Vishnupurana 5.18

5.18.1

parāśara uvāca:
cintayann iti govindam upagamya sa yādavaḥ
akrūro 'smīti caraṇau nanāma śirasā hareḥ //

THUS meditating, the Yádava approached Govinda, and addressed him, and said, "I am Akrúra," and bowed his head down to the feet of Hari; but Krishńa laid upon him his hand, which was marked with the flag, the thunderbolt, and the lotus, and drew him towards him, and affectionately embraced him. Then Keśava and Ráma entered into conversation with him, and, having heard from him all that had occurred, were much pleased, and led him to their habitation: there they resumed their discourse, and gave him food to eat, and treated him with proper hospitality. Akrúra told them how their father Ánakadundubhi, the princess Devakí, and even his own father, Ugrasena, had been insulted by the iniquitous demon Kansa: he also related to them the purpose for which he had been dispatched. When he had told them all these things, the destroyer of Keśin said to him, "I was aware of all that you have told me, lord of liberal gifts: Ráma and I will go to-morrow to Mathurá along with you. The elders of the cowherds shall accompany us, bearing ample offerings. Rest here to-night, and dismiss all anxiety. Within three nights I will slay Kansa and his adherents."

5.18.2

so 'py enaṃ dhvajavajrābjakṛtacihnena pāṇinā
saṃspṛśyākṛṣya ca prītyā sugāḍhaṃ pariṣasvaje //

THUS meditating, the Yádava approached Govinda, and addressed him, and said, "I am Akrúra," and bowed his head down to the feet of Hari; but Krishńa laid upon him his hand, which was marked with the flag, the thunderbolt, and the lotus, and drew him towards him, and affectionately embraced him. Then Keśava and Ráma entered into conversation with him, and, having heard from him all that had occurred, were much pleased, and led him to their habitation: there they resumed their discourse, and gave him food to eat, and treated him with proper hospitality. Akrúra told them how their father Ánakadundubhi, the princess Devakí, and even his own father, Ugrasena, had been insulted by the iniquitous demon Kansa: he also related to them the purpose for which he had been dispatched. When he had told them all these things, the destroyer of Keśin said to him, "I was aware of all that you have told me, lord of liberal gifts: Ráma and I will go to-morrow to Mathurá along with you. The elders of the cowherds shall accompany us, bearing ample offerings. Rest here to-night, and dismiss all anxiety. Within three nights I will slay Kansa and his adherents."

5.18.3

kṛtasaṃvandanau tena yathāvad balakeśavau
tataḥ praviṣṭau saṃhṛṣṭau tam ādāyātmamandiram //

THUS meditating, the Yádava approached Govinda, and addressed him, and said, "I am Akrúra," and bowed his head down to the feet of Hari; but Krishńa laid upon him his hand, which was marked with the flag, the thunderbolt, and the lotus, and drew him towards him, and affectionately embraced him. Then Keśava and Ráma entered into conversation with him, and, having heard from him all that had occurred, were much pleased, and led him to their habitation: there they resumed their discourse, and gave him food to eat, and treated him with proper hospitality. Akrúra told them how their father Ánakadundubhi, the princess Devakí, and even his own father, Ugrasena, had been insulted by the iniquitous demon Kansa: he also related to them the purpose for which he had been dispatched. When he had told them all these things, the destroyer of Keśin said to him, "I was aware of all that you have told me, lord of liberal gifts: Ráma and I will go to-morrow to Mathurá along with you. The elders of the cowherds shall accompany us, bearing ample offerings. Rest here to-night, and dismiss all anxiety. Within three nights I will slay Kansa and his adherents."

5.18.4

saha tābhyāṃ tadākrūraḥ kṛtasaṃvandanādikaḥ
bhuktabhojyo yathānyāyam ācacakṣe tatas tayoḥ //

THUS meditating, the Yádava approached Govinda, and addressed him, and said, "I am Akrúra," and bowed his head down to the feet of Hari; but Krishńa laid upon him his hand, which was marked with the flag, the thunderbolt, and the lotus, and drew him towards him, and affectionately embraced him. Then Keśava and Ráma entered into conversation with him, and, having heard from him all that had occurred, were much pleased, and led him to their habitation: there they resumed their discourse, and gave him food to eat, and treated him with proper hospitality. Akrúra told them how their father Ánakadundubhi, the princess Devakí, and even his own father, Ugrasena, had been insulted by the iniquitous demon Kansa: he also related to them the purpose for which he had been dispatched. When he had told them all these things, the destroyer of Keśin said to him, "I was aware of all that you have told me, lord of liberal gifts: Ráma and I will go to-morrow to Mathurá along with you. The elders of the cowherds shall accompany us, bearing ample offerings. Rest here to-night, and dismiss all anxiety. Within three nights I will slay Kansa and his adherents."

5.18.5

yathā nirbhartsyate tena kaṃsenānakadundubhiḥ
yathā ca devakī devī dānavena durātmanā //

THUS meditating, the Yádava approached Govinda, and addressed him, and said, "I am Akrúra," and bowed his head down to the feet of Hari; but Krishńa laid upon him his hand, which was marked with the flag, the thunderbolt, and the lotus, and drew him towards him, and affectionately embraced him. Then Keśava and Ráma entered into conversation with him, and, having heard from him all that had occurred, were much pleased, and led him to their habitation: there they resumed their discourse, and gave him food to eat, and treated him with proper hospitality. Akrúra told them how their father Ánakadundubhi, the princess Devakí, and even his own father, Ugrasena, had been insulted by the iniquitous demon Kansa: he also related to them the purpose for which he had been dispatched. When he had told them all these things, the destroyer of Keśin said to him, "I was aware of all that you have told me, lord of liberal gifts: Ráma and I will go to-morrow to Mathurá along with you. The elders of the cowherds shall accompany us, bearing ample offerings. Rest here to-night, and dismiss all anxiety. Within three nights I will slay Kansa and his adherents."

