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Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
introduction
SHAKUNTHALAM—A SYNOPSIS
The play is in seven acts, each act starting with an introductory section, serving as a bridge between the story hitherto and the the next incident, something similar to a prologue. The first act starts with a prayer, called Naandi, and a short scene where the name of the play etc. is indicated and paves the way for the main scene. (This is actually imitated by Goethe in his play Faust). The beginning of second act introduces the hero’s condition in the words of the court jester, Vidooshaka, and then the developments which enable the hero to stay on in the hermitage premises. In the third act, a disciple in a short scene tells how the king has accomplished his mission, leaving the king free to pusue his love affair.
These three acts can be grouped into a Part, forming the Beginning in the structure of the composition. The king’s meeting and falling in love ,in the 1st act; how he finds an excuse to prolong his stay in the second;andiIn the 3rd, how he searches for Shakunthala and finds her also in love with himself. The act ends with the sudden interrupton to their privacy by the ashram’s grandmother figure, Gauthami.
The second Part, which can be called the Middle, has two acts, Fourth and Fifth. The Fourth starts with an introductory scene, where we come to learn that, though the the king promised to send his army to escort her to his kingdom as soon as he reaches home, he has not done it, and that Shakunthala is worried and anxiously waiting for him. Then it leads to the curse of Durvasas, after which Kanva the foster father arrives from his travels and in stead of being angry, as was feared, blesses her and sends her to the king. In the Fifth there is no special introductory scene, but the king is shown as a person having several love affairs. Then when Shakunthala comes, he, ostensibly having forgot her because of the curse, repudiates her harshly and on the advice of his spiritual
advisor directs her to be kept in the priest’s house till her delivery. Shakunthala is however taken from there by a fairy at the behest of Menaka, her mother.
It is clear that even before the curse, he was not ready to take her to the palace, since he did not keep his promise.
The 3rd Part, THE END, narrates how the king, apparently freed from the curse, falls into remorse. Act 6 is the story of how he spends time by blaming himself for having treated her badly It ends with a call from help from the gods in a war with their enemies. This wakes him up from the stupour and he readies for the adventure. The final act 7 concludes with the king meeting Shakunthala and and
getting reconciled. So all ends well.
The story is significantly different from the story as told in Mahabharatha, where the king does not come off so morally sound. He deliberately rejects her for fear of public opinion, and forced to accept her by heavenly intervention. Shakunthala also is not a shy simple maid as pictured here, in the first act but a strong person capable of looking after her interests. However Shakunthala in Kalidasa's version is not a dumb person, but but quite able to assert herself when challenged.
In a way, it is a critique of how the seemingly godlike figures created by sycophants of our heroes hide their foibles The king here is capable of lying even to his mother in order to further his selfish affairs. So it would not be correct to picture this as an attempt to whitewash and curry favour from the
masters by a court poet. Kalidasa's greatness is not only that he is a great poet, but also a social critic who does not shout and vilify, but points out the failings in a gentle sympathetic manner.
The purposes of writing, according to Sanskrit critics is , along with earning fame and wealth, is to advise, gently like a beloved . This might have been a good comparison in the days of "Malearchy",
But not in these days of "femalearchy , camouflaged under "gender equality" ?
l
The play is in seven acts, each act starting with an introductory section, serving as a bridge between the story hitherto and the the next incident, something similar to a prologue. The first act starts with a prayer, called Naandi, and a short scene where the name of the play etc. is indicated and paves the way for the main scene. (This is actually imitated by Goethe in his play Faust). The beginning of second act introduces the hero’s condition in the words of the court jester, Vidooshaka, and then the developments which enable the hero to stay on in the hermitage premises. In the third act, a disciple in a short scene tells how the king has accomplished his mission, leaving the king free to pusue his love affair.
These three acts can be grouped into a Part, forming the Beginning in the structure of the composition. The king’s meeting and falling in love ,in the 1st act; how he finds an excuse to prolong his stay in the second;andiIn the 3rd, how he searches for Shakunthala and finds her also in love with himself. The act ends with the sudden interrupton to their privacy by the ashram’s grandmother figure, Gauthami.
The second Part, which can be called the Middle, has two acts, Fourth and Fifth. The Fourth starts with an introductory scene, where we come to learn that, though the the king promised to send his army to escort her to his kingdom as soon as he reaches home, he has not done it, and that Shakunthala is worried and anxiously waiting for him. Then it leads to the curse of Durvasas, after which Kanva the foster father arrives from his travels and in stead of being angry, as was feared, blesses her and sends her to the king. In the Fifth there is no special introductory scene, but the king is shown as a person having several love affairs. Then when Shakunthala comes, he, ostensibly having forgot her because of the curse, repudiates her harshly and on the advice of his spiritual
advisor directs her to be kept in the priest’s house till her delivery. Shakunthala is however taken from there by a fairy at the behest of Menaka, her mother.
It is clear that even before the curse, he was not ready to take her to the palace, since he did not keep his promise.
The 3rd Part, THE END, narrates how the king, apparently freed from the curse, falls into remorse. Act 6 is the story of how he spends time by blaming himself for having treated her badly It ends with a call from help from the gods in a war with their enemies. This wakes him up from the stupour and he readies for the adventure. The final act 7 concludes with the king meeting Shakunthala and and
getting reconciled. So all ends well.
The story is significantly different from the story as told in Mahabharatha, where the king does not come off so morally sound. He deliberately rejects her for fear of public opinion, and forced to accept her by heavenly intervention. Shakunthala also is not a shy simple maid as pictured here, in the first act but a strong person capable of looking after her interests. However Shakunthala in Kalidasa's version is not a dumb person, but but quite able to assert herself when challenged.
In a way, it is a critique of how the seemingly godlike figures created by sycophants of our heroes hide their foibles The king here is capable of lying even to his mother in order to further his selfish affairs. So it would not be correct to picture this as an attempt to whitewash and curry favour from the
masters by a court poet. Kalidasa's greatness is not only that he is a great poet, but also a social critic who does not shout and vilify, but points out the failings in a gentle sympathetic manner.
The purposes of writing, according to Sanskrit critics is , along with earning fame and wealth, is to advise, gently like a beloved . This might have been a good comparison in the days of "Malearchy",
But not in these days of "femalearchy , camouflaged under "gender equality" ?
l
some comments
A DISCLAIMER
When I sit back after translating the first 5 acts of Shakunthalam, and look at the works of Kalidasa and specially this play, as a part of my experience of sanskrit literaure, I am struck by the fact that my appreciation has been cursory and limited to a few outstanding stanzas here and there. Since Sanskrit literature was never my first subject, I had no need either for any dissertation on individual works; to a great extent our appreciation was conditioned by the Western, esp. English studies, and it has been for the good, since it gave a broad and comparative understanding. The grammar and other technical approach came from study under orthodox scholars at home; and that also was good from the point of view of discipline and attention to details.There has been however a falling between two stools and lack of steady progress in either.
As a young boy, poetry was a passion.It was religion and religion was poetry. With age that passion has subsided, and the feelings of exhilaration are no more felt, when I read new works of literature. Yet at moments the recalling of the feelings of joy and uplifting experienced long ago do come back and help in reducing the tedium of retirement.When I try to reread the ancient classics and again experience firsthand the emtions as before, I find my mind and eyes are not fit to do that effectively. So as a strategy of revisiting those times and of understanding better the nuances of the art, I have started translating some of the works. It is a harmless pastime as well as an exercise for the mind, I would like to believe.
And as a means of relating in some way to those whom I hold dear, at the expense of their patience, I have started e-mailing my performsnces to them. The idea is not completely to boost my ego, but mainly, as I hope, to familiarise them with some of the traditional stories which they may not have got time and opportunity to have read direcly. And what is often popularly projected may be really quite different from the original.
Coming to Shakunthalam, it marks the culmination of Sanskrit classical poetry. After the epics, Ramayanam and Mahabharatham, where the story and characters were given prominence and verbal embellishments kept to a minimum, the classical period started to pay more and more attention to the construction of plot, and style of expression. Later we find the poets almost madly revelling in the magic and possibilities of word play, with little concern for the story or character portrayal. Kalidasa’s poems and plays indeed balance the two and form a homogeneous work of art.He is acknwledged by the ancient Sanskrit critics for his elegant beautiful style, and power of visual imagery, and ability to invoke feelings,ranging from the sensuous to the most sublime. His world view also strikes us as very modern, and his sensibilty and empathy remarkable. Many modern western scholalars have endorsed it, among them most noteworthy is Goethe, whose response at first contact with Shakunthalam reminds one of Keats on discovery of Homer.
Below is Goethe’s poeom on Shakunthalam, and after that, a homage by another poet, I don’t recall.
BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA
1912
When I sit back after translating the first 5 acts of Shakunthalam, and look at the works of Kalidasa and specially this play, as a part of my experience of sanskrit literaure, I am struck by the fact that my appreciation has been cursory and limited to a few outstanding stanzas here and there. Since Sanskrit literature was never my first subject, I had no need either for any dissertation on individual works; to a great extent our appreciation was conditioned by the Western, esp. English studies, and it has been for the good, since it gave a broad and comparative understanding. The grammar and other technical approach came from study under orthodox scholars at home; and that also was good from the point of view of discipline and attention to details.There has been however a falling between two stools and lack of steady progress in either.
As a young boy, poetry was a passion.It was religion and religion was poetry. With age that passion has subsided, and the feelings of exhilaration are no more felt, when I read new works of literature. Yet at moments the recalling of the feelings of joy and uplifting experienced long ago do come back and help in reducing the tedium of retirement.When I try to reread the ancient classics and again experience firsthand the emtions as before, I find my mind and eyes are not fit to do that effectively. So as a strategy of revisiting those times and of understanding better the nuances of the art, I have started translating some of the works. It is a harmless pastime as well as an exercise for the mind, I would like to believe.
And as a means of relating in some way to those whom I hold dear, at the expense of their patience, I have started e-mailing my performsnces to them. The idea is not completely to boost my ego, but mainly, as I hope, to familiarise them with some of the traditional stories which they may not have got time and opportunity to have read direcly. And what is often popularly projected may be really quite different from the original.
Coming to Shakunthalam, it marks the culmination of Sanskrit classical poetry. After the epics, Ramayanam and Mahabharatham, where the story and characters were given prominence and verbal embellishments kept to a minimum, the classical period started to pay more and more attention to the construction of plot, and style of expression. Later we find the poets almost madly revelling in the magic and possibilities of word play, with little concern for the story or character portrayal. Kalidasa’s poems and plays indeed balance the two and form a homogeneous work of art.He is acknwledged by the ancient Sanskrit critics for his elegant beautiful style, and power of visual imagery, and ability to invoke feelings,ranging from the sensuous to the most sublime. His world view also strikes us as very modern, and his sensibilty and empathy remarkable. Many modern western scholalars have endorsed it, among them most noteworthy is Goethe, whose response at first contact with Shakunthalam reminds one of Keats on discovery of Homer.
Below is Goethe’s poeom on Shakunthalam, and after that, a homage by another poet, I don’t recall.
BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA
1912
act 3
SHAKUNTHALAM ACT 3
(ENTERS A STUDENT WITH SOME DARBHA GRASS)
Student: Oh! A great person is this king Dushyantha! No sooner did the king enter the ashram, than all our performaces became free from impediments. What to say of fitting the arrow to the bow; merely by the sound of pulling the string, which sounded like a war-cry of the bow, he drove far away all obstacles.
I shall now hand over these grass bundles to the priests for spreading on the altar. (walks and looking up, speaks to somebody not on the stage} Hi, Priyamvada, to whom are you taking this ushira- root paste and lotus leaves with stalks? (listening) What are you saying? “Shakunthala is not well, because of remaining in the sun for a long time. This is to cool her body.” Then hurry up. She is like his life-breath to Sage Kanva, our family head. I too will send through Gauthami some holy water from the sacrifice. (EXIT)
END OF PROLOGUE
(ENTERS THE KING IN LOVELORN STATE)
King: (sighing) I know well the power of ascetics; and I know that that girl is not free. But my mind is not able to leave her, like water trapped in a low land.
Oh God of Love, all lovers are deceived by you and the Moon, though you look benign.
That your arrows are flowers and that the moon’s rays are cool,
Both appear falseto people like us.
The moon spreads fire with his icy cool beams,
And you make arrows of flowers as strong as thunder-bolt!
(shows lover’s anguish, then angrily) God of love, from where did the flowers you use as weapon get this sharpness of steel? (recalling) Ah! I know.
Surely,even today the fire of Shiva’s anger
Burns inside you, like the fabled Fire in seas.
Or else, Love-god, how can you, reduced to ashes,
Feel so hot to people like us!
Or, It is ok for me that Cupid is troubling my mind day and night, as long as he does it because of that girl with fascinatingly long eyes. (walks listlessly). Where can I relax and rest my tired limbs, now that they have finished their religious rites and I am duly released by them? (sighing) What remedy is there for me, other than seeing my love! I will look for her.
(glancing at the sun) Usually Shakunthala spends this time of day, when the sun is blazing hot, in one of those creeper-enclosed places on the bank of river Malini, along with her friends. It is there I would like to go now. (goes around and displaying the sensation of touch) Ha! How nice and breezy is this place!This breeze, full of droplets from the waves of Malini, and exuding the scent of lotus flowers, is such as can continuously be embraced by one’s love-fever-scorched limbs.(again walks around and looking) She should be in this bower of creepers among the reeds. For, (looking down) I see a freshly made line of footsteps, in the white sand at its entrance, shallow in front, and because of the heavy hips, deeply impressed behind. I shall look awhile through the boughs. (goes forward and looks, then delighted) Ah, bliss to my eyes! The dearest of my heart’s desire is there, lying on a flower-bestrewn bed of stone, attended by her two friends. Good, I’ll listen to what they say in private. (stands looking)
(ENTER SHAKUNTHALA WITH FRIENDS TALKING)
Friends: (fanning lovingly) Dear Shakunthala, does this air from the lotus leaf give some relief?
Shakunthala: Are you fanning me?
(FRIENDS LOOK AT EACH OTHER SADLY)
King: Shkunthala is in deep distress. (pondering) Can this be due to sun’s heat? Or is as in my mind?(longingly obseving) Or no need t o doubt:
With ushira paste applied on breasts, and a lone loose bracelet of lotus stalk,
My beloved’s body is charming, even in this somewhat distraught state.
Similar is the pain of love and of the speading summer heat,
But the attack by summer heat never shows so lovely on young girls.
Priyamvada: (aside) See, Anasooya, Shakunthala has been looking upset from the time she met that sage-like king. Do you think this condition of hers is because of him?
Anasooya: my friend, I also had this fear in mind. Well, I’ll ask her.(aloud) My dear, I have to ask you something. Your suffering is so great,
Shakunthala: (half rising) What do you want to ask, my friend?
Anasooya: dear Shakunthala, we don’t know much of love matters. But we find your condition similar to what is described in the old story books.Tell us your problem. Without knowing the cause, how can we find a remedy?
King: My doubt is the same as Anasooya’s.
Shakunthala: (to herself) Very strong is my longing. But even now I am not able to tell them all of a sudden.
Priyamvada: dear Shakunthala, what she says is quite right. Why do you neglect your disease? Day by day your body is getting weaker and weaker. Only that sparkling beauty of yours is left.
King: Not untrue is what Priyamvada said. For
Face with sunken cheeks, chest with breasts their hardness lost,
Stomach exceeding flat, shoulders drooping, complexion pale,
Pitiable but pretty to look at, in this love anguish, she looks;
Like a jasmine creeper, waving in the wind with drying leaves.
Shakunthala: To whom else can I speak out, my friend? I shall though be causing you endless trouble.
Both: That is why we are insisting. A sorrow shared among friends becomes tolerable.
King: Asked by the friends who share their joy and grief together,
She will definitely tell them what ails her.
Many times she turned and with longing looked at me;
But now here I am scared of hearing what she would say.
Shakunthala: Friend, from the time that the noble king, who protects our ashrams, came in my sight, (stops bashfully)-----
Both: dear friend, do speak.
Shkunthala: From that time, I have been in this condition, craving in my heart for him.
King: (joyfully) I have heard all I wanted to hear.
Love has been the cause of my woes;
He himself is now the agent of my cure.
Like a cloudy dark day, to all living things
At summer’s close.
Shkunthala: So, if you approve, do all you can to make the king have pity on me. Otherwise, be ready to do my funeral rites.
King: After these words no room for any doubt.
Priyamvada: (aside) Anasooya, she is far gone in her love fervour, and will not brook any delay.The person she loves is the very crest-jewel of the Pooru house. So it is proper that we approve her love.
Anasooya: It is as you say.
Priyamvada: (aloud) By God’s grace, your love is suited to you. Into what, other than the sea, will a great river flow! What other than a mango tree will satisfy the jasmine creeper!
King: No wonder that the twin Vishakha stars always go with the crescent moon!
Anasooya: Now what is the way to accomplish her desire, without delay and quietly?
Priyamvada: Quietly, it raquires thinking. Quickly, is easy.
Anasooya: Like how!
Priyamvada: The king has been looking all these days sleep-starved, his infatuation for her clearly visible from his longing looks.
King: It is true I have become like that. For
This gold bangle nignt by night has its precious stones discoloured by the scorching
Heat of tears that stream from the corners of my eyes resting on my arm.
And I have to constantly draw it back, as it,hardly touching the bow-string welts,
slips and slips from the wrist.
Priyamvada: Let her write a love letter. And I’ll reach it, hid inside a flower, to him, pretending that it is a remnant of the offering to the gods.
Anasooya: I like your nice plan. What will Shakunthala say!
Shakunthala: How can I object to my friends’ suggestion?
Priyamvada: In that case, think how to write, introducing yourself, something simply worded.
Shakunthala: Friend, I am thinking. But my heart quivers in fear of rejection.
King: (delighted) He whose rejection you fear, my cowardly girl,
Is who stands here, all eager to be with you.
One, whoseeks Fortune, may or may not get,
How can one, Fortune seeks,be hard to get!
Friends: O! self-belittling girl, who now will ward off the body-soothing autum moon-light with a piece of cloth!
Shakunthala: (smiling) I am now persuaded by you.(she sits up and ponders)
King: No wonder that I am looking at her, forgetting to even blink.
As, with one eye brow raised, she composes the words,
The flushing of her cheeks proclaims her love for me.
Shakunthala: friends, I have thought out the matter of the song. But where are the writing materials?
Priyamvada: You may write with your nail on this lotus-leaf, smooth like the underside of a parrot.
Shakuntnala: (doing as told) friends, now hear and see if it makes any sense.
Both: We are listening.
Shakunthala: (reads) I do not know your mind; but, unkind one, day and night
Cupid very much heats up my limbs, which all the time yearn for you.
King:(suddenly approaching) O slender-bodied girl, you Cupid heats, but me he burns indeed;
The Day does not wither a blue lotus so much as the moon!
Friends( joyously) Welcome to this instant fulfilment.
(SHAKUNTHALA TRIES TO GET UP)
King: please, please don’t exert.
Your limbs that, in great discomfort, have ruffled the flower-bed,
And carry the scent of broken bits
Of fast drying lotus-stalks,
Should not bother to observe such courtesies.
Anasooya: Let our friend honour one side of this stone seat.
(KING SITS, SHAKUNTHALA STANDS SHYLY)
Priyamvada: The mutual love of both of you is evident. Only love for my friend make me say this, though it may be unnecessary.
King: Good lady, don’t hesitate. What is in mind, if unsaid, will cause regret later.
Priyamvada: Your duty is to remove the troubles of all suffering people in your land.
King: Nothing greater than that.
Priyamvada: Then, this our dearest friend has been put in this state because of you, by God of Love. So you must look after her with consideartion throughout life.
King: My good lady, this love is common to both of us. I feel I am blessed in all ways.
Shakunthala: My friend, why do you trouble the king who must be missing the ladies of his harem.
King:
If my heart, which depends on no other than you,
Abiding in my heart you otherwise take,
Already pierced to death by cupid’s darts,
I, sweet –looking girl, am again struck.
Anasooya: Friend, we hear that kings have many loves. Please act in such a way that our dear friend will not have to be pitied by her relatives.
King: Lady,why say too much!
Though I have many wives, on only two will my family rest:
Earth skirted by the seas and this dear friend of yours.
Both: we are relieved.
Priyamvada: (casting her looks) See, Anasooya, this little deer, with eyes turned here, is searching for its mother. Let’s take it to her.. (both start to go)
Shakunthala: Friends, I am helpless here. Let one of you go.
Both: He, who is the whole world’s help, is standing near you. (and both leave)
Shakunthala : How! Both of them are gone!
