Abhista Prarthanastaka

When, having again and again seen -- bowed low and hidden near Rohini -- how Mother Yashoda, the queen of the cowherd king's household, tearfully performs the rites of fondling her playful son, shall I too serve betel nut to the dear friend of Vishakha?

When, in Gandharva's (Radha's) own home, as she purely fashions an ornament for Hari's sake together with her girl companions of the same age, joyfully choosing a jewel again and again from a heap of caskets with her own lovely hand -- ah, by placing it there does she make her creeper-like arm bear fruit?

When, in the realm of pastimes that is the triumphant forest of Vraja, surrounded on every side by cuckoos, bees, and other playful creatures, will my mistress Radha directly manifest her own good fortune through being his beloved, and so gladden me?

When, on the bank of the dark river, together with three or four sakhis, will Radha bashfully lower her face while stringing flowers -- and I, as her fan-bearing maid, again and again relish the frown with which she checks Krishna, the enemy of Baka, who has secretly approached, eager to snatch them, and quickly and anxiously puts his plea before me?

When, on that bright sandy bank amid the festival of rasa, will Radha -- whose complexion by its surpassing beauty has already conquered the blue lotus -- so madden the golden-limbed gopis, intoxicated and vying among themselves, that they feel as if she alone possessed some divine treasure beyond us all, the moment Hari arrives?

When, in the renowned and lovely bower beneath the Bhandira tree, seated upon an incomparable couch of flowers, will Krishna paint a wondrous picture upon his beloved, resting his vine-like arm upon her, taking the brush Vishakha hands him, and applying its colors?

When, in a secluded bower high on a mountain peak overhung with creepers, will Radha -- having first praised their forest resting-place and recounted to her beloved the pastimes of former days, her words indistinct from intoxicating bliss and broken by bashfulness -- quickly and eagerly place her question before me?

That which is my eternal goal; that in which the full glory of good fortune born of my mistress's dearest love for her Beloved has taken up its abode; that unrivalled splendour of loving devotion to Hari -- may that alone, Radha-kunda, ever shine before my eyes.