ŚAKOONTALÁ [angrily].—What if he were?
PRIYAMVADÁ AND ANASÚYÁ.—He would honor this our distinguished guest with an offering of the most precious of his possessions.
ŚAKOONTALÁ.—Go to! you have some silly idea in your minds. I will not listen to such remarks.
KING.—May I be allowed, in my turn, to ask you maidens a few particulars respecting your friend?
PRIYAMVADÁ AND ANASÚYÁ.—Your request, Sir, is an honor.
KING.—The sage Kanwa lives in the constant practice of austerities. How, then, can this friend of yours be called his daughter?
ANASÚYÁ.—I will explain to you, Sir. You have heard of an illustrious sage of regal caste, Viśwámitra, whose family name is Kaúsika.
KING.—I have.
ANASÚYÁ.—Know that he is the real father of our friend. The venerable Kanwa is only her reputed father. He it was who brought her up, when she was deserted by her mother.
KING.—"Deserted by her mother!" My curiosity is excited; pray let me hear the story from the beginning.