Chapter III: Prologue: Benediction Upon the Audience

Eight forms has Shiva, lord of all and king:
And these are water, first created thing;
And fire, which speeds the sacrifice begun;
The priest; and time's dividers, moon and sun;
The all-embracing ether, path of sound;
The earth, wherein all seeds of life are found;
And air, the breath of life: may he draw near,
Revealed in these, and bless those gathered here.

_The stage-director_. Enough of this! (_Turning toward the dressing-room_.) Madam, if you are ready, pray come here. (_Enter an actress_.)

_Actress_. Here I am, sir. What am I to do?

_Director_. Our audience is very discriminating, and we are to offer them a new play, called _Shakuntala and the ring of recognition_, written by the famous Kalidasa. Every member of the cast must be on his mettle.

_Actress_. Your arrangements are perfect. Nothing will go wrong.

_Director_ (_smiling_). To tell the truth, madam,

Until the wise are satisfied,
I cannot feel that skill is shown;
The best-trained mind requires support,
And does not trust itself alone.

_Actress_. True. What shall we do first?

_Director_. First, you must sing something to please the ears of the audience.

_Actress_. What season of the year shall I sing about? _Director_. Why, sing about the pleasant summer which has just begun. For at this time of year

A mid-day plunge will temper heat;
The breeze is rich with forest flowers;
To slumber in the shade is sweet;
And charming are the twilight hours.

_Actress_ (_sings_).

The siris-blossoms fair,
With pollen laden,
Are plucked to deck her hair
By many a maiden,
But gently; flowers like these
Are kissed by eager bees.

_Director_. Well done! The whole theatre is captivated by your song, and sits as if painted. What play shall we give them to keep their good-will?

_Actress_. Why, you just told me we were to give a new play called _Shakuntala and the ring_.

_Director_. Thank you for reminding me. For the moment I had quite forgotten.

Your charming song had carried me away
As the deer enticed the hero of our play.

(_Exeunt ambo_.)