Chapter Eight: Literature of the Rasika Tradition in Hindi

The beloved boy praises the beauty of her dark complexion and garments;
his broad eyes desire the slender body coloured with cosmetic paste.
If anyone merely utters the name “Sita,” source of snowy coolness and bliss,
Raghunandana’s loving mind remains fixed upon that speaker’s face night and day.
Whoever continually keeps the name of Janaka’s Daughter within a loving heart—
the beloved boy places even his own self under that person’s hand.
Wherever the lovely feet of the beloved of his life have stepped,
the youthful prince, overcome with love, brings his eyes to that place.
Necklace, pendant, earrings, tilaka, and sometimes the markings upon her body—
the Beloved continually returns to arrange them, moment after moment.
Sometimes he drives a bee away, sometimes calls the breeze;
the beloved of his life laughs, takes his hand, and the companion offers herself in praise.

The play of beauty

The dark prince and fair maiden, both darling thieves of the heart,
remain sporting, filled with beauty, crown jewels among ever-new Rasikas.
The companions gather and apply fragrant cosmetic paste to the Lady’s fair body;
Beloved and Beloved Lady shine together in a single loveliness.
A flower crown, a braid woven with flowers, vermilion colouring the lotus face;
collyrium in both eyes and a charming ring upon the nose.
Earrings at the ears, brilliant teeth, the splendour of crimson lips—
smiling lovingly toward the devotee, the Beloved speaks tender, heart-stealing words.
Flower ornaments rest upon arms, neck, breast, and waist, with yellow cloth;
fresh anklets at the feet—the two friends shine beautifully.
One heart, one age, one affection, one life;
one form and one attire—the wise Couple sport.
Each heart, astonished and delighted by the other, beholds the young ocean of beauty;
the beloved boy offers garland after garland to the tamāla-dark radiance of his Lady.
With his own hands he places every ornament and garment upon the darling girl’s limbs,
then gazes upon the resulting beauty with his broad eyes—