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TRANSLATION
219 1039. Flowers are coals, the moon is like a furnace, its light is
like a series of flaming stars, resembling crackling sparks of fire; lying down in contact with sandalwood, a pearl necklace or a lotus, all such external contacts she finds to be the same because her mind is
overheated by thinking of her lover. 1040. Sandal unguent on a necklace, water in water containers,
a cool breeze—for one heated by the fever of separation
these only render more violent the fever, 1041. and she will not listen to songs delightful to the ear even
though sweet, harmonious and mellifluous and accom
panied on agreeable instruments. 1042. Even though she repeatedly hears the tales of her attendG ants the girl does not say the least thing but under the
heightened influence of love grows more and more
pensive. 1943. Her mother came and asked : ‘Darling, what is torment
ing you ?' She said : I do not know, but a fever is
tormenting me.' 1044. One of her attendants said in joke : 'Lady, you have
drunk much salt water from some ocean to judge by
the oblations of your eyes. 1045. So if the fever caused by the absence of sensual pleasure
is what greatly consumes this stricken body it will be
assuaged by the nectar of the joy of getting a husband.' 1046. As she remained silent and made no reply the servant
girl said to her mother : ‘Lady, go into the house, - 1047. do not be depressed, I will find a remedy for this.' The
mother went indoors and the attendant said to
Nāgavasū: 1048. *Tell me the cause of your sorrow that has been imposed
by fate so that I may endeavour to find a fitting remedy. Who, lady, knows the value of pearls that are covered
up? 1049. It is the flame of love that burns your body. From the
symptoms it is known in general terms; but tell me the rest.' In all frankness
