--Can this be the daughter of Kanwa? The saintly man, though
descended from the great Kasyapa, must be very deficient in judgment to
habituate such a maiden to the life of a recluse.
The sage who would this form of artless grace
Inure to penance--thoughtlessly attempts
To cleave in twain the hard acacia's stem
With the soft edge of a blue lotus leaf.
Well! concealed behind this tree, I will watch her without raising her
suspicions. [_Conceals himself_.
SAKOONTALA.--Good Anasuya, Priyamvada has drawn this bark-dress too
tightly about my chest. I pray thee, loosen it a little.
ANASUYA.--I will. [_Loosens it_.
PRIYAMVADA [_smiling_].--Why do you lay the blame on me? Blame rather
your own blooming youthfulness which imparts fulness to your bosom.
KING.--A most just observation!
This youthful form, whose bosom's swelling charms
By the bark's knotted tissue are concealed,
Like some fair bud close folded in its sheath,
Gives not to view the blooming of its beauty.
But what am I saying? In real truth, this bark-dress, though ill-suited
to her figure, sets it off like an ornament.
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