The Recognition of Śakuntalā 1

1.1

yā sṛṣṭiḥ sraṣṭur ādyā vahati vidhihutaṃ yā havir yā ca hotrī
ye dve kālaṃ vidhattaḥ śrutiviṣayaguṇā yā sthitā vyāpya viśvam /
yām āhuḥ sarvabījaprakṛtir iti yayā prāṇinaḥ prāṇavantaḥ
pratyakṣābhiḥ prapannas tanubhir avatu vas tābhir aṣṭābhir īśaḥ //
sūtradhāraḥ ārya abhirūpabhūyiṣṭhā pariṣad iyam / adya khalu kālidāsagrathitavastunā
navenābhijñānaśākuntalākhyena nāṭakenopasthātavyam asmābhiḥ / tat pratipātram ādhīyatāṃ yatnaḥ /
naṭī suvihitaprayogatayāryasya na kim api parihāsyate /

1.2b1

sūtradhāraḥ

1.2b2

ārye kathayāmi te bhūtārtham /

1.2

ā paritoṣād viduṣāṃ na sādhu manye prayogavijñānam /
balavad api śikṣitānām ātmany apratyayaṃ cetaḥ //
naṭī ārya evam etat / anantarakaraṇīyam ārya ājñāpayatu /

1.3b1

sūtradhāraḥ kim anyad asyāḥ pariṣadaḥ śrutiprasādanataḥ / tad imam eva tāvad acirapravṛttam upabhogakṣamaṃ grīṣmasamayam adhikṛtya gīyatām / saṃprati hi

1.3

subhagasalilāvagāhāḥ pāṭalasaṃsargasurabhivanavātāḥ /
pracchāyasulabhanidrā divasāḥ pariṇāmaramaṇīyāḥ //

1.4b1

naṭī tathā (iti gāyati)

1.4

īṣadīṣaccumbitāni bhramaraiḥ sukumārakesaraśikhāni /
avataṃsayanti damamānāḥ pramadāḥ śirīṣakusumāni //
sūtradhāraḥ ārya sādhu gītam / aho rāgabaddhacittavṛttir ālikhita iva sarvato raṅgaḥ / tad idānīṃ katamatprakaraṇam āśritya enam ārādhayāmaḥ /
naṭī nanv āryamiśraiḥ prathamam evājñaptam abhijñānaśakuntalaṃ nāma apūrvaṃ nāṭakaṃ prayoge adhikriyatām iti /

1.5b1

sūtradhāraḥ ārye samyaganubhodhito 'smi / asmin kṣaṇe vismṛtaṃ khalu mayā tat / kutaḥ /

1.5

tavāsmi gītarāgeṇa hāriṇā prasabhaṃ hṛtaḥ /
eṣa rājeva duṣyantaḥ sāraṅgeṇātiraṃsahā //

p11801

(iti niṣkrāntau )

1.5_2

(prasthāvanā)

1.5_3

(tataḥ praviśati mṛgānusārī saśaracāpahasto rājā rathena sūtaś ca)

(Enter, in a chariot, pursuing a deer, KING DUSHYANTA, bow and arrow in hand; and a charioteer.)

1.6b1

sūtaḥ (rājānaṃ mṛtaṃ cāvalokya) āyuṣman /

Charioteer (looking at the king and the deer). Your Majesty,

1.6

kṛṣṇasāre dadac cakṣus tvayi cādhijyakārmuke /
mṛgānusāriṇaṃ sākṣāt paśyāmīva+pinākinam //

I see you hunt the spotted deer
With shafts to end his race,
As though God Shiva should appear
In his immortal chase.

1.7b1

rājā sūta dūram amunā sāraṅgeṇa vayam ākṛṣṭāḥ / ayaṃ punar itānīm api

King. Charioteer, the deer has led us a long chase. And even now

1.7

grīvābhaṅgābhirāmaṃ muhur anupatati syandane dattadṛṣṭiḥ
paścārdhena praviṣṭaḥ śarapatanabhayād bhūyasā pūrvakāyam /
darbhair ardhāvalīḍhaiḥ śramavivṛtamukhabhraṃśibhiḥ kīrṇavartmā
paśyodagraplutatvād viyati bahutaraṃ stokam urvyāṃ prayāti //
(savismayam) tad eṣa katham anupatata eva me prayatnaprekṣaṇīyaḥ saṃvṛttaḥ /
sūtaḥ āyuṣmann udghātinī bhūmir iti mayā raśmisaṃyamanād rathasya mandīkṛto vegaḥ / tena mṛga eṣa viprakṛṣṭāntaraḥ saṃvṛttaḥ / saṃprati samadeśavartinas te na durāsado bhaviṣyati /
rājā tena hi mucyantām abhīṣavaḥ /

His neck in beauty bends
As backward looks he sends
At my pursuing car
That threatens death from far.
Fear shrinks to half the body small;
See how he fears the arrow's fall! The path he takes is strewed
With blades of grass half-chewed
From jaws wide with the stress
Of fevered weariness.
He leaps so often and so high,
He does not seem to run, but fly.

(In surprise.) Pursue as I may, I can hardly keep him in sight.

Charioteer. Your Majesty, I have been holding the horses back because the ground was rough. This checked us and gave the deer a lead. Now we are on level ground, and you will easily overtake him.

King. Then let the reins hang loose.

1.8b1

sūtaḥ yad ājñāpayaty āyuṣmān / (rathavegaṃ nirūpya) āyuṣman paśya paśya /

Charioteer. Yes, your Majesty. (He counterfeits rapid motion.) Look, your Majesty!

