Chapter Eight: Literature of the Rasika Tradition in Hindi

For example:

The fresh young princess comes from Pali village.
Awadh’s Lal, accomplished connoisseur, stops her to demand a tax upon the curd.

Across the path through Pramodavana, let us place the bow as a barrier.
This is my plan for stopping them—consider it carefully, all you friends.

Having formed a line of bowmen, they sit beneath the shade of a heavenly tree.
Ramsakhe, grant us this vision and the happiness of their embrace.

“Listen, Lakshman: how has that road been blocked today?”
“You are Raghupati’s playful companion—tell us how this affair may be arranged.”

“The king has given this land to Raghunath to govern;
Therefore a road-tax is levied upon every route through this forest domain.

“Companion, you have brought curd, so now some tax will be due.
The jewel of Raghu’s line sits here—go and pay him honour.”

“You came toward Pramodavana carrying curd, exceedingly carefree.
You feared no one, yet today you have suddenly been caught alone.
Give us a fitting levy: whatever pleases us, O thief of hearts with ever-fresh beauty.
Hear everything we say with both ears—you are certainly worthy of compassion, companion.”

“You are women suited to yogis, possessors of generous beauty;
But hearing of our humble community, what opinion will you form of us?”

“You already know us as the wives of thieves from beginningless time—why grow annoyed?
Beautiful, lovely Raghunath Ju, do not practise cleverness in words.
Body, wealth, and life all stand before you; whatever you want, take into your hands now.
Come into the bowers of Pramodavana, says Ramsakhe, and drink whatever rasa pleases you.”

I have sold myself into your gentle smile.
Ramsakhe says: now sport within Pramodavana and attain happiness.

A rose-coloured skirt circles and swirls, and her fine veil bears the yellow of jasmine.
Her bodice is a red bud, while blue blossoms are skilfully arranged upon it.
Seeing the champak garland and crescent of oleander, even Rati’s heart is humbled.
Upon the crystal slab, says Ramsakhe, her beloved Rama adorns Sita in flowers—what beauty!

The fresh, free-spirited companion from Awadh wanders searching from tree to tree and leaf to leaf.
Her body is drowned in the anguish of separation, intoxicated with dark Rama’s colour, while the crest-jewel Manmatha displays his power.