Now I understand.
612. 45:03–45:10The fire of Shiva's anger must still be smoldering within you, like the submarine fire beneath
613. 45:10–45:11the ocean.
614. 45:11–45:15Otherwise, oh, tormenter of hearts.
615. 45:15–45:17How could you?
616. 45:17–45:25to ashes yourself. Rage so fiercely against men like me. Flower-armed God, why do you
617. 45:25–45:33and the moon, both of whom should inspire trust? Attack the caravan of lovers. Your arrows
618. 45:33–45:40are flowers, and the moon's rays are cool. Yet till lovers like me both claims are plainly
619. 45:40–45:47false. The moon pours fire from his frost-like beams, and you make your flower arrows hard
620. 45:47–45:54as thunderbolts. The priest's rites are complete. Now that I have a little leisure, where shall
621. 45:54–46:01I give my weary mind rest? What refuge have I but the sight of my beloved? I must seek
622. 46:01–46:08her. In this fierce noonday heat, she and her friends usually remain on that bank of
623. 46:08–46:16the Malini. Enclosed by a bower of vines, I shall go there. Ah! How delightful this place
624. 46:16–46:25is in the cooling wind! With limbs made languid by desire, I could almost embrace this breeze.
625. 46:25–46:31Fragrant with lotus and carrying spray from the waves of the Malini, Shakhantala must
626. 46:31–46:34be in this reed encircled bower.
627. 46:34–46:354.
628. 46:35–46:41On the white sand at its entrance runs a line of fresh footprints, lightly marked at the
629. 46:41–46:46toes, but deeply pressed behind by the weight of her hips.
630. 46:46–46:49I shall peep through the branches.
631. 46:49–46:50Ah!
632. 46:50–46:53My eyes have received their arms.
633. 46:53–46:54My beloved!
634. 46:54–47:00The foundation of my love lies with her two friends upon a stone slab strewn with
635. 47:00–47:08flowers. Good. Hidden behind the vines. I shall listen to their private conversation.
636. 47:08–47:15S-H-A-K-U-N-T-A-L-A enters with her two friends, in the condition described.
637. 47:15–47:22Dear Shakuntala, does the breeze from these lotus leaves bring you any relief? What?
638. 47:22–47:27Are my friends fanning me? The two friends look sorrowfully at one another.
639. 47:27–47:36The lady is very ill. Are these the symptoms of sunstroke? Or was my suspicion right? No more doubt.
640. 47:36–47:44Her breasts are anointed with cooling Eucera paste. A single bracelet of lotus fiber hangs loose upon
641. 47:44–47:51her wrist, even in suffering. My beloved's appearance is lovely. Though the fever born of love and
642. 47:51–47:57the fever of summer may look alike. Summer could never fashion such beautiful distress
643. 47:57–47:59upon a young woman's body.
644. 47:59–48:06Dear Shakuntala, we may be inexperienced in the ways of love, yet your condition resembles
645. 48:06–48:12that of lovers described in old tales. Please tell us the cause of your illness. No cure
646. 48:12–48:17can be found until the root of a disease is known with certainty.
647. 48:17–48:20Anasuya shares my suspicion.
648. 48:20–48:22My longing has grown too powerful.
649. 48:23–48:25I cannot easily restrain it now.
650. 48:26–48:29Dear Shakuntala, Anasuya is right.
651. 48:29–48:31Why hide your suffering from us?
652. 48:31–48:34Your body grows thinner day by day.
653. 48:34–48:37Only the radiance of your beauty remains.
654. 48:37–48:40Priyamvada speaks the truth.
655. 48:40–48:434. Her cheeks have grown hollow.
656. 48:43–48:46The firmness of her breasts has softened.
657. 48:46–48:54Her waist has become slender, her shoulders droop, and the color has faded from her body.
658. 48:54–49:03Afflicted by love, she is both pitiable and beautiful, like a Madhavi vine touched by a wind that withers its leaves.
659. 49:03–49:07To whom can I tell this, if not to you two?
660. 49:07–49:11Yet by speaking I shall now cause you pain as well.
661. 49:11–49:16That is precisely why we insist sorrow becomes bearable when it is shared.
662. 49:17–49:21When a friend who shares both joy and grief asks her,
663. 49:21–49:26this maiden cannot leave the cause of her secret suffering untold.
664. 49:26–49:30Again and again she turned and cast meaningful glances at me.
665. 49:30–49:34Yet now my heart trembles as I wait to hear her answer.
666. 49:34–49:37Ever since that royal sage,
667. 49:37–49:41The protector of the Sacred Grove came within my sight.
668. 49:41–49:46I have fallen in love with him and this has become my condition.
669. 49:46–49:49I have heard what I longed to hear.
670. 49:49–49:52Love itself is the source of her fever
671. 49:52–49:55and love has come to soothe it for me
672. 49:55–50:00like a clouded day at summer's end that cools the heat of the world.
673. 50:00–50:02Now, if you think it right,
674. 50:02–50:07Tell me what I must do so that the royal sage will take pity on me.
675. 50:07–50:12Otherwise, offer water for my funeral rites at once.
676. 50:12–50:18These words, which have cut through my doubt, are the fruit of love.
677. 50:18–50:21The fruit of my effort is yet to come.
678. 50:21–50:25Her illness of love has grown severe. It will bear no delay.
679. 50:25–50:30The man upon whom she has set her heart is no ordinary man.
680. 50:30–50:36But a descendant of Puru, we must quickly find a way to win his love for her.
681. 50:36–50:43You are right, my friend, by good fortune your desire has settled upon one who is worthy.
682. 50:43–50:47Where else should a mighty river flow but to the sea?
683. 50:47–50:53Who would not wish to see the mango tree blossom beside the Atamukta vine?
684. 50:53–50:58What wonder if the two bright stars of Vishaka follow the crescent moon?
685. 50:58–51:00I am indebted to you both.
686. 51:00–51:05By what means can our friends desire be fulfilled secretly and without delay?
687. 51:05–51:12Secretly, will require some ingenuity, without delay, will not be difficult.
688. 51:12–51:13How so?
689. 51:13–51:19The royal sage, whose tender glances revealed his desire for her, has also been passing these
690. 51:19–51:23days without sleep in growing thin.
691. 51:23–51:24That is true.
692. 51:24–51:26I am indeed just so.
693. 51:26–51:33Four. Night after night. Tears flowing from the corners of my eyes. Heated by the fever
694. 51:33–51:40within. Fall upon my arm and dull the stones of this golden bracelet. Without touching
695. 51:40–51:47the scar left by the bowstring. It slips again and again from my wrist. And again and again,
696. 51:47–51:50I must push it back into place.
697. 51:50–51:56Anzuya, we must write a love letter now. We shall hide it among flowers, saying they are
698. 51:56–52:04remnants of worship, and place it in the king's hand. I like this subtle plan. What does Shakuntala
699. 52:04–52:12think? Does one question a command? Then compose a lovely verse that begins by speaking of yourself.
700. 52:12–52:18I am thinking, but my heart trembles with fear that I shall be rejected.
701. 52:18–52:24Timid girl. The man whose rejection you fear stands here yearning for your love. A petitioner
702. 52:24–52:32may or may not win good fortune. But when good fortune itself desires something, how can it
703. 52:32–52:38be difficult for her to obtain it? You who undervalue your own worth. Who would try to
704. 52:38–52:44ward off water moonlight with a parasol? I shall do as you say.
705. 52:44–52:48No wonder my unblinking eyes gaze fixedly upon my beloved.
706. 52:48–52:494.
707. 52:49–52:57As she composes her verse, one eyebrow rises, and the thrill upon her cheek reveals her
708. 52:57–52:58love for me.
709. 52:58–53:04My friends, the verse has come to me, but I have nothing with which to write it.
710. 53:04–53:09Can you not scratch the letters with your fingernail upon this tender lotus leaf?
711. 53:09–53:12Green is a parrot's breast.
712. 53:12–53:18Then we shall judge your worth. Then listen and tell me whether the meaning is right.
713. 53:18–53:19We are ready.
714. 53:19–53:26O hard-hearted one, I do not know what lies within your mind, but because I yearn for you. The
715. 53:26–53:31God of love burns my limbs in anguish day and night.
716. 53:31–53:39Slender girl, the God of love may continually torment you, but he is reducing me to ashes.
717. 53:39–53:44The day does not work such havoc on a pool of night lotuses as the moon does.
718. 53:44–53:49We welcome this wish, fulfilled without delay merely by being conceived.
719. 53:49–53:56Heart, if you go on pounding like this, nothing will be accomplished.
720. 53:56–53:58Do not trouble yourself.
721. 53:58–54:00Clinging to a bed of flowers.
722. 54:00–54:04Wearing a garland of lotus fibers already fading.
723. 54:04–54:09Your limbs afflicted by fierce fever need not observe ceremony.
724. 54:09–54:12Let our friend grace this side of the stone seat.
725. 54:12–54:19Priyam Vada, I hope your friend is not suffering too severely from this bodily fever.
726. 54:19–54:24Now that the remedy has been found, the fever will subside in Dukos.
727. 54:24–54:27What do you mean by, in Dukos?
728. 54:27–54:34Look, just as life suddenly returns to a peeing at the sound of thunder, our friend is gazing
729. 54:34–54:36at him without blinking.
730. 54:36–54:37Gracious sir.
731. 54:37–54:45Your mutual love is plain yet out of affection for my friend. I wish to speak openly as well
732. 54:45–54:50Speak one regrets leaving the heart's thought unspoken
733. 54:50–54:55Then me your majesty listen carefully. I am listening
734. 54:55–54:59Because of you the god of love has brought our friend to this condition
735. 55:00–55:04Therefore peace preserve her life. It would be an honor
736. 55:04–55:08My friend, stop troubling the royal sage.
737. 55:08–55:13Who must be eager to return to the pleasures of his inner palace?
738. 55:13–55:18Beautiful One. You? Whose eyes intoxicate like wine?
739. 55:18–55:22Who have taken refuge within my heart?
740. 55:22–55:26If you believe that this heart, devoted to you alone,
741. 55:26–55:30belongs to some other beauty, then you wound me again.
742. 55:30–55:35again. Though the arrows of love have wounded me already.
743. 55:35–55:41My friend, we hear that kings have many wives. Act so that our friend does not become an
744. 55:41–55:45object of pity to her family.
745. 55:45–55:52Beautiful one. Though I may marry many women, only two shall be the foundations of my line.
746. 55:52–55:58The royal fortune embodied in my lawful queen. And this friend of yours.
747. 55:58–56:00We are fulfilled.
748. 56:00–56:05My friends, ask the protector of the world to forgive whatever bounds of propriety you
749. 56:05–56:09crossed in this private conversation.
750. 56:09–56:14One asks forgiveness of the person before whom the words were spoken.
751. 56:14–56:16Who else could be offended?
752. 56:16–56:20Would do people not say behind one's back?
753. 56:20–56:26Lovely thide girl, make a little room for me as a friend upon this bed of flowers.
754. 56:26–56:28I am not afraid to be afraid of you.
755. 56:28–56:30I am afraid of you.
756. 56:30–56:32I am afraid of you.
757. 56:32–56:34I am afraid of you.
758. 56:34–56:36I am afraid of you.
759. 56:36–56:38I am afraid of you.
760. 56:38–56:40I am afraid of you.
761. 56:40–56:42I am afraid of you.
762. 56:42–56:44I am afraid of you.
763. 56:44–56:46I am afraid of you.
764. 56:46–56:48I am afraid of you.
765. 56:48–56:50I am afraid of you.
766. 56:50–56:52I am afraid of you.
767. 56:52–56:54I am afraid of you.
768. 56:54–56:58You, my friends, only one of you should go.
769. 56:58–57:01Otherwise I shall be left helpless.
770. 57:01–57:03The refuge of the whole world is with you.
771. 57:03–57:04What?
772. 57:04–57:07Have they truly both gone?
773. 57:07–57:09Do not be alarmed.
774. 57:09–57:10Have I?
775. 57:10–57:12Who longs for your favour?
776. 57:12–57:15Not taken the place of your friends?
777. 57:15–57:20Shall I fan you with a cool lotus leaf and ease your weariness with its moist breeze?
778. 57:20–57:23Or lovely thide girl?
779. 57:23–57:29While I place your lotus red feet in my lap and soothe them with gentle pressure, I must
780. 57:29–57:35not allow myself to show disrespect to one whom I ought to honor.
781. 57:35–57:36Beautiful one.
782. 57:36–57:39The day is not yet over.
783. 57:39–57:41Consider your condition as well.
784. 57:41–57:45Leaving the flower bed in this secluded bower.
785. 57:45–57:49Your breast covered only by the armor of a plantain leaf.
786. 57:49–57:52With limbs so tender and pale.
787. 57:52–57:55How can you venture into the heat outside?
788. 57:55–57:57My friends are my only refuge.
789. 57:57–58:01To whom else can I go for protection?
790. 58:01–58:02Now I am ashamed.
791. 58:02–58:04I do not blame the king.
792. 58:04–58:07Asterisk I blame my fate.
793. 58:07–58:11Why blame a fate that favours you so greatly?
794. 58:11–58:17Why should I not blame the fate that, though I am not mistress of myself, shows me another's
795. 58:17–58:20virtues only to mock me?
796. 58:20–58:26Though maidens feel deep desire within, they frustrate a lover's efforts.
797. 58:26–58:32Though they long for the joy of union, they fear to surrender their bodies.
798. 58:32–58:38Once love has gained a footing, the pain is not so great as the pain they cause love
799. 58:38–58:40by wasting time.
800. 58:40–58:44S-H-A-K-U-N-T-A-L-A prepares to leave.
801. 58:44–58:46Why should I not fulfill my desire?
802. 58:46–58:49Son of Puru, release me.
803. 58:49–58:52Lady, I shall release you.
804. 58:52–58:53When?
805. 58:53–58:57After I have enjoyed the happiness of love with you.
806. 58:57–59:00A daughter overcome by love is not her own mistress.
807. 59:00–59:05Besides, my friend's consent must also be obtained.
808. 59:05–59:07Then I release you.
809. 59:07–59:10Son of Puru, observe propriety.
810. 59:10–59:13Sages and hermits pass this way.
811. 59:13–59:17What? Have we come into the open?
812. 59:17–59:24Son of Puru, although I have not fulfilled your desire and have given you only the pleasure of seeing me,
813. 59:24–59:26do not forget me.
814. 59:26–59:35Beautiful one, though you walk far away, you do not leave my heart, just as, at the close of day,
815. 59:35–59:39a tree's shadow does not abandon its root in the east.
816. 59:39–59:46Ah! My feet have no strength to carry me, Father. Hidden from Him behind this Kurabaka bush,
817. 59:46–59:52I shall watch the bower from the rear and see what becomes of His love.
818. 59:52–59:56Beloved, though your love is my only happiness,
819. 59:56–59:59you have left me and gone away in indifference.
820. 59:59–1:00:05Can the heart within your body so tender that it cannot endure rough enjoyment?
821. 1:00:05–1:00:09Be hard as the seed pod of a Cherisha flower.
822. 1:00:09–1:00:10Asterisk.
823. 1:00:10–1:00:14Hearing this, I have no strength left to go.
824. 1:00:14–1:00:18What use is this deserted place without my beloved?
825. 1:00:18–1:00:20I shall leave.
826. 1:00:20–1:00:23Ah! My departure is checked.
827. 1:00:23–1:00:27Here before me lies this bracelet of lotus fiber,
828. 1:00:27–1:00:29fragrant with Eucera,
829. 1:00:29–1:00:31fallen from her wrist,
830. 1:00:31–1:00:34like a chain that binds my heart.
831. 1:00:34–1:00:42Ah, because I have grown thin, my fibre bracelet loosened and fell, and I did not even notice.
832. 1:00:42–1:00:54Ah, how cool its touch is! Beloved, this unfortunate man has found consolation in the little ornament that slipped from your sacred arm
833. 1:00:54–1:01:00and remained here. Though it is lifeless, and you yourself gave me none.
834. 1:01:00–1:01:07I cannot restrain myself any longer. Let me see. I shall use this as a pretext to approach him."
835. 1:01:08–1:01:16Ah! The mistress of my life has returned. Hearing my lament, Fate has shown me mercy.
836. 1:01:16–1:01:24At the prayer of one who rarely begs, his throat parts dry. A newly formed cloud has burst in
837. 1:01:24–1:01:26rain upon his face.
838. 1:01:26–1:01:33Quickly, after I had gone halfway, I remembered that this fiber bracelet had fallen from my
839. 1:01:33–1:01:40hand. So I returned. My heart seemed to tell me that you had picked it up. Give it back,
840. 1:01:40–1:01:48therefore, so that our secret is not revealed before the hermits. Yours and mine are like.
841. 1:01:48–1:01:52I shall return it on one condition, and not otherwise.
842. 1:01:52–1:01:53What condition?
843. 1:01:53–1:01:56I myself must fasten it in its place.
844. 1:01:56–1:01:59How can I escape from this now?
845. 1:01:59–1:02:01Let us go to the stone seat.
846. 1:02:01–1:02:04Is this the shoot of the Tree of Love?
847. 1:02:04–1:02:09Burnt by the fire of Shiva's anger and suddenly revived by a shower of nectar?
848. 1:02:09–1:02:12Quickly, my lord.
849. 1:02:12–1:02:16Now, from this form of a dress used for a husband,
850. 1:02:16–1:02:18I am reassured.
851. 1:02:18–1:02:20Beautiful one.
852. 1:02:20–1:02:25The knot of this lotus fiber bracelet is not very secure.
853. 1:02:25–1:02:29If you wish, I shall fasten it another way.
854. 1:02:29–1:02:34You understand the art of delay very well. As you please.
855. 1:02:34–1:02:38Beautiful one. Look at it. Your lovely arm.
856. 1:02:38–1:02:42Like a dark vine. Seems adorned with the new moon.
857. 1:02:42–1:02:47That crescent. Taking the form of this fiber bracelet
858. 1:02:47–1:02:53has left the sky for the greater beauty of your hand and come here with its two tips joined.
859. 1:02:53–1:02:58I cannot see it clearly. Fallen from the lotus at my ear.
860. 1:02:58–1:03:02Stirred by the wind has fallen into my eye.
861. 1:03:02–1:03:05With your permission, I shall blow it away.
862. 1:03:05–1:03:10Then I shall be helpless. And I do not trust you.
863. 1:03:10–1:03:16Do not say that. A new servant does not overstep the limits of the one he serves.
