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Śakuntala and the Ring o f Recollection

T R A N S L A T E D B Y B A R B A R A S T O L E R M ILLER

C H A R A C T E R S

Players in the prologue: d i r e c t o r : D irecto r o f the players and m an ag er o f the th eater (sūtradhāra). a c t r e s s : T h e lead actress (natī).

Principal roles: k i n g : D usyanta, the hero (nāyaka)\ ru ler o f H astināpura; a royal sage o f the lu n ar d y n asty o f Puru. ś a k u n t a l ā : T h e hero in e (nāy ik ā); d au g h ter o f the royal sage V iśvām itra and the celestial n y m p h M enakā; adoptive d au g h ­ ter o f the ascetic Kanva. b u f f o o n : M ādhavya, the k in g ’s com ical b rah m a n co m p an ­ ion (vidūsaka).

Members o f K a n v a ’s hermitage: a n a s ū y ā and p r i y a m v a d ā : T w o y o u n g fem ale asce tics; friends o f S akuntalā. k a n v a : Foster father o f Sakuntalā and m aster o f the her­ m itage; a sage b elo n g in g to the lineage o f the divine creator M arīci, and thus related to M ārīca. g a u t a m ī : T h e senior fem ale ascetic. śĀ R iśr G A R A V A and ś â r a d v a t a : K an v a’s disciples.

Various in h ab itan ts o f the herm itag e: a m o n k w ith his tw o

pupils, tw o boy ascetics (nam ed G autam a and N ārada), a y o ung disciple o f Kanva, a trio o f fem ale ascetics.

Members o f the king's forest retinue: c h a r i o t e e r : D riv er o f the k in g ’s ch ario t (sūta). g u a r d : R aivataka, g u ard ian o f the entrance to the k in g ’s q uarters (dauvārika). g e n e r a l : C o m m a n d e r o f the k in g ’s arm y (senāpati). k a r a b h a k a : Royal messenger.

Various atten d an ts, in clu d in g G reco -B actrian bow -bearers (yavanyah).

Members o f the king's palace retinue: c h a m b e r l a i n : V ātāyana, ch ief officer o f the k in g ’s h o u se­ hold (kañcukt). p r i e s t : Som arāta, the k in g ’s religious p recep to r and h o u se­ ho ld priest (purohita). d o o r k e e p e r : V etravatī, the fem ale atten d an t w h o ushers in visitors and presents m essages (pratīhārī). p a r a b h r t i k ā and m a d h u k a r i k ā : Two m aids assigned to the k in g ’s garden. c a t u r i k â : A m aidservant.

C ity dwellers: m a g i s t r a t e : T h e k in g ’s low -caste b ro th er-in -law (śyāla); chief o f the c ity ’s policem en. p o l i c e m e n : Sūcaka and Jānuka. f i s h e r m a n : A n outcaste.

Celestials: m â r ī c a : A divine sage; m aster o f the celestial h erm itag e in w hich Sakuntalā gives b irth to her son; father o f Indra, king o f the gods, w h o se arm ies D usyanta leads. a d i t i : Wife o f M ārīca. m ā t a l i : In d ra ’s charioteer. s â n u m a t ī : A n y m p h ; friend o f Ś akuntalā’s m o th e r M enakā.

86 Śakuntalā and the Ring o f Recollection

Various m em bers o f M ārīca’s herm itag e: tw o fem ale ascetics, M ārīca’s disciple Gālava.

b o y : Sarvadam ana, son o f Sakuntalā and D usyanta; later k n o w n as B harata.

Offstage voices: v o i c e o f f s t a g e : F rom the backstage area o r dressing ro o m (nepathye); b ehind the curtain, o u t o f view o f the audience. T he voice belongs to various players before they en ter the stage, such as the m o n k , S ak u n talā’s friends, the b u ffoon, M ātali; also to figures w h o never en ter the stage, such as the angry sage D urvāsas, the tw o bards w h o chant royal pan­ egyrics (vaitālikau). v o i c e i n t h e a i r : A voice ch an tin g in the air (ākāśe) from som ew here offstage: the bodiless voice o f Speech q u o ted in Sanskrit by P riyam vadā (4.4); the voice o f a cuckoo w ho represents the trees o f the forest blessing Sakuntalā in Sanskrit (4.11); the voice o f H arhsapadikā singing a P rak rit love song (5.1).

Aside from D usyanta, Śakuntalā, and the b u ffoon, m o st o f the characters represent types th a t reappear in different con­ texts w ith in the play itself, an aspect o f the circular stru ctu re o f the play in w h ich co m p lem e n tary relations are repeated. In term s o f th eir appearance, the follow ing roles m ig h t be played by the sam e acto r or actress:

K anva— M ārīca G autam ī— A diti A nasūyā and Priyam vadā—

S ānum atī and C a tu rik ā— Two A scetic W om en in the h erm itag e o f M ārīca

C h ario teer— M ātali M o n k — Sārñgarava G eneral— C h am b erlain K arabhaka— Priest

Ś A K U N T A L Â A N D T H E R I N G O F R E C O L L E C T I O N 87

88 Sakuntalā and the Ring o f Recollection

T he settin g o f the play shifts fro m the forest h erm itag e (Acts 1-4) to the palace (Acts 5-6) to the celestial h erm itag e (Act 7). T he season is early su m m e r w h en the play begins and spring d u rin g the six th act; the passage o f tim e is o th erw ise in d i­ cated by the b irth and b o y h o o d o f S ak u n talā’s son.

ACT ONE

T h e w ater th a t was first created, the sacrifice-bearing fire, the priest, the tim e-settin g sun and m o o n , audible space th a t fills the universe, w h at m en call n atu re, the source o f all seeds, the air th a t living creatures b reath e— th ro u g h his eight em b o d ied form s, m ay L ord Siva com e to bless you! (1)

P R O L O G U E

d i r e c t o r (looking backstage): If you are in costum e now, m adam , please com e on stage! a c t r e s s : I ’m here, sir. d i r e c t o r : O u r audience is learned. We shall play K ālidāsa’s new d ram a called Sakuntalā and the Ring o f Recollection. Let the players take th eir parts to heart! a c t r e s s : W ith you d irecting, sir, n o th in g w ill be lost. d i r e c t o r : M adam , the tru th is:

I find no p erfo rm an ce perfect until the critics are pleased; the b e tter train ed w e are the m ore w e d o u b t ourselves. (2)

a c t r e s s : So tru e . . . n o w tell m e w h a t to do first! d i r e c t o r : W h a t cap tu res an au d ien ce b e tte r th an a son g?

90 Śakuntala and the Ring o f Recollection

Sing ab o u t the new su m m e r season and its pleasures:

To p lu n g e in fresh w aters sw ept by scented forest w inds and dream in soft shadow s o f the d a y s rip en ed charm s. (3)

a c t r e s s (singing):

Sensuous w o m en in su m m e r love weave flow er earrings from fragile petals o f m im osa w hile w ild bees kiss th em gently. (4)

d i r e c t o r : Well sung, m adam ! Your m elo d y enchants the audience. T h e silent th eater is like a painting. W hat dram a should we play to please it? a c t r e s s : B u t d id n ’t you ju s t direct us to p erfo rm a new play called Sakuntalā and the Ring o f Recollection? d i r e c t o r : M adam , I’m conscious again! For a m o m en t I fo rg o t.

T he m o o d o f y o u r so n g ’s m elo d y carried m e o f f by force, ju s t as the sw ift d ark antelope enchanted K ing D usyanta. (5)

( T h e y both exit; the prologue ends. Then the king enters with his charioteer, in a chariot, a bow and arrow in his hand, hunting an antelope.)

c h a r i o t e e r (watching the king and the antelope):

I see this black b uck m ove as you draw y o u r bo w and I see the w ild b o w m an Siva, h u n tin g the d ark antelope. (6)

A C T O N E 9 1

k i n g : D river, this an telope has d raw n us far in to the forest. T here he is again:

T he graceful tu rn o f his neck as he glances back at o u r speeding car, the haunches folded in to his chest in fear o f m y speeding arrow, the open m o u th d ro p p in g half-chew ed grass on o u r p ath — w atch h o w he leaps, b o u n d in g on air, barely to u ch in g the earth. (7)

(He shows surprise.) W hy is it so h ard to keep h im in sight? c h a r i o t e e r : Sir, the g ro u n d was rough. I tig h ten ed the reins to slow the ch ario t and the b uck raced ahead. N o w th at the path is sm o o th , he w o n ’t be h ard to catch. k i n g : Slacken the reins! c h a r i o t e e r : As you co m m an d , sir. (He mimes the speeding chariot.) Look!

T h e ir legs extend as I slacken the reins, plum es and manes set in the w in d , ears angle back; ou r horses o u tru n th e ir o w n clouds o f dust, straining to m atch the a n telo p e’s speed. (8)

k i n g : T hese horses w o u ld o u trace the steeds o f the sun.

W hat is sm all sud d en ly loom s large, split form s seem to reunite, ben t shapes straig h ten before m y eyes— from the c h a rio t’s speed n o th in g ever stays d istan t o r near. (9)

c h a r i o t e e r : T h e antelope is an easy ta rg et now. (He mimes the f i x i n g o f an arrow.) v o i c e o f f s t a g e : Stop! Stop, king! This antelope belongs to o u r herm itage! D o n ’t kill him! c h a r i o t e e r (listening and watching): Sir, tw o ascetics are p ro ­ tecting the black b uck from y o u r a rro w ’s deadly aim.

k i n g (showing confusion): Rein in the horses! c h a r i o t e e r : It is done! (He mimes the chariot’s halt. Then a monk enters with two pupils, his hand raised.) m o n k : K ing, this antelope belongs to o u r herm itag e.

W ithdraw y o u r w ell-aim ed arrow ! Y our w eapon should rescue v ictim s, n o t destroy the innocent! (10)

k i n g : I w ith d raw it. (He does as he says.) m o n k : A n act w o rth y o f th e P u ru d y n a s ty ’s shining light!

Your b irth h o n o rs the dy n asty o f th e m oon! M ay you beget a son to tu rn the w heel o f y o u r em pire! (11)

t h e t w o p u p i l s (raising their arms): M ay you b eget a son to tu rn the w heel o f y o u r em pire! k i n g (bowing): I w elcom e y o u r blessing. m o n k : K ing, w e w ere go in g to gather firew ood. F rom here you can see the h erm itag e o f o u r m aster K anva on the bank o f the M ālinī river. I f y o u r w o rk p erm its, en ter and accept o u r hospitality.

W hen you see the peaceful rites o f devoted ascetics, you w ill k n o w h o w w ell y o u r scarred arm p rotects us. (12)

k i n g : Is the m aster o f th e co m m u n ity there now? m o n k : H e w en t to S o m atīrth a, the h o ly shrine o f the m o o n , and p u t his d au g h ter S akuntalā in charge o f receiving guests. Som e evil threatens her, it seems. k i n g : T h en I shall see her. She w ill k n o w m y d evotion and co m m en d m e to the great sage. m o n k : We shall leave you now. (He exits with his pupils.) k i n g : D river, u rg e the horses on! T h e sight o f this h o ly her­ m itage w ill p u rify us.

92 Śakuntalā and the Ring o f Recollection

A C T O N E 9 3

c h a r i o t e e r : A s y o u c o m m a n d , sir. (He mimes the chariot’s speed.) k i n g (looking around): W ith o u t being to ld one can see th a t this is a grove w here ascetics live. c h a r i o t e e r : H o w ?

k i n g : D o n ’t you see—

Wild rice grains u n d er trees w here p arro ts nest in h o llo w tru n k s, stones stained b y the dark oil o f crushed iñ g u d ī nu ts, tru stin g deer w h o hear h u m a n voices yet d o n ’t break th eir gait, and paths fro m p o nds streaked by w ater fro m w et b ark cloth. (13)

c h a r i o t e e r : It i s perfect. k i n g (having gone a little inside): We should n o t d istu rb the grove! Stop the ch ario t and let m e get down! c h a r i o t e e r : I’m h o ld in g the reins. You can d ism o u n t now, sir. k i n g (dismounting): O n e sh o u ld n o t enter an ascetics’ grove in h u n tin g gear. Take these! (He gives up his ornaments and his bow.) D river, ru b d o w n the horses w hile I pay m y respects to the residents o f the herm itage! c h a r i o t e e r : Yes, sir! (He exits.) k i n g : This gatew ay m arks the sacred gro u n d . I w ill enter. (He enters, indicating he feels an omen.)

T he h erm itag e is a tran q u il place, yet m y arm is q u iv erin g . . . do I feel a false o m en o f love or does fate have d o o rs everyw here? (14)

v o i c e o f f s t a g e : T his way, friends! k i n g (straining to listen): I t h i n k I h e a r v o i c e s t o t h e r i g h t o f t h e g r o v e . I’ll f i n d o u t .

9 4 Sakuntalā and the Ring o f Recollection

( Walking around and looking.) Young fem ale ascetics w ith w aterin g p ots cradled on their hips are co m in g to w ater the saplings. (He mimes it in precise detail.) This view o f th em is sweet.

These forest w o m en have b eauty rarely seen inside royal palaces— the w ild forest vines far surpass creepers in m y pleasure garden. (15)

I’ll hide in the shadow s and w ait. (Sakuntalā and her two friends enter; acting as described.) ś a k u n t a l ā : T his way, friends! a n a s ū y ā : I th in k Father K anva cares m o re ab o u t the trees in the h erm itag e th an he cares ab o u t you. Y ou’re as delicate as a jasm in e, yet he o rders you to w ater the trees. ś a k u n t a l ā : A nasūyā, i t ’s m o re th an Father K an v a’s order. I feel a sister’s love for them . (She mimes the watering o f trees.) k i n g (to himself): Is this K anva’s daughter? T he sage does show p o o r ju d g m e n t in im posing the rules o f the herm itage on her.

T he sage w h o hopes to subdue her sensuous b o d y by penances is try in g to cut firew ood w ith a blade o f b lu e-lo tu s leaf. (16)

Let it be! I can w atch her closely fro m here in the trees. (He does so.) ś a k u n t a l ā : A nasūyā, I can ’t breathe! O u r friend P ri- yam vadā tied m y b ark dress to o tightly! Loosen it a bit! a n a s ū y ā : As you say. (She loosens it.) p r i y a m v a d ā : (laughing): B lam e y o u r y o u th for sw elling yo u r breasts. W hy blam e me? k i n g : This bark dress fits her b o d y badly, b u t it o rn am en ts her beau ty . . .

A C T O N E 9 5

A tangle o f duckw eed adorns a lotus, a dark sp o t h eightens th e m o o n ’s glow, the bark dress increases her ch arm — beauty finds its o rn am en ts anyw here. (17)

ś a k u n t a l ā (looking in fro n t o f her): T h e new branches on this m im osa tree are like fingers m o v in g in the w ind, calling to me. I m u st go to it! (Saying this, she walks around.) p r i y a m v a d ā : Wait, Sakuntalā! Stay there a m inute! W hen you stand by this m im o sa tree, it seems to be gu ard in g a creeper. ś a k u n t a l ā : T h a t’s w h y y o u r nam e means “ S w e e t-ta lk .” k i n g : “ S w e et-ta lk ” yes, b u t Priyam vadā speaks the tru th about Sakuntalā:

H er lips are fresh red buds, her arm s are tendrils, im p atien t y o u th is poised to blo sso m in her lim bs. (18)

a n a s ū y ā : Śakuntalā, this is the ja sm in e creeper w h o chose the m ango tree in m arriage, the one you n am ed “Forest- lig h t.” H ave you fo rg o tte n her? ś a k u n t a l ā : I w o u ld be fo rg e ttin g myself! (She approaches the creeper and examines it.) T he creeper and the tree are tw in e d to g e th er in perfect h ar­ mony. F o restlight has ju s t flow ered and the new m ango shoots are m ade for her pleasure. p r i y a m v a d ā (smiling): A nasūyā, d o n ’t you k n o w w h y Śakuntalā looks so lo v in g ly at Forestlight? a n a s ū y ā : I can’t guess. P R iY A isA V A D Ā : T he m arriag e o f F o restlight to her tree m akes her long to have a h u sb an d too. ś a k u n t a l ā : Y ou’re ju s t speaking y o u r ow n secret w ish. (Saying this, she pours water from the jar.) k i n g : C o u ld her social class be different fro m her fa th e r’s? T h e re ’s no doubt!

96 Śakuntala and the Ring o f Recollection

She was b o rn to be a w a rrio r’s bride, for m y n oble h eart desires h er— w h en g o o d m en face d o u b t, in n er feelings are tr u th ’s o n ly m easure. (19)

Still, I m u st learn ev ery th in g ab o u t her. ś a k u n t a l ā (flustered): T h e splashing w ater has alarm ed a bee. H e is flying fro m th e ja sm in e to m y face. (She dances to show the bee's attack.) k i n g (looking longingly):

Bee, you to u ch the quiv erin g corners o f her frig h ten ed eyes, you hover softly near to w h isp er secrets in her ear; a h and brushes you away, b u t you d rin k h er lips’ treasure— w hile the tru th w e seek defeats us, you are tru ly blessed. (20)

ś a k u n t a l ā : T his dreadful bee w o n ’t stop. I m u st escape. (She steps to one side, glancing about.) Oh! H e ’s p u rsu in g m e . . . Save me! Please save me! This m ad bee is chasing me! b o t h f r i e n d s (laughing): H o w can w e save you? C all K ing D usyanta. T h e grove is u n d er his p ro tec tio n . k i n g : H e re ’s m y chance. H ave no fear . . . (With this half-spoken, he stops and speaks to himself.) T h en she w ill k n o w th a t I am the k ing . . . Still, I shall speak. ś a k u n t a l ā (stopping after a f e w steps): W hy is he still follow ­ ing me? k i n g (approaching quickly):

W hile a P u ru k ing rules the earth to punish evildoers, w h o dares to m olest these in n o cen t yo u n g ascetics? (21)

(Seeing the kin g, all act flustered.)

