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CENTO I
1. Salutation to Siva :
Pay homage to the hands of Pasupati (Siva ), joined together and filled with water in honour of the (Goddess of the ) Evening twilight, wherein the moon-like face of Gauri (Pārvati) (standing nearby), crimson with jealous anger, is reflected in the form of an image and which (joined hands) ( therefore ) appear as if holding a red lotus as a votive offering to the Goddess of Evening Twilight ). 2. Compiler of the Collection :
Seven hundred stanzas rich in poetic charm were composed (i.e. compiled) and arranged in the form of an anthology) by Hāla, the lover (i.e. admiring friend) of poets, from out of a crore (ten millions, i.e. countless number).
3. Ideal Tryst :
Look (here). The female crane appears so lovely, poised steady and motionless on the (green) leaf of the lotus-plant, resembling an oyster-shell resting on a tray of pure emerald.
4. Complete exhaustion :
The flirting blandishments of women look charming during amorous dalliance, only so long as their eyes, resembling the petals of blue lotuses (i.e. their dark eyes), do not close (in utter exhaustion).
5. Neglect not your wife :
“Why do you not seek (the emergence of) a new fruit (for your self) (by embracing me), but instead seek it for the Kurabaka (by urging me to embrace if ?" Thus, indeed, oh charming one, your wife turns her lotus-like face away (from you) and laughs (at this behaviour of yours).
6. Retaliation :
Beautiful women are tormented, during separation from their dear consorts, by the (blossoming of the) Aśoka trees. Does (ever) any one tolerate a kick given by any body, if he is strong enough (to retaliate)?
7. Cancellation of the tryst :
Oh aunt, the extremely charming bed of lotus plants, the glory and ornament of the village, has been made by the winter (frost) to be like a plucked (i.e. harvested) sesamum-field.
8. Don't worry, here is another trysting place :
Do not weep with downcast face because the rice-fields have turned white (due to ripeness ) (and would therefore be soon harvested). Here are now the hemp-gardens that have become (yellow) like actors whose faces are decked with yellow paint.
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