864. 1:03:16–1:03:21It is your excessive devotion to service that makes me distrust you.
865. 1:03:22–1:03:26I shall not let such a beautiful opportunity for service escape.
866. 1:03:26–1:03:29Ah! Your eyes are full of tears.
867. 1:03:29–1:03:32Do not fear improper conduct from me.
868. 1:03:32–1:03:34Raise your face.
869. 1:03:34–1:03:36My beloved's lower lip.
870. 1:03:36–1:03:39Tender because no teeth have ever bitten it.
871. 1:03:40–1:03:43Seems, with its enticing tremor,
872. 1:03:43–1:03:44to invite me.
873. 1:03:44–1:03:46Thirsty for its sweetness.
874. 1:03:46–1:03:50My lord seems reluctant to fulfill his promise.
875. 1:03:50–1:03:57Beautiful one. The lotus at your ear is so close to your eye that their likeness confused me.
876. 1:03:57–1:04:09Enough. 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?
877. 1:04:09–1:04:17What more could I desire? Maiden! Even to breed the fragrance of your scented mouth is a favor.
878. 1:04:17–1:04:22Yet a bee is not satisfied merely with the fragrance of a lotus.
879. 1:04:22–1:04:26If it is not satisfied, what will it do?
880. 1:04:26–1:04:29This. Lady Gautami.
881. 1:04:29–1:04:36Son of Puru, my father's religious sister is coming to see how I am. Hide among the bushes.
882. 1:04:36–1:04:41G-A-U-T-A-M-I enters carrying a vessel.
883. 1:04:41–1:04:46You shameless girl! Are you lying here with only the Lord as your companion?
884. 1:04:46–1:04:52Priyambhadharan and Ansoya have only just gone down towards the Malini River.
885. 1:04:52–1:04:58Child, be well and live long. Has the fever in your limbs lessened at all?
886. 1:04:58–1:05:00I feel better now.
887. 1:05:00–1:05:06Child, the day is ending. Come, let us return to the cottage.
888. 1:05:06–1:05:25Heart, when you found the man, rare is the fulfillment 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.
889. 1:05:25–1:05:32Ah, the fulfillment of desire is surrounded by difficulties.
890. 1:05:32–1:05:41For the long-lashed maiden's face, her lower lip repeatedly covered by her fingers, stammering
891. 1:05:41–1:05:46syllables of refusal, was turned towards her shoulder.
892. 1:05:46–1:05:50Somehow I raised it, but did not kiss it.
893. 1:05:50–1:05:51Where shall I go now?
894. 1:05:51–1:05:52No.
895. 1:05:52–1:05:54I should remain here.
896. 1:05:54–1:05:59In this abandoned vine-bower that my beloved has enjoyed.
897. 1:05:59–1:06:03Upon this stone lies the flower bed disordered by her body.
898. 1:06:03–1:06:08On this lovely lotus leaf is the love letter scratched by her nail.
899. 1:06:08–1:06:13Here is the lotus-fiber ornament that fell from her hand.
900. 1:06:13–1:06:17As I gaze on all these, my sight grows dim.
901. 1:06:17–1:06:22And though this reed-bower is empty, I cannot tear myself away.
902. 1:06:22–1:06:28Alas! I did wrong to delay when I had the opportunity with my beloved.
903. 1:06:28–1:06:35Now, if the lovely-faced girl comes again to some secret meeting, I shall waste no time.
904. 1:06:35–1:06:44A prize is not won through gracious concessions. My foolish heart, thwarted by complicated obstacles,
905. 1:06:44–1:06:52Make such plans. Yet when it reaches my beloved's presence, it becomes hesitant in a hundred ways.
906. 1:06:53–1:07:01Your Majesty. Your Majesty. The evening ablation has begun. Torny as the crests of clouds at sunset.
907. 1:07:02–1:07:08The shadows of flesh-eating demons circle the altar blazing with sacrificial fire and spread terror
908. 1:07:08–1:07:16All around, holy men, do not be afraid. I am coming." He exits.
909. 1:07:16–1:07:22End of Act 3 of, Shakuntala, a play by the great poet Kaladasa.
910. 1:07:22–1:07:26The two hermitage maidens enter, gathering flowers.
911. 1:07:26–1:07:35Priyam Vada. Although Shakuntala has found happiness in a secret marriage by mutual consent with a worthy husband,
912. 1:07:35–1:07:43My heart is still uneasy. Why? When the sacrifice ended today, the sages dismissed the king.
913. 1:07:43–1:07:51Once he has returned to the inner apartments of the city, will he remember what happened here? Or not?
914. 1:07:51–1:07:59Put your mind at rest on that point. A man of such grave and noble character does not act against his own nature.
915. 1:07:59–1:08:03But this troubles me, when father hears what has happened.
916. 1:08:03–1:08:06I do not know how he will react.
917. 1:08:06–1:08:11My friend, if you ask me, father will approve and be pleased.
918. 1:08:11–1:08:15Approve and be pleased, how can you be sure?
919. 1:08:15–1:08:16How else?
920. 1:08:16–1:08:18His chief purpose was always.
921. 1:08:18–1:08:22My daughter must be given to a worthy husband.
922. 1:08:22–1:08:25If destiny itself has accomplished the task,
923. 1:08:25–1:08:29Our revered master's purpose has been fulfilled without effort.
924. 1:08:29–1:08:34You are right, my friend, we have gathered enough flowers for the offering.
925. 1:08:34–1:08:40We must also worship the deities who preside over Shakuntala's married happiness.
926. 1:08:40–1:08:42Certainly.
927. 1:08:42–1:08:44Ho! I am here.
928. 1:08:44–1:08:49My friend, it seems that a guest is announcing his arrival.
929. 1:08:49–1:08:52Shakuntala must be near the cottage.
930. 1:08:52–1:08:56Yes, but today her heart is not with her.
931. 1:08:56–1:08:59Then we must make do with these flowers.
932. 1:08:59–1:09:01You who insult a guest,
933. 1:09:01–1:09:07the man upon whom your thoughts are fixed so completely that you failed to notice me when I came as.
934. 1:09:07–1:09:11A guest shall not recognize you even when reminded.
935. 1:09:11–1:09:15Just as a drunken man forgets what he said a moment before.
936. 1:09:15–1:09:17Alas! Disaster!
937. 1:09:17–1:09:21Our absent-minded friend has offended some venerable person.
938. 1:09:21–1:09:29Ah! No ordinary person! It is the great sage Durvasa. Quick to anger! He is striding away!
939. 1:09:29–1:09:35Inexorable is fire! Who can burn anything after fire has passed it by?
940. 1:09:35–1:09:42Ansuya! Fall at his feet and pacify him. I shall prepare water for the guests welcome.
941. 1:09:42–1:09:49Ah! In my haste I stumbled and dropped the basket of flowers. I must gather them again.
942. 1:09:49–1:09:55My friend, he is anger embodied, whose plea for forgiveness would he accept?
943. 1:09:55–1:09:58Yet he showed a little mercy.
944. 1:09:58–1:10:00From him, even that is much.
945. 1:10:00–1:10:04Tell me what happened, when he refused to turn back?
946. 1:10:04–1:10:15I said, Holy Sir, remember her former devotion, with your divine insight, recognize her true worth and forgive this offence of your daughter.
947. 1:10:15–1:10:20And then, he said, My spoken word cannot prove false.
948. 1:10:20–1:10:24The curse will end the moment she sees a token of recognition.
949. 1:10:24–1:10:28And then he vanished. Now we can breathe again.
950. 1:10:28–1:10:35When the royal sage took leave, he himself placed a ring upon Shakuntala's hand as a keepsake.
951. 1:10:35–1:10:39So long as it remains with her, this remedy will work.
952. 1:10:39–1:10:45work. Priyambuddha, look, our friend rests her face upon her left hand and sits like
953. 1:10:45–1:10:51a painted figure. She is so absorbed in thoughts of her husband that she has no awareness even
954. 1:10:51–1:10:59of herself. How could she notice an unfamiliar visitor? Dear Ansoya, let the matter of the
955. 1:10:59–1:11:05curse remain between you and me alone. We must protect our tender-hearted friend.
956. 1:11:05–1:11:09Who would sprinkle hot water upon a jasmine wine?
957. 1:11:09–1:11:10They exit.
958. 1:11:10–1:11:12End of the introductory scene.
959. 1:11:12–1:11:15A disciple of Kashyapa enters.
960. 1:11:15–1:11:22Newly awakened, the revered Kashyapa, returned from Prabhasa, has sent me to determine the
961. 1:11:22–1:11:23hour.
962. 1:11:23–1:11:27I shall go into the open and see how much of the night remains.
963. 1:11:27–1:11:28Ah!
964. 1:11:28–1:11:30Dawn is breaking.
965. 1:11:30–1:11:314.
966. 1:11:31–1:11:36The rising light of morning reddens the mist hanging from the trees.
967. 1:11:36–1:11:44Peacocks shaking off sleep leave the coosa-thatched cottages, and this deer, lying beside the
968. 1:11:44–1:11:53hoof-scratched edge of the sacrificial altar, starts awake, stretches its limbs and stands.
969. 1:11:53–1:11:54And further?
970. 1:11:54–1:11:59The moon, who spread his rays below and set his foot upon the summit of mighty Mount
971. 1:11:59–1:12:05Sumeru, who drove away darkness and reached the middle stride of Vishnu, now descends
972. 1:12:05–1:12:11from the sky with only a few rays remaining. Even the loftiest rise of the Great Ends at
973. 1:12:11–1:12:18last in decline. The sun and moon seem to show the world this truth. Prosperity and
974. 1:12:18–1:12:20adversity are unstable.
975. 1:12:20–1:12:274. On one side the moon, Lord of healing herbs, descends towards the western mountain
976. 1:12:27–1:12:35of setting. On the other, the sun appears with the proclamation of dawn. By the setting and
977. 1:12:35–1:12:41rising of these two lights at the same moment, the world is bound to the alternating fortunes
978. 1:12:41–1:12:48of life. And at this hour, now that the moon has vanished, that same pool of night lotuses
979. 1:12:48–1:12:55no longer delights my eyes. Its beauty survives only in memory. Surely the pain caused by
980. 1:12:55–1:12:59a beloved's absence is unbearable to a helpless woman.
981. 1:12:59–1:13:05A N-A-S-U-Y-A enters, drawing back the curtain.
982. 1:13:05–1:13:10Even the sage, detached from worldly pleasure, could not have known that the king would behave
983. 1:13:10–1:13:14so basely towards Shakuntala.
984. 1:13:14–1:13:17I shall report that the appointed hour has come.
985. 1:13:17–1:13:20I am awake, but what can I do?
986. 1:13:20–1:13:27Though I have risen, my hands and feet have no strength to perform the tasks I planned for this morning.
987. 1:13:27–1:13:33My tender-hearted friend placed her trust in a man who has broken his word.
988. 1:13:33–1:13:36May the God of love be satisfied now.
989. 1:13:36–1:13:39Or perhaps the royal sage is not at fault.
990. 1:13:39–1:13:42Durvasa's anger is obstructing him.
991. 1:13:42–1:13:48Otherwise, how could the royal sage who spoke such words
992. 1:13:48–1:13:53failed to send even one letter after so much time, we could send the ring from here to
993. 1:13:53–1:14:00remind him. But among these hermits, acquainted only with austerity, whom would we dare to
994. 1:14:00–1:14:07tell? And they would think, her friends are to blame. So we are helpless. Who will tell
995. 1:14:07–1:14:13father Kashyapa? Now returned from Prabhasha, that Shakuntala has married Dushyanta and
996. 1:14:13–1:14:19is pregnant? What can we do in such a situation? Priyam Vada enters.
997. 1:14:19–1:14:26Ansuya, the rites for Shakuntala's departure have begun. My friend, how has that happened?
998. 1:14:26–1:14:33Listen, Ansuya, I had just gone to Shakuntala. She had risen from a peaceful sleep and was
999. 1:14:33–1:14:37bowing shyly when Father Kashyapur embraced her and said,
1000. 1:14:37–1:14:44Fortunately, though smoke wailed my sight, my oblation fell into the sacred fire.
1001. 1:14:44–1:14:50Like knowledge entrusted to a worthy pupil, you have not become a cause of sorrow to me.
1002. 1:14:50–1:14:55Therefore, today itself I shall send you with the sages to your husband's home."
1003. 1:14:56–1:14:59Then who told father what had happened to Shakuntala?
1004. 1:15:00–1:15:06When father entered the fire sanctuary, a heavenly voice spoke in the form of a Vedic verse.
1005. 1:15:06–1:15:08What did it say?
1006. 1:15:08–1:15:15Listen, my friend, O Brahman, know this, for the welfare of the world.
1007. 1:15:15–1:15:19Your daughter bears within her the heroic seed implanted by Dushyanta.
1008. 1:15:19–1:15:22As the shami tree bears fire within itself.
1009. 1:15:22–1:15:28My friend, I am overjoyed, yet knowing that Shakuntala is being sent away.
1010. 1:15:28–1:15:32I feel a happiness that is almost sorrow.
1011. 1:15:32–1:15:33Put aside your grief.
1012. 1:15:33–1:15:35May she be happy now.
1013. 1:15:35–1:15:36Good.
1014. 1:15:36–1:15:41In a coconut casket hanging from the branch of that mango tree.
1015. 1:15:41–1:15:46I have kept some long lasting lotus fibers for this very occasion.
1016. 1:15:46–1:15:47Bring them.
1017. 1:15:47–1:15:50I shall mix yellow Gorochana from the deer.
1018. 1:15:50–1:15:53Earth from the holy place.
1019. 1:15:53–1:15:58And shoots of sacred grass to prepare her auspicious cosmetic paste.
1020. 1:15:58–1:16:03Shangarava and his companions prepare to escort Shakyantala.
1021. 1:16:03–1:16:10Quote, Ansoya, Hari, Hari, the sages are preparing to leave for Hestinapura.
1022. 1:16:10–1:16:23My friend, come, let us go. There is Shakyuntala. As the sun rises, the female ascetics, carrying bowls of wild grain, are blessing her and bidding her farewell.
1023. 1:16:23–1:16:30Thumb, let us go to her. Shakuntala enters seated as described. With Gautami and the
1024. 1:16:30–1:16:31female ascetics.
1025. 1:16:31–1:16:37Child, through your husband's special honour, attain the rank of Chief Queen.
1026. 1:16:37–1:16:43Child, bear a heroic son. All accept Gautami bless her and exit.
1027. 1:16:43–1:16:46My friend, may you be happy.
1028. 1:16:46–1:16:49Dear friends, welcome. Sit here.
1029. 1:16:49–1:16:55Dear Shakhintala, stand up. We shall apply the auspicious paste to your body.
1030. 1:16:55–1:17:05Though I am accustomed to this, today it seems very precious. From now on, I shall really be adorned by my friend's hands.
1031. 1:17:05–1:17:10My friend, one must not weep on an auspicious occasion long desired.
1032. 1:17:10–1:17:17Your beauty deserves jewels. These ornaments readily available in the Hermitage do it in injustice.
1033. 1:17:17–1:17:21Two young hermits enter carrying articles of adornment.
1034. 1:17:21–1:17:27Here are ornaments. Adorn the lady. All look on in amazement.
1035. 1:17:27–1:17:31Harita, my son, where did these come from?
1036. 1:17:31–1:17:34Through Father Kashyapa's Grace.
1037. 1:17:34–1:17:37Were they obtained by mere resolve?
1038. 1:17:37–1:17:45No. Listen. At our revered father's command, we went to gather flowers from the trees for
1039. 1:17:45–1:17:54Shakuntala. There, one tree gave an auspicious silk garment. White as moonlight, one poured
1040. 1:17:54–1:18:01out red-lacte dye. Ready to be applied to her feet and from other trees. The hands of forest
1041. 1:18:01–1:18:09deities. Extending to the wrists and rivaling the beauty of fresh shoots. Offered us ornaments.
1042. 1:18:09–1:18:15My friend, this foretells extraordinary good fortune. You will enjoy royal splendor in your
1043. 1:18:15–1:18:22husband's home. My friend, how beautiful you look now. Like a bee-bond in a hollow. You
1044. 1:18:22–1:18:28are longing for the nectar of the lotus. I have never worn ornaments like these. I
1045. 1:18:28–1:18:32I shall arrange them upon your body as I have seen them in paintings.
1046. 1:18:33–1:18:37I know your skill. The two friends act putting on the ornaments.
1047. 1:18:38–1:18:48Gautama, come. Let us tell Father Kashapa, who has gone down to bathe, of the generosity of the trees. Come.
1048. 1:18:49–1:18:52K.A.S.H.Y.A.P.A. enters after bathing.
1049. 1:18:52–1:19:01At the mere thought, Shakhantala will leave today, my heart fills with the pain of separation.
1050. 1:19:01–1:19:04My throat aches with restrained tears.
1051. 1:19:04–1:19:07My sight is blurred by anxiety.
1052. 1:19:07–1:19:15If affection makes even me, a forest-dwelling ascetic, so sorrowful, how deeply must the
1053. 1:19:15–1:19:21hearts of householders be crushed by the fresh grief of parting from a daughter?
1054. 1:19:21–1:19:31Dear Shaktala, your adornment is complete. Now put on this silk garment.
1055. 1:19:31–1:19:38Child, your father is here. His eyes filled with tears of joy as though they were embracing
1056. 1:19:38–1:19:40you. Bout to him.
1057. 1:19:40–1:19:43Father, I bout to you.
1058. 1:19:43–1:19:50My daughter. As Sharmishta was honoured by Yaiyati, so may you be honoured by your
1059. 1:19:50–1:19:57and as she gave birth to Puru. So may you bear a son who will be universal Emperor.
1060. 1:19:58–1:20:02Venerable sir, that is not a blessing but a boon.
1061. 1:20:02–1:20:09Daughter, quickly walk clockwise around the sacrificial fires that bear the ablations.
1062. 1:20:09–1:20:14May these three sacred fires protect you. Set around the altar.
1063. 1:20:14–1:20:22the altar. Kept alive with fuel. Their borders strewn with coosa grass, and driving away
1064. 1:20:22–1:20:31evil with the fragrance of the offerings. Daughter, now depart. Wear a shangarava and his companions.
1065. 1:20:31–1:20:37The three disciples enter together. Venerable sir, we are here.
1066. 1:20:37–1:20:45Gaurava, lead the way for your sister. This way, this way, lady.
