A spring breeze will blow there forever, and the marketplace will overflow with joy.
Lovely women will meet you eagerly each day, dear sisters as beloved as Sita herself.
O royal bridegroom, make this dear house of your in-laws blessed; sport in many kinds of laughter and loving play.
Let your beautiful, doe-eyed sisters-in-law strike you with their sidelong glances.
Says Nehalalita: even while you live in Awadh, keep asking after the welfare of this city.”
Pada 148
“Darling, if you leave your in-laws’ home, where will you go? If you go from Mithila to Awadh, tell us truthfully—when will you return?
You came once and obtained Siaji; when will you ever come again?
We tease you only because we are your sisters-in-law; do not take sorrow from our ritual abuse.
O refined city-dweller, never forget your sisters and sisters-in-law.”
Pada 149
“Darling, why leave your in-laws’ home? Such happiness will never be found elsewhere.
Mother-in-law, father-in-law, sisters, and sisters-in-law— remember everyone in Mithila.
Regard your wife’s sister as your own sister; dear moon-faced one, come and see us again.
Even in the pleasure-groves, Raghubara, do not forget us; send a letter written by your own hand.
If you go to Awadh, Raghunandana, tell us truthfully—when will you return? Says Jnana Ali: my longing will bear fruit when you embrace me laughing.”
Pada 150
“Beloved, wise dark bridegroom, you must depart with your companions. You were born here in Mithilapur by the grace of Shankara and Gauri.
Our mistress Siaji, treasury of virtue, is our sister; today you are taking her away.