Dushm. [Aside, with affection.] How often have I seen our court damsels affectedly turn their heads aside from some roving insect, merely to display their graces! but this rural charmer knits her brows, and gracefully moves her eyes through fear only, without art or affectation. Oh! happy bee, who touchest the corner of that eye beautifully trembling; who, approaching the tip of that ear, murmurest as softly as if thou wert whispering a secret of love; and who sippest nectar, while she waves her graceful hand, from that lip, which contains all the treasures of delight! Whilst I am solicitious to know in what family she was born, thou art enjoying bliss, which to me would be supreme felicity.
Sac. Disengage me, I entreat, from this importunate insect, which quite baffles my efforts.
Pri. What power have we to deliver you? The king Dushmanta is the sole defender of our consecrated groves.
Dushm. (Aside.) This is a good occasion for me to discover myself. [Advancing a little.] I must not, I will not, fear. Yet—[checking himself and retiring]—my royal character will thus abruptly be known to them. No; I will appear as a simple stranger, and claim the duties of hospitality.
Sac. This impudent bee will not rest. I will remove to another place.—[stepping aside and looking round.]—Away! away! He follows me wherever I go. Deliver me, oh! deliver me from this distress.
