My child, may'st thou be the mother of a hero!

THIRD WOMAN.

My child, may'st thou be highly honoured by thy lord!

[Exeunt all the women, excepting GAUTAMÍ, after blessing_ [S']AKOONTALÁ.

PRIYAMVADÁ AND ANASÚYÁ. [Approaching.

Dear [S']akoontalá, we are come to assist you at your toilet, and may a blessing attend it!

[S']AKOONTALÁ.

Welcome, dear friends, welcome. Sit down here.

PRIYAMVADÁ AND ANASÚYÁ.

[Taking the baskets containing the bridal decorations, and sitting down.