Kalidasa's
Purva-Megh
Verse
29 through 32
Verse
29
The
Nivindha river is an untamed woman.
Her
jeweled waist ornaments, like tumbled stones,
Impede
the gushing stream. Look!
In the
eddy you can see her navel.
Embrace
her as she imparts her virginal whispers.
Verse
30
Aren't
you lucky, my friend--you find the
Rivermaiden
in weakened condition!
Leaves
choke her channel,
Thick,
like braided hair.
But
she is happy at your approach, so
Do what
you must to renew her.
Verse
31
Visit
Vishala city in Abanti, where
Ancient
sages taught her elders secrets
For
protecting its beauty. Resembling a divine,
Rock-like
biscuit nibbled by heaven-dwellers,
It was
brought -- like a gift from heaven --
By Abantians'
good deeds.
Verse
32
Fresh
winds from Sipra River
Nourish
Vishala town. Mornings,
Long-necked
storks call secret mantras,
Beautiful,
unknown. Wind carries their songs,
And
wafts the fragrance of full-bloomed lotuses,
Like
scents poured on lovers' bodies to revive them.
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