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TWELFTH INCARNATION AS SĀNTI 331 friend with equal grief. Do not die from ignorance. You say the wedding is tomorrow. Today, because it is the custom, Kesarā alone will worship Smara with Rati. Then, let us, entering Smara's temple secretly, remain quietly, like worshippers, friend. When she has entered it, I shall seize her clothing and go, disguised like her, to her house, deceiving her attendants. When I have gone, take her and go wherever you like. So your wish will be accomplished unbroken.'
Delighted by this speech, Vasanta said, 'In this plan there are acquisition and enjoyment for me, but I see trouble for you.' Just then an old Brāhman woman sneezed, like a tutelary deity, and Kāmapāla said: 'There will be no trouble for me. On the contrary, prosperity will come to me devoted to this business of yours. For destiny becomes favorable to the noble.' Just then an old Brāhman, delighted, said with reference to his own affairs, 'So it is. There is no doubt. After tying the omen-knot 878 and agreeing to his plan, Vasantadeva entered the city with his friend. After they had eaten, et cetera, they left the house in the evening, went to Smara's temple and stood behind Smara. As they stood there, they heard the auspicious sound of a drum with delight at the thought, 'Kesară is coming now.' She came there, reciting again and again the charm called 'meeting with the lover,' a charm which is effective merely from recitation. She descended from the palanquin, like a goddess from an aerial car, and took a pūjā of gold from Priyankarā's hand. Then she entered Smara's temple alone and shut the door with her own hands, because that is the custom.
After throwing flowers, leaves, and money on the floor for the sake of Manmatha, her hands folded submissively, she spoke with her heart subdued by love:
878 485. See App. II.
The words of the Brāhman were a favorable
omen.
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