Chapter Four — The Companions’ Loving Service

Kācit kāntārthinī kāntam uddiśya gacchati drutam,
Kuñjāt kuñjaṃ praviśati yathābhisārikā mudā. (41)

One lover, longing for her beloved and intent upon finding him, joyfully hurried from bower to bower like the bold abhisārikā who goes out to meet her lover.

Kācin mānavatīṃ bālāṃ praṇayena vaśīkṛtā,
Prayatnaś cety āha vācyaṃś cāṭu-vākyataḥ. (42)

With great effort and artful, coaxing words, one companion brought a proudly offended maiden back under love’s gentle sway and spoke to her persuasively.

Hāva-bhāva-prabhāvajñā Rāmāgre kāpi sasmitā,
Gāna-yuktair mahā-vādyais toṣitā rāsa-maṇḍale. (43)

Another, expert in the power of gesture and expression, smiled before Rama. Amid the rāsa circle she was delighted by the magnificent instruments joined with song.

Kācic cāmara-hastā ca kācid vyajana-hastakā,
Sugandha-mālya-hastā ca sthitā kamala-hastakā. (44)

One companion stood with a fly-whisk in hand, another with a fan; one held a fragrant flower garland, and another stood bearing a beautiful lotus.