The inferior gods, I am aware, are jealous[28] of the power which the practice of excessive devotion confers on mortals.

ANASÚYÁ.

Well, then, it happened that Vi[s']wámitra, gazing on the bewitching beauty of that nymph at a season when, spring being in its glory—

[Stops short, and appears confused.

KING.

The rest may be easily divined. [S']akoontalá, then, is the offspring of the nymph.

ANASÚYÁ.

Just so.

KING.

It is quite intelligible.