--May the desires of your soul be accomplished!
KING.--I trust no one is molesting you in the prosecution of your
religious rites.
HERMITS.--Who dares disturb our penitential rites
When thou art our protector? Can the night
Prevail to cast her shadows o'er the earth
While the sun's beams irradiate the sky?
KING.--Such, indeed, is the very meaning of my title--"Defender of the
Just." I trust the venerable Kanwa is in good health. The world is
interested in his well-being.
HERMITS.--Holy men have health and prosperity in their own power. He
bade us greet your Majesty, and, after kind inquiries, deliver this
message.
KING.--Let me hear his commands.
SARNGARAVA.--He bade us say that he feels happy in giving his sanction
to the marriage which your Majesty contracted with this lady, his
daughter, privately and by mutual agreement. Because
By us thou art esteemed the most illustrious
Of noble husbands; and Sakoontala
Virtue herself in human form revealed.
Great Brahma hath in equal yoke united
A bride unto a husband worthy of her:--
Henceforth let none make blasphemous complaint
That he is pleased with ill-assorted unions.
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