Early History of the Vaishnava Faith and Movement in Bengal, from Sanskrit and Bengali Sources c11.s3.7

c11.s3.7

But Kṛṣṇa, to test her love, playfully pretends to be shocked and indifferent to the solicitation, and rudely advises Śaśimukhī to dissuade Rādhā from such improper sentiment. In Act III we find Rādhā in Viraha, filled with love and longing; and when Śaśimukhī delivers her message Rādhā, distracted by feelings of love, shame, self-pity and despair, resolves to die. But another companion Mādhavī enters with a tablet for painting (Citra-phalaka), on which is inscribed a Sanskrit verse containing Kṛṣṇa's apology and declaration of love. The Act IV (Rādhābhisāra), in its turn, describes Kṛṣṇa in Viraha love-sick and penitent in the Bakula-bower, where Madanikā comes and, on his confession of love, goes to fetch Rādhā; and they unite in the bower during the night. Next morning, in Act V (Rādhā-saṃgama), Madanikā and Śaśimukhī approach the bower and talk among themselves of what they have seen of the sports of the young couple at night! Kṛṣṇa enters with the shame-faced Rādhā, but the advent of the bull-demon Ariṣṭa breaks up the party. Kṛṣṇa rushes forward, kills the demon with much bravado behind the scene and comes back in triumph. The Act ends with the reunion of the lovers.