5.18.6

ugrasene yathā kaṃsaḥ sudurātmā ca vartate
yaṃ caivārthaṃ samuddiśya sa kaṃsena visarjitaḥ //

THUS meditating, the Yádava approached Govinda, and addressed him, and said, "I am Akrúra," and bowed his head down to the feet of Hari; but Krishńa laid upon him his hand, which was marked with the flag, the thunderbolt, and the lotus, and drew him towards him, and affectionately embraced him. Then Keśava and Ráma entered into conversation with him, and, having heard from him all that had occurred, were much pleased, and led him to their habitation: there they resumed their discourse, and gave him food to eat, and treated him with proper hospitality. Akrúra told them how their father Ánakadundubhi, the princess Devakí, and even his own father, Ugrasena, had been insulted by the iniquitous demon Kansa: he also related to them the purpose for which he had been dispatched. When he had told them all these things, the destroyer of Keśin said to him, "I was aware of all that you have told me, lord of liberal gifts: Ráma and I will go to-morrow to Mathurá along with you. The elders of the cowherds shall accompany us, bearing ample offerings. Rest here to-night, and dismiss all anxiety. Within three nights I will slay Kansa and his adherents."

5.18.7

tat sarvaṃ vistarāc chrutvā bhagavān keśisūdanaḥ
uvācākhilam apy etaj jñātaṃ dānapate mayā //

THUS meditating, the Yádava approached Govinda, and addressed him, and said, "I am Akrúra," and bowed his head down to the feet of Hari; but Krishńa laid upon him his hand, which was marked with the flag, the thunderbolt, and the lotus, and drew him towards him, and affectionately embraced him. Then Keśava and Ráma entered into conversation with him, and, having heard from him all that had occurred, were much pleased, and led him to their habitation: there they resumed their discourse, and gave him food to eat, and treated him with proper hospitality. Akrúra told them how their father Ánakadundubhi, the princess Devakí, and even his own father, Ugrasena, had been insulted by the iniquitous demon Kansa: he also related to them the purpose for which he had been dispatched. When he had told them all these things, the destroyer of Keśin said to him, "I was aware of all that you have told me, lord of liberal gifts: Ráma and I will go to-morrow to Mathurá along with you. The elders of the cowherds shall accompany us, bearing ample offerings. Rest here to-night, and dismiss all anxiety. Within three nights I will slay Kansa and his adherents."

5.18.8

kariṣye ca mahābhāga yad atraupayikaṃ matam
vicintyaṃ nānyathaitat te viddhi kaṃsaṃ hataṃ mayā //

THUS meditating, the Yádava approached Govinda, and addressed him, and said, "I am Akrúra," and bowed his head down to the feet of Hari; but Krishńa laid upon him his hand, which was marked with the flag, the thunderbolt, and the lotus, and drew him towards him, and affectionately embraced him. Then Keśava and Ráma entered into conversation with him, and, having heard from him all that had occurred, were much pleased, and led him to their habitation: there they resumed their discourse, and gave him food to eat, and treated him with proper hospitality. Akrúra told them how their father Ánakadundubhi, the princess Devakí, and even his own father, Ugrasena, had been insulted by the iniquitous demon Kansa: he also related to them the purpose for which he had been dispatched. When he had told them all these things, the destroyer of Keśin said to him, "I was aware of all that you have told me, lord of liberal gifts: Ráma and I will go to-morrow to Mathurá along with you. The elders of the cowherds shall accompany us, bearing ample offerings. Rest here to-night, and dismiss all anxiety. Within three nights I will slay Kansa and his adherents."

5.18.9

ahaṃ rāmaś ca mathurāṃ śvo yāsyāvaḥ samaṃ tvayā
gopavṛddhāś ca yāsyanti hy ādāyopāyanaṃ bahu //

THUS meditating, the Yádava approached Govinda, and addressed him, and said, "I am Akrúra," and bowed his head down to the feet of Hari; but Krishńa laid upon him his hand, which was marked with the flag, the thunderbolt, and the lotus, and drew him towards him, and affectionately embraced him. Then Keśava and Ráma entered into conversation with him, and, having heard from him all that had occurred, were much pleased, and led him to their habitation: there they resumed their discourse, and gave him food to eat, and treated him with proper hospitality. Akrúra told them how their father Ánakadundubhi, the princess Devakí, and even his own father, Ugrasena, had been insulted by the iniquitous demon Kansa: he also related to them the purpose for which he had been dispatched. When he had told them all these things, the destroyer of Keśin said to him, "I was aware of all that you have told me, lord of liberal gifts: Ráma and I will go to-morrow to Mathurá along with you. The elders of the cowherds shall accompany us, bearing ample offerings. Rest here to-night, and dismiss all anxiety. Within three nights I will slay Kansa and his adherents."

5.18.10

niśeyaṃ nīyatāṃ vīra na cintāṃ kartum arhasi
trirātrābhyantare kaṃsaṃ haniṣyāmi sahānugam //

THUS meditating, the Yádava approached Govinda, and addressed him, and said, "I am Akrúra," and bowed his head down to the feet of Hari; but Krishńa laid upon him his hand, which was marked with the flag, the thunderbolt, and the lotus, and drew him towards him, and affectionately embraced him. Then Keśava and Ráma entered into conversation with him, and, having heard from him all that had occurred, were much pleased, and led him to their habitation: there they resumed their discourse, and gave him food to eat, and treated him with proper hospitality. Akrúra told them how their father Ánakadundubhi, the princess Devakí, and even his own father, Ugrasena, had been insulted by the iniquitous demon Kansa: he also related to them the purpose for which he had been dispatched. When he had told them all these things, the destroyer of Keśin said to him, "I was aware of all that you have told me, lord of liberal gifts: Ráma and I will go to-morrow to Mathurá along with you. The elders of the cowherds shall accompany us, bearing ample offerings. Rest here to-night, and dismiss all anxiety. Within three nights I will slay Kansa and his adherents."

