Hence it happened, I suppose, that the King, always fearful of committing the least injustice, came to doubt his marriage with my poor [S']akoontalá. But why should affection so strong as his stand in need of any token of recognition?
KING.
Let me now address a few words of reproof to this ring.
MÁ[T.]HAVYA. [Aside.
He is going stark mad, I verily believe.
KING.
Hear me, then dull and undiscerning bauble!
For so it argues thee, that thou could'st leave
The slender fingers of her hand, to sink
Beneath the waters. Yet what marvel is it
That thou should'st lack discernment? let me rather
Heap curses on myself, who, though endowed
With reason, yet rejected her I loved.
MÁ[T.]HAVYA. [Aside.
And so, I suppose, I must stand here to be devoured by hunger, whilst he goes on in this sentimental strain.