She who is pleased in love, my friend, by Krishna,
May these words, as sung by Jaya·deva, master of
poetic art,
Cause Lord Krishna to abide within your heart.

“O sandal-scented southern breeze, O Love god’s
pride and joy—
Don’t be cruel* by making me contemplate Krishna;
You, the life breath of the world, will, in an instant,
take my breath away and with it my life.”

7.40

“When I think of him, the house of my friends becomes
like that of enemies,
The cool breezes burn like flames, and the nectarous moon
seems full of poison;
Though he is cruel to me, my heart cannot help being
attached to him.
The love that lotus-eyed women feel is unruly
and perverse.”

“Torment me then, O southern breeze! Love, go ahead and
take my life!
I’ll never again go home for refuge.
O Yamuna river, you are Death’s sister, so why do you
show me no mercy?
Drown my body in your waves, and extinguish the fires
that consume me!”