STAGE-MANAGER.

Charmingly sung! The audience are motionless as statues, their
souls riveted by the enchanting strain. What subject shall we
select for representation, that we may ensure a continuance
of their favour?

ACTRESS.

Why not the same, Sir, announced by you at first? Let the drama
called '[S']akoontalá; or, the Lost Ring,' be the subject of our
dramatic performance.

STAGE-MANAGER.

Rightly reminded! For the moment I had forgotten it.

Your song's transporting melody decoyed
My thoughts, and rapt with ecstasy my soul;
As now the bounding antelope allures
The King Dushyanta[8] on the chase intent.

[_Exeunt_.




ACT I.