Source page 212

“If anyone—wise or ignorant—loves me, I keep that person always as dear as life, without the least trace of pride. Darling, everyone knows this to be my vow. Otherwise creatures would not seek me through chanting, austerity, vows, and meditation.

“Whenever I examine those lovers who are greatly praised in the world, I find in every case that only one partner truly keeps faith. Frost burns the lotus’s body; it does not protest, and when it sees the sun it rejoices; how can the sun know such pain within the lotus’s heart? The chakora longs and, unable to obtain the moon, gazes toward it every night; but the moon feels not the slightest wound from the chakora’s love. Seeing its beloved raincloud, the frog and peacock dance, but the cloud shows not even a little tenderness toward them. The papiha cries ‘Beloved! Beloved!’ until it gives up its life, yet its beloved shows no compassion and bears the sin of its death. The fish abandons everything and never leaves the water day or night, but even seeing such friendship, the water does not split apart in grief. The moth approaches the lamp, enchanted by its radiance, but the fire feels no pity while consuming its body. Thus I have observed the conduct of many reputed lovers: one gives up life for the other, while the other feels no pain.

“My love is not of that kind, darling— listen, Siddhi, abode of happiness. I do not abandon the person who loves me, not even for the span of an instant.