1067. 1:20:45–1:20:52Daughter Shakuntala, give this message to the trees of the Hermitage, within whom deities
1068. 1:20:52–1:20:59dwell, she who would not drink water until she had watered you, who, though fond of
1069. 1:20:59–1:21:05ornaments, would not pluck your shoots out of love for you, for whom the opening
1070. 1:21:05–1:21:13of your first blossom was a festival. That Shakuntala is going to her husband's home.
1071. 1:21:13–1:21:19Grant her leave to depart. May her road be pleasantly varied by pools filled with lotus-bearing
1072. 1:21:19–1:21:26water. May shady trees ward off the burning rays of the sun. May the dust be soft as
1073. 1:21:26–1:21:33lotus pollen floating upon water. May a gentle, favorable breeze blow. And may her journey
1074. 1:21:33–1:21:42be auspicious. All listen in amazement. These trees, her companions during her forest life,
1075. 1:21:42–1:21:48have granted Shakuntala leave to depart. For in the sweet voices of Kaku's they have answered
1076. 1:21:48–1:21:56your words. Child, the deities of the Hermitage have lovingly given you leave as kinsmen would.
1077. 1:21:56–1:21:58Bow to the goddesses.
1078. 1:21:58–1:22:06Dear Priyambuddha, though I long to see my lord, my feet move away from the hermitage only with great pain.
1079. 1:22:06–1:22:10It is not only your friends who grieve depart from you.
1080. 1:22:10–1:22:15As your departure draws near, the sacred grove itself appears sorrowful.
1081. 1:22:15–1:22:20For, the doe has let the KUSA grass fall from her mouth.
1082. 1:22:20–1:22:24The peacock has ceased dancing and stands dejected.
1083. 1:22:24–1:22:28The wine shed yellow leaves like limbs trembling with grief.
1084. 1:22:28–1:22:33Father, let me bid farewell to my wine sister, Madhavi.
1085. 1:22:33–1:22:39I know your sisterly affection for her. Greet her there on your right.
1086. 1:22:39–1:22:46Madhavi, embrace me with your branch like arms from today, I shall live far away from you.
1087. 1:22:46–1:22:55Daughter, her care is mine now. See, the worthy husband I once desired for you, you have one
1088. 1:22:55–1:23:03for yourself through your own merit. Now, freed from anxiety for you, I shall arrange her
1089. 1:23:03–1:23:09marriage with this neighboring mango tree. I entrust her to you both. And into whose
1090. 1:23:09–1:23:12hands are we being entrusted?
1091. 1:23:12–1:23:18Anasuya, stop weeping. Should you not give Shaktala courage?
1092. 1:23:18–1:23:24Father, when this pregnant doe that wanders near the cottage gives birth, please send someone
1093. 1:23:24–1:23:27to bring me the happy news.
1094. 1:23:27–1:23:29Daughter, I shall not forget.
1095. 1:23:29–1:23:36Who is this that has come so close and seems to be tugging at the edge of her garment?
1096. 1:23:36–1:23:44Daughter, this is the fawn whose mouth, wounded by the point of Coosa grass, you anointed with
1097. 1:23:44–1:23:51healing in Goody oil, whom you raised like a sun, feeding him handful after handful of
1098. 1:23:51–1:23:53Shamakha grain.
1099. 1:23:53–1:23:55He will not let you leave him behind.
1100. 1:23:55–1:23:59Little one, why do you follow me?
1101. 1:23:59–1:24:03Who have shown you such faithless affection by leaving my companions?
1102. 1:24:03–1:24:08Your mother died immediately after giving birth to you.
1103. 1:24:08–1:24:10And I raised you when you were motherless.
1104. 1:24:10–1:24:13Now I too am leaving you.
1105. 1:24:13–1:24:14Father will care for you.
1106. 1:24:14–1:24:15Go back.
1107. 1:24:15–1:24:16Therefore.
1108. 1:24:16–1:24:18Daughter.
1109. 1:24:18–1:24:22Restrain the stream of tears about to burst forth.
1110. 1:24:22–1:24:26Which obscures the sight of your uplifted.
1111. 1:24:26–1:24:28Long lashed eyes.
1112. 1:24:28–1:24:32The hollows and ridges of the path are no longer clear.
1113. 1:24:32–1:24:35Therefore your steps are faltering.
1114. 1:24:35–1:24:40Scripture directs that a loved one be accompanied as far as the water's edge.
1115. 1:24:40–1:24:42This is the bank of the lake.
1116. 1:24:42–1:24:46Give us your instructions here and then return.
1117. 1:24:46–1:24:49Let us sit in the shade of this peepal tree.
1118. 1:24:49–1:24:52They all sit and remain there.
1119. 1:24:52–1:24:56What message should I now send to King Dushyanta?
1120. 1:24:56–1:25:02Dear friend, there is no creature in the hermitage that is not saddened by your departure.
1121. 1:25:02–1:25:06Look here, the Chakravik hen falls to her mate.
1122. 1:25:06–1:25:09Who is hidden behind a lotus leaf?
1123. 1:25:09–1:25:12Though the fiber he was eating falls from his mouth.
1124. 1:25:12–1:25:16He does not answer, but looks towards you.
1125. 1:25:16–1:25:20My friend, it is true, unable to see her mate.
1126. 1:25:20–1:25:23Though he is hidden by a nearby lotus leaf.
1127. 1:25:23–1:25:26The Chakravaka cries bitterfully,
1128. 1:25:26–1:25:29Ah, how much suffering my Indio!
1129. 1:25:29–1:25:30Quote,
1130. 1:25:30–1:25:32Tonight again she will pass a night
1131. 1:25:32–1:25:35Lengthened by pain without her beloved.
1132. 1:25:35–1:25:39The bond of hope makes even profound sorrow bearable.
1133. 1:25:39–1:25:42Shantgurava, speak to the king
1134. 1:25:42–1:25:46About Shakuntala in my name as follows.
1135. 1:25:46–1:25:48Command me, revered teacher.
1136. 1:25:48–1:25:52Consider well our life of disciplined restraint.
1137. 1:25:52–1:25:55your own exalted lineage,
1138. 1:25:55–1:26:01and the spontaneous affection that drew her to you without the mediation of her family.
1139. 1:26:01–1:26:05Then honour her as you honour your other wives.
1140. 1:26:05–1:26:08What lies beyond this rests with fate.
1141. 1:26:08–1:26:12A woman's relatives do not beg on her behalf.
1142. 1:26:12–1:26:15I have committed the message to memory.
1143. 1:26:15–1:26:19Daughter, now I must instruct you.
1144. 1:26:19–1:26:21Though we live in the forest,
1145. 1:26:21–1:26:24We understand the ways of the world.
1146. 1:26:24–1:26:28Nothing truly lies beyond the vision of the wise.
1147. 1:26:28–1:26:32Daughter, when you reach your husband's home,
1148. 1:26:32–1:26:38obey your elders, treat your co-wives as sincere friends.
1149. 1:26:38–1:26:43Even if your husband neglects you, do not answer in anger.
1150. 1:26:43–1:26:46Always be courteous to the servants.
1151. 1:26:46–1:26:49Do not grow proud in prosperity.
1152. 1:26:49–1:26:54In this way a young woman becomes mistress of her household.
1153. 1:26:54–1:26:59One who acts otherwise becomes the misfortune of her family.
1154. 1:26:59–1:27:02Gautami, what do you think?
1155. 1:27:02–1:27:08This is all the instruction a young bride needs. Child, remember it well.
1156. 1:27:08–1:27:11Daughter, come and embrace me.
1157. 1:27:11–1:27:15Father, must my friends turn back from here?
1158. 1:27:15–1:27:25Daughter, they too must marry someday. It would not be proper for them to go there. Gautami will accompany you.
1159. 1:27:25–1:27:33How shall I preserve my life when I am separated from father? Like is she, elephant parted from her herd?
1160. 1:27:33–1:27:40Why are you so overcome? Become the honoured mistress of a worthy husband's noble house.
1161. 1:27:40–1:27:53Remain 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?
1162. 1:27:53–1:28:00Then this grief of separation from me will seem insignificant. And remember this.
1163. 1:28:00–1:28:09When the complete separation of soul and body is inevitable, who should be overwhelmed by the pain of cutting away a boil?
1164. 1:28:09–1:28:13May every desire of yours be fulfilled.
1165. 1:28:13–1:28:17My friends, embrace me together, both at once.
1166. 1:28:17–1:28:23My friend, if the king is slow to remember you, show him the string in rave with his name.
1167. 1:28:23–1:28:29Even at the moment of farewell, compassion is being shown to me.
1168. 1:28:29–1:28:35Do not be anxious, affection is always filled with fear of misfortune.
1169. 1:28:35–1:28:39The sun has crossed into the second half of the sky.
1170. 1:28:39–1:28:43Lady, therefore, make haste.
1171. 1:28:43–1:28:47This way, this way, lady, they all move forward.
1172. 1:28:47–1:28:51Father, when shall I see this sacred grove again?
1173. 1:28:51–1:28:54Daughter, listen.
1174. 1:28:54–1:28:59When you have become co-wife with the earth that stretches to every horizon.
1175. 1:28:59–1:29:05When you have borne the son of Dushianta, unconquered in battle.
1176. 1:29:05–1:29:11And when that son has taken the burden of the kingdom upon himself, then, accompanied only
1177. 1:29:11–1:29:18by your husband, you shall set foot once more in this peaceful hermitage.
1178. 1:29:18–1:29:19Child!
1179. 1:29:19–1:29:23The proper time for departure is passing.
1180. 1:29:23–1:29:25Let your father return now.
1181. 1:29:25–1:29:26But no.
1182. 1:29:26–1:29:31However long we wait, she will not tell her father to go back.
1183. 1:29:31–1:29:35Reved Teacher, you must turn back of your own accord.
1184. 1:29:35–1:29:41Daughter, my austerities are being interrupted. I must return now.
1185. 1:29:41–1:29:48Father will soon be free of sorrow, but I am carrying sorrow away upon my own head.
1186. 1:29:48–1:29:52Ah! Why do you make me so distraught?
1187. 1:29:52–1:30:00Daughter, when I see at the cottage door the grains of wild rice you planted with your own hand only now.
1188. 1:30:00–1:30:05Beginning to sprout. How shall my grief be calmed?
1189. 1:30:05–1:30:10Daughter, go! May your path be auspicious!
1190. 1:30:10–1:30:16S-H-A-K-U-N-T-A-L-A exits with her companions.
1191. 1:30:16–1:30:22Ah! Shakuntala is no longer visible, hidden by the rows of trees.
1192. 1:30:22–1:30:31Anasuya, your companion in sacred duty has gone. Restrain your grief. I am returning. Follow me.
1193. 1:30:31–1:30:36Father, without Shakuntala the sacred grove seems desolate.
1194. 1:30:36–1:30:48Affection makes things appear so. Strange. Now that I have sent Shakuntala away, my mind has grown light. Why?
1195. 1:30:48–1:30:51A daughter is truly another man's treasure.
1196. 1:30:51–1:30:55Now that I have sent her to her husband's home,
1197. 1:30:55–1:30:58my inmost spirit is at peace.
1198. 1:30:58–1:31:03As when a deposit long held in trust has been returned,
1199. 1:31:03–1:31:04all exit.
1200. 1:31:04–1:31:11End of Act IV of Shakhantala, a play by the great poet Kaladasa.
1201. 1:31:11–1:31:13The Chamberlain enters.
1202. 1:31:13–1:31:14Ah!
1203. 1:31:14–1:31:16How old I have grown!
1204. 1:31:16–1:31:20When I was given charge of the royal inner apartments,
1205. 1:31:20–1:31:27I accepted this staff of office thinking. It is merely a traditional formality.
1206. 1:31:27–1:31:33But with the passing of time, now that I can scarcely summon the strength to walk,
1207. 1:31:33–1:31:39that same staff has become my support. I must inform His Majesty,
1208. 1:31:39–1:31:45who is within, of a matter that admits no delay. But what was it?
1209. 1:31:45–1:32:01Yes, 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.
1210. 1:32:01–1:32:09Then is surrounded again by darkness. Like the flame of a lamp that seems about to go out. He walks on.
1211. 1:32:09–1:32:16Mordgalia. I wish to inform his majesty of an unavoidable religious duty. What do you say?
1212. 1:32:16–1:32:23But the king has only just risen from the seat of justice and will be disturbed again. Such is
1213. 1:32:23–1:32:30the burden of governing the world. See, the sun has yoked his horses once and for all.
1214. 1:32:30–1:32:37The wind blows day and night. Fire has no rest from burning. And the duty of a king who receives
1215. 1:32:37–1:32:44one sixth in taxes is equally unceasing. What do you say? Then go to the pavilion beside
1216. 1:32:44–1:32:53the music hall. Good. Continue with your own task. I shall go there. His Majesty is here.
1217. 1:32:53–1:33:00He protects his subjects like the lawgiver Manu, and after tending the herd all day,
1218. 1:33:00–1:33:07like a great elephant heated by the sun retiring to a cool place, he rests in solitude. Where
1219. 1:33:07–1:33:13in mind. The king and the clown enter seated, surrounded by attendants.
1220. 1:33:13–1:33:20Ah, is that not the music hall? Listen, the notes of Avina are sounding in perfect measure.
1221. 1:33:20–1:33:23I understand. Hansa Padika must be practicing her voice.
1222. 1:33:24–1:33:33Madhavya, be quiet. Let me hear. Ah, his majesty is absorbed. I shall wait for a suitable moment.
1223. 1:33:33–1:33:41O.B. Greedy for fresh honey. You once kissed the mango blossom. Why have you forgotten it now?
1224. 1:33:41–1:33:44Content merely to hover over the lotus?
1225. 1:33:44–1:33:48Ah, a song filled with feeling and melody.
1226. 1:33:48–1:33:50What? Have you understood its meaning?
1227. 1:33:50–1:33:58My friend, I once loved her. Therefore she reproaches me about Queen Vasumati.
1228. 1:33:58–1:34:04Tell Hansa Paddica in my name. Your rebuke is skillfully delivered.
1229. 1:34:04–1:34:11As your majesty commands, my friend, you are trying to seize a bear by the hair through another man's hand.
1230. 1:34:11–1:34:17Like a man who has not mastered his own desires, I shall find no escape now.
1231. 1:34:17–1:34:21Go, my friend. Speak to her courteously.
1232. 1:34:21–1:34:23Ah, what a disaster!
1233. 1:34:23–1:34:28How is it that this song has filled me with profound longing?
1234. 1:34:28–1:34:31Though I am not separated from any beloved.
1235. 1:34:31–1:34:39Or perhaps even a happy man grows wistful at a lovely sight or the sound of sweet words.
1236. 1:34:39–1:34:44Perhaps his mind unknowingly remembers deep affection from a former birth.
1237. 1:34:44–1:34:46Victory to your majesty.
1238. 1:34:46–1:34:52Hermits who live in the forest at the Himalayan foothills are approaching with women.
1239. 1:34:52–1:35:00They bring a message from Kashyapa. Having heard this, it is for your majesty to decide what is proper.
1240. 1:35:00–1:35:07Hermits bearing a message from Kashyapa, accompanied by women. What are your orders?
1241. 1:35:07–1:35:11Request the preceptor, Somerata, in my name.
1242. 1:35:11–1:35:16Receive these inhabitants of the Hermitage according to scriptural custom,
1243. 1:35:16–1:35:19and bring them to me yourself.
1244. 1:35:19–1:35:23I too shall receive them in a place suitable for the audience of
1245. 1:35:23–1:35:25ascetics.
1246. 1:35:25–1:35:27As your majesty commands,
1247. 1:35:27–1:35:32Vasumati, show me the way to the fire sanctuary.
1248. 1:35:32–1:35:35This way, this way, your majesty.
1249. 1:35:35–1:35:39Everyone is happy when he obtains what he desires.
1250. 1:35:39–1:35:44But kings suffer even after gaining the object of desire.
1251. 1:35:44–1:35:45How?
1252. 1:35:45–1:35:52Sovereignty merely quiets the longing for power. Preserving what has been gained brings only pain.
1253. 1:35:52–1:35:57Royal authority relieves weariness less than it increases it.
1254. 1:35:57–1:36:02Like a parasol held aloft by one's own hand upon its shaft.
1255. 1:36:02–1:36:07O F F S T A G E B A R D.
1256. 1:36:07–1:36:14Victory to your majesty. Day after day you labor for the welfare of the world.
1257. 1:36:14–1:36:19with no thought for your own comfort, but such is the purpose of your birth.
1258. 1:36:20–1:36:26A tree bears the fierce sun upon its own crown and gives coolness to those who seek refuge in its
1259. 1:36:27–1:36:34shade. And more, with the rod of punishment in hand, you discipline those who stray from the
1260. 1:36:34–1:36:41right path. You settle disputes and grant protection when wealth is plentiful. Relatives
1261. 1:36:41–1:36:48may remain close. But in the end, the duty of a kinsman towards the people falls upon
1262. 1:36:48–1:36:56you alone. My weary mind is refreshed. Here is the terrace of the fire sanctuary. Freshly
1263. 1:36:56–1:37:06plastered and swept with a torny cow standing nearby. Your Majesty! Ascend! Vasumati! For
1264. 1:37:06–1:37:12For what purpose can the revered Kashyapa have sent these sages to me?
1265. 1:37:12–1:37:17Has some obstacle arisen in the austerities of the vow keeping ascetics?
1266. 1:37:17–1:37:21Or is someone harming the animals of the sacred forest?
1267. 1:37:21–1:37:26Have the vine cease to flower because of some offence of mine?
1268. 1:37:26–1:37:28Filled with many conjectures.
1269. 1:37:28–1:37:33My mind is confused and cannot reach a firm conclusion.
1270. 1:37:33–1:37:36Your Majesty's arms embrace the earth.
1271. 1:37:36–1:37:39And therefore every hermitage is free from fear.
1272. 1:37:39–1:37:42How could any such thing happen?
1273. 1:37:42–1:37:45I believe the sages have come.
1274. 1:37:45–1:37:48Pleased by your majesty's virtuous deeds.
1275. 1:37:48–1:37:50To offer praise.
1276. 1:37:50–1:37:58The sages enter with G-A-U-T-A-M-I-S-H-A-K-U-N-T-A-L-A walks before them.
1277. 1:37:58–1:38:02The priest and chamberlain lead the procession.
1278. 1:38:02–1:38:03This way.
1279. 1:38:03–1:38:04This way.