1.8

mukteṣu raśmiṣu nirāyatapūrvakāyā
niṣkampacāmaraśikhā nibhṛtordhvakarṇāḥ /
ātmoddhatair api rajobhir alaṅghanīyā
dhāvanty amī mṛgajavākṣamayeva+rathyāḥ //

The lines hang loose; the steeds unreined Dart forward with a will. Their ears are pricked; their necks are strained; Their plumes lie straight and still. They leave the rising dust behind; They seem to float upon the wind.

1.9b1

rājā satyam / atītya harito harīṃś ca vartante vājinaḥ / tathā hi /

King (joyfully). See! The horses are gaining on the deer.

1.9

yad āloke sūkṣmaṃ vrajati sahasā tadvipulatām
yad ardhe vicchinnaṃ bhavati kṛtasaṃdhānam iva tat /
prakṛṣtyā yad vakraṃ tad api samarekhaṃ nayanayor
na me dūre kiṃcit kṣaṇam api na pārśve rathajavāt //
sūta paśya enaṃ vyāpadyamānam / (iti śarasaṃdhānaṃ nāṭayati)
(nepathye)
bho bho rājann āśramamṛgo 'yaṃ na hanvavyo na hantavyaḥ /
sūta (ākarṇyāvalokya ca) āyuṣmann asya khalu te bāṇapātavartinaḥ kṛṣṭasārasyāntare tapasvina upasthitāḥ /

As onward and onward the chariot flies,
The small flashes large to my dizzy eyes.
What is cleft in twain, seems to blur and mate;
What is crooked in nature, seems to be straight.
Things at my side in an instant appear
Distant, and things in the distance, near.

A voice behind the scenes. O King, this deer belongs to the hermitage, and must not be killed.

Charioteer (listening and looking). Your Majesty, here are two hermits, come to save the deer at the moment when your arrow was about to fall.

1.9a5

rājā (sasaṃbhramam) tena hi pragṛhyantāṃ vājinaḥ /

King (hastily). Stop the chariot.

1.9a6

sūta tathā / (iti rathaṃ sthāpayati)

Charioteer, Yes, your Majesty. (He does so. Enter a hermit with his pupil.)

1.10b1

vaikhānasaḥ (hastam udyamya) rājann āśramamṛgo 'yaṃ na hantavyo na hantavyaḥ /

Hermit (lifting his hand). O King, this deer belongs to the hermitage.

1.10

na khalu na khalu bāṇaḥ saṃnipātyo 'yam asmin mṛduni mṛgaśarīre puṣparāśāv+ivāgniḥ /
kva bata hariṇakānāṃ jīvitaṃ cātilolaṃ kva ca niśitanipātā vajrasārāḥ śarās te //

Why should his tender form expire,
As blossoms perish in the fire?
How could that gentle life endure
The deadly arrow, sharp and sure? Restore your arrow to the quiver;
To you were weapons lent
The broken-hearted to deliver,
Not strike the innocent.

1.11

tat sādhukṛtasaṃdhānaṃ pratisaṃhara sāyakam /
ārtatrāṇāya vaḥ śastraṃ na prahartum anāgasi //
rājā eṣa pratisaṃhṛtaḥ (iti yathoktaṃ karoti)

King (bowing low). It is done. (He does so.)

1.12b1

vaikhānasaḥ sadṛśam etat puruvaṃśapradīpasya bhavataḥ /

Hermit (joyfully). A deed worthy of you, scion of Puru's race, and shining example of kings. May you beget a son to rule earth and heaven.

1.12

janma yasya puror vaṃśe yuktarūpam idaṃ tava /
putram evaṃ guṇopetaṃ cakravartinam āpnuhi //
itarau (bāhū udyamya) sarvathā cakravartinaṃ putram āpnuhi /
(sapraṇāmam) pratigṛtītaṃ brāhmaṇavacanam /

King (bowing low). I am thankful for a Brahman's blessing.

1.13b1

vaikhānsa rājan samidāharaṇāya prasthitā vayam /eṣa khalu kaṇvasya kulapater anumālinītīram āśramo dṛśyate / na ced anyakāryātipātaḥ praviśya pratigṛhyatām ātitheyaḥ satkāraḥ / api ca /

The two hermits. O King, we are on our way to gather firewood. Here, along the bank of the Malini, you may see the hermitage of Father Kanva, over which Shakuntala presides, so to speak, as guardian deity. Unless other duties prevent, pray enter here and receive a welcome. Besides,
Beholding pious hermit-rites
Preserved from fearful harm,
Perceive the profit of the scars
On your protecting arm.

1.13

ramyās tapodhanānāṃ pratihatavighnāḥ kriyāḥ samavalokya /
jñāsyasi kiyadbhujo me rakṣati maurvīkiṇāṅka iti //
rājā api saṃnihito 'tra kulapatiḥ /
vaikhānasa idānīm eva duhitaraṃ śakuntalām atithisatkārāya niyujya daivam asyāḥ pratikūlaṃ śamayituṃ somatīrthaṃ gataḥ /

King. Is the hermit father there?

The two hermits. No, he has left his daughter to welcome guests, and has just gone to Somatirtha, to avert an evil fate that threatens her.

1.13a5

rājā bhavatu / tām eva paśyāmi / sā khalu viditabhaktiṃ māṃ maharṣeḥ kariṣyati /

King. Well, I will see her. She shall feel my devotion, and report it to the sage.

1.13a6

vaikhānasa sādhayāmas tāvat (iti saśiṣyo niṣkrāntaḥ)

The two hermits. Then we will go on our way. (Exit hermit with pupil.)

1.13_2

rājā sūta codayāśvān puṇyāśramadarśanena tāvad ātmānaṃ punīmahe /

King. Charioteer, drive on. A sight of the pious hermitage will purify us.

1.13_3

sūta yad ājñāpayaty āyuṣman / (iti bhūyo ratha evaṃ nirūpayati)

Charioteer. Yes, your Majesty. (He counterfeits motion again.)

