The king, hearing Shakuntalā’s request, agreed without hesitation, saying, “So be it.” Yet, with gentle honesty, he told her, “O pure-smiling one, I will not take you to my city just yet.” With respect for her worthiness, he addressed her with kind words, recognizing her blameless conduct. Summoning the family priest, the king explained, “What the princess has asked, I cannot disregard. My illustrious son should not be without the proper rites. Therefore, perform the marriage as prescribed in the scriptures—do not delay.” Thus urged, the priest, though constrained by the circumstances, carried out the splendid royal marriage ceremony according to sacred tradition. By the priest’s command and with auspicious rituals and festivities complete, the king took Shakuntalā’s hand in the prescribed manner, and they dwelt together as husband and wife. Trusting her, the king prepared to depart, assuring her, “For your sake, I will send a fourfold army. Accompanied by elders learned in the Vedas, royal dignitaries, and thousands of palanquins, we, your relatives, will come. There will be mute people, Kirātas, hunchbacks, dwarfs, and those in fine garments, joined by charioteers and bards. With the sound of conches and drums, the procession will reach the forest. Thus, O pure-smiling one, I will bring you to my city.” He added solemnly, “Otherwise, O honored one, I will not take you to my abode. With all auspicious hospitality, O beautiful-browed one, I pledge this to you in truth.” Having spoken thus, the royal sage embraced her, smiling warmly at the blameless Shakuntalā. He embraced her again after reverently circumambulating her, and Shakuntalā, her face radiant, fell at his feet. Raising her gently, the king reassured her, “Do not grieve. I swear by my good deeds, O daughter of the king, I will bring you.” Having thus promised, King Dushyanta departed, his mind pondering all that had transpired, as he made his way toward Kashyapa’s hermitage. Meanwhile, the blessed sage Kashyapa, engaged in austerities, heard of these events and wondered what he should do. “I have come without appeasing him—will the eminent Brahmin be pleased?” he thought as he entered his city. Not long after, Kanva returned to the hermitage. Out of modesty, Shakuntalā hesitated to approach her father. As if apprehensive, she slowly came near, took his burden, and prepared a seat for him. She washed the feet of the great-souled Kashyapa, but, overcome by shame, could not meet his gaze. Bashful and silent, Shakuntalā did not speak, fearful that she had failed in her duty. Seeing her so restrained by her vow and modesty, the sage addressed her gently, “Even in your bashfulness, you will live long as before. Tell me what has happened, O slender-thighed one, and do not be afraid.” Having washed his feet, Shakuntalā served the sage roots and fruits as he wished. After massaging his feet, she withdrew, her heart full of emotion. Though weary and exceedingly beautiful, she, modest and pure in her smile, spoke faltering words to Kashyapa: “Father, King Dushyanta, son of Ilila, has come here. He, whom I accepted as husband by divine ordination, has arrived. Therefore, father, be gracious; my husband is of great fame. By your divine insight, you see all that has happened.” Kashyapa, with his divine vision, perceived everything. Recognizing her righteousness and unwavering mind, the blessed, greatly austere sage was pleased and spoke of what had occurred. “So it is—I have known and seen all this with my divine sight. What you have done today, though without informing me, was for the sake of the royal lineage. Union with a man is not a violation of righteousness; do not fear, gentle one, you have acted rightly. For a Kshatriya, the Gandharva marriage is considered the best—when both desire and consent, that is said to be the highest form. How much more, when performed according to proper rites, will you obtain noble offspring! Dushyanta, righteous and great-souled, is the best of men. “O Shakuntalā, your husband, who has come to you while you were devoted, is a great soul; your son will be renowned in the world. He will enjoy the entire earth, bounded by the oceans, and the wheel of his sovereignty will advance without hindrance. His wheel of empire will always be unobstructed; and for your sake, O beautiful one, I am well pleased. Many seasons have passed in vain, O pure-smiling one; now this has become fruitful, and you are free from fault. Take a boon from me, whatever you desire for this reason.” Shakuntalā replied, “He whom I have accepted as husband, Dushyanta, the best of men, has been recognized by me as my husband in the presence of the gods. Therefore, be gracious to him and his counselors.” Having spoken thus, the wise Shakuntalā, intent in mind, chose righteousness and steadfastness in the kingdom. For the good of Dushyanta of the Paurava line, Kanva, the foremost of the righteous, said to her, “So be it.