admired his glossy mane, shapely head, strong compact frame, and beautiful waist. A woven net of silken threads streamed above him upon the wind.
He stepped as though scattering flowers and performed innumerable wonders— bounding, swaying, prancing, and wheeling beyond anyone’s power to describe.
Seeing the horse’s restlessness and Lakshmana’s mastery in riding him, all the houses of Nimi and Raghu remained as though enchanted and sold away.
Rama and the other beloved princes watched in mounting delight; charmed by Lakshmana, they praised him again and again.
Thus the procession sported along the road while many instruments sounded. Hearing the heralds’ calls, the women of the city gathered at their doors.
One woman gazed upon Rama’s lovely face and became immersed in its bliss; filled with affection and devoted to his form, she lost all awareness of her body.
Another beheld the incomparable bridegroom and dissolved in love; her eyes overflowed, her mind swung like a cradle, and a wave of affection arose.
One lay upon a bed beside her husband, then rose and hurried to the window; dyed in the color of Rama’s form, the darling abandoned both husband and pleasure.
Another beautiful woman opened her veil while carrying a vessel of water; seeing bridegroom Rama, she entered an ocean of bliss.
Dohā: One beheld the dark form, broke a straw in reverent self-offering, and became absorbed in joy; steeped in that sweet image, she abandoned all awareness of herself.
Another gazed upon Raghunandana’s beauty and said, “Friend, listen! All the princes are going to take their kalevā meal in Janaka’s palace.