1.13_4

rājā (samantād avalokya) sūta akathito 'pi jñāyata eva yathāyam āśramābhogas tapovanasyeti /

King (looking about). One would know, without being told, that this is the precinct of a pious grove.

1.13a0

sūta katham iva /

Charioteer. How so?

1.14b1

rājā kiṃ na paśyati bhavān / iha hi

King. Do you not see? Why, here

1.14

nīvārāḥ śukagarbhakoṭaramukhabhraṣṭās tarūṇām adhaḥ
prasnigdhāḥ kvacid iṅgudīphālabhidaḥ sūcyanta evopalāḥ /
viśvāsopagamād abhinnagatayaḥ śabdaṃ sahante mṛgās
toyādhārapathāś ca valkalaśikhāniṣyandarekhāṅkitāḥ //
kulyāmbhobhiḥ pavanacapalaiḥ śākhino dhautamūlā
bhinno rāgaḥ kisalayarucām ājyadhūmodgamena /
ete cārvāgupavanabhuvi chinnadarbhāṅkurāyām
naṣṭāṃśakā hariṇaśiśavo mandamandaṃ caranti //
sūta sarvam upapannam /
rājā (stokam antaraṃ gatvā) tapovananivāsinām uparodho mā bhūt / etāvaty eva rathaṃ sthāpaya yāvad avatarāmi /
sūta dhṛtāḥ pragrahāḥ / avataratv āyuṣmān /
rājā (avatīrya) sūta vinītaveṣeṇa praveṣṭavyāni tapovanāni nāma / idaṃ tāvad gṛhyatām / (iti sūtasyābharaṇāni dhanuś copanīyārpayati) sūta yāvad āśramavāsinaḥ pratyavekṣyāham upāvarte tāvad ārdrapṛṣṭhāḥ kriyantāṃ vājinaḥ /

Are rice-grains, dropped from bills of parrot chicks
Beneath the trees; and pounding-stones where sticks
A little almond-oil; and trustful deer
That do not run away as we draw near;
And river-paths that are besprinkled yet
From trickling hermit-garments, clean and wet.

Besides,

The roots of trees are washed by many a stream
That breezes ruffle; and the flowers' red gleam
Is dimmed by pious smoke; and fearless fawns
Move softly on the close-cropped forest lawns.

Charioteer. It is all true.

King (after a little). We must not disturb the hermitage. Stop here while I dismount.

Charioteer. I am holding the reins. Dismount, your Majesty.

King (dismounts and looks at himself). One should wear modest garments on entering a hermitage. Take these jewels and the bow. (He gives them to the charioteer.) Before [paragraph continues] I return from my visit to the hermits, have the horses' backs wet down.

1.14a5

sūta tathā (iti niṣkrāntaḥ)

Charioteer. Yes, your Majesty. (Exit.)

1.15b1

rājā (parikramyāvalokya ca) idam āśramadvāram /yāvat praviśāmi (praviśya / nimittaṃ sūcayan)

King (walking and looking about). The hermitage! Well, I will enter. (As he does so, he feels a throbbing in his arm.)

1.15

śāntam idam āśramapadaṃ sphurati ca bāhuḥ kutaḥ phalam ihāsya /
athavā bhavitavyānāṃ dvārāṇi bhavanti sarvatra //
(nepathye)
ita itaḥ sakhyau /

A tranquil spot! Why should I thrill?
Love cannot enter there
Yet to inevitable things
Doors open everywhere.--

A voice behind the scenes. This way, girls!

1.16b1

rājā (karṇaṃ dattvā) aye dakṣiṇena vṛkṣavāṭikām ālāpa iva śrūyate / yāvad atra gacchāmi / (parikramyāvalokya ca) aye etās tapasvikanyakāḥ svapramāṇānurūpaiḥ secanaghaṭair bālapādapebhyaḥ payo dātum ita evābhivartante (nipuṇaṃ nirūpya) aho madhuram āsāṃ darśanam /

King (listening). I think I hear some one to the right of the grove. I must find out. (He walks and looks about.) Ah, here are hermit-girls, with watering-pots just big enough for them to handle. They are coming in this direction to water the young trees. They are charming!

1_2

śuddhāntadurlabham idaṃ vapur āśramavāsino yadi janasya /
dūrīkṛtāḥ khalu guṇair udyānalatā vanalatābhiḥ //

1.16

yāvad imāṃ chāyām āśritya pratipālayāmi (iti vilokayan sthitaḥ)
śakuntalā ita itaḥ sakhyau /
anasūyā halā śakuntale tvatto 'pi tātakāśyapasyāśramavṛkṣakāḥ priyatareti tarkayāmi / yena navamālikākusumapelavā api tvam eteṣām ālavālapūraṇe niyuktā /
śakuntalā na kevalaṃ tātaniyoga eva / asti me sodarasneho 'py eteṣu / (iti vṛkṣasecanaṃ rūpayati)

[paragraph continues] I will draw back into the shade and wait for them. (He stands, gazing toward them. Enter SHAKUNTALA, as described, and her two friends.)

First friend. It seems to me, dear, that Father Kanva cares more for the hermitage trees than he does for you. You are delicate as a jasmine blossom, yet he tells you to fill the trenches about the trees.

Shakuntala. Oh, it isn't Father's bidding so much. I feel like a real sister to them. (She waters the trees.)

1.17b1

rājā katham iyaṃ sā kaṇvaduhitā / asādhudarśī khalu tatrabhavān kāśyapo ya imām āśramadharme niyuṅkte /

King (to himself). And this is Kanva's daughter, Shakuntala. (In surprise.) The good Father does wrong to make her wear the hermit's dress of bark.

