CHAPTER XXI.

Shree Shookdeo, the sage, said,--O great king! having seen the

excessive violence of the hot season, the mighty king of the rains,

taking compassion on the four-footed beasts, and birds and animals of

the earth, and having collected clouds from all quarters, came forth

to fight. At this time the thunder of the clouds was like the sounds

of drums; and the clouds, of different colours, which were collected

together, were brave and resolute heroes. In the midst of these the

flashing of the lightning was as the glittering of arms. Here and

there rows of cranes in their flight looked like white flags: frogs

and peacocks sung praises, like bards, who accompany armies, and the

continued rain fell in large drops like arrows.

Beholding the rainy season approach in this splendid style, the hot

season abandoned the plains, and ran off with its life. Then the lord

of the clouds, having rained upon the earth, conferred gladness upon

it. She (the earth) having performed penance during eight months’

separation from her lord, now compensated herself by enjoyment.

Her breasts came down and became cold. She was pregnant, and had

eighteen sons; who, taking presents of fruits and flowers, went to pay

respects to their father. The land of Brindabun appeared as beautiful

at that time as a loving woman, adorned with ornaments. And on all

sides the rivers, nullahs and tanks were full; on which were waterfowl

of different kinds, adding beauty to the scene. The branches of lofty

trees were waiving to and fro; and on them cuckoos, pigeons, parrots

and other birds were pouring forth their mingled notes. And here and

there the cowherdesses and cowherds, dressed in red and yellow

dresses, and swinging, were singing melodies in high notes.

Approaching them, Shree Krishnù and Bulram afforded them great

pleasure by engaging in, and exhibiting, their youthful sports. In

this delightful manner the rainy season passed away; then Shree

Krishnù began to say to the cowherds’ children, “Brothers! the

pleasure-giving surud season has now come. Now all, I know, will enjoy

great pleasure; now is the season of enjoyment and fine weather. The

stars by night shine in the sky, brilliant as the passionless Bruhmù.

For four months we have remained in the house; now that the surud

season has come, let us give up all love for it, (the house). People

run to and fro, occupied with their respective affairs. Princes

proceed to conquer foreign countries.”

The Prem sagur · 第 21 / 90 章