Page:Sacontala (Jones 1870).djvu/85

Rh

Pup. Be attentive. The venerable sage gave this order: "Bring fresh flowers for Sacontalá from the most beautiful trees;" and suddenly the wood nymphs appeared, raising their hands, which rivalled new leaves in beauty and softness. Some of them wove a lower mantle bright as the moon, the presage of her felicity; another pressed the juice of Lácshà to stain her feet exquisitely red; the rest were busied in forming the gayest ornaments; and they eagerly showered their gifts on us.

Pri. [Looking at Sacontalá.] Thus it is, that even the bee, whose nest is within the hollow trunk, does homage to the honey of the lotos flower.

Gaut. The nymphs must have been commissioned by the goddess of the king's fortune, to predict the accession of brighter ornaments in his palace.

[Sacontalá looks modest.

Pup. I must hasten to Canna, who has gone to bathe in the Málinì, and let him know the signal kindness of the wood nymphs.

[He goes out.

Anu. My sweet friend, I little expected so splendid a dress:—how .shall I adjust it properly?—[Considering.]—Oh! my skill in painting will supply me with some hints; and I will dispose the drapery according to art.

Sac. I well know your affection for him.

Can. [Aside.] This day must Sacontalá depart: