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

From Sakoontala; Or, The Lost Ring: An Indian Drama by Kālidāsa

male · anguished · 1:25 min

Most reverend Sage, this thy handmaid was married to me by the Gándharva ceremony (55), and after a time was conducted to my palace by her relations. Meanwhile a fatal delusion seized me; I lost my memory and rejected her, thus committing a grievous offence against the venerable Kanwa, who is of thy divine race. Afterwards the sight of this ring restored my faculties, and brought back to my mind all the circumstances of my union with his daughter. But my conduct still seems to me incomprehensible; As foolish as the fancies of a man Who, when he sees an elephant, denies That 'tis an elephant; then afterwards, When its huge bulk moves onward, hesitates; Yet will not be convinced till it has passed For ever from his sight, and left behind No vestige of its presence save its footsteps. KA (S') YAPA. My son, cease to think thyself in fault. Even the delusion that possessed thy mind was not brought about by any act of thine. Listen to me.

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