King: Don’t be upset. Is not this one who adores you standing near! O my pretty girl, with smooth round thighs,
Shall I fan you with this lotus leaf,
Spreading cool refreshingly moist air?
Shall I place on my lap your feet , pink as lotus flower
And gently stroke them, till they are relieved of ache?
Shakunthala: I don’t want to commit the crime of disrespect to honourable people. (rises and starts to go)
King: Fair one, the day is far from over, and this is your condition.
Leaving this bed of flowers, and covering the bosom with a lotus leaf,
How can you go with these disease-weakenrd limbs? (stops her by force)
Shakunthala: King of a noble house, don’t be unmannerly. Though in love, I am not free to do what I like.
King: Timid girl, don’t have any fear from elders. The respected chief of the ashram, knowing your character well, will not take offence. Also,
We have heard of many daughters of the sage-like kings
Who,privately married,were blessed by their elders.
Shakunthala: Just leave me now. Let me once more consult my friends.
King: Ok. I will leave you.
Shakunthala: When!
King: When I have sucked the juice
from your soft smooth lips
As thirstily as the bee
from a fresh blown bloom.
(and tries to raise her head. Shakunthala draws back to avoid)
[IN GREEN ROOM)
[O you wild goose bride, bid farewell to your mate. Night is approaching.]
Shakunthala : King, no doubt, venerable Gauthami, hearing of my illnes, is coming here. Hide behind the trees.
King: Right. (stands covering himself)
[ THEN ENTER GAUTHAMI CARRYING A VESSEL, AND THE TWO FRIENDS]
Friends: Come this way, venerable Gauthami.
Gauthami: (coming close to Shakunthala) my dear, are you feeling less feverish?
Shakunthala: Madam, I feel better.
Gauthami: With this water from this holy Darbha- grass, you would be completely cured. (sprinkles water on Shakunthala’s head) my child, it is getting dark. Come, let us go inside.
[THEY START TO GO]
Shakunthala: (to herself) Heart, even after first getting easily what you wanted, you are not getting over your timidity. Why feel sorry, now that you are parted unwillingly. (aloud) Creepers-circled bower, that relIeved me of my fever, I bid you farewell, to meet again and enjoy your company.
[RXIT SHAKUNTHALA SLOWLY, ALONG WITH OTHERS]
King: (taking up his old place, and sighing)Ha! Achieving your desires is always beset by obstacles. For,
I lifted up her handsome face with thick eyelashes,
As she turned away,and covering with fingers her underlip ,
Agitated, uttered protest words in a charming way;
I could not kiss!
Where to go now! Or I shall remain for a minute in this very bower, which my beloved has found pleasure in, and left. (observing all around)
This bed of flowers, ruffled by her body, on this slab of stone,
This withered love-letter scratched by nail on lotus leaf,
This bracelet of lotus stalk fallen from her hand,
My eyes stuck on these,I am not able suddenly to leave this house of reeds.
(FROM OUTSIDE)
KiNG,
When the sacrificial rites are on,
Round the fire-lit altar, here and there,
Ssattered fearful shadows of demons move,
` Reddish like evening clouds.
King: I am, I am coming. (exit)
[END ACT 3]
SHAKUNTHALAM ACT 4
(ENTER FRIENDS, GATHERING FLOWERS)
Anasooya: Dear Priyamvada, though I feel relieved that Shakunthala has, by Gandharva marriage rites, been happily united to a suitable husband, there is this worry.
Priyamvada: Like what?
Anasooya: Whether, the noble king, released by the priests after the completion of the sacrifice, and now back at home in the company of the ladies of his harem, will remember what happened here, or not!
Priyamvada: Be assured. Such noble features do not come with anything other than good character. But when Father hears this news, I don’t know how he will take it.
Anasooya: As I see it, he will approve it.
Priyamvada: How?
Anasooya: The important thing after all is to give one’s daughter in marriage to a good person. If Fate itself has accomplished it, have the parents not got what they wanted effortlessly?
Priyamvada: (looking at the flower basket) My friend, we have got enough flowers for the pooja.
Anasooya: Should we not pray to Shakunthala’s Goddess of Fortune!
Priyamvada: That is right.
[FROM IN THE GREEN ROOM, “ HULLO, THIS IS ME”]
Anasooya: (listening) Dear, it sounds like the announcement of guests.
Priyamvada: Is not Shakunthala at home? Today then, mentally she is not there.
Anasooya: well, this much flowers will do.
(they start to leave)
[IN THE GREENROOM,
Aah! You have no respect for guests!
Thinking on whom, with nothing else in mind,
You did not notice me, rich in ascetic powers, stannding near,
He will not remember you, even when reminded,
Like a drunkard whatever he did earlier say! ]
Priyamvada: Alas, alas! The unpleasant thing itself has happened. Some venerable man has been offended. --Not just anybody! This is the easily irascible ascetic, Durvasas. And thus cursing, he has walked away, with strides, lengthened by the force of his unstoppable speed. What other than fire can burn!
Anasooya: Go, fall at his feet, and make him come back! Meanwhile I wiil get water for his feet.
Priyamvada: Right.( exit)
Anasooya: (steps out, and slips midway) Ha, Stumbling in haste, I have dropped the flower basket. (picks up the flowers)
Priyamvada: (entering) my friend, how can anybody persuade him, who is perverse by nature! I somehow made him have some pity.
Anasooya: (smiling) Even this much is a lot in him. Go on.
Priyamvada: when he refused to come back, I pleaded: “ Your Holiness, Please, considering that it is the first time, excuse the fault of your daughter, who is ignorant of Your Holiness’ powers.”
Anassooya :Go on, go on.
Priyamvada: Saying “ My words cannot but be fulfilled. But my curse will go at the sight of a sign of remembrance”, he quickly disappeared.
Anasooya: We can now console ourselves. There is the ring stamped with his name, which the king, while going, himself put on her finger, and said,” this is for you to remember me always.” With this, Shakunthala has, in her hand, a way out.
Priyamvada: Come, let’s go. We shall finish our religious duties.
( both start leaving)
Priyamvada: (looking) Anasooya, just see. With her face resting on her left hand, our dear friend looks like a painting. With all her thoughts centred on her husband, she hardly notices herself, how then a guest!
Anasooya: Priyamvada, let what happened remain in our mouths. We have to protect our dear friend, so delicate is she by nature.
Priyamvada: Who will pour hot water on a jasmine plant?
(so both exit)
END OF PROLOGUE
(THEN ENTERS A STUDENT, JUST GOT UP)
Student: the venerable Kanva has asked me to see what time it is. Let me go out in the open and see how much of night is left. (walks around and looks) Ha! It is already morning.
One side, Queen of herbs, the Moon, goes to the western ridge,
The Sun, on the other, comes, led by the already appearing Dawn;
Thse two lights, by their simultaneous fall and rise,
Seem to to exemplify the changing states of men.
And
When the moon is set, the same water lily plant
Does not please my eyes, its beauty in memory lost.
The pangs of separation from their loved ones
Are extremely insufferable to the delicate women folk.
Anasooya: (enters, pushing away the curtain) When this is so, even a person, innocent of worldly affairs, cannot indeed but know that this king has shabbily treated Shakunthala.
Student: Let me inform Master that it is time for sacrifice. (exit)
Anasooya: Knowing this now, what can I do! I feel unable to move freely my hands and legs even for normal work. Let Cupid,the God of desires, have his desire satisfied! By him,my simple-hearted friend has been put in the hands of a crook.—Or, the curse of Durvasas is the cause. If not, how is it that a king of such noble family, after all those speeches, does not all this time send even a letter. So we shall send from here that ring to him. Whom among these vey difficult ascetics can we ask! Though I am convinced that my friend is innocent, how can I tell dad kanva, just returned from his trip, that Shakunthala has married Dushyantha and is pregnant. When matters stand thus, what can we do!
Priyamvada (entering, delightedly) My friend, hurry up, hurry up. We have to do the auspicious rites for the departure of Shakunthala.
Anasooya: Friend, how come this?
Priyamvada: I’ll tell you. Listen. I went to Shakunthala to see whether she slept well. And there was she standing embraced and being congratulated by dad Kanva. He said, “Luckily, the smoke-blinded sacrificer has put the offering in the fire itself. Dear child, like knowledge given to a good student, you are not to be pitied at all. Today itself, I will send you to your husband, under the protection of ascetics.”
Anasooya: By whom was dad kanva told what happened?
Priyamvad: On entering the sacred place of fire, by a disembodied voice in a rhytmic tone.
Anasooya: (in wonder) Tell me.
Priyamvada: (in sanskrit)
Devout Saint, Know, your daughter is carrying Dushantha’s seed
Like to the sacrificial Sami wood which holds inside the holy fire.
Anasooya: (hugging Priyamvada) O dear! I am so happy. But it is mixed with some sadness that today itself she would be taken away,
Priyamvada: My friend, we will somehow get over this sorrow. Let the poor girl be relieved.
Anasooya: Therefore, I have kept for this very purpose, in the cocanut shell hanging from the branch of the mango tree, a kesar flower garland. Please take it in your hand.i’ll just go and prepare the ointment out of Gorochana powder, earth from holy places, and Doorva grass shoots, for this auspicious moment.
Priyamvada: Please do so.
(exit Anasooya; Pritamvada reaches for the flowers)
[ (in the green room): Gauthami,Tell the worthy Sharngarava to bring Shakunthala.]
Priyamvada (hearing): Anasooya, hurry, hurry. These are the ascetics, departing for Hastinapura, shouting.
Anasooya (entering with the ointment in hand) : Come, friend. Let us go. ( both walk around)
Priyamvada (looking) : There she stands, having had a full head-bath in the early morning, and now being congratulated by the ashram-women , carrying in their hands the consecrated grains and uttering words of blessing. Let us go to her.
(and they approach her)
[THEN ENTER SHAKUNTHALA SEATED AND OCCUPIED AS ABOVE-SAID]
One of the women: (turning to Shakunthala) Child, may you get the title of Chief Queen, indicative of your husband’s respect for you.
The Second: Chilld, may you be the mother of the brave.
The Third: May you be honoured by your husband.
[ THEY, EXCEPT GAUTHAMI, LEAVE, AFTER GIVING THEIR BLESSINGS]
FrIends: (coming close) Hope you had a nice bath.
Shakunthala: Welcome, friends. Sit here.
Both; (with the auspicious bowls in hand, sitting)dear, get ready. Let us dress you up nicely.
Shakunthala: This I must value very much . Since it wiil be impossible hereafter to have my friends dress me. (sheds tears)
Friends: Friend, It is not right to cry at an auspicious time. (wipes tears, and adorns her )
Priyamvada: we are insulting your body, fit for jewelry, with these adornments we have got in ashram.
Two ashram boys: (entering with gifts) These are ornaments. Let madam be decked in these.
[ALL STARE IN AMAZEMENT]
Gauthami: Dear Narada, from where are these?
First: From the great powers of father Kanva.
Gauthami: Is it a creation of the mind?
Second: Not indeed. Listen: We were asked by Master to get flowers for Shakunthala from the trees.Then
From one tree came out a festive silken cloth, as white as moon,
Another oozed liqid lac, enough for her use on feet;
From others, were proffered ornaments by fairy hands
Rising up to the wrist like shoots of the trees’ tender leaves.
Priyamvada: My friend, this favour of Gods indicates your future queenly state of prosperity in your husband’s home.
(Shakunthala enacts bashfulness)
First student: Gauthama, come. Let us tell about this service by the tree-abiding spirits, to Kanva, who must have now finished his bath.
Second: Right.
(both exit)
Friends: O dear, The people here are not used to wearing ornaments. By what we have seen in picturess, we shall put these ornaments on you.
Shakunthala: I know well your skill.
(both put the ornaments on her)
(Then enters Kanva, having had his bath)
Kanva: My heart is touched by anxiety that Shakunthala goes today ,
Throat is choked with blocked tear-flow , my looks vacant with worry;
Such is my sadness because of love, though a dweller of thewoods,
How much will the home-bound suffer when a daughter suddenly leaves!
( he walks towards Shakunthala)
Friends: Dear shakunthala, We have done adorning you. Now wear these two silk garments.
(Shakunthala gets up and wears the clothes)
Gauthami: Child, your father, as if he is hugging you with eyes streaming with tears, has come. Be seated.
Shakunthala: (shyly) Dad, my respects.
Kanva: Like Sharmishttha by Yayati, be you cherished by your husband,
AS she Pooru, get a son, who will be king of kings.
Gauthami: Master, This is a boon, not simply a blessing!
Kanva: Child, go round this fire just fed with sacrificial ghee, and prostrate.
(all go round the fire)
Kanva: (in the rigvedic metre)
May these sacrificial fires, round the altar in their fixed spots,
Fed with holy firewood, skirted with Darbha grass on each side,
Blowing off misfortunes by the smell of the offering dropped therein,
Purify you!
Start now. (casting eyes round) Where is the good Shargarava?
Student(entering) Here we are.
Kanva: Show the way to your sister.
Sharngarava :Here, here, madam.
(all walk around)
Kanva: You, you,trees of the penance grove, present here,
She who will not think of drinking water till you had your drink,
Fond of ornaments, will not pluck, out of love for you, a tender leaf,
For whom your first blossoming time is a featival,
That Shakunthala is leaving for her husband’s home; Please consent!
(indicstes hearing a cuckoo’s note)
These trees, her friends of forest life,
Have given her permission to go,
Sincethey have given their reply in the form
Of these beautiful cockoo notes.
[ (from the heavens)
Let your route be comfortable with soft and pleasant breeze,
Spotted with lakes that shine green with lotus plants,
Sheltered by tree shades that reduce the heat of sun’s rays,
And covered by dust, like pollen ofwater lilies soft.]
(all listen in wonder)
Gauthami: Child, the deities of our penance- grove, who love you like kinsfolk,have given consent for your departire. Bow before the goddesses.
Shahunthala: (walks with bowed head, and then aside) Dear Priyamvada, eager as I am to see my husband, my feet don’t move forward, out of sadness at leaving the hermitage.
Priyamvada: Not only you, my friend, are sad at this separation from the ashram, but the whole place seems to be in the same state as you.
The deer drop the Darbha grass mouthfuls from their mouths,
The peacocks do not dance any more,
The creepers, from which pale white leaves are faling down,
Look as if they are shedding tears.
Shakunthala: (remebering) Dad, I will now bid farewell to my sister, the creeper Vanajyotsna.
Kanva: I know your sisterly affection for her. There she is to your right.
Shakunthala: ( going near the creeper) Vanajyotsna, though now united with the mango-tree, return my embrace with your branches turned this side. From today would I not be far away from you!
Kanva: You have by your past good deeds got a husband fit for you,
Just as I have from the first wished for you;
And since this jasmine creeper is to the mango tree joined,
All my worries are gone about you and her.
From here you may start your journey.
Shkunthala: (to friends) friends, now I am leaving her in your hands.
Friends: In whose hands are we left! (shed tears)
Kanva: Anasooya, don’t cry. Is it not you who should steady Shakunthala?
(All walk around)
Shakunthala: Dad, when this deer, wandering in the ashram grounds, vey slowly because of advanced pregnancy, is atlast delivered without problems, please send somebody to tell me the happy news.
Kanva: I will never fprget that.
Shakunthala: (suddenly stopped) Who is this clinging to my clothes! (turns backwards)
Kanva: My child,
This deer, you have brought up with fistfuls of grain,
Whose face, cut by the kusa grass tips,
You often dabbled with the healing ingudi oil,
Is not leaving your path, as if it were your son.
Shakunthala, My child, are you following me who is forsaking your company? Left by mother shortly after birth, you were brought up by me. When I am not here, father will look after you.Go back!(walks on, sobbing)
Kanva: Firmly stop the continuous flow of tears
That cloud your eyes, wide open with lashes raised.
See, your steps are stumbling on this path
Of uneven ground not noticed by you.
Sharngarava: Master, They say that loved ones should be accompanied upto the water limit. And we are now on the bank of this lake. Here you might give your message and return.
Kanva: In that case, let us stand in the shade of this banyan tree
(all walk and do so)
Kanva: (to himself) Now what suitable message shall I give to the king Dushyantha! (thinks)
Shakunthala: (aside)See, friends, this goose is crying, “How hard is my lot! ”, distressed at not seeing her companion, separated by only a leaf.
Anasooya: friend, don’t talk like that.
Even she lives, without her lover, through the long night of sorrow.
The pang of separation, though great, is made bearable by bonds of hope.
Kanva: Sharngarava, thus you have to tell the king in my words, after taking Shakunthala into his presence.
Sharngarava: Sir, please give your orders.
Kanva: Considering us whose wealth is self-control, and your own great heritage,
And this her love for you, unprompted by kinsmen, which somehow came to pass,
Treat her in the same way as you treat your other wives;
Rest is in fortune’s hands, not to be spoken by girl’s parents.
Sharngarava: Your message is taken.
Kanva: Now I have to instruct you. Though dwellers of woods, we know something about the world.
Sharngarava: For wise men, there is nothing beyond their view.
Kanva: when you go from here to your husband’s home,
Serve your elders, treat the other wives as your dear friends
Do not turn in anger against your husband, even when you arewronged,
Be very considerate to servants, never proud of your good fortune;
Thus girls become mistresses of home, others are shame to the house.
What does Gauthami think?
Gauthami: Indeed this much is the advice to a bride. Child, do all these.
Kanva: Dear, come,embrace me and your friends.
Shakunthala: (embracing Kanva)Dad, will Priyamvada and other friends return from here?
Kanva: These two have also to be married. It is not proper for them to go there. Gauthami will come with you.
Shakunthala: Fallen from father’s lap,how can I live in a strange place, like a sandal vine from The Malaya hill side!
Kanva: my child, why do you worry like this?
Remaining in the honoured position of mistress of your noble husband’s house,
Busy evey moment with its duties, heavy because of the wealth involved,
Giving birth to a son, like the East to the Sun, the purifier of the world,
Child, you will get over this sorrow of separation from me.
(Shakunthala falls at the feet of her father)
Kanva: May you have all that I wish!
Shakunthala: ( going to the friends) hug me, both of you together.
Friends: (doing so) If by chance the king is slow to recognize you, then show him the ring stamped with his own name.
Shakunthala: This doubt makes me quiver in fear.
Anasooya: Don’t be afraid. Too much love makes one fear the worst.
Sharngarava: It is past midday. Madam, hurry.
Shakunthala: (turns and faces the ashram) Dad, when will I see the ashram again!
Kanva: I will tell you.
After remaining long the co-wife of the four-sides-encompassing Earth,
Settling in Dushyantha’s place your son unrivalled in valour,
And leaving on him the burden of household, you will,
Along with husband, turn your steps to this quiet ashram again.
Gauthami: It is getting late. Send father back. Otherwise he will go on talking like this again and again for ever. Sir, please return.
Kanva: Child, my prayer time is getting delayed.
Shakunthala:(embracing father again) Your body is weak with austerities. So don’t be too much worked up on my account.
Kanva: (with a sigh) How can my grief ever go, my child,
When I see the the offering
Of foodgrains made by you
Growing at the cottage door!
Go. Have a pleasant journey.
(Shakunthala leaves along with others)
Friends : alas, alas, Shakunthala is now hidden behind the trees.
Kanv: Anasooya, your companion in ashram duties is gone. Control your grief and follow me back home.
Friends: How can we enter the ashram where Shakunthala will not be anymore!
Kanva: The workings of love are such. (walking thoughtfully) Ah! Look, I am very relieved after having sent Shakunthala to her husband’s home.
A daughter is after all another’s property;
Now that I have her to the rightful owner sent,
My conscience is indeed very clear
As ifa deposit I have returned intact.
(exit all)
[END FOURTH ACT]
.
(ENTERS A STUDENT WITH SOME DARBHA GRASS)
Student: Oh! A great person is this king Dushyantha! No sooner did the king enter the ashram, than all our performaces became free from impediments. What to say of fitting the arrow to the bow; merely by the sound of pulling the string, which sounded like a war-cry of the bow, he drove far away all obstacles.
I shall now hand over these grass bundles to the priests for spreading on the altar. (walks and looking up, speaks to somebody not on the stage} Hi, Priyamvada, to whom are you taking this ushira- root paste and lotus leaves with stalks? (listening) What are you saying? “Shakunthala is not well, because of remaining in the sun for a long time. This is to cool her body.” Then hurry up. She is like his life-breath to Sage Kanva, our family head. I too will send through Gauthami some holy water from the sacrifice. (EXIT)
END OF PROLOGUE
(ENTERS THE KING IN LOVELORN STATE)
King: (sighing) I know well the power of ascetics; and I know that that girl is not free. But my mind is not able to leave her, like water trapped in a low land.
