Anusuya. Why not? You know he wanted to give his daughter to a lover worthy of her. If fate brings this about of itself, why shouldn't Father be happy?
Priyamvada. I suppose you are right. (She looks at her flower-basket.) My dear, we have gathered flowers enough for the sacrifice.
Anusuya. But we must make an offering to the gods that watch over Shakuntala's marriage. We had better gather more.
Priyamvada. Very well. (They do so.)
A voice behind the scenes. Who will bid me welcome?
Anusuya (listening). My dear, it sounds like a guest announcing himself.
Priyamvada. Well, Shakuntala is near the cottage. (Reflecting.) Ah, but to-day her heart is far away. Come, we must do with the flowers we have. (They start to walk away.)
The voice.
Do you dare despise a guest like me?
Because your heart, by loving fancies blinded,
Has scorned a guest in pious life grown old,
Your lover shall forget you though reminded,
Or think of you as of a story told.
(The two girls listen and show dejection.)