Look to your own virtues and ancient vow, O hero of Raghu’s line, ocean of compassion and Prince of Awadh. If Sita’s Lord takes no thought for his servant Nehalata, what an uproar this tale will cause!
Pada 313
Long live the beautiful bridegroom of the bride!
His robe glitters with gold brocade, a sash adorns him, and a sehra hangs over his moonlike face. He eats betel and smiles enchantingly; his kohl-dark eyes wound the heart.
Says Madhupa Ali: gazing upon his beauty, I sacrifice body, mind, wealth—everything.
Pada 314
May Queen Sita’s married fortune remain unbroken; may the crown remain upon King Rama’s head.
As long as the earth rests upon Shesha’s head and the streams of Ganga and Yamuna continue to flow, as long as moon and sun shine in the sky, may this bridal splendor remain.
May the bridegroom remain forever, and the bride forever; may each forever dwell within the other. May their wedded blessing endure, may the crown remain, and may this bridal beauty be ever new.
May Kanaka-vihari dwell here forever; may the companions’ assembly always remain. May such adornment be renewed each day, and may loving devotees receive this great good fortune.
Pada 315
The flower-gardener slept high upon the terrace, overlooking her garden. “Wake, wake, gardener! The gardener calls you—rise, for dawn has come.”
When the gardener opened her eyes, she saw bridegroom Ramachandra standing at her door. “Never until today have I seen such a rare and lovely prince—how has he come to stand at my doorway?
“Until today, gardener, the flame of love burned low; today it blazes fiercely.