Oh God of Love, all lovers are deceived by you and the Moon, though you look benign.
That your arrows are flowers and that the moon’s rays are cool,
Both appear falseto people like us.
The moon spreads fire with his icy cool beams,
And you make arrows of flowers as strong as thunder-bolt!
(shows lover’s anguish, then angrily) God of love, from where did the flowers you use as weapon get this sharpness of steel? (recalling) Ah! I know.
Surely,even today the fire of Shiva’s anger
Burns inside you, like the fabled Fire in seas.
Or else, Love-god, how can you, reduced to ashes,
Feel so hot to people like us!
Or, It is ok for me that Cupid is troubling my mind day and night, as long as he does it because of that girl with fascinatingly long eyes. (walks listlessly). Where can I relax and rest my tired limbs, now that they have finished their religious rites and I am duly released by them? (sighing) What remedy is there for me, other than seeing my love! I will look for her.
(glancing at the sun) Usually Shakunthala spends this time of day, when the sun is blazing hot, in one of those creeper-enclosed places on the bank of river Malini, along with her friends. It is there I would like to go now. (goes around and displaying the sensation of touch) Ha! How nice and breezy is this place!This breeze, full of droplets from the waves of Malini, and exuding the scent of lotus flowers, is such as can continuously be embraced by one’s love-fever-scorched limbs.(again walks around and looking) She should be in this bower of creepers among the reeds. For, (looking down) I see a freshly made line of footsteps, in the white sand at its entrance, shallow in front, and because of the heavy hips, deeply impressed behind. I shall look awhile through the boughs. (goes forward and looks, then delighted) Ah, bliss to my eyes! The dearest of my heart’s desire is there, lying on a flower-bestrewn bed of stone, attended by her two friends. Good, I’ll listen to what they say in private. (stands looking)
(ENTER SHAKUNTHALA WITH FRIENDS TALKING)
Friends: (fanning lovingly) Dear Shakunthala, does this air from the lotus leaf give some relief?
Shakunthala: Are you fanning me?
(FRIENDS LOOK AT EACH OTHER SADLY)
King: Shkunthala is in deep distress. (pondering) Can this be due to sun’s heat? Or is as in my mind?(longingly obseving) Or no need t o doubt:
With ushira paste applied on breasts, and a lone loose bracelet of lotus stalk,
My beloved’s body is charming, even in this somewhat distraught state.
Similar is the pain of love and of the speading summer heat,
But the attack by summer heat never shows so lovely on young girls.
Priyamvada: (aside) See, Anasooya, Shakunthala has been looking upset from the time she met that sage-like king. Do you think this condition of hers is because of him?
Anasooya: my friend, I also had this fear in mind. Well, I’ll ask her.(aloud) My dear, I have to ask you something. Your suffering is so great,
Shakunthala: (half rising) What do you want to ask, my friend?
Anasooya: dear Shakunthala, we don’t know much of love matters. But we find your condition similar to what is described in the old story books.Tell us your problem. Without knowing the cause, how can we find a remedy?
King: My doubt is the same as Anasooya’s.
Shakunthala: (to herself) Very strong is my longing. But even now I am not able to tell them all of a sudden.
Priyamvada: dear Shakunthala, what she says is quite right. Why do you neglect your disease? Day by day your body is getting weaker and weaker. Only that sparkling beauty of yours is left.
King: Not untrue is what Priyamvada said. For
Face with sunken cheeks, chest with breasts their hardness lost,
Stomach exceeding flat, shoulders drooping, complexion pale,
Pitiable but pretty to look at, in this love anguish, she looks;
Like a jasmine creeper, waving in the wind with drying leaves.
Shakunthala: To whom else can I speak out, my friend? I shall though be causing you endless trouble.
Both: That is why we are insisting. A sorrow shared among friends becomes tolerable.
King: Asked by the friends who share their joy and grief together,
She will definitely tell them what ails her.
Many times she turned and with longing looked at me;
But now here I am scared of hearing what she would say.
Shakunthala: Friend, from the time that the noble king, who protects our ashrams, came in my sight, (stops bashfully)-----
Both: dear friend, do speak.
Shkunthala: From that time, I have been in this condition, craving in my heart for him.
King: (joyfully) I have heard all I wanted to hear.
Love has been the cause of my woes;
He himself is now the agent of my cure.
Like a cloudy dark day, to all living things
At summer’s close.
Shkunthala: So, if you approve, do all you can to make the king have pity on me. Otherwise, be ready to do my funeral rites.
King: After these words no room for any doubt.
Priyamvada: (aside) Anasooya, she is far gone in her love fervour, and will not brook any delay.The person she loves is the very crest-jewel of the Pooru house. So it is proper that we approve her love.
Anasooya: It is as you say.
Priyamvada: (aloud) By God’s grace, your love is suited to you. Into what, other than the sea, will a great river flow! What other than a mango tree will satisfy the jasmine creeper!
King: No wonder that the twin Vishakha stars always go with the crescent moon!
Anasooya: Now what is the way to accomplish her desire, without delay and quietly?
Priyamvada: Quietly, it raquires thinking. Quickly, is easy.
Anasooya: Like how!
Priyamvada: The king has been looking all these days sleep-starved, his infatuation for her clearly visible from his longing looks.
King: It is true I have become like that. For
This gold bangle nignt by night has its precious stones discoloured by the scorching
Heat of tears that stream from the corners of my eyes resting on my arm.
And I have to constantly draw it back, as it,hardly touching the bow-string welts,
slips and slips from the wrist.
Priyamvada: Let her write a love letter. And I’ll reach it, hid inside a flower, to him, pretending that it is a remnant of the offering to the gods.
Anasooya: I like your nice plan. What will Shakunthala say!
Shakunthala: How can I object to my friends’ suggestion?
Priyamvada: In that case, think how to write, introducing yourself, something simply worded.
Shakunthala: Friend, I am thinking. But my heart quivers in fear of rejection.
King: (delighted) He whose rejection you fear, my cowardly girl,
Is who stands here, all eager to be with you.
One, whoseeks Fortune, may or may not get,
How can one, Fortune seeks,be hard to get!
Friends: O! self-belittling girl, who now will ward off the body-soothing autum moon-light with a piece of cloth!
Shakunthala: (smiling) I am now persuaded by you.(she sits up and ponders)
King: No wonder that I am looking at her, forgetting to even blink.
As, with one eye brow raised, she composes the words,
The flushing of her cheeks proclaims her love for me.
Shakunthala: friends, I have thought out the matter of the song. But where are the writing materials?
Priyamvada: You may write with your nail on this lotus-leaf, smooth like the underside of a parrot.
Shakuntnala: (doing as told) friends, now hear and see if it makes any sense.
Both: We are listening.
Shakunthala: (reads) I do not know your mind; but, unkind one, day and night
Cupid very much heats up my limbs, which all the time yearn for you.
King:(suddenly approaching) O slender-bodied girl, you Cupid heats, but me he burns indeed;
The Day does not wither a blue lotus so much as the moon!
Friends( joyously) Welcome to this instant fulfilment.
(SHAKUNTHALA TRIES TO GET UP)
King: please, please don’t exert.
Your limbs that, in great discomfort, have ruffled the flower-bed,
And carry the scent of broken bits
Of fast drying lotus-stalks,
Should not bother to observe such courtesies.
Anasooya: Let our friend honour one side of this stone seat.
(KING SITS, SHAKUNTHALA STANDS SHYLY)
Priyamvada: The mutual love of both of you is evident. Only love for my friend make me say this, though it may be unnecessary.
King: Good lady, don’t hesitate. What is in mind, if unsaid, will cause regret later.
Priyamvada: Your duty is to remove the troubles of all suffering people in your land.
King: Nothing greater than that.
Priyamvada: Then, this our dearest friend has been put in this state because of you, by God of Love. So you must look after her with consideartion throughout life.
King: My good lady, this love is common to both of us. I feel I am blessed in all ways.
Shakunthala: My friend, why do you trouble the king who must be missing the ladies of his harem.
King:
If my heart, which depends on no other than you,
Abiding in my heart you otherwise take,
Already pierced to death by cupid’s darts,
I, sweet –looking girl, am again struck.
Anasooya: Friend, we hear that kings have many loves. Please act in such a way that our dear friend will not have to be pitied by her relatives.
King: Lady,why say too much!
Though I have many wives, on only two will my family rest:
Earth skirted by the seas and this dear friend of yours.
Both: we are relieved.
Priyamvada: (casting her looks) See, Anasooya, this little deer, with eyes turned here, is searching for its mother. Let’s take it to her.. (both start to go)
Shakunthala: Friends, I am helpless here. Let one of you go.
Both: He, who is the whole world’s help, is standing near you. (and both leave)
Shakunthala : How! Both of them are gone!
King: Don’t be upset. Is not this one who adores you standing near! O my pretty girl, with smooth round thighs,
Shall I fan you with this lotus leaf,
Spreading cool refreshingly moist air?
Shall I place on my lap your feet , pink as lotus flower
And gently stroke them, till they are relieved of ache?
Shakunthala: I don’t want to commit the crime of disrespect to honourable people. (rises and starts to go)
King: Fair one, the day is far from over, and this is your condition.
Leaving this bed of flowers, and covering the bosom with a lotus leaf,
How can you go with these disease-weakenrd limbs? (stops her by force)
Shakunthala: King of a noble house, don’t be unmannerly. Though in love, I am not free to do what I like.
King: Timid girl, don’t have any fear from elders. The respected chief of the ashram, knowing your character well, will not take offence. Also,
We have heard of many daughters of the sage-like kings
Who,privately married,were blessed by their elders.
Shakunthala: Just leave me now. Let me once more consult my friends.
King: Ok. I will leave you.
Shakunthala: When!
King: When I have sucked the juice
from your soft smooth lips
As thirstily as the bee
from a fresh blown bloom.
(and tries to raise her head. Shakunthala draws back to avoid)
[IN GREEN ROOM)
[O you wild goose bride, bid farewell to your mate. Night is approaching.]
Shakunthala : King, no doubt, venerable Gauthami, hearing of my illnes, is coming here. Hide behind the trees.
King: Right. (stands covering himself)
[ THEN ENTER GAUTHAMI CARRYING A VESSEL, AND THE TWO FRIENDS]
Friends: Come this way, venerable Gauthami.
Gauthami: (coming close to Shakunthala) my dear, are you feeling less feverish?
Shakunthala: Madam, I feel better.
Gauthami: With this water from this holy Darbha- grass, you would be completely cured. (sprinkles water on Shakunthala’s head) my child, it is getting dark. Come, let us go inside.
[THEY START TO GO]
Shakunthala: (to herself) Heart, even after first getting easily what you wanted, you are not getting over your timidity. Why feel sorry, now that you are parted unwillingly. (aloud) Creepers-circled bower, that relIeved me of my fever, I bid you farewell, to meet again and enjoy your company.
[RXIT SHAKUNTHALA SLOWLY, ALONG WITH OTHERS]
King: (taking up his old place, and sighing)Ha! Achieving your desires is always beset by obstacles. For,
I lifted up her handsome face with thick eyelashes,
As she turned away,and covering with fingers her underlip ,
Agitated, uttered protest words in a charming way;
I could not kiss!
Where to go now! Or I shall remain for a minute in this very bower, which my beloved has found pleasure in, and left. (observing all around)
This bed of flowers, ruffled by her body, on this slab of stone,
This withered love-letter scratched by nail on lotus leaf,
This bracelet of lotus stalk fallen from her hand,
My eyes stuck on these,I am not able suddenly to leave this house of reeds.
(FROM OUTSIDE)
KiNG,
When the sacrificial rites are on,
Round the fire-lit altar, here and there,
Ssattered fearful shadows of demons move,
` Reddish like evening clouds.
King: I am, I am coming. (exit)
[END ACT 3]
SHAKUNTHALAM ACT 4
(ENTER FRIENDS, GATHERING FLOWERS)
Anasooya: Dear Priyamvada, though I feel relieved that Shakunthala has, by Gandharva marriage rites, been happily united to a suitable husband, there is this worry.
Priyamvada: Like what?
Anasooya: Whether, the noble king, released by the priests after the completion of the sacrifice, and now back at home in the company of the ladies of his harem, will remember what happened here, or not!
Priyamvada: Be assured. Such noble features do not come with anything other than good character. But when Father hears this news, I don’t know how he will take it.
Anasooya: As I see it, he will approve it.
Priyamvada: How?
Anasooya: The important thing after all is to give one’s daughter in marriage to a good person. If Fate itself has accomplished it, have the parents not got what they wanted effortlessly?
Priyamvada: (looking at the flower basket) My friend, we have got enough flowers for the pooja.
Anasooya: Should we not pray to Shakunthala’s Goddess of Fortune!
Priyamvada: That is right.
[FROM IN THE GREEN ROOM, “ HULLO, THIS IS ME”]
Anasooya: (listening) Dear, it sounds like the announcement of guests.
Priyamvada: Is not Shakunthala at home? Today then, mentally she is not there.
Anasooya: well, this much flowers will do.
(they start to leave)
[IN THE GREENROOM,
Aah! You have no respect for guests!
Thinking on whom, with nothing else in mind,
You did not notice me, rich in ascetic powers, stannding near,
He will not remember you, even when reminded,
Like a drunkard whatever he did earlier say! ]
Priyamvada: Alas, alas! The unpleasant thing itself has happened. Some venerable man has been offended. --Not just anybody! This is the easily irascible ascetic, Durvasas. And thus cursing, he has walked away, with strides, lengthened by the force of his unstoppable speed. What other than fire can burn!
Anasooya: Go, fall at his feet, and make him come back! Meanwhile I wiil get water for his feet.
Priyamvada: Right.( exit)
Anasooya: (steps out, and slips midway) Ha, Stumbling in haste, I have dropped the flower basket. (picks up the flowers)
Priyamvada: (entering) my friend, how can anybody persuade him, who is perverse by nature! I somehow made him have some pity.
Anasooya: (smiling) Even this much is a lot in him. Go on.
Priyamvada: when he refused to come back, I pleaded: “ Your Holiness, Please, considering that it is the first time, excuse the fault of your daughter, who is ignorant of Your Holiness’ powers.”
Anassooya :Go on, go on.
Priyamvada: Saying “ My words cannot but be fulfilled. But my curse will go at the sight of a sign of remembrance”, he quickly disappeared.
Anasooya: We can now console ourselves. There is the ring stamped with his name, which the king, while going, himself put on her finger, and said,” this is for you to remember me always.” With this, Shakunthala has, in her hand, a way out.
Priyamvada: Come, let’s go. We shall finish our religious duties.
( both start leaving)
Priyamvada: (looking) Anasooya, just see. With her face resting on her left hand, our dear friend looks like a painting. With all her thoughts centred on her husband, she hardly notices herself, how then a guest!
Anasooya: Priyamvada, let what happened remain in our mouths. We have to protect our dear friend, so delicate is she by nature.
Priyamvada: Who will pour hot water on a jasmine plant?
(so both exit)
END OF PROLOGUE
(THEN ENTERS A STUDENT, JUST GOT UP)
Student: the venerable Kanva has asked me to see what time it is. Let me go out in the open and see how much of night is left. (walks around and looks) Ha! It is already morning.
One side, Queen of herbs, the Moon, goes to the western ridge,
The Sun, on the other, comes, led by the already appearing Dawn;
Thse two lights, by their simultaneous fall and rise,
Seem to to exemplify the changing states of men.
And
When the moon is set, the same water lily plant
Does not please my eyes, its beauty in memory lost.
The pangs of separation from their loved ones
Are extremely insufferable to the delicate women folk.
Anasooya: (enters, pushing away the curtain) When this is so, even a person, innocent of worldly affairs, cannot indeed but know that this king has shabbily treated Shakunthala.
Student: Let me inform Master that it is time for sacrifice. (exit)
Anasooya: Knowing this now, what can I do! I feel unable to move freely my hands and legs even for normal work. Let Cupid,the God of desires, have his desire satisfied! By him,my simple-hearted friend has been put in the hands of a crook.—Or, the curse of Durvasas is the cause. If not, how is it that a king of such noble family, after all those speeches, does not all this time send even a letter. So we shall send from here that ring to him. Whom among these vey difficult ascetics can we ask! Though I am convinced that my friend is innocent, how can I tell dad kanva, just returned from his trip, that Shakunthala has married Dushyantha and is pregnant. When matters stand thus, what can we do!
Priyamvada (entering, delightedly) My friend, hurry up, hurry up. We have to do the auspicious rites for the departure of Shakunthala.
Anasooya: Friend, how come this?
Priyamvada: I’ll tell you. Listen. I went to Shakunthala to see whether she slept well. And there was she standing embraced and being congratulated by dad Kanva. He said, “Luckily, the smoke-blinded sacrificer has put the offering in the fire itself. Dear child, like knowledge given to a good student, you are not to be pitied at all. Today itself, I will send you to your husband, under the protection of ascetics.”
Anasooya: By whom was dad kanva told what happened?
Priyamvad: On entering the sacred place of fire, by a disembodied voice in a rhytmic tone.
Anasooya: (in wonder) Tell me.
Priyamvada: (in sanskrit)
Devout Saint, Know, your daughter is carrying Dushantha’s seed
Like to the sacrificial Sami wood which holds inside the holy fire.
Anasooya: (hugging Priyamvada) O dear! I am so happy. But it is mixed with some sadness that today itself she would be taken away,
Priyamvada: My friend, we will somehow get over this sorrow. Let the poor girl be relieved.
Anasooya: Therefore, I have kept for this very purpose, in the cocanut shell hanging from the branch of the mango tree, a kesar flower garland. Please take it in your hand.i’ll just go and prepare the ointment out of Gorochana powder, earth from holy places, and Doorva grass shoots, for this auspicious moment.
Priyamvada: Please do so.
(exit Anasooya; Pritamvada reaches for the flowers)
[ (in the green room): Gauthami,Tell the worthy Sharngarava to bring Shakunthala.]
Priyamvada (hearing): Anasooya, hurry, hurry. These are the ascetics, departing for Hastinapura, shouting.
Anasooya (entering with the ointment in hand) : Come, friend. Let us go. ( both walk around)
Priyamvada (looking) : There she stands, having had a full head-bath in the early morning, and now being congratulated by the ashram-women , carrying in their hands the consecrated grains and uttering words of blessing. Let us go to her.
(and they approach her)
[THEN ENTER SHAKUNTHALA SEATED AND OCCUPIED AS ABOVE-SAID]
One of the women: (turning to Shakunthala) Child, may you get the title of Chief Queen, indicative of your husband’s respect for you.
The Second: Chilld, may you be the mother of the brave.
The Third: May you be honoured by your husband.
[ THEY, EXCEPT GAUTHAMI, LEAVE, AFTER GIVING THEIR BLESSINGS]
FrIends: (coming close) Hope you had a nice bath.
Shakunthala: Welcome, friends. Sit here.
Both; (with the auspicious bowls in hand, sitting)dear, get ready. Let us dress you up nicely.
Shakunthala: This I must value very much . Since it wiil be impossible hereafter to have my friends dress me. (sheds tears)
Friends: Friend, It is not right to cry at an auspicious time. (wipes tears, and adorns her )
Priyamvada: we are insulting your body, fit for jewelry, with these adornments we have got in ashram.
Two ashram boys: (entering with gifts) These are ornaments. Let madam be decked in these.
[ALL STARE IN AMAZEMENT]
Gauthami: Dear Narada, from where are these?
First: From the great powers of father Kanva.
Gauthami: Is it a creation of the mind?
Second: Not indeed. Listen: We were asked by Master to get flowers for Shakunthala from the trees.Then
From one tree came out a festive silken cloth, as white as moon,
Another oozed liqid lac, enough for her use on feet;
From others, were proffered ornaments by fairy hands
Rising up to the wrist like shoots of the trees’ tender leaves.
Priyamvada: My friend, this favour of Gods indicates your future queenly state of prosperity in your husband’s home.
(Shakunthala enacts bashfulness)
First student: Gauthama, come. Let us tell about this service by the tree-abiding spirits, to Kanva, who must have now finished his bath.
Second: Right.
(both exit)
Friends: O dear, The people here are not used to wearing ornaments. By what we have seen in picturess, we shall put these ornaments on you.
Shakunthala: I know well your skill.
(both put the ornaments on her)
(Then enters Kanva, having had his bath)
Kanva: My heart is touched by anxiety that Shakunthala goes today ,
Throat is choked with blocked tear-flow , my looks vacant with worry;
Such is my sadness because of love, though a dweller of thewoods,
How much will the home-bound suffer when a daughter suddenly leaves!
