Shakuntala Translated by Arthur W. Ryder (Publications Sanskrit Series Cambridge, Ontario 1999) The first four acts pass in 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: ...Read More

ACT II THE SECRET (Enter the clown.) Clown (sighing). Damn! Damn! Damn! I'm tired of being friends with this king. "There's a deer!" he shouts, "There's a boar!" And off he chases on a summer noon through woods where shade is few and far between. We drink hot, stinking water from the mountain streams, flavoured with leaves-nasty! At odd times we get a little tepid meat to eat. And the horses and the elephants make such a noise that I can't even be comfortable at night. Then the hunters and the bird-chasers-damn 'em-wake me up bright and early. They ...Read More

ACT III THE LOVE-MAKING (Enter a pupil, with sacred grass for the sacrifice.) Pupil (with meditative astonishment). How great the power of King Dushyanta! Since his arrival our rites have been undisturbed. He does not need to bend the bow; For every evil thing, Awaiting not the arrow, flees From the twanging of the string. Well, I will take this sacred grass to the priests, to strew the altar. (He walks and looks about, then speaks to some one not visible.) Priyamvada, for whom are you carrying this cuscus-salve and the fibrous lotus-leaves? (He listens.) What do you say? ...Read More

ACT IV SHAKUNTALA'S DEPARTURE SCENE I (Enter the two friends, gathering flowers.) Anusuya. Priyamvada, dear Shakuntala has been properly by the voluntary ceremony and she has a husband worthy of her. And yet I am not quite satisfied. Priyamvada. Why not? Anusuya. The sacrifice is over and the good king was dismissed to-day by the hermits. He has gone back to the city and there he is surrounded by hundreds of court ladies. I wonder whether he will remember poor Shakuntala or not. Priyamvada. You need not be anxious about that. Such handsome men are sure to be good. ...Read More

ACT V SHAKUNTALA'S REJECTION (Enter a chamberlain.) Chamberlain (sighing). Alas! To what a state am I reduced! I once the staff of reed For custom's sake alone, As officer to guard at need The ladies round the throne. But years have passed away and made It serve, my tottering steps to aid. The king is within. I will tell him of the urgent business which demands his attention. (He takes a few steps.) But what is the business? (He recalls it.) Yes, I remember. Certain hermits, pupils of Kanva, desire to see his Majesty. Strange, strange! The mind of ...Read More

ACT VI SEPARATION FROM SHAKUNTALA SCENE I In the street before the Palace (Enter the chief of police, two and a man with his hands bound behind his back.) The two policemen (striking the man). Now, pickpocket, tell us where you found this ring. It is the king's ring, with letters engraved on it, and it has a magnificent great gem. Fisherman (showing fright). Be merciful, kind gentlemen. I am not guilty of such a crime. First policeman. No, I suppose the king thought you were a pious Brahman, and made you a present of it. Fisherman. Listen, please. ...Read More

ACT VII (Enter, in a chariot that flies through the air, the king and Matali.) King. Matali, though I done what Indra commanded, I think myself an unprofitable servant, when I remember his most gracious welcome. Matali. O King, know that each considers himself the other's debtor. You count the service given Small by the welcome paid, Which to the king of heaven Seems mean for such brave aid. King. Ah, no! For the honour given me at parting went far beyond imagination. Before the gods, he seated me beside him on his throne. And then He smiled, because ...Read More