INTRODUCTION. needest not show this mercy. Some one may have lost her social place for thee, may have lost her loveliness and beauty and may now stand on the verge of death, thinking of thee | But what is that to thee? If the trader makes profit in five different places, losing only in one, does he stop to regret it 2 The joy of the Vrindagroves is that one place in thy heart. Once the master of a few cows, now there are numberless elephants and steeds in thy stalls | There only a yellow-coloured cloth about the waist, and here all this gorgeous dress And the head, that once bent so low, seeking Rādhā’s grace, wears the proudest crown of the world now! A cow-herd turned a monarch Thy memory must needs be dull, O king! Krisna—Dear Chandrā, please cease, no more. Tell me how my own people fare in the Vrindā-groves. Chandrā–Bear with me then a moment, O cruel-hearted one. The Vrinda-groves are like a forest burnt by fire. Even the birds and beasts there seem to be struck dumb with sorrow. What shall I say of the people? Thy father Nanda mingles not in society. He is blind with weeping and seldom leaves his room. Thy mother talks and acts like one insane. Sometimes she thinks that thou art there and prepares meals for thee and at other times she fixes her eyes on the vacant air and swoons away. Thy friends—the cow-herds go no more to the pastures with their herds. The cows themselves will not take any food when it is offered. They look wistfully towards Mathură, as if, to catch the sound of thy flute. About the maids of Rādhā, I need say little. They neither take their -> meals, nor sleep. Weeping they look at the princess, and share her agony. The Vrindå-groves, sunny and ever-cheerful, are overcast with gloom. The cry of grief arises on all sides. If this was in thy mind, thou shouldest not have shown so much love. Krisna—But you have said nought about my Rādhā, Tell me of her who is my most beloved. Chandrä-What shall I say of her! Words cannot express her sad estate. It breaks one's heart to tell of her grief. Oh thou loved of us all—why hast thou caused such pain to
