Pada 217
Ah, how charming is Sita’s Lord!
Friend, let us offer a million Cupids in sacrifice and ward the evil eye from his brow. My heart trembles as he passes through the city streets—friend, let no one cast a spell upon him.
I would leap forward and cling to his neck; if he filled me with delight, I would care nothing for this body. A marvel has descended upon Janaka’s city: food, drink, and sleep are forgotten.
Says Sri Raghuraja: I sacrifice myself to the crown upon his head; now I must become his mendicant.
Pada 218
Friend, look at the noble prince—Sita’s bridegroom in the palace of Mithila’s king. A crown rests upon his head and yellow garments clothe his body; one determined glance steals my heart.
A garland of pearls shines upon him, and his reddened eyes are darkened with kohl. Friend, the handsome one steals my heart; if he looks gently upon me, this life will not survive.
His curls shine upon his face like a wondrous swarm of bees; his sehra sways and hangs down to his waist. To Janaka’s young women he is a deadly poison; seeing him, Love takes his seat and stands guard over the mind.
I shall no longer remain in Janaka’s city—take the profit of this vision and do not hold back. Whoever truly beholds this bridegroom cannot restrain the mind from following him.
My heart longs to cling to his neck; for Raghuraja’s sake I would abandon the entire world.
Pada 219
Dear bridegroom, your lovely glance is a thief of hearts.
Your brows are a bow, your eyes its arrows, and the corners of those kohl-darkened eyes draw the string. Every limb assails me; each one is filled with a bewitching curve.