Translations Of Shakuntala And Other Works Part 11

_King_ (_joyfully_). I have heard what I longed to hear.

'Twas love that caused the burning pain; 'Tis love that eases it again; As when, upon a sultry day, Rain breaks, and washes grief away.

_Shakuntala_. Then, if you think best, make the good king take pity upon me. If not, remember that I was. _King_. Her words end all doubt.

_Priyamvada_ (_aside to_ a.n.u.sUYA). a.n.u.suya, she is far gone in love and cannot endure any delay.

_a.n.u.suya_. Priyamvada, can you think of any scheme by which we could carry out her wishes quickly and secretly?

_Priyamvada_. We must plan about the "secretly." The "quickly" is not hard.

_a.n.u.suya_. How so?

_Priyamvada_. Why, the good king shows his love for her in his tender glances, and he has been wasting away, as if he were losing sleep.

_King_. It is quite true.

The hot tears, flowing down my cheek All night on my supporting arm And on its golden bracelet, seek To stain the gems and do them harm.

The bracelet slipping o'er the scars Upon the wasted arm, that show My deeds in hunting and in wars, All night is moving to and fro.

_Priyamvada_ (_reflecting_). Well, she must write him a love-letter.

And I will hide it in a bunch of flowers and see that it gets into the king's hand as if it were a relic of the sacrifice.

_a.n.u.suya_. It is a pretty plan, dear, and it pleases me. What does Shakuntala say?

_Shakuntala_. I suppose I must obey orders.

_Priyamvada_. Then compose a pretty little love-song, with a hint of yourself in it.

_Shakuntala_. I'll try. But my heart trembles, for fear he will despise me.

_King_.

Here stands the eager lover, and you pale For fear lest he disdain a love so kind: The seeker may find fortune, or may fail; But how could fortune, seeking, fail to find?

And again:

The ardent lover comes, and yet you fear Lest he disdain love's tribute, were it brought, The hope of which has led his footsteps here-- Pearls need not seek, for they themselves are sought.

_The two friends_. You are too modest about your own charms. Would anybody put up a parasol to keep off the soothing autumn moonlight?

_Shakuntala_ (_smiling_). I suppose I shall have to obey orders. (_She meditates_.)

_King_. It is only natural that I should forget to wink when I see my darling. For

One clinging eyebrow lifted, As fitting words she seeks, Her face reveals her pa.s.sion For me in glowing cheeks.

_Shakuntala_. Well, I have thought out a little song. But I haven't anything to write with.

_Priyamvada_. Here is a lotus-leaf, glossy as a parrot's breast. You can cut the letters in it with your nails.

_Shakuntala_. Now listen, and tell me whether it makes sense.

_The two friends_. Please.

_Shakuntala_ (_reads_).

I know not if I read your heart aright; Why, pitiless, do you distress me so?

I only know that longing day and night Tosses my restless body to and fro, That yearns for you, the source of all its woe.

_King_ (_advancing_).

Though Love torments you, slender maid, Yet he consumes me quite, As daylight shuts night-blooming flowers And slays the moon outright.

_The two friends_ (_perceive the king and rise joyfully_). Welcome to the wish that is fulfilled without delay. (SHAKUNTALA _tries to rise_.)

_King_.

Do not try to rise, beautiful Shakuntala.

Your limbs from which the strength is fled, That crush the blossoms of your bed And bruise the lotus-leaves, may be Pardoned a breach of courtesy.

_Shakuntala_ (_sadly to herself_). Oh, my heart, you were so impatient, and now you find no answer to make.

_a.n.u.suya_. Your Majesty, pray do this stone bench the honour of sitting upon it. (SHAKUNTALA _edges away_.)

_King_ (_seating himself_). Priyamvada, I trust your friend's illness is not dangerous.

_Priyamvada_ (_smiling_). A remedy is being applied and it will soon be better. It is plain, sir, that you and she love each other. But I love her too, and I must say something over again.

_King_. Pray do not hesitate. It always causes pain in the end, to leave unsaid what one longs to say.

_Priyamvada_. Then listen, sir.

_King_. I am all attention.

_Priyamvada_. It is the king's duty to save hermit-folk from all suffering. Is not that good Scripture?

_King_. There is no text more urgent.

_Priyamvada_. Well, our friend has been brought to this sad state by her love for you. Will you not take pity on her and save her life?

_King_. We cherish the same desire. I feel it a great honour.

_Shakuntala_ (_with a jealous smile_). Oh, don't detain the good king.

He is separated from the court ladies, and he is anxious to go back to them.

_King_.