anxious doubt, whether she be not wholly destined for a religious life.
Pri. [Smiling, and looking first at Sacontalá, then at the king.] Our lord seems desirous of asking other questions.
Dushm. You know my very heart. I am, indeed, eager to learn the whole of this charmer's life; and must put one question more.
Pri. Why should you muse on it so long?—[Aside.] One would think this religious man was forbidden by his vows to court a pretty woman.
Dushm. This I ask; Is the strict rule of a hermit so far to be observed by Canna, that he cannot dispose of his daughter in marriage, but must check the natural impulse of juvenile love? Can she (oh preposterous fate!) be destined to reside for life among her favourite antelopes, the black lustre of whose eyes is far surpassed by hers?
Pri. Hitherto, Sir, our friend has lived happy in this consecrated forest, the abode of her spiritual father; but it is now his intention to unite her with a bridegroom equal to herself.
Dushm. [Aside, with ecstacy.] Exult, oh my heart, exult. All doubt is removed; and what before thou wouldst have dreaded as a flame, may now be approached as a gem inestimable.
Sac. [Seeming angry.] Anusúyá, I will stay here no longer.
Anu. Why so, I pray?
Sac. I will go to the holy matron Gautami,