All the (ascetic maidens), listening attentively (hearing this), become somewhat frightened. King— (To himself) “Ah, shame indeed! The men from the city, searching for me, are surrounding the hermitage. Very well, then I shall depart.” Both Friends— “Noble sir, we have become frightened by this account of the wild elephant (forest elephant). Please permit us to return to the cottage (hermitage hut).” King— (With concern) “You may go. I too shall make such arrangements that no distress comes to the hermitage.” (All rise) Both Friends— “Noble sir, since we could not properly offer you hospitality, we feel ashamed to request that you favor us again with your presence.” King— “No, do not say so. By merely beholding you all, I myself have been honored.” Shakuntala— “Anasuya, my foot has been injured (wounded) by the tip of fresh kusa grass, and my bark-garment has become caught in the branch of a Kurabaka tree. Wait for me until I free it.” (Looking toward the King, Shakuntala intentionally delays on this pretext and then exits with her friends) King— “My eagerness to return to the city has grown faint (that is, my desire to go back to the city has vanished). Therefore, I shall meet my attendants and station them at some distance from the hermitage. I am unable to restrain myself from thoughts of love concerning Shakuntala. For while (my) body moves forward toward (my attendants), (my) mind, becoming almost estranged (alien) from me, runs backward toward (Shakuntala), like a silken banner-cloth driven backward against the wind.” (All exit)