( he walks towards Shakunthala)
Friends: Dear shakunthala, We have done adorning you. Now wear these two silk garments.
(Shakunthala gets up and wears the clothes)
Gauthami: Child, your father, as if he is hugging you with eyes streaming with tears, has come. Be seated.
Shakunthala: (shyly) Dad, my respects.
Kanva: Like Sharmishttha by Yayati, be you cherished by your husband,
AS she Pooru, get a son, who will be king of kings.
Gauthami: Master, This is a boon, not simply a blessing!
Kanva: Child, go round this fire just fed with sacrificial ghee, and prostrate.
(all go round the fire)
Kanva: (in the rigvedic metre)
May these sacrificial fires, round the altar in their fixed spots,
Fed with holy firewood, skirted with Darbha grass on each side,
Blowing off misfortunes by the smell of the offering dropped therein,
Purify you!
Start now. (casting eyes round) Where is the good Shargarava?
Student(entering) Here we are.
Kanva: Show the way to your sister.
Sharngarava :Here, here, madam.
(all walk around)
Kanva: You, you,trees of the penance grove, present here,
She who will not think of drinking water till you had your drink,
Fond of ornaments, will not pluck, out of love for you, a tender leaf,
For whom your first blossoming time is a featival,
That Shakunthala is leaving for her husband’s home; Please consent!
(indicstes hearing a cuckoo’s note)
These trees, her friends of forest life,
Have given her permission to go,
Sincethey have given their reply in the form
Of these beautiful cockoo notes.
[ (from the heavens)
Let your route be comfortable with soft and pleasant breeze,
Spotted with lakes that shine green with lotus plants,
Sheltered by tree shades that reduce the heat of sun’s rays,
And covered by dust, like pollen ofwater lilies soft.]
(all listen in wonder)
Gauthami: Child, the deities of our penance- grove, who love you like kinsfolk,have given consent for your departire. Bow before the goddesses.
Shahunthala: (walks with bowed head, and then aside) Dear Priyamvada, eager as I am to see my husband, my feet don’t move forward, out of sadness at leaving the hermitage.
Priyamvada: Not only you, my friend, are sad at this separation from the ashram, but the whole place seems to be in the same state as you.
The deer drop the Darbha grass mouthfuls from their mouths,
The peacocks do not dance any more,
The creepers, from which pale white leaves are faling down,
Look as if they are shedding tears.
Shakunthala: (remebering) Dad, I will now bid farewell to my sister, the creeper Vanajyotsna.
Kanva: I know your sisterly affection for her. There she is to your right.
Shakunthala: ( going near the creeper) Vanajyotsna, though now united with the mango-tree, return my embrace with your branches turned this side. From today would I not be far away from you!
Kanva: You have by your past good deeds got a husband fit for you,
Just as I have from the first wished for you;
And since this jasmine creeper is to the mango tree joined,
All my worries are gone about you and her.
From here you may start your journey.
Shkunthala: (to friends) friends, now I am leaving her in your hands.
Friends: In whose hands are we left! (shed tears)
Kanva: Anasooya, don’t cry. Is it not you who should steady Shakunthala?
(All walk around)
Shakunthala: Dad, when this deer, wandering in the ashram grounds, vey slowly because of advanced pregnancy, is atlast delivered without problems, please send somebody to tell me the happy news.
Kanva: I will never fprget that.
Shakunthala: (suddenly stopped) Who is this clinging to my clothes! (turns backwards)
Kanva: My child,
This deer, you have brought up with fistfuls of grain,
Whose face, cut by the kusa grass tips,
You often dabbled with the healing ingudi oil,
Is not leaving your path, as if it were your son.
Shakunthala, My child, are you following me who is forsaking your company? Left by mother shortly after birth, you were brought up by me. When I am not here, father will look after you.Go back!(walks on, sobbing)
Kanva: Firmly stop the continuous flow of tears
That cloud your eyes, wide open with lashes raised.
See, your steps are stumbling on this path
Of uneven ground not noticed by you.
Sharngarava: Master, They say that loved ones should be accompanied upto the water limit. And we are now on the bank of this lake. Here you might give your message and return.
Kanva: In that case, let us stand in the shade of this banyan tree
(all walk and do so)
Kanva: (to himself) Now what suitable message shall I give to the king Dushyantha! (thinks)
Shakunthala: (aside)See, friends, this goose is crying, “How hard is my lot! ”, distressed at not seeing her companion, separated by only a leaf.
Anasooya: friend, don’t talk like that.
Even she lives, without her lover, through the long night of sorrow.
The pang of separation, though great, is made bearable by bonds of hope.
Kanva: Sharngarava, thus you have to tell the king in my words, after taking Shakunthala into his presence.
Sharngarava: Sir, please give your orders.
Kanva: Considering us whose wealth is self-control, and your own great heritage,
And this her love for you, unprompted by kinsmen, which somehow came to pass,
Treat her in the same way as you treat your other wives;
Rest is in fortune’s hands, not to be spoken by girl’s parents.
Sharngarava: Your message is taken.
Kanva: Now I have to instruct you. Though dwellers of woods, we know something about the world.
Sharngarava: For wise men, there is nothing beyond their view.
Kanva: when you go from here to your husband’s home,
Serve your elders, treat the other wives as your dear friends
Do not turn in anger against your husband, even when you arewronged,
Be very considerate to servants, never proud of your good fortune;
Thus girls become mistresses of home, others are shame to the house.
What does Gauthami think?
Gauthami: Indeed this much is the advice to a bride. Child, do all these.
Kanva: Dear, come,embrace me and your friends.
Shakunthala: (embracing Kanva)Dad, will Priyamvada and other friends return from here?
Kanva: These two have also to be married. It is not proper for them to go there. Gauthami will come with you.
Shakunthala: Fallen from father’s lap,how can I live in a strange place, like a sandal vine from The Malaya hill side!
Kanva: my child, why do you worry like this?
Remaining in the honoured position of mistress of your noble husband’s house,
Busy evey moment with its duties, heavy because of the wealth involved,
Giving birth to a son, like the East to the Sun, the purifier of the world,
Child, you will get over this sorrow of separation from me.
(Shakunthala falls at the feet of her father)
Kanva: May you have all that I wish!
Shakunthala: ( going to the friends) hug me, both of you together.
Friends: (doing so) If by chance the king is slow to recognize you, then show him the ring stamped with his own name.
Shakunthala: This doubt makes me quiver in fear.
Anasooya: Don’t be afraid. Too much love makes one fear the worst.
Sharngarava: It is past midday. Madam, hurry.
Shakunthala: (turns and faces the ashram) Dad, when will I see the ashram again!
Kanva: I will tell you.
After remaining long the co-wife of the four-sides-encompassing Earth,
Settling in Dushyantha’s place your son unrivalled in valour,
And leaving on him the burden of household, you will,
Along with husband, turn your steps to this quiet ashram again.
Gauthami: It is getting late. Send father back. Otherwise he will go on talking like this again and again for ever. Sir, please return.
Kanva: Child, my prayer time is getting delayed.
Shakunthala:(embracing father again) Your body is weak with austerities. So don’t be too much worked up on my account.
Kanva: (with a sigh) How can my grief ever go, my child,
When I see the the offering
Of foodgrains made by you
Growing at the cottage door!
Go. Have a pleasant journey.
(Shakunthala leaves along with others)
Friends : alas, alas, Shakunthala is now hidden behind the trees.
Kanv: Anasooya, your companion in ashram duties is gone. Control your grief and follow me back home.
Friends: How can we enter the ashram where Shakunthala will not be anymore!
Kanva: The workings of love are such. (walking thoughtfully) Ah! Look, I am very relieved after having sent Shakunthala to her husband’s home.
A daughter is after all another’s property;
Now that I have her to the rightful owner sent,
My conscience is indeed very clear
As ifa deposit I have returned intact.
(exit all)
[END FOURTH ACT]
.
act 4
SHAKUNTHALAM ACT 4
(ENTER FRIENDS, GATHERING FLOWERS)
Anasooya: Dear Priyamvada, though I feel relieved that Shakunthala has, by Gandharva marriage rites, been happily united to a suitable husband, there is this worry.
Priyamvada: Like what?
Anasooya: Whether, the noble king, released by the priests after the completion of the sacrifice, and now back at home in the company of the ladies of his harem, will remember what happened here, or not!
Priyamvada: Be assured. Such noble features do not come with anything other than good character. But when Father hears this news, I don’t know how he will take it.
Anasooya: As I see it, he will approve it.
Priyamvada: How?
Anasooya: The important thing after all is to give one’s daughter in marriage to a good person. If Fate itself has accomplished it, have the parents not got what they wanted effortlessly?
Priyamvada: (looking at the flower basket) My friend, we have got enough flowers for the pooja.
Anasooya: Should we not pray to Shakunthala’s Goddess of Fortune!
Priyamvada: That is right.
[FROM IN THE GREEN ROOM, “ HULLO, THIS IS ME”]
Anasooya: (listening) Dear, it sounds like the announcement of guests.
Priyamvada: Is not Shakunthala at home? Today then, mentally she is not there.
Anasooya: well, this much flowers will do.
(they start to leave)
[IN THE GREENROOM,
Aah! You have no respect for guests!
Thinking on whom, with nothing else in mind,
You did not notice me, rich in ascetic powers, stannding near,
He will not remember you, even when reminded,
Like a drunkard whatever he did earlier say! ]
Priyamvada: Alas, alas! The unpleasant thing itself has happened. Some venerable man has been offended. --Not just anybody! This is the easily irascible ascetic, Durvasas. And thus cursing, he has walked away, with strides, lengthened by the force of his unstoppable speed. What other than fire can burn!
Anasooya: Go, fall at his feet, and make him come back! Meanwhile I wiil get water for his feet.
Priyamvada: Right.( exit)
Anasooya: (steps out, and slips midway) Ha, Stumbling in haste, I have dropped the flower basket. (picks up the flowers)
Priyamvada: (entering) my friend, how can anybody persuade him, who is perverse by nature! I somehow made him have some pity.
Anasooya: (smiling) Even this much is a lot in him. Go on.
Priyamvada: when he refused to come back, I pleaded: “ Your Holiness, Please, considering that it is the first time, excuse the fault of your daughter, who is ignorant of Your Holiness’ powers.”
Anassooya :Go on, go on.
Priyamvada: Saying “ My words cannot but be fulfilled. But my curse will go at the sight of a sign of remembrance”, he quickly disappeared.
Anasooya: We can now console ourselves. There is the ring stamped with his name, which the king, while going, himself put on her finger, and said,” this is for you to remember me always.” With this, Shakunthala has, in her hand, a way out.
Priyamvada: Come, let’s go. We shall finish our religious duties.
( both start leaving)
Priyamvada: (looking) Anasooya, just see. With her face resting on her left hand, our dear friend looks like a painting. With all her thoughts centred on her husband, she hardly notices herself, how then a guest!
Anasooya: Priyamvada, let what happened remain in our mouths. We have to protect our dear friend, so delicate is she by nature.
Priyamvada: Who will pour hot water on a jasmine plant?
(so both exit)
END OF PROLOGUE
(THEN ENTERS A STUDENT, JUST GOT UP)
Student: the venerable Kanva has asked me to see what time it is. Let me go out in the open and see how much of night is left. (walks around and looks) Ha! It is already morning.
One side, Queen of herbs, the Moon, goes to the western ridge,
The Sun, on the other, comes, led by the already appearing Dawn;
Thse two lights, by their simultaneous fall and rise,
Seem to to exemplify the changing states of men.
And
When the moon is set, the same water lily plant
Does not please my eyes, its beauty in memory lost.
The pangs of separation from their loved ones
Are extremely insufferable to the delicate women folk.
Anasooya: (enters, pushing away the curtain) When this is so, even a person, innocent of worldly affairs, cannot indeed but know that this king has shabbily treated Shakunthala.
Student: Let me inform Master that it is time for sacrifice. (exit)
Anasooya: Knowing this now, what can I do! I feel unable to move freely my hands and legs even for normal work. Let Cupid,the God of desires, have his desire satisfied! By him,my simple-hearted friend has been put in the hands of a crook.—Or, the curse of Durvasas is the cause. If not, how is it that a king of such noble family, after all those speeches, does not all this time send even a letter. So we shall send from here that ring to him. Whom among these vey difficult ascetics can we ask! Though I am convinced that my friend is innocent, how can I tell dad kanva, just returned from his trip, that Shakunthala has married Dushyantha and is pregnant. When matters stand thus, what can we do!
Priyamvada (entering, delightedly) My friend, hurry up, hurry up. We have to do the auspicious rites for the departure of Shakunthala.
Anasooya: Friend, how come this?
Priyamvada: I’ll tell you. Listen. I went to Shakunthala to see whether she slept well. And there was she standing embraced and being congratulated by dad Kanva. He said, “Luckily, the smoke-blinded sacrificer has put the offering in the fire itself. Dear child, like knowledge given to a good student, you are not to be pitied at all. Today itself, I will send you to your husband, under the protection of ascetics.”
Anasooya: By whom was dad kanva told what happened?
Priyamvad: On entering the sacred place of fire, by a disembodied voice in a rhytmic tone.
Anasooya: (in wonder) Tell me.
Priyamvada: (in sanskrit)
Devout Saint, Know, your daughter is carrying Dushantha’s seed
Like to the sacrificial Sami wood which holds inside the holy fire.
Anasooya: (hugging Priyamvada) O dear! I am so happy. But it is mixed with some sadness that today itself she would be taken away,
Priyamvada: My friend, we will somehow get over this sorrow. Let the poor girl be relieved.
Anasooya: Therefore, I have kept for this very purpose, in the cocanut shell hanging from the branch of the mango tree, a kesar flower garland. Please take it in your hand.i’ll just go and prepare the ointment out of Gorochana powder, earth from holy places, and Doorva grass shoots, for this auspicious moment.
Priyamvada: Please do so.
(exit Anasooya; Pritamvada reaches for the flowers)
[ (in the green room): Gauthami,Tell the worthy Sharngarava to bring Shakunthala.]
Priyamvada (hearing): Anasooya, hurry, hurry. These are the ascetics, departing for Hastinapura, shouting.
Anasooya (entering with the ointment in hand) : Come, friend. Let us go. ( both walk around)
Priyamvada (looking) : There she stands, having had a full head-bath in the early morning, and now being congratulated by the ashram-women , carrying in their hands the consecrated grains and uttering words of blessing. Let us go to her.
(and they approach her)
[THEN ENTER SHAKUNTHALA SEATED AND OCCUPIED AS ABOVE-SAID]
One of the women: (turning to Shakunthala) Child, may you get the title of Chief Queen, indicative of your husband’s respect for you.
The Second: Chilld, may you be the mother of the brave.
The Third: May you be honoured by your husband.
[ THEY, EXCEPT GAUTHAMI, LEAVE, AFTER GIVING THEIR BLESSINGS]
FrIends: (coming close) Hope you had a nice bath.
Shakunthala: Welcome, friends. Sit here.
Both; (with the auspicious bowls in hand, sitting)dear, get ready. Let us dress you up nicely.
Shakunthala: This I must value very much . Since it wiil be impossible hereafter to have my friends dress me. (sheds tears)
Friends: Friend, It is not right to cry at an auspicious time. (wipes tears, and adorns her )
Priyamvada: we are insulting your body, fit for jewelry, with these adornments we have got in ashram.
Two ashram boys: (entering with gifts) These are ornaments. Let madam be decked in these.
[ALL STARE IN AMAZEMENT]
Gauthami: Dear Narada, from where are these?
First: From the great powers of father Kanva.
Gauthami: Is it a creation of the mind?
Second: Not indeed. Listen: We were asked by Master to get flowers for Shakunthala from the trees.Then
From one tree came out a festive silken cloth, as white as moon,
Another oozed liqid lac, enough for her use on feet;
From others, were proffered ornaments by fairy hands
Rising up to the wrist like shoots of the trees’ tender leaves.
Priyamvada: My friend, this favour of Gods indicates your future queenly state of prosperity in your husband’s home.
(Shakunthala enacts bashfulness)
First student: Gauthama, come. Let us tell about this service by the tree-abiding spirits, to Kanva, who must have now finished his bath.
Second: Right.
(both exit)
Friends: O dear, The people here are not used to wearing ornaments. By what we have seen in picturess, we shall put these ornaments on you.
Shakunthala: I know well your skill.
(both put the ornaments on her)
(Then enters Kanva, having had his bath)
Kanva: My heart is touched by anxiety that Shakunthala goes today ,
Throat is choked with blocked tear-flow , my looks vacant with worry;
Such is my sadness because of love, though a dweller of thewoods,
How much will the home-bound suffer when a daughter suddenly leaves!
( he walks towards Shakunthala)
Friends: Dear shakunthala, We have done adorning you. Now wear these two silk garments.
(Shakunthala gets up and wears the clothes)
Gauthami: Child, your father, as if he is hugging you with eyes streaming with tears, has come. Be seated.
Shakunthala: (shyly) Dad, my respects.
Kanva: Like Sharmishttha by Yayati, be you cherished by your husband,
AS she Pooru, get a son, who will be king of kings.
Gauthami: Master, This is a boon, not simply a blessing!
Kanva: Child, go round this fire just fed with sacrificial ghee, and prostrate.
(all go round the fire)
Kanva: (in the rigvedic metre)
May these sacrificial fires, round the altar in their fixed spots,
Fed with holy firewood, skirted with Darbha grass on each side,
Blowing off misfortunes by the smell of the offering dropped therein,
Purify you!
Start now. (casting eyes round) Where is the good Shargarava?
Student(entering) Here we are.
Kanva: Show the way to your sister.
Sharngarava :Here, here, madam.
(all walk around)
Kanva: You, you,trees of the penance grove, present here,
She who will not think of drinking water till you had your drink,
Fond of ornaments, will not pluck, out of love for you, a tender leaf,
For whom your first blossoming time is a featival,
That Shakunthala is leaving for her husband’s home; Please consent!
(indicstes hearing a cuckoo’s note)
These trees, her friends of forest life,
Have given her permission to go,
Sincethey have given their reply in the form
Of these beautiful cockoo notes.
[ (from the heavens)
Let your route be comfortable with soft and pleasant breeze,
Spotted with lakes that shine green with lotus plants,
Sheltered by tree shades that reduce the heat of sun’s rays,
And covered by dust, like pollen ofwater lilies soft.]
(all listen in wonder)
Gauthami: Child, the deities of our penance- grove, who love you like kinsfolk,have given consent for your departire. Bow before the goddesses.
Shahunthala: (walks with bowed head, and then aside) Dear Priyamvada, eager as I am to see my husband, my feet don’t move forward, out of sadness at leaving the hermitage.
Priyamvada: Not only you, my friend, are sad at this separation from the ashram, but the whole place seems to be in the same state as you.
The deer drop the Darbha grass mouthfuls from their mouths,
The peacocks do not dance any more,
The creepers, from which pale white leaves are faling down,
Look as if they are shedding tears.
Shakunthala: (remebering) Dad, I will now bid farewell to my sister, the creeper Vanajyotsna.
Kanva: I know your sisterly affection for her. There she is to your right.
Shakunthala: ( going near the creeper) Vanajyotsna, though now united with the mango-tree, return my embrace with your branches turned this side. From today would I not be far away from you!
Kanva: You have by your past good deeds got a husband fit for you,
Just as I have from the first wished for you;
And since this jasmine creeper is to the mango tree joined,
All my worries are gone about you and her.
From here you may start your journey.
Shkunthala: (to friends) friends, now I am leaving her in your hands.
Friends: In whose hands are we left! (shed tears)
Kanva: Anasooya, don’t cry. Is it not you who should steady Shakunthala?
(All walk around)
Shakunthala: Dad, when this deer, wandering in the ashram grounds, vey slowly because of advanced pregnancy, is atlast delivered without problems, please send somebody to tell me the happy news.
Kanva: I will never fprget that.
Shakunthala: (suddenly stopped) Who is this clinging to my clothes! (turns backwards)
Kanva: My child,
This deer, you have brought up with fistfuls of grain,
Whose face, cut by the kusa grass tips,
You often dabbled with the healing ingudi oil,
Is not leaving your path, as if it were your son.
Shakunthala, My child, are you following me who is forsaking your company? Left by mother shortly after birth, you were brought up by me. When I am not here, father will look after you.Go back!(walks on, sobbing)
Kanva: Firmly stop the continuous flow of tears
That cloud your eyes, wide open with lashes raised.
See, your steps are stumbling on this path
Of uneven ground not noticed by you.
Sharngarava: Master, They say that loved ones should be accompanied upto the water limit. And we are now on the bank of this lake. Here you might give your message and return.
