THE RÁMÁYAN OF VÁLMÍKI, VOL. III - Gujarat Knowledge Centre

Canto XLVr THE RjfMJtYAK 213
With lotua garland on thy head,
Like a sweet spring with bloom o'erspread.
Who art thou, fair one, what thy name.
Beauty, or Honour, Fortune, Fame,
Spirit, or nymph, or Queen of love
Descended from thy home above ?
Bright as the dazzling jasmine shine
Thy small square teeth in level line.
Like two black stars aglow with light
Thine eyes are large and pure and bright.
Thy charms of smile and teeth and hair
And winning eyes, O thou most fair.
Steal all my spirit, as the flow
Of rivers mines the bank below.
How bright, how fine each flowing tress
iHow firm those orbs beneath thy dress
That dainty waist with ease were spanned.
Sweet lady, by a lover's hand.
Mine eyes, beauty, ne'er have seen
Goddess or nymph so fair of mien.
Or bright Ghandharva's heavenly dame.
Or woman of so perfect frame.
In youth's soft prime thy yeais are few.
And earth has naught so fair to view.
I marvel one like thee in face
Should make the woods her dwelling-place.
Leave, lady, leave this lone retreat
In forest wilds for thee unmeet.
Where giants fierce and strong assume
All shapes and wander in the gloom.
These dainty feet were formed to tread
Some palace floor with carpets spread.
Or wander in trim gardens where
Each opening bud perfumes the air.