15 (Sakuntala) The Journey Continued Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

Kanva told his disciple,
“You entrust this girl
To the King and tell
Him about our goodwill.

“Tell him that her deep love
Came naturally somehow,
Without our instigation
Or other’s persuasion.”

“We’re pious people,
While he’s above us all.
Let him treat her as one,
Among the other queens.”

Sarangarava, his disciple,
Understood the principle,
And agreed to convey it
To the King, when he met.

Kanva then advised her
“Sakuntala, my dear,
You must take care
Of your conduct there.”

“Do elders’ work properly.
Move with queens friendly.
You don’t speak rudely,
Even if the King is angry.”

“Treat your servants kindly.
Don’t talk arrogantly,
Out of your rich pleasure
Or your valuable treasure.”

“This kind of girl only
Is fit to head a family.
Others are black sheep
In any family set up.”

Gowthami, her foster mother,
All the way accompanied her,
Before parting her father,
Sakuntala again shed tear.

Kanva said, “My dear girl,
You’re like my eye ball.
Don’t shed any tear
Or go with any fear.”

“You’re joining the King.
A son, you’ll be having.
You’ll be busy very soon.
And forget this pain by then.”

“When shall I be here,
With your goodself, father? ”
She asked him anxiously
Holding his hand tightly.

He said, “My dear child,
With your dear husband
And my grandson, later,
For rest, you can be here.”

Gowthami said, “Let us move.
It’s time for us to leave.
Your father has to perform
His religious rites in time.”

Sakuntala told, “Oh father,
Your busy duties will never
Allow you to remember
Your separated daughter.”

“But I feel the separation
In my case has already begun.”
Like this, she expressed
Her sad feelings at the end.

Kanva consoled her again
“Near our hut, your grains
Have not sprouted yet.
My sorrow, how to forget? ”

He turned back to return.
Her friends came to join.
All the three walked back
Tears drenched their cheeks.