How now shall I reply? shall I make myself known, or shall I still disguise my real rank? I have it; I will answer her thus. [Aloud.] I am the person charged by his Majesty, the descendant of Puru, with the administration of justice and religion; and am come to this sacred grove to satisfy myself that the rites of the hermits are free from obstruction.
ANASÚYÁ.
The hermits, then, and all the members of our religious society, have now a guardian.
[S']AKOONTALÁ gazes bashfully at the KING.
PRIYAMVADÁ AND ANASÚYÁ.
[Perceiving the state of her feelings, and of the KING'S. Aside to [S']AKOONTALÁ.
Dear [S']akoontalá, if father Kanwa were but at home to-day—
[S']AKOONTALÁ. [Angrily.
What if he were?