--Tell me--I see three female figures drawn on the canvas, and
all of them beautiful; which of the three is her Majesty, Sakoontala?
SANUMATI [_aside_].--If he cannot distinguish her from the others, the
simpleton might as well have no eyes in his head.
KING.--Which should you imagine to be intended for her?
MATHAVYA.--She who is leaning, apparently a little tired, against the
stem of that mango-tree, the tender leaves of which glitter with the
water she has poured upon them. Her arms are gracefully extended; her
face is somewhat flushed with the heat; and a few flowers have escaped
from her hair, which has become unfastened, and hangs in loose tresses
about her neck. That must be the queen Sakoontala, and the others, I
presume, are her two attendants.
KING.--I congratulate you on your discernment. Behold the proof of my
passion;
My finger, burning with the glow of love,
Has left its impress on the painted tablet;
While here and there, alas! a scalding tear
Has fallen on the cheek and dimmed its brightness.
Chaturika, the garden in the background of the picture is
only half-painted.
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