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Sri Raghunandana, crown of rasikas and fresh cloud of longing, honors each one’s desire in precisely the way it dwells within her heart. Ayodhya’s gallant and beloved becomes dear among the companions; the tender maidens are caught in love’s cage and can no longer fly away.

Raghunandana then says to Siddhi, “If you will now grant permission, we shall return to the guest-camp, where the king awaits us.”

Hearing the bridegroom’s words, longing awakens within their hearts. Siddhi and all the princesses speak in the pain of separation: “You have nurtured us, intoxicated us, and immersed us in the nectar of beauty; now tell us, cherished prince—by what means shall our lives remain when you depart for Ayodhya? Youthful, charming thief of hearts, why did you bind us in love if now you intend to kill helpless women and go away, dark one? If you preserve this same custom whenever you visit your in-laws, you will slaughter all the women of Janakpur with the sword of love.

“We frail women implored you in every way, yet you paid no heed; drawing the bow of your brows, you struck us with poison-tipped arrows from your eyes. In one moment you stole our worldly shame, family honor, and reputation. Listen, king of rasikas: once love takes root, it cannot be removed. Whether it attaches itself to one high or low, of any caste, it sells itself into that person’s hands. Until the sinful eyes obtain a glimpse, they continue to yearn despite millions of efforts. Although the beloved’s form dwells specially in the heart day and night, those sinful eyes remain unsatisfied until they behold him.