"Vaishampaayana said, 'After Dushanta had left the ashrama having made those promises to Shakuntala, the latter of narrow thighs brought forth a boy of immeasurable energy. When the child was three years old, he became in splendour like the blazing fire. O Janamejaya, he was possessed of beauty, magnanimity and every accomplishment. That first of men of Dharma, (Rishi) Kanwa, caused all the rites of Dharma to be performed in respect of that intelligent child thriving day by day.
"The boy gifted with pearly teeth and shining locks, capable of slaying lions then, with all auspicious signs on his palm, and broad expansive forehead, grew up in beauty and strength. Like to a divine child in splendour, he began to grow up rapidly. When he was only six years of age, endued with great strength he used to seize and bind to the trees that stood around that ashrama - lions, tigers, bears, buffaloes and elephants. He rode on some animals, and pursued others in sportive mood. The dwellers at Kanwa's ashrama immediately gave on him a name. They said, because he catches and restrains all animals however strong, let him, be called Sarvadamana (the subduer of all). It was thus that the boy came to be named Sarvadamana, endued as he was with capability, energy and strength. The Rishi (Kanwa) seeing the boy and marking also his extraordinary acts, told Shakuntala that the time had come for his installation as the heir-apparent. Looking at the strength of the boy, Kanwa commanded his disciples, saying, 'You bear without delay this Shakuntala with her son from this abode to that of her husband, blessed with every auspicious sign. Women should not live long in the houses of their paternal or maternal relations. Such residence is destructive of their reputation, their good conduct, their Dharma. Therefore, delay not in bearing her hence.'
"These disciples of Rishi (Kanwa) immediately, saying 'So be it,' went towards the city named after an elephant (Hastinapura) with Shakuntala and her son ahead of them. Then she of fair eye-brows, taking with her that boy of divine beauty (Sarvadamana), endued with eyes like lotus petals, left the forest where she had been first known by Dushanta. Having approached the king (Dushanta), she with her boy resembling in splendour the rising Sun was introduced to him. The disciples of the Rishi having introduced her, returned to the ashrama. Shakuntala having worshipped the king (Dushanta) according to proper form, told him, 'This is your son, O king! Let him be installed as your heir-apparent. O king, this child, like to a Deva, has been fathered by you upon me. Therefore, O best of men, fulfil now the promise you gave me. O you of great good fortune, call to mind the agreement you had made on the occasion of your union with me in the ashrama of Kanwa.'
"The king (Dushanta), hearing these her words, and remembering everything said, 'I do not remember anything. Who are you, O wicked woman in guise of a Muni? I do not remember having any connection with you in respect of Dharma, Kaamaa and Arthaa. Go or stay or do as you please.' Thus addressed by him, the fair-coloured innocent one (Shakuntala) became ashamed. Grief deprived her of consciousness and she stood for a time like a wooden post. Soon, however, her eyes became red like copper and her lips began to tremble.
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