KING.
Pressed by the partners of her joys and griefs,
Her much beloved companions, to reveal
The cherished secret locked within her breast,
She needs must utter it; although her looks
Encourage me to hope, my bosom throbs
As anxiously I listen for her answer.
[S']AKOONTALÁ.
Know then, dear friends, that from the first moment the illustrious Prince who is the guardian of our sacred grove presented himself to my sight—
[Stops short, and appears confused.
PRIYAMVADÁ AND ANASÚYÁ.
Say on, dear [S']akoontalá, say on.
[S']AKOONTALÁ.
Ever since that happy moment, my heart's affections have been fixed upon him, and my energies of mind and body have all deserted me, as you see.
KING. [With rapture.