PRIYAMVADÁ [listening].—Quick, quick, Anasúyá! They are calling the hermits who are to go with Śakoontalá to Hastinápur.
ANASÚYÁ [reëntering, with the perfumed unguents in her hand].—Come along then, Priyamvadá; I am ready to go with you. [They walk away.
PRIYAMVADÁ [looking].—See! there sits Śakoontalá, her locks arranged even at this early hour of the morning. The holy women of the hermitage are congratulating her, and invoking blessings on her head, while they present her with wedding-gifts and offerings of consecrated wild-rice. Let us join them. [They approach.
Śakoontalá is seen seated, with women surrounding her, occupied in the manner described.
FIRST WOMAN [to Śakoontalá].—My child, may'st thou receive the title of "Chief-queen," and may thy husband delight to honor thee above all others!
SECOND WOMAN.—My child, may'st thou be the mother of a hero!
THIRD WOMAN.—My child, may'st thou be highly honored by thy lord!
[Exeunt all the women, excepting Gautamí, after blessing Śakoontalá.
PRIYAMVADÁ AND ANASÚYÁ [approaching].—Dear Śakoontalá, we are come to assist you at your toilet, and may a blessing attend it!
ŚAKOONTALÁ.—Welcome, dear friends, welcome. Sit down here.