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A Meeting with Madhu at Mathura
213
"Oh beautiful damsel! Can I get water here ? I am thirsty”, the king said approaching her. She at once went into her cottage and brought cool water in a clean vessel. She gave the vessel to the king. At the same time, knowingly or unknowingly, she also surrendered her heart to him. She gave him cool water to drink; but at the same time she became infatuated with him and gave him the sweet water of love also. Sumitra's thirst was appeased; and he was greatly pleased. Sumitra possessed a fascinating appearance. The village damsel also was like Urvasi the heavenly dancer. She was in her sweet sixt year. Her heart flew up like a bird into the firmament of love; and began to sing sweetly. Both were silent; but their eyes were engaged in a secret conversation. Both were wounded by the arrows of love. The damsel restrained her emotions a little; spread a mat in the shadow and by means of a sign, she requested him to be seated on it; and she went into the hut.
The king was sitting there wondering at her beauty. Then, suddenly, the head of the family came out. Actually, he was the leader and ruler of that village. There was the radiant and mystic horse. There was a stranger sitting on the mat. He felt that the stranger was a veritable god of love sitting there wearing royal robes. On seeing him, he was filled with wonder and fear. But as soon as he recognized him all his fears and doubts disappeared. He recognized King Sumitra because he as the head of his village was present in the royal court at the time of Sumitra's coronation. So, he could at once recognize him as the king of the area. When he saw the king sitting there in front of his hut, his joy knew no bounds. He hurried towards the king; and prostrated at his feet. He made polite enquiries about his welfare; and asked him for the reason for his unexpected visit. The king narrated to him the reason for his coming to that area. He gave the king honourable and hospitable treatment, feeling greatly delighted by his arrival.
Meanwhile, the beautiful damsel whose name was Vanamala and who was the daughter of the village-head came out of the hut. She brought in a fresh plantain-leaf some fruits for the king whom she loved and with whom she had become infatuated.
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