04 (Sakuntala) Sakuntala Entertained Dushyanta Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

While closely watching Sakuntala,
A doubt came to Dushyanta,
“Was she born to his father,
Thro’ a different caste mother? ”

“Since she covets my mind,
As queen she’s fit, I find.
When there’s a doubt
Better, I get the fact.”

Sakuntala shouted, “Help me.
O’er my face flies a black bee.
From jasmine bush, it came,
I’m afraid of the same.”

The black bee circled around
Her worried face, he found.
Her eye brows danced
O’er her eyes, he observed.

He was jealous of the bee,
“Oh bee, you’re so free
To touch her eye brows
And tell secrets in her ears.”

“Oh you honey-stealing-bee,
Near her, you’re lucky to be,
To taste her nectar like lower lip,
Despite her chasing you up.”

“While I’m waiting here
To know the facts from her,
You’re fortunate to be near
And move closely with her.”

She cried aloud again,
“My cry here is in vain.
Friends, please help me.
From this bee, save me.”

“Who’re we to help you?
Dushyanta will help you
Think of him, he’s the best.
As he rules this holy forest.”

Like this, her friends told.
When Dushyanta heard,
For help, he rushed out,
And before them he went.

“Under the command,
Of Puru lies this land,
Where punishment is given
To the criminals known.”

“Who’s that culprit
In this holy spot
Who dares to tease
These young virgins? ”

Anusuya answered him
“A big bee is causing harm
To Sakuntala, who’s scared.
She’s simply worried.”

He asked Sakuntala then,
“Hope you’re all fine?
Do you perform penance,
Without any hindrance?

Sakuntala stood confused
She didn’t utter a word.
Anusuya then advised her
To serve him food and water.

He was shown a cool seat,
Under the tree-shade to sit,
By Pryamvada, as a guest,
Who needed proper rest.

“I feel already honoured
By your kind words, ” he said,
So, I need nothing else,
Well, nothing more or less.”

“All of you may be tired,
So, here you be seated.”
They heard his request
And with him they sat.

Sakuntala felt, “How’s it
I get unholy thought,
When I just meet
This unusual guest? ”

Destiny played its role,
Perhaps, for this girl
To have this young man,
As a partner of her own.