Source page 203

One honored rhythm with melody and spread an elaborate canopy of musical modes. Hearing it, trees and stones seemed to melt, and Love awoke even within those who listened.

Seeing the beauty of that delightful abode, the royal princes became filled with love. Rama conversed with his sister-in-law Siddhi, immersed in the supreme nectar of affection.

Millions of princesses who had come upon hearing King Nimi’s wedding invitation possessed so great a longing to meet Rama that no tender maiden could describe it.

Each was very beautiful and newly adorned, her golden hair arranged with care; colorful, virtuous, and rich in grace, those princesses were most charming.

They understood the customs of love and were accomplished in its play; whoever beheld them was enchanted, as though they were attendants of Kama.

When they heard that all four brothers had come to Siddhi’s palace, every darling arrived at once, recognizing that blissful opportunity.

All the royal maidens came thirsty for Rama’s vision. Siddhi, treasury of happiness, received every one of them with great honor.

They began to gaze upon Rama’s beautiful form; joyful tears flooded their eyes. They had fallen into the ocean of his beauty and could no longer be drawn out.

A jeweled golden crown and a singular crest of pearls shone upon him; who could speak of the delight he stirred in the hearts of those royal women?

Yellow garments clothed him, graceful bracelets adorned his hands, and his curving glance searched them out. Yogis, renunciants, chaste women, and ascetics alike remained fixed upon him.

His kohl-dark eyes were extraordinary—slanting, graceful, and filled with collyrium. No one could remain near him without being struck by their sidelong assault.