What evil spirit can possess thee, lady,
That thou dost seek to sully my good name
By base aspersions, like a swollen torrent,
That, leaping from its narrow bed, o'erthrows
The tree upon its bank, and strives to blend
Its turbid waters with the crystal stream?
[S']AKOONTALÁ.
If, then, thou really believest me to be the wife of another, and thy present conduct proceeds from some cloud that obscures thy recollection, I will easily convince thee by this token.
KING.
An excellent idea!
[S']AKOONTALÁ.
[Feeling for the ring.
Alas! alas! woe is me! There is no ring on my finger!
[Looks with anguish at GAUTAMÍ.