1.17

idaṃ kilāvyājamanoharaṃ vapus tapaḥkṣamaṃ sādhayituṃ ya icchati /
dhruvaṃ sa nīlotpalapatradhārayā śamīlatāṃ chettum ṛṣir vyavasyati //
bhavatu / pādapāntarhita eva tāvad enāṃ paśyāmi / (iti tathā karoti)
śakuntalā sakhi anasūye atipinaddhena valkalena priyaṃ vadayā niyantritāsmi / śithilaya tāvad etat /
anasūyā tathā / (iti śikhilayati)
priyaṃvadā (sahāsam) atra payodharavistārayitṛ ātmano yauvanam upālabhasva / māṃ kim upālabhase /

The sage who yokes her artless charm
With pious pain and grief,
Would try to cut the toughest vine
With a soft, blue lotus-leaf.

[paragraph continues] Well, I will step behind a tree and see how she acts with her friends. (He conceals himself.)

Shakuntala. Oh, Anusuya! Priyamvada has fastened this bark dress so tight that it hurts. Please loosen it. (ANUSUYA does so.)

Priyamvada (laughing). You had better blame your own budding charms for that.

1.18b1

rājā kāmam ananurūpam asya vapuṣo valkalaṃ na punar alaṃkāraśriyaṃ na puṣyati / kutaḥ

King. She is quite right.

[paragraph continues] Yet in truth the bark dress is not an enemy to her beauty. It serves as an added ornament. For

1.18

sarasijam anuviddhaṃ śaivalenāpi ramyam
malinam api himāṃśor lakṣma lakṣmīṃ tanoti /
iyam adhikamanojñā valkalenāpi tanvī /
kim iva hi madhurāṇāṃ maṇḍanaṃ nākṛtīnām //
śakuntalā (agrato 'valokya) eṣa vāteritapallavāṅgulībhis tvarayatīva+māṃ kesaravṛkṣakaḥ / yāvad enaṃ saṃbhāvayāmi (iti parikrāmati)
priyaṃvadā halā śakuntale atreva+tāvan muhūrtaṃ tiṣṭha yāvat tvayopagatayā latāsanātha iva ayaṃ kesaravṛkṣakaḥ pratibhāti /
ataḥ khalu priyaṃvadāsi tvam /

The meanest vesture glows
On beauty that enchants:
The lotus lovelier shows
Amid dull water-plants; The moon in added splendour
Shines for its spot of dark;
Yet more the maiden slender
Charms in her dress of bark.

Shakuntala (looking ahead). Oh, girls, that mango-tree is trying to tell me something with his branches that move in the wind like fingers. I must go and see him. (She does so.)

Priyamvada. There, Shakuntala, stand right where you are a minute.

Priyamvada. When I see you there, it looks as if a vine were clinging to the mango-tree.

Shakuntala. I see why they call you the flatterer.

1.19b1

rājā priyam api tathyam āha śakuntalāṃ priyaṃvadā / asyāḥ khalu

King. But the flattery is true.

1.19

adharaḥ kisalayarāgaḥ komalaviṭapānukāriṇau bāhū /
kusumam iva lobhanīyaṃ yauvanam aṅgeṣu saṃnaddham //
anasūyā halā śakuntale iyaṃ svayaṃ varavadhūḥ sahakārasya tvayā kṛtanāmadheyā vanajyotsneti navamālikā / enāṃ vismṛtāsi /
śakuntalā tad ātmānam api vismariṣyāmi / (latām upetyāvalokya ca) halā ramaṇīye khalu kāla etasya latāpādapamithunasya vyatikaraḥ saṃvṛttaḥ / navakusumayauvanā vanajyotsnā snigdhapallavatayopabhogakṣamaḥ sahakāraḥ / (iti paśyantī tiṣṭhati)
priyaṃvadā anasūye jānāsi kiṃ śakuntalā vanajyotsnām atimātraṃ paśyatīti /
anasūyā na khalu vibhāvayāmi / kathaya /

Her arms are tender shoots; her lips
Are blossoms red and warm;
Bewitching youth begins to flower
In beauty on her form.

Anusuya. Oh, Shakuntala! Here is the jasmine-vine that you named Light of the Grove. She has chosen the mango-tree as her husband.

Shakuntala (approaches and looks at it, joyfully). What a pretty pair they make. The jasmine shows her youth in her fresh flowers, and the mango-tree shows his strength in his ripening fruit. (She stands gazing at them.)

Priyamvada (smiling). Anusuya, do you know why Shakuntala looks so hard at the Light of the Grove?

Anusuya. No. Why?

1.19a5

pri yathā vanajyotsnānurūpeṇa pādapena saṃgatā api nāmaivam aham apy ātmano 'nurūpaṃ varaṃ labheyeti /

Priyamvada. She is thinking how the Light of the Grove has found a good tree, and hoping that she will meet a fine lover.

1.19a6

śaku eṣa nūnaṃ tavātmagato manorathaḥ / (iti kalaśam āvarjayati)

[paragraph continues] Yet I will learn the whole truth.

1.19_2

rājā api nāma kulapater iyam asavarṇakṣetrasaṃbhavā syāt / athavā kṛtaṃ saṃdehena

1.20

asaṃśayaṃ kṣatraparigrahakṣamā yad āryam asyām abhilāṣi me manaḥ /
satāṃ hi saṃdehapadeṣu vastuṣu pramāṇam antaḥkaraṇa pravṛttayaḥ //
tathāpi tattvata enām upalabhye /
śaku (sasaṃbhramam) ambho / salilasekasaṃbhramodgato navamālikām ujjhitvā vadanaṃ me madhukaro 'bhivartate (iti bhramarabādhāṃ rūpayati)

Shakuntala (excitedly). Oh, oh! A bee has left the jasmine-vine and is flying into my face. (She shows herself annoyed by the bee.)

