Be slow to love, but yet more slow
With secret mate;
With those whose hearts we do not know,
Love turns to hate.
King. Why do you trust this girl, and accuse me of an imaginary crime? Sharngarava (disdainfully). You have learned your wisdom upside down.
It would be monstrous to believe
A girl who never lies;
Trust those who study to deceive
And think it very wise.
King. Aha, my candid friend! Suppose I were to admit that I am such a man. What would happen if I deceived the girl?
Sharngarava. Ruin.
King. It is unthinkable that ruin should fall on Puru's line.
Sharngarava. Why bandy words? We have fulfilled our Father's bidding. We are ready to return.
Leave her or take her, as you will;
She is your wife;
Husbands have power for good or ill
O'er woman's life.
Gautami, lead the way. (They start to go.)
Shakuntala. He has deceived me shamelessly. And will you leave me too? (She starts to follow.)