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OR, THE FATAL RING.
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But—since they mean to deprive us of our friend so soon as to day, I feel that my delight is at least equalled by my sorrow.

Pri. Oh! we must submit patiently to the anguish of parting. Our beloved friend will now be happy; and that should console us.

Anu. Let us now make haste to dress her in bridal array. I have already, for that purpose, filled the shell of a cocoa nut, which you see fixed on an Amra tree, with the fragrant dust of Nágacésaras; take it down, and keep it in a fresh lotos leaf, whilst I collect some Góráchana from the forehead of a sacred cow, some earth from consecrated ground, and some fresh Cusa grass, of which I will make a paste to ensure good fortune.

Pri. By all means. [She takes down the perfume.—Anusúyá goes out.

Behind the scenes. O Gautamí, bid the two Misras, Sárngarava and Sáradwata, make ready to accompany my child Sacontalá.

Pri. [Listening.] Lose no time, Anusúyá, lose no time. Our father Canna is giving orders for the intended journey to Hastinápura.

Anusúyá re-enters with the ingredients of her charm.

Anu. I am here; let us go, my Priyamvadá.

[They both advance.

Pri. [Looking.] There stands our Sacontalá, after her bath at sunrise, while many holy women, who are congratulating her, carry baskets of hallowed grain.—Let us hasten to greet her.