Status Updates From Poems from the Sanskrit

I quite like the poetry translated in this book. Makes me want to learn Sanskrit so I can actually enjoy the originals.

The first third of this book is a rather interesting commentary on translating Sanskrit and the intricacies of the metre and verse that have to be left behind in certain ways because there is no comparable way to translate some verses in full.

Quite beautiful

"After God made your eyes of lotus-blue,
Took for your teeth white jasmine, shaped the whole
Face as a better lily. Chose the hue
And texture of magnolia for our skin,
He then grew tired of soft things, and within
He carved from flint the impenetrable soul."

Your breasts are like two kings at war, my dear:
Each striving to invade the other's sphere.

In this vain fleeting universe, a man
Of wisdom has two courses: first, he can
Direct his time to pray, to save his soul,
And wallow in religion's nectar-bowl;
But, if he cannot, it is surest best
To touch and hold a lovely woman's breast,
And to caress her warm round hips, and thighs,
And to possess that which between them lies.
— Bhartrhari

Well then, my goose,
Now you must give me back my dear:
Her graceful walk, at least, you stole.
Who's caught with part - the law is clear -
Must restitution make of all.

[With laughter.] Ha, there he flies! He's afraid. He knows I'm a king, with power to punish thieves. [He continues to walk.] And now here is a wheel-drake with his mate.

Medical Advice
When the fever is caused by her looks and her voice,
The treatment of choice
Is a thrice-daily sip
Of her honey-sweet lip.
To avoid further harm,
And to keep the heart warm,
This follow-up treatment is known to be best:
The soothing and gentle warm touch of her breast.
(Professional secret, though-
Careful to keep it so!)

Flamingo, what has brought you here?
Has no-one told you that the cranes
In this land have usurped your name?
Why have you come? Go home again
Before some fool calls you a crane.

- Bhartrhari

50

Destiny surely is unjust.
The bees, it has decreed,
Shall feast on lotus-honey and sweet pollen-dust.
On water-weed
The geese must
Feed.