And saluting the Rishi, she then began to sport before him. And
just at that time Marut robbed her of her garments that were white as the
Moon. And she thereupon ran, as if in great bashfulness, to catch hold of
her attire, and as if she was exceedingly annoyed with Marut. And she did
all this before the very eyes of Viswamitra who was endued with energy
like that of fire. And Viswamitra saw her in that attitude. And beholding
her divested of her robes, he saw that she was of faultless feature. And
that best of Munis saw that she was exceedingly handsome, with no marks of
age on her person. And beholding her beauty and accomplishments that bull
amongst Rishis was possessed with lust and made a sign that he desired her
companionship. And he invited her accordingly, and she also of faultless
features expressed her acceptance of the invitation. And they then passed
a long time there in each other's company. And sporting with each other,
just as they pleased, for a long time as if it were only a single day, the
Rishi begat on Menaka a daughter named Sakuntala. And Menaka (as her
conception advanced) went to the banks of the river Malini coursing along
a valley of the charming mountains of Himavat. And there she gave birth to
that daughter. And she left the new-born infant on the bank of that river
and went away. And beholding the new-born infant lying in that forest
destitute of human beings but abounding with lions and tigers, a number of
vultures sat around to protect it from harm.
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