5.18.11

parāśara uvāca:
samādiśya tato gopān akrūro 'pi sakeśavaḥ
suṣvāpa balabhadraś ca nandagopagṛhe tataḥ //

Having given orders accordingly to the cowherds, Akrúra, with Keśava and Ráma, retired to rest, and slept soundly in the dwelling of Nanda. The next morning was bright, and the youths prepared to depart for Mathurá with Akrúra. The Gopís, seeing them about to set forth, were much afflicted; they wept bitterly, their bracelets were loose upon their arms, and they thus communed together: "If Govinda depart for Mathurá, how will he return to Gokula? his ears will there be regaled with the melodious and polished conversation of the women of the city. Accustomed to the language of the graceful females of Mathurá, he will never again endure the rustic expressions of the Gopís. Hari, the pride of the station, is carried off, and a fatal blow is inflicted upon us by inexorable destiny, Expressive smiles, soft language, graceful airs, elegant gait, and significant glances, belong to the women of the city. Hari is of rustic breeding, and, captivated by their fascinations, what likelihood is there of his returning to the society of any one amongst us? Keśava, who has mounted the car to go to Mathurá, has been deceived by the cruel, vile, and desperate Akrúra. Does not the unfeeling traitor know the affection that we all here feel for our Hari, the joy of our eyes, that he is taking him away? Unkind that he is, Govinda is departing from us, along with Ráma: haste! let us stop him! Why talk of telling our seniors that we cannot bear his loss?

5.18.12

tataḥ prabhāte vimale kṛṣṇarāmau mahāmatī
akrūreṇa samaṃ gantum udyatau mathurāṃ prati //

Having given orders accordingly to the cowherds, Akrúra, with Keśava and Ráma, retired to rest, and slept soundly in the dwelling of Nanda. The next morning was bright, and the youths prepared to depart for Mathurá with Akrúra. The Gopís, seeing them about to set forth, were much afflicted; they wept bitterly, their bracelets were loose upon their arms, and they thus communed together: "If Govinda depart for Mathurá, how will he return to Gokula? his ears will there be regaled with the melodious and polished conversation of the women of the city. Accustomed to the language of the graceful females of Mathurá, he will never again endure the rustic expressions of the Gopís. Hari, the pride of the station, is carried off, and a fatal blow is inflicted upon us by inexorable destiny, Expressive smiles, soft language, graceful airs, elegant gait, and significant glances, belong to the women of the city. Hari is of rustic breeding, and, captivated by their fascinations, what likelihood is there of his returning to the society of any one amongst us? Keśava, who has mounted the car to go to Mathurá, has been deceived by the cruel, vile, and desperate Akrúra. Does not the unfeeling traitor know the affection that we all here feel for our Hari, the joy of our eyes, that he is taking him away? Unkind that he is, Govinda is departing from us, along with Ráma: haste! let us stop him! Why talk of telling our seniors that we cannot bear his loss?

5.18.13

dṛṣṭvā gopījanaḥ sāsraḥ ślathadvalayabāhukaḥ
niśaśvāsātiduḥkhārtaḥ prāha cedaṃ parasparam //

Having given orders accordingly to the cowherds, Akrúra, with Keśava and Ráma, retired to rest, and slept soundly in the dwelling of Nanda. The next morning was bright, and the youths prepared to depart for Mathurá with Akrúra. The Gopís, seeing them about to set forth, were much afflicted; they wept bitterly, their bracelets were loose upon their arms, and they thus communed together: "If Govinda depart for Mathurá, how will he return to Gokula? his ears will there be regaled with the melodious and polished conversation of the women of the city. Accustomed to the language of the graceful females of Mathurá, he will never again endure the rustic expressions of the Gopís. Hari, the pride of the station, is carried off, and a fatal blow is inflicted upon us by inexorable destiny, Expressive smiles, soft language, graceful airs, elegant gait, and significant glances, belong to the women of the city. Hari is of rustic breeding, and, captivated by their fascinations, what likelihood is there of his returning to the society of any one amongst us? Keśava, who has mounted the car to go to Mathurá, has been deceived by the cruel, vile, and desperate Akrúra. Does not the unfeeling traitor know the affection that we all here feel for our Hari, the joy of our eyes, that he is taking him away? Unkind that he is, Govinda is departing from us, along with Ráma: haste! let us stop him! Why talk of telling our seniors that we cannot bear his loss?

5.18.14

mathurāṃ prāpya govindaḥ kathaṃ gokulam eṣyati
nāgarastrīkalālāpamadhu śrotreṇa pāsyati //

Having given orders accordingly to the cowherds, Akrúra, with Keśava and Ráma, retired to rest, and slept soundly in the dwelling of Nanda. The next morning was bright, and the youths prepared to depart for Mathurá with Akrúra. The Gopís, seeing them about to set forth, were much afflicted; they wept bitterly, their bracelets were loose upon their arms, and they thus communed together: "If Govinda depart for Mathurá, how will he return to Gokula? his ears will there be regaled with the melodious and polished conversation of the women of the city. Accustomed to the language of the graceful females of Mathurá, he will never again endure the rustic expressions of the Gopís. Hari, the pride of the station, is carried off, and a fatal blow is inflicted upon us by inexorable destiny, Expressive smiles, soft language, graceful airs, elegant gait, and significant glances, belong to the women of the city. Hari is of rustic breeding, and, captivated by their fascinations, what likelihood is there of his returning to the society of any one amongst us? Keśava, who has mounted the car to go to Mathurá, has been deceived by the cruel, vile, and desperate Akrúra. Does not the unfeeling traitor know the affection that we all here feel for our Hari, the joy of our eyes, that he is taking him away? Unkind that he is, Govinda is departing from us, along with Ráma: haste! let us stop him! Why talk of telling our seniors that we cannot bear his loss?

