Vidaghda Madhava Natakam, by Rupa Goswami.

[Jagannāth Miśra Dās]

A sample from Act 7 of Rupa Goswami’s drama, the Śrī Vidagdha Mādhava Natakam.

VRINDĀ

Look! Look!

Rādhā, who has all artistic, fine grace,

Perceives the scent that Krsna’s limbs unlace,

And with a smile on her face, she then did

Her vine-like form within the grove make hid.

[Looking again in joy.]

Her footprints clearly tell him where she went;

Behind he comes to make a sure advent,

Her eyes he covers with his trembling hands.

LALITĀ

Alas!

Each hair that on her body is up stands!

And with the lotus in her hand, she hits

The one with lotus eyes, as it befits.

VRINDĀ

Look! Look!

Although she frowns she still maintains a smile,

And though she says no she’s pleased all the while,

When pushing him away she cries in bliss

She tries to hide her love but she is his.

LALITĀ

Her teeth mark him, her nails make lines as well,

As a bold amorous mood begins to swell

And so, she like a foe behaves, quite fierce,

And gives much joy to him, she now does pierce.

VRINDĀ

Tears and perspiration now wash away

The red that once upon her breasts did lay;

Which quiver now, as she does pine for him,

A knot falls slack that holds her garment trim,

And seeing how your knot has come undone,

Your friends hope that, and wish all knots to shun.

(note: free from knots means the knots that support the Gopis lower under garments, that bind their braided hair, waist belt and blouse too; and may also refers to the soul being released from the bondage to material nature.)

LALITĀ

Why did the amorous couple resort to the jasmine bower?

VRINDĀ

Though the bees of my eyes drink the pure sweet nectar of Rādhā and Mādhava’s dalliances, they are not satisfied.

LALITĀ

Although the jasmine flowers ooze with flower nectar, the bees forsake them, flying away to the east.

VRINDĀ

O friend, Rādhā and Krsna, the two crowns of all amorous couples, left the jasmine bower, and the bees follow their sweet fragrance. Let us delight our eyes, by looking in the jasmine bower. [They walk.]

Look! Look!

Enchanting jewels lie scattered all around,

And fragrant garlands crushed to pulp are found,

This grove, complete with lotus flower bed,

Declares the wanton reign of our Godhead.

LALITĀ

The flower bed where she did lie with him,

Is red with dye from Radha’s every limb,

From her red soles and foreheads bindu dot,

Their dyes have mixed upon the flowery cot,

This coloured perspiration their bed soaks,

Their flower bed much happiness evokes.

VRINDĀ

She was a girl with ribbons in her hair

Who played in Vraj’s dust without a care,

Her ears have just been pierced, how did she learn,

These wanton arts, by which she now does churn,

And conquer him, who is beyond defeat.

LALITĀ

Radha and Madhava, our eyes do greet.

VRINDĀ

Come, let us hear what she says now.

[Radha’s voice from behind the scenes.]

Over my ears blue lotus flowers drape,

And buds of clove within my tresses shape,

Adorn my breasts with fragrant jasmine new,

With strings of kadambha my waist imbue,

For my friends should not see me thus undressed,

And quickly too, so nothing may be guessed.

[Smiles.]

Her red scratch marks upon his body bloom,

And waves of love removed his every plume;

Like pearls his drops of perspiration seem;

I love this form which robs Cupids esteem.

[Krsna enters with a nicely decorated Radha.]

KRSNA

These curly locks do mock your tilak sign,

Your eyes do make these lotuses decline,

Your smiles do crush your lovely necklace rare,

You need no jewels at all, I do declare!

LALITĀ and VRINDĀ

Handsome Lord! Accept these delicate spring flowers.

KRSNA
O beautiful hipped one. All liberated souls meditate on me, yet you are the sole object of my desire. Hence I think it proper that you be adorned with these atimukta flowers. [Rests the flowers behind Radha’s ears.]

(note:this is a pun on atimukta which means Madhavi flowers, as well as liberated souls. As I am the constant object of contemplation for the liberated souls, yet am at your command, so let these flowers serve you by decorating your form.)