Kanva: In that case, let us stand in the shade of this banyan tree
(all walk and do so)
Kanva: (to himself) Now what suitable message shall I give to the king Dushyantha! (thinks)
Shakunthala: (aside)See, friends, this goose is crying, “How hard is my lot! ”, distressed at not seeing her companion, separated by only a leaf.
Anasooya: friend, don’t talk like that.
Even she lives, without her lover, through the long night of sorrow.
The pang of separation, though great, is made bearable by bonds of hope.
Kanva: Sharngarava, thus you have to tell the king in my words, after taking Shakunthala into his presence.
Sharngarava: Sir, please give your orders.
Kanva: Considering us whose wealth is self-control, and your own great heritage,
And this her love for you, unprompted by kinsmen, which somehow came to pass,
Treat her in the same way as you treat your other wives;
Rest is in fortune’s hands, not to be spoken by girl’s parents.
Sharngarava: Your message is taken.
Kanva: Now I have to instruct you. Though dwellers of woods, we know something about the world.
Sharngarava: For wise men, there is nothing beyond their view.
Kanva: when you go from here to your husband’s home,
Serve your elders, treat the other wives as your dear friends
Do not turn in anger against your husband, even when you arewronged,
Be very considerate to servants, never proud of your good fortune;
Thus girls become mistresses of home, others are shame to the house.
What does Gauthami think?
Gauthami: Indeed this much is the advice to a bride. Child, do all these.
Kanva: Dear, come,embrace me and your friends.
Shakunthala: (embracing Kanva)Dad, will Priyamvada and other friends return from here?
Kanva: These two have also to be married. It is not proper for them to go there. Gauthami will come with you.
Shakunthala: Fallen from father’s lap,how can I live in a strange place, like a sandal vine from The Malaya hill side!
Kanva: my child, why do you worry like this?
Remaining in the honoured position of mistress of your noble husband’s house,
Busy evey moment with its duties, heavy because of the wealth involved,
Giving birth to a son, like the East to the Sun, the purifier of the world,
Child, you will get over this sorrow of separation from me.
(Shakunthala falls at the feet of her father)
Kanva: May you have all that I wish!
Shakunthala: ( going to the friends) hug me, both of you together.
Friends: (doing so) If by chance the king is slow to recognize you, then show him the ring stamped with his own name.
Shakunthala: This doubt makes me quiver in fear.
Anasooya: Don’t be afraid. Too much love makes one fear the worst.
Sharngarava: It is past midday. Madam, hurry.
Shakunthala: (turns and faces the ashram) Dad, when will I see the ashram again!
Kanva: I will tell you.
After remaining long the co-wife of the four-sides-encompassing Earth,
Settling in Dushyantha’s place your son unrivalled in valour,
And leaving on him the burden of household, you will,
Along with husband, turn your steps to this quiet ashram again.
Gauthami: It is getting late. Send father back. Otherwise he will go on talking like this again and again for ever. Sir, please return.
Kanva: Child, my prayer time is getting delayed.
Shakunthala:(embracing father again) Your body is weak with austerities. So don’t be too much worked up on my account.
Kanva: (with a sigh) How can my grief ever go, my child,
When I see the the offering
Of foodgrains made by you
Growing at the cottage door!
Go. Have a pleasant journey.
(Shakunthala leaves along with others)
Friends : alas, alas, Shakunthala is now hidden behind the trees.
Kanv: Anasooya, your companion in ashram duties is gone. Control your grief and follow me back home.
Friends: How can we enter the ashram where Shakunthala will not be anymore!
Kanva: The workings of love are such. (walking thoughtfully) Ah! Look, I am very relieved after having sent Shakunthala to her husband’s home.
A daughter is after all another’s property;
Now that I have her to the rightful owner sent,
My conscience is indeed very clear
As ifa deposit I have returned intact.
(exit all)
[END FOURTH ACT]
.
SHAKUNTHALAM ACT 4
(ENTER FRIENDS, GATHERING FLOWERS)
Anasooya: Dear Priyamvada, though I feel relieved that Shakunthala has, by Gandharva marriage rites, been happily united to a suitable husband, there is this worry.
Priyamvada: Like what?
Anasooya: Whether, the noble king, released by the priests after the completion of the sacrifice, and now back at home in the company of the ladies of his harem, will remember what happened here, or not!
Priyamvada: Be assured. Such noble features do not come with anything other than good character. But when Father hears this news, I don’t know how he will take it.
Anasooya: As I see it, he will approve it.
Priyamvada: How?
Anasooya: The important thing after all is to give one’s daughter in marriage to a good person. If Fate itself has accomplished it, have the parents not got what they wanted effortlessly?
Priyamvada: (looking at the flower basket) My friend, we have got enough flowers for the pooja.
Anasooya: Should we not pray to Shakunthala’s Goddess of Fortune!
Priyamvada: That is right.
[FROM IN THE GREEN ROOM, “ HULLO, THIS IS ME”]
Anasooya: (listening) Dear, it sounds like the announcement of guests.
Priyamvada: Is not Shakunthala at home? Today then, mentally she is not there.
Anasooya: well, this much flowers will do.
(they start to leave)
[IN THE GREENROOM,
Aah! You have no respect for guests!
Thinking on whom, with nothing else in mind,
You did not notice me, rich in ascetic powers, stannding near,
He will not remember you, even when reminded,
Like a drunkard whatever he did earlier say! ]
Priyamvada: Alas, alas! The unpleasant thing itself has happened. Some venerable man has been offended. --Not just anybody! This is the easily irascible ascetic, Durvasas. And thus cursing, he has walked away, with strides, lengthened by the force of his unstoppable speed. What other than fire can burn!
Anasooya: Go, fall at his feet, and make him come back! Meanwhile I wiil get water for his feet.
Priyamvada: Right.( exit)
Anasooya: (steps out, and slips midway) Ha, Stumbling in haste, I have dropped the flower basket. (picks up the flowers)
Priyamvada: (entering) my friend, how can anybody persuade him, who is perverse by nature! I somehow made him have some pity.
Anasooya: (smiling) Even this much is a lot in him. Go on.
Priyamvada: when he refused to come back, I pleaded: “ Your Holiness, Please, considering that it is the first time, excuse the fault of your daughter, who is ignorant of Your Holiness’ powers.”
Anassooya :Go on, go on.
Priyamvada: Saying “ My words cannot but be fulfilled. But my curse will go at the sight of a sign of remembrance”, he quickly disappeared.
Anasooya: We can now console ourselves. There is the ring stamped with his name, which the king, while going, himself put on her finger, and said,” this is for you to remember me always.” With this, Shakunthala has, in her hand, a way out.
Priyamvada: Come, let’s go. We shall finish our religious duties.
( both start leaving)
Priyamvada: (looking) Anasooya, just see. With her face resting on her left hand, our dear friend looks like a painting. With all her thoughts centred on her husband, she hardly notices herself, how then a guest!
Anasooya: Priyamvada, let what happened remain in our mouths. We have to protect our dear friend, so delicate is she by nature.
Priyamvada: Who will pour hot water on a jasmine plant?
(so both exit)
END OF PROLOGUE
(THEN ENTERS A STUDENT, JUST GOT UP)
Student: the venerable Kanva has asked me to see what time it is. Let me go out in the open and see how much of night is left. (walks around and looks) Ha! It is already morning.
One side, Queen of herbs, the Moon, goes to the western ridge,
The Sun, on the other, comes, led by the already appearing Dawn;
Thse two lights, by their simultaneous fall and rise,
Seem to to exemplify the changing states of men.
And
When the moon is set, the same water lily plant
Does not please my eyes, its beauty in memory lost.
The pangs of separation from their loved ones
Are extremely insufferable to the delicate women folk.
Anasooya: (enters, pushing away the curtain) When this is so, even a person, innocent of worldly affairs, cannot indeed but know that this king has shabbily treated Shakunthala.
Student: Let me inform Master that it is time for sacrifice. (exit)
Anasooya: Knowing this now, what can I do! I feel unable to move freely my hands and legs even for normal work. Let Cupid,the God of desires, have his desire satisfied! By him,my simple-hearted friend has been put in the hands of a crook.—Or, the curse of Durvasas is the cause. If not, how is it that a king of such noble family, after all those speeches, does not all this time send even a letter. So we shall send from here that ring to him. Whom among these vey difficult ascetics can we ask! Though I am convinced that my friend is innocent, how can I tell dad kanva, just returned from his trip, that Shakunthala has married Dushyantha and is pregnant. When matters stand thus, what can we do!
Priyamvada (entering, delightedly) My friend, hurry up, hurry up. We have to do the auspicious rites for the departure of Shakunthala.
Anasooya: Friend, how come this?
Priyamvada: I’ll tell you. Listen. I went to Shakunthala to see whether she slept well. And there was she standing embraced and being congratulated by dad Kanva. He said, “Luckily, the smoke-blinded sacrificer has put the offering in the fire itself. Dear child, like knowledge given to a good student, you are not to be pitied at all. Today itself, I will send you to your husband, under the protection of ascetics.”
Anasooya: By whom was dad kanva told what happened?
Priyamvad: On entering the sacred place of fire, by a disembodied voice in a rhytmic tone.
Anasooya: (in wonder) Tell me.
Priyamvada: (in sanskrit)
Devout Saint, Know, your daughter is carrying Dushantha’s seed
Like to the sacrificial Sami wood which holds inside the holy fire.
Anasooya: (hugging Priyamvada) O dear! I am so happy. But it is mixed with some sadness that today itself she would be taken away,
Priyamvada: My friend, we will somehow get over this sorrow. Let the poor girl be relieved.
Anasooya: Therefore, I have kept for this very purpose, in the cocanut shell hanging from the branch of the mango tree, a kesar flower garland. Please take it in your hand.i’ll just go and prepare the ointment out of Gorochana powder, earth from holy places, and Doorva grass shoots, for this auspicious moment.
Priyamvada: Please do so.
(exit Anasooya; Pritamvada reaches for the flowers)
[ (in the green room): Gauthami,Tell the worthy Sharngarava to bring Shakunthala.]
Priyamvada (hearing): Anasooya, hurry, hurry. These are the ascetics, departing for Hastinapura, shouting.
Anasooya (entering with the ointment in hand) : Come, friend. Let us go. ( both walk around)
Priyamvada (looking) : There she stands, having had a full head-bath in the early morning, and now being congratulated by the ashram-women , carrying in their hands the consecrated grains and uttering words of blessing. Let us go to her.
(and they approach her)
[THEN ENTER SHAKUNTHALA SEATED AND OCCUPIED AS ABOVE-SAID]
One of the women: (turning to Shakunthala) Child, may you get the title of Chief Queen, indicative of your husband’s respect for you.
The Second: Chilld, may you be the mother of the brave.
The Third: May you be honoured by your husband.
[ THEY, EXCEPT GAUTHAMI, LEAVE, AFTER GIVING THEIR BLESSINGS]
FrIends: (coming close) Hope you had a nice bath.
Shakunthala: Welcome, friends. Sit here.
Both; (with the auspicious bowls in hand, sitting)dear, get ready. Let us dress you up nicely.
Shakunthala: This I must value very much . Since it wiil be impossible hereafter to have my friends dress me. (sheds tears)
Friends: Friend, It is not right to cry at an auspicious time. (wipes tears, and adorns her )
Priyamvada: we are insulting your body, fit for jewelry, with these adornments we have got in ashram.
Two ashram boys: (entering with gifts) These are ornaments. Let madam be decked in these.
[ALL STARE IN AMAZEMENT]
Gauthami: Dear Narada, from where are these?
First: From the great powers of father Kanva.
Gauthami: Is it a creation of the mind?
Second: Not indeed. Listen: We were asked by Master to get flowers for Shakunthala from the trees.Then
From one tree came out a festive silken cloth, as white as moon,
Another oozed liqid lac, enough for her use on feet;
From others, were proffered ornaments by fairy hands
Rising up to the wrist like shoots of the trees’ tender leaves.
Priyamvada: My friend, this favour of Gods indicates your future queenly state of prosperity in your husband’s home.
(Shakunthala enacts bashfulness)
First student: Gauthama, come. Let us tell about this service by the tree-abiding spirits, to Kanva, who must have now finished his bath.
Second: Right.
(both exit)
Friends: O dear, The people here are not used to wearing ornaments. By what we have seen in picturess, we shall put these ornaments on you.
Shakunthala: I know well your skill.
(both put the ornaments on her)
(Then enters Kanva, having had his bath)
Kanva: My heart is touched by anxiety that Shakunthala goes today ,
Throat is choked with blocked tear-flow , my looks vacant with worry;
Such is my sadness because of love, though a dweller of thewoods,
How much will the home-bound suffer when a daughter suddenly leaves!
( he walks towards Shakunthala)
Friends: Dear shakunthala, We have done adorning you. Now wear these two silk garments.
(Shakunthala gets up and wears the clothes)
Gauthami: Child, your father, as if he is hugging you with eyes streaming with tears, has come. Be seated.
Shakunthala: (shyly) Dad, my respects.
Kanva: Like Sharmishttha by Yayati, be you cherished by your husband,
AS she Pooru, get a son, who will be king of kings.
Gauthami: Master, This is a boon, not simply a blessing!
Kanva: Child, go round this fire just fed with sacrificial ghee, and prostrate.
(all go round the fire)
Kanva: (in the rigvedic metre)
May these sacrificial fires, round the altar in their fixed spots,
Fed with holy firewood, skirted with Darbha grass on each side,
Blowing off misfortunes by the smell of the offering dropped therein,
Purify you!
Start now. (casting eyes round) Where is the good Shargarava?
Student(entering) Here we are.
Kanva: Show the way to your sister.
Sharngarava :Here, here, madam.
(all walk around)
Kanva: You, you,trees of the penance grove, present here,
She who will not think of drinking water till you had your drink,
Fond of ornaments, will not pluck, out of love for you, a tender leaf,
For whom your first blossoming time is a featival,
That Shakunthala is leaving for her husband’s home; Please consent!
(indicstes hearing a cuckoo’s note)
These trees, her friends of forest life,
Have given her permission to go,
Sincethey have given their reply in the form
Of these beautiful cockoo notes.
[ (from the heavens)
Let your route be comfortable with soft and pleasant breeze,
Spotted with lakes that shine green with lotus plants,
Sheltered by tree shades that reduce the heat of sun’s rays,
And covered by dust, like pollen ofwater lilies soft.]
(all listen in wonder)
Gauthami: Child, the deities of our penance- grove, who love you like kinsfolk,have given consent for your departire. Bow before the goddesses.
Shahunthala: (walks with bowed head, and then aside) Dear Priyamvada, eager as I am to see my husband, my feet don’t move forward, out of sadness at leaving the hermitage.
Priyamvada: Not only you, my friend, are sad at this separation from the ashram, but the whole place seems to be in the same state as you.
The deer drop the Darbha grass mouthfuls from their mouths,
The peacocks do not dance any more,
The creepers, from which pale white leaves are faling down,
Look as if they are shedding tears.
Shakunthala: (remebering) Dad, I will now bid farewell to my sister, the creeper Vanajyotsna.
Kanva: I know your sisterly affection for her. There she is to your right.
Shakunthala: ( going near the creeper) Vanajyotsna, though now united with the mango-tree, return my embrace with your branches turned this side. From today would I not be far away from you!
Kanva: You have by your past good deeds got a husband fit for you,
Just as I have from the first wished for you;
And since this jasmine creeper is to the mango tree joined,
All my worries are gone about you and her.
From here you may start your journey.
Shkunthala: (to friends) friends, now I am leaving her in your hands.
Friends: In whose hands are we left! (shed tears)
Kanva: Anasooya, don’t cry. Is it not you who should steady Shakunthala?
(All walk around)
Shakunthala: Dad, when this deer, wandering in the ashram grounds, vey slowly because of advanced pregnancy, is atlast delivered without problems, please send somebody to tell me the happy news.
Kanva: I will never fprget that.
Shakunthala: (suddenly stopped) Who is this clinging to my clothes! (turns backwards)
Kanva: My child,
This deer, you have brought up with fistfuls of grain,
Whose face, cut by the kusa grass tips,
You often dabbled with the healing ingudi oil,
Is not leaving your path, as if it were your son.
Shakunthala, My child, are you following me who is forsaking your company? Left by mother shortly after birth, you were brought up by me. When I am not here, father will look after you.Go back!(walks on, sobbing)
Kanva: Firmly stop the continuous flow of tears
That cloud your eyes, wide open with lashes raised.
See, your steps are stumbling on this path
Of uneven ground not noticed by you.
Sharngarava: Master, They say that loved ones should be accompanied upto the water limit. And we are now on the bank of this lake. Here you might give your message and return.
Kanva: In that case, let us stand in the shade of this banyan tree
(all walk and do so)
Kanva: (to himself) Now what suitable message shall I give to the king Dushyantha! (thinks)
Shakunthala: (aside)See, friends, this goose is crying, “How hard is my lot! ”, distressed at not seeing her companion, separated by only a leaf.
Anasooya: friend, don’t talk like that.
Even she lives, without her lover, through the long night of sorrow.
The pang of separation, though great, is made bearable by bonds of hope.
Kanva: Sharngarava, thus you have to tell the king in my words, after taking Shakunthala into his presence.
Sharngarava: Sir, please give your orders.
Kanva: Considering us whose wealth is self-control, and your own great heritage,
And this her love for you, unprompted by kinsmen, which somehow came to pass,
Treat her in the same way as you treat your other wives;
Rest is in fortune’s hands, not to be spoken by girl’s parents.
Sharngarava: Your message is taken.
Kanva: Now I have to instruct you. Though dwellers of woods, we know something about the world.
Sharngarava: For wise men, there is nothing beyond their view.
Kanva: when you go from here to your husband’s home,
Serve your elders, treat the other wives as your dear friends
Do not turn in anger against your husband, even when you arewronged,
Be very considerate to servants, never proud of your good fortune;
Thus girls become mistresses of home, others are shame to the house.
What does Gauthami think?
Gauthami: Indeed this much is the advice to a bride. Child, do all these.
Kanva: Dear, come,embrace me and your friends.
Shakunthala: (embracing Kanva)Dad, will Priyamvada and other friends return from here?
Kanva: These two have also to be married. It is not proper for them to go there. Gauthami will come with you.
Shakunthala: Fallen from father’s lap,how can I live in a strange place, like a sandal vine from The Malaya hill side!
Kanva: my child, why do you worry like this?
Remaining in the honoured position of mistress of your noble husband’s house,
Busy evey moment with its duties, heavy because of the wealth involved,
Giving birth to a son, like the East to the Sun, the purifier of the world,
Child, you will get over this sorrow of separation from me.
(Shakunthala falls at the feet of her father)
Kanva: May you have all that I wish!
Shakunthala: ( going to the friends) hug me, both of you together.
Friends: (doing so) If by chance the king is slow to recognize you, then show him the ring stamped with his own name.
Shakunthala: This doubt makes me quiver in fear.
Anasooya: Don’t be afraid. Too much love makes one fear the worst.
Sharngarava: It is past midday. Madam, hurry.
Shakunthala: (turns and faces the ashram) Dad, when will I see the ashram again!
Kanva: I will tell you.
After remaining long the co-wife of the four-sides-encompassing Earth,
Settling in Dushyantha’s place your son unrivalled in valour,
And leaving on him the burden of household, you will,
Along with husband, turn your steps to this quiet ashram again.
Gauthami: It is getting late. Send father back. Otherwise he will go on talking like this again and again for ever. Sir, please return.
Kanva: Child, my prayer time is getting delayed.
Shakunthala:(embracing father again) Your body is weak with austerities. So don’t be too much worked up on my account.
Kanva: (with a sigh) How can my grief ever go, my child,
When I see the the offering
Of foodgrains made by you
Growing at the cottage door!
Go. Have a pleasant journey.
(Shakunthala leaves along with others)
Friends : alas, alas, Shakunthala is now hidden behind the trees.
Kanv: Anasooya, your companion in ashram duties is gone. Control your grief and follow me back home.
Friends: How can we enter the ashram where Shakunthala will not be anymore!
Kanva: The workings of love are such. (walking thoughtfully) Ah! Look, I am very relieved after having sent Shakunthala to her husband’s home.
A daughter is after all another’s property;
Now that I have her to the rightful owner sent,
My conscience is indeed very clear
As ifa deposit I have returned intact.
(exit all)
[END FOURTH ACT]
.
(ENTER FRIENDS, GATHERING FLOWERS)
Anasooya: Dear Priyamvada, though I feel relieved that Shakunthala has, by Gandharva marriage rites, been happily united to a suitable husband, there is this worry.
Priyamvada: Like what?
