Noble Sir, we are terrified by the accidental disturbance caused
by the wild elephant. Permit us to return to the cottage.

KING. [_Hastily_.

Go, gentle maidens. It shall be our care that no injury happen to
the hermitage.

[_All rise up_.

PRIYAMVADÁ AND ANASÚYÁ.

After such poor hospitality, we are ashamed to request the honour
of a second visit from you.

KING.

Say not so. The mere sight of you, sweet maidens, has been to me
the best entertainment.

[S']AKOONTALÁ.

Anasúyá, a pointed blade of Ku[s']a-grass [30] has pricked my foot;
and my bark-mantle is caught in the branch of a Kuruvaka-bush[31].
Be so good as to wait for me until I have disentangled it.

[_Exit with her two companions, after making pretexts
for delay, that she may steal glances at the_ KING.