Sexual Life in Ancient India: A Study in the Comparative History of Indian Culture v2.c11.150.3

v2.c11.150.3

Mingled with the threads of the lotus-flowers, and coming through the trees, the delightful wind blows hither like Sītā’s breath.¹ The creepers follow after (the loved ones) like drunken women, climbing from tree to tree, from rock to rock, from forest to forest. Without compare shimmers the dark-green and yellow sward, bespread with the various flowers of the trees as with rugs—it stretches away like a bed. If but my beloved were to be seen, if we could both dwell here, then should I not envy the king of the gods, nor Ayodhyā. For if I could take joy together with her on this delightful grassy floor, then should I be filled with care no more, nor any longing after other things. See, the he-gazelles that rove with their mates this way and that, on the many-coloured mountain-tops, rend my soul, for eyes like the young gazelle has the princess of Videha from whom I am parted. Ah! Where is Sītā now, my darling one, who, obedient to virtue, came slowly after me, when I was sent into the forest by my father? To me, who am now consumed by love, she spoke kind words, she, the brown one, the kind one, although in the depths of the forest and suffering, and as if free from pain, and filled with joy.’”