1872.] Babu Rajendraldla Mitra — A Picnic in Ancient India. 317 
“ The accomplished and heroic princes, in a separate company, entertained 
themselves in the sea waters with the damsels that had come with them, and 
who were proficient in dancing and singing. Though forcibly brought away 
from their homes, these women had been overcome by the suavity of the prim 
ces ; and the latter in their turn were delighted with the singing and acting 
and dancing of these excellent creatures. 
“ At this time, Krishna sent for Panchaelmda, Ivauveri, Mahendri, and 
other accomplished Apsaras to heighten the pleasures of the entertainment, 
and when they, with folded hands, appeared before him, and saluted him, the 
Lord of the universe spoke to them most encouragingly, and desired them to 
join the fete without fear. ‘ For my sake,’ said he, 1 O fair ones, entertain the 
ladus ; exhibit to them your rare proficiency in dancing and singing, as 
well as in acting and music of diverse kinds. These are all myself in diifer- 
ent persons, and if you entertain them well, and acquit yourselves becom- 
ingly, I shall grant you all your desires.’ 
“ The charming Apsaras respectfully received the orders of Hari, and 
entered joyfully the pleasant throng of the noble heroes. Their advent on the 
waters shed new lustre on the wide ocean, like lightning playing on the breast 
of heavy dark clouds. Standing on water as on land, they played on aqua- 
tic musical instruments, and enacted heavenly scenes of delight. By their 
aroma and garlands and toilette, by their coquetry, blandishment, and wanton 
dalliance, these sweet ones with beaming eyes robbed the minds of the he- 
roes. By their side glances and hints and smiles, by their assumed arro- 
gance and mirth and complaisance, they completely charmed their audience. 
When the princes were overcome with wine, these bewitching actresses 
lifted them high in the air, and anon held them in their hands, looking at 
them with enchanting grace. 
“ Krishna himself commenced the same pastime with his sixteen thousand 
wives for their gratification, and this did not excite the ridicule or wonder 
of the Yadus, for they knew his worth and nature, and preserved their gra- 
vity. Some ran to the Raivataka hill, some to houses, and some to the 
jungle, whatever suited them best, and returned immediately after. By order 
of Vishnu, the lord of regions, the undrinkable water of the ocean then be- 
came drinkable, and the damsels with beaming eyes, taking each other by the 
hand, walked on the water as on land, now diving deep, and anon risino- 0 n 
the surface. 
“ Of eatables and drinkables, of things to be chewed, of things to be swal- 
lowed, of things to be sucked, and of things to be licked, there was nothin-'- 
wanting, and whatever was desired was immediately forthcoming. 
“Wearing fresh garlands, these faultless women, never to be overcome 
entertained themselves in private in the cabins of pleasant boats even as 
do the gods. 