1280. 1:38:04–1:38:06Venerable sirs.
1281. 1:38:06–1:38:07They move forward.
1282. 1:38:07–1:38:08It is true.
1283. 1:38:08–1:38:14When a generous king does not transgress the bounds of conduct, even the lowest person
1284. 1:38:14–1:38:18in the social order does not stray from the proper path.
1285. 1:38:18–1:38:25Yet to my mind, accustomed always to solitude, this building crowded with people seems like
1286. 1:38:25–1:38:27a blazing fire.
1287. 1:38:27–1:38:31It is natural that entering the city should distress you so.
1288. 1:38:31–1:38:32I too.
1289. 1:38:32–1:38:34Being a free man.
1290. 1:38:34–1:38:40Look upon these people enslaved by pleasure as a bathed man looks upon one smeared with
1291. 1:38:40–1:38:48filth, a pure man upon the impure, a waking man upon sleepers, and one who moves at will
1292. 1:38:48–1:38:50upon the bound.
1293. 1:38:50–1:38:51Ah!
1294. 1:38:51–1:38:54Why is my right eye throbbing at this moment?
1295. 1:38:54–1:38:56May evil be averted!
1296. 1:38:56–1:39:01May the guardian deities of your husband's family grant you happiness!
1297. 1:39:01–1:39:03Holy men!
1298. 1:39:03–1:39:11his majesty, protector of all four social orders and stages of life, risen from his seat and
1299. 1:39:11–1:39:20waiting for you. Great Brahmin! This is certainly praiseworthy. Yet it leaves us unmoved. Why?
1300. 1:39:20–1:39:27A tree bends low beneath its load of fruit. A cloud heavy with fresh water hangs low.
1301. 1:39:27–1:39:32The virtuous do not grow proud when they gain wealth. Such is the nature of those
1302. 1:39:32–1:39:40who live for others. Your Majesty, the sages' faces appear peaceful and inspire confidence.
1303. 1:39:40–1:39:48Then this woman. Who can this veiled woman be? Whose bodily beauty is not fully revealed?
1304. 1:39:48–1:39:54Among these ascetics like a fresh bud among yellow leaves. Your Majesty, my curiosity
1305. 1:39:54–1:39:58too has increased. I know nothing.
1306. 1:39:58–1:40:01Your Majesty, her beauty is worth seeing.
1307. 1:40:01–1:40:05One must not gaze upon another man's wife.
1308. 1:40:05–1:40:07Heart, why do you tremble?
1309. 1:40:07–1:40:11Remember my Lord's unwavering love and be calm.
1310. 1:40:11–1:40:17Your Majesty, these ascetics have been received according to custom.
1311. 1:40:17–1:40:20They bring their teacher's message.
1312. 1:40:20–1:40:21Please hear it.
1313. 1:40:21–1:40:23I am listening attentively.
1314. 1:40:23–1:40:25Victory to the King.
1315. 1:40:25–1:40:27I salute you all.
1316. 1:40:27–1:40:29May you prosper!
1317. 1:40:29–1:40:33Are your austerities proceeding without obstruction?
1318. 1:40:33–1:40:40While you remain our protector, what obstacle could arise in the sacred rites of the virtuous?
1319. 1:40:40–1:40:45When the sun blazes with fierce rays, how can darkness appear?
1320. 1:40:45–1:40:50Now my title, King, has been made meaningful.
1321. 1:40:50–1:40:55Is the revered Kasyapa, who blesses the world through his grace?
1322. 1:40:55–1:40:56In good health.
1323. 1:40:56–1:41:03beings are masters of their own well-being. After asking after your Majesty's welfare,
1324. 1:41:03–1:41:05he sends this message.
1325. 1:41:05–1:41:08What is the venerable sages' command?
1326. 1:41:08–1:41:15You too married this daughter of mine by mutual consent. I am pleased and give you both my
1327. 1:41:15–1:41:16approval.
1328. 1:41:16–1:41:234. I regard you as the foremost of worthy men. And Shakhantala is virtue embodied
1329. 1:41:23–1:41:37In joining bride and groom of equal merit, the Creator has at last performed a praiseworthy deed. Now accept her. Pregnant with your child. And fulfill the duties of marriage.
1330. 1:41:37–1:41:49Noble 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.
1331. 1:41:49–1:41:55Since you chose one another, what can I decide say to the other now?
1332. 1:41:55–1:41:57What will my Lord say now?
1333. 1:41:57–1:42:01Ah! What is the meaning of this statement of yours?
1334. 1:42:01–1:42:06Ah! His doubt about this matter burns like fire.
1335. 1:42:06–1:42:11What is this? His Majesty surely understands the ways of the world,
1336. 1:42:11–1:42:14even when a married woman is virtuous.
1337. 1:42:14–1:42:18If she remains only in her parents' home,
1338. 1:42:18–1:42:25People suspect her character. Therefore her relatives sent her to the man who married her.
1339. 1:42:25–1:42:28Whether that husband loves her or not.
1340. 1:42:28–1:42:30Did I marry this woman?
1341. 1:42:30–1:42:33Hot, your fear has proved true.
1342. 1:42:33–1:42:38Oh King! Is it not a dereliction of royal duty to denounce your own deed?
1343. 1:42:38–1:42:42Why this inclination to invent falsehoods?
1344. 1:42:42–1:42:48Such degradation, born of intoxication with power, commonly robs a man of reason.
1345. 1:42:48–1:42:51I am being grossly insulted.
1346. 1:42:51–1:42:55Child, put aside your modesty for a moment.
1347. 1:42:55–1:42:58I shall remove your veil.
1348. 1:42:58–1:43:01Then His Majesty will recognize you.
1349. 1:43:01–1:43:06As I try to determine whether I ever married this woman of flawless beauty,
1350. 1:43:06–1:43:09now presented before me in this way,
1351. 1:43:09–1:43:19I can neither accept her nor reject her, like a be at dawn, uncertain before a jasmine flower heavy with dew.
1352. 1:43:19–1:43:28Ah! How deeply His Majesty reveres righteousness! Who else would hesitate when such a duel among women is so easily offered?
1353. 1:43:28–1:43:31Oh, King! Why are you so silent?
1354. 1:43:31–1:43:45Hermit, 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?
1355. 1:43:45–1:43:53Ah, he doubts even the marriage. My hope, which had risen to touch the sky, is shattered.
1356. 1:43:53–1:44:00This is not right. Will you insult the sage whose daughter you seduced and dishonored?
1357. 1:44:00–1:44:03He welcomed you to accept what is yours.
1358. 1:44:03–1:44:08And, like a robber, you deemed yourself a worthy recipient.
1359. 1:44:08–1:44:12Shangarava! Be silent now!
1360. 1:44:12–1:44:16Shakhantala! We have said what we had to say.
1361. 1:44:16–1:44:21This is His Majesty's statement. Give Him proof.
1362. 1:44:21–1:44:26What use is it now to remind a man who has changed so completely?
1363. 1:44:26–1:44:29Whose love lasted so little a time?
1364. 1:44:29–1:44:31Yet I must clear my name.
1365. 1:44:31–1:44:34And therefore I shall answer him.
1366. 1:44:34–1:44:39My Lord, no, this form of address itself is now disputed.
1367. 1:44:39–1:44:45Son of Puru, in the hermitage you made vows and seduced this woman of simple.
1368. 1:44:45–1:44:52Innocent heart, is it right to abandon her now with words like these?
1369. 1:44:52–1:44:54Stop these sinful words.
1370. 1:44:54–1:44:58Why try to stain your own name and drag me towards ruin?
1371. 1:44:58–1:45:01Like a swollen river breaking its banks?
1372. 1:45:01–1:45:06You muddy your own clear water and uproot the trees along the shore.
1373. 1:45:06–1:45:12If you truly speak so because you fear accepting another man's wife, I shall remove your doubt
1374. 1:45:12–1:45:16by showing you this important token of recognition.
1375. 1:45:16–1:45:19Ah, how noble that sounds!
1376. 1:45:19–1:45:23Ah, the ring is not on my finger.
1377. 1:45:23–1:45:28Could it have slipped off when you immersed yourself in the water at Shachi's sacred
1378. 1:45:28–1:45:31pool at Indravatarra?
1379. 1:45:31–1:45:36Perhaps this is what is called the ready-witter woman receives with her dowry.
1380. 1:45:36–1:45:38Here fate has displayed its power.
1381. 1:45:38–1:45:41I shall tell you something else.
1382. 1:45:41–1:45:44Now something worth hearing is coming.
1383. 1:45:44–1:45:50One day in the Jasmine wine-bower, did you not hold a lotus leaf cup filled with water?
1384. 1:45:50–1:45:53Yes, continue.
1385. 1:45:53–1:45:59At that moment my little fawn, whom I had raised like a son, came to us.
1386. 1:45:59–1:46:05You coaxed him lovingly and said, Let him drink first, but because he did not know
1387. 1:46:05–1:46:06you.
1388. 1:46:06–1:46:09He would not drink from your hand.
1389. 1:46:09–1:46:15When he drank the same water from mine, you smiled affectionately and said, Everyone trusts
1390. 1:46:15–1:46:18one of his own kind.
1391. 1:46:18–1:46:21You are both forest dwellers."
1392. 1:46:21–1:46:26Women who conspire to achieve their own ends trap pleasure-loving men with the honey
1393. 1:46:26–1:46:27of such lies.
1394. 1:46:27–1:46:31Your Majesty, do not speak so.
1395. 1:46:31–1:46:36Reared in a sacred grove, she knows nothing of deceit or intrigue.
1396. 1:46:36–1:46:43ascetic woman. Even among female creatures that are not human. Unschooled deceit is plainly
1397. 1:46:43–1:46:51seen. How much more must it exist in intelligent women? Before flying away. The cuckoo has
1398. 1:46:51–1:46:58another bird raise her young. You see everything according to the disposition of your own heart.
1399. 1:46:58–1:47:04Who could equal you? Armored in righteousness. Yet inwardly deceitful. Like a well hidden
1400. 1:47:04–1:47:13Yet this lady's guileless anger truly seems that of a woman reared in the forest for.
1401. 1:47:13–1:47:18Her eyes do not shoot side-long glances, but stare directly.
1402. 1:47:18–1:47:20Intensely red.
1403. 1:47:20–1:47:22Her voice is harsh.
1404. 1:47:22–1:47:24Yet her words remain clear.
1405. 1:47:24–1:47:30Her bimba-red lower lip trembles as though stricken by cold, and her naturally arched
1406. 1:47:30–1:47:33brows have suddenly drawn together.
1407. 1:47:33–1:47:41Lady, Dushyanta's conduct is well known among his people. I perceive no such fault within myself.
1408. 1:47:41–1:47:50You yourself are the authority. You understand the ways of the world. What can poor, timid women know? Very well.
1409. 1:47:50–1:48:02Because 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 adulteress.
1410. 1:48:02–1:48:14A deed performed in uncontrolled haste burns in just this way. Therefore, particularly before forming a bond, one must examine everything carefully.
1411. 1:48:14–1:48:20Affection given to one whose heart is unknown turns into hatred in this very way.
1412. 1:48:20–1:48:28Ah! Sir, why do you place such a grave stain upon me solely on the strength of this lady's assertion?
1413. 1:48:28–1:48:36His Majesty understands everything in reverse. The words of one who has never known deceit from birth are no proof.
1414. 1:48:36–1:48:45But those who have studied the art of deceiving others under the name of, statecraft, are holy. Trustworthy witnesses.
1415. 1:48:45–1:48:54Ah! Truth speaking, sir. Let us accept that I am a politician. But what could I gain by deceiving her?
1416. 1:48:54–1:48:57Ruin. I do not desire that.
1417. 1:48:57–1:49:01Oh King, what use is this dispute?
1418. 1:49:01–1:49:04We have fulfilled our teacher's command.
1419. 1:49:04–1:49:07We shall now take our leave.
1420. 1:49:07–1:49:09She is your wife.
1421. 1:49:09–1:49:11Accept her or abandon her.
1422. 1:49:11–1:49:16For a husband's authority over his wife is held to be absolute.
1423. 1:49:16–1:49:20Gautami. Come. Let us go.
1424. 1:49:20–1:49:24Ah, this deceiver has truly betrayed me.
1425. 1:49:24–1:49:29And you do are leaving me behind. What regose have I now?
1426. 1:49:29–1:49:43Shangarava. My son. Shakantala is following us. Lamenting piteously. When such a base husband rejects her. What is my daughter to do?
1427. 1:49:43–1:49:53Ah, shameless woman. Would you act entirely as you please? Listen. If what the king says is true, what connection can we have with you?
1428. 1:49:53–1:49:59you, who have brought grief upon your father. But if you know your conduct to be pure, then
1429. 1:49:59–1:50:05even living as a servant in your husband's house should be bearable to you. Remain here. We
1430. 1:50:05–1:50:06are leaving."
1431. 1:50:06–1:50:14Hermit. Why are you deceiving this woman? The moon opens only the night lotus. The
1432. 1:50:14–1:50:21sun. Only the day lotus. The nature of a self-controlled man recoils from embracing
1433. 1:50:21–1:50:27another man's wife. Oh, King! If absorption in another woman has made you forget your
1434. 1:50:27–1:50:34former conquest, what can be done? Your Majesty! Protector of your reputation!
1435. 1:50:34–1:50:41I wish to ask the revered priest which of these possibilities is more likely. With doubt remaining
1436. 1:50:41–1:50:47whether I have forgotten or this woman is speaking falsely, should I stain my own wife
1437. 1:50:47–1:50:55with disgrace, or violate the honor of another man's wife. Suppose we do this? Please advise
1438. 1:50:55–1:51:04me. Let this lady remain in my house until she gives birth. I say this after due consideration.
1439. 1:51:04–1:51:09Wise men have foretold that your first son will be an emperor. If the son of this sages
1440. 1:51:09–1:51:16daughter bears the marks of imperial destiny, we shall congratulate her and welcome her
1441. 1:51:16–1:51:23into the inner palace. Otherwise, we shall return her to her father's home. As my revered
1442. 1:51:23–1:51:25teacher wishes.
1443. 1:51:25–1:51:27Daughter, follow me.
1444. 1:51:27–1:51:30Mother God, give me a place within you.
1445. 1:51:30–1:51:33A wonder. A wonder.
1446. 1:51:33–1:51:41What is happening now? Your Majesty, a marvel has occurred. What sort of marvel? After
1447. 1:51:41–1:51:48Canva's disciples had departed, while the young woman lamented her fate, and began to
1448. 1:51:48–1:51:52weep and flung her arms upward.
1449. 1:51:52–1:51:54What happened then?
1450. 1:51:54–1:52:00Near the sacred pool of the celestial nymphs, a light in the form of a woman descended upon
1451. 1:52:00–1:52:02her and lifted her away.
1452. 1:52:02–1:52:08Rev. teacher, I have already reached a decision on this matter.
1453. 1:52:08–1:52:11Why exhaust ourselves with idle conjecture?
1454. 1:52:11–1:52:13Victory to your Majesty!
1455. 1:52:13–1:52:17Vasumati, I am troubled!
1456. 1:52:17–1:52:19Show me the way to the bedchamber!
1457. 1:52:19–1:52:20This way?
1458. 1:52:20–1:52:22Your Majesty!
1459. 1:52:22–1:52:23This way!
1460. 1:52:23–1:52:29Though I did not remember marrying the sage's daughter and therefore rejected her, my deeply
1461. 1:52:29–1:52:32afflicted heart seems still to yearn for her.
1462. 1:52:32–1:52:34All exit!
1463. 1:52:34–1:52:40of Act 5 of, Shakhantala, a play by the great poet Kalidasa.
1464. 1:52:40–1:52:46The chief of police enters with a man whose hands are tied behind him and two guards.
1465. 1:52:46–1:52:47Thief!
1466. 1:52:47–1:52:48Confess!
1467. 1:52:48–1:52:52Where did you get this royal signet ring?
1468. 1:52:52–1:52:56Engraved with His Majesty's name and set with precious stones.
1469. 1:52:56–1:52:59Mercy, mercy, honorable brothers!
1470. 1:52:59–1:53:02I am not capable of such a deed.
1471. 1:53:02–1:53:08the king mistook you for a holy Brahmin and gave it to you as a present?
1472. 1:53:08–1:53:14Hear my whole story first. I am a fisherman living near the sacred pool of Indravatara.
1473. 1:53:14–1:53:23Thief! Did we ask your caste? Sutchaka! Let him tell everything in order. Stop interrupting.
1474. 1:53:23–1:53:30As our lord, the king's brother in law, commands. Speak! Speak!
1475. 1:53:30–1:53:35I support my family with nets, hooks, and other fishing gear.
1476. 1:53:35–1:53:38Ah, a very holy profession.
1477. 1:53:38–1:53:45Sir, it is said that a man must not abandon the hereditary calling of his family.
1478. 1:53:45–1:53:50Even if it is condemned, even compassionate and learned brahmin's mercilessly kill animals
1479. 1:53:50–1:53:52in sacrifice.
1480. 1:53:52–1:53:55Very well, very well.
1481. 1:53:55–1:54:00One day, while cutting open a rohu fish, I found this ring shining with joy.
1482. 1:54:00–1:54:05inside its belly. Later, while showing it to people here in the hope of selling it,
1483. 1:54:05–1:54:11your men seized me. That is how I found the ring. Now beat me or kill me."
1484. 1:54:11–1:54:18Januka. It certainly was inside a fish. That explains the stench of raw flesh.
1485. 1:54:18–1:54:26We must now investigate its origin. Come to the Royal Court. Move. Your Majesty,
1486. 1:54:26–1:54:33the pickpocket. Such acher! You too remain alert and wait for me at the main gate. I shall
1487. 1:54:33–1:54:42tell His Majesty how the ring was found. Receive His orders and return. May His Majesty receive
1488. 1:54:42–1:54:50our Lord favorably. Janukah! Our Lord is taking a very long time. Understand that one must
1489. 1:54:50–1:54:57wait for a proper opportunity to approach the king. My friend, my hands are itching to
1490. 1:54:57–1:55:02throttle this scoundrel. It is not proper to give an untimely death to a man addressed
1491. 1:55:02–1:55:10by the auspicious name, brother. See, our master is returning with the king's command.
1492. 1:55:10–1:55:15Now you will either see your family's faces again or become a feast for vultures and
1493. 1:55:15–1:55:17Jackals.
1494. 1:55:17–1:55:20Quickly, quickly, this man.