A C T O N E 9 7

a n a s ū y â : Sir, th e re ’s no real danger. O u r friend was frig h t­ ened w h en a bee attacked her. (She points to Sakuntalā.) k i n g (approaching Sakuntalā): D oes y o u r ascetic practice go well? (Sakuntalā stands speechless.) a n a s ū y â : It does n o w th a t w e have a special guest. S akun­ talā, go to o u r h u t and b rin g th e ripe fruits. We’ll use this w ater to b ath e his feet. k i n g : Your k in d speech is h o sp ita lity enough. P R iY A M V A D Â : Please sit in the cool shadow s o f this shade tree and rest, sir. k i n g : Y o u m u s t a l s o b e t i r e d f r o m y o u r w o r k .

a n a s ū y â : Sakuntalā, w e sh o u ld respect o u r guest. L et’s sit dow n. (A ll sit.) ś a k u n t a l â (to herself): W hen I see him , w h y do I feel an e m o tio n th a t the forest seems to forbid? k i n g (looking at each o f the girls): Y outh and b eauty com ple­ m en t y o u r friendship. p r i y a m v a d ā (in a stage whisper): A nasūyâ, w h o is he? H e ’s so polite, fine lo o k in g , and pleasing to hear. H e has the m arks o f royalty. a n a y s ū y â : I’m curious to o , friend. I ’ll ju s t ask him . (Aloud.) Sir, yo u r k in d speech inspires tru st. W hat fam ily o f royal sages do you adorn? W hat co u n try m o u rn s yo u r absence? W hy does a m an o f refin em en t subject h im se lf to the disco m ­ fo rt o f v isiting an ascetics’ grove? ś a k u n t a l â : (to herself): H eart, d o n ’t faint! A nasūyâ speaks yo u r th o u g h ts. k i n g (to himself): S hould I reveal m y se lf n o w o r conceal w ho I am? I’ll say it this way: (Aloud.) Lady, I have been ap p o in ted by th e P u ru king as the officer in charge o f religious m atters. I have com e to this sacred forest to assure th a t y o u r h o ly rites proceed u nhindered.

a n a s ū y â : O u r religious life has a gu ard ian now. (Sakuntalā mimes the embarrassment o f erotic emotion.) b o t h f r i e n d s (observing the behavior o f Sakuntalā and the king; in a stage whisper): Sakuntalā, i f o n ly y o u r father w ere here now! ś a k u n t a l â (angrily): W hat i f he were? b o t h f r i e n d s : H e w o u ld h o n o r this distin g u ish ed guest w ith w h at he values m o st in life. ś a k u n t a l â : Q uiet! Such w o rd s h in t at yo u r hearts’ conspir­ acy. I w o n ’t listen. k i n g : Ladies, I w an t to ask ab o u t y o u r friend. b o t h f r i e n d s : Y our req u est h o n o rs us, sir. k i n g : Sage K anva has always been celibate, b u t you call y o u r friend his daughter. H o w can this be? a n a s ū y â : Please listen, sir. T h ere was a pow erfu l royal sage o f the K auśika clan . . . k i n g : I am listening. a n a s ū y â : H e b eg o t o u r friend, b u t K anva is her father be­ cause he cared for her w h en she was abandoned. k i n g : “A b an d o n e d ” ? T h e w o rd m akes m e curious. I w an t to hear her sto ry fro m the begin n in g . a n a s ū y â : Please listen, sir. O n ce w h en this great sage was practicing terrib le austerities on the b ank o f the G autam ī river, he becam e so p o w erfu l th at the jealo u s gods sent a n y m p h n am ed M enakā to b reak his self-control. k i n g : T h e gods dread m en w h o m editate. a n a s ū y â : W hen sp rin g tim e cam e to the forest w ith all its charm , the sage saw her in to x icatin g beau ty . . . k i n g : I u n d erstan d w h at happened then. She is the n y m p h ’s daughter. a n a s ū y â : Yes. k i n g : It h a d to b e !

N o m o rtal w o m a n could give b irth to such b eau ty — lig h tn in g does n o t flash o u t o f the earth. (22)

(Sakuntalā stands with her face bowed. The king continues speak­ ing to himself.)

98 Sakuntalā and the Ring o f Recollection

A C T O N E 9 9

M y desire is n o t hopeless. Yet, w h en I hear her friends teasing her ab o u t a b rid eg ro o m , a new fear divides m y heart. p r i y a m v a d A (smiling, looking at Sakuntalā, then turning to the king): Sir, you seem to w an t to say m ore. (Sakuntalā makes a threatening gesture with her finger.) k i n g : Y o u ju d g e correctly. In m y eagerness to learn m ore about y o u r pious lives, I have an o th er question. p r i y a m v a d ā : D o n ’t hesitate! Ascetics can be questioned frankly. k i n g : I w an t to k n o w this ab o u t y o u r friend:

Will she keep the vow o f h erm it life only u n til she m arries . . . o r w ill she always exchange loving looks w ith deer in the forest? (23)

P R i y a m v a d ā : Sir, even in her religious life, she is subject to her father, b u t he does in ten d to give her to a suitable h u s­ band. k i n g (to h im s e lf): H is w ish is n o t h ard to fulfill.

H eart, ind u lg e y o u r desire— no w th at d o u b t is dispelled, the fire you feared to to u ch is a jew el in y our hands. (24)

ś a k u n t a l ā (showing anger): A nasūyā, I’m leaving! a n a s ū y â : W hy? ś a k u n t a l ā : I ’m goin g to tell M o th e r G au tam ī th at Priyarh- vadā is talking nonsense. a n a s ū y â : Friend, i t ’s w ro n g to neglect a distin g u ish ed guest and leave as you like. (Sakuntalā starts to go without answering.) k i n g (wanting to seize her; but holding back, he speaks to himself): A lover dare n o t act on his im pulsive thoughts!

I w an ted to follow the sage’s daughter, bu t d eco ru m a b ru p tly pulled m e back; I set o u t and retu rn e d again w ith o u t m oving m y feet fro m this spot. (25)

p r i y a m v a d ā (stopping Śakuntalā): I t’s w ro n g o f you to go! ś a k u n t a l ā (bending her brow into a frown): Give m e a reason why! p r i y a m v a d ā : You p ro m ised to w ater tw o trees for me. C o m e here and pay y o u r deb t before you go! (She stops her by force.) k i n g : B u t she seems exhausted from w aterin g the trees:

H er shoulders droop, h er palm s are red fro m the w aterin g p o t— even now, breathless sighs m ake her breasts shake; beads o f sw eat on her face w ilt the flow er at her ear; h er h and holds back disheveled locks o f hair. (26)

H ere, I’ll pay h er debt! (He offers his ring. Both friends recite the syllables o f the name on the seal and stare at each other.) D o n ’t m istake m e for w h at I am not! T his is a gift from the king to id en tify m e as his royal official. p r i y a m v a d ā : T h en th e rin g sh o u ld never leave y o u r finger. Your w o rd has already paid her debt. (She laughs a little.) Sakuntalā, you are freed by this k in d m an . . . o r perhaps by the king. Go now! ś a k u n t a l ā (to herself): I f I am able to . . . (Aloud.) W ho are you to keep m e o r release me? k i n g (watching Sakuntalā): C an she feel to w ard m e w h at I feel to w ard her? O r is m y desire fulfilled?

She w o n ’t resp o n d d irectly to m y w o rd s, b u t she listens w h en I speak; she w o n ’t tu rn to lo o k at me, b u t her eyes can’t rest an y w h ere else. (27)

v o i c e o f f s t a g e : A scetics, be prepared to p ro tect the crea­ tures o f o u r forest grove! K ing D usyanta is h u n tin g nearby!

ioo Śakuntalā and the Ring o f Recollection

A C T O N E 1 0 1

D u st raised b y his horses’ hooves falls like a cloud o f locusts sw arm in g at sunset over branches o f trees w here w et b ark g arm en ts hang. (28)

In te rro r o f the chariots, an elephant charged in to the h erm itag e and scattered the h erd o f black antelope, like a d em o n foe o f o u r penances— his tusks g arlanded w ith branches from a tree crushed by his w eig h t, his feet tan g led in vines th at te th er h im like chains. (29)

(Hearing this, all the girls are agitated.) k i n g (to h im s e lf): O h! M y palace m en are searching for m e and w reck in g the grove. I’ll have to go back. b o t h f r i e n d s : Sir, w e ’re all upset b y this new s. Please let us go to o u r h u t. k i n g (showing confusion): Go, please. We w ill try to p ro tect the h erm itage. ( T h e y all stand to go.) b o t h f r i e n d s : Sir, w e ’re asham ed th a t o u r bad h o sp itality is o u r o nly excuse to in v ite you back. k i n g : N o t at all. I am h o n o red to have seen you. (Sakuntalā exits with her two friends, looking back at the king, lingering artfully.) I have little desire to re tu rn to the city. I’ll jo in m y m en and have th em cam p n ear the grove. I can ’t co n tro l m y feelings for Sakuntalā.

M y b o d y tu rn s to go, m y h eart pulls m e back, like a silk b an n er buffeted by the w ind. (30)

( A ll exit.)

E N D O F A C T O N E

ACT TWO

( The buffoon enters, despondent.)

b u f f o o n (sighing): M y bad luck! I’m tired o f playing side­ kick to a k in g w h o ’s h o o k ed on h u n tin g . “T h e re ’s a deer!” “T h e re ’s a b o ar!” “T h e re ’s a tig er!” Even in the su m m er m id ­ day heat we chase fro m ju n g le to ju n g le on paths w here trees give barely any shade. We d rin k stin k in g w ater fro m m o u n ­ tain stream s foul w ith ru sty leaves. A t o d d h o u rs w e eat nasty meals o f sp it-ro asted m eat. E ven at n ig h t I can’t sleep. M y jo in ts ache fro m g alloping on th at horse. T h en at the crack o f daw n, I’m w o k en ru d ely by a noise piercing the forest. T hose sons o f bitches h u n t th e ir birds then. T h e to rtu re d o esn ’t end— n o w I have sores on to p o f m y bruises. Yesterday, we lagged behind. T h e kin g chased a b uck in to the herm itage. As luck w o u ld have it, an ascetic’s d au g h ter called Sakuntalā caught his eye. N o w he isn ’t even th in k in g o f going back to the city. T his very daw n I fo u n d h im w ide-eyed, m o o n in g abo u t her. W hat a fate! I m u st see h im after his bath. (He walks around, looking.) H ere com es m y friend now, w earing garlands o f w ild flow ers. G reek w o m en carry his b ow in th eir hands. Good! I ’ll stand here p rete n d in g m y arm s and legs are broken. M aybe then I’ll get som e rest. (He stands leaning on his s ta f f The king enters with his retinue, as described.) k i n g (to himself):

M y beloved w ill n o t be easy to w in, b u t signs o f e m o tio n revealed her h ea rt— even w h en love seems hopeless, m u tu al lo n g in g keeps passion alive. (1)

A C T T W O 1 0 3

(He smiles.) A su ito r w h o m easures his b elo v ed s state o f m in d by his ow n desire is a fool.

She th rew te n d er glances th o u g h her eyes w ere cast dow n, her heavy hips swayed in slow seductive m ovem ents, she answ ered in anger w h en h er friend said, “D o n ’t g o!” and I felt it was all for m y sake . . . b u t a lover sees in his o w n way. (2)

b u f f o o n (still in the same position): D ear friend, since m y hands can’t m ove to greet you, I have to salute you w ith m y voice. k i n g : H o w d i d y o u c r i p p l e y o u r l i m b s ?

b u f f o o n : W hy do you ask w h y I cry after th ro w in g d u st in m y eyes yourself? k i n g : I d o n ’t u n d e r s t a n d . b u f f o o n : D ear friend, w h en a straig h t reed is tw isted in to a crooked reed, is it by its o w n power, o r is it the river current? k i n g : T h e riv er cu rren t is the cause. b u f f o o n : A nd so it is w ith me. k i n g : H o w s o ? b u f f o o n : Y o u neglect the business o f being a king and live like a w o o d sm an in this awful camp. C hasing after w ild beasts every day jo lts m y jo in ts and m uscles till I can’t con tro l m y ow n lim bs anym ore. I beg you to let m e rest for ju s t one day! k i n g : (to himself): H e says w h at I also feel. W hen I rem em b er K an v a’s daughter, the th o u g h t o f h u n tin g disgusts me.

I can’t draw m y b o w strin g to sh o o t arrow s at deer w ho live w ith m y love and teach h er ten d er glances. (3)

b u f f o o n : Sir, you have so m eth in g on y o u r m ind. I’m crying in a w ilderness.

k i n g (smiling): Yes, it is w ro n g to ig n o re m y frien d ’s plea. b u f f o o n : Live long! (He starts to go.) k i n g : D ear friend, stay! H ear w h at I have to say! b u f f o o n : A t y o u r co m m an d , sir! k i n g : W hen you have rested, I need y o u r help in som e w o rk th at you w ill enjoy. b u f f o o n : Is it eating sweets? I’m game! k i n g : I shall tell you. W ho stands guard? g u a r d (entering): A t y o u r co m m an d , sir! k i n g : Raivataka! S u m m o n the general! (The guard exits and reenters with the general.) g u a r d : T he k in g is lo o k in g this way, w aiting to give you his orders. A p p ro ach him , sir! g e n e r a l (looking at the king): H u n tin g is said to be a vice, b u t ou r k ing prospers:

D raw in g the b o w o nly hardens his chest, he suffers the s u n ’s scorching rays u n b u rn ed , h ard muscles m ask his b o d y ’s lean state— like a w ild elephant, his energy sustains him . (4)

(He approaches the king.) Victory, m y lord! We’ve already tracked som e w ild beasts. W hy the delay? k i n g : M ādhavya’s censure o f h u n tin g has dam pened m y spirit. g e n e r a l (in a stage whisper; to the buffoon): Friend, you stick to y o u r opposition! I’ll try to restore o u r k in g ’s g o o d sense. (Aloud.) This fool is talk in g nonsense. H ere is the king as proof:

A h u n te r’s belly is ta u t and lean, his slender b o d y craves exertion; he p enetrates the sp irit o f creatures overcom e by fear and rage; his b o w m an sh ip is p roved by arrow s strik in g a m o v in g ta rg e t— h u n tin g is falsely called a vice. W hat sp o rt can rival it? (5)

104 Śakuntala and the Ring o f Recollection

A C T T W O 1 0 5

b u f f o o n (angrily): T h e k ing has com e to his senses. If you keep chasing fro m forest to forest, y o u ’ll fall in to the jaw s o f an old bear h u n g ry for a h u m a n nose . . . k i n g : M y n o b le general, w e are near a h erm itage; y o u r w ords cannot please m e now.

Let h o rn ed buffaloes p lu n g e in to m u d d y pools! Let herds o f deer h u d d le in the shade to eat grass! Let fearless w ild boars crush frag ran t sw am p grass! Let m y b o w strin g lie slack and m y bow at rest! (6)

g e n e r a l : W hatever gives the k ing pleasure. k i n g : W ithdraw the m en w h o are in the forest n ow and for­ bid m y soldiers to d istu rb the grove!

Ascetics devoted to peace possess a fiery h id d en power, like sm o o th crystal sunstones th at reflect the s u n ’s scorching rays. (7)

g e n e r a l : W hatever you co m m an d , sir! b u f f o o n : Your arg u m en ts for keeping up the h u n t fall on d eaf ears! (The general exits.) k i n g (looking at his retinue): You w o m en , take away m y h u n t­ ing gear! Raivataka, d o n ’t neglect y o u r duty! r e t i n u e : As the king com m ands! ( T h e y exit.)

b u f f o o n : Sir, n o w th a t the flies are cleared o u t, sit on a stone bench u n d er this shady canopy. T h en I ’ll find a co m fo rtab le seat too. k i n g : G o ahead! b u f f o o n : Y o u first, sir! (Both walk about, then sit down.) k i n g : M ādhavya, you h av en ’t really used y o u r eyes because you hav en ’t seen tru e beauty. b u f f o o n : B u t y o u ’re rig h t in fro n t o f me, sir! k i n g : E veryone is partial to w h at he know s well, b u t I’m speaking ab o u t Sakuntalā, the jew el o f the herm itage.

b u f f o o n (to h i m s e l f ): I w o n ’t give h im a chance! (Aloud.) D ear friend, it seems th a t y o u ’re p u rsu in g an ascetic’s d au g h ­ ter. k i n g : Friend, the h eart o f a P u ru king w o u ld n ’t crave a for­ bidden fru it . . .

T h e sage’s child is a n y m p h ’s daughter, rescued by h im after she was abandoned, like a fragile ja sm in e blo sso m b ro k en and cau g h t on a sunflow er pod. (8)

b u f f o o n (laughing): Y ou’re like the m an w h o loses his taste for dates and prefers so u r tam arind! H o w can you abandon the g o rgeous gem s o f y o u r palace? k i n g : Y o u speak this w ay because you hav en ’t seen her. b u f f o o n : She m u st be delectable i f y o u ’re so enticed! k i n g : Friend, w h at is the use o f all this talk?

T h e divine creator im ag in ed p erfection and shaped h er ideal fo rm in his m in d — w h en I recall the b eau ty his pow er w ro u g h t, she shines like a gem s to n e am o n g m y jew els. (9)

b u f f o o n : So sh e’s the reason you reject the o th e r beauties! k i n g : She stays in m y m ind:

A flow er no one has sm elled, a b u d no fingers have plucked, an u n cu t jew el, h oney untasted, u n b ro k en fru it o f h o ly deeds— I d o n ’t k n o w w h o is destined to enjoy her flawless beauty. (10)

b u f f o o n : T h en you sh o u ld rescue h er quickly! D o n ’t let her fall in to the arm s o f som e ascetic w h o greases his head w ith iñ g u d ī oil! k i n g : She is so m eo n e else’s w ard and her g uardian is away. b u f f o o n : W hat kin d o f passion did h er eyes betray?

io6 Śakuntala and the Ring o f Recollection

A C T T W O 1 0 7

k i n g : Ascetics are tim id by nature:

H er eyes w ere cast d o w n in m y presence, b u t she fo u n d an excuse to sm ile— m o d esty barely contained the love she could n eith er reveal n o r conceal. (11)

b u f f o o n : D id you expect h er to clim b in to y o u r lap w h en she’d barely seen you? k i n g : W hen w e p arte d her feelings for m e show ed despite her modesty.

“A blade o f kuśa grass pricked m y f o o t,” the girl said for no reason after w alking a few steps away; then she p reten d ed to free her b ark dress fro m branches w here it was n o t caught and shyly glanced at me. (12)

b u f f o o n : Stock up on fo o d fo r a lo n g trip! I can see y o u ’ve tu rn ed th at ascetics’ grove in to a pleasure garden. k i n g : Friend, som e o f the ascetics recognize me. W hat excuse can we find to re tu rn to the herm itage? b u f f o o n : W hat excuse? A ren ’t you the king? C ollect a sixth o f their w ild rice as tax! k i n g : Fool! T hese ascetics pay trib u te th a t pleases m e m ore than m o u n d s o f jew els.

Tribute th a t kings collect from m em bers o f society decays, b u t the share o f au sterity th at ascetics give lasts forever. (13)

v o i c e o f f s t a g e : G ood, w e have succeeded! k i n g (listening): These are the steady, calm voices o f ascetics. g u a r d (entering): Victory, sir! Two boy ascetics are w aiting near the gate. k i n g : Let th e m enter w ith o u t delay!

io8 Śakuntala and the Ring o f Recollection

g u a r d : I’ll show th em in. (He exits; reenters with the boys.) H ere you are! f i r s t b o y : H is m ajestic b o d y inspires tru st. It is natu ral w hen a k ing is v irtu ally a sage.

