Chapter Eight: Literature of the Rasika Tradition in Hindi

Union with the beloved is the drop of Swati rain for which my life longs.
Fulfil this hope someday, while breath still remains within the vessel of my body.

Continue to show this further mercy while life remains in the body:
Abandoning pride, may I repeat your Name together with that of the Lord of my life.

Let the cātaka waste away through calling if it must, but let my love never diminish.
Make me firmly a bee greedy for the nectar of your lotus feet.

As separation burns me, affection grows still stronger,
Just as gold becomes pure through the heat that tests it.

Desire, anger, pride, and greed create worldly attachment.
They are enemies of true love—may they not touch this body even slightly.

I went to the terrace and beheld the crimson cloud of love’s beauty.
Tears began to pour like rain and drenched my entire body.

My limbs became weak and could no longer move; the cool wind of sighs
Made the body tremble and the heart distraught—meet me quickly, Raghubir.

Beholding many kinds of gem-studded ornaments makes my pain rise.
When shall I place them with my own hands upon beautiful dark Shyam’s body?

Seeing priceless garments, my heart cannot maintain composure.
These jewelled robes are fit for the union of beloved and lover.

When shall I carefully arrange those garments and dress my beloved,
Whose lovely, captivating body is softer even than a flower?

Many kinds of bodily fragrance stand prepared in beautiful jewelled vessels.
When they shine upon beloved and lover’s breasts, my life will bear fruit.

When will the royal Pair, accompanied by their entire retinue and all regal splendour,
Wander night and day through imperishable palaces and bowers?

When will these eyes behold their playful forest sports in the gardens at morning and evening?
When will my fortune awaken?

The youthful Couple wander through the palace flower garden.
Will I ever behold this heart-stealing, consciousness-enchanting vision?

The beloveds perform water recreation in the Sarayu with their companions.
When shall I behold wet garments clinging to the beautiful net of their forms?