King— (Bowing respectfully) You two proceed ahead. I shall follow right behind you. Both— Victory to you. (Both exit.) King— Mādhavya, do you have any (curiosity) to see Śakuntalā? Jester— At first, a flood-like eagerness (to see Śakuntalā) had arisen in me. But now, after hearing about the demons, not even a drop (that is, even a little) of it remains. King— Do not be afraid. You shall remain near me. Jester— Then I am certainly safe from the demons. Gatekeeper (entering)— The prepared chariot is awaiting (expecting) the Maharaja’s victorious departure. But this Karabhaka, a messenger from the chief queen, has arrived from the city. King— (Respectfully) Has he been sent by my mother? Gatekeeper— Who else indeed? King— Then admit him. Gatekeeper— (As you command) so (I shall do). (Exits and re-enters with Karabhaka) Here is the Maharaja. Go near (him). Karabhaka— Victory to the Maharaja, victory indeed. The revered queen commands that on the coming fourth day the completion of her fast (the ceremonial meal taken at the end of a fast) will take place. On that occasion, the long-lived prince (you) should certainly honor (me with your presence) (that is, you must surely come and grace the occasion). King— On one side there is the duty toward the ascetics, and on the other the command of my elders. Both are impossible to disregard. In such a situation here, what (means or course of action) should be adopted? Jester— Remain hanging in the middle like Triśaṅku. King— Truly, I am deeply troubled. Because these two duties (protecting the sacrifice and attending my mother’s ceremonial breaking of the fast) are situated in entirely different (separate) places, my mind has become divided in two, like the current of a river striking against a mountain standing before it.