King (after a little). We must not disturb the hermitage. Stop here while I dismount.
Charioteer. I am holding the reins. Dismount, your Majesty.
King (dismounts and looks at himself). One should wear modest garments on entering a hermitage. Take these jewels and the bow. (He gives them to the charioteer.) Before I return from my visit to the hermits, have the horses' backs wet down.
Charioteer. Yes, your Majesty. (Exit.)
King (walking and looking about). The hermitage! Well, I will enter. (As he does so, he feels a throbbing in his arm.)
A tranquil spot! Why should I thrill?
Love cannot enter there—
Yet to inevitable things
Doors open everywhere.
A voice behind the scenes. This way, girls!
King (listening). I think I hear some one to the right of the grove. I must find out. (He walks and looks about.) Ah, here are hermit-girls, with watering-pots just big enough for them to handle. They are coming in this direction to water the young trees. They are charming!
The city maids, for all their pains,
Seem not so sweet and good;
Our garden blossoms yield to these
Flower-children of the wood.
I will draw back into the shade and wait for them. (He stands, gazing toward them. Enter SHAKUNTALA, as described, and her two friends.)