Anasooya: Whether, the noble king, released by the priests after the completion of the sacrifice, and now back at home in the company of the ladies of his harem, will remember what happened here, or not!
Priyamvada: Be assured. Such noble features do not come with anything other than good character. But when Father hears this news, I don’t know how he will take it.
Anasooya: As I see it, he will approve it.
Priyamvada: How?
Anasooya: The important thing after all is to give one’s daughter in marriage to a good person. If Fate itself has accomplished it, have the parents not got what they wanted effortlessly?
Priyamvada: (looking at the flower basket) My friend, we have got enough flowers for the pooja.
Anasooya: Should we not pray to Shakunthala’s Goddess of Fortune!
Priyamvada: That is right.
[FROM IN THE GREEN ROOM, “ HULLO, THIS IS ME”]
Anasooya: (listening) Dear, it sounds like the announcement of guests.
Priyamvada: Is not Shakunthala at home? Today then, mentally she is not there.
Anasooya: well, this much flowers will do.
(they start to leave)
[IN THE GREENROOM,
Aah! You have no respect for guests!
Thinking on whom, with nothing else in mind,
You did not notice me, rich in ascetic powers, stannding near,
He will not remember you, even when reminded,
Like a drunkard whatever he did earlier say! ]
Priyamvada: Alas, alas! The unpleasant thing itself has happened. Some venerable man has been offended. --Not just anybody! This is the easily irascible ascetic, Durvasas. And thus cursing, he has walked away, with strides, lengthened by the force of his unstoppable speed. What other than fire can burn!
Anasooya: Go, fall at his feet, and make him come back! Meanwhile I wiil get water for his feet.
Priyamvada: Right.( exit)
Anasooya: (steps out, and slips midway) Ha, Stumbling in haste, I have dropped the flower basket. (picks up the flowers)
Priyamvada: (entering) my friend, how can anybody persuade him, who is perverse by nature! I somehow made him have some pity.
Anasooya: (smiling) Even this much is a lot in him. Go on.
Priyamvada: when he refused to come back, I pleaded: “ Your Holiness, Please, considering that it is the first time, excuse the fault of your daughter, who is ignorant of Your Holiness’ powers.”
Anassooya :Go on, go on.
Priyamvada: Saying “ My words cannot but be fulfilled. But my curse will go at the sight of a sign of remembrance”, he quickly disappeared.
Anasooya: We can now console ourselves. There is the ring stamped with his name, which the king, while going, himself put on her finger, and said,” this is for you to remember me always.” With this, Shakunthala has, in her hand, a way out.
Priyamvada: Come, let’s go. We shall finish our religious duties.
( both start leaving)
Priyamvada: (looking) Anasooya, just see. With her face resting on her left hand, our dear friend looks like a painting. With all her thoughts centred on her husband, she hardly notices herself, how then a guest!
Anasooya: Priyamvada, let what happened remain in our mouths. We have to protect our dear friend, so delicate is she by nature.
Priyamvada: Who will pour hot water on a jasmine plant?
(so both exit)
END OF PROLOGUE
(THEN ENTERS A STUDENT, JUST GOT UP)
Student: the venerable Kanva has asked me to see what time it is. Let me go out in the open and see how much of night is left. (walks around and looks) Ha! It is already morning.
One side, Queen of herbs, the Moon, goes to the western ridge,
The Sun, on the other, comes, led by the already appearing Dawn;
Thse two lights, by their simultaneous fall and rise,
Seem to to exemplify the changing states of men.
And
When the moon is set, the same water lily plant
Does not please my eyes, its beauty in memory lost.
The pangs of separation from their loved ones
Are extremely insufferable to the delicate women folk.
Anasooya: (enters, pushing away the curtain) When this is so, even a person, innocent of worldly affairs, cannot indeed but know that this king has shabbily treated Shakunthala.
Student: Let me inform Master that it is time for sacrifice. (exit)
Anasooya: Knowing this now, what can I do! I feel unable to move freely my hands and legs even for normal work. Let Cupid,the God of desires, have his desire satisfied! By him,my simple-hearted friend has been put in the hands of a crook.—Or, the curse of Durvasas is the cause. If not, how is it that a king of such noble family, after all those speeches, does not all this time send even a letter. So we shall send from here that ring to him. Whom among these vey difficult ascetics can we ask! Though I am convinced that my friend is innocent, how can I tell dad kanva, just returned from his trip, that Shakunthala has married Dushyantha and is pregnant. When matters stand thus, what can we do!
Priyamvada (entering, delightedly) My friend, hurry up, hurry up. We have to do the auspicious rites for the departure of Shakunthala.
Anasooya: Friend, how come this?
Priyamvada: I’ll tell you. Listen. I went to Shakunthala to see whether she slept well. And there was she standing embraced and being congratulated by dad Kanva. He said, “Luckily, the smoke-blinded sacrificer has put the offering in the fire itself. Dear child, like knowledge given to a good student, you are not to be pitied at all. Today itself, I will send you to your husband, under the protection of ascetics.”
Anasooya: By whom was dad kanva told what happened?
Priyamvad: On entering the sacred place of fire, by a disembodied voice in a rhytmic tone.
Anasooya: (in wonder) Tell me.
Priyamvada: (in sanskrit)
Devout Saint, Know, your daughter is carrying Dushantha’s seed
Like to the sacrificial Sami wood which holds inside the holy fire.
Anasooya: (hugging Priyamvada) O dear! I am so happy. But it is mixed with some sadness that today itself she would be taken away,
Priyamvada: My friend, we will somehow get over this sorrow. Let the poor girl be relieved.
Anasooya: Therefore, I have kept for this very purpose, in the cocanut shell hanging from the branch of the mango tree, a kesar flower garland. Please take it in your hand.i’ll just go and prepare the ointment out of Gorochana powder, earth from holy places, and Doorva grass shoots, for this auspicious moment.
Priyamvada: Please do so.
(exit Anasooya; Pritamvada reaches for the flowers)
[ (in the green room): Gauthami,Tell the worthy Sharngarava to bring Shakunthala.]
Priyamvada (hearing): Anasooya, hurry, hurry. These are the ascetics, departing for Hastinapura, shouting.
Anasooya (entering with the ointment in hand) : Come, friend. Let us go. ( both walk around)
Priyamvada (looking) : There she stands, having had a full head-bath in the early morning, and now being congratulated by the ashram-women , carrying in their hands the consecrated grains and uttering words of blessing. Let us go to her.
(and they approach her)
[THEN ENTER SHAKUNTHALA SEATED AND OCCUPIED AS ABOVE-SAID]
One of the women: (turning to Shakunthala) Child, may you get the title of Chief Queen, indicative of your husband’s respect for you.
The Second: Chilld, may you be the mother of the brave.
The Third: May you be honoured by your husband.
[ THEY, EXCEPT GAUTHAMI, LEAVE, AFTER GIVING THEIR BLESSINGS]
FrIends: (coming close) Hope you had a nice bath.
Shakunthala: Welcome, friends. Sit here.
Both; (with the auspicious bowls in hand, sitting)dear, get ready. Let us dress you up nicely.
Shakunthala: This I must value very much . Since it wiil be impossible hereafter to have my friends dress me. (sheds tears)
Friends: Friend, It is not right to cry at an auspicious time. (wipes tears, and adorns her )
Priyamvada: we are insulting your body, fit for jewelry, with these adornments we have got in ashram.
Two ashram boys: (entering with gifts) These are ornaments. Let madam be decked in these.
[ALL STARE IN AMAZEMENT]
Gauthami: Dear Narada, from where are these?
First: From the great powers of father Kanva.
Gauthami: Is it a creation of the mind?
Second: Not indeed. Listen: We were asked by Master to get flowers for Shakunthala from the trees.Then
From one tree came out a festive silken cloth, as white as moon,
Another oozed liqid lac, enough for her use on feet;
From others, were proffered ornaments by fairy hands
Rising up to the wrist like shoots of the trees’ tender leaves.
Priyamvada: My friend, this favour of Gods indicates your future queenly state of prosperity in your husband’s home.
(Shakunthala enacts bashfulness)
First student: Gauthama, come. Let us tell about this service by the tree-abiding spirits, to Kanva, who must have now finished his bath.
Second: Right.
(both exit)
Friends: O dear, The people here are not used to wearing ornaments. By what we have seen in picturess, we shall put these ornaments on you.
Shakunthala: I know well your skill.
(both put the ornaments on her)
(Then enters Kanva, having had his bath)
Kanva: My heart is touched by anxiety that Shakunthala goes today ,
Throat is choked with blocked tear-flow , my looks vacant with worry;
Such is my sadness because of love, though a dweller of thewoods,
How much will the home-bound suffer when a daughter suddenly leaves!
( he walks towards Shakunthala)
Friends: Dear shakunthala, We have done adorning you. Now wear these two silk garments.
(Shakunthala gets up and wears the clothes)
Gauthami: Child, your father, as if he is hugging you with eyes streaming with tears, has come. Be seated.
Shakunthala: (shyly) Dad, my respects.
Kanva: Like Sharmishttha by Yayati, be you cherished by your husband,
AS she Pooru, get a son, who will be king of kings.
Gauthami: Master, This is a boon, not simply a blessing!
Kanva: Child, go round this fire just fed with sacrificial ghee, and prostrate.
(all go round the fire)
Kanva: (in the rigvedic metre)
May these sacrificial fires, round the altar in their fixed spots,
Fed with holy firewood, skirted with Darbha grass on each side,
Blowing off misfortunes by the smell of the offering dropped therein,
Purify you!
Start now. (casting eyes round) Where is the good Shargarava?
Student(entering) Here we are.
Kanva: Show the way to your sister.
Sharngarava :Here, here, madam.
(all walk around)
Kanva: You, you,trees of the penance grove, present here,
She who will not think of drinking water till you had your drink,
Fond of ornaments, will not pluck, out of love for you, a tender leaf,
For whom your first blossoming time is a featival,
That Shakunthala is leaving for her husband’s home; Please consent!
(indicstes hearing a cuckoo’s note)
These trees, her friends of forest life,
Have given her permission to go,
Sincethey have given their reply in the form
Of these beautiful cockoo notes.
[ (from the heavens)
Let your route be comfortable with soft and pleasant breeze,
Spotted with lakes that shine green with lotus plants,
Sheltered by tree shades that reduce the heat of sun’s rays,
And covered by dust, like pollen ofwater lilies soft.]
(all listen in wonder)
Gauthami: Child, the deities of our penance- grove, who love you like kinsfolk,have given consent for your departire. Bow before the goddesses.
Shahunthala: (walks with bowed head, and then aside) Dear Priyamvada, eager as I am to see my husband, my feet don’t move forward, out of sadness at leaving the hermitage.
Priyamvada: Not only you, my friend, are sad at this separation from the ashram, but the whole place seems to be in the same state as you.
The deer drop the Darbha grass mouthfuls from their mouths,
The peacocks do not dance any more,
The creepers, from which pale white leaves are faling down,
Look as if they are shedding tears.
Shakunthala: (remebering) Dad, I will now bid farewell to my sister, the creeper Vanajyotsna.
Kanva: I know your sisterly affection for her. There she is to your right.
Shakunthala: ( going near the creeper) Vanajyotsna, though now united with the mango-tree, return my embrace with your branches turned this side. From today would I not be far away from you!
Kanva: You have by your past good deeds got a husband fit for you,
Just as I have from the first wished for you;
And since this jasmine creeper is to the mango tree joined,
All my worries are gone about you and her.
From here you may start your journey.
Shkunthala: (to friends) friends, now I am leaving her in your hands.
Friends: In whose hands are we left! (shed tears)
Kanva: Anasooya, don’t cry. Is it not you who should steady Shakunthala?
(All walk around)
Shakunthala: Dad, when this deer, wandering in the ashram grounds, vey slowly because of advanced pregnancy, is atlast delivered without problems, please send somebody to tell me the happy news.
Kanva: I will never fprget that.
Shakunthala: (suddenly stopped) Who is this clinging to my clothes! (turns backwards)
Kanva: My child,
This deer, you have brought up with fistfuls of grain,
Whose face, cut by the kusa grass tips,
You often dabbled with the healing ingudi oil,
Is not leaving your path, as if it were your son.
Shakunthala, My child, are you following me who is forsaking your company? Left by mother shortly after birth, you were brought up by me. When I am not here, father will look after you.Go back!(walks on, sobbing)
Kanva: Firmly stop the continuous flow of tears
That cloud your eyes, wide open with lashes raised.
See, your steps are stumbling on this path
Of uneven ground not noticed by you.
Sharngarava: Master, They say that loved ones should be accompanied upto the water limit. And we are now on the bank of this lake. Here you might give your message and return.
Kanva: In that case, let us stand in the shade of this banyan tree
(all walk and do so)
Kanva: (to himself) Now what suitable message shall I give to the king Dushyantha! (thinks)
Shakunthala: (aside)See, friends, this goose is crying, “How hard is my lot! ”, distressed at not seeing her companion, separated by only a leaf.
Anasooya: friend, don’t talk like that.
Even she lives, without her lover, through the long night of sorrow.
The pang of separation, though great, is made bearable by bonds of hope.
Kanva: Sharngarava, thus you have to tell the king in my words, after taking Shakunthala into his presence.
Sharngarava: Sir, please give your orders.
Kanva: Considering us whose wealth is self-control, and your own great heritage,
And this her love for you, unprompted by kinsmen, which somehow came to pass,
Treat her in the same way as you treat your other wives;
Rest is in fortune’s hands, not to be spoken by girl’s parents.
Sharngarava: Your message is taken.
Kanva: Now I have to instruct you. Though dwellers of woods, we know something about the world.
Sharngarava: For wise men, there is nothing beyond their view.
Kanva: when you go from here to your husband’s home,
Serve your elders, treat the other wives as your dear friends
Do not turn in anger against your husband, even when you arewronged,
Be very considerate to servants, never proud of your good fortune;
Thus girls become mistresses of home, others are shame to the house.
What does Gauthami think?
Gauthami: Indeed this much is the advice to a bride. Child, do all these.
Kanva: Dear, come,embrace me and your friends.
Shakunthala: (embracing Kanva)Dad, will Priyamvada and other friends return from here?
Kanva: These two have also to be married. It is not proper for them to go there. Gauthami will come with you.
Shakunthala: Fallen from father’s lap,how can I live in a strange place, like a sandal vine from The Malaya hill side!
Kanva: my child, why do you worry like this?
Remaining in the honoured position of mistress of your noble husband’s house,
Busy evey moment with its duties, heavy because of the wealth involved,
Giving birth to a son, like the East to the Sun, the purifier of the world,
Child, you will get over this sorrow of separation from me.
(Shakunthala falls at the feet of her father)
Kanva: May you have all that I wish!
Shakunthala: ( going to the friends) hug me, both of you together.
Friends: (doing so) If by chance the king is slow to recognize you, then show him the ring stamped with his own name.
Shakunthala: This doubt makes me quiver in fear.
Anasooya: Don’t be afraid. Too much love makes one fear the worst.
Sharngarava: It is past midday. Madam, hurry.
Shakunthala: (turns and faces the ashram) Dad, when will I see the ashram again!
Kanva: I will tell you.
After remaining long the co-wife of the four-sides-encompassing Earth,
Settling in Dushyantha’s place your son unrivalled in valour,
And leaving on him the burden of household, you will,
Along with husband, turn your steps to this quiet ashram again.
Gauthami: It is getting late. Send father back. Otherwise he will go on talking like this again and again for ever. Sir, please return.
Kanva: Child, my prayer time is getting delayed.
Shakunthala:(embracing father again) Your body is weak with austerities. So don’t be too much worked up on my account.
Kanva: (with a sigh) How can my grief ever go, my child,
When I see the the offering
Of foodgrains made by you
Growing at the cottage door!
Go. Have a pleasant journey.
(Shakunthala leaves along with others)
Friends : alas, alas, Shakunthala is now hidden behind the trees.
Kanv: Anasooya, your companion in ashram duties is gone. Control your grief and follow me back home.
Friends: How can we enter the ashram where Shakunthala will not be anymore!
Kanva: The workings of love are such. (walking thoughtfully) Ah! Look, I am very relieved after having sent Shakunthala to her husband’s home.
A daughter is after all another’s property;
Now that I have her to the rightful owner sent,
My conscience is indeed very clear
As ifa deposit I have returned intact.
(exit all)
[END FOURTH ACT]
.
SHAKUNTHALAM ACT 4
(ENTER FRIENDS, GATHERING FLOWERS)
Anasooya: Dear Priyamvada, though I feel relieved that Shakunthala has, by Gandharva marriage rites, been happily united to a suitable husband, there is this worry.
Priyamvada: Like what?
Anasooya: Whether, the noble king, released by the priests after the completion of the sacrifice, and now back at home in the company of the ladies of his harem, will remember what happened here, or not!
Priyamvada: Be assured. Such noble features do not come with anything other than good character. But when Father hears this news, I don’t know how he will take it.
Anasooya: As I see it, he will approve it.
Priyamvada: How?
Anasooya: The important thing after all is to give one’s daughter in marriage to a good person. If Fate itself has accomplished it, have the parents not got what they wanted effortlessly?
Priyamvada: (looking at the flower basket) My friend, we have got enough flowers for the pooja.
Anasooya: Should we not pray to Shakunthala’s Goddess of Fortune!
Priyamvada: That is right.
[FROM IN THE GREEN ROOM, “ HULLO, THIS IS ME”]
Anasooya: (listening) Dear, it sounds like the announcement of guests.
Priyamvada: Is not Shakunthala at home? Today then, mentally she is not there.
Anasooya: well, this much flowers will do.
(they start to leave)
[IN THE GREENROOM,
Aah! You have no respect for guests!
Thinking on whom, with nothing else in mind,
You did not notice me, rich in ascetic powers, stannding near,
He will not remember you, even when reminded,
Like a drunkard whatever he did earlier say! ]
Priyamvada: Alas, alas! The unpleasant thing itself has happened. Some venerable man has been offended. --Not just anybody! This is the easily irascible ascetic, Durvasas. And thus cursing, he has walked away, with strides, lengthened by the force of his unstoppable speed. What other than fire can burn!
Anasooya: Go, fall at his feet, and make him come back! Meanwhile I wiil get water for his feet.
Priyamvada: Right.( exit)
Anasooya: (steps out, and slips midway) Ha, Stumbling in haste, I have dropped the flower basket. (picks up the flowers)
Priyamvada: (entering) my friend, how can anybody persuade him, who is perverse by nature! I somehow made him have some pity.
Anasooya: (smiling) Even this much is a lot in him. Go on.
Priyamvada: when he refused to come back, I pleaded: “ Your Holiness, Please, considering that it is the first time, excuse the fault of your daughter, who is ignorant of Your Holiness’ powers.”
Anassooya :Go on, go on.
Priyamvada: Saying “ My words cannot but be fulfilled. But my curse will go at the sight of a sign of remembrance”, he quickly disappeared.
Anasooya: We can now console ourselves. There is the ring stamped with his name, which the king, while going, himself put on her finger, and said,” this is for you to remember me always.” With this, Shakunthala has, in her hand, a way out.
Priyamvada: Come, let’s go. We shall finish our religious duties.
( both start leaving)
Priyamvada: (looking) Anasooya, just see. With her face resting on her left hand, our dear friend looks like a painting. With all her thoughts centred on her husband, she hardly notices herself, how then a guest!
Anasooya: Priyamvada, let what happened remain in our mouths. We have to protect our dear friend, so delicate is she by nature.
Priyamvada: Who will pour hot water on a jasmine plant?
(so both exit)
END OF PROLOGUE
(THEN ENTERS A STUDENT, JUST GOT UP)
Student: the venerable Kanva has asked me to see what time it is. Let me go out in the open and see how much of night is left. (walks around and looks) Ha! It is already morning.
One side, Queen of herbs, the Moon, goes to the western ridge,
The Sun, on the other, comes, led by the already appearing Dawn;
Thse two lights, by their simultaneous fall and rise,
Seem to to exemplify the changing states of men.
And
When the moon is set, the same water lily plant
Does not please my eyes, its beauty in memory lost.
The pangs of separation from their loved ones
Are extremely insufferable to the delicate women folk.
Anasooya: (enters, pushing away the curtain) When this is so, even a person, innocent of worldly affairs, cannot indeed but know that this king has shabbily treated Shakunthala.
Student: Let me inform Master that it is time for sacrifice. (exit)
Anasooya: Knowing this now, what can I do! I feel unable to move freely my hands and legs even for normal work. Let Cupid,the God of desires, have his desire satisfied! By him,my simple-hearted friend has been put in the hands of a crook.—Or, the curse of Durvasas is the cause. If not, how is it that a king of such noble family, after all those speeches, does not all this time send even a letter. So we shall send from here that ring to him. Whom among these vey difficult ascetics can we ask! Though I am convinced that my friend is innocent, how can I tell dad kanva, just returned from his trip, that Shakunthala has married Dushyantha and is pregnant. When matters stand thus, what can we do!
