WARDER.--So please your Majesty, I judge from the placid countenance of
the hermits that they have no alarming message to deliver.
KING [_looking at Sakoontala_].--But the lady there--
Who can she be, whose form of matchless grace
Is half concealed beneath her flowing veil?
Among the sombre hermits she appears
Like a fresh bud 'mid sear and yellow leaves.
WARDER.--So please your Majesty, my curiosity is also roused, but no
conjecture occurs to my mind. This at least is certain, that she
deserves to be looked at more closely.
KING.--True; but it is not right to gaze at another man's wife.
SAKOONTALA [_placing her hand on her bosom. Aside_].--O my heart, why
this throbbing? Remember thy lord's affection, and take courage.
PRIEST [_advancing_].--These holy men have been received with all due
honor. One of them has now a message to deliver from his spiritual
superior. Will your Majesty deign to hear it?
KING.--I am all attention.
HERMITS [_extending their hands_].--Victory to the King!
KING.--Accept my respectful greeting.
HERMITS.
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