Gazing upon that beauty, my whole being is pierced, and every auspicious-hearted woman rejoices. The charm of the veil changes at every instant; seeing it, the heart fills to overflowing. Shy and hesitant, both bend low, startled as they move, each yearning to behold the other's beauty. The poet says: once the eyes have found such joy, they cannot turn their gaze away. As the pair takes the wedding rounds, beholding their united beauty, I offer myself again and again.
The Gift of Vermilion
Rama placed vermilion in Sita's hair-parting; its beauty cannot be described in any manner. It was as though the serpent of her dark hair, greedy for nectar, had taken crimson pollen from a lotus and adorned the moon of her face.
Pada 72
“From which city has the seller of vermilion come to sell vermilion? And, mother, from which city is the maiden who has come to receive it?” “The seller of vermilion has come from the city of Ayodhya; the maiden of Mithila has come to receive the vermilion.” “What is the complexion of the charming bridegroom who has applied the vermilion? Which tender young daughter has been adorned with it?” “The charming bridegroom who applied it is dark-hued; the tender daughter adorned with it is Sita.” Cries of “Victory! Victory!” arise, and flowers are showered down. Kedamalata has sung this pada; whoever hears it is filled with joy.
Pada 73
Dear honored guest, bestow the vermilion. This is no moment for embarrassment or argument; do not be stubborn now.