1.21b1

rājā (saspṛham)

King (ardently).

1.21

calāpāṅgāṃ dṛṣṭiṃ spṛśasi bahuśo vepathumatīm
rahasy ākhyāyīva+svanasi mṛdu karṇāntikacaraḥ /
karau vyādhunvatyāḥ pibasi ratisarvasvam adharam
vayaṃ tattvānveṣān madhukara hatās tvaṃ khalu kṛtī //
na eṣa dhrṣṭo viramati / anyato gamiṣyāmi / katham ito 'py āgacchati / halā paritrāyethāṃ mām anena durvinītena madhukareṇābhibhūyamānām /
ubhe (sasmitam) ke āvāṃ paritrātum / duṣyaṃtam ākranda / rājarakṣitavyāni tapovanāni nāma /
rājā avasaro 'yam ātmānaṃ prakāśayitum / na bhetavyaṃ na bhetavyam (ity ardhokte svagatam) rājabhāvas tv abhijñāto bhavet / bhavatv evaṃ tāvad abhidhāsye /
śaku (padāntare sthitvā /sadṛṣṭikṣepam) katham ito 'pi mām anusarati /

As the bee about her flies,
Swiftly her bewitching eyes
Turn to watch his flight.
She is practising to-day
Coquetry and glances' play
Not from love, but fright.

(Jealously.)

Eager bee, you lightly skim
O’er the eyelid's trembling rim
Toward the cheek aquiver.
Gently buzzing round her cheek,
Whispering in her ear, you seek
Secrets to deliver. While her hands that way and this
Strike at you, you steal a kiss,
Love's all, honeymaker.
I know nothing but her name,
Not her caste, nor whence she came--
You, my rival, take her.

Shakuntala. Oh, girls! Save me from this dreadful bee!

The two friends (smiling). Who are we, that we should save you? Call upon Dushyanta. For pious groves are in the protection of the king.

King. A good opportunity to present myself. Have no--(He checks himself. Aside.) No, they would see that I am the king. I prefer to appear as a guest.

Shakuntala. He doesn't leave me alone! I am going to run away. (She takes a step and looks about.) Oh, dear! Oh, dear! He is following me. Please save me.

1.22b1

rājā (satvaram upasṛtya) āḥ

King (hastening forward). Ah!

1.22

kaḥ paurave vasumatīṃ śāsati śāsitari durvinītānām /
ayam ācaraty avinayaṃ mugdhāsu tapasvikanyāsu //
(sarvā rājānaṃ dṛṣṭā kiṃcid iva saṃbhrāntāḥ)
anasūyā āryaṇ na khalu kim apy atyāhitam / iyaṃ nau priyasakhī madhukareṇābhibhūyamānā kātarībhūtā / (iti śakuntalāṃ darśayati)
rājā (śakuntalābhimukho bhūtvā) api tapo vardhate /
(śakuntalā sādhvasād avacanā tiṣṭhati)

A king of Puru's mighty line
Chastises shameless churls;
What insolent is he who baits
These artless hermit-girls?

(The girls are a little flurried on seeing the king.)

Anusuya. It is nothing very dreadful, sir. But our friend (indicating SHAKUNTALA) was teased and frightened by a bee.

King (to SHAKUNTALA). I hope these pious days are happy ones. (SHAKUNTALA'S eyes drop in embarrassment.)

1.22a5

anasūyā idānīm atithiviśeṣalābhena / halā śakuntale gacchoṭajam / phalamiśram argham upahara / idaṃ pādodakaṃ bhaviṣyati /

Anusuya. Yes, now that we receive such a distinguished guest.

Priyamvada. Welcome, sir. Go to the cottage, Shakuntala, and bring fruit. This water will do to wash the feet.

1.22a6

rājā bhavatīnāṃ sūnṛtayā eva kṛtam ātithyam /

King. Your courteous words are enough to make me feel at home.

1.22_2

priyaṃvadā tena hy asyāṃ prachāyaśītalāyāṃ saptaparṇavedikāyāṃ muhūrtam upaviśya pariśramavinodaṃ karotv āryaḥ /

Anusuya. Then, sir, pray sit down and rest on this shady bench.

1.22_3

rājā nūnaṃ yūyam apy anena karmaṇā pariśrāntāḥ /

King. You, too, are surely wearied by your pious task. Pray be seated a moment.

1.22_4

anasūyā halā śakuntale ucitaṃ naḥ paryupāsanam atithīnām / atropaviśāmaḥ (iti sarvā upaviśanti)

Priyamvada (aside to SHAKUNTALA). My dear, we must be polite to our guest. Shall we sit down? (The three girls sit.)

1.22a0

śaku (ātmagatam) kiṃ nu khalv imaṃ prekṣya tapovanavirodhino vikārasya gamanīyāsmi saṃvṛttā /

Shakuntala (to herself). Oh, why do I have such feelings when I see this man? They seem wrong in a hermitage.

1.22a1

rājā (sarvā vilokya) aho samavayorūparamaṇīyaṃ bhavatīnāṃ sauhārdam /

King (looking at the girls). It is delightful to see your friendship. For you are all young and beautiful.

1.22a2

pri (janāntikam) anasūye ko nu khalv eṣa caturagambhīrākṛtir madhuraṃ priyam ālapan prabhāvavān iva lakṣyate /

Priyamvada (aside to ANUSUYA). Who is he, dear? With his mystery, and his dignity, and his courtesy? He acts like a king and a gentleman.

1.22a3

ana sakhi mama apy asti kautūhalam / pṛcchāmi tāvad enam

Anusuya. I am curious too. I am going to ask him. (Aloud.) Sir, you are so very courteous that I make bold to ask you something. What royal family do you adorn, sir? What country is grieving at your absence? Why does a gentleman so delicately bred submit to the weary journey into our pious grove?