1495. 1:55:20–1:55:22Ah, I am dead.
1496. 1:55:22–1:55:25Untie him. Release the fisherman.
1497. 1:55:25–1:55:29His account of the ring's origin has proved true.
1498. 1:55:29–1:55:32My Lord himself told me so.
1499. 1:55:32–1:55:38As our Lord commands, he entered the house of death and slipped out again through a crack.
1500. 1:55:38–1:55:41Master, my life belongs to you.
1501. 1:55:41–1:55:43Rise.
1502. 1:55:43–1:55:48being given a reward equal to the value of the ring.
1503. 1:55:48–1:55:50I have been shown great favor.
1504. 1:55:50–1:55:56Such favor that he has been taken down from the stake and seated upon an elephant.
1505. 1:55:56–1:56:04My lord, this reward shows that his majesty holds that precious jeweled ring very dear.
1506. 1:56:04–1:56:08I do not think the king valued it for the jewels.
1507. 1:56:08–1:56:09Then why?
1508. 1:56:09–1:56:16I suspect that seeing it reminded his majesty of someone exceedingly dear for the king,
1509. 1:56:16–1:56:23who is ordinarily self-controlled, became agitated for a moment as soon as he saw it.
1510. 1:56:23–1:56:27This fellow has done his majesty a good service.
1511. 1:56:27–1:56:31I would say the enemy of fishes has come out ahead.
1512. 1:56:31–1:56:37Masters, keep half of it for your expenses on flowers and beetle.
1513. 1:56:37–1:56:39That is nobly spoken.
1514. 1:56:39–1:56:52You 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.
1515. 1:56:52–1:56:57AKSHA-MALA enters in an aerial chariot.
1516. 1:56:57–1:57:07I have completed my daily rites at the celestial nymph's bathing pool. Now I shall see for myself the royal sage's condition.
1517. 1:57:07–1:57:13Through my friendship with Manaka, Shakuntala has become dear to me,
1518. 1:57:13–1:57:16and Manaka herself sent me on this errand.
1519. 1:57:16–1:57:23How is it that even on a festival day the royal court is not decorated for celebration?
1520. 1:57:23–1:57:27It is true that through meditative power we can know everything.
1521. 1:57:27–1:57:30But I must honour my friend's wish.
1522. 1:57:30–1:57:34Good. Concealed by the magic of invisibility,
1523. 1:57:34–1:57:39I shall stand near these two gardeners and learn what has happened.
1524. 1:57:39–1:57:41A garden attendant enters,
1525. 1:57:41–1:57:44examining a fresh mango shoot.
1526. 1:57:44–1:57:47A second attendant follows.
1527. 1:57:47–1:57:52Oh mango blossom! Seeing you! Like the breath of the spring month!
1528. 1:57:52–1:57:57Tawnee upon your green stem! I behold the season's auspicious first sight!
1529. 1:57:57–1:58:02Parabritica! My friend, why are you talking to yourself?
1530. 1:58:02–1:58:07My friend, the tender shoot of the mango intoxicates the cuckoo.
1531. 1:58:07–1:58:14Has spring arrived? Madhavkaraka, now is the time for your songs filled with the nectar of love.
1532. 1:58:14–1:58:19My friend, I shall stand on tiptoe and worship the God of love.
1533. 1:58:19–1:58:23Support me, if I receive half the merit of the worship.
1534. 1:58:23–1:58:28That need not be said. My friend, we are one soul in two bodies.
1535. 1:58:28–1:58:32Ah, the mango cluster has not yet opened.
1536. 1:58:32–1:58:35Yet fragrance rises the moment its stem is broken.
1537. 1:58:35–1:58:38Victory to the fish-bannered God of Love.
1538. 1:58:38–1:58:43Oh mango shoot, I offer you to the bow-bearing God of Love.
1539. 1:58:43–1:58:46Become an unfailing arrow whose targets are young women.
1540. 1:58:46–1:58:49The chamberlain enters angrily.
1541. 1:58:49–1:58:51Stop! Foolish girl!
1542. 1:58:51–1:58:56His majesty has expressly forbidden the spring festival.
1543. 1:58:56–1:58:58and you are plucking flowers.
1544. 1:58:58–1:59:02Forgive us, Master. We heard nothing of this.
1545. 1:59:02–1:59:08HMPH. How could you fail to hear His Majesty's command
1546. 1:59:08–1:59:13when even the trees of spring and the creatures dwelling in them obey it?
1547. 1:59:13–1:59:19For the mango blossom is mature, yet releases no pollen.
1548. 1:59:19–1:59:23The Rajamala is ready to bud. Yet does not open.
1549. 1:59:23–1:59:29Though winter has passed, the male cuckoo's song remains caught in his throat.
1550. 1:59:29–1:59:36I fear that even the startled God of Love has returned to his quiver an arrow half drawn out.
1551. 1:59:36–1:59:41There can be no doubt. The Royal Sage's authority is great.
1552. 1:59:41–1:59:45Master, the king's brother-in-law, Nytravisu,
1553. 1:59:45–1:59:52removed us for several days from his majesty's service and assigned us to decorate the pavilion.
1554. 1:59:52–1:59:56Opposite. That is why we knew nothing of the order.
1555. 1:59:56–1:59:59Very well. But do not do it again.
1556. 1:59:59–2:00:04Master. We are curious. If it is proper for us to know,
1557. 2:00:04–2:00:10please tell us why His Majesty has forbidden the Full Moon Festival of Spring.
1558. 2:00:10–2:00:15King's delight in festivals. There must be a grave reason behind this.
1559. 2:00:15–2:00:20Everyone knows the matter. Why should I not tell you?
1560. 2:00:20–2:00:26has news of the disgrace caused by the rejection of Shakhantala reached your ears.
1561. 2:00:26–2:00:32Master, we have heard only as far as the finding of the ring by the king's brother-in-law.
1562. 2:00:32–2:00:35Then little remains to be told.
1563. 2:00:35–2:00:38The moment his majesty saw the ring,
1564. 2:00:38–2:00:40his memory returned.
1565. 2:00:40–2:00:41It is true.
1566. 2:00:41–2:00:45I secretly married Lady Shakhantala and,
1567. 2:00:45–2:00:46in delusion,
1568. 2:00:46–2:00:48rejected her.
1569. 2:00:48–2:00:55Since then he has been filled with remorse. How? He loathes pleasure and luxury.
1570. 2:00:55–2:01:02His subjects can no longer approach him freely each day. All night he tosses upon his bed,
1571. 2:01:02–2:01:10turning from one side to the other. Even when courtesy makes him speak gently to the women of the inner apartments,
1572. 2:01:10–2:01:15he confuses their names and remains ashamed for a long time.
1573. 2:01:15–2:01:18I am glad to hear this.
1574. 2:01:18–2:01:22The festival was prohibited because of the king's grief.
1575. 2:01:22–2:01:23That seems right.
1576. 2:01:23–2:01:24Come.
1577. 2:01:24–2:01:26Come, sir.
1578. 2:01:26–2:01:29His majesty is approaching this way.
1579. 2:01:29–2:01:31Attend to your work.
1580. 2:01:31–2:01:37The king enters with the clown and doorkeeper, dressed in a manner befitting his remorse.
1581. 2:01:37–2:01:38Ah!
1582. 2:01:38–2:01:43A man of extraordinary beauty appears noble in every condition.
1583. 2:01:43–2:01:52wasted by separation from Shakuntala. His majesty remains splendid to behold. He has abandoned
1584. 2:01:52–2:01:59ostentatious ornaments and wears only a loose golden bracelet upon his left forearm. His
1585. 2:01:59–2:02:06lips are reddened by sighs and his eyes are wary from anxious wakefulness. Yet his inborn
1586. 2:02:06–2:02:13radiance keeps him from appearing diminished, like a great jewel polished by friction.
1587. 2:02:13–2:02:19It is only right that Shakuntala still longs for him, even after he rejected and humiliated
1588. 2:02:19–2:02:20her.
1589. 2:02:20–2:02:27This unfortunate heart slept before, though my do-eyed beloved tried to awaken it. Now
1590. 2:02:27–2:02:32it is awake, only to suffer the pain of remorse.
1591. 2:02:32–2:02:35The poor girl's fate is much the same.
1592. 2:02:35–2:02:38Another attack of the Chakintala sickness.
1593. 2:02:38–2:02:41I do not know how it can be cured.
1594. 2:02:41–2:02:43Victory to Your Majesty.
1595. 2:02:43–2:02:45Mighty King.
1596. 2:02:45–2:02:51The Royal Pleasure Garden has been inspected so that you may walk there whenever you wish.
1597. 2:02:51–2:02:53Vasumati.
1598. 2:02:53–2:03:00Tell Minister Peshuna in my name that, because of prolonged sleeplessness, I cannot sit
1599. 2:03:00–2:03:06in the court of justice today. Let him examine today's civil cases and send me a written
1600. 2:03:06–2:03:15report. As your majesty commands, Parvatiana, you too may go to your duties. Very well.
1601. 2:03:15–2:03:21We have driven the flies away. Now that winter is over. We can rest undisturbed in this
1602. 2:03:21–2:03:23delightful garden.
1603. 2:03:23–2:03:30My friend, the proverb, misfortune strikes where one is weakest, is never false. See,
1604. 2:03:30–2:03:37See, the royal signet has restored my memory, and I am lamenting in remorse for the beloved
1605. 2:03:37–2:03:39I rejected without cause.
1606. 2:03:39–2:03:45At this very moment the delight of fragrant spring has come and stands before me.
1607. 2:03:45–2:03:51Wait a moment, I shall strike this mango-shaped god of love with my staff.
1608. 2:03:51–2:03:52Leave it!
1609. 2:03:52–2:03:56I have already seen the power of your braminical splendor.
1610. 2:03:56–2:04:03my friend. Let us sit here and divert our eyes by looking at these vines, which in some ways
1611. 2:04:03–2:04:09resemble my beloved. But you have only just told the painter Medavini. I shall remain
1612. 2:04:09–2:04:15for a while in the Medavi vine pavilion. Bring the portrait of Lady Shakhintala that I painted
1613. 2:04:15–2:04:21with my own hand upon the canvas. Such is the state of my heart. Show me the way to
1614. 2:04:21–2:04:28the Medavi pavilion. Come, your Majesty. This Medavi pavilion, furnished with a jeweled stone
1615. 2:04:28–2:04:37seat, silently welcomes my dear friend. Let us enter, your Majesty. Sit. My friend Medavia.
1616. 2:04:37–2:04:43Now everything has returned to me. I told you what happened when I first saw Shakuntala.
1617. 2:04:43–2:04:50But when I rejected her, you were not beside me. And before that, you never mentioned her
1618. 2:04:50–2:04:59her name in conversation. Surely you too, like me, had forgotten all that past between us.
1619. 2:04:59–2:05:04I had not forgotten. On the contrary, you told me the whole story. But at the end you said
1620. 2:05:04–2:05:10it was not true. Merely a joke, dull-witted as a lump of clay, and afraid the secret might
1621. 2:05:10–2:05:17be revealed. I took your words as truth. Besides, fate is always powerful.
1622. 2:05:17–2:05:18That is true.
1623. 2:05:18–2:05:22My friend, help me, help me.
1624. 2:05:22–2:05:23How has it come to this?
1625. 2:05:23–2:05:27How can the courage of a noble man be shaken by sorrow?
1626. 2:05:27–2:05:31A mountain remains unmoved even by storm winds.
1627. 2:05:31–2:05:39My friend, the moment I remember my beloved's helpless terror, I become utterly distraught.
1628. 2:05:39–2:05:45She was driven away from me and tried to follow her own people.
1629. 2:05:45–2:05:53her father's disciple. A father to her in his stead. Commanded sternly. Stay. And with
1630. 2:05:53–2:06:00eyes blurred by streaming tears. She looked once more at cruel me. All this pierces me
1631. 2:06:00–2:06:03like arrows steeped in poison.
1632. 2:06:03–2:06:09Ah, what suffering. Seeing his pain brings me satisfaction.
1633. 2:06:09–2:06:13Your Majesty, I have a thought. Some being who travels through the sky must have carried
1634. 2:06:13–2:06:14the lady away.
1635. 2:06:14–2:06:18Who but a deity could have done it?
1636. 2:06:18–2:06:22I was told that Manaka is your friend's mother.
1637. 2:06:22–2:06:26My heart believed that her companions took Shakuntala away.
1638. 2:06:26–2:06:28Ah!
1639. 2:06:28–2:06:34His delusion was astonishing, but his understanding has not awakened fully even now.
1640. 2:06:34–2:06:38If so, you will certainly be reunited with the lady in the end.
1641. 2:06:38–2:06:39How?
1642. 2:06:39–2:06:45parents cannot bear to see their daughter separated from her husband for very long.
1643. 2:06:45–2:06:53My friend, was she a dream? An illusion? A delusion? Or the fruit of hard-won merit?
1644. 2:06:53–2:06:59She has gone beyond the reach of memory and left before my longing an immeasurable abyss.
1645. 2:06:59–2:07:05Do not say so. The ring itself is proof. Surely a wondrous reunion decreed by fate
1646. 2:07:05–2:07:07begins in just this way.
1647. 2:07:07–2:07:11Ah, this unfortunate thing.
1648. 2:07:11–2:07:13Fallen from an inaccessible place.
1649. 2:07:13–2:07:15Oh Ring.
1650. 2:07:15–2:07:19The reward of your merit has proved as worthless as mine.
1651. 2:07:19–2:07:21You found a place upon her finger.
1652. 2:07:21–2:07:24Lovely with its crimson nail.
1653. 2:07:24–2:07:26Yet you fell from it.
1654. 2:07:26–2:07:29My friend, you are far away.
1655. 2:07:29–2:07:34Therefore I alone am enjoying this delight that is so sweet to hear.
1656. 2:07:34–2:07:38my friend, how did you come to place this ring upon the lady's hand?"
1657. 2:07:38–2:07:40Listen.
1658. 2:07:40–2:07:48As I was departing from the hermitage for my city, my beloved, her eyes full of tears,
1659. 2:07:48–2:07:53asked me, my lord, how many days will you remember me?
1660. 2:07:53–2:07:54Quote,
1661. 2:07:54–2:07:55And then, and then?
1662. 2:07:55–2:08:02Then I placed this royal signet upon her finger and said, each day, count one letter of
1663. 2:08:02–2:08:03my name.
1664. 2:08:03–2:08:11Beloved, when you reach the final letter, someone will come, show you the way, and conduct you
1665. 2:08:11–2:08:19to the inner palace, and then, in my delusion, I committed such a terrible offence.
1666. 2:08:19–2:08:22Fate gave you a charming device.
1667. 2:08:22–2:08:28Then how did this ring, like a fishhook, reach the mouth of that unfortunate rohu fish?
1668. 2:08:28–2:08:32Your friend must have dropped it into the current of the Ganges while bowing to the
1669. 2:08:32–2:08:40waters at. Shachie's sacred pool. Let me reproach it. How could you leave that hand with its tender,
1670. 2:08:41–2:08:48curved fingers and sink into the water? But no. A lifeless object understands neither virtue nor
1671. 2:08:48–2:08:55fault. Then how could I reject my beloved? The beginning and end of this story contradict one
1672. 2:08:55–2:09:02another. When shall I see again the beloved whom I rejected without cause? The painter
1673. 2:09:02–2:09:11enters carrying a canvas. His majesty is here. I shall approach him. Victory to your majesty.
1674. 2:09:11–2:09:18I have brought the lady's portrait. Ah, ah, ah, beauty alive before us. Well done, my
1675. 2:09:18–2:09:24friend. Well done. What more can I say? It seems a soul has entered the picture. I
1676. 2:09:24–2:09:26I feel moved or speak it.
1677. 2:09:26–2:09:27Ah!
1678. 2:09:27–2:09:30How skillful is the brush of his companion.
1679. 2:09:30–2:09:32The painter.
1680. 2:09:32–2:09:35My friend appears to be standing before me.
1681. 2:09:35–2:09:36Before.
1682. 2:09:36–2:09:40I rejected my beloved when she stood before me.
1683. 2:09:40–2:09:44Now I honour her when she is only a painted image.
1684. 2:09:44–2:09:48Ignoring the river swollen with water upon my path.
1685. 2:09:48–2:09:49Ah!
1686. 2:09:49–2:09:52I now thirst for a mirage.
1687. 2:09:52–2:09:56He has himself admitted everything I wished to say.
1688. 2:09:56–2:10:00I see three women. All are beautiful. Which one is Shokuntala?
1689. 2:10:00–2:10:07The poor man knows very well how to deceive himself. My friend is not truly here.
1690. 2:10:07–2:10:09Which one do you think she is?
1691. 2:10:09–2:10:15I think this is Lady Shokuntala. The woman standing wearily against the Ashoka vine
1692. 2:10:15–2:10:20drops of perspiration upon her face. Flowers falling from her loosened hair.
1693. 2:10:20–2:10:27One vine like arm drooping like a branch. The girdle of her garment undone. The other two are her friends.
1694. 2:10:27–2:10:37You are perceptive. The clear marks of my love are in this picture. Near the lines one can see the stain of my damp fingers.
1695. 2:10:37–2:10:49And the pigment of the brush has spread where a tear fell from my cheek. Medivini. The pleasure grove is only half painted. Go and bring the brushes.
1696. 2:10:49–2:10:53Noble Mardavia, hold the canvas until I return.
1697. 2:10:53–2:10:55What else remains to be painted here?
1698. 2:10:55–2:11:00Surely he wishes to paint all the places dear to my beloved friend.
1699. 2:11:00–2:11:05Mardavia, listen. I shall paint the Malini River
1700. 2:11:05–2:11:10with pairs of wild geese in rose upon its sandy bank,
1701. 2:11:10–2:11:13the valley at the foot of the sacred Himalaya,
1702. 2:11:13–2:11:18Father of Gauri, where yak cows rest,
1703. 2:11:18–2:11:21and beneath a tree hung with bark garments,
1704. 2:11:21–2:11:25a doe rubbing her left eye against the antler of a stag.
1705. 2:11:25–2:11:30I suppose he will fill the rest of the picture with the shaggy beards of hermits.
1706. 2:11:30–2:11:33Madavia, one more thing.
1707. 2:11:33–2:11:37I forgot to paint an ornament beloved by Shakuntala.
1708. 2:11:37–2:11:38What was it like?
1709. 2:11:38–2:11:42Something suited to a forest dweller and to her tenderness.
