Sakuntala; A Play in Five Acts (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1902 Excerpt: ... ACT I, Scene ii. Scene: the outskirts of a forest, as before. Time: afternoon, drawing towards evening. The King and Madhavya are discovered, the former pacing to and fro, the latter reclining whilst he watches the other. The King pauses and flings himself down, hiding his face with a passionate movement. Madhavya. This much is plain--thou art the devotee. But whether it be shrine of saint or beauty Thou dost thy worship at, I see not clearly. i King. Ab, Madhavya Checks himself.) Madhavta. Well? King (averting his face). Nothing. Madhavya. Pregnant word Eloquent silence To my gazing mind ihe picture rises slow--a rustic maiden, Fresh as the milk that bubbles in her pail; Cheeks like the apples in her father's orchard;.kips--oh, the poppies in the waving corn; yes like the sky above, serene and empty; Voice like the clatter of her wooden shoon; And breath--heaven's breeze itself, blown through the byre. King (turning suddenly). Know that if fate should bind me to a maid, She will be worthy of a king for servant. Madhavya. Is she so fair?...Well, answer were but vain. 'Tis not the man but his condition speaks When he's in love, or pain; and king and peasant Roar from the toils with undistinguished groans. Some are a little fiercer than are others. A pause. (Sings.) Stilly flow the waters here; Shallow is the stream; All the heavens are blue and clear; The world is like a dream. Isles of sand the banks between 'Twixt two heavens lie Heaven above the mountains seen, And heaven that drowseth nigh. In the wave the river-ox Floats with still content, Or, stirring slow, the water rocks, Along the margin sent. Hound the trees beside the pool Couch the deer in shade, At ease within the covert cool, By drowsy branches made. Yonder where the marshy sedge Bows its ...