H is palace is a h erm itag e w ith its infinite pleasures, the discipline o f p ro te c tin g m en im poses austerities every day— pairs o f celestial bards praise his perfect self-control, adding the royal w o rd “k in g ” to “sa g e ,” his sacred title. (14)

s e c o n d b o y : G autam a, is this D usyanta, the friend o f Indra? f i r s t b o y : O f course! s e c o n d b o y :

It is no su rp rise th a t this arm o f iro n rules the w h o le earth b o u n d ed by dark seas— w hen dem ons harass the gods, v ic to ry ’s hope rests on his b o w and In d ra ’s th u n d e rb o lt. (15)

b o t h b o y s (coming near): V ic to r y to y o u , king! k i n g (rising from his seat): I salute y o u b o th ! b o t h b o y s : T o y o u r su cce ss, sir! (T h e y offer f r u i t s .) k i n g (accepting their offering): I am ready to listen. b o t h b o y s : T h e ascetics k n o w th at you are cam ped n earby and send a p etitio n to you. k i n g : W hat do they request? b o t h b o y s : D em o n s are taking advantage o f Sage K an v a’s absence to harass us. You m u st com e w ith yo u r charioteer to p ro tect the h erm itag e for a few days! k i n g : I am h o n o red to oblige. b u f f o o n (in a stage whisper): Your w ish is fulfilled! k i n g (smiling): R aivataka, call m y charioteer! Tell h im to b rin g the ch ario t and m y bow! g u a r d : A s the k ing com m ands!

A C T T W O 1 0 9

(He exits.) b o t h b o y s (showing delight):

Follow ing y our ancestral duties suits y o u r n oble fo rm — the P uru kings are o rd ain ed to dispel th eir subjects’ fear. (16)

k i n g (bowing): You tw o return! I shall follow. b o t h b o y s : Be victorious! ( T h e y exit.) k i n g : M ādhavya, are you curious to see Sakuntalā? b u f f o o n : A t first there was a flood, b u t n o w w ith this news o f dem ons, n o t a d ro p is left. k i n g : D o n ’t be afraid! W on’t you be w ith me? b u f f o o n : T h en I’ll be safe fro m any d em o n . . . g u a r d (entering): T h e ch ario t is ready to take you to v ic to ry . . . b u t K arabhaka has ju s t com e fro m the city w ith a m es­ sage fro m the queen. k i n g : D id m y m o th e r send him ? g u a r d : She did. k i n g : Have him en ter then. g u a r d : Yes. (He exits; reenters with Karabhaka.) H ere is the king. A pproach! k a r a b h a k a : Victory, sir! V ictory! T h e queen has o rd ered a cerem ony fo u r days fro m n o w to m ark the end o f her fast. Your M ajesty w ill surely give us the h o n o r o f his presence. k i n g : T h e ascetics’ business keeps m e here and m y m o th e r’s co m m an d calls m e there. I m u st find a way to avoid neg lect­ ing either! b u f f o o n : H ang y o u rse lf betw een th e m the way Triśañku h u n g betw een heaven and earth. k i n g : I’m really confused . . .

M y m in d is split in tw o by these conflicting duties, like a river cu rren t split by b oulders in its course. (17)

i io Sakuntalā and the Ring o f Recollection

( T hinking.) Friend, m y m o th e r has treated you lik e a son. You m u st go back and re p o rt th a t I’ve set m y h eart on fulfilling m y d u ty to the ascetics. You fulfill m y filial d u ty to the queen. b u f f o o n : Y o u d o n ’t really th in k I’m afraid o f dem ons? k i n g (smiling): M y brave b rah m an , h o w could you be? b u f f o o n : T h en I can travel like the k in g ’s y o u n g er brother. k i n g : We really sho u ld n o t d istu rb th e grove! Take m y w hole e n to u rag e w ith you! b u f f o o n : N o w I’ve tu rn e d in to the cro w n prince! k i n g (to himself): T his fellow is ab sen t-m in d ed . A t any tim e he m ay tell th e palace w o m en ab o u t m y passion. I ’ll tell him this: (Taking the buffoon by the hand, he speaks aloud.) D ear friend, I ’m g oing to the h erm itag e o u t o f reverence for the sages. I really feel no desire for the you n g ascetic Sakun­ talā.

W hat do I share w ith a ru stic girl reared am o n g faw ns, unsk illed in love? D o n ’t m istake w h at I m u tte re d in je s t for the real tru th , friend! (18)

( A ll exit.)

E N D O F A C T T W O

ACT THREE

( A disciple o f Kanva enters, carrying ku'sa grass f o r a sacrificial rite.)

d i s c i p l e : K ing D usyanta is certainly pow erful. Since he en­ tered the h erm itag e, o u r rites have n o t been hindered.

W hy talk o f fixing arrow s? T he m ere tw an g o f his b o w strin g clears away m enacing dem ons as i f his b o w roared w ith death. (1)

I’ll g ath er som e m o re grass for the priests to spread on the sacrificial altar. ( Walking around and looking, he calls aloud.) Priyam vadā, for w h o m are you b rin g in g the o in tm en t o f fra­ gran t lotus ro o t fibers and leaves? (Listening.) W hat are you saying? Sakuntalā is suffering from heat ex­ haustion? T h e y ’re for ru b b in g on her body? Priyam vadā, take care o f her! She is the b reath o f Father K an v a’s life. I’ll give G autam ī this w ater fro m the sacrifice to use for so o th in g her. (He exits; the interlude ends. Then the king enters, suffering from love, deep in thought, sighing.) k i n g :

I k n o w the p ow er ascetics have and the rules th a t b in d her, b u t I cannot aban d o n m y h eart n ow th a t she has taken it. (2)

(Showing the pain o f love.)

i i 2 Śakuntala and the Ring o f Recollection

Love, w h y do you and the m o o n b o th contrive to deceive lovers by first gaining o u r trust?

A rrow s o f flow ers and cool m o o n rays are b o th deadly for m en like m e— the m o o n shoots fire th ro u g h icy rays and you h u rl th u n d e rb o lts o f flow ers. (3)

( Walking around.) N o w th a t the rites are concluded and the priests have dis­ m issed m e, w here can I rest fro m the w eariness o f this w ork? (Sighing.) T h ere is no refuge b u t the sight o f m y love. I m u st find her. (Looking up at the sun.) Sakuntalā usually spends the heat o f the day w ith h er friends in a bo w er o f vines on the M ālin ī riverbank. I shall go there. (Walking around, miming the touch of breeze.) This place is en chanted by the w ind.

A breeze frag ran t w ith lotus pollen and m o ist fro m the M ālinī waves can be held in so o th in g em brace by m y love-scorched arm s. (4)

(Walking around and looking.)

I see fresh fo o tp rin ts on w h ite sand in the clearing, deeply pressed at the heel by the sway o f full hips. (5)

I’ll ju s t lo o k th ro u g h the branches. (Walking around, looking, he becomes joyous.) M y eyes have fo u n d bliss! T h e girl I desire is lying on a stone couch strew n w ith flow ers, atten d ed by her tw o friends. I’ll eavesdrop as they confide in one another. (He stands watching. Sakuntalā appears as described, with her two

friends.) b o t h f r i e n d s (fanning her affectionately): Sakuntalā, does the breeze fro m this lotus le a f please you?

A C T T H R E E 1 1 3

ś a k u n t a l â : A re you fanning me? ( The friends trade looks, miming dismay.) k i n g (deliberating): Sakuntalā seems to be in great physical pain. Is it the heat o r is it w h at is in m y o w n heart? (Miming ardent desire.) M y d o u b ts are unfounded!

H er breasts are sm eared w ith lotus balm , her lo tu s-fib er bracelet hangs lim p, her b eautiful b o d y glow s in pain— love b u rn s y o u n g w o m en like su m m er heat, b u t its guilt m akes th e m m o re charm ing. (6)

p r i y a m v a d ā (in a stage whisper): A nasūyâ, Sakuntalā has been pining since she first saw the king. C o u ld he be the cause o f her sickness? a n a s ū y â : She m u st be suffering fro m lovesickness. I’ll ask her . . . (Aloud.) Friend, I have so m eth in g to ask you. Your pain seems so deep . . . ś a k u n t a l â (raising herself halfway): W hat do you w an t to say? a n a s ū y â : Sakuntalā, th o u g h w e d o n ’t k n o w w h at it is to be in love, y o u r co n d itio n rem inds us o f lovers we have h eard about in stories. C an you tell us the cause o f y o u r pain? U n ­ less we u n d erstan d y o u r illness, w e can ’t begin to find a cure. k i n g : A nasūyâ expresses m y o w n th o u g h ts. ś a k u n t a l â : E ven th o u g h I w an t to, suddenly I can ’t m ake m y self tell you. P R iY A M V A D Ā : Sakuntalā, m y friend A nasūyâ m eans well. D o n ’t you see h ow sick you are? Your lim bs are w asting away. O n ly the shadow o f y o u r b eau ty rem ains . . . k i n g : W hat Priyam vadā says is true:

H er cheeks are deeply sunken, her breasts’ full shape is gone, her w aist is thin, h er shoulders bent, and the color has left h er skin—

i i 4 Śakuntala and the Ring o f Recollection

to rm e n te d by love, she is sad b u t beautiful to see, like a ja sm in e creeper w h en h o t w in d shrivels its leaves. (7)

ś a k u n t a l ā : Friends, w h o else can I tell? M ay I b u rd en you? b o t h f r i e n d s : We insist! S haring so rro w w ith loving friends makes it bearable. k i n g :

Friends w h o share her jo y and so rro w discover the love concealed in her h eart— th o u g h she lo o k ed back lo n g in g ly at me, n ow I am afraid to hear h er response. (8)

ś a k u n t a l ā : Friend, since m y eyes first saw the g uardian o f the h erm its’ retreat, I ’ve felt such stro n g desire for him! k i n g : I have heard w h at I w an t to hear.

M y to rm en to r, the god o f love, has so o th ed m y fever him self, like the heat o f late su m m e r allayed by early rain clouds. (9)

ś a k u n t a l ā : I f you tw o th in k i t ’s rig h t, then help m e to w in the k in g ’s pity. O th erw ise, y o u ’ll soon p o u r sesam e oil and w ater on m y corpse . . . k i n g : H er w o rd s destroy m y d o u b t. p r i y a m v a d ā (in a stage whisper): She’s so d angerously in love th at th e re ’s no tim e to lose. Since her heart is set on the o rn am e n t o f the P u ru dynasty, w e sho u ld rejoice th at she desires him . a n a s ū y â : W hat you say is true. p r i y a m v a d ā (aloud): Friend, by g o o d fo rtu n e y o u r desire is in h a rm o n y w ith nature. A great river can only descend to the ocean. A ja sm in e creeper can only tw in e aro u n d a m ango tree. k i n g : W hy is this su rp risin g w h en the tw in stars o f spring serve the crescent m oon?

A C T T H R E E 11 5

a n a s ū y ā : W hat m eans do w e have to fulfill o u r frie n d ’s de­ sire secretly and quickly? p r i y a m v a d ā : “S ecretly” dem ands som e effort. “ Q u ic k ly ” is easy. a n a s ū y ā : H o w so? p r i y a m v a d ā : T h e kin g was ch arm ed by her loving look; he seems th in these days fro m sleepless nights. k i n g : I t’s tru e . . .

This golden arm let slips to m y w rist w ith o u t to u ch in g the scars m y b o w strin g has made; its gem stones are faded by tears o f secret pain th at every n ig h t w ets m y arm w here I b u ry m y face. (10)

p r i y a m v a d ā (thinking): C o m p o se a love le tter and I ’ll hide it in a flower. I ’ll deliver it to his h an d on the p retex t o f b rin g in g an offering to the deity. a n a s ū y ā : T his subtle plan pleases me. W hat does Sakuntalā say? ś a k u n t a l ā : I’ll try m y frie n d ’s plan. p r i y a m v a d ā : T h en com pose a p o em to declare y o u r love! ś a k u n t a l ā : I ’m th in k in g , b u t m y h eart trem bles w ith fear th at h e ’ll reject me. k i n g (delighted):

T he m an you fear w ill reject you w aits lo n g in g to love you, tim id girl— a su ito r m ay lose o r be lucky, b u t the goddess always w ins. (11)

b o t h f r i e n d s : W hy do you belittle y o u r o w n virtues? W ho w o u ld cover his b o d y w ith a piece o f cloth to keep o ff cool au tu m n m o o n lig h t? ś a k u n t a l ā (smiling): I ’m try in g to follow y o u r advice. (She sits thinking.)

1 1 6 Sakuntala and the Ring o f Recollection

k i n g : A s I gaze at her, m y eyes f o rg e t to blink.

She arches an eyebrow, stru g g lin g to com pose the verse— the d o w n rises on her cheek, show ing the passion she feels. (12)

ś a k u n t a l ā : I ’ve th o u g h t o f a verse, b u t I have n o th in g to w rite it on. P R iY A JV iV A D Ā : E ngrave the letters w ith y o u r nail on this lotus leaf! I t’s as delicate as a p a r r o t’s breast. ś a k u n t a l ā (miming what Priyamvadā described): Listen and tell m e if this m akes sense! b o t h f r i e n d s : We’re b o th paying atten tio n . ś a k u n t a l ā (singing):

I d o n ’t k n o w y o u r heart, b u t day and n ig h t for w an tin g you, love v io len tly to rtu res m y lim bs, cruel m an. (13)

k i n g (suddenly revealing himself): Love to rm en ts you, slender girl, b u t he com pletely consum es m e— d aylight spares the lotus p o n d w hile it destroys the m o o n . (14)

b o t h f r i e n d s (looking, rising with delight): Welcome to the sw ift success o f lo v e’s desire! (Sakuntalā tries to rise.) k i n g : D o n ’t exert yourself!

Lim bs lying am o n g crushed petals like fragile lotus stalks are to o w eakened by pain to p erfo rm cerem onious acts. (15)

A C T T H R E E 1 1 7

a n a s ū y ā : T h e n let the k ing sit on this stone bench! ( The king sits; Sakuntalā rises in embarrassment.) p r i y a m v a d ā : T h e passion o f tw o yo u n g lovers is clear. M y affection for o u r frien d m akes m e speak o u t again now. k i n g : N o b le lady, d o n ’t hesitate! It is painful to keep silent w hen one m u st speak. p r i y a m v a d ā : We’re to ld th a t it is the k in g ’s d u ty to ease the pain o f his suffering subjects. k i n g : M y duty, exactly! p r i y a m v a d ā : Since she first saw you, o u r dear friend has been reduced to this sad co n d itio n . You m u st p ro tec t h er and save her life. k i n g : N o b le lady, o u r affection is shared and I am h o n o red by all you say. ś a k u n t a l ā (looking at Priyamvadā): W hy are you keeping the king here? H e m u st be anxious to re tu rn to his palace. k i n g :

I f you th in k th at m y lo st h eart could love anyone b u t you, a fatal blo w strikes a m an already w o u n d ed by lo v e’s arrow s! (16)

a n a s ū y ā : We’ve heard th a t kings have m any loves. Will o u r dear friend becom e a so rro w to h er fam ily after y o u ’ve spent tim e w ith her? k i n g : N o b le lady, en o u g h o f this!

D espite m y m any w ives, on tw o the royal line rests— sea-b o u n d earth and y o u r friend. (17)

b o t h f r i e n d s : Y ou reassu re us. p r i y a m v a d ā (casting a glance): A nasūyā, this faw n is lo o k in g for its m other. L et’s take it to her! ( T h e y both begin to leave.) ś a k u n t a l ā : C o m e back! D o n ’t leave m e unprotected! b o t h f r i e n d s : T h e p ro te c to r o f the earth is at y o u r side.

1 1 8 Sakuntala and the Ring o f Recollection

ś a k u n t a l ā : W hy have they gone? k i n g : D o n ’t be alarm ed! I am y o u r servant.

Shall I set m o ist w inds in m o tio n w ith lo tu s-le a f fans to cool y o u r pain, o r rest y o u r soft red lotus feet on m y lap to stro k e th em , m y love? (18)

ś a k u n t a l ā : I c a n n o t s i n a g a i n s t t h o s e I r e s p e c t ! (Standing as i f she wants to leave.) k i n g : B eautiful Sakuntalā, the day is still hot.

W hy should y o u r frail lim bs leave this couch o f flow ers shielded b y lo tu s leaves to w an d er in the heat? (19)

(Saying this, he forces her to turn around.) ś a k u n t a l ā : P u ru king, co n tro l yourself! T h o u g h I’m b u rn ­ ing w ith love, h o w can I give m y self to you? k i n g : D o n ’t fear y o u r elders! T h e father o f y o u r fam ily know s the law. W hen he finds o u t, he w ill n o t blam e you.

T h e d au g h ters o f royal sages o ften m a rry in secret and th en th eir fathers bless them . (20)

ś a k u n t a l ā : Release me! I m u st ask m y friends’ advice! k i n g : Yes, I shall release you. ś a k u n t a l ā : W hen? k i n g :

O n ly let m y th irstin g m o u th g ently d rin k fro m y o u r lips, the way a bee sips nectar fro m a fragile v irg in b lossom . (21)

(Saying this, he tries to raise her face. Śakuntalā evades him with a dance.) v o i c e o f f s t a g e : Red goose, bid farew ell to y o u r gander! N ig h t has arrived!

A C T T H R E E I I 9

ś a k u n t a l ā (flustered): P u ru kin g , M o th e r G au tam ī is surely com ing to ask ab o u t m y health. H ide b eh in d this tree! k i n g : Yes. (He conceals him self and waits. Then Gautamī enters with a vessel in her hand, accompanied by Sakunta lā’s two friends.) b o t h f r i e n d s : T his way, M o th e r G autam ī! g a u t a m ī (approaching Sakuntalā): C hild , does the fever in yo u r lim bs b u rn less? ś a k u n t a l ā : M adam , I do feel better. g a u t a m ī : K uśa grass and w ater w ill so o th e y o u r body. (She sprinkles Sakunta lā’s head.) C hild, the day is ended. C o m e, le t’s go back to o u r hut! (She starts to go.) ś a k u n t a l ā (to herself): M y heart, even w h en yo u r desire was w ith in reach, you w ere b o u n d by fear. N o w y o u ’ll suffer the to rm e n t o f sep aratio n and regret. (Stopping after a f e w steps, she speaks aloud.) B ow er o f creepers, refuge fro m m y to rm e n t, I say goodbye u ntil o u r jo y can be renew ed . . . (Sorrowfully; Sakuntalā exits with the other women.) k i n g (coming out o f hiding): F u lfillm ent o f desire is frau g h t w ith obstacles.

W hy d id n ’t I kiss h er face as it b en t near m y shoulder, her fingers shielding lips th at stam m ered lovely w arning? (22)

Should I go now ? O r shall I stay here in this b o w er o f creepers th at m y love enjoyed and then left?

I see the flow ers h er b o d y pressed on this bench o f stone, the le tter her nails inscribed on the faded lo tu s leaf, the lo tu s-fib er bracelet th at slipped from h er w rist— m y eyes are p risoners in this e m p ty house o f reeds. (23)

v o i c e i n t h e a i r : King!

W hen the evening rituals begin, shadow s o f flesh-eating dem ons sw arm like am ber clouds o f tw ilig h t, raising te rro r at the altar o f fire.

k i n g : I am com ing. (He exits.)