5.18.15

vilāsivākyapāneṣu nāgarīṇāṃ kṛtāspadam
cittam asya kathaṃ bhūyo grāmyagopīṣu yāsyati //

Having given orders accordingly to the cowherds, Akrúra, with Keśava and Ráma, retired to rest, and slept soundly in the dwelling of Nanda. The next morning was bright, and the youths prepared to depart for Mathurá with Akrúra. The Gopís, seeing them about to set forth, were much afflicted; they wept bitterly, their bracelets were loose upon their arms, and they thus communed together: "If Govinda depart for Mathurá, how will he return to Gokula? his ears will there be regaled with the melodious and polished conversation of the women of the city. Accustomed to the language of the graceful females of Mathurá, he will never again endure the rustic expressions of the Gopís. Hari, the pride of the station, is carried off, and a fatal blow is inflicted upon us by inexorable destiny, Expressive smiles, soft language, graceful airs, elegant gait, and significant glances, belong to the women of the city. Hari is of rustic breeding, and, captivated by their fascinations, what likelihood is there of his returning to the society of any one amongst us? Keśava, who has mounted the car to go to Mathurá, has been deceived by the cruel, vile, and desperate Akrúra. Does not the unfeeling traitor know the affection that we all here feel for our Hari, the joy of our eyes, that he is taking him away? Unkind that he is, Govinda is departing from us, along with Ráma: haste! let us stop him! Why talk of telling our seniors that we cannot bear his loss?

5.18.16

sāraṃ samastagoṣṭhasya vidhinā haratā harim
prahṛtaṃ gopayoṣitsu nirghṛṇena durātmanā //

Having given orders accordingly to the cowherds, Akrúra, with Keśava and Ráma, retired to rest, and slept soundly in the dwelling of Nanda. The next morning was bright, and the youths prepared to depart for Mathurá with Akrúra. The Gopís, seeing them about to set forth, were much afflicted; they wept bitterly, their bracelets were loose upon their arms, and they thus communed together: "If Govinda depart for Mathurá, how will he return to Gokula? his ears will there be regaled with the melodious and polished conversation of the women of the city. Accustomed to the language of the graceful females of Mathurá, he will never again endure the rustic expressions of the Gopís. Hari, the pride of the station, is carried off, and a fatal blow is inflicted upon us by inexorable destiny, Expressive smiles, soft language, graceful airs, elegant gait, and significant glances, belong to the women of the city. Hari is of rustic breeding, and, captivated by their fascinations, what likelihood is there of his returning to the society of any one amongst us? Keśava, who has mounted the car to go to Mathurá, has been deceived by the cruel, vile, and desperate Akrúra. Does not the unfeeling traitor know the affection that we all here feel for our Hari, the joy of our eyes, that he is taking him away? Unkind that he is, Govinda is departing from us, along with Ráma: haste! let us stop him! Why talk of telling our seniors that we cannot bear his loss?

5.18.17

bhāvagarbhasmitaṃ vākyaṃ vilāsalalitā gatiḥ
nāgarīṇām atīvaitat kaṭākṣekṣitam eva ca //

Having given orders accordingly to the cowherds, Akrúra, with Keśava and Ráma, retired to rest, and slept soundly in the dwelling of Nanda. The next morning was bright, and the youths prepared to depart for Mathurá with Akrúra. The Gopís, seeing them about to set forth, were much afflicted; they wept bitterly, their bracelets were loose upon their arms, and they thus communed together: "If Govinda depart for Mathurá, how will he return to Gokula? his ears will there be regaled with the melodious and polished conversation of the women of the city. Accustomed to the language of the graceful females of Mathurá, he will never again endure the rustic expressions of the Gopís. Hari, the pride of the station, is carried off, and a fatal blow is inflicted upon us by inexorable destiny, Expressive smiles, soft language, graceful airs, elegant gait, and significant glances, belong to the women of the city. Hari is of rustic breeding, and, captivated by their fascinations, what likelihood is there of his returning to the society of any one amongst us? Keśava, who has mounted the car to go to Mathurá, has been deceived by the cruel, vile, and desperate Akrúra. Does not the unfeeling traitor know the affection that we all here feel for our Hari, the joy of our eyes, that he is taking him away? Unkind that he is, Govinda is departing from us, along with Ráma: haste! let us stop him! Why talk of telling our seniors that we cannot bear his loss?

5.18.18

grāmyo harir ayaṃ tāsāṃ vilāsanigaḍair yutaḥ
bhavatīnāṃ punaḥ pārśvaṃ kayā yuktyā sameṣyati //

Having given orders accordingly to the cowherds, Akrúra, with Keśava and Ráma, retired to rest, and slept soundly in the dwelling of Nanda. The next morning was bright, and the youths prepared to depart for Mathurá with Akrúra. The Gopís, seeing them about to set forth, were much afflicted; they wept bitterly, their bracelets were loose upon their arms, and they thus communed together: "If Govinda depart for Mathurá, how will he return to Gokula? his ears will there be regaled with the melodious and polished conversation of the women of the city. Accustomed to the language of the graceful females of Mathurá, he will never again endure the rustic expressions of the Gopís. Hari, the pride of the station, is carried off, and a fatal blow is inflicted upon us by inexorable destiny, Expressive smiles, soft language, graceful airs, elegant gait, and significant glances, belong to the women of the city. Hari is of rustic breeding, and, captivated by their fascinations, what likelihood is there of his returning to the society of any one amongst us? Keśava, who has mounted the car to go to Mathurá, has been deceived by the cruel, vile, and desperate Akrúra. Does not the unfeeling traitor know the affection that we all here feel for our Hari, the joy of our eyes, that he is taking him away? Unkind that he is, Govinda is departing from us, along with Ráma: haste! let us stop him! Why talk of telling our seniors that we cannot bear his loss?

5.18.19

eṣaeṣa ratham āruhya mathurāṃ yāti keśavaḥ
krūreṇākrūrakeṇātra nirāśena pratāritaḥ //

Having given orders accordingly to the cowherds, Akrúra, with Keśava and Ráma, retired to rest, and slept soundly in the dwelling of Nanda. The next morning was bright, and the youths prepared to depart for Mathurá with Akrúra. The Gopís, seeing them about to set forth, were much afflicted; they wept bitterly, their bracelets were loose upon their arms, and they thus communed together: "If Govinda depart for Mathurá, how will he return to Gokula? his ears will there be regaled with the melodious and polished conversation of the women of the city. Accustomed to the language of the graceful females of Mathurá, he will never again endure the rustic expressions of the Gopís. Hari, the pride of the station, is carried off, and a fatal blow is inflicted upon us by inexorable destiny, Expressive smiles, soft language, graceful airs, elegant gait, and significant glances, belong to the women of the city. Hari is of rustic breeding, and, captivated by their fascinations, what likelihood is there of his returning to the society of any one amongst us? Keśava, who has mounted the car to go to Mathurá, has been deceived by the cruel, vile, and desperate Akrúra. Does not the unfeeling traitor know the affection that we all here feel for our Hari, the joy of our eyes, that he is taking him away? Unkind that he is, Govinda is departing from us, along with Ráma: haste! let us stop him! Why talk of telling our seniors that we cannot bear his loss?

