Jester— (Sighing deeply) “Ah, what misfortune! Through friendship (companionship) with this king (Dushyanta), who is addicted to hunting (the chase), I have become utterly exhausted. ‘There goes the deer! There goes the boar! There goes the lion!’— shouting thus, one must wander (roam) from forest to forest even at midday through woodland regions where the shade of trees is sparse because of the heat. One has to drink the bitter (astringent) and lukewarm (slightly heated) water of mountain streams mixed with fallen, decaying leaves. And meals must be taken at uncertain times, consisting chiefly of meat roasted upon heated iron spits (skewers). Because the joints of (my bones) have been shaken from riding horses at full speed (causing pain), I do not even get sufficient sleep at night. Yet even today, very early in the morning, I was awakened by the noise of those low-born (sons of servant women) hunters (fowlers) surrounding the forest. Even after all this, the chain of suffering still has not ended. Now another boil has arisen upon an old boil (that is, one trouble has been added upon another). For yesterday, when we had fallen behind while pursuing the deer, the revered king happened to enter the hermitage, and by my ill fortune the ascetic maiden Shakuntala came into his sight. Now he has absolutely no inclination (desire) to return to the city. Even today, by thinking constantly of that very (Shakuntala), the night passed into dawn before his eyes (that is, he remained awake all night). What remedy is there (that is, what am I to do now)? Until then, let me meet him (King Dushyanta) after he has completed his daily rites (such as bathing and worship). (Turning and looking) Ah, here comes my dear friend (King Dushyanta), surrounded by attendants (female companions) carrying bows in their hands and wearing garlands of forest flowers. Very well, I shall stand here looking as though distressed and afflicted in every limb. Perhaps in this way (I may obtain some) rest.” (He stands leaning upon a wooden staff) (Thereafter, the King enters as described) King— (To himself) “Although my beloved (Shakuntala) is not easily attainable, still my mind feels reassured (contented) upon observing her affectionate gestures (expressions of love). For even before love’s desire (passion) is fulfilled, the mutual longing of both (lover and beloved) gives rise to affection (deep love).”