King— “Is the venerable head of the hermitage (the Kulapati) present here (in the hermitage)?” Ascetic— “Just now, after appointing his daughter Shakuntala to receive and honor guests, he has gone to the sacred Soma pilgrimage place in order to pacify the adverse fate (misfortune) threatening her.” King— “Very well, then I shall at least see that (daughter of the Kulapati). Recognizing my devotion (toward the sage Kanva), she will convey it to the great sage (Kanva).” Ascetic— “Very well, we take our leave.” (He exits along with his disciples) King— “Charioteer, drive the horses onward. Let us purify ourselves by beholding this sacred hermitage.” Charioteer— “O long-lived one! As you command.” (He again acts out the movement of the speeding chariot) King— (Looking all around) “Charioteer, even without being told, it is evident that this is the boundary (approach region) of the sacred grove.” Charioteer— “How so?” King— “Do you not see? For here and there beneath the trees are seen grains of wild rice (nivara grain) fallen from the hollows inhabited by parrots. In some places smooth stones used for cracking Ingudi fruits are visible. (Elsewhere), the deer, moving fearlessly (without anxiety) because of their sense of safety and trust, endure the sound (rumbling noise) of the chariot (without running away in fear). And (in other places), the paths leading toward the ponds (water reservoirs) appear marked by lines of dripping water falling from the ends of bark garments (worn by the ascetics).”