1710. 2:11:42–2:11:47My friend, I have not painted the Cherisha flower at her ear.
1711. 2:11:47–2:11:52It's stem tucked behind it, and its filaments trailing to her cheek.
1712. 2:11:52–2:11:55Nor the necklace of lotus fibers.
1713. 2:11:55–2:11:58Soft as autumn moonbeams.
1714. 2:11:58–2:12:00Resting between her breasts.
1715. 2:12:00–2:12:03Why does the lady look so frightened now?
1716. 2:12:03–2:12:06Covering her face with fingers lovely as red lotuses?
1717. 2:12:06–2:12:08Oh, oh, oh.
1718. 2:12:08–2:12:11This slave-born plunderer of flowers.
1719. 2:12:11–2:12:15A bee is hungry for the lady's lotus face.
1720. 2:12:15–2:12:18Go and drive away the insolent intruder.
1721. 2:12:18–2:12:23You, the chastiser of the wicked, are the one who can remove him.
1722. 2:12:23–2:12:29Very well. Bee, you are a welcome guest to every flowering vine.
1723. 2:12:29–2:12:32Why tire yourself flying about here?
1724. 2:12:32–2:12:38Your loving female bee, settled within a flower, waits for you.
1725. 2:12:38–2:12:42Though thirsty, she will not drink nectar without you.
1726. 2:12:42–2:12:45How gracefully he dismisses it!
1727. 2:12:45–2:12:49Creatures of this kind become more stubborn when chased away.
1728. 2:12:49–2:12:50You are right.
1729. 2:12:50–2:12:53Since you will not obey my command.
1730. 2:12:53–2:12:55Hear this now.
1731. 2:12:55–2:13:00O B, if you bite my beloved's Bimba Red lower lip.
1732. 2:13:00–2:13:03Lovely as the virgin bud of a young tree.
1733. 2:13:03–2:13:07Whose nectar I once drank gently in the festival of love.
1734. 2:13:07–2:13:10Then I shall imprison you inside a lotus.
1735. 2:13:10–2:13:14How could it fail to fear such a harsh punishment?
1736. 2:13:14–2:13:16He has truly gone completely mad.
1737. 2:13:16–2:13:20By keeping company with him, I too have been infected.
1738. 2:13:20–2:13:24Count me among those awakened to madness now.
1739. 2:13:24–2:13:26Beloved, is it still there?
1740. 2:13:26–2:13:31Ah! Love can master even a steadfast man.
1741. 2:13:31–2:13:32It is a picture.
1742. 2:13:32–2:13:36My friend, why are you so cruel to me?
1743. 2:13:36–2:13:43With my heart wholly absorbed, I was enjoying the sight of her as though she stood before me.
1744. 2:13:43–2:13:47You awakened memory and turned her back into a picture.
1745. 2:13:47–2:13:54My friend, I have seen with my own eyes that he remembers the dishonour he did you by rejecting you.
1746. 2:13:54–2:14:01Your Majesty, your box of pigments has fallen into the hands of Queen Kulaprabha's attendants.
1747. 2:14:01–2:14:05Very well. I have no desire to paint now.
1748. 2:14:05–2:14:10He shows Kula Prabha great respect. But that matters little.
1749. 2:14:10–2:14:14When the many stringed, Vipanchi is unavailable.
1750. 2:14:14–2:14:17Even a one-stringed Lute seems dear.
1751. 2:14:17–2:14:23My friend, see, why must I endure this pain without end?
1752. 2:14:23–2:14:27Wakefulness prevents me from meeting her even in dreams.
1753. 2:14:27–2:14:31And tears prevent me from seeing her even in a picture.
1754. 2:14:31–2:14:37Your Majesty, Pingalika is coming with her companions to snatch and tear the portrait.
1755. 2:14:37–2:14:39Her hopes are ruined now.
1756. 2:14:39–2:14:43Ah! Victory to the Queen! Victory!
1757. 2:14:43–2:14:53Alas! Pingalika, the Tigris of the Inner Palace, has followed Medavini's tracks like a doe and is about to spring upon us.
1758. 2:14:53–2:14:57My friend, protect this portrait of my beloved.
1759. 2:14:57–2:15:00In other words, you are telling me to protect myself.
1760. 2:15:00–2:15:07My friend, even your portrait has been removed from this man who behaves like an enemy towards you.
1761. 2:15:07–2:15:11I shall hide it where no one but the pigeons can see it.
1762. 2:15:11–2:15:17Victory to your Majesty. Vasumati did the Queen not come.
1763. 2:15:17–2:15:22Your Majesty, when she saw me bringing the letter, she turned back.
1764. 2:15:22–2:15:27She understands the claims of time and does not obstruct affairs of state.
1765. 2:15:27–2:15:31Your Majesty. The minister says that,
1766. 2:15:31–2:15:33because the work is so great,
1767. 2:15:33–2:15:38he has been able to examine only one citizen's case.
1768. 2:15:38–2:15:40May Your Majesty consider it.
1769. 2:15:40–2:15:43Medivini read it.
1770. 2:15:43–2:15:45As Your Majesty commands,
1771. 2:15:45–2:15:48let His Majesty know that Don of Riddie,
1772. 2:15:48–2:15:51the sea merchant whose name proved true,
1773. 2:15:51–2:15:53has died in a shipwreck.
1774. 2:15:53–2:15:56He has no children.
1775. 2:15:56–2:16:02His estate amounts to many thousands of millions and will now pass into the royal treasury.
1776. 2:16:02–2:16:07Having heard this, let His Majesty pronounce judgment.
1777. 2:16:07–2:16:10To have no child is a great sorrow.
1778. 2:16:10–2:16:12Vasumati.
1779. 2:16:12–2:16:16He was wealthy and therefore must have had several wives.
1780. 2:16:16–2:16:19Find out whether any one of them is pregnant.
1781. 2:16:19–2:16:21Your Majesty.
1782. 2:16:21–2:16:25It has just been learned that the daughter of the guild master, Keshava,
1783. 2:16:25–2:16:31One of his wives has undergone the conception right for the birth of a son.
1784. 2:16:31–2:16:35Then the unborn child is heir to the father's estate.
1785. 2:16:35–2:16:40Go and tell the honorable Pishuna so, as your majesty commands.
1786. 2:16:41–2:16:44Return for a moment. I am here.
1787. 2:16:45–2:16:50Tell him this as well. What does it matter whether the man has a child or not?
1788. 2:16:50–2:16:56proclaim that whenever any beloved relative of one of my subjects dies,
1789. 2:16:56–2:16:59provided the deceased was free from sin,
1790. 2:16:59–2:17:03Dushyanta will take that relative's place.
1791. 2:17:03–2:17:06It shall certainly be proclaimed in that way.
1792. 2:17:06–2:17:12Your Majesty, as people rejoice when clouds thunder at the proper season,
1793. 2:17:12–2:17:16so your subjects have rejoiced at your proclamation.
1794. 2:17:16–2:17:22When the last man of a family whose lineage has been broken dies without support.
1795. 2:17:22–2:17:27His wealth passes to another in just this way. After my death,
1796. 2:17:27–2:17:31the glory of Puru's line will suffer the same fate.
1797. 2:17:31–2:17:40May that fear never come true. Shame upon me, who condemned and rejected the blessing bestowed by destiny.
1798. 2:17:40–2:17:44Surely he is blaming himself because of my friend.
1799. 2:17:44–2:18:00I 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.
1800. 2:18:00–2:18:12What 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.
1801. 2:18:12–2:18:17Ah! Duchyanta has placed his ancestors in peril.
1802. 2:18:17–2:18:24After me! Alas! Who in my lineage will offer the scripturally ordained rice cakes and water?
1803. 2:18:24–2:18:35Surely my ancestors, instead of water, are drinking my pure tears! For I, childless, am incomplete!
1804. 2:18:35–2:18:42This is merely a natural error. His Majesty, standing at the height of youth,
1805. 2:18:42–2:18:48will father a worthy son by another queen and discharge his debt to his ancestors.
1806. 2:18:48–2:18:55He cannot hear my words, or rather, only the proper medicine can cure a disease.
1807. 2:18:55–2:19:01This line of puru, pure from its beginning, is ending because of me,
1808. 2:19:01–2:19:09unworthy and childless, as the sacred Sarasvati River vanishes into a barren desert.
1809. 2:19:09–2:19:16Awake, your Majesty! Awake! I shall end his suffering at once. But no!
1810. 2:19:16–2:19:23The great gods have ordained matters in this way. I cannot intervene without permission.
1811. 2:19:23–2:19:40Very well. The gods, eager for their share of the sacrifice, will arrange the royal sage's reunion with his wife. I shall see how they accomplish it. For now, I shall carry this news and comfort my beloved friend.
1812. 2:19:40–2:19:50Disaster! Disaster! Help! Disaster! Ah! That sounds like Madhavia's voice in distress.
1813. 2:19:50–2:19:54The poor man must have fallen into Lady Pingalaka's jaws.
1814. 2:19:54–2:20:01Vasumati, go and rebuke the queen in my name for failing to control her attendance.
1815. 2:20:01–2:20:07As commanded, the Brahmin's voice is trembling as though he were truly terrified.
1816. 2:20:07–2:20:08Who is there?
1817. 2:20:08–2:20:11Command me, your Majesty.
1818. 2:20:11–2:20:14Why is that boy Madhavya screaming?
1819. 2:20:14–2:20:18Your Majesty, I shall go and see.
1820. 2:20:18–2:20:22Parvatiana, is this a matter of mortal danger?
1821. 2:20:22–2:20:25No, your majesty.
1822. 2:20:25–2:20:27Then why are you frightened?
1823. 2:20:27–2:20:34Yet, the trembling that formerly came only from old age now shakes your whole body violently.
1824. 2:20:34–2:20:37Like a peepal tree in the wind.
1825. 2:20:37–2:20:40Then, mighty king, save your friend.
1826. 2:20:40–2:20:43From whom must I save him?
1827. 2:20:43–2:20:45From dreadful danger.
1828. 2:20:45–2:20:53Ah, say something intelligible. Your Majesty, that royal palace called Cloud Kissing.
1829. 2:20:53–2:21:02What is happening there? From its highest pinnacle, which the tame peacock reaches only after resting many times.
1830. 2:21:02–2:21:06Some invisible demon has carried away your friend.
1831. 2:21:06–2:21:11Impossible. Demons have entered my very house.
1832. 2:21:11–2:21:15Royal power is surrounded by countless reversals.
1833. 2:21:15–2:21:21Day by day, one cannot even discover one's own unseen failures.
1834. 2:21:21–2:21:26Who has the power to know completely which path each subject is following?
1835. 2:21:26–2:21:28Run! Run!
1836. 2:21:28–2:21:32My friend, do not be afraid! Do not be afraid!
1837. 2:21:32–2:21:34How can I not be afraid?
1838. 2:21:34–2:21:39Someone is squeezing my neck from behind and trying to crush me like sugarcane.
1839. 2:21:39–2:21:51My bow. My bow. A YAVANA woman enters carrying the bow. YAVANA woman. Victory to your majesty.
1840. 2:21:51–2:21:57Here are your bow and armguard. I shall seize and kill you as a tiger seizes its prey.
1841. 2:21:57–2:22:03Thirsting to drink the fresh blood from your neck. Let Dushyanta. Who lifts his bow to
1842. 2:22:03–2:22:11remove the fears of the afflicted. Protect you now. Is he mocking me? Stand still. Stand
1843. 2:22:11–2:22:21still. Disgrace to your race. You shall not escape now. Parva Tyana. Show me the staircase.
1844. 2:22:21–2:22:29This way, this way, your majesty. But there is no one here. Hurry. I can see you, but
1845. 2:22:29–2:22:35You cannot see me like a mouse in a cat's jaws. I have lost all hope of life.
1846. 2:22:35–2:22:51Villain. 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.
1847. 2:22:51–2:23:06Your Majesty. Indra 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.
1848. 2:23:06–2:23:12Ah, Metali, welcome. Charityer of the King of Gods.
1849. 2:23:12–2:23:14Ah, this demon nearly killed me.
1850. 2:23:14–2:23:19Your Majesty, hear why Indra has sent me to you.
1851. 2:23:19–2:23:21I am listening attentively.
1852. 2:23:21–2:23:27There is an invincible demon king named Durjaya, a descendant of Kalanemi.
1853. 2:23:27–2:23:31I have already heard of him from Narada.
1854. 2:23:31–2:23:34It is said that your friend Indra cannot kill him.
1855. 2:23:34–2:23:39It is said that you can destroy him at the forefront of battle.
1856. 2:23:39–2:23:44The moon dispels the darkness of night that the sun cannot remove.
1857. 2:23:44–2:23:46Therefore take up your bow.
1858. 2:23:46–2:23:51Mount Indra's chariot and depart for victory.
1859. 2:23:51–2:23:56I am blessed by Indra's honor, but why did you mistreat Madaviya so?
1860. 2:23:56–2:24:04I shall tell you. I saw that. For some reason, your majesty was sunk in remorse.
1861. 2:24:04–2:24:11I acted so to awaken your anger. For, fire blazes up when its fuel is stirred.
1862. 2:24:11–2:24:14A threatened serpent spreads its hood,
1863. 2:24:14–2:24:18and a man often recovers his courage when he is provoked.
1864. 2:24:18–2:24:20My friend Medavia,
1865. 2:24:20–2:24:24the command of the King of gods cannot be refused.
1866. 2:24:24–2:24:29Tell minister Pishuna what has happened here and give him this message in my name.
1867. 2:24:29–2:24:35For now, let your keen intelligence alone protect the people.
1868. 2:24:35–2:24:38This strong bow has been assigned to another task.
1869. 2:24:38–2:24:40As your majesty commands.
1870. 2:24:40–2:24:43This way, your majesty
1871. 2:24:43–2:24:50All move off an exit. Thus ends Act 6. A celestial dancer enters.
1872. 2:24:50–2:24:57My teacher Narada has told me that at this very time the royal sage Dushanta has risen above K.
1873. 2:24:57–2:25:05Mortal world and gone. At Lord Indra's command. To kill a demon. After I bowed and sang his praises.
1874. 2:25:05–2:25:12My teacher instructed me to present a dance of auspicious blessing before the learned audience.
1875. 2:25:12–2:25:17Go, find another dancer, and come to the dancing pavilion.
1876. 2:25:17–2:25:20I am therefore looking for a dancer now.
1877. 2:25:20–2:25:22Who is coming towards me?
1878. 2:25:22–2:25:28As though she has just received some ornament and is at once excited and satisfied.
1879. 2:25:28–2:25:29Why?
1880. 2:25:29–2:25:31It is my dear friend Chhutamangiri.
1881. 2:25:31–2:25:32Good!
1882. 2:25:32–2:25:35I shall take her to our teacher.
1883. 2:25:35–2:25:38A second dancer enters in the manner described.
1884. 2:25:38–2:25:39Ah!
1885. 2:25:39–2:25:43How great is the power of the royal sage Dushyanta.
1886. 2:25:43–2:25:47Oh, the mighty demon Durjaya has been killed.
1887. 2:25:47–2:25:51To speak precisely, accompanied only by his charioteer,
1888. 2:25:51–2:25:58Dushyanta poured down countless thousands of weapons and destroyed the powerful Durjaya in a single.
1889. 2:25:58–2:25:59Moment!
1890. 2:25:59–2:26:03Chhuta Manjari, my friend, you seem love struck.
1891. 2:26:03–2:26:08Are you Parijita Manjari, my friend, I shall tell you everything.
1892. 2:26:08–2:26:15But first say where you are going. My friend, I shall be brief. Our teacher has commanded a
1893. 2:26:15–2:26:22festive performance today to celebrate the royal sage Dushyentas. Victory over the demon. We are
1894. 2:26:22–2:26:29both to go and see him. There must be some reason for this. But if the king is returning to the
1895. 2:26:29–2:26:36mortal world, for whom shall we perform? My friend, has he fulfilled Mahendra's wish and
1896. 2:26:36–2:26:39taken his leave, or has something else occurred?
1897. 2:26:39–2:26:45Listen, my friend, this very morning he departs for the earth.
1898. 2:26:45–2:26:51Carrying with him, as a boon, the remaining life of Durjaya, and the enamoured hearts
1899. 2:26:51–2:26:53of the celestial women.
1900. 2:26:53–2:26:57That is why I am at once delighted and agitated.
1901. 2:26:57–2:27:00My friend, you have brought good news.
1902. 2:27:00–2:27:05Our teacher ordered us to perform before the royal sage of Purus line.
1903. 2:27:05–2:27:09Come, let us compose and sing a song here.
1904. 2:27:09–2:27:15As you wish, we can dance together, whether to my song or to your recitation.
1905. 2:27:15–2:27:22We shall do so, my friend, the spring season turns one be away from rightful pleasure and
1906. 2:27:22–2:27:25leads him towards improper conduct.
1907. 2:27:25–2:27:27It fills another with love.
1908. 2:27:27–2:27:31And saddens yet another with the earth's crimson beauty.
1909. 2:27:31–2:27:36of the prologue, the king and Matali enter in an aerial chariot.
1910. 2:27:36–2:27:43Matali. Although I merely obeyed Indra's command, the lofty honor he has shown me makes me feel
1911. 2:27:43–2:27:48unworthy. Your Majesty, neither of you acknowledges the
1912. 2:27:48–2:27:55other's debt. How so? Having given Indra such aid, you see his high honor and consider
1913. 2:27:55–2:28:01your deed insignificant. While he considers the honor he bestowed unequal to your greater
1914. 2:28:01–2:28:09achievement. It is not so. The honour shown me at my departure far exceeded my desire.
1915. 2:28:09–2:28:15I was seated upon half his throne before the gods. Then Indra looked smilingly at Jayanta
1916. 2:28:15–2:28:22standing beside him, who inwardly longed for that distinction, and placed upon me a garland
1917. 2:28:22–2:28:29of heavenly mandara flowers that had brushed his breast. Anointed with yellow sandalwood,
1918. 2:28:29–2:28:33Why should such honour from the king of gods not befit you?
1919. 2:28:33–2:28:41See, for Indra, who desires peace, two things have drawn out the thorns of heaven.
1920. 2:28:41–2:28:49The demons, your polished arrows, and, long ago, the claws of Nersimha.
1921. 2:28:49–2:28:51The greatness lies with Indra.
