ŚAKOONTALÁ.—Nay; I can never more place confidence in it. Let my husband retain it. Enter Mátali.
MÁTALI.—I congratulate your Majesty. Happy are you in your reunion with your wife: happy are you in beholding the face of your son.
KING.—Yes, indeed. My heart's dearest wish has borne sweet fruit. But tell me, Mátali, is this joyful event known to the great Indra?
MÁTALI [smiling].—What is unknown to the gods? But come with me, noble Prince, the divine Kaśyapa graciously permits thee to be presented to him.
KING.—Śakoontalá, take our child and lead the way. We will together go into the presence of the holy Sage.
ŚAKOONTALÁ.—I shrink from entering the august presence of the great Saint, even with my husband at my side.
KING.—Nay; on such a joyous occasion it is highly proper. Come, come; I entreat thee. [All advance.
Kaśyapa is discovered seated on a throne with his wife Aditi.
KAŚYAPA [gazing at Dushyanta. To his wife].—O Aditi,
This is the mighty hero, King Dushyanta, Protector of the earth; who, at the head Of the celestial armies of thy son, Does battle with the enemies of heaven. Thanks to his bow, the thunderbolt of Indra Rests from its work, no more the minister Of death and desolation to the world, But a mere symbol of divinity.
ADITI.—He bears in his noble form all the marks of dignity.