1 20 Śakuntalâ and the Ring o f Recollection

E N D O F A C T T H R E E

ACT FOUR

( The two friends enter, miming the gathering o f flowers.)

a n a s ū y â : Priyam vadā, I ’m d elig h ted th a t Śakuntalâ chose a suitable h u sb an d for herself, b u t I still feel anxious. p r i y a m v a d ā : W hy? a n a s ū y â : W hen the k ing finished the sacrifice, the sages thanked h im and he left. N o w th a t he has retu rn e d to his palace w o m en in the city, w ill he rem em b er us here? p r i y a m v a d ā : H ave faith! H e ’s so han d so m e, he can’t be evil. B u t I d o n ’t k n o w w h at Father K anva w ill th in k w h en he hears ab o u t w h at happened. a n a s ū y â : I p redict th a t h e ’ll give his approval. p r i y a m v a d ā : W hy? a n a s ū y â : H e ’s always p lanned to give his d au g h ter to a w o rth y husband. I f fate accom plished it so quickly, Father K anva w o n ’t object. p r i y a m v a d ā (looking at the basket o fflowers): We’ve gathered en o u g h flow ers for the o ffering ceremony. a n a s ū y â : S h o u ld n ’t w e w o rsh ip the goddess w h o guards Śakuntalâ? p r i y a m v a d ā : I have ju s t begun. (She begins the rite.) v o i c e o f f s t a g e : I a m h e r e ! a n a s ū y â (listening): Friend, a guest is an n o u n cin g himself. p r i y a m v a d ā : Śakuntalâ is in h er h u t nearby, b u t her h eart is far away. a n a s ū y â : Y ou’re right! E n o u g h o f these flowers! (T he y begin to leave.)

v o i c e o f f s t a g e : So . . . you slig h t a guest . . .

Since you b lin d ly ig n o re a great sage like me, the lover you w o rsh ip w ith m indless d ev o tio n w ill n o t rem e m b er you, even w h en aw akened— like a d ru n k a rd w h o forgets a sto ry he ju s t com posed! (1)

p r i y a m v a d ā : O h! W hat a te rrib le tu rn o f events! Ś akuntalā’s d istractio n has offended so m eo n e she sho u ld have greeted. (Looking ahead.) N o t ju s t an o rd in a ry p erson, b u t the an g ry sage D urvāsas h im se lf cursed h er and w en t away in a frenzy o f quivering, m ad gestures. W hat else b u t fire has such p ow er to burn? a n a s ū y â : Go! B ow at his feet and m ake him re tu rn w hile I prepare the w ater for w ashing his feet! p r i y a m v a d ā : As you say. (She exits.) a n a s ū y â (after a f e w steps, she mimes stumbling): Oh! T he basket o f flow ers fell fro m m y h and w h en I stu m b led in m y haste to go. (She mimes the gathering o f flowers.) p r i y a m v a d ā (entering): H e ’s so te rrib ly cruel! N o one could pacify him! B u t I was able to soften h im a little. a n a s ū y â : Even th a t is a great feat w ith him! Tell m e more! p r i y a m v a d ā : W hen he refused to retu rn , I begged him to forgive a d a u g h te r’s first offense, since she d id n ’t u n d erstan d the pow er o f his austerity. a n a s ū y â : Then? Then? p r i y a m v a d ā : H e refused to change his w o rd , b u t he p ro m ­ ised th a t w h en the kin g sees the rin g o f recollection, the curse w ill end. T h en he vanished. a n a s ū y â : N o w w e can breath e again. W hen he left, the king h im se lf gave h er the rin g engraved w ith his nam e. Sakuntalā w ill have her o w n m eans o f ending the curse.

1 2 2 Sakuntalā and the Ring o f Recollection

A C T F O U R 1 2 3

p r i y a m v a d ā : C o m e friend! We should finish the h o ly rite w e’re p e rfo rm in g fo r her. ( The two walk around, looking.) Anasūyā, look! W ith her face resting on her hand, o u r dear friend looks like a picture. She is th in k in g ab o u t her h u s­ b a n d ’s leaving, w ith no th o u g h t for herself, m u ch less for a guest. a n a s ū y ā : Priyam vadā, w e tw o m u st keep all this a secret betw een us. O u r friend is fragile by nature; she needs o ur p ro tectio n . p r i y a m v a d ā : W ho w o u ld sprin k le a jasm in e w ith scalding water? ( They both exit; the interlude ends. Then a disciple o f Kanva enters, j u s t awakened from sleep.) d i s c i p l e : Father K anva has ju s t retu rn e d fro m his pilgrim age and w ants to k n o w the exact tim e. I’ll go in to a clearing to see w h at rem ains o f the n ig h t. ( Walking around and looking.) It is daw n.

T he m o o n sets over the w estern m o u n tain as the sun rises in d aw n ’s red trail— rising and setting, these tw o b rig h t pow ers p o rten d the rise and fall o f m en. (2)

W hen the m o o n disappears, n ig h t lotuses are b u t dull souvenirs o f its b eau ty — w hen h er lover disappears, the so rro w is to o painful for a frail girl to bear. (3)

a n a s ū y ā (throwing aside the curtain and entering): Even a per­ son w ith d ra w n fro m w o rld ly life know s th a t the king has treated Sakuntalā badly. d i s c i p l e : I’ll in fo rm Father Kanva th at i t ’s tim e for the fire o blation. (He exits.) a n a s ū y ā : Even w h en I ’m awake, I’m useless. M y hands and feet d o n ’t do th eir w o rk . Love m u st be pleased to have m ade

ou r in n o cen t friend p u t h er tru s t in a liar . . . b u t perhaps it was the curse o f D urvāsas th a t changed him . . . o therw ise, ho w could the kin g have m ade such prom ises and n o t sent even a m essage by now ? M aybe we sh o u ld send the ring to rem in d him . W hich o f these ascetics w h o practice austerities can w e ask? Father K anva has ju s t retu rn e d fro m his pil­ grim age. Since w e feel th a t o u r friend was also at fault, we h aven’t to ld h im th a t Sakuntalā is m arried to D usyanta and is p regnant. T h e p ro b lem is serious. W hat should w e do? p r i y a m v a d ā ( entering, with delight): Friend, hurry! We’re to celebrate the festival o f S ak u n talā’s d ep artu re for h er h u s­ b a n d ’s house. A N A S Ū Y Ā : W h a t’s happened, friend? p r i y a m v a d ā : Listen! I w en t to ask Sakuntalā h o w she had slept. Father K anva em braced her and th o u g h h er face was bow ed in sham e, he blessed her: “T h o u g h his eyes w ere filled w ith sm oke, the p rie s t’s o b la tio n luckily fell on the fire. M y child, I shall n o t m o u rn fo r you . . . like know led g e given to a g o o d stu d en t I shall send you to y o u r h u sb an d today w ith an escort o f sag es.” A N A S Ū Y Ā : W ho to ld Father K anva w h at happened? p r i y a m v a d ā : A bodiless voice was chanting w hen he entered the fire sanctuary. (Quoting in Sanskrit.)

Priest, k n o w th a t y o u r d au g h ter carries D u sy a n ta’s p o te n t seed for the g o o d o f the earth — like fire in m im osa w o o d . (4)

a n a s ū y ā : I’m jo y fu l, friend. B u t I k n o w th a t Śakuntalā m u st leave us today and so rro w shadow s m y happiness. p r i y a m v a d ā : Friend, we m u st chase away so rro w and m ake this h e rm it girl happy! a n a s ū y ā : F riend, I ’ve m ade a g arland o f m im osa flow ers. I t’s in the co co n u t-sh ell b o x h an g in g on a b ranch o f the m ango tree. G et it fo r me! M ean w h ile I ’ll prepare the special o in tm en ts o f deer m usk, sacred earth, and blades o f dūrvā grass.

1 24 Sakuntalā and the Ring o f Recollection

A C T F O U R 1 2 5

p r i y a m v a d ā : H ere it is! (Anasūyā exits; Priyamvadā gracefully mimes taking down the box.) v o i c e o f f s t a g e : G autam ī! Sārñgarava and som e others have been ap p o in ted to escort Sakuntalā. p r i y a m v a d ā (listening): H u rry ! H urry! T h e sages are being called to go to H astin āp u ra. a n a s ū y ā (reentering with pots o f ointments in her hands): C om e, friend! L e t’s go! P R iY A isT V A D Â (looking around): Sakuntalā stands at sunrise w ith freshly w ashed hair w hile the fem ale ascetics bless her w ith handfuls o f w ild rice and auspicious w o rd s o f farewell. L et’s go to her together. (The two approach as Sakuntalā enters with Gautamī and other

female ascetics, and strikes a posture as described. One after another, the fem ale ascetics address her.) f i r s t f e m a l e a s c e t i c : C hild, w in the title “C h ie f Q u e e n ” as a sign o f y o u r h u sb a n d ’s h ig h esteem! s e c o n d f e m a l e a s c e t i c : C hild, be a m o th e r to heroes! t h i r d f e m a l e a s c e t i c : C hild, be h o n o red by y o u r h u s­ band! b o t h f r i e n d s : T his happy m o m e n t is no tim e for tears, friend. (Wiping away her tears, they calm her with dance gestures.) p r i y a m v a d ā : Your b eau ty deserves jew els, n o t these h u m b le things w e ’ve gathered in the herm itag e. (Two boy ascetics enter with offerings in their hands.) b o t h b o y s : H ere i s an o rn am e n t for you! (Everyone looks amazed.) g a u t a m ī : N ārada, m y child, w h ere did this com e from ? f i r s t b o y : F rom Father K anva’s power. g a u t a m ī : Was it his m in d ’s magic? s e c o n d b o y : N o t at all! Listen! You o rd ered us to b rin g flowers fro m the forest trees for Sakuntalā.

O n e tree p ro d u ced this w h ite silk cloth, an o th er p o u red resinous lac to redden her feet— the tree n y m p h s p ro d u ced jew els in hands th at stretched from branches like y o ung shoots. (5)

1 26 Śakuntalā and the Ring o f Recollection

p r i y a m v a d ā (watching Śakuntalā): T his is a sign th a t royal fo rtu n e w ill com e to you in y o u r h u sb a n d ’s house. (Sakuntalā mimes modesty.) f i r s t b o y : G autam a, com e quickly! Father K anva is back fro m bath in g . We’ll tell h im h o w the trees h o n o r her. s e c o n d b o y : A s you say. (T he two exit.) b o t h f r i e n d s : We’ve never w o rn th e m ourselves, b u t w e’ll p u t these jew els on y o u r lim bs the way they lo o k in pictures. ś a k u n t a l ā : I tru s t y o u r skill. (Both friends mime ornamenting her. Then Kanva enters, fresh from his bath.) k a n v a :

M y h eart is to u ch ed w ith sadness since Sakuntalā m u st go today, m y th ro at is choked w ith sobs, m y eyes are dulled by w o rry — if a disciplined ascetic suffers so deeply fro m love, h ow do fathers bear the pain o f each d a u g h te r’s p arting? (6)

(He walks around.) b o t h f r i e n d s : Sakuntalā, y o u r jew els are in place; n o w p u t on the pair o f silken cloths. (Standing, Sakuntalā wraps them.) g a u t a m ī : C h ild , y o u r fath er has com e. H is eyes filled w ith tears o f jo y em brace you. G reet h im reverently! ś a k u n t a l ā (modestly): Father, I w elcom e you. k a n v a : C hild,

M ay yo u r h u sb an d h o n o r you the way Yayāti h o n o red Sarm isthā. As she bo re h er son P uru, may you bear an im perial prince. (7)

g a u t a m ī : Sir, this is a blessing, n o t ju s t a prayer. k a n v a : C hild, w alk aro u n d the sacrifical fires!

A C T F O U R 1 2 7

(A l l walk around; Kanva intoning a prayer in Vedic meter.)

Perfectly placed aro u n d the m ain altar, fed w ith fuel, strew n w ith h o ly grass, destroying sin by incense fro m oblations, m ay these sacred fires p u rify you! (8)

You m u st leave now! (Looking around.) W here are Śārñgarava and the others? d i s c i p l e (entering): H ere we are, sir! k a n v a : Y o u show y o u r sister the way! śÂRrsTGa r A V A : C o m e this way! (T h e y walk around.) k a n v a : Listen, you trees th a t gro w in o u r grove!

U n til you w ere w ell w atered she could n o t bear to drink; she loved you to o m uch to pluck y o u r flow ers for h er hair; the first tim e y o u r buds b lo o m ed , she b lo sso m ed w ith jo y — may you all bless Sakuntalā as she leaves for her h u s b a n d ’s house. (9)

(Miming that he hears a cuckoo's cry.)

T he trees o f her forest fam ily have blessed Sakuntalā— the c u c k o o s m elodious song announces th eir response. (10)

V O I C E I N T H E A IR :

M ay lakes colored b y lotuses m ark h er path! M ay trees shade her fro m the s u n ’s b u rn in g rays! M ay the d u st be as soft as lo tu s pollen! M ay frag ran t breezes cool h er way! (11)

(A ll listen astonished.)

128 Śakuntalā and the Ring o f Recollection

g a u t a m ī : C hild, the divinities o f o u r grove love you like yo u r fam ily and bless you. We b ow to you all! ś a k u n t a l ā (bowing and walking around; speaking in a stage whisper): Priyam vadā, th o u g h I long to see m y h usband, m y feet m ove w ith so rro w as I start to leave the h erm itage. p r i y a m v a d ā : You are n o t the o nly one w h o grieves. T h e w hole h erm itag e feels this w ay as y o u r dep artu re fro m o u r grove draw s near.

G razing deer drop grass, peacocks stop dancing, vines loose pale leaves falling like tears. (12)

ś a k u n t a l ā (remembering): Father, before I leave, I m u st see m y sister, the vine F orestlight. k a n v a : I k n o w th a t you feel a sister’s love for her. She is rig h t here. ś a k u n t a l ā : F orestlight, th o u g h you love y o u r m ango tree, tu rn to em brace m e w ith y o u r ten d ril arms! A fter today, I’ll be so far away . . . k a n v a :

Your m erits w o n you the h u sb an d I always h o p ed you w o u ld have and y o u r ja sm in e has h er m an g o tree— m y w o rries for you b o th are over. (13)

S tart y o u r jo u rn e y here! ś a k u n t a l ā (facing her two friends): I e n tru st her care to you. b o t h f r i e n d s : B u t w h o w ill care for us? ( They wipe away their tears.) k a n v a : A nasūyā, en o u g h crying! You should be giving S akuntalā courage! (A l l walk around.)

A C T F O U R 1 2 9

ś a k u n t a l ā : Father, w h en th e p reg n an t doe w h o grazes near m y h u t gives b irth , please send som eone to give m e the g o o d news. k a n v a : I s h a l l n o t f o r g e t . ś a k u n t a l ā (miming the interrupting o f her gait): W ho is cling­ ing to m y skirt? (She turns around.) k a n v a : C hild,

T he b uck w h o se m o u th you healed w ith oil w h en it was pierced by a blade o f kuśa grass and w h o m you fed w ith grains o f rice— your ad o p ted son w ill n o t leave the path. (14)

ś a k u n t a l ā : C hild, d o n ’t follow w h en I’m abandoning those I love! I raised you w h en you w ere o rp h an ed soon after y our b irth , b u t n o w I ’m desertin g you to o . Father w ill lo o k after you. Go back! ( Weeping, she starts to go.) k a n v a : Be s t r o n g !

H o ld back the tears th a t b lind y our lo n g -lash ed eyes— you w ill stu m b le if you cannot see the uneven g ro u n d on the path. (15)

ś ā r ñ g a r a v a : Sir, the scriptures prescribe th a t loved ones be escorted o nly to the w a te r’s edge. We are at the shore o f the lake. Give us y o u r m essage and return! ś a k u n t a l ā : We shall rest in the shade o f this fig tree. (A ll walk around and stop; Kanva speaks to himself.) W hat w o u ld be the rig h t m essage to send to K ing D usyanta? (He ponders.) ś a k u n t a l ā (in a stage whisper): Look! T h e w ild goose cries in anguish w h en h er m ate is hid d en by lotus leaves. W hat I ’m suffering is m uch w orse. a n a s ū y ā : Friend, d o n ’t speak this way!

1 30 Śakuntalâ and the Ring o f Recollection

This goose spends every long n ig h t in so rro w w ith o u t her m ate, b u t h ope lets her survive the deep pain o f loneliness. (16)

k a n v a : Śārñgarava, speak m y w o rd s to the k ing after you present Sakuntalā! ś ā r ñ g a r a v a : A s y o u c o m m a n d , sir! k a n v a :

C o n sid erin g o u r discipline, the n o b ility o f y o u r b irth and th at she fell in love w ith you before her k in sm en could act, acknow ledge h er w ith equal rank am o n g y o u r w ives— w h at m ore is destined for her, the b rid e ’s fam ily w ill n o t ask. (17)

ś ā r ñ g a r a v a : I grasp y o u r m essage. k a n v a : C hild, n o w I m u st in stru c t you. We forest herm its kn o w so m eth in g ab o u t w o rld ly m atters. ś ā r ñ g a r a v a : N o th in g is beyond the scope o f w ise m en. k a n v a : W hen you enter y o u r h u sb a n d ’s fam ily:

O b ey y o u r elders, be a friend to the o th e r wives! If y o u r h u sb an d seems harsh, d o n ’t be im patient! Be fair to y o u r servants, h u m b le in y o u r happiness! W om en w h o act this w ay becom e n oble wives; sullen girls o n ly b rin g th e ir families disgrace. (18)

B u t w h at does G au tam ī think? g a u t a m ī : T his is g o o d advice for w ives, child. Take it all to heart! k a n v a : C hild, em brace m e and y o u r friends!

A C T F O U R 1 3 1

ś a k u n t a l ā : Father, w h y m u st Priyam vadā and m y o th e r friends tu rn back here? k a n v a : T h ey w ill also be given in m arriage. It is n o t p ro p er for th em to go there now. G au tam ī w ill go w ith you. ś a k u n t a l ā (embracing her father): H o w can I go on living in a strange place, to rn fro m m y fa th e rs side, like a vine to rn from the side o f a san d alw o o d tree g ro w in g on a m o u n tain slope? k a n v a : C hild, w h y are you so frightened?