1922. 2:28:51–2:28:57See, know that when a servant succeeds in a great undertaking, it is because a great
1923. 2:28:57–2:29:04Master has bestowed honor upon him. If the Thousand Raid's son had not placed Aruna at
1924. 2:29:04–2:29:10the front of his chariot, where would Aruna have found the power to destroy darkness?
1925. 2:29:10–2:29:17Those words are worthy of you. Your Majesty, look here. The radiance of your fame has
1926. 2:29:17–2:29:23reached the roof of heaven. Considering the greatness of your deeds, the gods paint
1927. 2:29:23–2:29:30them upon the outer leaves of wish-fulfilling vines with cosmetic colors left over by celestial
1928. 2:29:30–2:29:32nymphs.
1929. 2:29:32–2:29:33Matali.
1930. 2:29:33–2:29:35Yesterday.
1931. 2:29:35–2:29:42In my eagerness to ascend and battle the demon, I paid no attention to the geography of heaven.
1932. 2:29:42–2:29:45Through what divine region are we traveling now?
1933. 2:29:45–2:29:49This is the region of the current bearing wind.
1934. 2:29:49–2:29:56from vapor, sanctified by Vishnu's second stride. It supports the heavenly stream of
1935. 2:29:56–2:30:03the threefold Ganges and turns the constellations with rays, radiating in a circle.
1936. 2:30:03–2:30:11That is why my inmost spirit and all my senses, within and without, or at peace. I believe
1937. 2:30:11–2:30:14we have descended into the region of clouds.
1938. 2:30:14–2:30:16How did you know?
1939. 2:30:16–2:30:21Chautaka birds fly between the spokes of your chariot wheels.
1940. 2:30:21–2:30:24The horses are coloured by flashes of lightning.
1941. 2:30:24–2:30:27And the rims of the wheels are wet.
1942. 2:30:27–2:30:32These signs show that the chariot has passed over rain-bearing clouds.
1943. 2:30:32–2:30:36In a moment you will reach the realm you rule.
1944. 2:30:36–2:30:42Because we are descending at great speed, the mortal world appears strange.
1945. 2:30:42–2:30:504. The earth seems to recede as the mountains rise. The screen of leaves lifts, revealing
1946. 2:30:50–2:30:58the trunks of trees, rivers that looked waterless, like thin lines, gain their full forms and
1947. 2:30:58–2:31:04become distinct. Look. It is as though someone had thrown the earth upward and brought it
1948. 2:31:04–2:31:05close to us.
1949. 2:31:05–2:31:09Ah, the beauty of the earth is incomparable.
1950. 2:31:09–2:31:20Matali. What mountain is this? Plunged into the eastern and western seas, gleaming as though it dripped gold like a wall of clouds at sunset.
1951. 2:31:20–2:31:30Your Majesty. This is Golden Peak, the mountain of the Kinaris and the finest place for ascetics to attain perfection.
1952. 2:31:30–2:31:37Hirpraja Patti, father of gods and demons, born from the self-existent Marichi,
1953. 2:31:37–2:31:41performs austerities with his wife.
1954. 2:31:41–2:31:45We should not neglect such an auspicious opportunity.
1955. 2:31:45–2:31:49Let us circle him and receive a vision of the Holy One.
1956. 2:31:49–2:31:53That is our foremost duty. We have landed.
1957. 2:31:53–2:31:59Matali. There was no sound from the wheel rims. No dust rose into view.
1958. 2:31:59–2:32:07Your chariot landed without unknowing it, because it did not touch the earth. There was no jolt,
1959. 2:32:07–2:32:14such is the difference between you and Indra. In which direction is Maricha's hermitage?
1960. 2:32:14–2:32:22There stands the sage, facing the sun, motionless as a pillar, half his body buried in an anthill,
1961. 2:32:22–2:32:27wearing a second sacred thread made from a serpent's cast skin,
1962. 2:32:27–2:32:31his throat bound by the noose of a withered vine,
1963. 2:32:31–2:32:36and the immense matted locks covering his shoulders filled with birds' nests.
1964. 2:32:36–2:32:39Homage to the great ascetic,
1965. 2:32:39–2:32:42we have now entered Prajapati's sacred grove,
1966. 2:32:42–2:32:46where Aditi tends the Mandara tree.
1967. 2:32:46–2:32:48How wonderful!
1968. 2:32:48–2:32:54I feel as though immersed in a lake of nectar that grants greater repose than heaven itself.
1969. 2:32:54–2:32:55Descend.
1970. 2:32:55–2:32:56What now?
1971. 2:32:56–2:32:59The harnessed chariot will remain here.
1972. 2:32:59–2:33:01I too shall descend.
1973. 2:33:01–2:33:03This way.
1974. 2:33:03–2:33:04This way.
1975. 2:33:04–2:33:05Your Majesty.
1976. 2:33:05–2:33:07Your Majesty.
1977. 2:33:07–2:33:11Behold the sacred grove of the perfected sages.
1978. 2:33:11–2:33:14Two things here fill me with wonder.
1979. 2:33:14–2:33:21Though they live in a forest of wish-fulfilling trees, they sustain life upon air alone.
1980. 2:33:21–2:33:27They bathe at twilight in sacred water filled with thousands of golden lotus leaves.
1981. 2:33:27–2:33:30They meditate in caves of jewels.
1982. 2:33:30–2:33:34They practice restraint amid celestial nymphs,
1983. 2:33:34–2:33:40though surrounded by everything for whose attainment other sages perform austerities.
1984. 2:33:40–2:33:43These sages still practice austerity.
1985. 2:33:43–2:33:53Great men have lofty aspirations. Elder Shakalya, with what task is our teacher occupied? What do you say?
1986. 2:33:53–2:33:59Aditi has asked him about the virtues of a faithful wife, and he is explaining them.
1987. 2:33:59–2:34:07Therefore my request must await a proper moment. I shall inform Prajapati of your arrival.
1988. 2:34:07–2:34:11Until then, sit beneath this Ashoka tree.
1989. 2:34:11–2:34:16As you wish. There is no hope that my desire will be fulfilled.
1990. 2:34:16–2:34:19Oh arm, why do you throb in vain?
1991. 2:34:19–2:34:23Good fortune rejected once later becomes sorrow.
1992. 2:34:23–2:34:26No, do not be wicked.
1993. 2:34:26–2:34:29Lion, how fiercely you display your nature.
1994. 2:34:29–2:34:32This is no place for wickedness.
1995. 2:34:32–2:34:35Who is administering justice?
1996. 2:34:35–2:34:44Ah! A child in years but a grown man in courage. Whom two female ascetics are trying to restrain.
1997. 2:34:44–2:34:49Striking a lion cub with his hand. He is dragging it away.
1998. 2:34:49–2:34:57It's main scattered by his harsh grip. The cub. Only half finished drinking at its mother's breast.
1999. 2:34:57–2:35:02Struggles against him. The boy enters doing as described.
2000. 2:35:02–2:35:05Restrained by two female acetics.
2001. 2:35:05–2:35:11Open your mouth, lion. Open your mouth. I want to count your teeth.
2002. 2:35:11–2:35:17Wicked child, why do you torment an animal who is like a son to us?
2003. 2:35:17–2:35:25Your ferocity grows greater and greater. The sages rightly named you Sarvadamana. Subduer of all.
2004. 2:35:25–2:35:29Why does this child draw my heart as though he were my own son?
2005. 2:35:29–2:35:34Surely my childlessness has made me affectionate towards all children.
2006. 2:35:34–2:35:39If you do not release her cub, the lioness will spring upon you.
2007. 2:35:39–2:35:42Ah, I am terribly frightened.
2008. 2:35:42–2:35:49This child seems like the seed of mighty splendor, a spark of fire waiting only for fuel.
2009. 2:35:49–2:35:54Child, release the lion cub. We shall give you another toy.
2010. 2:35:54–2:35:56Where is it? Give it to me.
2011. 2:35:56–2:36:00What? His hand bears the marks of an emperor.
2012. 2:36:00–2:36:06For, his hand stretched out to ask for the tempting object.
2013. 2:36:06–2:36:09Its fingers joined by delicate webs,
2014. 2:36:09–2:36:15shines like a single lotus whose gaps between the petals are not yet clear,
2015. 2:36:15–2:36:18beginning to open in the redness of dawn.
2016. 2:36:18–2:36:22My friend, promises alone cannot restrain him.
2017. 2:36:22–2:36:29Go to our cottage. There is a brightly colored clay peacock belonging to the child sage Mankankar.
2018. 2:36:29–2:36:31Bring him that toy.
2019. 2:36:31–2:36:36As you see. For now, I shall keep playing with this one.
2020. 2:36:36–2:36:39This obstinate child draws me to him.
2021. 2:36:39–2:36:45Blessed are those who take a son upon their lap and are soiled by the dust of his body.
2022. 2:36:45–2:36:48Whose little teeth flower in causeless laughter.
2023. 2:36:48–2:36:52Who's indistinct speech is exceedingly sweet?
2024. 2:36:52–2:36:56And who loves to rest in his father's arms?
2025. 2:36:56–2:36:57Very well.
2026. 2:36:57–2:36:59You will not obey me.
2027. 2:36:59–2:37:01Is there any boy of the Hermitage here?
2028. 2:37:01–2:37:02Nobles, sir.
2029. 2:37:02–2:37:08Please come and free the suffering lion cub from this unruly child's grip.
2030. 2:37:08–2:37:11Which is so difficult to loosen.
2031. 2:37:11–2:37:12Certainly.
2032. 2:37:12–2:37:14Son of a great sage.
2033. 2:37:14–2:37:18Why do you perform an act unworthy of a Hermitage?
2034. 2:37:18–2:37:23When your self-controlled father rejoices that living creatures seek his protection,
2035. 2:37:23–2:37:28why stain his glory as a young serpent pollutes a sandalwood tree?
2036. 2:37:28–2:37:31He is not the son of a sage.
2037. 2:37:31–2:37:38His conduct, suited to his appearance, seemed to declare his identity.
2038. 2:37:38–2:37:42Trusting the surroundings, I was mistaken.
2039. 2:37:42–2:37:47If touching the limbs of this child from another family gives me such joy,
2040. 2:37:47–2:37:52How much happiness must he give to the man from whose body he was born?
2041. 2:37:52–2:37:54A wonder! A wonder!
2042. 2:37:54–2:37:55What is it?
2043. 2:37:55–2:37:59I am astonished by the great resemblance between you.
2044. 2:37:59–2:38:02Although there is no relationship between you,
2045. 2:38:02–2:38:07and he is as easy with you as though you were someone long familiar.
2046. 2:38:07–2:38:11If he is not a sages son, what is his family?
2047. 2:38:11–2:38:14He is a descendant of Puru.
2048. 2:38:14–2:38:15What?
2049. 2:38:15–2:38:21He belongs to my own line. That is why she sees a resemblance to me.
2050. 2:38:21–2:38:29The descendants of Puru observe the final custom of their house. First, to protect the earth.
2051. 2:38:29–2:38:36They dwell in white plastered royal palaces. Later, living at the roots of trees,
2052. 2:38:36–2:38:43they devote themselves solely to ascetic vows. But a mortal cannot come here by his own will.
2053. 2:38:43–2:38:55You 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.
2054. 2:38:55–2:39:02Another ground for suspicion has appeared. Of which royal sage is this lady the wife?
2055. 2:39:02–2:39:07Who would speak the name of a man who abandoned his lawful wife?
2056. 2:39:07–2:39:10Can this story concern me in particular?
2057. 2:39:10–2:39:13Should I ask the child's mother's name?
2058. 2:39:13–2:39:14No.
2059. 2:39:14–2:39:18It is improper to inquire about another man's wife.
2060. 2:39:18–2:39:23The second female ascetic enters carrying a clay peacock.
2061. 2:39:23–2:39:26Sarvada Mana, look at this beautiful bird.
2062. 2:39:26–2:39:28Where is mother?
2063. 2:39:28–2:39:32His love for his mother confused him when he heard a similar word.
2064. 2:39:32–2:39:36Child, look at the Shakunta, the bird.
2065. 2:39:36–2:39:39How beautiful this doipicock is!
2066. 2:39:39–2:39:42Is his mother's name Shackantala?
2067. 2:39:42–2:39:44But names may be alike.
2068. 2:39:44–2:39:46Like a mirage?
2069. 2:39:46–2:39:49This may end in bitter disappointment.
2070. 2:39:49–2:39:52Aunt, I like this beautiful peacock.
2071. 2:39:52–2:39:56Ah, the protective amulet is missing from his wrist.
2072. 2:39:57–2:39:58Do not be anxious.
2073. 2:39:59–2:40:02It must have fallen while he wrestled with the lion cub.
2074. 2:40:02–2:40:05Do not touch it. What has he picked it up?
2075. 2:40:05–2:40:07Why are you stopping me?
2076. 2:40:07–2:40:12Listen, sir, this is a powerful herb called aparajita
2077. 2:40:12–2:40:16given by Mareacher during the child's birth ceremony.
2078. 2:40:16–2:40:24If it falls upon the ground, no one except his mother, his father, or the child himself can lift it.
2079. 2:40:24–2:40:27What happens if someone else picks it up?
2080. 2:40:27–2:40:31It turns into a snake and bites the stranger.
2081. 2:40:31–2:40:34Have you yourselves seen this transformation?
2082. 2:40:34–2:40:36Many times.
2083. 2:40:36–2:40:41Then, now that my hope has been fulfilled, why should I not rejoice?
2084. 2:40:41–2:40:42Uh...
2085. 2:40:42–2:40:50Samyatha, thumb, let us carry this news to, Shakuntala, who has completed her religious observance.
2086. 2:40:50–2:40:54Thumb, let me go, I want to go to mother.
2087. 2:40:54–2:40:59Son, we shall go together and bring joy to your mother.
2088. 2:40:59–2:41:02My father is Dushyanta, not you.
2089. 2:41:02–2:41:05That very denial is my proof.
2090. 2:41:05–2:41:11S-h-a-k-u-n-t-a-l-a enters, her hair bound in a single braid.
2091. 2:41:11–2:41:18I have heard that Sarvada Manas protective amulet remained in its natural form even though they
2092. 2:41:18–2:41:21condition for its transformation arose.
2093. 2:41:21–2:41:24Yet I cannot trust my fortune.
2094. 2:41:24–2:41:28Still, what Aksha Mala told me makes it seem possible.
2095. 2:41:28–2:41:38Ah! It is Lady Shakuntala. Clothed in grey, her face made thin by religious observance.
2096. 2:41:38–2:41:44Her hair bound in a single braid. This woman of spotless character has endured the long
2097. 2:41:44–2:41:48austerity of separation from cruel me.
2098. 2:41:48–2:41:54He does not look unlike my husband. Then who is he? Touching with his hand and defiling
2099. 2:41:54–2:42:02my son. Who is protected by sacred spells? Mother, this stranger keeps calling me, son.
2100. 2:42:02–2:42:10Beloved, the cruelty I showed you has now reached a happy end. I beg you to recognize me.
2101. 2:42:10–2:42:17Heart, take courage, take courage. Fate has shown mercy after casting me down and satisfying its
2102. 2:42:17–2:42:26Anger. This is my husband. By good fortune. Lovely faced one. Now that the bewildering
2103. 2:42:26–2:42:33darkness has lifted from memory, you stand before me. When an eclipse has ended, the
2104. 2:42:33–2:42:42moon and red rohenia reunited. Victory to my lord. Beloved. Though the word, victory,
2105. 2:42:42–2:42:50caught in your tears. I am victorious, for I can see your pale face. Its lips unadorned.
2106. 2:42:50–2:42:58Mother, who is he? Son, ask my food. Slender one. Let the pain of my rejection
2107. 2:42:58–2:43:05leave your heart. At that time I was lost in terrible delusion. A blind man brushes
2108. 2:43:05–2:43:12away even a garland upon his head, thinking it a snake. In deepest darkness, a man treats
2109. 2:43:12–2:43:15an auspicious thing in just this way.
2110. 2:43:15–2:43:23Rise, my lord. At that time some result of my former deeds. Horses-style to my happiness
2111. 2:43:23–2:43:30must have been ripening. That is why, though compassionate by nature, you changed so greatly.
2112. 2:43:30–2:43:33But how did my lord's memory return?
2113. 2:43:33–2:43:38I shall tell you everything after removing the Thorn of Grief.
2114. 2:43:38–2:43:39Slender One.
2115. 2:43:39–2:43:41On that day.
2116. 2:43:41–2:43:45In my delusion I ignored the tears that troubled your lips.
2117. 2:43:45–2:43:50Now I shall wipe away these tears resting upon your trembling lashes and free myself from
2118. 2:43:50–2:43:51remorse.
2119. 2:43:51–2:43:52My lord.
2120. 2:43:52–2:43:55Ah, this is the drink.
2121. 2:43:55–2:43:56Yes.
2122. 2:43:56–2:44:01When it was miraculously recovered, it restored my memory.
2123. 2:44:01–2:44:04It could have fulfilled my desire in a moment.
2124. 2:44:04–2:44:10Yet when I needed it to convince my Lord, it was nowhere to be found.
2125. 2:44:10–2:44:14Then let the vine receive its flower and proclaim the coming of spring.
2126. 2:44:14–2:44:16I do not trust it.
2127. 2:44:16–2:44:20Let my Lord keep it upon His own hand.
2128. 2:44:20–2:44:22Congratulations!
2129. 2:44:22–2:44:28Reunited with His lawful wife and beholding His Son's face, your majesty is prosperous
2130. 2:44:28–2:44:30once more.
2131. 2:44:30–2:44:36As it was fulfilled through a friend, my desire has borne an excellent fruit.
2132. 2:44:36–2:44:40Matali, did Indra not know of these events?
2133. 2:44:40–2:44:47Come, the revered Mariture awaits you and is ready to grant you an audience.
2134. 2:44:47–2:44:50Shakhantala, take our son.
2135. 2:44:50–2:44:51Walk before me.
2136. 2:44:51–2:44:54I wish to visit the venerable sage with you.
2137. 2:44:54–2:44:57Am I worthy to go with my lord?
2138. 2:44:57–2:45:01It is the custom on a festival occasion.
2139. 2:45:01–2:45:03Come, come.
2140. 2:45:03–2:45:09M-A-R-I-C-H-A enters seated beside Aditi upon one seat.
2141. 2:45:09–2:45:11Daughter of Daksha.
2142. 2:45:11–2:45:13This is Dushyanta.
2143. 2:45:13–2:45:15Lord of the earth.
2144. 2:45:15–2:45:18Your son Indra's champion in battle.
2145. 2:45:18–2:45:20Because of his bow.
