[Walking and looking. With transport.]

Ah! now my eyes are gratified by an entrancing sight. Yonder is the beloved of my heart reclining on a rock strewn with flowers, and attended by her two friends. How fortunate! Concealed behind the leaves, I will listen to their conversation, without raising their suspicions.

[Stands concealed, and gazes at them.

[S']AKOONTALÁ and her two attendants, holding fans in their hands, are discovered as described.

PRIYAMVADÁ AND ANASÚYÁ.

[Fanning her. In a tone of affection.

Dearest [S']akoontalá, is the breeze raised by these broad lotus-leaves refreshing to you?

[S']AKOONTALÁ.

Dear friends, why should you trouble yourselves to fan me?

[PRIYAMVADÁ and ANASÚYÁ look sorrowfully at one another.