W hen you are y o u r h u s b a n d s h o n o red wife, absorbed in royal duties and in y o u r son, b o rn like the sun to the eastern daw n, the so rro w o f sep aratio n w ill fade. (19)

(Śakuntalā falls at her f a th e r ’s feet.) Let m y hopes for you be fulfilled! ś a k u n t a l ā (approaching her two friends): You tw o m u st em ­ brace m e together! b o t h f r i e n d s (embracing her): Friend, if the k ing seems slow to recognize you, show h im the rin g engraved w ith his name! ś a k u n t a l ā : Y our suspicions m ake m e trem ble! b o t h f r i e n d s : D o n ’t be afraid! I t’s o u r love th a t fears evil. ś ā r ñ g a r a v a : T h e sun is h ig h in the aftern o o n sky. H urry, please! ś a k u n t a l ā (facing the sanctuary): Father, w ill I ever see the grove again? k a n v a :

W hen you have lived for m any years as a queen equal to th e earth and raised D u sy an ta’s son to be a m atchless w arrior, yo u r h u sb an d w ill en tru st h im w ith the b u rd en s o f the k in g d o m and w ill re tu rn w ith you to the calm o f this h erm itag e. (20)

g a u t a m ī : C h ild , the tim e for o u r d ep artu re has passed. Let

1 3 2 Śakuntalā and the Ring o f Recollection

y o u r father tu rn back! It w o u ld be better, sir, if you tu rn back yourself. She’ll keep talking this w ay forever. k a n v a : C hild, m y ascetic practice has been in terru p ted . ś a k u n t a l ā : M y fa th e r’s b o d y is already to rtu re d by ascetic practices. H e m u st n o t grieve to o m u ch for me! k a n v a (sighing):

W hen I see the grains o f rice sp ro u t fro m offerings you m ade at the d o o r o f y o u r h u t, how shall I calm m y sorrow ! (21)

(Sakuntalā exits with her escort.) b o t h f r i e n d s (watching Sakuntalā): Sakuntalā is h idden b y forest trees now. k a n v a : A nasūyâ, y o u r co m p an io n is follow ing her duty. Re­ strain y o u rse lf and re tu rn w ith me! b o t h f r i e n d s : Father, the ascetics’ grove seems em p ty w ith ­ o u t Sakuntalā. H o w can w e enter? k a n v a : T h e stren g th o f y o u r love m akes it seem so. (Walking around in meditation.) G ood! N o w th a t Sakuntalā is on h er way to her h u sb a n d ’s family, I feel calm.

A d au g h ter belongs to an o th er m an— by sending her to her h u sb an d today, I feel the satisfaction one has on repaying a loan. (22)

(A ll exit.)

E N D O F A C T F O U R

ACT FIVE

( The king and the buffoon enter; both sit down.)

b u f f o o n : Pay a tten tio n to the m usic ro o m , friend, and y o u ’ll hear th e notes o f a song stru n g in to a delicious m elo d y . . . the lady H am sapadikā is p racticin g h er singing. k i n g : Be quiet so I can hear her! v o i c e i n t h e a i r (singing):

C raving sw eet new nectar, you kissed a m ango b u d once— how could you fo rg et her, bee, to b u ry y o u r jo y in a lotus? (1)

k i n g : T h e m elo d y o f the song is passionate. b u f f o o n : B u t did you get the m ean in g o f the w ords? k i n g : I once m ade love to her. N o w she reproaches m e for loving Q u een Vasumatī. Friend M ādhavya, tell H am sapadikā th at her w o rd s rebuke m e soundly. b u f f o o n : A s you com m and! (He rises.) B u t if th a t w o m an grabs m y h air tu ft, it w ill be like a heav­ enly n y m p h g rab b in g som e ascetic . . . there go m y hopes o f liberation! k i n g : G o ! U s e y o u r c o u r tly ch a rm to co n so le her. b u f f o o n : W h a t a fate! (He exits.)

134 Śakuntalā and the Ring o f Recollection

k i n g (to himself): W hy did hearing the so n g ’s w ords fill m e w ith such stro n g desire? I’m n o t p arted fro m anyone I love . . .

Seeing rare beauty, h earing lovely sounds, even a happy m an becom es stran g ely uneasy . . . perhaps he rem em b ers, w ith o u t k n o w in g why, loves o f a n o th er life b u ried deep in his being. (2)

(He stands bewildered. Then the k in g }s chamberlain enters.) c h a m b e r l a i n : A t m y age, l o o k at me!

Since I to o k this cerem onial b am b o o staff as m y badge o f office in the k in g ’s cham bers m any years have passed; n o w I use it as a cru tch to s u p p o rt m y faltering steps. (3)

A king cannot neglect his duty. H e has ju s t risen fro m his seat o f ju stice and th o u g h I am lo ath to keep h im longer, Sage K an v a’s pupils have ju s t arrived. A u th o rity to rule the w o rld leaves no tim e fo r rest.

T he s u n ’s steeds w ere yoked before tim e began, the frag ran t w in d blow s n ig h t and day, the cosm ic serp en t always bears e a rth ’s w eight, and a king w h o levies taxes has his duty. (4)

T herefore, I m u st p erfo rm m y office. (Walking around and looking.)

Weary fro m ru lin g th e m like children, he seeks so litu d e far fro m his subjects, like an elephant bull w h o seeks cool shade after g ath erin g his h erd at midday. (5)

(Approaching.) V ictory to you, king! Som e ascetics w h o dw ell in the forest at

A C T FIVE 1 3 5

the foothills o f the H im alayas have com e. T h ey have w o m en w ith th em and b rin g a m essage fro m Sage K anva. Listen, king, and ju d g e! k i n g (respectfully): A re they Sage K an v a’s m essengers? c h a m b e r l a i n : T h ey are. k i n g : In fo rm the teacher Som arāta th at he should w elcom e the ascetics w ith the p rescribed rites and th en b rin g th em to m e him self. I ’ll w ait in a place suitable for g reeting them . c h a m b e r l a i n : A s the kin g com m ands. (He exits.) k i n g (rising): Vetravatī, lead the way to the fire sanctuary. d o o r k e e p e r : C o m e this way, king! k i n g (walking around, showing fatigue): E very o th e r creature is happy w h en the object o f his desire is w on, b u t for kings success contains a core o f suffering.

H ig h office o nly leads to g reater greed; ju s t p erfecting its rew ards is w eariso m e— a k in g d o m is m ore tro u b le th an i t ’s w o rth , like a royal um b rella one holds alone. (6)

t w o b a r d s o f f s t a g e : V ictory to you, king! f i r s t b a r d :

You sacrifice y o u r pleasures every day to labor for y o u r subjects— as a tree endures b u rn in g heat to give shade from the su m m e r sun. (7)

s e c o n d b a r d :

You p u n ish villains w ith y o u r ro d o f ju stice, you reconcile disputes, you g ra n t p ro tec tio n — m o st relatives are loyal o nly in h o p e o f gain, b u t you treat all y o u r subjects like kinsm en. (8)

k i n g : M y w eary m in d is revived. (He walks around.) d o o r k e e p e r : T h e terrace o f the fire sanctuary is freshly w ashed and the cow is w aitin g to give m ilk for the oblation.

1 36 Śakuntalā and the Ring o f Recollection

Let the king ascend! k i n g : Vetravatī, w h y has Father K anva sent these sages to me?

D oes so m eth in g h in d e r th eir ascetic life? O r th reaten creatures in the sacred forest? O r do m y sins stu n t the flow ering vines? M y m in d is filled w ith conflicting d oubts. (9)

d o o r k e e p e r : I w o u ld guess th a t these sages rejoice in yo u r v irtu o u s co n d u ct and com e to h o n o r you. ( The ascetics enter; Sakuntalā is in fro n t with Gautamī; the cham­ berlain and the k in g ’s priest are in front o f her.) c h a m b e r l a i n : C o m e this way, sirs! ś ā r ñ g a r a v a : Śāradvata, m y friend:

I k n o w th a t this ren o w n ed k ing is rig h teo u s and n one o f the social classes follow s evil ways, b u t m y m in d is so accustom ed to seclusion th at the palace feels like a house in flames. (10)

ś ā r a d v a t a : I’ve felt the sam e way ever since w e entered the city.

As if I w ere freshly bathed, seeing a filthy m an, pure w hile h e ’s defiled, awake w hile h e ’s asleep, as if I w ere a free m an w atch in g a prisoner, I w atch this city m ired in pleasures. (11)

ś a k u n t a l ā (indicating she feels an omen): W hy is m y rig h t eye tw itching? g a u t a m ī : C hild , y o u r h u sb a n d ’s fam ily gods tu rn bad for­ tune in to blessings! ( T h e y walk around.) p r i e s t (indicating the king): A scetics, the g uardian o f sacred o rd er has left the seat o f ju stic e and awaits you now. B ehold him! ś â r ñ g a r a v a : G reat priest, he seems praisew orthy, b u t we expect no less.

A C T FIVE 1 3 7

B oughs bend, heavy w ith ripened fruit, clouds descend w ith fresh rain, noble m en are gracious w ith w ealth— this is the n atu re o f b o u n tifu l things. (12)

d o o r k e e p e r : K ing, th eir faces lo o k calm. I’m sure th a t the sages have confidence in w h at th e y ’re doing. k i n g (seeing Sakuntalā):

W ho is she? C arefully veiled to barely reveal h er b o d y ’s beauty, su rro u n d ed by the ascetics like a b u d am o n g w ith ered leaves. (13)

d o o r k e e p e r : K ing, I feel curious and puzzled too. Surely her fo rm deserves closer inspection. k i n g : Let her be! O n e sh o u ld n o t stare at an o th er m a n ’s wife! ś a k u n t a l â (placing her hand on her chest, she speaks to herself): M y heart, w h y are you quivering? Be quiet w hile I learn m y noble h u sb a n d ’s feelings. p r i e s t (going forward): T hese ascetics have been h o n o red w ith due ceremony. T h ey have a m essage fro m th eir teacher. T he king should hear them ! k i n g : I am paying atten tio n . s a g e s (raising their hands in a gesture o f greeting): M ay you be v icto rio u s, king! k i n g : I salute you all! s a g e s : M ay y o u r desires be fulfilled! k i n g : D o the sages p e rfo rm au sterities u n h am p ered ? s a g e s :

W ho w o u ld dare o b stru c t the rites o f h oly m en w h o m you p ro tec t— how can darkness descend w hen the s u n ’s rays shine? (14)

k i n g : M y title “k in g ” is m ore m eaningful now. Is the w o rld blessed by Father K anva’s health?

1 38 Śakuntala and the Ring o f Recollection

s a g e s : Saints co n tro l th e ir o w n health. H e asks ab o u t y o u r w elfare and sends this m essage . . . k i n g : W hat does he com m and? ś â r ñ g a r a v a : A t the tim e you secretly m et and m arried m y daughter, affection m ade m e p ard o n you bo th .

We rem em b er you to be a prince o f h o n o r; Sakuntalā is v irtu e incarnate— the creator can n o t be co n d em n ed for m atin g the perfect b rid e and g ro o m . (15)

A nd n o w th a t she is p reg n an t, receive her and p erfo rm yo u r sacred d u ty together. g a u t a m ī : Sir, I have so m eth in g to say, th o u g h I w asn ’t ap­ p o in ted to speak:

She ig n o red h er elders and you failed to ask h er k in sm en — since you acted on y o u r ow n, w h at can I say to you now ? (16)

ś a k u n t a l â : W hat does m y nob le h u sb an d say? k i n g : W hat has been proposed? ś a k u n t a l â (to herself): T h e p ro p o sal is as clear as fire. ś â r ñ g a r a v a : W h a t’s this? Y our M ajesty certainly know s the ways o f the w orld!

People suspect a m arried w o m an w h o stays w ith her kin sm en , even if she is chaste— a y o ung w ife sh o u ld live w ith her husband, no m a tter h o w he despises her. (17)

k i n g : D id I ever m a rry you? ś a k u n t a l â (visibly dejected, speaking to herself): N o w yo u r fears are real, m y heart! ś â r ñ g a r a v a :

D oes one tu rn away fro m d u ty in co n tem p t because his o w n actions repulse him ? (18a)

k i n g : W hy ask this in su ltin g question?

A C T FIVE 1 3 9

ś ā r ñ g a r a v a :

Such tran sfo rm a tio n s take shape w hen m en are d ru n k w ith power. (18b)

k i n g : This censure is clearly directed at me. g a u t a m ī : C hild, this is no tim e to be m odest. I’ll rem ove your veil. T h en y o u r h u sb an d w ill recognize you. (She does so.) k i n g (staring at Sakuntalā):

M u st I ju d g e w h e th e r I ever m arried the flawless beau ty they offer m e now? I cannot love h er o r leave her, like a bee near a jasm in e filled w ith fro st at daw n. (19)

(He shows hesitation.) d o o r k e e p e r : O u r k in g has a stro n g sense o f ju stice. W ho else w o u ld hesitate w h en b eau ty like this is h anded to him ? ś ā r ñ g a r a v a : K ing, w h y do you rem ain silent? k i n g : A scetics, even th o u g h I’m searching m y m ind, I d o n ’t rem em b er m arry in g this lady. H o w can I accept a w o m an w ho is visibly p reg n an t w h en I d o u b t th at I am the cause? ś a k u n t a l ā (in a stage whisper): M y lo rd casts d o u b t on o u r m arriage. W hy w ere m y hopes so high? ś ā r ñ g a r a v a : It can’t be!

Are you g oing to insult the sage w h o p ard o n s the girl you seduced and bids you keep his stolen w ealth, treatin g a th ie f like you w ith h o n o r? (20)

ś â r a d v a t a : Śārñgarava, stop now! Śakuntalā, w e have de­ livered o u r m essage and the k in g has responded. H e m u st be show n som e proof. ś a k u n t a l ā (in a stage whisper): W hen passion can tu rn to this, w h a t’s the use o f rem in d in g him ? B ut, i t ’s up to m e to prove m y h o n o r now. (Aloud.) M y n oble h u sb an d . . .

140 Śakuntalā and the Ring o f Recollection

(She breaks o ff when this is half-spoken.) Since o u r m arriag e is in d o u b t, this is no w ay to address him . P uru king, you do w ro n g to reject a sim p le-h earted person w ith such w o rd s after you deceived h er in the herm itage. k i n g (covering his ears): Stop this sham eful talk!

Are you try in g to stain m y nam e and drag m e to ru in — like a river ero d in g her o w n banks, soiling w ater and u p ro o tin g trees? (21)

ś a k u n t a l ā : Very well! I f i t ’s really tru e th at fear o f taking an o th er m a n ’s w ife tu rn s you away, then this ring w ill revive your m e m o ry and rem ove y o u r d o u b t. k i n g : A n excellent idea! ś a k u n t a l ā (touching the place where the ring had been): I’m lost! T h e ring is gone fro m m y finger. (She looks despairingly at Gautamī.) g a u t a m ī : T h e rin g m u st have fallen o ff w hile you w ere b ath in g in the h o ly w aters at the shrine o f the goddess near In d ra ’s grove. k i n g (smiling): A nd so they say the fem ale sex is cunning. ś a k u n t a l ā : Fate has sh o w n its power. Yet, I w ill tell you so m eth in g else. k i n g : I am still o bliged to listen. ś a k u n t a l ā : O n e day, in a ja sm in e bower, you held a lo tu s- leaf cup full o f w ater in y o u r hand. k i n g : We hear you. ś a k u n t a l ā : A t th a t m o m e n t the b u ck I treated as m y son approached. You coaxed it w ith the water, saying th at it should d rin k first. B u t he d id n ’t tru st you and w o u ld n ’t d rin k from y o u r hand. W hen I to o k the water, his tru st retu rn ed . T h en you je ste d , “E very creature tru sts w h at its senses know. You b o th b elong to the forest. ” k i n g : T h u s do w o m en fu rth e r th eir o w n ends by attractin g eager m en w ith the ho n ey o f false w o rd s.

A C T FIVE 1 4 1

g a u t a m ī : G reat king, you are w ro n g to speak this way. This child raised in an ascetics’ grove d o esn ’t k n o w deceit. k i n g : O ld w o m an ,

W hen naive fem ale beasts show cunning, w h at can w e expect o f w o m en w h o reason? D o n ’t cuckoos let o th e r birds n u rtu re th eir eggs and teach the chicks to fly? (22)

ś a k u n t a l ā (angrily): Evil man! you see every th in g d isto rted by y o u r o w n ig n o b le heart. W ho w o u ld w an t to im itate you now, h id in g beh in d y o u r show o f ju stice, like a well over­ g ro w n w ith weeds? k i n g (to himself): H er anger does n o t seem feigned; it m akes m e d o u b t myself.

W hen the absence o f lo v e’s m e m o ry m ade m e deny a secret affair w ith her, this fire-eyed b eau ty b en t h er an g ry brow s and seem ed to break the b o w o f love. (23)

(Aloud.) Lady, D u sy a n ta’s co n d u ct is renow ned, so w h at you say is groundless. ś a k u n t a l ā : All right! I m ay be a self-w illed w an to n w om an! B u t it was faith in the P u ru d y n asty th at b ro u g h t me into the p o w er o f a m an w ith h o n ey in his w o rd s and poison in his heart. (She covers her face at the end o f the speech and weeps.) ś â r ñ g a r a v a : A w illful act unchecked always causes pain.

O n e sho u ld be cautious in fo rm in g a secret u n io n — unless a lo v e r’s h eart is clear, affection tu rn s to poison. (24)

k i n g : B u t sir, w h y do you dem ean m e w ith such w arnings? D o you tru s t the lady?

1 42 Śakuntalā and the Ring o f Recollection

ś ā r ñ g a r a v a (scornfully): You have learned every th in g back­ w ards.

I f you suspect the w o rd o f one w hose n atu re k now s no guile, then you can on ly tru st people w h o practice deception. (25)

k i n g : I p resum e you speak the tru th . Let us assum e so. B u t w h at could I gain by deceiving this w om an? ś ā r ñ g a r a v a : R uin. k i n g : Ruin? A P u ru k in g has no reason to w an t his o w n ruin! ś â r a d v a t a : Śārñgarava, this talk is pointless. We have deliv­ ered o u r m a ste r’s m essage and sho u ld retu rn .

Since you m arried her, ab an d o n her o r take her— absolute is the p o w er a h u sb an d has over his wife. (26)

g a u t a m ī : You go ahead. ( They start to go.) ś a k u n t a l ā : W hat? A m I deceived by this cruel m an and then ab andoned by you? (She tries to fo llo w them.) g a u t a m ī (stopping): Śārñgarava m y son, Śakuntalā is follow ­ ing us, crying pitifully. W hat w ill m y child do n o w th a t her h u sb an d has refused her? ś ā r ñ g a r a v a (turning back angrily): B o ld w om an, do you still insist on having y o u r way? (Śakuntalā trembles in fear.)

If you are w h at the kin g says you are, you d o n ’t b elong in Father K anva’s fam ily— if you k n o w th a t y o u r m arriag e vow is pure, you can bear slavery in y o u r h u sb a n d ’s house. (27)

Stay! We m u st go on! k i n g : A scetic, w h y do you d isap p o in t the lady too?

