Shakuntala Translated by Arthur W. Ryder   (Publications Sanskrit Series Cambridge, Ontario 1999) The first four acts pass in Kanva's forest hermitage; acts five and six in the king's palace; act seven on a heavenly mountain. The time is perhaps seven years. PROLOGUE BENEDICTION UPON THE AUDIENCE   Eight forms has Shiva, lord of all and king: And these are water, first created thing; And fire, which speeds the sacrifice begun; The priest; and time's dividers, moon and sun; The all-embracing ether, path of sound; The earth, wherein all seeds of life are found; And air, the breath of life: