SAKOONTALA.--Leave me, leave me; I must take counsel with my female
friends.
KING.--I will leave thee when------
SAKOONTALA.--When?
KING.--When I have gently stolen from thy lips
Their yet untasted nectar, to allay
The raging of my thirst, e'en as the bee
Sips the fresh honey from the opening bud.
[_Attempts to raise her face. Sakoontala tries to prevent him_.
A VOICE [_behind the scenes_].--The loving birds, doomed by fate to
nightly separation, must bid farewell to each other, for evening is at
hand.
SAKOONTALA [_in confusion_].--Great Prince, I hear the voice of the
matron Gautami. She is coming this way, to inquire after my health.
Hasten and conceal yourself behind the branches.
KING.--I will. [_Conceals himself_.
_Enter Gautami with a vase in her hand, preceded by two attendants_.
ATTENDANTS.--This way, most venerable Gautami.
GAUTAMI [_approaching Sakoontala_].--My child, is the fever of thy limbs
allayed?
SAKOONTALA.--Venerable mother, there is certainly a change for the
better.
GAUTAMI.
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