5.18.20

kiṃ na vetti nṛśaṃso 'yam anurāgaparaṃ janam
yenemam akṣṇor āhlādaṃ nayaty anyatra no harim //

Having given orders accordingly to the cowherds, Akrúra, with Keśava and Ráma, retired to rest, and slept soundly in the dwelling of Nanda. The next morning was bright, and the youths prepared to depart for Mathurá with Akrúra. The Gopís, seeing them about to set forth, were much afflicted; they wept bitterly, their bracelets were loose upon their arms, and they thus communed together: "If Govinda depart for Mathurá, how will he return to Gokula? his ears will there be regaled with the melodious and polished conversation of the women of the city. Accustomed to the language of the graceful females of Mathurá, he will never again endure the rustic expressions of the Gopís. Hari, the pride of the station, is carried off, and a fatal blow is inflicted upon us by inexorable destiny, Expressive smiles, soft language, graceful airs, elegant gait, and significant glances, belong to the women of the city. Hari is of rustic breeding, and, captivated by their fascinations, what likelihood is there of his returning to the society of any one amongst us? Keśava, who has mounted the car to go to Mathurá, has been deceived by the cruel, vile, and desperate Akrúra. Does not the unfeeling traitor know the affection that we all here feel for our Hari, the joy of our eyes, that he is taking him away? Unkind that he is, Govinda is departing from us, along with Ráma: haste! let us stop him! Why talk of telling our seniors that we cannot bear his loss?

5.18.21

eṣa rāmeṇa sahitaḥ prayāty atyantanirghṛṇaḥ
ratham āruhya govindas tvaryatām asya vāraṇe //

Having given orders accordingly to the cowherds, Akrúra, with Keśava and Ráma, retired to rest, and slept soundly in the dwelling of Nanda. The next morning was bright, and the youths prepared to depart for Mathurá with Akrúra. The Gopís, seeing them about to set forth, were much afflicted; they wept bitterly, their bracelets were loose upon their arms, and they thus communed together: "If Govinda depart for Mathurá, how will he return to Gokula? his ears will there be regaled with the melodious and polished conversation of the women of the city. Accustomed to the language of the graceful females of Mathurá, he will never again endure the rustic expressions of the Gopís. Hari, the pride of the station, is carried off, and a fatal blow is inflicted upon us by inexorable destiny, Expressive smiles, soft language, graceful airs, elegant gait, and significant glances, belong to the women of the city. Hari is of rustic breeding, and, captivated by their fascinations, what likelihood is there of his returning to the society of any one amongst us? Keśava, who has mounted the car to go to Mathurá, has been deceived by the cruel, vile, and desperate Akrúra. Does not the unfeeling traitor know the affection that we all here feel for our Hari, the joy of our eyes, that he is taking him away? Unkind that he is, Govinda is departing from us, along with Ráma: haste! let us stop him! Why talk of telling our seniors that we cannot bear his loss?

5.18.22

gurūṇām agrato vaktuṃ kiṃ bravīṣi na naḥ kṣamam
guravaḥ kiṃ kariṣyanti dagdhānāṃ virahāgninā //

Having given orders accordingly to the cowherds, Akrúra, with Keśava and Ráma, retired to rest, and slept soundly in the dwelling of Nanda. The next morning was bright, and the youths prepared to depart for Mathurá with Akrúra. The Gopís, seeing them about to set forth, were much afflicted; they wept bitterly, their bracelets were loose upon their arms, and they thus communed together: "If Govinda depart for Mathurá, how will he return to Gokula? his ears will there be regaled with the melodious and polished conversation of the women of the city. Accustomed to the language of the graceful females of Mathurá, he will never again endure the rustic expressions of the Gopís. Hari, the pride of the station, is carried off, and a fatal blow is inflicted upon us by inexorable destiny, Expressive smiles, soft language, graceful airs, elegant gait, and significant glances, belong to the women of the city. Hari is of rustic breeding, and, captivated by their fascinations, what likelihood is there of his returning to the society of any one amongst us? Keśava, who has mounted the car to go to Mathurá, has been deceived by the cruel, vile, and desperate Akrúra. Does not the unfeeling traitor know the affection that we all here feel for our Hari, the joy of our eyes, that he is taking him away? Unkind that he is, Govinda is departing from us, along with Ráma: haste! let us stop him! Why talk of telling our seniors that we cannot bear his loss?

What can they do for us, when we are consumed by the fires of separation? The Gopas, with Nanda at their head, are themselves preparing to depart; no one makes any attempt to detain Govinda. Bright is the morning that succeeds to this night for the women of Mathurá, for the bees of their eyes will feed upon the lotus face of Achyuta. Happy are they who may go hence without impediment, and behold, enraptured, Krishńa on his journey. A great festival will give pleasure to-day to the eyes of the inhabitants of Mathurá, when they see the person of Govinda. What a blissful vision will be seen by the happy women, of the city, whose brilliant eyes shall regard, unchecked, the countenance of Krishńa! Alas! the eyes of the Gopís have been deprived of sight by the relentless Brahmá, after he had shewn them this great treasure. In proportion as the affection of Hari for us decays, so do our limbs wither, and the bracelets slip from our arms: and now the cruel Akrúra urges on the horses: all conspire to treat unhappy females with unkindness. Alas! alas! we see now only the dust of his chariot wheels! and now he is far away, for even that dust is no longer to be seen!" Thus lamented by the women, Keśava and Ráma quitted the district of Vraja. Travelling in a car drawn by fleet horses, they arrived at noon at the banks of the Yamuná, when Akrúra requested them to halt a little, whilst he performed the usual daily ceremonial in the river.

