But what am I saying? In real truth this bark-dress, though ill-suited to her figure, sets it off like an ornament.
The lotus[20] with the [S']aivala[21] entwined
Is not a whit less brilliant; dusky spots
Heighten the lustre of the cold-rayed moon;
This lovely maiden in her dress of bark
Seems all the lovelier. E'en the meanest garb
Gives to true beauty fresh attractiveness.
[S']AKOONTALÁ. [Looking before her.
Yon Ke[S']ara-tree[22] beckons to me with its young shoots, which, as the breeze waves them to and fro, appear like slender fingers. I will go and attend to it.
[Walks towards it.
PRIYAMVADÁ.
Dear [S']akoontalá, prithee, rest in that attitude one moment.
[S']AKOONTALÁ.
Why so?