Ah! how I tremble for my lord's reply.
KING.
What strange proposal is this?
[S']AKOONTALÁ [Aside.
His words are like fire to me.
[S']ÁRNGARAVA
What do I hear? Dost thou, then, hesitate? Monarch, thou art well acquainted with the ways of the world, and knowest that
A wife, however virtuous and discreet,
If she live separate from her wedded lord,
Though under shelter of her parent's roof,
Is marked for vile suspicion. Let her dwell
Beside her husband, though he hold her not
In his affection. So her kinsmen will it.
KING.
Do you really mean to assert that I ever married this lady?