Priyamvada (entering, delightedly) My friend, hurry up, hurry up. We have to do the auspicious rites for the departure of Shakunthala.
Anasooya: Friend, how come this?
Priyamvada: I’ll tell you. Listen. I went to Shakunthala to see whether she slept well. And there was she standing embraced and being congratulated by dad Kanva. He said, “Luckily, the smoke-blinded sacrificer has put the offering in the fire itself. Dear child, like knowledge given to a good student, you are not to be pitied at all. Today itself, I will send you to your husband, under the protection of ascetics.”
Anasooya: By whom was dad kanva told what happened?
Priyamvad: On entering the sacred place of fire, by a disembodied voice in a rhytmic tone.
Anasooya: (in wonder) Tell me.
Priyamvada: (in sanskrit)
Devout Saint, Know, your daughter is carrying Dushantha’s seed
Like to the sacrificial Sami wood which holds inside the holy fire.
Anasooya: (hugging Priyamvada) O dear! I am so happy. But it is mixed with some sadness that today itself she would be taken away,
Priyamvada: My friend, we will somehow get over this sorrow. Let the poor girl be relieved.
Anasooya: Therefore, I have kept for this very purpose, in the cocanut shell hanging from the branch of the mango tree, a kesar flower garland. Please take it in your hand.i’ll just go and prepare the ointment out of Gorochana powder, earth from holy places, and Doorva grass shoots, for this auspicious moment.
Priyamvada: Please do so.
(exit Anasooya; Pritamvada reaches for the flowers)
[ (in the green room): Gauthami,Tell the worthy Sharngarava to bring Shakunthala.]
Priyamvada (hearing): Anasooya, hurry, hurry. These are the ascetics, departing for Hastinapura, shouting.
Anasooya (entering with the ointment in hand) : Come, friend. Let us go. ( both walk around)
Priyamvada (looking) : There she stands, having had a full head-bath in the early morning, and now being congratulated by the ashram-women , carrying in their hands the consecrated grains and uttering words of blessing. Let us go to her.
(and they approach her)
[THEN ENTER SHAKUNTHALA SEATED AND OCCUPIED AS ABOVE-SAID]
One of the women: (turning to Shakunthala) Child, may you get the title of Chief Queen, indicative of your husband’s respect for you.
The Second: Chilld, may you be the mother of the brave.
The Third: May you be honoured by your husband.
[ THEY, EXCEPT GAUTHAMI, LEAVE, AFTER GIVING THEIR BLESSINGS]
FrIends: (coming close) Hope you had a nice bath.
Shakunthala: Welcome, friends. Sit here.
Both; (with the auspicious bowls in hand, sitting)dear, get ready. Let us dress you up nicely.
Shakunthala: This I must value very much . Since it wiil be impossible hereafter to have my friends dress me. (sheds tears)
Friends: Friend, It is not right to cry at an auspicious time. (wipes tears, and adorns her )
Priyamvada: we are insulting your body, fit for jewelry, with these adornments we have got in ashram.
Two ashram boys: (entering with gifts) These are ornaments. Let madam be decked in these.
[ALL STARE IN AMAZEMENT]
Gauthami: Dear Narada, from where are these?
First: From the great powers of father Kanva.
Gauthami: Is it a creation of the mind?
Second: Not indeed. Listen: We were asked by Master to get flowers for Shakunthala from the trees.Then
From one tree came out a festive silken cloth, as white as moon,
Another oozed liqid lac, enough for her use on feet;
From others, were proffered ornaments by fairy hands
Rising up to the wrist like shoots of the trees’ tender leaves.
Priyamvada: My friend, this favour of Gods indicates your future queenly state of prosperity in your husband’s home.
(Shakunthala enacts bashfulness)
First student: Gauthama, come. Let us tell about this service by the tree-abiding spirits, to Kanva, who must have now finished his bath.
Second: Right.
(both exit)
Friends: O dear, The people here are not used to wearing ornaments. By what we have seen in picturess, we shall put these ornaments on you.
Shakunthala: I know well your skill.
(both put the ornaments on her)
(Then enters Kanva, having had his bath)
Kanva: My heart is touched by anxiety that Shakunthala goes today ,
Throat is choked with blocked tear-flow , my looks vacant with worry;
Such is my sadness because of love, though a dweller of thewoods,
How much will the home-bound suffer when a daughter suddenly leaves!
( he walks towards Shakunthala)
Friends: Dear shakunthala, We have done adorning you. Now wear these two silk garments.
(Shakunthala gets up and wears the clothes)
Gauthami: Child, your father, as if he is hugging you with eyes streaming with tears, has come. Be seated.
Shakunthala: (shyly) Dad, my respects.
Kanva: Like Sharmishttha by Yayati, be you cherished by your husband,
AS she Pooru, get a son, who will be king of kings.
Gauthami: Master, This is a boon, not simply a blessing!
Kanva: Child, go round this fire just fed with sacrificial ghee, and prostrate.
(all go round the fire)
Kanva: (in the rigvedic metre)
May these sacrificial fires, round the altar in their fixed spots,
Fed with holy firewood, skirted with Darbha grass on each side,
Blowing off misfortunes by the smell of the offering dropped therein,
Purify you!
Start now. (casting eyes round) Where is the good Shargarava?
Student(entering) Here we are.
Kanva: Show the way to your sister.
Sharngarava :Here, here, madam.
(all walk around)
Kanva: You, you,trees of the penance grove, present here,
She who will not think of drinking water till you had your drink,
Fond of ornaments, will not pluck, out of love for you, a tender leaf,
For whom your first blossoming time is a featival,
That Shakunthala is leaving for her husband’s home; Please consent!
(indicstes hearing a cuckoo’s note)
These trees, her friends of forest life,
Have given her permission to go,
Sincethey have given their reply in the form
Of these beautiful cockoo notes.
[ (from the heavens)
Let your route be comfortable with soft and pleasant breeze,
Spotted with lakes that shine green with lotus plants,
Sheltered by tree shades that reduce the heat of sun’s rays,
And covered by dust, like pollen ofwater lilies soft.]
(all listen in wonder)
Gauthami: Child, the deities of our penance- grove, who love you like kinsfolk,have given consent for your departire. Bow before the goddesses.
Shahunthala: (walks with bowed head, and then aside) Dear Priyamvada, eager as I am to see my husband, my feet don’t move forward, out of sadness at leaving the hermitage.
Priyamvada: Not only you, my friend, are sad at this separation from the ashram, but the whole place seems to be in the same state as you.
The deer drop the Darbha grass mouthfuls from their mouths,
The peacocks do not dance any more,
The creepers, from which pale white leaves are faling down,
Look as if they are shedding tears.
Shakunthala: (remebering) Dad, I will now bid farewell to my sister, the creeper Vanajyotsna.
Kanva: I know your sisterly affection for her. There she is to your right.
Shakunthala: ( going near the creeper) Vanajyotsna, though now united with the mango-tree, return my embrace with your branches turned this side. From today would I not be far away from you!
Kanva: You have by your past good deeds got a husband fit for you,
Just as I have from the first wished for you;
And since this jasmine creeper is to the mango tree joined,
All my worries are gone about you and her.
From here you may start your journey.
Shkunthala: (to friends) friends, now I am leaving her in your hands.
Friends: In whose hands are we left! (shed tears)
Kanva: Anasooya, don’t cry. Is it not you who should steady Shakunthala?
(All walk around)
Shakunthala: Dad, when this deer, wandering in the ashram grounds, vey slowly because of advanced pregnancy, is atlast delivered without problems, please send somebody to tell me the happy news.
Kanva: I will never fprget that.
Shakunthala: (suddenly stopped) Who is this clinging to my clothes! (turns backwards)
Kanva: My child,
This deer, you have brought up with fistfuls of grain,
Whose face, cut by the kusa grass tips,
You often dabbled with the healing ingudi oil,
Is not leaving your path, as if it were your son.
Shakunthala, My child, are you following me who is forsaking your company? Left by mother shortly after birth, you were brought up by me. When I am not here, father will look after you.Go back!(walks on, sobbing)
Kanva: Firmly stop the continuous flow of tears
That cloud your eyes, wide open with lashes raised.
See, your steps are stumbling on this path
Of uneven ground not noticed by you.
Sharngarava: Master, They say that loved ones should be accompanied upto the water limit. And we are now on the bank of this lake. Here you might give your message and return.
Kanva: In that case, let us stand in the shade of this banyan tree
(all walk and do so)
Kanva: (to himself) Now what suitable message shall I give to the king Dushyantha! (thinks)
Shakunthala: (aside)See, friends, this goose is crying, “How hard is my lot! ”, distressed at not seeing her companion, separated by only a leaf.
Anasooya: friend, don’t talk like that.
Even she lives, without her lover, through the long night of sorrow.
The pang of separation, though great, is made bearable by bonds of hope.
Kanva: Sharngarava, thus you have to tell the king in my words, after taking Shakunthala into his presence.
Sharngarava: Sir, please give your orders.
Kanva: Considering us whose wealth is self-control, and your own great heritage,
And this her love for you, unprompted by kinsmen, which somehow came to pass,
Treat her in the same way as you treat your other wives;
Rest is in fortune’s hands, not to be spoken by girl’s parents.
Sharngarava: Your message is taken.
Kanva: Now I have to instruct you. Though dwellers of woods, we know something about the world.
Sharngarava: For wise men, there is nothing beyond their view.
Kanva: when you go from here to your husband’s home,
Serve your elders, treat the other wives as your dear friends
Do not turn in anger against your husband, even when you arewronged,
Be very considerate to servants, never proud of your good fortune;
Thus girls become mistresses of home, others are shame to the house.
What does Gauthami think?
Gauthami: Indeed this much is the advice to a bride. Child, do all these.
Kanva: Dear, come,embrace me and your friends.
Shakunthala: (embracing Kanva)Dad, will Priyamvada and other friends return from here?
Kanva: These two have also to be married. It is not proper for them to go there. Gauthami will come with you.
Shakunthala: Fallen from father’s lap,how can I live in a strange place, like a sandal vine from The Malaya hill side!
Kanva: my child, why do you worry like this?
Remaining in the honoured position of mistress of your noble husband’s house,
Busy evey moment with its duties, heavy because of the wealth involved,
Giving birth to a son, like the East to the Sun, the purifier of the world,
Child, you will get over this sorrow of separation from me.
(Shakunthala falls at the feet of her father)
Kanva: May you have all that I wish!
Shakunthala: ( going to the friends) hug me, both of you together.
Friends: (doing so) If by chance the king is slow to recognize you, then show him the ring stamped with his own name.
Shakunthala: This doubt makes me quiver in fear.
Anasooya: Don’t be afraid. Too much love makes one fear the worst.
Sharngarava: It is past midday. Madam, hurry.
Shakunthala: (turns and faces the ashram) Dad, when will I see the ashram again!
Kanva: I will tell you.
After remaining long the co-wife of the four-sides-encompassing Earth,
Settling in Dushyantha’s place your son unrivalled in valour,
And leaving on him the burden of household, you will,
Along with husband, turn your steps to this quiet ashram again.
Gauthami: It is getting late. Send father back. Otherwise he will go on talking like this again and again for ever. Sir, please return.
Kanva: Child, my prayer time is getting delayed.
Shakunthala:(embracing father again) Your body is weak with austerities. So don’t be too much worked up on my account.
Kanva: (with a sigh) How can my grief ever go, my child,
When I see the the offering
Of foodgrains made by you
Growing at the cottage door!
Go. Have a pleasant journey.
(Shakunthala leaves along with others)
Friends : alas, alas, Shakunthala is now hidden behind the trees.
Kanv: Anasooya, your companion in ashram duties is gone. Control your grief and follow me back home.
Friends: How can we enter the ashram where Shakunthala will not be anymore!
Kanva: The workings of love are such. (walking thoughtfully) Ah! Look, I am very relieved after having sent Shakunthala to her husband’s home.
A daughter is after all another’s property;
Now that I have her to the rightful owner sent,
My conscience is indeed very clear
As ifa deposit I have returned intact.
(exit all)
[END FOURTH ACT]
.
act 5
SHAKUNTHALAM ACT 5
( EnTER THE KING, SEATED ON THE THRONE, AND COURT JESTER)
Vidushaka: (listening) : Ah, my friend, turn your attention to inside the music hall. I hear melodious notes of some beautiful pure song coming from there. I think,madam Hamsapadika is practising.
King: Be quiet. Let me listen.
[(from outside)
O honey bee, always after fresh honey,
After kissing so the mango tree blossom,
How could you forget it, now finding
Pleasure inside the lotus flower only!
King: Ha! What a song, overflowing with melody!
Court jester: Do you get the meaning of the words?
King: (smiling) I made love to her once. Now, on account of lady Vasumathi, I have become the subject of her reproach. My friend, Madhavya, tell Hamsapadika from me that she has cleverly chided me.
Court jester: As you order. (standing up) Ha! My friend, if she gets me held and thrashed by somebody , there is no escape for me, Just like for a person devoid of all passions, in the hands of a heaven’s courtesan.
King: Go! Speak to her in a civil way.
Court Jester: What to do! (exit)
King: (to himself) How is it that I feel very uneasy hearing this song, though I am not separated from any loved one? Or,
If on hearing sweet sounds or seeing pretty things,
One in happy circumstances feels perturbed,
It surely is because he remembers in his unconscious mind
Friendships of bygone births, enduring in deep feelings of love.
( stands upset)
(enters chamberlain)
Chamberlain: See, what a state I have come to!
This staff of cane which I held, as a formal mark
Of duty in the ladies’ quarters of the king,
With the passage of days and days of time
Has become a prop for my stumbling gait.
Chamberlain: Sure, His highneass’s duties cannot be postponed. Still I don’t feel like telling him of the arrival of kanva’s disciples, which would further detain him when he has just risen from his official seat. Or the responsibility of governance gives no time for respite. For,
The Sun harnesses his horses to the chariot only once,
The wind blows day and night,
The Serpent God always carries the weight of Earth.
So is the case with kings whose wages are the tax the people pay.
Let me however perform my duty. (walks on, and looking) Here he is, His highness
After instructing his subjects as he would his own children,
Mentally exhausted, has retired to a secluded place,
Like an elephant chief, scorched by the sun’s hot rays
After leading his herds all day, a cool place seeks.
(approaching) Hail, hail, my lord! Here are some ascetics, accompanied by women, come from the woods of the Himalayan valley, carrying a message from sage Kanva. Your Highness might hear them and do the needful.
King (respectfully) What , messengers from Kanva?
Chamberlain: Yes , my lord.
King: In that case, request our spiritual guide, Somaratha, to himself receive these ashram people with vedic rites and bring them in. I will go to a proper place for receiving ascetics and wait for them.
Chamberlain: Your orders, my lord.
King (rising, and to attending maid) Vetravati, lead me to the hall of holy flame.
Vetravati: Here, here my lord.
King (walks on and showing the strain of responsibility) All creatures become happy on getting what they want. To kings, though, attainment leads to more strain!
Attainment puts an end only to the anxiety of striving,
The task of Keeping what’s got , further trouble gives.
The kingdom, like an umbrella held in one’s own hands,
Does not reduce strain, as much as it causes strain.
[ (in the greenroom)
Court poets: Hail, Your majesty.
First: Not caring for own comforts, you labour for people’s sake
Every day, or, it is your nature to be so.
Trees take the extreme heat on their heads
And reduce the troubles of those who seek their help.
Second: You restrain, with the Rod, those who stray into evil ways,
Settle disputes, and are there ready to help.
Let there be, at the time of plenty, relatives so-called,
For your subjects, a relative’s needs are fulfilled in you. ]
King: Exhausted in mind, we feel refreshed now! ( walks on)
Attendant: Here is the terrace at the entrance of the fire-sanctuary, freshly swept and clean, and the sacred cow present. Your Highness might go up.
King: ( going up and standing with a hand on the attendant’s shoulder) Vethravathi, What for could the sage Kanva have sent these ascetics!
Is the penance of the ascetics, under vow, hindered by problems,
Or is it that somebody harmed the creatures of the holy grove,
Or can it be ,by my misdeeds,the creepers do not flower any more;
My mind, with so many rising doubts , is without break distressed.
Attendant: My guess is that they, happy with all that you have done for them, are come to thank your Highness,
( enter the ascetics and Gauthami, leading Shakunthala,and the chamberlain and priest in front)
Chamberlain: Come in come in, gentlemen.
Sharngarava: Sharadvata,
This great king surely stands firm within the bounds of righteousness,
Nobody from his caste-enjoined duties, not even the lowliest, strays.
Still, to my mind, used always to a solitary life
This place full of people seems a house encircled with fire.
Sharadvatha: It is natural that you feel like this on entering the city. I too
Consider these pleasure-seeking people here,
Like the washed the oily, the clean the unclean,
The awake the sleeping,
Or the free the bound.
Shakunthala: (indicating an omen) Oh! Why is my right eye throbbing!
Gauthami: Away with all evil! Child, May your husband’s family gods give you happiness.
Family preceptor: (pointing at the king) There is he , the noble king, protector of all castes and stages of life, already up from his seat, waiting for you. Look at him.
Sharngarava: O venerable brahmin, it is certainly very commendable. But we are not surprised. For,
Trees bow down with the coming of fruits,
Clouds with fresh water lower themselves,
The good are not puffed up with their wealth,
This is but the nature of all those born others to serve.
Attendant: They look pleased with beaming faces. Think they are coming with some happy news.
King : then this lady here,
Who can it be, veiled and not showing fully her body’s charm,
Stands in hermits’ midst like a fresh among withered leaves!
Attendant: Full of curiosity as I am, I can not really figure it out. But then surely her figure is something to look at.
King: Let it be. It is wrong to examine some one else’s wife.
Shakunthala: (with hand on chest, to herself) Heart, why do you tremble so? . Be brave, you know well the feelings of my husband.
Family preceptor: (in front of the king) These ascetics have been duly received. They have got some message from their teacher.
King: I am full attention.
Ascetics: (raising hands) Hail, king.
King: I humbly salute you.
Ascetics: May you attain your wishes.
King: Are the ascetics able to do their penance without problems?
Ascetics: Whence trouble to spiritual rites,
When you the protector are there.
How can darkness ever appear
When the sun is blazing bright!
King: Now is my title of king meaningful. Is the venerable Kanva doing well, so that the world will continue to get his blessings.
Ascetics: Being well is under the control of the realized souls. He, enquiring after your health, has this to say.
King: What is his order!
Ascetics: “ That you by mutual agreement married my daughter, is approved by me with pleasure. For,
We consider you as the foremost of the deserving,
Shakunthala is the embodiment of all that is good.
Uniting bride and groom whose qualities match so well,
The creator, in a long while, has escaped all blame!
So now please take her, who is already pregnant, now as a companion in your duties.
Gauthami: Sir, I want to say something. It is not however the time to speak.
She did’nt ask her elders for consent,
You too did’nt either your relatives consult;
In this one-to one act of yours,
What shall I say to either of you.
Shkunthala: What, I wonder, will my husband say!
King: What is this strange thing you tell me!
Shakunthala: (to herself) This what he says burns me like fire.
Sharngarava: How has it come to this! You surely are expert in the affairs of the world!
A married girl with only her parents’ house to stay,
People will mistake otherwise, though she is chaste.
So her relatives will send her to the person who wed her,
Even when she is no more loved by him.
King: what, this lady had been married to me!
Shakunthala: (sorrowfully, to herself) Heart, your fear has been justified.
Sharngarava: what! Just because of not liking what was earlier done, is it right for a king to forget his duty?
King: Why this question, based on false premises!
Sharngarava: Such feelings swell up in those intoxicated with wealth and power.
King: This is a great insult!
Gauthami: For a moment overcome your shyness. I will just remove your veil. Then your husband would recognize you.(and she does so)
King: Observing Shakunthala, and to himself)
This beauty of natural charm brought thus before me,
Clouded in doubt whether once married to me or not,
As at dawn a bee is to a jasmine flower enclosed by snow,
I am able neither to enjoy, nor to leave.
(standing thinking thus)
Attendant: Wonderful is my Lord’s commitment to righteousness! Who else will think twice, seeing this beautiful creature brought easily before him!
Sharngarava: Oh, king,why this silence?
King: Hear you, good people, after long deliberation, I cant recall having married this lady.Then how can I accept her bearing clear signs of pregnancy, just because of a doubt whether I am its cause?
