The son of King Dasharatha comes riding, making his horse dance, friend. Says Sarayu Sakhi: upon the bridegroom’s beauty I would sacrifice ten million Cupids.
Pada 220
Let no one cast a spell upon the dear prince!
Women of Mithila, keep watch over your own hearts and minds. Someone bring the warding mark for his brow—my heart writhes in longing.
Mother Sunayana, queen of Mithila, perform the rite of salt and flame to avert evil. The enchanting forms of Rama and Lakshmana are as dear as Lakshminidhi himself.
Says Lalamani: upon bridegroom Raghava I offer body, mind, and wealth.
Pada 221
Beautifully arrayed, Raghuraja has become the bridegroom in Mithila.
A golden crown shines upon his head; the unmatched sehra pours boundless light. His dark body and richly colored garments shine like lightning against a rain cloud.
Says Shivadayal: gods, men, and sages who see him are enchanted; among all the city’s women, no one can preserve her composure.
Pada 222
Friend, the Prince of Awadh has carried away my heart.
His innocent, lovely face enchants even Love himself; merely seeing him, he steals the heart. When he looks upon me, the lotus-corners of his eyes shoot Love’s arrows into my mind.
My body and mind are bewildered; all awareness is lost, and only that moonlike beauty remains in thought. Gazing upon his unequaled form, my eyes overflow with the supreme nectar of love.
My love surges, and my body thrills like the chakora bird at the sight of the moon. I am never satisfied while gazing upon that sweet beauty and drinking its nectar to the full.