Kalidasa's Shakuntala: Act III

Your friend will find a rival in
The sea-girt earth alone.
The two friends. We are content. (SHAKUNTALA betrays her joy.)
Priyamvada (aside to ANUSUYA). Look, Anusuya! See how the dear girl's life is
coming back moment by moment--just like a peahen in summer when the first rainy
breezes come.
Shakuntala. You must please ask the king's pardon for the rude things we said when
we were talking together.
The two friends (smiling). Anybody who says it was rude, may ask his pardon. Nobody
else feels guilty.
Shakuntala. Your Majesty, pray forgive what we said when we did not know that you
were present. I am afraid that we say a great many things behind a person's back.
King (smiling).
Your fault is pardoned if I may
Relieve my weariness
By sitting on the flower-strewn couch
Your fevered members press.
Priyamvada. But that will not be enough to satisfy him.
Shakuntala (feigning anger). Stop! You are a rude girl. You make fun of me when I am
in this condition.
Anusuya (looking out of the arbour). Priyamvada, there is a little fawn, looking all
about him. He has probably lost his mother and is trying to find her. I am going to help
him.
Priyamvada. He is a frisky little fellow. You can't catch him alone. I'll go with you.
(They start to go.)
Shakuntala. I will not let you go and leave me alone.
The two friends (smiling). You alone, when the king of the world is with you! (Exeunt.)
Shakuntala. Are my friends gone?
King (looking about). Do not be anxious, beautiful Shakuntala. Have you not a humble
servant here, to take the place of your friends? Then tell me: