Coming down to a period as late as the twelfth century of our era were works representative of the Hindu poet of that time. Here is a translation of a poem, a pastoral drama, by Jayadeva, of which it is said ‘the exquisite melody of the verse can only be appreciated by those who can enjoy the original Sanskrit.’
Krishna, the herdsman, loves Râdhâ, the shepherdess, but has wandered from her to amuse himself with other maidens. Nanda, Krishna’s foster father, gives her warning, saying:—
‘Go, gentle Râdhâ, seek thy wand’ring love;
Dusk are the woodlands,—black the sky above.
Bring thy dear wanderer home, and bid him rest
His weary head upon thy faithful breast.’
Then Râdhâ makes anxious search for him, pressing through forest and tangled bushes, until a friend tells her in sheer pity that Krishna will not be found in lonely forest shades, and thus sings to her:—
‘In this love-tide of spring, when the amorous breeze
Has kissed itself sweet on the beautiful trees,
And the humming of numberless bees, as they throng