Enter. Sacontalá, Gautamí, and female Hermits.
Sac. I prostrate myself before the goddess.
Gaut. My child, thou canst not pronounce too often the word goddess: thus wilt thou procure great felicity for thy lord.
Herm. Mayst thou, O royal bride, be delivered of a hero.
Both damsels. [Approaching Sacontalá.] Beloved friend, was your bath pleasant?
Sac. O! my friends, you are welcome: let us sit awhile together.
Anu. Now you must be patient, whilst I bind on a charm to secure your happiness.
Sac. That is kind.—Much has been decided this day; and the pleasure of being thus attended by my sweet friends will not soon return,
Pri. Beloved, it is unbecoming to weep at a time when you are going to be so happy.—[Both damsels burst into tears as they dress her.]—Your elegant person deserves richer apparel; it is now decorated with such rude flowers as we could procure in this forest.
Carina's Pupil enters with rich clothes.
Pup. Here is a complete dress. Let the queen wear it auspiciously; and may her life be long!
Gaut. My son, Háríta, whence came this apparel?
Pup. From the devotion of our father Canna.
Gaut. What dost thou mean?
