Chapter LV

_Sakhī:_ The citizens are waking on the king's highway,
Rays of the moon light up the dome of earth:
No peace in new-born love,--
I am amazed to see you. Loveliness!

How many ways the damsel seeks to hide herself:
She goes a-trysting in a boy's disguise.
And binds her flowing tresses in a knot.
Changing diversely the fashion of her dress.

And since her breasts may not be hidden by their veil,
She clasps an instrument of music to her bosom:
Thus she attains the darkness of the forest,--
The Lord of lovers cannot know her when he sees her!

Perplexed is Mādhava, when he perceives her,
But at a touch the riddle is resolved.
_Says Vidyāpati: What happened then,--_
_What sports of Love ensued?_

VASANTA LĪLĀ