The Recognition of Sakuntala

Madhavya enters. He is a vidusaka, a stock comedic character in Sanskrit theatre, analogous to the fool in Shakespeare. The vidusaka is often depicted as a Brahmin, or a member of the priestly class, and walks with the help of a staff.

Madhavya complains about being in the king’s retinue, forced to go on a hunt for various wild beasts. He is even more flummoxed at Dusyanta’s decision to stay at Kanva’s grove and abandon the hunt. Madhavya decides to confront Dusyanta about his odd behavior. Dusyanta enters, surrounded by attendants, muttering to himself. The king says he thinks Sakuntala returns his love, but cannot be sure, for lovers often misread their own feelings in the heart of the beloved. Madhavya draws attention to himself, hunching as if in pain.

Dusyanta asks what has brought on Madhavya’s sudden disability. Madhavya replies it is the king himself. Since Dusyanta is neglecting the affairs of the state, his people, like Madhavya, have been crippled. Madhavya asks Dusyanta to give the chase for prey a rest so Madhavya can relax. Dusyanta says in an aside that he too is sickened by the thought of continuing the hunt, as his heart is full of dreams of Sakuntala.