Amorous the swain, and little is his darling

Sakhī:
Amorous the swain, and little is his darling:
If hands be laid on her, how many are her wiles!
With what entreaties and persuasions have the maidens led her
To her lover's house, and laid her on his bed!

With face averted, lying closely curled,
(For who may turn the tide when passion flows?)
She hides her face beneath the wimple,--
The frightened moon escaping from the storm.

No word comes out, she hears nought that is said,
Repeatedly she folds her hands imploringly:
With covering arms she guards the treasures of her life,--
She needs no bodice to enfold her breasts.

Insistently from sight and touch alike
She keeps her jewels hidden in the granary of Love,--
A matter for her maidens' mocking many days,
Now learning her the lore of Love.

Vidyāpati finds great delight herein:
For at a sudden touch, she pushes out her hand!