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Prakrit Verses in Sanskrit Works on Poetics
95
957. O, dear, with the moon-like face and large eyes, the long night, bright with
moonlight, with its only four watches looks as if it has a hundred in your
separation. 958. For translation vide ŚP S. No. (207.85) supra.
(Verse 959 is corrupt and obscure.)
(Verse 960 is treated in the Notes.)
961. When there was a sudden movement of the servants and whispered words
said something about someone's coming, the young lady, who was expecting her beloved man was so much overcome by nervousness that she could hardly lift her foot.
962. The young woman, who was unable to move ahead on account of her delicate
thighs trembling due to extreme nervousness and was presented by someone was in the meanwhile tightly hugged by her lover.
963. Madayantikā : "Friend, I am also guilty of a breach of trust that you must
needs speak thus? Dear friend, you and Lavangikā are now my very heart."
964. (The first half of this găthā is corrupt and obscure. The second half means:)
It is the errand-girls who restore to life a young woman deeply attached to a (young handsome) man who is difficult to secure.
965. If we didn't have on this earth girls to run errands for us, who act like
cintāmaņi (a fabulous gem supposesd to yield its possessor all desires), who will bring to us the delights of hearing love's messages or the raptures of passionate sex?
· 966. Love's messages (brought by the messenger-girls) are much more delightful
than the union itself.
967. (Note : Sakuntalā addresses this love-letter to Dușyanta :)
"I know not your heart, but, 0, ruthless one, love burns by day and even
at night, these limbs of mine whose desires are all centred on you." 968. For translation vide ŚP S. No. (386.122) supra.
