Page:Sacontala (Jones 1870).djvu/134

132

ends in me; as the river Sereswatì disappears in a region unworthy of her divine stream.

[He faints.

Dams. Let the king resume confidence.—

[She supports him.

Misr. [Aside.] Shall I restore him? No; he will speedily be roused—I heard the nymph Dévajananì consoling Sacontalá in these words: "As the gods delight in their portion of sacrifices, thus wilt thou soon be delighted by the love of thy husband." I go, therefore, to raise her spirits, and please my friend Ménacà with an account of his virtues and his affection.

[She rises aloft and disappears.

Behind the scenes. A Bráhmen must not be slain: save the life of a Bráhmen.

Dushm. [Reviving and listening.] Hah! was not that the plaintive voice of Mádhavya?

Dams. He has probably been caught with the picture in his hand by Pingalicà and the other maids.

Dushm. Go, Chaturicà, and reprove the queen in my name for not restraining her servants.

Dams. As the king commands.

Again behind the scenes. I am a Bráhmen, and must not be put to death.

Dushm. It is manifestly some Bráhmen in great danger.—Hola! who is there?

Cham. What is the king's pleasure?

Dushm. Inquire why the faint-hearted Mádhavya cries out so piteously.