Kalidasa's Shakuntala: Act III
Kalidasa's Shakuntala: Act III
Kalidasa's Shakuntala: Act III
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<strong>Shakuntala</strong>. But what does he do if he is not content?<br />
King. This! This! (He draws her face to his.)<br />
A voice behind the scenes. O sheldrake bride, bid your mate farewell. The night is<br />
come.<br />
<strong>Shakuntala</strong> (listening excitedly). Oh, my dear, this is Mother Gautami, come to inquire<br />
about me. Please hide among the branches. (The king conceals himself. Enter GAUTAMI,<br />
with a bowl in her hand.)<br />
Gautami. Here is the holy water, my child. (She sees SHAKUNTALA and helps her to<br />
rise.) So ill, and all alone here with the gods?<br />
<strong>Shakuntala</strong>. It was just a moment ago that Priyamvada and Anusuya went down to the<br />
river.<br />
Gautami (sprinkling SHAKUNTALA with the holy water). May you live long and happy,<br />
my child. Has the fever gone down? (She touches her.)<br />
<strong>Shakuntala</strong>. There is a difference, mother.<br />
Gautami. The sun is setting. Come, let us go to the cottage.<br />
<strong>Shakuntala</strong> (weakly rising. To herself). Oh, my heart, you delayed when your desire<br />
came of itself. Now see what you have done. (She takes a step, then turns around.<br />
Aloud.) O bower that took away my pain, I bid you farewell until another blissful hour.<br />
(Exeunt SHAKUNTALA and GAUTAMI.)<br />
King (advancing with a sigh.) The path to happiness is strewn with obstacles.<br />
Her face, adorned with soft eye-lashes,<br />
Adorable with trembling flashes<br />
Of half-denial, in memory lingers;<br />
The sweet lips guarded by her fingers,<br />
The head that drooped upon her shoulder--<br />
Why was I not a little bolder?<br />
Where shall I go now? Let me stay a moment in this bower where my beloved lay. (He<br />
looks about.)<br />
The flower-strewn bed whereon her body tossed;<br />
The bracelet., fallen from her arm and lost;<br />
The dear love-missive, in the lotus-leaf<br />
Cut by her nails: assuage my absent grief