Not hastily should marriage be contracted,
And specially in secret. Many a time,
In hearts that know not each the other's fancies,
Fond love is changed into most bitter hate.
KING.—How now! Do you give credence to this woman rather than to me, that you heap such accusations on me?
ŚÁRNGARAVA [sarcastically].—That would be too absurd, certainly. You have heard the proverb—
Hold in contempt the innocent words of those
Who from their infancy have known no guile:—
But trust the treacherous counsels of the man
Who makes a very science of deceit.
KING.—Most veracious Bráhman, grant that you are in the right, what end would be gained by betraying this lady?
ŚÁRNGARAVA.—Ruin.
KING.—No one will believe that a Prince of Puru's race would seek to ruin others or himself.
ŚÁRADWATA.—This altercation is idle, Śárngarava. We have executed the commission of our preceptor; come, let us return. [To the King.
Śakoontalá is certainly thy bride;
Receive her or reject her, she is thine.
Do with her, King, according to thy pleasure—
The husband o'er the wife is absolute.
Go on before us, Gautamí. [They move away.