1.22a4

(prakāśam)

1.22a5_2

āryasya madhurālāpajanito viśrambho māṃ mantrayate katama āryeṇa rājarṣivaṃśo 'laṃkriyate katamo vā virahaparyutsukajanaḥ kuto deśaḥ kiṃ nimittaṃ vā sukumārataro 'pi tapovanagamanapariśramasyātmā padam upanītaḥ /

1.22a6_2

śaku (ātmagatam) hṛdaya mottāmya / eṣā tvayā cintitāny anasūyā mantrayate /

Shakuntala (aside). Be brave, my heart. Anusuya speaks your very thoughts.

1.22a7

rājā (ātmagatam) katham idānīm ātmānaṃ nivedayāmi kathaṃ vātmāpahāraṃ karomi / bhavatu / evaṃ tāvad enāṃ vakṣye / (prakāśam) bhavati yaḥ pauraveṇa rājñā dharmādhikāre niyuktaḥ so 'ham avighnakriyopalambhāya dharmāraṇyam idam āyātaḥ /

King (aside). Shall I tell at once who I am, or conceal it? (He reflects.) This will do. (Aloud.) I am a student of Scripture.

[paragraph continues] It is my duty to see justice done in the cities of the king. And I have come to this hermitage on a tour of inspection.

Anusuya. Then we of the hermitage have some one to take care of us. (SHAKUNTALA shows embarrassment.)

1.22a8

(śakuntalā śṛṅgāralajjāṃ rūpayati)

1.22a9

ana (ubhayor ākāraṃ viditvā / janāntikam) halā śakuntale yad yatrādya tātaḥ saṃnihito bhavet /

The two friends (observing the demeanour of the pair. Aside to SHAKUNTALA). Oh, Shakuntala! If only Father were here to-day.

1.22a0_2

śaku tataḥ kiṃ bhavet /

Shakuntala. What would he do?

1.22a1_2

sakhyau imaṃ jīvitasarvasvenāpy atithiviśeṣaṃ kṛtārthaṃ kariṣyati /

The two friends. He would make our distinguished guest happy, if it took his most precious treasure.

1.22a2_2

śaku yuvām apetam / kim api hṛdaye kṛtvā matrayethe / na yuvayor vacanaṃ śroṣyāmi /

Shakuntala (feigning anger). Go away! You mean something. I'll not listen to you.

1.22a3_2

rājā vayam api tāvad bhavatyoḥ sakhīgataṃ kim api pṛcchāmaḥ /

King. I too would like to ask a question about your friend.

1.22a4_2

sakkyau ārya anugraha iveyam abhyarthanā /

The two friends. Sir, your request is a favour to us.

1.22a5_3

rājā bhagavān kāśyapaḥ śāśvate brahmaṇi sthita iti prakāśaḥ / iyaṃ ca vaḥ sakhī tad ātmajeti katham etat /

King. Father Kanva lives a lifelong hermit. Yet you say that your friend is his daughter. How can that be?

1.22a6_3

anasūyā śṛṇotv āryaḥ / asti ko 'pi kauśika iti gotranāmadheyo mahāprabhāvo rājarṣiḥ /

Anusuya. Listen, sir. There is a majestic royal sage named Kaushika------

1.22a7_2

rājā asti / śrūyate /

King. Ah, yes. The famous Kaushika.

1.22a8_2

ana tam āvayoḥ priyasakhyāḥ prabhavam avagaccha / ujjhitāyāḥ śarīrasaṃvardhanādibhis tātakāśyapo 'syāḥ pitā /

Anusuya. Know, then, that he is the source of our friend's being. But Father Kanva is her real father, because he took care of her when she was abandoned.

1.22a9_2

rājā ujjhitaśabdena janitaṃ me kautūhalam / āmūlāt+śrotum icchāmi /

King. You waken my curiosity with the word "abandoned." May I hear the whole story?

1.22a0_3

ana śṛṇotv āryaḥ / gautamītīre purā kila tasya rājarṣer ugre tapasi vartamānasya kim api jātaśaṅkair devair menakā nāmāpsarāḥ preṣitā niyamavighnakāriṇī /

Anusuya. Listen, sir. Many years ago, that royal sage was leading a life of stern austerities, and the gods, becoming strangely jealous, sent the nymph Menaka to disturb his devotions.

1.22a1_3

rājā asty etad anyasamādhibhīrutvaṃ devānām /

King. Yes, the gods feel this jealousy toward the austerities of others. And then------

1.22a2_3

anasūyā tato vasantodārasamaye tasyā unmādayitṛ rūpaṃ prekṣya (ity ardhokte lajjayā viramati)

Anusuya. Then in the lovely spring-time he saw her intoxicating beauty------ (She stops in embarrassment.)

1.22a3_3

rājā parastāj jñāyata eva / sarvathāpsaraḥsaṃbhavaiṣā /

King. The rest is plain. Surely, she is the daughter of the nymph.

1.22a4_3

anasūyā atha kim /

Anusuya. Yes.

1.23b1

rājā upapadye /

King. It is as it should be.

1.23

mānuṣīṣu kathaṃ vā syād asya rūpasya saṃbhavaḥ /
na prabhātaralaṃ jyotir udeti vasudhātalāt //
(śakuntalādhomukhī tiṣṭhati)
rājā (ātmagatam) labdhāvakāśo me manorathaḥ / kiṃ tu sakhyā parihāsodāhṛtāṃ varaprārthanāṃ śrutvā dhṛtadvaidhībhāvakātaraṃ me manaḥ /
pri (sasmitaṃ śakuntalāṃ vilokya nāyakābhimukhī bhūtvā)
punar api vaktukāma ivāryaḥ /

To beauty such as this
No woman could give birth;
The quivering lightning flash
Is not a child of earth.