2146. 2:45:20–2:45:24Indra's keen thunderbolt has become an idle ornament.
2147. 2:45:24–2:45:30appearance is certainly worthy of honor. Lord of the earth, the mother and father of the
2148. 2:45:30–2:45:36gods are looking upon you with parental affection. Approach.
2149. 2:45:36–2:45:43Matali. These are the divine pair whom the sages call the source of the twelvefold radiance.
2150. 2:45:43–2:45:51From whom Indra? Lord of the gods who receive the sacrificial share. Was born. And in whom
2151. 2:45:51–2:46:00the supreme spirit. Beyond even self-born Brahma found a birth place. Indeed, Dushyanta,
2152. 2:46:00–2:46:07servant of Indra, bows to you both. Son, protect the earth for many years.
2153. 2:46:07–2:46:10Son, may you have no equal in battle.
2154. 2:46:10–2:46:13With my son, I worship your feet.
2155. 2:46:13–2:46:20Daughter, may your married happiness endure long. With a husband like Indra and a son
2156. 2:46:20–2:46:27like Jayanta. What blessing can be given but this? Be like Paul Omi.
2157. 2:46:27–2:46:36Daughter, may your husband honor you. May your son become the ornament of both families.
2158. 2:46:36–2:46:42Please sit. By good fortune. Faithful Shaktala, this accomplished
2159. 2:46:42–2:46:51Son and the King, Faith, Wealth, and Righteous Duty. This triad has come together in one
2160. 2:46:51–2:47:00place. Holy Sir, Your grace is unprecedented. First, my desire was fulfilled, and only afterwards
2161. 2:47:00–2:47:07did I receive Your vision. See, first comes the flower, and then the fruit. First the
2162. 2:47:07–2:47:14the cloud, and afterwards the rain. Such is the order of cause and effect. But through
2163. 2:47:14–2:47:21your grace, good fortune came first. Such is the mercy of the mother and father of the
2164. 2:47:21–2:47:23world.
2165. 2:47:23–2:47:30Holy Sir, I married this servant of yours by the right of mutual consent. Sometime later,
2166. 2:47:30–2:47:37her relatives brought her to me. Because my memory had vanished, I rejected her, and
2167. 2:47:37–2:47:40thus offended the revered Canva.
2168. 2:47:40–2:47:46Afterwards, when I saw the ring, the memory of our marriage returned.
2169. 2:47:46–2:47:49The whole event seemed strange to me.
2170. 2:47:49–2:47:54It was as though a man denied an elephant standing plainly before him, doubted it after
2171. 2:47:54–2:48:01it had gone, and understood its existence only when he saw its footprints.
2172. 2:48:01–2:48:04Such was the disorder of my mind.
2173. 2:48:04–2:48:11done. Cease worrying that you committed an offense. You were deceived. Listen. I am listening
2174. 2:48:11–2:48:17attentively." When Menaka descended from the celestial nymph's sacred pool and brought
2175. 2:48:17–2:48:25the visibly weakened Shakuntala to Aditi, meditation revealed to me that the poor girl
2176. 2:48:25–2:48:32had been rejected by her husband because of Dervasa's curse and that the sight of
2177. 2:48:32–2:48:36the ring would end that curse. I am freed from guilt.
2178. 2:48:36–2:48:43What good fortune! My lord did not reject me of his own will, but I do not remember being
2179. 2:48:43–2:48:52cursed. Surely, because my heart was elsewhere. I did not hear the curse. My friends repeatedly
2180. 2:48:52–2:48:55insisted that I must show my lord the ring.
2181. 2:48:55–2:49:03Daughter, you have understood the truth. Therefore, do not be angry with your husband now.
2182. 2:49:03–2:49:10See, your husband rejected you, because the loss of memory made him hard-hearted.
2183. 2:49:10–2:49:18Now the darkness of his delusion has been dispelled, and royal fortune is subject to you.
2184. 2:49:18–2:49:25In a mirror dimmed by dust, a reflection cannot take shape, but once it is cleaned,
2185. 2:49:25–2:49:28The image appears clearly of itself.
2186. 2:49:28–2:49:31As the Holy One says,
2187. 2:49:31–2:49:32Son,
2188. 2:49:32–2:49:36I trust you have accepted this son of Shaktala,
2189. 2:49:36–2:49:39whose birth ceremony I myself performed.
2190. 2:49:39–2:49:43Holy Sir, my lineage rests upon him alone.
2191. 2:49:43–2:49:45It is true.
2192. 2:49:45–2:49:48Know him as a future universal emperor.
2193. 2:49:48–2:49:49See,
2194. 2:49:49–2:49:54crossing the oceans in a chariot that moves steadily without jolting.
2195. 2:49:54–2:50:00This peerless warrior will soon conquer the earth with its seven continents
2196. 2:50:00–2:50:03because he subdues animals by force.
2197. 2:50:03–2:50:08His name here is Sarvada-mana, subduer of all,
2198. 2:50:08–2:50:15because he will uphold the earth. He shall later be renowned as Bharata.
2199. 2:50:15–2:50:21Since the Holy One Himself performed His rites, we may expect all this of Him.
2200. 2:50:21–2:50:26Canva too should be told in full how Shakuntala's desire was fulfilled.
2201. 2:50:26–2:50:28Manaka is nearby.
2202. 2:50:28–2:50:31You have spoken the wish of my heart.
2203. 2:50:31–2:50:37Through the power of his austerities, the revered Canva already knows all this clearly.
2204. 2:50:38–2:50:41Ah! Then my teacher is not angry with me.
2205. 2:50:42–2:50:46Even so, he should hear this happy news from me.
2206. 2:50:46–2:50:47Who is there?
2207. 2:50:47–2:50:50Revered teacher, I am here.
2208. 2:50:50–2:50:57G'eleva, my son, tell the renowned Canva this happy news in my words.
2209. 2:50:57–2:51:06When D'Vasa's curse ended and his memory returned, Dushyanta accepted Shaktala as my revered
2210. 2:51:06–2:51:08teacher commands.
2211. 2:51:08–2:51:15Son, with your son and wife, mount the chariot of your friend Indra, which stands here,
2212. 2:51:15–2:51:18and depart for your capital.
2213. 2:51:18–2:51:25As my revered teacher commands, Son, continue to satisfy the gods entitled to their sacrificial
2214. 2:51:25–2:51:28shares with abundant offerings.
2215. 2:51:28–2:51:33In return, may the king of gods send rain for your subjects.
2216. 2:51:33–2:51:41Thus, through mutual service, may the friendship between you endure for many years.
2217. 2:51:41–2:51:47Together with the glory of your shared generosity, Holy Sir, I shall strive for the welfare
2218. 2:51:47–2:51:56of all with my entire strength. Son, tell me now. What further boon shall I grant you?
2219. 2:51:56–2:52:04If, after all this, my revered teacher still wishes to show me favor, then may the king
2220. 2:52:04–2:52:12remain devoted to the welfare of his people. May the learned honor Sarasvati. May self-existent
2221. 2:52:12–2:52:20Shiva whose power pervades all things bring my cycle of rebirth to an end end of act seven
2222. 2:52:20–2:52:29thus ends abhijnan asha kuntalam a play by the great poet kala dhasa a poet who by the grace of
2223. 2:52:29–2:52:34destiny 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, dramatic personai. 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? could delight the ears of this gathering more than a song describing the pleasures of thee. 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? 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 D US HYANTA 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. tear. 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 hindquarters into the fore part of his body. Exhausted, he runs with his mouth open, dropping half-chewed 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 over ground. 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 ice wells 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. 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, Kashyapa. 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 Shakuntala, 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 thorns 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 dear 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 reins 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 Kashyapur 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 baccala tree seems to be beckoning me with fingers. It's creeper stirred by the wind. As though urging me to hurry, I shall tend it. Kishapa 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 Ansoya, the bark garment Priyam vada tides 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 abba 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 vine 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 colour 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 Anselya, 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 be! 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. I 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 Purnatri, cooled by its shade, and rest from your weariness. You too must be tired from your sacred work. Sit for a while. Dear Shakyuntala, it is our duty to attend upon a guest come, let us sit here. What is happening to me? The moment I saw him, feelings arose 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. Ansuya, 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. Ansuya 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 Rava king to oversee the observance of sacred law. I have come to this holy forest to learn whether anything is disturbing the rites 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 Koshika 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 Meenakar 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 Meenaka'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. Take 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. Yet 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 Cheresha flower at her ear, And as her loose and 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 gentle man 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. 4. 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 Gopami 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. For, 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. Though 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 joint 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 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. Command 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. Rava 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. And, 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? Madavia's condemnation of hunting has dampened my enthusiasm. Madavia. 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 ataka, 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 Madhavia, 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 Kashiapa, 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. Then 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, 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 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, modus though she was, she let me understand something of her feelings. Four. 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 lovesick 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! Revere'd, sirs! Ah! Despite his royal splendor, how greatly his appearance inspires trust, 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 depends upon his strung bow and Indra's thunderbolt. 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 were indeed consecrated to the sacrifice of calming the fears of those in distress. Revid says, go on ahead. I shall follow immediately. Victory to you. Madavia, are you curious to see Shakhantala? At first my curiosity knew no bounds. But after hearing about the demons, I understand its true value. Curiosity 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. Asterisk. 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. Madhavia. 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? Hang 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 Hermits daughter. Look! On one side stand men like us. On the other. That girl! Reared among fawns and holy innocent of love. My friend! Do not mistake a jesting invention for a declaration of truth. Yes, yes, certainly! I'll exit. of act 2 of Shakhintala, a play by the great poet Kalidasa. 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 disturbance is ceased. And our rites are proceeding without obstruction. What need has he even to set an arrow to the bow? 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 altar. Priyam Vada. For whom are you carrying that paste of fragrant Eusera and those lotus leaves bound with fibers? What did you say? Shakhantala has 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 Love-Sick 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? to 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 Eucera 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, Anasuya 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 color 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 two? 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 in growing thin. That is true. I am indeed just so. Four. Night after night. Tears flowing from the corners of my eyes. Heated 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 write a 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. A 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. 4. 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 worth. Then listen and tell me whether the meaning is right. We are ready. O 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 Dukos. What do you mean by, in Dukos? 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 me your majesty listen carefully. I am listening Because of you the god of love has brought our friend to this condition Therefore peace 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. 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. I am not afraid to be afraid of you. I am afraid of you. I am afraid of you. I am afraid of you. I am afraid of you. I am afraid of you. I am afraid of you. I am afraid of you. I am afraid of you. I am afraid of you. I am afraid of you. I am afraid of you. I am afraid of you. I am afraid of you. 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, Father. Hidden from Him behind this Kurabaka 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 fibre 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 halfway, 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? Burnt 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. Seems adorned with the new moon. That crescent. Taking the form of this fiber 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 favor. 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? Priyambhadharan and Ansoya 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. Child, the day is ending. Come, let us return to the cottage. Heart, when you found the man, rare is the fulfillment 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. For 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, Make 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, Shakuntala, a play by the great poet Kaladasa. The two hermitage maidens enter, gathering flowers. Priyam Vada. Although Shakuntala 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 plea for 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 as it remains with her, this remedy will work. work. Priyambuddha, 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 Ansoya, 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 Kashyapa, 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. 4. The rising light of morning reddens the mist hanging from the trees. Peacocks shaking off sleep leave the coosa-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 are 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 failed 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. Bring 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. Shangarava and his companions prepare to escort Shakyantala. Quote, Ansoya, Hari, Hari, the sages are preparing to leave for Hestinapura. My friend, come, let us go. There is Shakyuntala. As the sun rises, the female ascetics, carrying bowls of wild grain, are blessing her and bidding her farewell. Thumb, 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 accept Gautami bless her and exit. My friend, may you be happy. Dear friends, welcome. Sit here. Dear Shakhintala, 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 as moonlight, one poured out red-lacte 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. Like a bee-bond in a hollow. You are longing for the nectar of the lotus. I have never worn ornaments like these. I 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, Shakhantala 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? Dear Shaktala, 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 bout to you. My daughter. As Sharmishta was honoured by Yaiyati, so may you be honoured by your 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. the altar. Kept alive with fuel. Their borders strewn with coosa 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. Gaurava, 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, favorable 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 KUSA 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 one for yourself through your own merit. Now, freed from anxiety for you, I shall arrange her marriage with this neighboring mango tree. I entrust her to you both. And into whose hands are we being entrusted? Anasuya, 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 Chakravik hen falls 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 bitterfully, 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. Shantgurava, 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 is she, elephant parted from her herd? Why are you so overcome? Become the honoured 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 king is slow to remember you, show him the string in 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 Dushianta, unconquered in battle. And when that son has taken the burden of the kingdom upon himself, then, accompanied only by your husband, you 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. Reved 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 IV 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 in mind. The king and the clown enter seated, surrounded by attendants. Ah, is that not the music hall? Listen, the notes of Avina are sounding in perfect measure. I understand. Hansa Padika must be practicing her voice. Madhavya, be quiet. Let me hear. Ah, his majesty is absorbed. I shall wait for a suitable moment. O.B. 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 Paddica 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. Perhaps 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 Kashyapa. Having heard this, it is for your majesty to decide what is proper. Hermits bearing a message from Kashyapa, 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 ascetics. 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. Like 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 in 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 weary mind is refreshed. Here is the terrace of the fire sanctuary. Freshly plastered and swept with a torny cow standing nearby. Your Majesty! Ascend! Vasumati! For For what purpose can the revered Kashyapa have sent these sages to me? Has 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. Look 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! Holy men! 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 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 Kasyapa, who blesses the world through his grace? In good health. 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. 4. 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. Pregnant 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 I decide 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? Hot, 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! Shakhantala! 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. 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 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 bimba-red lower lip trembles as though stricken by cold, and her naturally arched brows have suddenly drawn together. Lady, Dushyanta'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 adulteress. 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. Oh King, what use is this dispute? We have fulfilled our teacher's command. We shall now take our leave. She is your wife. Accept her or abandon her. For a husband's authority over his wife is held to be absolute. Gautami. Come. Let us go. Ah, this deceiver has truly betrayed me. And you do are leaving me behind. What regose have I now? Shangarava. My son. Shakantala 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? 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 leaving." Hermit. 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, should 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. Rev. 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 bedchamber! This way? Your Majesty! This way! Though I did not remember marrying the sage's daughter and therefore rejected her, my deeply afflicted heart seems still to yearn for her. All exit! 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. 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? Sutchaka! 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 joy. 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. Such acher! 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. Janukah! 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. His 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. being given a reward equal to the value of the ring. I have been shown great favor. Such 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 for 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. 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. AKSHA-MALA enters in an aerial chariot. I have completed my daily rites at the celestial nymph's bathing pool. Now I shall see for myself the royal sage's condition. Through my friendship with Manaka, Shakuntala has become dear 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! Parabritica! My friend, why are you talking to yourself? My friend, the tender shoot of the mango intoxicates the cuckoo. Has spring arrived? Madhavkaraka, 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, Nytravisu, 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 Shakhantala 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. 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 sighs 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 do-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. Tell Minister Peshuna 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 this delightful garden. My friend, the proverb, misfortune strikes where one is weakest, is never false. See, 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, I 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 Medavi pavilion. Come, your Majesty. This Medavi pavilion, furnished with a jeweled stone seat, silently welcomes my dear friend. Let us enter, your Majesty. Sit. My friend Medavia. 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 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. My 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. her father's disciple. A father to her in his stead. Commanded sternly. Stay. And with eyes blurred by streaming tears. 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 believed 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? 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 an 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? Quote, 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 fishhook, 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. Shachie'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 I feel moved or speak 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 honour 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 Shokuntala? 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 Shokuntala. 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. Medivini. The pleasure grove is only half painted. Go and bring the brushes. Noble Mardavia, 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. Mardavia, listen. I shall paint the Malini River with pairs of wild geese in rose 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 Kula Prabha great respect. But that matters little. When the many stringed, Vipanchi is unavailable. Even a one-stringed Lute 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 Don of Riddie, 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, Keshava, 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, Dushyanta will take that relative's 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! Duchyanta 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 sage's 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. Royal 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? Someone 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 armguard. 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. Indra 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. Charityer 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. Mount Indra's chariot and depart for victory. I am blessed by Indra's honor, 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 Dushanta 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 Chhutamangiri. 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 Durjaya has been killed. To speak precisely, accompanied only by his charioteer, Dushyanta poured down countless thousands of weapons and destroyed the powerful Durjaya in a single. Moment! Chhuta Manjari, my friend, you seem love struck. Are you Parijita Manjari, 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 Dushyentas. 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 Durjaya, 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. 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 greater achievement. It is not so. The honour 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. 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? Chautaka 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, though surrounded by everything for whose attainment other sages perform austerities. These sages still practice austerity. Great men have lofty aspirations. Elder Shakalya, 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 moment. 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 main scattered by his harsh grip. The cub. Only half finished 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 colored 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. Who's 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? Nobles, 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 sages 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 a mortal 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 doipicock is! Is his mother's name Shackantala? But names may be alike. Like a mirage? This may end in bitter disappointment. Aunt, I like this beautiful peacock. Ah, the protective amulet 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 aparajita 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? Uh... Samyatha, 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-a-l-a enters, her hair bound in a single braid. I have heard that Sarvada Manas protective amulet remained in its natural form even though they 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 rohenia reunited. Victory to my lord. Beloved. Though the word, victory, 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. Horses-style 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. As it was fulfilled through a friend, my desire has borne an excellent fruit. Matali, did Indra not know of these events? Come, the revered Mariture 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. 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 twelvefold radiance. From whom Indra? Lord of the gods who receive the sacrificial share. Was born. And in whom the supreme spirit. Beyond even self-born Brahma found a birth place. 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 the cloud, and afterwards the rain. Such is the order of cause and effect. But through your grace, good fortune came first. Such 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. Sometime 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. The 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. done. Cease worrying that you committed an offense. You were deceived. Listen. I am listening attentively." When Menaka descended from the celestial nymph's sacred pool and brought the visibly weakened Shakuntala 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 Shaktala, 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 Shakuntala'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. Even so, he should hear this happy news from me. Who is there? Revered teacher, I am here. G'eleva, my son, tell the renowned Canva this happy news in my words. When D'Vasa's curse ended and his memory returned, Dushyanta accepted Shaktala as my revered 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 end of act seven thus ends abhijnan asha kuntalam a play by the great poet kala dhasa a poet who by the grace of destiny attained complete knowledge

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