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SAMDESARASAKA
At these words that handsome lady sighed deeply. She oracked her fingers. She quivered like plaintain in a high blast. She stammered something bewailingly. She wept. Drying the eyes, she said:" O traveller, my body is shattered at the mention of Stambhatirtha. For it is there that my husband is staying who is so cruel as not to return after such a long period (67). If you kindly stop a while, I shall say a few modest words by way of message to my loved one." The traveller said; "O fair dame with sorrowful eyes, you appear much dejected. What is the use of weeping? Say your message" (68). The lady said: "With what heart shall I send the message to one whose departure from hence has only stopped short of reducing me to an ash-heap? (69). Moreover, I am ashamed to send the message because neither I accompanied him when he left, nor did I die during his separation (70). But if I remain silent through shame, my heart would break. So, appease him by reciting this Gatha (71): 'My limbs shattered by the strokes of your separation do not fall asunder because, O my lord, they subsist on the hope of meeting you to-day or tomorrow (72).' After reciting this you tell him these five Dohas with due politeness (74): 'Even though afflicted by the fire of separation, it would be unbecoming to me, who always bear you in the heart, to die and thus part your company (75). Disregarding your presence in my heart, this Separation distresses the body. But for the high-minded an affront at the hand of others is more painful than death (76). How is it that I am suffering humiliation, though you with your inexhaustible manhood are there as my husband? The very limbs that gave you enjoyment are now burnt by Separation (77). Though I have been subject to unremitting attacks from Cupid, it is only my body that has been shattered; the heart is not injured because of your presence there (78). I lack strength sufficient to cope with Separation. Hence my wailings. Cowherdesses can but cry; it is for the owner to bring back the stolen herds (79). The message I intend to send is too lengthy for words. Tell my loved one, now my two hands together can pass through a bracelet and that the ring in the little finger can now be worn on my arm! (80-81)'."
82
The traveller wishing to resume his journey shortly. said: "I have to traverse a very difficult path; so speak
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