this cursed appearance companions me like a demon robbing me of
all the prizes of love--all the kisses for which my heart is
athirst.


Madana

Alas, how vain thy single night had been! The barque of joy came
in sight, but the waves would not let it touch the shore.


Chitra

Heaven came so close to my hand that I forgot for a moment that
it had not reached me. But when I woke in the morning from my
dream I found that my body had become my own rival. It is my
hateful task to deck her every day, to send her to my beloved and
see her caressed by him. O god, take back thy boon!


Madana

But if I take it from you how can you stand before your lover?
To snatch away the cup from his lips when he has scarcely drained
his first draught of pleasure, would not that be cruel? With
what resentful anger he must regard thee then?


Chitra