T h e m o o n o n ly makes lotuses open, the s u n ’s lig h t awakens lilies— a k in g ’s discipline forbids h im to to u ch an o th er m a n ’s w ife. (28)

A C T FIVE 1 4 3

ś ā r ñ g a r a v a : I f you fo rg et a past affair because o f som e present attach m en t, w h y do you fear injustice now? k i n g (to the priest): Sir, I ask you to w eigh the alternatives:

Since i t ’s unclear w h e th e r I ’m deluded or she is speaking falsely— should I risk ab an d o n in g a w ife or being tain ted by an o th e r m a n ’s? (29)

p r i e s t (deliberating): I reco m m en d this . . . k i n g : In stru ct me! I’ll do as you say. p r i e s t : T h en let the lady stay in o u r house u n til h er child is b orn. I f you ask w hy: the w ise m en predict th at y o u r first son w ill be b o rn w ith the m arks o f a k in g w h o tu rn s the w heel o f em pire. I f the child o f the sage’s d au g h ter bears the m arks, co n g ratu late her and w elcom e h er in to y o u r palace cham bers. O th erw ise, send h er back to her father. k i n g : W hatever the elders desire. p r i e s t : C hild, follow me! ś a k u n t a l ā : M o th e r earth, open to receive me! (Weeping, Sakuntalā exits with the priest and the hermits. The king, his memory lost through the curse, thinks about her.) v o i c e o f f s t a g e : A m azing! A m azing! k i n g (listening): W hat could this be? p r i e s t (reentering, amazed): K ing, so m eth in g m arvelous has occurred! k i n g : W hat? p r i e s t : W hen K anva’s pupils had departed,

T he girl th rew up her arm s and w ept, lam en tin g her m isfo rtu n e . . . th en . . . (30a)

k i n g : T h en w hat? p r i e s t :

N ear the n y m p h ’s shrine a ray o f lig h t in the shape o f a w o m an carried her away. (30b)

(A ll mime amazement.) k i n g : We’ve already settled the m atter. W hy discuss it fur­ ther?

p r i e s t (observing the king): M ay you b e victorious! (He exits.) k i n g : Vetravatī, I am bew ildered. Lead the way to m y cham ­ ber! d o o r k e e p e r : C o m e this way, m y lord! (She walks forward.) k i n g :

I cannot rem em b er m a rry in g the sag es ab andoned daughter, b u t the pain m y h eart feels makes m e suspect th a t I did. (31)

(A ll exit.)

1 44 Śakuntalâ and the Ring o f Recollection

E N D O F A C T FIV E

ACT SIX

( The king's wife's brother; who is city magistrate, enters with two policemen leading a man whose hands are tied behind his back.)

b o t h p o l i c e m e n (beating the man): Speak, thief! W h ere’d you steal this h an d so m e rin g w ith the k in g ’s nam e engraved in the jew el? m a n (showing fear): Peace, sirs! I w o u ld n ’t do a th in g like that. f i r s t p o l i c e m a n : D o n ’t tell us the king th o u g h t you w ere som e fam ous priest and gave it to you as a gift! m a n : Listen, I’m a h u m b le fisherm an w h o lives near In d ra ’s grove. s e c o n d p o l i c e m a n : Thief, did we ask you ab o u t y o u r caste? m a g i s t r a t e : Sūcaka, let h im tell it all in order! D o n ’t in ter­ ru p t him! b o t h p o l i c e m e n : W hatever you co m m an d , chief! m a n : I feed m y fam ily b y catching fish w ith nets and hooks. m a g i s t r a t e (mocking): W hat a p ure profession! m a n :

T he w o rk I do may be vile b u t I w o n ’t deny m y b irth rig h t— a priest doing his h o ly rites pities the anim als he kills. (1)

146 Sākuntala and the Ring o f Recollection

m a g i s t r a t e : G o on! m a n : O n e day as I was c u ttin g up a red carp, I saw the shining stone o f this rin g in its belly. W hen I tried to sell it, you grab b ed me. K ill m e o r let m e go! T h a t’s ho w I g o t it! m a g i s t r a t e : Jānuka, I’m sure this u g ly b u tc h e r’s a fisherm an by his stin k in g smell. We m u st investigate ho w he g o t the ring. We’ll go straig h t to the palace. b o t h p o l i c e m e n : Okay. Go in fro n t, you pickpocket! (A ll walk around.) m a g i s t r a t e : Sūcaka, g u ard this villain at the palace gate! I’ll rep o rt to the k in g h o w w e fo u n d the rin g , get his orders, and com e back. b o t h p o l i c e m e n : Chief, g o o d luck w ith the king! (T he magistrate exits.) f i r s t p o l i c e m a n : Jānuka, the ch iefs been gone a long tim e. s e c o n d p o l i c e m a n : Well, there are fixed tim es for seeing kings. f i r s t p o l i c e m a n : Jānuka, m y hands are itch in g to tie on his execution garland. (He points to the man.) m a n : Y o u s h o u ld n ’t th in k ab o u t killing a m an for no reason. s e c o n d p o l i c e m a n (looking): I see o u r ch ief com ing w ith a letter in his hand. I t’s p ro b ab ly an o rd er fro m the king. Y ou’ll be th ro w n to the vultures o r y o u ’ll see the face o f d e a th ’s dog again . . . m a g i s t r a t e (entering): Sūcaka, release this fisherm an! I ’ll tell you h o w he g o t the ring. f i r s t p o l i c e m a n : W hatever you say, chief! s e c o n d p o l i c e m a n : T h e villain entered the house o f death and cam e o u t again. (He unties the prisoner.) m a n (bowing to the magistrate): M aster, h o w w ill I m ake m y living now? m a g i s t r a t e : T h e k ing sends you a sum equal to the ring. (He gives the money to the man.) m a n (bowing as he grabs it): T h e k in g h o n o rs me.

A C T S I X I 4 7

f i r s t p o l i c e m a n : T h is fello w ’s certainly h o n o red . H e was low ered fro m the ex ecution stake and raised up on a royal elep h an t’s back. s e c o n d p o l i c e m a n : Chief, the rew ard tells m e this ring was special to the king. m a g i s t r a t e : I d o n ’t t h i n k t h e k i n g v a l u e d t h e s t o n e , b u t w h e n h e c a u g h t s i g h t o f t h e r i n g , h e s u d d e n l y s e e m e d t o

r e m e m b e r s o m e o n e h e l o v e d , a n d h e b e c a m e d e e p l y d i s ­

t u r b e d .

f i r s t p o l i c e m a n : Y o u s e r v e d h i m w e l l , c h i e f !

s e c o n d p o l i c e m a n : I t h i n k y o u b e t t e r s e r v e d t h i s k i n g o f fish. (Looking at the fisherman with jealousy.) m a n : M y lords, h a lf o f this is yours for y o u r g o o d will. f i r s t p o l i c e m a n : I t’s o n l y f a i r ! m a g i s t r a t e : Fisherm an, n o w th a t you are m y greatest and dearest friend, w e sh o u ld pledge o u r love over k ad am b a- blossom w ine. L et’s go to the w ine shop! ( T he y all exit together; the interlude ends. Then a ny mph named Sānumatī enters by the skyway.) s ā n u m a t ī : N o w th a t I’ve p e rfo rm e d m y assigned duties at the n y m p h ’s shrine, I’ll slip away to spy on K ing D usyanta w hile the w o rsh ip ers are b ath in g . M y friendship w ith M e- nakā m akes m e feel a b o n d w ith Sakuntalā. Besides, M enakā asked m e to help her daughter. (Looking around.) W hy d o n ’t I see p rep aratio n s for the sp rin g festival in the k in g ’s palace? I can learn ev ery th in g by using m y m ental pow ers, b u t I m u st respect m y frie n d ’s request. So be it! I’ll m ake m y se lf invisible and spy on these tw o girls w h o are gu ard in g the pleasure garden. (Sānumatī mimes descending and stands waiting. Then a maid ser­ vant named Parabhrtikā, “Little C u c k o o e n t e r s , looking at a mango bud. A second maid, named Madhukarikā, “Little Bee, ” is following her.)

148 Śakuntalā and the Ring o f Recollection

f i r s t m a i d :

Your pale green stem tin g ed w ith p ink is a tru e sign th a t spring has com e— I see you, m an g o -b lo sso m bud, and I pray for a season o f joy. (2)

s e c o n d m a i d : W hat are you m u tte rin g to yourself? f i r s t m a i d : A cuckoo goes m ad w h en she sees a m an g o bud. s e c o n d m a i d (Joyfully rushing over): H as the sw eet m o n th o f spring come? f i r s t m a i d : N o w ’s the tim e to sing y o u r songs o f love. s e c o n d m a i d : H o ld m e w hile I pluck a m ango b u d and w o rsh ip the g o d o f love. f i r s t m a i d : O n ly if y o u ’ll give m e h a lf the fru it o f your w orship. s e c o n d m a i d : T h a t goes w ith o u t saying . . . o u r bodies may be separate, b u t o u r lives are one . . . (Leaning on her friend, she stands and plucks a mango bud.) T h e m ango flow er is still closed, b u t this b ro k en stem is fragrant. (She makes the dove gesture with her hands.)

M an g o -b lo sso m bud, I offer you to Love as he lifts his b ow o f passion. Be the first o f his flow er arrow s aim ed at lonely girls w ith lovers far away! (3)

(She throws the mango bud.) c h a m b e r l a i n (angrily throwing aside the curtain and entering): N o t now, stu p id girl! W hen the k ing has banned the festival o f spring, h o w dare you pluck a m an g o bud!

A C T SIX 1 4 9

b o t h m a i d s (frightened): Please forgive us, sir. We d o n ’t k now w h at you m ean. c h a m b e r l a i n : D id you n o t hear th at even the spring trees and the n esting birds obey the k in g ’s order?

T he m ango flow ers b lo o m w ith o u t spreading pollen, the red am aran th buds, b u t w ill n o t b lo o m , cries o f cuckoo cocks freeze th o u g h frost is past, and o u t o f fear, Love holds his arrow half-draw n. (4)

b o t h m a i d s : T h ere is no d o u b t ab o u t the k in g ’s great power! f i r s t m a i d : Sir, several days ago we w ere sent to w ait on the queen by M itrāvasu, the k in g ’s brother-in-law . We w ere as­ signed to g u ard the pleasure garden. Since w e ’re new com ers, w e’ve heard no news. c h a m b e r l a i n : Let it be! B u t d o n ’t do it again! b o t h m a i d s : Sir, w e ’re curious. M ay we ask w h y the spring festival was banned? s ā n u m a t ī : M o rtals are fond o f festivals. T h e reason m u st be serious. c h a m b e r l a i n : It is p ublic k now ledge. W hy should I n o t tell them ? H as the scandal o f S ak u n talā’s rejection n o t reached yo u r ears? b o t h m a i d s : We o nly h eard fro m the k in g ’s b ro th er-in -law th a t the rin g was found. c h a m b e r l a i n (to himself): T h ere is little m o re to tell. (Aloud.) W hen he saw the rin g , the k ing rem em b ered th a t he had m arried Sakuntalā in secret and had rejected her in his delu­ sion. Since th en the k ing has been to rtu re d by rem orse.

D espising w h at he once enjoyed, he shuns his m inisters every day and spends long sleepless nig h ts tossing at the edge o f his bed— w h en cou rtesy dem ands th at he converse w ith palace w o m en , he stum bles over th eir nam es, and then retreats in sham e. (5)

1 5 ° Sakuntala and the Ring o f Recollection

s ā n u m a t ī : T his new s delights me. c h a m b e r l a i n : T h e festival is ban n ed because o f the k in g ’s melancholy. b o t h m a i d s : I t ’s o nly rig h t. v o i c e o f f s t a g e : T his way, sir! c h a m b e r l a i n (listening): T h e k ing is com ing. Go about y o u r business! b o t h m a i d s : A s y o u say. (Both maids exit. Then the king enters, costumed to show his g r ie f accompanied by the buffoon and the doorkeeper.) c h a m b e r l a i n (observing the king): E x tra o rd in a ry beau ty is appealing u n d er all co n d itio n s. Even in his lovesick state, the king is w o n d erfu l to see.

R ejecting his regal jew els, he w ears one g olden bangle above his left w rist; his lips are pale w ith sighs, his eyes w an fro m b ro o d in g at n ig h t— like a g em sto n e g ro u n d in p olishing, the fiery b eau ty o f his b o d y m akes his w asted fo rm seem stro n g . (6)

s ā n u m a t ī (seeing the king): I see w h y Śakuntalā pines for him th o u g h he rejected and disgraced her. k i n g (walking around slowly, deep in thought):

T his cursed h eart slept w h en m y love cam e to w ake it, and n ow it stays awake to suffer the pain o f rem orse. (7)

s ā n u m a t ī : T h e girl shares his fate. b u f f o o n (in a stage whisper): H e ’s having an o th er attack o f his Śakuntalā disease. I d o u b t i f th e re ’s any cure for that. c h a m b e r l a i n (approaching): V ictory to the king! I have in ­ spected the g ro u n d s o f the pleasure garden. Let the k ing visit his favorite spots and d iv ert him self. k i n g : V etravatī, deliver a m essage to m y noble m in ister

AC T SIX 1 5 1

Piśuna: “A fter being awake all n ig h t, w e cannot sit on the seat o f ju stice today. Set in w ritin g w h a t y o u r ju d g m e n t tells you the citizens require and send it to us!” d o o r k e e p e r : W hatever you com m and! (She exits.) k i n g : V atāyana, atten d to th e rest o f y o u r business: c h a m b e r l a i n : A s th e kin g co m m a n d s ! (He exits.) b u f f o o n : Y ou’ve cleared o u t the flies. N o w you can rest in som e p re tty spot. T h e g arden is pleasant n o w in this break b etw een m o rn in g cold and n o o n d ay heat. k i n g : D ear friend, the saying “M isfo rtu n es ru sh th ro u g h any crack” is absolutely rig h t:

B arely freed by the dark force th at m ade m e fo rg et K anva’s daughter, m y m in d is th reaten ed by an arrow o f m an g o buds fixed on Love’s bow. (8)

b u f f o o n : Wait, I ’ll destroy the love g o d ’s arrow w ith m y w o o d en stick. (Raising his staff, he tries to strike a mango bud.) k i n g (smiling): Let it be! I see the m ajesty o f b rah m an brav­ ery. Friend, w here m ay I sit to d iv ert m y eyes w ith vines th at rem ind m e o f m y love? b u f f o o n : D id n ’t you tell y o u r m aid C atu rik ā, “I’ll pass the tim e in the ja sm in e bower. B rin g m e the d raw ing b o ard on w hich I p ain ted a p ictu re o f S akuntalā w ith m y ow n h an d !” k i n g : Such a place m ay so o th e m y heart. Show m e the way! b u f f o o n : C o m e this way! (Both walk around; the nymph Sān u m a tīfollows.) T he m arble seat and flow er offerings in this ja sm in e bow er are certainly try in g to m ake us feel w elcom e. C o m e in and sit down! (Both enter the bower and sit.) s ā n u m a t ī : I ’ll hide b eh in d these creepers to see the p icture h e’s draw n o f m y friend. T h en I ’ll re p o rt h o w great her h u s­ b a n d ’s passion is.

1 52 Śakuntalā and the Ring o f Recollection

(She does as she says and stands waiting.) k i n g : Friend, n o w I rem em b er everything. I to ld you abo u t m y first m eeting w ith Śakuntalā. You w eren ’t w ith m e w hen I rejected her, b u t w h y d id n ’t you say an y th in g ab o u t her before? D id you suffer a loss o f m e m o ry too? b u f f o o n : I d id n ’t forget. You did tell m e all ab o u t it once, b u t then you said, “I t’s all a jo k e w ith o u t any tr u t h .” M y w it is like a lu m p o f clay, so I to o k you at y o u r w o rd . . . o r it could be th at fate is p o w erfu l . . . s ā n u m a t ī : It i s ! k i n g : Friend, help me! b u f f o o n : W h a t’s this? It d o esn ’t becom e you! N o b lem en never take g rie f to heart. Even in sto rm s, m o u n tain s d o n ’t trem ble. k i n g : D ear friend, I ’m defenseless w h en I rem em b er the pain o f m y love’s b ew ild erm en t w h en I rejected her.

W hen I cast her away, she follow ed h er kinsm en, b u t K an v a’s disciple harsh ly shouted, “ Stay!” T h e tearful lo o k m y cruelty p ro v o k ed b urns m e like an arro w tip p ed w ith poison. (9)

s ā n u m a t ī : T h e way he rehearses his actions m akes me de­ lig h t in his pain. b u f f o o n : Sir, I guess th a t the lady was carried o ff by som e celestial creature o r other. k i n g : W ho else w o u ld dare to to u ch a w o m an w h o w o r­ shiped her husband? I was to ld th at M enakā is her m other. M y heart suspects th a t her m o th e r’s com panions carried her off. s ā n u m a t ī : H is delusion puzzled me, b u t n o t his reaw aken­ ing. b u f f o o n : If th a t’s the case, y o u ’ll m eet her again in goo d tim e. k i n g : H o w ?

b u f f o o n : N o m o th e r o r fath er can b ear to see a d au g h te r p arted fro m h er h u sb an d .

A C T S I X 1 5 3

k i n g :

Was it dream o r illusion o r m en tal confusion, or the last m eager fru it o f m y fo rm e r g o o d deeds? It is gone now, and m y h e a rt’s desires are like riv erb an k s cru m b lin g o f th e ir o w n w e ig h t. (10)

b u f f o o n : Stop this! Isn ’t the rin g evidence th at an u n ex ­ pected m eetin g is d estined to take place? k i n g (looking at the ring): I o n ly p ity it for falling from such a place.

Ring, y o u r p u n ish m e n t is p r o o f th at y o u r fate is as flaw ed as m ine— you w ere placed in her lovely fingers, g lo w in g w ith c rim s o n nails, and y o u fell. (11)

s ā n u m a t ī : T h e real p ity w o u ld have been i f it had fallen into som e o th e r hand. b u f f o o n : W hat p ro m p te d you to p u t the signet ring on her hand? s ā n u m a t ī : I’m curious too. k i n g : I did it w h en I left fo r the city. M y love bro k e in to tears and asked, “H o w lo n g w ill it be before m y noble h u sb an d sends new s to m e?” b u f f o o n : Then? W hat then? k i n g : T h en I placed the rin g on h er finger w ith this prom ise:

O n e by one, day after day, co u n t each syllable o f m y name! A t the end, a m essenger w ill com e to b rin g y o u to m y p alace. (12)

B u t in m y cru el d elu sion , I n ev er k ep t m y w o rd . s ā n u m a t ī : F a te b ro k e th e ir c h a rm in g a g re e m e n t! b u f f o o n : H o w did it g e t in to th e belly o f the carp the fisher­ m an w as cu ttin g up? k i n g : W hile she was w o rsh ip in g at the shrine o f In d ra ’s w ife, it fell fro m her h and in to the Gañgā.

154 Śakuntala and the Ring o f Recollection

b u f f o o n : I t’s o b v io u s now! s ā n u m a t ī : A nd the king, d o u b tfu l o f his m arriag e to Sakun­ talā, a fem ale ascetic, was afraid to c o m m it an act o f injustice. B u t w h y sh o u ld such p assionate love need a rin g to be re­ m em bered? k i n g : I m u st reproach the rin g for w h at i t ’s done. b u f f o o n (to himself): H e ’s gone the w ay o f all m ad m en . . . k i n g :

W hy did you leave her delicate finger and sink in to the deep river? (13a)

O f course . . .

