Soothsayers
have predicted that your first-born will have universal dominion. Now,
if the hermit's daughter bring forth a son with the discus or mark of
empire in the lines of his hand, you must admit her immediately into
your royal apartments with great rejoicings; if not, then determine to
send her back as soon as possible to her father.
KING.--I bow to the decision of my spiritual adviser.
PRIEST.--Daughter, follow me.
SAKOONTALA.--O divine earth, open and receive me into thy bosom!
[_Exit Sakoontala weeping, with the Priest and the Hermits. The King
remains absorbed in thinking of her, though the curse still clouds his
recollection_.
A VOICE [_behind the scenes_].--A miracle! a miracle!
KING [_listening_].--What has happened now?
PRIEST [_entering with an air of astonishment_].--Great Prince, a
stupendous prodigy has just occurred!
KING.--What is it?
PRIEST.--May it please your Majesty, so soon as Kanwa's pupils had
departed,
Sakoontala, her eyes all bathed in tears,
With outstretched arms bewailed her cruel fate--
KING.
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