5.18.23

nandagopamukhā gopā gantum ete samudyatāḥ
nodyamaṃ kurute kaścid govindavinivartane //

What can they do for us, when we are consumed by the fires of separation? The Gopas, with Nanda at their head, are themselves preparing to depart; no one makes any attempt to detain Govinda. Bright is the morning that succeeds to this night for the women of Mathurá, for the bees of their eyes will feed upon the lotus face of Achyuta. Happy are they who may go hence without impediment, and behold, enraptured, Krishńa on his journey. A great festival will give pleasure to-day to the eyes of the inhabitants of Mathurá, when they see the person of Govinda. What a blissful vision will be seen by the happy women, of the city, whose brilliant eyes shall regard, unchecked, the countenance of Krishńa! Alas! the eyes of the Gopís have been deprived of sight by the relentless Brahmá, after he had shewn them this great treasure. In proportion as the affection of Hari for us decays, so do our limbs wither, and the bracelets slip from our arms: and now the cruel Akrúra urges on the horses: all conspire to treat unhappy females with unkindness. Alas! alas! we see now only the dust of his chariot wheels! and now he is far away, for even that dust is no longer to be seen!" Thus lamented by the women, Keśava and Ráma quitted the district of Vraja. Travelling in a car drawn by fleet horses, they arrived at noon at the banks of the Yamuná, when Akrúra requested them to halt a little, whilst he performed the usual daily ceremonial in the river.

5.18.24

suprabhātādya rajanī mathurāvāsiyoṣitām
pāsyanty acyutavaktrābjaṃ yāsāṃ netrālipaṅktayaḥ //

What can they do for us, when we are consumed by the fires of separation? The Gopas, with Nanda at their head, are themselves preparing to depart; no one makes any attempt to detain Govinda. Bright is the morning that succeeds to this night for the women of Mathurá, for the bees of their eyes will feed upon the lotus face of Achyuta. Happy are they who may go hence without impediment, and behold, enraptured, Krishńa on his journey. A great festival will give pleasure to-day to the eyes of the inhabitants of Mathurá, when they see the person of Govinda. What a blissful vision will be seen by the happy women, of the city, whose brilliant eyes shall regard, unchecked, the countenance of Krishńa! Alas! the eyes of the Gopís have been deprived of sight by the relentless Brahmá, after he had shewn them this great treasure. In proportion as the affection of Hari for us decays, so do our limbs wither, and the bracelets slip from our arms: and now the cruel Akrúra urges on the horses: all conspire to treat unhappy females with unkindness. Alas! alas! we see now only the dust of his chariot wheels! and now he is far away, for even that dust is no longer to be seen!" Thus lamented by the women, Keśava and Ráma quitted the district of Vraja. Travelling in a car drawn by fleet horses, they arrived at noon at the banks of the Yamuná, when Akrúra requested them to halt a little, whilst he performed the usual daily ceremonial in the river.

5.18.25

dhanyās te pathi ye kṛṣṇam ito yānty anivāritāḥ
udvahiṣyanti paśyantaḥ svadehaṃ pulakāñcitam //

What can they do for us, when we are consumed by the fires of separation? The Gopas, with Nanda at their head, are themselves preparing to depart; no one makes any attempt to detain Govinda. Bright is the morning that succeeds to this night for the women of Mathurá, for the bees of their eyes will feed upon the lotus face of Achyuta. Happy are they who may go hence without impediment, and behold, enraptured, Krishńa on his journey. A great festival will give pleasure to-day to the eyes of the inhabitants of Mathurá, when they see the person of Govinda. What a blissful vision will be seen by the happy women, of the city, whose brilliant eyes shall regard, unchecked, the countenance of Krishńa! Alas! the eyes of the Gopís have been deprived of sight by the relentless Brahmá, after he had shewn them this great treasure. In proportion as the affection of Hari for us decays, so do our limbs wither, and the bracelets slip from our arms: and now the cruel Akrúra urges on the horses: all conspire to treat unhappy females with unkindness. Alas! alas! we see now only the dust of his chariot wheels! and now he is far away, for even that dust is no longer to be seen!" Thus lamented by the women, Keśava and Ráma quitted the district of Vraja. Travelling in a car drawn by fleet horses, they arrived at noon at the banks of the Yamuná, when Akrúra requested them to halt a little, whilst he performed the usual daily ceremonial in the river.

5.18.26

mathurānagarīpauranayanānāṃ mahotsavaḥ
govindāvayavair dṛṣṭair atīvādya bhaviṣyati //

What can they do for us, when we are consumed by the fires of separation? The Gopas, with Nanda at their head, are themselves preparing to depart; no one makes any attempt to detain Govinda. Bright is the morning that succeeds to this night for the women of Mathurá, for the bees of their eyes will feed upon the lotus face of Achyuta. Happy are they who may go hence without impediment, and behold, enraptured, Krishńa on his journey. A great festival will give pleasure to-day to the eyes of the inhabitants of Mathurá, when they see the person of Govinda. What a blissful vision will be seen by the happy women, of the city, whose brilliant eyes shall regard, unchecked, the countenance of Krishńa! Alas! the eyes of the Gopís have been deprived of sight by the relentless Brahmá, after he had shewn them this great treasure. In proportion as the affection of Hari for us decays, so do our limbs wither, and the bracelets slip from our arms: and now the cruel Akrúra urges on the horses: all conspire to treat unhappy females with unkindness. Alas! alas! we see now only the dust of his chariot wheels! and now he is far away, for even that dust is no longer to be seen!" Thus lamented by the women, Keśava and Ráma quitted the district of Vraja. Travelling in a car drawn by fleet horses, they arrived at noon at the banks of the Yamuná, when Akrúra requested them to halt a little, whilst he performed the usual daily ceremonial in the river.