A m indless rin g can ’t recognize v irtu e, b u t w h y did I reject m y love? (13b)

b u f f o o n (to h im s e lf again): W hy a m I c o n s u m e d by a c r a v i n g f o r f o o d ?

k i n g : O h ring! H ave p ity on a m an w h o se h eart is to rm e n te d because he aban d o n ed his love w ith o u t cause! Let h im see her again! (Throwing the curtain aside, the maid Caturikā enters, with the drawing board in her hand.) c a t u r i k ā : H e re ’s the p ictu re you p ain ted o f the lady. (She shows the drawing board.) b u f f o o n : D ear friend, h o w w ell y o u ’ve painted y o u r feel­ ings in this sw eet scene! M y eyes alm o st stu m b le over the hollow s and hills. s ā n u m a t ī : W hat skill the k in g has! I feel as if m y friend w ere before me. k i n g :

T h e p ic tu re ’s im p erfectio n s are n o t hers, b u t this draw in g does h in t at her beauty. (14)

s ā n u m a t ī : Such w o rd s reveal th a t suffering has increased his m o d esty as m u ch as his love. b u f f o o n : Sir, I see three ladies n o w and th e y ’re all lovely to lo o k at. W hich is y o u r Sakuntalā?

A C T SIX I 55

s ā n u m a t ī : O n ly a d im -w itte d fool like this w o u ld n ’t k n o w such beauty! k i n g : Y o u g u e s s w h i c h o n e !

b u f f o o n : I guess Sakuntalā is the one y o u ’ve draw n w ith flowers falling fro m h er loosened locks o f hair, w ith drops o f sweat on her face, w ith her arm s han g in g lim p and tired as she stands at the side o f a m an g o tree w hose ten d er shoots are gleam ing w ith the fresh w ater she p oured. T h e o th er tw o are her friends. k i n g : Y o u are clever! L ook at these signs o f m y passion!

Sm udges fro m m y sw eating fingers stain the edges o f the p ictu re and a tear fallen fro m m y cheek has raised a w rin k le in the paint. (15)

C atu rik ā, the scenery is o nly half-draw n. Go and b rin g m y paints! c a t u r i k ā : N o b le M ādhavya, h o ld the draw in g b o ard u n til I com e back! k i n g : I ’ll h o ld it myself. (He takes it, the maid exits.)

I rejected m y love w h en she cam e to me, and n o w I w o rsh ip her in a p ain ted im age— having passed b y a riv er full o f water, I’m lo n g in g n o w for an e m p ty m irage. (16)

b u f f o o n (to himself): H e ’s to o far gone for a river now! H e ’s lo o k in g for a m irage! (Aloud.) Sir, w h at else do you plan to draw here? s ā n u m a t ī : H e ’ll w an t to draw every place m y friend loved. k i n g :

I’ll draw the river M ālinī flow ing th ro u g h H im ālaya’s foothills w here pairs o f w ild geese n est in the sand and deer recline on b o th riverbanks,

I $6 Śakuntalâ and the Ring o f Recollection

w here a doe is ru b b in g h er left eye on the h o rn o f a black b uck antelope u n d er a tree w h o se branches have b ark dresses h an g in g to dry. (17)

b u f f o o n (to himself): N e x t h e ’ll fill the d raw ing b o ard w ith m obs o f ascetics w earing lo n g grassy beards. k i n g : D ear friend, I’ve fo rg o tte n to draw an o rn am e n t th at Sakuntalā w ore. b u f f o o n : W hat is it? s ā n u m a t ī : It w ill suit her forest life and her ten d er beauty. k i n g :

I hav en ’t draw n the m im o sa flow er on h er ear, its filam ents resting on h er cheek, or the necklace o f ten d er lo tu s stalks, lying on her breasts like a u tu m n m oo n b eam s. (18)

b u f f o o n : B u t w h y does the lady cover her face w ith her red lo tu s-b u d fin g ertip s and stand trem b lin g in fear? (Looking closely.) T h at so n -o f-a-b ee w h o steals nectar fro m flow ers is attacking her face. k i n g : D riv e the im p u d e n t ro g u e away! b u f f o o n : Y ou have the p o w e r to punish crim in als. Y o u drive h im off! k i n g : A ll right! Bee, favored guest o f the flow ering vines, w h y do you fru strate y o u rse lf by flying here?

A fem ale bee w aits on a flower, th irstin g for y o u r love— she refuses to d rin k the sw eet nectar w ith o u t you. (19)

s ā n u m a t ī : H o w gallantly h e ’s d riv in g him away! b u f f o o n : W hen you try to drive it away, this creature b e­ com es vicious. k i n g : W hy d o n ’t you stop w h en I co m m an d you?

A C T S I X I 57

Bee, i f you to u ch the lips o f m y love that lure you like a y o u n g tre e s v irg in buds, lips I g en tly kissed in festivals o f love, I’ll h o ld you captive in a lotus flow er cage. (20)

b u f f o o n : W hy is n ’t he afraid o f y o u r h arsh p u nishm ent? (Laughing, he speaks to himself) H e ’s gone crazy and I ’ll be the sam e i f I go on talking like this. (Aloud.) B u t sir, i t ’s ju s t a picture! k i n g : A picture? H o w can th a t be? s ā n u m a t ī : W hen I co u ld n ’t tell w h eth e r it was painted, how could he realize he was lo o k in g at a picture? k i n g : D ear friend, are you envious o f me?

M y h e a rt’s affection m ade m e feel the jo y o f seeing her— b u t you rem in d ed m e again th at m y love is o nly a picture. (21)

(He wipes away a tear.) s ā n u m a t ī : T he effects o f h er absence m ake him qu arrel­ some. k i n g : D ear friend, w h y do I suffer this endless pain?

Sleepless nig h ts prevent o u r m eetin g in dream s; her im age in a p ictu re is ru in ed by m y tears. (22)

s ā n u m a t ī : You have clearly atoned for the suffering yo u r rejection caused Sakuntalā. c a t u r i k ā (entering): V icto ry m y lord! I fo u n d the pain t bo x and started back rig h t away . . . b u t I m et Q u een Vasum atī w ith her m aid Taralikā on the p ath and she g rabbed the b o x from m y hand, saying, “I ’ll b rin g it to the noble lo rd m y self!” b u f f o o n : Y o u w ere lucky to get away! c a t u r i k ā : T h e q u een ’s shaw l g o t caught on a tree. W hile Taralikā was freeing it, I m ade m y escape. k i n g : D ear friend, the q u een ’s p rid e can quickly tu rn to an­ ger. Save this picture!

1 58 Śakuntalā and the Ring o f Recollection

b u f f o o n : Y o u sh o u ld say, “ Save yo u rself!” ( Taking the picture, he stands up.) I f you escape the w o m a n ’s deadly poison, then send w o rd to m e in the Palace o f the C lo u d s. (He exits hastily.) s ā n u m a t ī : E ven th o u g h an o th er w o m an has taken his heart and he feels in d ifferen t to the queen, he treats her w ith re­ spect. d o o r k e e p e r (entering with a letter in her hand): Victory, king! k i n g : Vetravatī, did you m eet the queen on the way? d o o r k e e p e r : I did, b u t w h en she saw the letter in m y hand, she tu rn e d back. k i n g : She know s th a t this is official and w o u ld n o t in te rru p t m y w o rk . d o o r k e e p e r : K ing, the m in ister requests th at you exam ine the contents o f this letter. H e said th a t the en o rm o u s jo b o f reckoning the revenue in this one citizen ’s case had taken all his tim e. k i n g : Show m e the letter! (The girl hands it to him and he reads barely aloud.) W hat is this? “A w ealthy m erch an t sea captain nam ed D h an a- m itra has been lo st in a sh ip w reck and the laws say th at since the brave m an was childless, his accum ulated w ealth all goes to the king. ” I t’s terrib le to be childless! A m an o f such w ealth p ro b ab ly had several w ives. We m u st find o u t if any one o f his w ives is pregnant! d o o r k e e p e r : K ing, i t ’s said th a t one o f his w ives, the d au g h ter o f a m erch an t o f A yodhyā, has p erfo rm e d the rite to ensure the b irth o f a son. k i n g : T h e child in h er w o m b surely deserves his paternal w ealth. Go! R ep o rt this to m y m inister! d o o r k e e p e r : As the k ing com m ands! (She starts to go.) k i n g : C o m e here a m o m e n t! d o o r k e e p e r : I am h ere. k i n g : Is it his o ffsp rin g o r n o t?

A C T S I X I 59

W hen his subjects lose a kinsm an, D u sy an ta w ill preserve the estates— unless there is som e crim e. Let this be proclaim ed. (23)

d o o r k e e p e r : It shall be pro claim ed loudly. (She exits; reenters.) T he k in g ’s o rd er w ill be as w elcom e as rain in the rig h t sea­ son. k i n g (sighing long and deeply): Families w ith o u t offspring w hose lines o f succession are cut o ff lose th eir w ealth to strangers w h en the last m ale heir dies. W hen I die, this w ill happen to the w ealth o f the P u ru dynasty. d o o r k e e p e r : H eaven fo rb id such a fate! k i n g : I c u r s e m y s e l f f o r d e s p i s i n g t h e t r e a s u r e I w a s o f f e r e d . s ā n u m a t ī : H e surely has m y friend in m in d w h en he blam es himself. k i n g :

I abandoned m y law ful w ife, the ho ly g ro u n d w here I m y self p lan ted m y fam ily ’s glory, like earth sow n w ith seed at the rig h t tim e, ready to bear rich fru it in season. (24)

s ā n u m a t ī : B u t y o u r fam ily ’s line w ill n o t be broken. c a t u r i k ā (in a stage whisper): T h e k ing is u p set by the sto ry o f the m erchant. Go and b rin g n oble M ādhavya fro m the Palace o f the C louds to console him! d o o r k e e p e r : A g o o d idea! (She exits.) k i n g : D u sy an ta’s ancestors are im periled.

O u r fathers d rin k the yearly lib atio n m ixed w ith m y childless tears, k n o w in g th a t there is no o th e r son to offer the sacred funeral w aters. (25)

(He falls into a faint.) c a t u r i k ā (looking at the bewildered king): C alm yourself, m y lord!

s ā n u m a t ī : T h o u g h a lig h t shines, his separation from Śakuntalā keeps h im in a state o f d ark depression. I could m ake h im happy now, b u t I’ve h eard In d ra ’s co n so rt consol­ ing Śakuntalā w ith the new s th a t the gods are h u n g ry for th eir share o f the ancestral o blations and w ill soon conspire to have her h u sb an d w elcom e his law ful w ife. I’ll have to w ait for the auspicious tim e, b u t m eanw hile I’ll cheer m y friend by rep o rtin g his cond itio n . (She exits, fly in g into the air.) v o i c e o f f s t a g e : Help! B rah m an -m u rd er! k i n g (regaining consciousness, listening): Is it M ādhavya’s cry o f pain? W h o ’s there? d o o r k e e p e r : K ing, y o u r friend is in danger. H elp him! k i n g : W ho dares to th reaten him ? d o o r k e e p e r : Som e invisible sp irit seized him and d ragged him to the r o o f o f the Palace o f the C louds. k i n g (getting up): N o t this! Even m y house is h au n ted by spirits.

W hen I d o n ’t even recognize the b lunders I co m m it every day, how can I keep track o f w here m y subjects stray? (26)

v o i c e o f f s t a g e : D ear friend! Help! Help! k i n g (breaking into a run): Friend, d o n ’t be afraid! I ’m com ing! v o i c e o f f s t a g e (repeating the call f o r help): W hy sh o u ld n ’t I be afraid? S om eone is try in g to split m y neck in three, like a stalk o f sugar cane. k i n g (casting a glance): Q uickly, m y bow! b o w - b e a r e r (entering with a bow in hand): H ere are y o u r bow and quiver. ( The king takes his bow and arrows.) v o i c e o f f s t a g e :

I’ll kill you as a tig er kills stru g g lin g prey! I’ll d rin k fresh b lo o d fro m y o u r ten d er neck! Take refuge n o w in the b o w D usyanta lifts to calm the fears o f the oppressed! (27)

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A C T S I X l 6 l

k i n g (angrily): H o w dare you abuse m y nam e? Stop, carrio n - eater! O r you w ill n o t live! (He strings his bow.) Vetravatī, lead the w ay to the stairs! d o o r k e e p e r : T his way, king. (A ll move forward in haste.) k i n g (searching around): T h ere is no one here! v o i c e o f f s t a g e : Help! Help! I see you. D o n ’t you see me? I’m like a m ouse cau g h t by a cat! M y life is hopeless! k i n g : D o n ’t co u n t on y o u r pow ers o f invisibility! M y m ag i­ cal arrow s w ill find you. I aim this arrow :

It w ill strik e its d o o m e d ta rg e t and spare the b rah m a n it m u st save— a w ild goose can ex tract the m ilk and leave the w ater u n to u ch ed . (28)

(He aims the arrow. Then Indra}s charioteer Mātali enters, having released the buffoon.) m ā t a l i : King!

Indra sets dem ons as y o u r targets; draw y o u r b o w against them ! Send friends gracious glances rath er than deadly arrow s! (29)

k i n g (withdrawing his arrow): M ātali, w elcom e to great In d ra ’s charioteer! b u f f o o n (entering): H e tried to slau g h ter m e like a sacrifical beast and this k ing is greetin g h im w ith honors! m ā t a l i (smiling): Your Majesty, hear w h y Indra has sent me to you! k i n g : I am all atten tio n . m ā t a l i : T here is an arm y o f dem ons descended fro m o ne- hu n d red -h ead ed K ālanem i, k n o w n to be invincible . . . k i n g : I have already heard it fro m N ārad a, the gods’ m es­ senger.

i 62 Śakuntala and the Ring o f Recollection

m ā t a l i :

H e is in v u ln erab le to y o u r friend Indra, so you are ap p o in ted to lead the charge— the m o o n dispels the darkness o f n ig h t since the sun cannot drive it out. (30)

Take y o u r w eapon, m o u n t In d ra ’s chariot, and prepare for victory! k i n g : Indra favors m e w ith this honor. B u t w h y did you attack M ādhavya? m ā t a l i : I’ll tell you! F rom th e signs o f anguish Y our M ajesty show ed, I knew th a t you w ere d esp o n d en t. I attacked h im to arouse y o u r anger.

A fire blazes w h en fuel is added; a cobra p ro v o k ed raises its h o o d — m en can regain lo st courage if th eir em o tio n s are roused. (31)

k i n g (in a stage whisper): D ear friend, I cannot disobey a co m m an d fro m the lo rd o f heaven. In fo rm m y m inister P iśuna o f this and tell h im this for me:

C o n cen trate y o u r m in d on g u ard in g m y subjects! M y b ow is stru n g to accom plish o th e r w o rk . (32)

b u f f o o n : W hatever you com m and! (He exits.) m ā t a l i : M o u n t the chariot, Y our M ajesty! (T he king mimes mounting the chariot; all exit.)

E N D O F A C T S IX

ACT SEVEN

( The king enters with Mātali by the skyw ay, mounted on a chariot.)

k i n g : M ātali, th o u g h I carried o u t his co m m an d , I feel u n ­ w o rth y o f the h o n o rs Indra gave me. m ā t a l i (smiling): Y our M ajesty, n eith er o f you seems satis­ fied.

You b elittle the aid you gave Indra in face o f the h o n o rs he conferred, and he, am azed by y o u r heroic acts, deem s his h o sp ita lity to o slight. (1)

k i n g : N o , n o t so! W hen I was tak in g leave, he h o n o red me beyond m y h e a rts desire and shared his th ro n e w ith m e in the presence o f th e gods:

Indra gave m e a g arland o f coral flow ers tinged w ith sand alp o w d er fro m his chest, w hile he sm iled at his son Jayanta, w h o sto o d there barely h id in g his envy. (2)

m ā t a l i : D o n ’t you deserve w hatever you w an t from Indra? In d ra ’s heaven o f pleasures has tw ice been saved by ro o tin g o u t th o rn y dem o n s— yo u r sm o o th -jo in te d arrow s have n ow done w h at Visnu once did w ith his lion claws. (3)

k i n g : H ere to o In d ra ’s m ig h t deserves the praise. W hen servants succeed in great tasks, they act in h ope o f th eir m a ste r’s praise— w o u ld daw n scatter the darkness if he w ere n o t the s u n ’s o w n charioteer? (4)

m ā t a l i : This attitu d e suits you well! (He moves a little distance.) L ook over there, Your M ajesty! See h o w y o u r o w n glorious fame has reached the vault o f heaven!

C elestial artists are draw in g y o u r exploits on leaves o f the w ish -g ra n tin g creeper w ith colors o f the n y m p h s’ cosm etic paints, and bards are m oved to sing o f you in ballads. (5)

k i n g : M ātali, in m y desire to do b attle w ith the dem ons, I did n o t n otice the p ath we to o k to heaven as we clim bed th ro u g h the sky yesterday. W hich course o f the w inds are we travel­ ing? m ā t a l i :

T hey call this p ath o f the w in d Parivaha— freed fro m darkness by V isnu’s second stride, it bears the G añ g ā’s three celestial stream s and tu rn s stars in o rb it, div id in g th e ir rays. (6)

k i n g : M ātali, this is w h y m y soul, m y senses, and m y heart feel calm. (He looks at the chariot wheels.) We’ve descended to the level o f the clouds. m ā t a l i : H o w do y o u k n o w ? k i n g :

C rested cuckoos fly b etw een the spokes, lig h tn in g flashes glin t o ff the horses’ coats, and a fine m ist w ets y o u r c h a rio t’s w heels— all signs th a t w e go over rain-filled clouds. (7)

m ā t a l i : In a m o m e n t y o u ’ll be back in yo u r ow n dom ain, Your Majesty. k i n g (looking down): O u r speeding ch ario t makes the m o rtal w o rld appear fantastic. Look!

M o u n tain peaks em erge as the earth descends, branches spread up fro m a sea o f leaves, fine lines b ecom e great rivers to b eh o ld — the w o rld seems to h u rtle to w ard me. (8)

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A C T SEV EN 16 5

m ā t a l i : You observe well! (He looks with great reverence.) T he beau ty o f earth is sublim e. k i n g : M ātali, w h at m o u n tain do I see stretch in g in to the eastern and w estern seas, rip p led w ith stream s o f liquid gold, like a gatew ay o f tw ilig h t clouds? m ā t a l i : Your M ajesty, it is called the “G olden P e a k ,” the m o u n tain o f the d em igods, a place w here austerities are p rac­ ticed to perfection.

