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86
SES. T. Nimkar
the royal residence attended by (or, guarded by) a number
of male and female elephants (at the gate). 901. And I saw the first (gate) crowded with groups of armed
soldiers; and the second gate crowded with people restrain
ed by the door-keepers (at the entrance). 902. And the third (gate) where the sound of auspicious (songs)
was accompanied by pleasant beating of drums and notes of flutes; and where colourful spectra were created by the
brilliance of the ornaments of beautiful ladies. 903. Thus, gradually crossing that third apartment, I entered
(the next one) in which there were flower-decorations and
jewelled pavements. 904. Then, suddenly, I saw that princess sitting on a golden
couch placed on marble-pavement set with jewels. . 905. She was attended to by her friends with different kinds of
cosmetic material in their hands and looked like the crescent moon surrounded by stars in bright autumnal sky.
(lit. pure autumnal season). 906. Rising with respect and having saluted (us) she sat down
on that couch together with Kuvalayāvali in proper order
of seniority. 907.' Then, having uttered blessings, my king, I also sat down
on a golden seat in front (of them) offered to me with
great respect. 908. After I had comfortably taken my seat, I was honoured by
Lilāvati with her bashful glances (cast at me) with great
regard. 909. Then, having quietly sent the (other) attendants away, a girl
standing behind me overturned a cold golden pitcher (i.e...
a gold-pitcher containing cold water) over my head. 910. Another one tied her own upper-garment around my neck
and a third one dragged me towards bath by the end of my garment.:
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