His wrath is like a consuming fire.
ANASUYA.--Go quickly, dear Priyamvada, throw yourself at his feet, and
persuade him to come back, while I prepare a propitiatory offering for
him, with water and refreshments.
PRIYAMVADA.--I will. [_Exit._
ANASUYA [_advancing hastily a few steps and stumbling_].--Alas! alas!
this comes of being in a hurry. My foot has slipped and my basket of
flowers has fallen from my hand.
[_Stays to gather them up_.
PRIYAMVADA [_reentering_].--Well, dear Anasuya, I have done my best; but
what living being could succeed in pacifying such a cross-grained,
ill-tempered old fellow? However, I managed to mollify him a little.
ANASUYA [_smiling_].--Even a little was much for him. Say on.
PRIYAMVADA.--When he refused to turn back, I implored his forgiveness in
these words: "Most venerable sage, pardon, I beseech you, this first
offence of a young and inexperienced girl, who was ignorant of the
respect due to your saintly character and exalted rank."
ANASUYA.--And what did he reply?
PRIYAMVADA.--"My word must not be falsified; but at the sight of the
ring of recognition the spell shall cease.
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