5.18.27

ko nu svapnaḥ sabhāgyābhir dṛṣṭas tābhir adhokṣajam
vistārikāntinayanā yā drakṣyanty anivāritam //

What can they do for us, when we are consumed by the fires of separation? The Gopas, with Nanda at their head, are themselves preparing to depart; no one makes any attempt to detain Govinda. Bright is the morning that succeeds to this night for the women of Mathurá, for the bees of their eyes will feed upon the lotus face of Achyuta. Happy are they who may go hence without impediment, and behold, enraptured, Krishńa on his journey. A great festival will give pleasure to-day to the eyes of the inhabitants of Mathurá, when they see the person of Govinda. What a blissful vision will be seen by the happy women, of the city, whose brilliant eyes shall regard, unchecked, the countenance of Krishńa! Alas! the eyes of the Gopís have been deprived of sight by the relentless Brahmá, after he had shewn them this great treasure. In proportion as the affection of Hari for us decays, so do our limbs wither, and the bracelets slip from our arms: and now the cruel Akrúra urges on the horses: all conspire to treat unhappy females with unkindness. Alas! alas! we see now only the dust of his chariot wheels! and now he is far away, for even that dust is no longer to be seen!" Thus lamented by the women, Keśava and Ráma quitted the district of Vraja. Travelling in a car drawn by fleet horses, they arrived at noon at the banks of the Yamuná, when Akrúra requested them to halt a little, whilst he performed the usual daily ceremonial in the river.

5.18.28

aho gopījanasyāsya darśayitvā mahānidhim
uddhṛtāny atra netrāṇi vidhātrākaruṇātmanā //

What can they do for us, when we are consumed by the fires of separation? The Gopas, with Nanda at their head, are themselves preparing to depart; no one makes any attempt to detain Govinda. Bright is the morning that succeeds to this night for the women of Mathurá, for the bees of their eyes will feed upon the lotus face of Achyuta. Happy are they who may go hence without impediment, and behold, enraptured, Krishńa on his journey. A great festival will give pleasure to-day to the eyes of the inhabitants of Mathurá, when they see the person of Govinda. What a blissful vision will be seen by the happy women, of the city, whose brilliant eyes shall regard, unchecked, the countenance of Krishńa! Alas! the eyes of the Gopís have been deprived of sight by the relentless Brahmá, after he had shewn them this great treasure. In proportion as the affection of Hari for us decays, so do our limbs wither, and the bracelets slip from our arms: and now the cruel Akrúra urges on the horses: all conspire to treat unhappy females with unkindness. Alas! alas! we see now only the dust of his chariot wheels! and now he is far away, for even that dust is no longer to be seen!" Thus lamented by the women, Keśava and Ráma quitted the district of Vraja. Travelling in a car drawn by fleet horses, they arrived at noon at the banks of the Yamuná, when Akrúra requested them to halt a little, whilst he performed the usual daily ceremonial in the river.

5.18.28x25-1

dhanyās te pathi ye kṛṣṇaṃ yāntaṃ saumyavapur harim //

5.18.28x25-2

kautukenānimeṣākṣāḥ paśyanti hy anivāritam //

5.18.29

anurāgeṇa śaithilyam asmāsu vrajato hareḥ
śaithilyam upayānty āśu kareṣu valayāny api //

What can they do for us, when we are consumed by the fires of separation? The Gopas, with Nanda at their head, are themselves preparing to depart; no one makes any attempt to detain Govinda. Bright is the morning that succeeds to this night for the women of Mathurá, for the bees of their eyes will feed upon the lotus face of Achyuta. Happy are they who may go hence without impediment, and behold, enraptured, Krishńa on his journey. A great festival will give pleasure to-day to the eyes of the inhabitants of Mathurá, when they see the person of Govinda. What a blissful vision will be seen by the happy women, of the city, whose brilliant eyes shall regard, unchecked, the countenance of Krishńa! Alas! the eyes of the Gopís have been deprived of sight by the relentless Brahmá, after he had shewn them this great treasure. In proportion as the affection of Hari for us decays, so do our limbs wither, and the bracelets slip from our arms: and now the cruel Akrúra urges on the horses: all conspire to treat unhappy females with unkindness. Alas! alas! we see now only the dust of his chariot wheels! and now he is far away, for even that dust is no longer to be seen!" Thus lamented by the women, Keśava and Ráma quitted the district of Vraja. Travelling in a car drawn by fleet horses, they arrived at noon at the banks of the Yamuná, when Akrúra requested them to halt a little, whilst he performed the usual daily ceremonial in the river.

5.18.30

akrūraḥ krūrahṛdayaḥ śīghraṃ prerayate hayān
evam ārtāsu yoṣitsu ghṛṇā kasya na jāyate //

What can they do for us, when we are consumed by the fires of separation? The Gopas, with Nanda at their head, are themselves preparing to depart; no one makes any attempt to detain Govinda. Bright is the morning that succeeds to this night for the women of Mathurá, for the bees of their eyes will feed upon the lotus face of Achyuta. Happy are they who may go hence without impediment, and behold, enraptured, Krishńa on his journey. A great festival will give pleasure to-day to the eyes of the inhabitants of Mathurá, when they see the person of Govinda. What a blissful vision will be seen by the happy women, of the city, whose brilliant eyes shall regard, unchecked, the countenance of Krishńa! Alas! the eyes of the Gopís have been deprived of sight by the relentless Brahmá, after he had shewn them this great treasure. In proportion as the affection of Hari for us decays, so do our limbs wither, and the bracelets slip from our arms: and now the cruel Akrúra urges on the horses: all conspire to treat unhappy females with unkindness. Alas! alas! we see now only the dust of his chariot wheels! and now he is far away, for even that dust is no longer to be seen!" Thus lamented by the women, Keśava and Ráma quitted the district of Vraja. Travelling in a car drawn by fleet horses, they arrived at noon at the banks of the Yamuná, when Akrúra requested them to halt a little, whilst he performed the usual daily ceremonial in the river.

