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cupied in the discharge of religious and moral duties, am come hither to behold the sanctuary of virtue.

Anu. Holy men employed like you, are our lords and masters.

[Sacontalá looks modest, yet with affection; while her companions gaze alternately at her and at the king.

Anu. [Aside to Sacontalá.] Oh! if our venerable father were present.

Sac. What if he were?

Anu. He would entertain our guest with a variety of refreshments.

Sac. [Pretending displeasure.] Go too; you had some other idea in your head: I will not listen to you.

[She sits apart.

Dushm. [Aside to Anusúyá and Priyamvadá.] In my turn, holy damsels, allow me to ask one question concerning your lovely friend.

Both. The request, sir, does us honour.

Dushm. The sage Canna, I know, is ever intent upon the great Being; and must have declined all earthly connections. How then can this damsel be, as it is said, his daughter?

Anu. Let our lord hear. There is, in the family of Cusa, a pious prince of extensive power, eminent in devotion and in arms.

Dushm. You speak, no doubt, of Causica, the sage and monarch.

Anu. Know, sir, that he is in truth her father; while Canna bears that reverend name, because