of Puru, with the administration of justice and religion; and am
come to this sacred grove to satisfy myself that the rites of the
hermits are free from obstruction.

ANASÚYÁ.

The hermits, then, and all the members of our religious society,
have now a guardian.

[[S']AKOONTALÁ _gazes bashfully at the_ KING.


PRIYAMVADÁ AND ANASÚYÁ.

[_Perceiving the state of her feelings, and of the_ KING'S.
_Aside to_ [S']AKOONTALÁ.

Dear [S']akoontalá, if father Kanwa were but at home to-day--

[S']AKOONTALÁ. [_Angrily_.

What if he were?

PRIYAMVADÁ AND ANASÚYÁ.

He would honour this our distinguished guest with an offering of
the most precious of his possessions.

[S']AKOONTALÁ.