(SHAKUNTALA hangs her head in confusion.)

King (to himself). Ah, my wishes become hopes.

Priyamvada (looking with a smile at SHAKUNTALA). Sir, it seems as if you had more to say. (SHAKUNTALA threatens her friend with her finger.)

1.23a5

(śakuntalāṃ sakhīm aṅgulyā tarjayati)

1.23a6

rājā samyag upalakṣitaṃ bhavatyā / asti naḥ saccaritaśravaṇalobhād anyad api praṣṭavyam /

King. You are right. Your pious life interests me, and I have another question.

1.23_2

pri alaṃ vicārya / aniyantraṇānuyogas tapasvijano nāma /

Priyamvada. Do not hesitate. We hermit people stand ready to answer all demands.

1.24b1

rājā it sakhīṃ te jñātum icchāmi /

King. My question is this:

1.24

vaikhānasaṃ kim anayā vratam āpradānād
vyāpārarodhi madanasya niṣevitavyam /
atyantam ātmasadṛśekṣaṇavallabhābhir
āho nivatsyati sama hariṇāṅganābhi //
pri ārya dharmacaraṇe 'pi paravaśo 'yaṃ janaḥ / guroḥ punar asyā anurūpavarapradāne saṃkalpaḥ /

Does she, till marriage only, keep her vow
As hermit-maid, that shames the ways of love?
Or must her soft eyes ever see, as now,
Soft eyes of friendly deer in peaceful grove?

Priyamvada. Sir, we are under bonds to lead a life of virtue. But it is her father's wish to give her to a suitable lover.

1.25b1

rājā (ātmagatam) an duravāpeyaṃ khalu prārthanā /

King (joyfully to himself).

1.25

bhava hṛdaya sābhilāṣaṃ saṃprati saṃdeha nirṇayo jātaḥ /
āśaṅkase yad agniṃ tad idaṃ sparśakṣamaṃ ratnam //
śaku (saroṣam iva) anasūye gamiṣyāmy aham /
ana kiṃ nimittam /
śaku imām asaṃbaddhapralāpīṃ priyaṃvadām āryāyai gautamyai nivedayiṣyāmi /
ana sakhi na yuktam akṛtasatkāram atithiviśeṣaṃ visṛjya svachandato gamanam /

O heart, your wish is won!
All doubt at last is done;
The thing you feared as fire,
Is the jewel of your desire.

Shakuntala (pettishly). Anusuya, I'm going.

Anusuya. What for?

Shakuntala. I am going to tell Mother Gautami that Priyamvada is talking nonsense. (She rises.)

Anusuya. My dear, we hermit people cannot neglect to entertain a distinguished guest, and go wandering about.

1.25a5

(śakuntalā na kiṃcid uktvā prasthitaiva)

(SHAKUNTALA starts to walk away without answering.)

1.26b1

rājā (grahītum icchan nigṛhyātmānam / ātmagatam) aho ceṣṭā+pratirūpikā kāmijanamanovṛttiḥ / ahaṃ hi

King (aside). She is going! (He starts up as if to detain her, then checks his desires.) A thought is as vivid as an act, to a lover.

1.26

anuyāsyan munitanayāṃ sahasā vinayena vāritaprasaraḥ /
sthānād anuccalann api gatveva+punaḥ pratinivṛttaḥ //
pri (śakuntalāṃ nirudhya) halā na te yuktaṃ gantum /
śaku (sabhrūbhaṅgam) kiṃ nimittam /
pri vṛkṣasecane dve dārayasi me / ehi tāvat / ātmānaṃ mocayitvā tato gamiṣyasi (iti balād enāṃ nivartayati)

Though nurture, conquering nature, holds
Me back, it seems
As had I started and returned
In waking dreams.

Priyamvada (approaching SHAKUNTALA). You dear, peevish girl! You mustn't go.

Shakuntala (turns with a frown). Why not?

Priyamvada. You owe me the watering of two trees. You can go when you have paid your debt. (She forces her to come back.)

1.27b1

rājā bhadre vṛkṣasecanād eva pariśrāntām atrabhavatīṃ lakṣaye / tathā hy asyāḥ

King. It is plain that she is already wearied by watering the trees. See!

1.27

srastāṃsāv atimātralohitatalau bāhū ghaṭotkṣepaṇād adya api stanavepathuṃ janayati śvāsaḥ pramāṇādhikaḥ /
baddhaṃ karṇaśirīṣarodhi vadane dharmāmbhasāṃ jālakaṃ bandhe sraṃsini caikahastayamitāḥ paryākulā mūrdhajāḥ //
tad aham enām anṛṇāṃ karomi (iti aṅgulīyaṃ dātum icchati)
(ubhe nāmamudrākṣarāṇy anuvācya parasparam avalokayataḥ)
rājā alam asmān anyathā saṃbhāvya / rājñaḥ parigraho 'yam iti rājapuruṣaṃ mām avagacchatha /
pri tena hi nārhaty aṅgulīyakam aṅgulīviyogam / āryasya vacanenānṛṇedānīm eṣā / (kiṃcid vihasya) halā śakuntale mocitāsy anukampināryeṇa / athavā mahārājena / gacchedānīm /

Her shoulders droop; her palms are reddened yet;
Quick breaths are struggling in her bosom fair;
The blossom o’er her ear hangs limply wet;
One hand restrains the loose, dishevelled hair.

[paragraph continues] I therefore remit her debt. (He gives the two friends a ring. They take it, read the name engraved on it, and look at each other.)

King. Make no mistake. This is a present--from the king.

