(S') akoontalá seems indeed to be seriously ill. (Thoughtfully.) Can it be the intensity of the heat that has affected her? or does my heart suggest the true cause of her malady? (Gazing at her passionately.) Why should I doubt it? The maiden's spotless bosom is o'erspread With cooling balsam; on her slender arm Her only bracelet, twined with lotus-stalks, Hangs loose and withered; her recumbent form Betokens languor. Ne'er could noon-day sun Inflict such fair disorder on a maid-- No, love, and love alone, is here to blame. PRIYAMVADÁ. (Aside to ANASÚYÁ. I have observed, Anasúyá, that [S') akoontalá has been indisposed ever since her first interview with King Dushyanta. Depend upon it, her ailment is to be traced to that source. ANASÚYÁ. The same suspicion, dear, has crossed my mind. But I will at once ask her and ascertain the truth. (Aloud.) Dear (S') akoontalá, I am about to put a question to you. Your indisposition is really very serious. (S') AKOONTALÁ. (Half rising from her couch. What were you going to ask? ANASÚYÁ. We know very little about love-matters, dear [S') akoontalá; but for all that, I cannot help suspecting your present state to be something similar to that of the lovers we have heard about in romances. Tell us frankly what is the cause of your disorder. It is useless to apply a remedy, until the disease be understood.

King Monologue from Sakoontala; Or, The Lost Ring: An Indian Drama

Rehearse King's monologue