After such poor hospitality, we are ashamed to request the honour of a second visit from you.
KING.
Say not so. The mere sight of you, sweet maidens, has been to me the best entertainment.
[S']AKOONTALÁ.
Anasúyá, a pointed blade of Ku[s']a-grass [30] has pricked my foot; and my bark-mantle is caught in the branch of a Kuruvaka-bush[31]. Be so good as to wait for me until I have disentangled it.
[Exit with her two companions, after making pretexts for delay, that she may steal glances at the KING.
KING.
I have no longer any desire to return to the city. I will therefore rejoin my attendants, and make them encamp somewhere in the vicinity of this sacred grove. In good truth, [S']akoontalá has taken such possession of my thoughts, that I cannot turn myself in any other direction.
My limbs drawn onward leave my heart behind,
Like silken pennon borne against the wind.
* * * * *