M ārīca, the descendant o f B rahm ā, a father o f b o th dem ons and gods, lives the life o f an ascetic here in the co m p an y o f A diti, his w ife. (9)

k i n g : O n e m u st n o t ig n o re g o o d fortune! I shall p erfo rm the rite o f circu m am b u latin g the sage. m ā t a l i : A n excellent idea! ( T he two mime descending.) k i n g (smiling):

T h e ch ario t w heels m ake no sound, they raise no clouds o f dust, they to u c h the g ro u n d u n h in d ered — n o th in g m arks th e c h a rio t’s descent. (10)

m ā t a l i : It is because o f the ex tra o rd in a ry p ow er th at you and Indra b o th possess. k i n g : M ātali, w here is M ārīca’s herm itage? m ā t a l i (pointing with his hand):

W here the sage stands staring at the sun, as im m o b ile as the tru n k o f a tree, his b o d y h alf-b u ried in an ant hill, w ith a snake skin on his chest, his th ro a t p ricked by a necklace o f w ith ered th o rn y vines, w earing a coil o f lo n g m a tte d hair filled w ith nests o f śak u n ta birds. (11)

k i n g : I do h o m ag e to the sage for his severe austerity.

m ā t a l i (pulling hard on the chariot reins): G reat k ing, let us enter M ārīca’s h erm itag e, w here A diti n u rtu res the celestial coral trees. k i n g : This tran q u il place surpasses heaven. I feel as if I ’m b ath in g in a lake o f nectar. m ā t a l i (stopping the chariot): D ism o u n t, Your M ajesty! k i n g (dismounting): M ātali, w h at ab o u t you? m ā t a l i : I have sto p p ed the chariot. I’ll d ism o u n t too. (He does so.) This way, Y our M ajesty! (He walks around.) You can see the g ro u n d s o f the ascetics’ grove ahead. k i n g : I am amazed!

In this forest o f w ish -fu lfillin g trees ascetics live on o n ly the air they breathe and p erfo rm th eir ritu al ablutions in w ater colored by go ld en lotus pollen. T hey sit in trance on jew eled m arble slabs and stay chaste am o n g celestial n y m p h s, practicing austerities in the place th a t o th ers seek to w in by penances. (12)

m ā t a l i : G reat m en always aspire to rare heights! (He walks around, calling aloud.) O venerable Śākalya, w h at is the sage M ārīca d oing now ? W hat do you say? In response to A d iti’s q uestion ab o u t the duties o f a d evoted w ife, he is talking in a g ath erin g o f great sages’ wives. k i n g (listening): We m u st w ait o u r tu rn . m ā t a l i (looking at the king): Y our M ajesty, rest at the fo o t o f this aśoka tree. M eanw hile, I’ll lo o k for a chance to announce you to In d ra ’s father. k i n g : A s you advise . . . (He stops.) m ā t a l i : Y our M ajesty, I’ll atten d to this. (He exits.)

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A C T SEV E N 1 6 7

k i n g (indicating he feels an omen):

I have no h o p e for m y desire. W hy does m y arm th ro b in vain? O nce g o o d fo rtu n e is lost, it becom es co n stan t pain. (13)

v o i c e o f f s t a g e : D o n ’t be so wild! W hy is his natu re so stubborn? k i n g (listening): U n ru ly co n d u ct is o u t o f place here. W hom are they rep rim an d in g ? (Looking toward the sound, surprised.) W ho is this child, g u ard ed by tw o fem ale ascetics? A boy w h o acts m ore like a m an.

H e has d rag g ed this lion cub from its m o th e r’s half-full teat to play w ith it, and w ith his h an d he v io len tly tugs its m ane. (14)

( The boy enters as described, with two female ascetics.) b o y : O p en y o u r m o u th , lion! I w an t to co u n t y o u r teeth! f i r s t a s c e t i c : N a sty boy, w h y do you to rtu re creatures we love like o u r children? Y ou’re g ettin g too headstrong! T he sages gave you the rig h t nam e w h en they called you “ Sarva- dam ana, T am er-of-everyth in g .” k i n g : W hy is m y h eart d raw n to this child, as i f he w ere m y o w n flesh? I d o n ’t have a son. T h a t is w h y I feel ten d er to ­ w ard him . . . s e c o n d a s c e t i c : T h e lioness w ill m aul you i f you d o n ’t let go o f her cub! b o y (smiling): O h , I’m scared to death! (Pouting.) k i n g :

This child appears to be the seed o f hid d en glory, like a spark o f fire aw aiting fuel to b u rn . (15)

f i r s t a s c e t i c : C hild, let go o f the lion cub and I’ll give you an o th er toy! b o y : W here is it? Give it to me! (He reaches out his hand.) k i n g : W hy does he bear the m ark o f a king w h o tu rn s the w heel o f em pire?

A h and w ith fine w ebs connecting the fingers opens as he reaches for the object greedily, like a single lo tu s w ith faint in n er petals spread open in the red glow o f early daw n. (16)

s e c o n d a s c e t i c : Suvratā, you can ’t stop h im w ith w ords! T h e sage M ārk an d ey a’s son left a b rig h tly painted clay b ird in m y h u t. G et it for him! f i r s t a s c e t i c : I will! (She exits.) b o y : B u t u n til it com es I’ll play w ith this cub. k i n g : I am attracted to this pam p ered boy . . .

Lucky are fathers w h o se laps give refuge to the m u d d y lim bs o f ad o rin g little sons w h en childish smiles show b u d d in g teeth and ju m b le d sounds m ake ch arm in g w ords. (17)

s e c o n d a s c e t i c : Well, he ignores me. (She looks back.) Is one o f the sage’s sons here? (Looking at the king.) Sir, please com e here! M ake h im loosen his grip and let go o f the lion cub! H e ’s to rm e n tin g it in his cruel ch ild ’s play. k i n g (approaching the boy, smiling): Stop! Y ou’re a great sage’s son!

W hen self-co n tro l is y o u r d u ty by b irth , w h y do you violate the sanctuary laws and ru in the anim als’ peaceful life, like a y o ung black snake in a sandal tree? (18)

s e c o n d a s c e t i c : Sir, h e ’s n o t a sag e’s son.

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A C T SEV E N 16 9

k i n g : H is actions and his looks co n firm it. I based m y false assu m p tio n on his presence in this place. (He does what she asked; responding to the boy’s touch, he speaks to himself)

Even m y lim bs feel d elighted from the to u ch o f a s tra n g e r’s son— the father at w hose side he gçew m u st feel p ure jo y in his heart. (19)

s e c o n d a s c e t i c (examining them both): I t’s amazing! A m az­ ing! k i n g : W hat is it, m adam ? s e c o n d a s c e t i c : T his boy looks su rp risin g ly like you. H e d o esn ’t even k n o w you, and h e ’s acting naturally. k i n g (fondling the child): I f h e ’s n o t the son o f an ascetic, w h at lineage does he belong to? s e c o n d a s c e t i c : T h e fam ily o f Puru. k i n g (to himself): W hat? H is ancestry is the sam e as m ine . . . so this lady th in k s he resem bles me. T h e fam ily vow o f P u ru ’s descendants is to spend th eir last days in the forest.

As w o rld p ro tecto rs they first choose palaces filled w ith sensuous pleasures, b u t later, th e ir hom es are u n d er trees and one w ife shares the ascetic vow s. (20)

(Aloud.) B u t m ortals cannot en ter this realm on th eir ow n. s e c o n d a s c e t i c : Y ou’re rig h t, sir. H is m o th er is a n y m p h ’s child. She gave b irth to h im here in th e h erm itag e o f M ārīca. k i n g (in a stage whisper): H ere is a second g ro u n d for hope! (Aloud.) W hat fam ed royal sage claims her as his wife? s e c o n d a s c e t i c : W ho w o u ld even th in k o f speaking the nam e o f a m an w h o rejected his law ful wife? k i n g (to himself): Perhaps this sto ry p oints to me. W hat i f I ask the nam e o f the b o y ’s m o ther? N o , it is w ro n g to ask abo u t an o th er m a n ’s wife.

f i r s t a s c e t i c (returning with a clay bird in her hand): Look, Sarvadam ana, a śakunta! Look! Isn ’t it lovely? b o y : W h ere’s m y m other? b o t h a s c e t i c s : H e ’s trick ed by the sim ilarity o f nam es. H e w ants his m other. s e c o n d a s c e t i c : C hild, she to ld you to lo o k at the lovely clay śakunta bird. k i n g (to himself): W hat? Is his m o th e r’s nam e Sakuntalā? B u t nam es can be the same. E ven a nam e is a m irage . . . a false hope to h erald despair. b o y : I like this bird! (He picks up the toy.) f i r s t a s c e t i c (looking frantically): O h , I d o n ’t see the am u - le t-b o x on his w rist! k i n g : D o n ’t be alarm ed! It b ro k e o ff w hile he was tussling w ith the lion cub. (He goes to pick it up.) b o t h a s c e t i c s : D o n ’t to u c h it! O h , h e ’s already picked it up! (With their hands on their chests, they stare at each other in am aze­ ment.) k i n g : W hy did you w arn m e against it? f i r s t a s c e t i c : It contains the m agical herb called A parājitā, h o n o red sir. M ārīca gave it to h im at his b irth ceremony. H e said th a t if it fell to the g ro u n d no one b u t his parents o r h im se lf could pick it up. k i n g : A nd if som eone else does pick it up? f i r s t a s c e t i c : T h en it tu rn s in to a snake and strikes. k i n g : H ave you tw o seen it so transform ed? b o t h a s c e t i c s : M any tim es. k i n g (to h im se lf joyfully): W hy n o t rejoice in the fulfillm ent o f m y h e a rt’s desire? (He embraces the child.) s e c o n d a s c e t i c : Suvratā, com e, le t’s tell Sakuntalā th at her penances are over. (Both ascetics exit).

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b o y : Let m e go! I w an t m y m other! k i n g : Son, you w ill greet y o u r m o th e r w ith me. b o y : M y father is D usyanta, n o t you! k i n g : This co n tra d ictio n confirm s the tru th . (Sakuntalā enters, wearing the single braid o f a woman in mourn- ing.) ś a k u n t a l a : E ven th o u g h S arvadam ana’s am ulet k ep t its natu ral fo rm instead o f changing into a snake, I can ’t hope th a t m y destiny w ill be fulfilled. B u t m aybe w h at m y friend S ānum atī rep o rts is rig h t. k i n g (looking at Sakuntalā): It is Sakuntalā!

Wearing d u sty gray g arm en ts, her face g au n t fro m penances, her bare b raid h an g in g d o w n — she bears w ith perfect v irtu e the trial o f lo n g separation m y cruelty forced on her. (21)

ś a k u n t a l ā (seeing the king pale with suffering): H e d o esn ’t resem ble m y n oble h usband. W hose to u c h defiles m y son w hen the am u let is p ro tec tin g him ? b o y (going to his mother): M other, w h o is this stran g er w ho calls m e “s o n ” ? k i n g : M y dear, I see th a t you recognize m e now. E ven m y cruelty to you is tran sfo rm e d by y o u r grace. ś a k u n t a l ā (to herself): H eart, be consoled! M y cruel fate has finally taken p ity on me. It is m y nob le husband! k i n g :

M em o ry chanced to break m y dark delusion and you stand before m e in beauty, like the m o o n ’s w ife R ohinī as she rejoins her lo rd after an eclipse. (22)

ś a k u n t a l ā : V ictory to m y n o b le husband! Vic . . . (She stops when the word is half-spoken, her throat choked with tears.)

1 72 Śakuntalā and the Ring o f Recollection

k i n g : B eautiful Śakuntalā,

Even choked by y o u r tears, the w o rd “v ic to ry ” is m y triu m p h on y o u r bare p o u tin g lips, p ale-red flow ers o f y o u r face. (23)

b o y : M other, w h o is he? ś a k u n t a l ā : C h ild , ask the pow ers o f fate! k i n g (falling at Sakuntalā's feet):

M ay the pain o f m y rejection vanish fro m y o u r heart; delusion clouded m y w eak m in d and darkness o bscured g o o d fo rtu n e— a b lind m an tears o ff a garland, fearing the b ite o f a snake. (24)

ś a k u n t a l ā : N o b le h u sband, rise! Som e crim e I had co m ­ m itte d in a fo rm er life surely cam e to fru it and m ade m y k in d husb an d ind ifferen t to me. (T he king rises.) B u t h o w did m y n o b le h u sb an d com e to rem em b er this w o m an w h o was d o o m e d to pain? k i n g : I s h a l l t e l l y o u a f t e r I h a v e r e m o v e d t h e l a s t b a r b o f s o r r o w .

In m y delusion I once ig n o red a teard ro p b u rn in g y o u r lip— let m e d ry th e tear on y o u r lash to end the pain o f rem orse! (25)

(He does so.) ś a k u n t a l ā (seeing the signet ring): M y no b le h usband, this is the ring! k i n g : I regained m y m e m o ry w h en the rin g was recovered. ś a k u n t a l ā : W hen it was lost, I tried in vain to convince m y noble h u sb an d w h o I was.

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k i n g : Let the vine take back this flow er as a sign o f her u n io n w ith spring. ś a k u n t a l â : I d o n ’t tru s t it. Let m y noble h u sb an d w ear it! (Mātali enters.) m ā t a l i : G o o d fortune! T his m eetin g w ith y o u r law ful w ife and the sight o f y o u r s o n ’s face are reasons to rejoice. k i n g : T h e sw eet fru it o f m y desire! M ātali, d id n ’t Indra k n o w ab o u t all this? m ā t a l i : W hat is u n k n o w n to the gods? C o m e, Your M ajesty! T he sage M ārīca g rants you an audience. k i n g : Sakuntalā, h o ld o u r s o n ’s hand! We shall go to see M ārīca together. ś a k u n t a l â : I feel shy ab o u t appearing before m y elders in m y h u sb a n d ’s com pany. k i n g : B u t it is cu sto m ary at a jo y o u s tim e like this. Com e! Come! ( T h e y all walk around. Then Mārīca enters with Aditi; they sit.) m ā r ī c a (looking at the king):

A diti, this is king D usyanta, w ho leads In d ra ’s arm ies in battle; his b ow lets y o u r so n ’s th u n d e rb o lt lie ready w ith its tip u n b lu n ted . (26)

a d i t i : H e bears h im se lf w ith dignity. m ā t a l i : Your M ajesty, the parents o f the gods lo o k at you w ith affection reserved for a son. A p proach them! k i n g : M ātali, the sages so describe this pair:

Source o f the s u n ’s tw elve p o te n t form s, parents o f Indra, w h o rules the trip le w o rld , birthplace o f V isn u ’s p rim o rd ia l fo rm , sired by B ra h m ā ’s sons, M arīci and D aksa. (27)

m ā t a l i : C orrect! k i n g (bowing): In d ra ’s servant, D usyanta, bow s to you both . m ā r ī c a : M y son, live lo n g and p ro tect the earth! a d i t i : M y son, be an invincible w arrior!

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ś a k u n t a l â : I w o rsh ip at y o u r feet w ith m y son. m ā r ī c a :

C hild, w ith a h u sb an d like Indra and a son like his son Jayanta, you need no o th e r blessing. Be like Indra s w ife Paulom ī! (28)

a d i t i : C hild, m ay y o u r h u sb an d h o n o r you and m ay your child live lo n g to give b o th families joy! Be seated! (A l l sit near Mārīca.) m ā r ī c a (pointing to each one):

By the tu rn o f fo rtu n e, v irtu o u s Sakuntalā, her n o b le son, and the k ing are reu n ited — faith and w ealth w ith order. (29)

k i n g : Sir, first cam e the success o f m y hopes, then the sight o f you. Your kindness is unparalleled.

First flow ers appear, th en fruits, first clouds rise, th en rain falls, b u t here the chain o f events is reversed— first cam e success, th en y o u r blessing. (30)

m ā t a l i : T his is the way the creator gods give blessings. k i n g : Sir, I m arried y o u r charge by secret m arriage rites. W hen her relatives b ro u g h t her to m e after som e tim e, m y m e m o ry failed and I sinned against the sage Kanva, yo u r kinsm an. W hen I saw the rin g , I rem em b ered th a t I had m ar­ ried his daughter. T his is all so strange!

Like one w h o d o u b ts the existence o f an elephant w h o w alks in fro n t o f him b u t feels convinced by seeing fo o tp rin ts, m y m in d has taken stran g e tu rn s. (31)

m ā r ī c a : M y son, you need n o t take the blam e. Even your delusion has an o th er cause. Listen! k i n g : I am attentive.

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m ā r ī c a : W hen M enakā to o k h er bew ildered d au g h ter from the steps o f the n y m p h s’ shrine and b ro u g h t her to m y w ife, I knew th ro u g h m e d itatio n th a t you had rejected this girl as y our law ful w ife because o f D urvāsas’ curse, and th a t the curse w o u ld end w h en you saw the ring. k i n g (sighing): So I am freed o f blam e. ś a k u n t a l ā (to herself): A nd I am happy to learn th at I w asn ’t rejected by m y h u sb an d w ith o u t cause. B u t I d o n ’t rem em b er being cursed. M aybe the e m p ty h eart o f lo v e’s separation m ade m e d eaf to the curse . . . m y friends did w arn m e to show the rin g to m y h u sb an d . . . m ā r ī c a : M y child, I have to ld you the tru th . D o n ’t be angry w ith y o u r husband!

You w ere rejected w h en the curse th at clouded m e m o ry m ade h im cruel, b u t n o w darkness is lifted and y o u r p o w er is resto red — a shadow has no shape in a bad ly tarn ish ed m irror, b u t w h en the surface is clean it can easily be seen. (32)

k i n g : Sir, here i s the g lo ry o f m y family! (He takes the child by the hand.) m ā r ī c a : K n o w th a t he is destined to tu rn the w heel o f y o u r empire!

His ch ario t w ill sm o o th ly cross the o cean ’s ro u g h waves and as a m ig h ty w arrio r he w ill co n q u er the seven continents. H ere he is called Sarvadam ana, T am er-of-everything; later w h en his b u rd e n is the w o rld , m en w ill call h im B harata, Sustainer. (33)

k i n g : Since you p erfo rm e d his b irth cerem onies, w e can hope for all this.

a d i t i : Sir, let K anva be to ld th a t his d a u g h te r’s hopes have been fulfilled. M enakā, w h o loves her daughter, is here in attendance. ś a k u n t a l ā (to herself): T h e lady expresses m y ow n desire. m ā r ī c a : H e k now s ev ery th in g already th ro u g h the pow er o f his austerity. k i n g : T his is w h y the sage was n o t an g ry at me. m ā r ī c a : Stilb I w an t to hear his response to this jo y fu l re­ union. W ho is there? d i s c i p l e (entering): Sir, it is I. m ā r ī c a : Gālava, fly th ro u g h the sky and rep o rt the jo y o u s reu n io n to K anva in m y o w n w ords: “T h e curse is ended. Sakuntalā and h er son are em braced by D usyanta n o w th at his m e m o ry is re s to re d .” d i s c i p l e : A s you co m m an d , sir! (He exits.) m ā r ī c a : M y son, m o u n t y o u r friend In d ra ’s chariot w ith yo u r w ife and son and re tu rn to y o u r royal capital! k i n g : A s y o u c o m m a n d , sir! m ā r ī c a : M y son, w h a t o th e r jo y can I give you? k i n g : T h ere i s no g reater joy, b u t i f you w i l l :

M ay the k in g serve n a tu re ’s good! M ay priests h o n o r the goddess o f speech! A nd m ay Siva’s dazzling po w er destroy m y cycle o f rebirths! (34)

(A ll exit.)

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E N D O F A C T S E V E N A N D O F T H E PLA Y Ś A K U N T A L Ā A N D T H E R I N G O F R E C O L L E C T I O N