Priyamvada. Then, sir, you ought not to part with it. Your word is enough to remit the debt.

Anusuya. Well, Shakuntala, you are set free by this kind gentleman--or rather, by the king himself. Where are you going now?

1.27a5

śaku (ātmagatam) yady ātmanaḥ prabhaviṣyāmi /

Shakuntala (to herself). I would never leave him if I could help myself.

1.27a6

(prakāśam) kā tvaṃ visraṣṭavyasya roddhavyasya vā /

Priyamvada. Why don't you go now?

Shakuntala. I am not your servant any longer. I will go when I like.

1.28b1

rājā (śakuntalāṃ vilokya / ātmagatam) kiṃ nu khalu yathā vayam asyām evam iyam apy asmān prati syāt / athavā labdhāvakāśā me prārthanā / kutaḥ /

King (looking at SHAKUNTALA. To himself). Does she feel toward me as I do toward her? At least, there is ground for hope.

1.28

vācaṃ na miśrayati yady api madvacobhiḥ
karṇaṃ dadāty abhimukhaṃ mayi bhāṣamāṇe /
kāmaṃ na tiṣṭhati madānanasaṃmukhīnām
bhūyiṣṭham anyaviṣayā na tu dṛṣṭir asyāḥ //
(nepathye)

Although she does not speak to me,
She listens while I speak;
Her eyes turn not to see my face,
But nothing else they seek.

1.29b1

bho bhos tapasvinaḥ saṃnihitās tapovanasattvarakṣāyai bhavata / pratyāsannaḥ kila mṛga yā vihārī pārthivo duṣyantaḥ /

A voice behind the scenes. Hermits! Hermits! Prepare to defend the creatures in our pious grove. King Dushyanta is hunting in the neighbourhood.

1.29

turagakhurahatas tathā hi reṇur viṭapaviṣaktajalārdravalkaleṣu /
patati pariṇatāruṇaprakāśaḥ śalabhasamūha ivāśramadrumeṣu //

The dust his horses' hoofs have raised,
Red as the evening sky,
Falls like a locust-swarm on boughs
Where hanging garments dry.

p31903

api ca /

1.30

tīvrāghātapratihatataruskandhalagnaikadantaḥ
pādākṛṣṭavratativalayāsaṅgasaṃjātapāśaḥ /
mūrto vighnas tapasa iva no bhinnasāraṅgayūtho
dharmāraṇyaṃ praviśati gajaḥ syandanālokabhītaḥ //
(sarvāḥ karṇaṃ dattvā kiṃcid iva saṃbhrāntāḥ)
rājā (ātmagatam) aho dhik paurā asmadanveṣiṇas tapovanam uparundhanti / bhavatu / pratigamiṣyāmas tāvat /
sakhyau ārya anenāraṇyakavṛttāntena paryākulāḥ smaḥ / anujānīhi na uṭajagamanāya /
rājā (sasaṃbhramam) gacchantu bhavatyaḥ / vayam apy āśramapīḍā yathā na bhavati tathā prayatiṣyāmahe /

King (aside). Alas! My soldiers are disturbing the pious grove in their search for me.

The voice behind the scenes. Hermits! Hermits! Here is an elephant who is terrifying old men, women, and children.

One tusk is splintered by a cruel blow
Against a blocking tree; his gait is slow,
For countless fettering vines impede and cling;
He puts the deer to flight; some evil thing
He seems, that comes our peaceful life to mar,
Fleeing in terror from the royal car.

(The girls listen and rise anxiously.)

King. I have offended sadly against the hermits. I must go back.

The two friends. Your Honour, we are frightened by this alarm of the elephant. Permit us to return to the cottage.

King. You must go very slowly. And I will take pains that the hermitage is not disturbed.

1.30a5

(sarve uttiṣṭhanti)

1.30a6

sakhyau ārya asaṃbhāvitātithisatkāraṃ bhūyo 'pi prekṣaṇanimittaṃ lajjāmahe āryaṃ vijñāpayitum /

The two friends. Your honour, we feel as if we knew you very well. Pray pardon our shortcomings as hostesses. May we ask you to seek better entertainment from us another time?

1.30_2

rājā mā maivam / darśanenaiva bhavatīnāṃ puraskṛto 'smi /

King. You are too modest. I feel honoured by the mere sight of you.

1.30_3

śaku anasūye abhinavakuśasūcyā parīkṣataṃ caraṇaṃ kurabakaśākhāparilagnaṃ ca valkalam / tāvat paripālayata māṃ yāvad etan mocayāmi /

Shakuntala. Anusuya, my foot is cut on a sharp blade of grass, and my dress is caught on an amaranth twig. Wait for me while I loosen it. (She casts a lingering glance at the king, and goes out with her two friends.)

1.30_4

(śakuntalā rājānam avalokayantī savyājaṃ vilambya saha sakhībhyāṃ niṣkrāntā)

1.31b1

rājā mandautsukyo 'smi nagaragamanaṃ prati / yāvad anuyātrikān sametya nātidūre tapovanasya niveśayeyam / na khalu śaknomi śakuntalāvyāpārād ātmānaṃ nivartayitum / mama hi

King (sighing). They are gone. And I must go. The sight of Shakuntala has made me dread the return to the city. I will make my men camp at a distance from the pious grove. But I cannot turn my own thoughts from Shakuntala.

1.31

gacchati puraḥ śarīraṃ dhāvati paścād asaṃstutaṃ cetaḥ /
cīnāṃśukam iva ketoḥ prativātaṃ nīyamānasya //
(iti niṣkrāntāḥ sarve)

It is my body leaves my love, not I;
My body moves away, but not my mind;
For back to her my struggling fancies fly
Like silken banners borne against the wind. (Exit.)

1.31.p1

(prathamo 'ṅkaḥ)