In Hindu Literature 243 



In the " Stolen Marriage," a drama written somewhat 

 later by Bhavabhuti, "he in whose throat eloquence re- 

 sides," we have the same sensuous imagery, the beauty and 

 delight of nature enhanced by the murmur of the bees : 



" I went 



To Kamadeva'si temple, where I strayed, 



Till weary I reclined beside a fountain 



That laves the deep roots of a stately tree, 



Whose clustering blossoms wooed the wanton bees 



To cull their sweet inebriating fragrance. 



Lulled by their songs and tempted by the shade, 



I laid me down, and in pure idleness, 



To while away the time, I gathered round me 



The new fall'n blossoms, and assiduous wove 



A flowery garland." 



In "The Necklace," the king's confidential companion 

 leads him to the garden. 



" This is the place, sir. Behold the rich canopy of the 

 pollen of the mango blossoms, wafted above our heads 

 by the southern breeze, and the chorus bursts from the 

 kdils and the bees to hail your approach." 



The king replies : — 



"The garden is now most lovely. The trees partake 

 of the rapturous season ; their new leaves glow like coral, 

 their branches wave with animation in the wind, and their 

 foliage resounds with the blythe murmurs of the bee. The 

 bakula blossoms lie around its roots like ruby wine ; the 

 champaka flowers blush with the ruddiness of youthful 

 beauty ; the bees give back in harmony the music of the 

 anklets, ringing melodiously as the delicate feet are raised 

 against the stem of the Asaka tree." ^ 



1 Kamadeva, god of love. 



2 The Asaka tree was believed to burst into blossom if touched 

 by the foot of a beautiful woman. 