Shakunthala; (aside) My husband doubts even the marriage. Then where are my high hopes!
Shargarava: Oh No!
You think, this hermit who agrees to your outrage
On his daughter, does not deserve any respect!
You are like a thief treated as an honoured guest
By him who returned to you what you stole from him!
Sharadvata: Don’t talk any more. Shakunthala, we have said whatever is thereto say. This gentleman had his say. Please reply to convice him.
Shakunthala: (to herself)If that love has come to this stage, what is the use of reminding him. (aloud) My husband, (stopping in the middlle of speech) When the marriage is now in doubt, it won’t be proper to address you thus. Scion of Pooru’s house, is it right to reject me with such words, after having, earlier in the ashram, with many promises deceived me, who opened her heart’s feelings to you.
King: May God save us from sins!
You want to sully the family name
And bring me down to hell,
As a wild uncontrolled river does
To clean pools and trees on its bank?
Shakunthala: If you are behaving like this out of real fear of taking another’s wife, I can remove that anxiety with this sign for recognition.
King : Grand idea!
Shakunthala : (feeling the place of ring) Alas, the ring is missing on my finger! (looks sorrowfully at Gauthami)
Gauthami: Surely then it must have fallen from your finger, while bathing in the waters of “SachiThirthha” on the way.
King : (smiling) This is why the womenfolk are said to be be good at invention!
Shakunthala: In this, fate has shown its power.I shall tell you something else.
King; Now it has come something to be heard.
Shakunthala: One day you know when we were standing near the jasmine creeper,you had in your hand water in a lotus-leaf cup
King : Let us hear!
Shakunthala: At that moment,turned up the baby deer called Dirghapanga, who is like a son to me. You offered the water to him, saying, “let him drink first” Then because of unfamiliarity, he shied away from you. After that when I held the same water, he liked it. Then you laughed at me thus: “ Everybody trusts his own kind. Both of you are after all wood-dwellers.”
King: By such honey-dripping lying words of the self-serving, are the worldly deceived!
Gauthami: Noble sir, you should never talk like this. This person brought up in the ashram is quite innocent of all fraud.
King: Old hermit- woman,
The untaught cleverness of the female species is well seen
In the nonhumans, what to say of those with intelligence.
Do not the cuckoos get their hoard of kids all fed
By other birds, till they themselves can fly?
Shakunthala: (angrily) Indecent man, you see others, reasoning from what you are at heart. Where can there be another like you!
King: (to himself) : Making me doubt my own mind, this anger of hers seems like uncontrived.
When I, my mind hardened with memory loss,
Do not admit the secret love which she says there was,
With eyes blood red, disjointing her curved brows, she looks
As if in anger she has broken Cupid’s bow in two.
King: (aloud) Good lady, Dushyantha’s life is known to all, but nowhere do I find this.
Shakunthala: Nicely I am made into a loose woman, because, trusting the house of Pooru, I fell into the hands of this honey-mouthed poison-in- heart man.
Sharngarava: This is how one’s own unrestrained folly scorches.
Therefore one must check before one acts,
Especially when meeting alone.
With no knowledge of each other’s heart,
Friendship soon to enmity turns.
King: Look, sir, why do you attack me,, believing only what this lady says?
Sharngarava: (scornfully) Have you all heard this up-side-down view!
One not taught any guile from birth—
What that person says is no proof!
And those who duplicity as an art do learn---
Their words are to be taken as gospel truth!
King: Look, truth-speaker, let it be admitted for now. But what can I get by deceiving her?
Sharngarava: Hell!
King: That Pooru’s family seek hell is silly!
Sharngarava: Why argue with him? We have given Master’s message. Let us return. (addressing the king)
That is your wife standing there,
You may either take or leave;
Husband’s power over wife
Is they say absolute.
Gauthami, go in front. (and starts leaving)
Shakunthala: How this crook has cheated me! Now you are also abandoning me! ( tries to follow )
Gauthami: (stopping) Sharngarava, my boy, See, she is coming after us, sobbing piteously. With her husband roughly rejecting her, what will my poor child do!
Sharngarava: (turning back in anger) What, self-willed woman, you presume to be independent!
(Shakunthala trembles in fear)
Sharngarava: Shakunthala,
If you are as this king says you are,
What use are you, a degenerate, to your dad!
And if you know your conduct has been chaste,
Even servitude is fine in the husband’s house!
Stay there. We are going.
King: Look, you good people, why are you deceiving this lady? Because
As the moon opens up only the blue water lily,
As the sun only the lotus plant.
So the mind of a disciplined man
Turns away from contact with another’s wife.
Sharngarava: When you have forgotten your earlier love in your love for another, how can you be afraid of wrong-doing?
King : Let me ask you which is right and which wrong?
When there is this doubt that I have forgot,
Or what this lady says is false,
Shall I be deserter of his wife,
Or be with adultery besmirched?
Priest: (thinking) If so, this can be done.
King: Please do instruct me.
Priest: Let the lady remain in my house till delivery. You have been told by seers that you will have a son destined to be a king of kings. If the sage’s grandson shows those signs, then you can take her into your home; otherwise it remains an option to send her to her father.
King : As it pleases my teacher.
Priest : My child, come with me.
Shakunthala: Qh! Mother Earth, take me into you! (starts sobbing, and leaves along with the priests and the ascetics)
[THE KING , MEMORY CLOUDED BY BY CURSE, STANDS THINKING ABOUT SHAKUNTHALA]
From green room: Wonder!!
King: (hearing it) what can it be!
Priest (entering) Your Higness, a great wonder has happened.
King: Like what?
Priest : After the disciples of Kanva had left,
Throwing her hands up, the girl began to cry,
Blaming her own fortunes for it all.
Then a light in the form of a woman flashed,
Lifted her up, and towards Apsaras-lake was gone.
(all show their surprise)
King: Sir, this matter has been already dismissed by me. So what use is it trying to reason out this. You may take rest now.
Priest : ( looking at the king) Wish you success! ( exit)
King : Vetravati, I am very much upset. Lead me to the bedroom.
Attendant: Here, here, my Lord. (and they start to go)
King: Really I don’t remember having married
This sage’s daughter, now rejected by me.
But my heart, in severe ache
Almost makes me believe in her.
(Exit all)
END ACT FIVE
Reply Reply to all Forward
( EnTER THE KING, SEATED ON THE THRONE, AND COURT JESTER)
Vidushaka: (listening) : Ah, my friend, turn your attention to inside the music hall. I hear melodious notes of some beautiful pure song coming from there. I think,madam Hamsapadika is practising.
King: Be quiet. Let me listen.
[(from outside)
O honey bee, always after fresh honey,
After kissing so the mango tree blossom,
How could you forget it, now finding
Pleasure inside the lotus flower only!
King: Ha! What a song, overflowing with melody!
Court jester: Do you get the meaning of the words?
King: (smiling) I made love to her once. Now, on account of lady Vasumathi, I have become the subject of her reproach. My friend, Madhavya, tell Hamsapadika from me that she has cleverly chided me.
Court jester: As you order. (standing up) Ha! My friend, if she gets me held and thrashed by somebody , there is no escape for me, Just like for a person devoid of all passions, in the hands of a heaven’s courtesan.
King: Go! Speak to her in a civil way.
Court Jester: What to do! (exit)
King: (to himself) How is it that I feel very uneasy hearing this song, though I am not separated from any loved one? Or,
If on hearing sweet sounds or seeing pretty things,
One in happy circumstances feels perturbed,
It surely is because he remembers in his unconscious mind
Friendships of bygone births, enduring in deep feelings of love.
( stands upset)
(enters chamberlain)
Chamberlain: See, what a state I have come to!
This staff of cane which I held, as a formal mark
Of duty in the ladies’ quarters of the king,
With the passage of days and days of time
Has become a prop for my stumbling gait.
Chamberlain: Sure, His highneass’s duties cannot be postponed. Still I don’t feel like telling him of the arrival of kanva’s disciples, which would further detain him when he has just risen from his official seat. Or the responsibility of governance gives no time for respite. For,
The Sun harnesses his horses to the chariot only once,
The wind blows day and night,
The Serpent God always carries the weight of Earth.
So is the case with kings whose wages are the tax the people pay.
Let me however perform my duty. (walks on, and looking) Here he is, His highness
After instructing his subjects as he would his own children,
Mentally exhausted, has retired to a secluded place,
Like an elephant chief, scorched by the sun’s hot rays
After leading his herds all day, a cool place seeks.
(approaching) Hail, hail, my lord! Here are some ascetics, accompanied by women, come from the woods of the Himalayan valley, carrying a message from sage Kanva. Your Highness might hear them and do the needful.
King (respectfully) What , messengers from Kanva?
Chamberlain: Yes , my lord.
King: In that case, request our spiritual guide, Somaratha, to himself receive these ashram people with vedic rites and bring them in. I will go to a proper place for receiving ascetics and wait for them.
Chamberlain: Your orders, my lord.
King (rising, and to attending maid) Vetravati, lead me to the hall of holy flame.
Vetravati: Here, here my lord.
King (walks on and showing the strain of responsibility) All creatures become happy on getting what they want. To kings, though, attainment leads to more strain!
Attainment puts an end only to the anxiety of striving,
The task of Keeping what’s got , further trouble gives.
The kingdom, like an umbrella held in one’s own hands,
Does not reduce strain, as much as it causes strain.
[ (in the greenroom)
Court poets: Hail, Your majesty.
First: Not caring for own comforts, you labour for people’s sake
Every day, or, it is your nature to be so.
Trees take the extreme heat on their heads
And reduce the troubles of those who seek their help.
Second: You restrain, with the Rod, those who stray into evil ways,
Settle disputes, and are there ready to help.
Let there be, at the time of plenty, relatives so-called,
For your subjects, a relative’s needs are fulfilled in you. ]
King: Exhausted in mind, we feel refreshed now! ( walks on)
Attendant: Here is the terrace at the entrance of the fire-sanctuary, freshly swept and clean, and the sacred cow present. Your Highness might go up.
King: ( going up and standing with a hand on the attendant’s shoulder) Vethravathi, What for could the sage Kanva have sent these ascetics!
Is the penance of the ascetics, under vow, hindered by problems,
Or is it that somebody harmed the creatures of the holy grove,
Or can it be ,by my misdeeds,the creepers do not flower any more;
My mind, with so many rising doubts , is without break distressed.
Attendant: My guess is that they, happy with all that you have done for them, are come to thank your Highness,
( enter the ascetics and Gauthami, leading Shakunthala,and the chamberlain and priest in front)
Chamberlain: Come in come in, gentlemen.
Sharngarava: Sharadvata,
This great king surely stands firm within the bounds of righteousness,
Nobody from his caste-enjoined duties, not even the lowliest, strays.
Still, to my mind, used always to a solitary life
This place full of people seems a house encircled with fire.
Sharadvatha: It is natural that you feel like this on entering the city. I too
Consider these pleasure-seeking people here,
Like the washed the oily, the clean the unclean,
The awake the sleeping,
Or the free the bound.
Shakunthala: (indicating an omen) Oh! Why is my right eye throbbing!
Gauthami: Away with all evil! Child, May your husband’s family gods give you happiness.
Family preceptor: (pointing at the king) There is he , the noble king, protector of all castes and stages of life, already up from his seat, waiting for you. Look at him.
Sharngarava: O venerable brahmin, it is certainly very commendable. But we are not surprised. For,
Trees bow down with the coming of fruits,
Clouds with fresh water lower themselves,
The good are not puffed up with their wealth,
This is but the nature of all those born others to serve.
Attendant: They look pleased with beaming faces. Think they are coming with some happy news.
King : then this lady here,
Who can it be, veiled and not showing fully her body’s charm,
Stands in hermits’ midst like a fresh among withered leaves!
Attendant: Full of curiosity as I am, I can not really figure it out. But then surely her figure is something to look at.
King: Let it be. It is wrong to examine some one else’s wife.
Shakunthala: (with hand on chest, to herself) Heart, why do you tremble so? . Be brave, you know well the feelings of my husband.
Family preceptor: (in front of the king) These ascetics have been duly received. They have got some message from their teacher.
King: I am full attention.
Ascetics: (raising hands) Hail, king.
King: I humbly salute you.
Ascetics: May you attain your wishes.
King: Are the ascetics able to do their penance without problems?
Ascetics: Whence trouble to spiritual rites,
When you the protector are there.
How can darkness ever appear
When the sun is blazing bright!
King: Now is my title of king meaningful. Is the venerable Kanva doing well, so that the world will continue to get his blessings.
Ascetics: Being well is under the control of the realized souls. He, enquiring after your health, has this to say.
King: What is his order!
Ascetics: “ That you by mutual agreement married my daughter, is approved by me with pleasure. For,
We consider you as the foremost of the deserving,
Shakunthala is the embodiment of all that is good.
Uniting bride and groom whose qualities match so well,
The creator, in a long while, has escaped all blame!
So now please take her, who is already pregnant, now as a companion in your duties.
Gauthami: Sir, I want to say something. It is not however the time to speak.
She did’nt ask her elders for consent,
You too did’nt either your relatives consult;
In this one-to one act of yours,
What shall I say to either of you.
Shkunthala: What, I wonder, will my husband say!
King: What is this strange thing you tell me!
Shakunthala: (to herself) This what he says burns me like fire.
Sharngarava: How has it come to this! You surely are expert in the affairs of the world!
A married girl with only her parents’ house to stay,
People will mistake otherwise, though she is chaste.
So her relatives will send her to the person who wed her,
Even when she is no more loved by him.
King: what, this lady had been married to me!
Shakunthala: (sorrowfully, to herself) Heart, your fear has been justified.
Sharngarava: what! Just because of not liking what was earlier done, is it right for a king to forget his duty?
King: Why this question, based on false premises!
Sharngarava: Such feelings swell up in those intoxicated with wealth and power.
King: This is a great insult!
Gauthami: For a moment overcome your shyness. I will just remove your veil. Then your husband would recognize you.(and she does so)
King: Observing Shakunthala, and to himself)
This beauty of natural charm brought thus before me,
Clouded in doubt whether once married to me or not,
As at dawn a bee is to a jasmine flower enclosed by snow,
I am able neither to enjoy, nor to leave.
(standing thinking thus)
Attendant: Wonderful is my Lord’s commitment to righteousness! Who else will think twice, seeing this beautiful creature brought easily before him!
Sharngarava: Oh, king,why this silence?
King: Hear you, good people, after long deliberation, I cant recall having married this lady.Then how can I accept her bearing clear signs of pregnancy, just because of a doubt whether I am its cause?
Shakunthala; (aside) My husband doubts even the marriage. Then where are my high hopes!
Shargarava: Oh No!
You think, this hermit who agrees to your outrage
On his daughter, does not deserve any respect!
You are like a thief treated as an honoured guest
By him who returned to you what you stole from him!
Sharadvata: Don’t talk any more. Shakunthala, we have said whatever is thereto say. This gentleman had his say. Please reply to convice him.
Shakunthala: (to herself)If that love has come to this stage, what is the use of reminding him. (aloud) My husband, (stopping in the middlle of speech) When the marriage is now in doubt, it won’t be proper to address you thus. Scion of Pooru’s house, is it right to reject me with such words, after having, earlier in the ashram, with many promises deceived me, who opened her heart’s feelings to you.
King: May God save us from sins!
You want to sully the family name
And bring me down to hell,
As a wild uncontrolled river does
To clean pools and trees on its bank?
Shakunthala: If you are behaving like this out of real fear of taking another’s wife, I can remove that anxiety with this sign for recognition.
King : Grand idea!
Shakunthala : (feeling the place of ring) Alas, the ring is missing on my finger! (looks sorrowfully at Gauthami)
Gauthami: Surely then it must have fallen from your finger, while bathing in the waters of “SachiThirthha” on the way.
King : (smiling) This is why the womenfolk are said to be be good at invention!
Shakunthala: In this, fate has shown its power.I shall tell you something else.
King; Now it has come something to be heard.
Shakunthala: One day you know when we were standing near the jasmine creeper,you had in your hand water in a lotus-leaf cup
King : Let us hear!
Shakunthala: At that moment,turned up the baby deer called Dirghapanga, who is like a son to me. You offered the water to him, saying, “let him drink first” Then because of unfamiliarity, he shied away from you. After that when I held the same water, he liked it. Then you laughed at me thus: “ Everybody trusts his own kind. Both of you are after all wood-dwellers.”
King: By such honey-dripping lying words of the self-serving, are the worldly deceived!
Gauthami: Noble sir, you should never talk like this. This person brought up in the ashram is quite innocent of all fraud.
King: Old hermit- woman,
The untaught cleverness of the female species is well seen
In the nonhumans, what to say of those with intelligence.
Do not the cuckoos get their hoard of kids all fed
By other birds, till they themselves can fly?
Shakunthala: (angrily) Indecent man, you see others, reasoning from what you are at heart. Where can there be another like you!
King: (to himself) : Making me doubt my own mind, this anger of hers seems like uncontrived.
When I, my mind hardened with memory loss,
Do not admit the secret love which she says there was,
With eyes blood red, disjointing her curved brows, she looks
As if in anger she has broken Cupid’s bow in two.
King: (aloud) Good lady, Dushyantha’s life is known to all, but nowhere do I find this.
Shakunthala: Nicely I am made into a loose woman, because, trusting the house of Pooru, I fell into the hands of this honey-mouthed poison-in- heart man.
Sharngarava: This is how one’s own unrestrained folly scorches.
Therefore one must check before one acts,
Especially when meeting alone.
With no knowledge of each other’s heart,
Friendship soon to enmity turns.
King: Look, sir, why do you attack me,, believing only what this lady says?
Sharngarava: (scornfully) Have you all heard this up-side-down view!
One not taught any guile from birth—
What that person says is no proof!
And those who duplicity as an art do learn---
Their words are to be taken as gospel truth!
King: Look, truth-speaker, let it be admitted for now. But what can I get by deceiving her?
Sharngarava: Hell!
King: That Pooru’s family seek hell is silly!
Sharngarava: Why argue with him? We have given Master’s message. Let us return. (addressing the king)
That is your wife standing there,
You may either take or leave;
Husband’s power over wife
Is they say absolute.
Gauthami, go in front. (and starts leaving)
Shakunthala: How this crook has cheated me! Now you are also abandoning me! ( tries to follow )
Gauthami: (stopping) Sharngarava, my boy, See, she is coming after us, sobbing piteously. With her husband roughly rejecting her, what will my poor child do!
Sharngarava: (turning back in anger) What, self-willed woman, you presume to be independent!
(Shakunthala trembles in fear)
Sharngarava: Shakunthala,
If you are as this king says you are,
What use are you, a degenerate, to your dad!
And if you know your conduct has been chaste,
Even servitude is fine in the husband’s house!
Stay there. We are going.
King: Look, you good people, why are you deceiving this lady? Because
As the moon opens up only the blue water lily,
As the sun only the lotus plant.
So the mind of a disciplined man
Turns away from contact with another’s wife.
Sharngarava: When you have forgotten your earlier love in your love for another, how can you be afraid of wrong-doing?
King : Let me ask you which is right and which wrong?
When there is this doubt that I have forgot,
Or what this lady says is false,
Shall I be deserter of his wife,
Or be with adultery besmirched?
Priest: (thinking) If so, this can be done.
King: Please do instruct me.
Priest: Let the lady remain in my house till delivery. You have been told by seers that you will have a son destined to be a king of kings. If the sage’s grandson shows those signs, then you can take her into your home; otherwise it remains an option to send her to her father.
King : As it pleases my teacher.
Priest : My child, come with me.
Shakunthala: Qh! Mother Earth, take me into you! (starts sobbing, and leaves along with the priests and the ascetics)
[THE KING , MEMORY CLOUDED BY BY CURSE, STANDS THINKING ABOUT SHAKUNTHALA]
From green room: Wonder!!
King: (hearing it) what can it be!
Priest (entering) Your Higness, a great wonder has happened.
King: Like what?
Priest : After the disciples of Kanva had left,
Throwing her hands up, the girl began to cry,
Blaming her own fortunes for it all.
Then a light in the form of a woman flashed,
Lifted her up, and towards Apsaras-lake was gone.
(all show their surprise)
King: Sir, this matter has been already dismissed by me. So what use is it trying to reason out this. You may take rest now.
Priest : ( looking at the king) Wish you success! ( exit)
King : Vetravati, I am very much upset. Lead me to the bedroom.
Attendant: Here, here, my Lord. (and they start to go)
King: Really I don’t remember having married
This sage’s daughter, now rejected by me.
But my heart, in severe ache
Almost makes me believe in her.
(Exit all)
END ACT FIVE
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