Matali. O King, the parents of the gods look upon you with a glance that betrays parental fondness. Approach them. King. Matali,
Sprung from the Creator's children, do I see
Great Kashyapa and Mother Aditi?
The pair that did produce the sun in heaven,
To which each year twelve changing forms are given;
That brought the king of all the gods to birth,
Who rules in heaven, in hell, and on the earth;
That Vishnu, than the Uncreated higher,
Chose as his parents with a fond desire.
Matali. It is indeed they.
King (falling before them). Dushyanta, servant of Indra, does reverence to you both.
Kashyapa. My son, rule the earth long.
Aditi. And be invincible. (SHAKUNTALA and her son fall at their feet.)
Kashyapa. My daughter,
Your husband equals Indra, king
Of gods; your son is like his son;
No further blessing need I bring:
Win bliss such as his wife has won.
Aditi. My child, keep the favour of your husband. And may this fine boy be an honour to the families of both parents. Come, let us be seated. (All seat themselves.)
Kashyapa (indicating one after the other).