5.18.30x26-1

akrūra tvaṃ mahābāho vada vācātisaumyayā //

5.18.30x26-2

asya gopījanasyārtiṃ kimarthaṃ kartum arhasi //

5.18.30x26-3

kīdṛgvidhā kṛtāsmābhir nikṛtis te janeśvara //

5.18.30x26-4

vidhātur vā mahābāho tasya kṛṣṇasya vā hareḥ //

5.18.30x26-5

balabhadro vārayituṃ necchate dhruvam apy ayam //

5.18.30x26-6

evam ārtāsu yoṣitsu pralapantīṣv itas tataḥ //

5.18.30x26-7

ratham āsthāya gacchantam idam ūcur varāṅganāḥ //

5.18.31

eṣa kṛṣṇarathasyoccaiś cakrareṇur nirīkṣyatām
dūrībhūto harir yena so 'pi reṇur na lakṣyate //

What can they do for us, when we are consumed by the fires of separation? The Gopas, with Nanda at their head, are themselves preparing to depart; no one makes any attempt to detain Govinda. Bright is the morning that succeeds to this night for the women of Mathurá, for the bees of their eyes will feed upon the lotus face of Achyuta. Happy are they who may go hence without impediment, and behold, enraptured, Krishńa on his journey. A great festival will give pleasure to-day to the eyes of the inhabitants of Mathurá, when they see the person of Govinda. What a blissful vision will be seen by the happy women, of the city, whose brilliant eyes shall regard, unchecked, the countenance of Krishńa! Alas! the eyes of the Gopís have been deprived of sight by the relentless Brahmá, after he had shewn them this great treasure. In proportion as the affection of Hari for us decays, so do our limbs wither, and the bracelets slip from our arms: and now the cruel Akrúra urges on the horses: all conspire to treat unhappy females with unkindness. Alas! alas! we see now only the dust of his chariot wheels! and now he is far away, for even that dust is no longer to be seen!" Thus lamented by the women, Keśava and Ráma quitted the district of Vraja. Travelling in a car drawn by fleet horses, they arrived at noon at the banks of the Yamuná, when Akrúra requested them to halt a little, whilst he performed the usual daily ceremonial in the river.

5.18.32

parāśara uvāca:
ity evam atihārdena gopījananirīkṣitaḥ
tatyāja vrajabhūbhāgaṃ saha rāmeṇa keśavaḥ //

What can they do for us, when we are consumed by the fires of separation? The Gopas, with Nanda at their head, are themselves preparing to depart; no one makes any attempt to detain Govinda. Bright is the morning that succeeds to this night for the women of Mathurá, for the bees of their eyes will feed upon the lotus face of Achyuta. Happy are they who may go hence without impediment, and behold, enraptured, Krishńa on his journey. A great festival will give pleasure to-day to the eyes of the inhabitants of Mathurá, when they see the person of Govinda. What a blissful vision will be seen by the happy women, of the city, whose brilliant eyes shall regard, unchecked, the countenance of Krishńa! Alas! the eyes of the Gopís have been deprived of sight by the relentless Brahmá, after he had shewn them this great treasure. In proportion as the affection of Hari for us decays, so do our limbs wither, and the bracelets slip from our arms: and now the cruel Akrúra urges on the horses: all conspire to treat unhappy females with unkindness. Alas! alas! we see now only the dust of his chariot wheels! and now he is far away, for even that dust is no longer to be seen!" Thus lamented by the women, Keśava and Ráma quitted the district of Vraja. Travelling in a car drawn by fleet horses, they arrived at noon at the banks of the Yamuná, when Akrúra requested them to halt a little, whilst he performed the usual daily ceremonial in the river.

5.18.33

gacchanto javanāśvena rathena yamunātaṭam
prāptā madhyāhnasamaye rāmākrūrajanārdanāḥ //

What can they do for us, when we are consumed by the fires of separation? The Gopas, with Nanda at their head, are themselves preparing to depart; no one makes any attempt to detain Govinda. Bright is the morning that succeeds to this night for the women of Mathurá, for the bees of their eyes will feed upon the lotus face of Achyuta. Happy are they who may go hence without impediment, and behold, enraptured, Krishńa on his journey. A great festival will give pleasure to-day to the eyes of the inhabitants of Mathurá, when they see the person of Govinda. What a blissful vision will be seen by the happy women, of the city, whose brilliant eyes shall regard, unchecked, the countenance of Krishńa! Alas! the eyes of the Gopís have been deprived of sight by the relentless Brahmá, after he had shewn them this great treasure. In proportion as the affection of Hari for us decays, so do our limbs wither, and the bracelets slip from our arms: and now the cruel Akrúra urges on the horses: all conspire to treat unhappy females with unkindness. Alas! alas! we see now only the dust of his chariot wheels! and now he is far away, for even that dust is no longer to be seen!" Thus lamented by the women, Keśava and Ráma quitted the district of Vraja. Travelling in a car drawn by fleet horses, they arrived at noon at the banks of the Yamuná, when Akrúra requested them to halt a little, whilst he performed the usual daily ceremonial in the river.

5.18.34

athāha kṛṣṇam akrūro bhavadbhyāṃ tāvad āsyatām
yāvat karomi kālindyām āhnikārhaṇam ambhasi //

What can they do for us, when we are consumed by the fires of separation? The Gopas, with Nanda at their head, are themselves preparing to depart; no one makes any attempt to detain Govinda. Bright is the morning that succeeds to this night for the women of Mathurá, for the bees of their eyes will feed upon the lotus face of Achyuta. Happy are they who may go hence without impediment, and behold, enraptured, Krishńa on his journey. A great festival will give pleasure to-day to the eyes of the inhabitants of Mathurá, when they see the person of Govinda. What a blissful vision will be seen by the happy women, of the city, whose brilliant eyes shall regard, unchecked, the countenance of Krishńa! Alas! the eyes of the Gopís have been deprived of sight by the relentless Brahmá, after he had shewn them this great treasure. In proportion as the affection of Hari for us decays, so do our limbs wither, and the bracelets slip from our arms: and now the cruel Akrúra urges on the horses: all conspire to treat unhappy females with unkindness. Alas! alas! we see now only the dust of his chariot wheels! and now he is far away, for even that dust is no longer to be seen!" Thus lamented by the women, Keśava and Ráma quitted the district of Vraja. Travelling in a car drawn by fleet horses, they arrived at noon at the banks of the Yamuná, when Akrúra requested them to halt a little, whilst he performed the usual daily ceremonial in the river.