The Recognition of Śakuntalā 5.29

5.29

mūḍhaḥ syām aham eṣā vā vaden mithyeti saṃśaye /
dāratyāgī bhavāmy āho parastrīsparśapāṃsulaḥ //
purohita (vicārya) yadi tāvad evaṃ kriyatām /
rājā anuśāstu māṃ bhavān /
purohita atrabhavatī tavad āprasavād asmadgṛhe tiṣṭhatu / kuta idam ucyata iti cet / tvaṃ sādhubhir ādiṣṭapūrvaḥ prathamam eva cakravartinaṃ putraṃ janayiṣyasīti / sa cen munidauhitras tallakṣaṇopapanno bhaviṣyati abhinandya śuddhāntam enāṃ praveśayiṣyati / viparyaye tu pitur asyāḥ samīpanayanam avasthitam eva /

Not knowing whether I be mad
Or falsehood be in her,
Shall I desert a faithful wife
Or turn adulterer?

Chaplain (considering). Now if this were done------

King. Instruct me, my teacher.

Chaplain. Let the woman remain in my house until her child is born.

King. Why this?

Chaplain. The chief astrologers have told you that your first child was destined to be an emperor. If the son of the hermit's daughter is born with the imperial birthmarks, then welcome her and introduce her into the palace. Other- wise, she must return to her father.