Chapter Eight: Literature of the Rasika Tradition in Hindi

Colourful Sita and her beloved recline upon a bed of flowers,
Performing amorous play, radiant embodiments of rasa.
Each holds the other’s cheek in lotuslike hands,
While the royal beloved drinks love’s nectar.
They shine amid lovely colours;
The virtuous companions sacrifice lotus blossoms with their hands.
The two continue kissing one another’s captivating limbs
Like intoxicated bees upon lotuses.
Smiling and smiling, the beautiful Pair softly exchange words;
Siya Ali says: the bee-like companions surrender themselves to this beauty.

Friend, behold what extraordinary beauty has arisen!
Upon a throne set with jewels and precious gems,
The youthful Couple sit steeped in melody and passion.
Their limbs are languid from pleasurable exertion; their faces shine like the young sun.
A jewelled crown rests upon his head, a moon ornament upon hers, and the immeasurable radiance of pearls spreads around them.
Curls play above their cheeks, while a pearl nose-ring gleams amid the locks.
The lustre of teeth and betel-reddened lips makes countless Cupids sacrifice themselves—what poet could describe it?
Drops of joyful perspiration shine upon their faces; Siya Ali is immersed in the deepest happiness.
Upon yellow, dark, and crimson lotuses glisten dark drops of dew.

Behold Sita’s bridegroom, lord of the rāsa, best of dancers,
Wearing splendid attire that fills young women’s hearts with delight.
Fine cloth gleams upon his limbs like lightning;
The mark upon his brow and his gently curving eyebrows possess incomparable beauty.
Smooth, beautiful curls are charmingly filled with jasmine flowers;
His lips are intensely red, his cheeks lovely, and his eyes steeped in feeling.
Priceless, delicate earrings sway beside graceful serpentlike locks;
His tender, handsome limbs are marked with pure sandal paste.
His stainless eyes smile as he speaks a few words;
The jewel upon his nose appears like a wave upon an ocean of beauty.
He places his arms upon the young women’s shoulders and walks with a gait that humbles the swan;
Joining eye to eye, his two cakora-like eyes drink from the moon of Sita’s face.