My connection with the nymph Menaka has made her
daughter Sakoontala dearer to me than my own flesh and blood; and Menaka
it was who charged me with this errand on her daughter's behalf.
[_Looking round in all directions_.] How is it that I see no
preparations in the King's household for celebrating the great vernal
festival? I could easily discover the reason by my divine faculty of
meditation; but respect must be shown to the wishes of my friend. How
then shall I arrive at the truth? I know what I will do. I will become
invisible, and place myself near those two maidens who are tending the
plants in the garden. [_Descends and takes her station_.
_Enter a Maiden, who stops in front of a mango-tree and gazes at the
blossom. Another Maiden is seen behind her_.
FIRST MAIDEN.--Hail to thee, lovely harbinger of spring! The varied
radiance of thy opening flowers Is welcome to my sight. I bid thee hail,
Sweet mango, soul of this enchanting season.
SECOND MAIDEN.--Parabaitika, what are you saying there to yourself?
FIRST MAIDEN.--Dear Madhukarika, am I not named after the Koeil?[41] and
does not the Koeil sing for joy at the first appearance of the
mango-blossom?
SECOND MAIDEN [_approaching hastily, with transport_].
Pages:
524
525
526
527
528
529
530
531
532
533
534
535
536
537
538
539
540
541
542
543
544
545
546
547
548