Spgm 054 - Going By Shortcut

Encircled by a long deep moat, And sentries posted at the gate, The well guarded Madurai City, It was ruled by Pandian, His Majesty. Kovalan chose a shortcut, The royal elephants that let, And walked the entire distance, To find out a suitable place. REACHED THE OUTSKIRT At the gate the guards Kept ready their swords, Their enemies to face, Even at a short notice. There unnoticed by anyone Kovalan entered the town, A rich and beautiful one, To seek his good fortune. GIRLS TOOK RIVER BATH The arrival of the western wind. The creepers of the vast land Warmly greeted and welcomed As they fluttered and danced. Leaving their houses the girls, They went in pairs and couples. In the river took bath merrily And spent their time happily. GIRLS PLAYED IN FLOWER GARDEN The cool jasmine flowers And the deep water lily flowers Sent their powerful scents From the girls' head tresses. Nice garlands of white pearls, And of jasmine adorned the girls. They had applied sandalwood pastes To their bodies and slender waists. They went to the flower garden, At the outskirts of Madurai town, To get themselves engaged in play Joyfully through out the day. THE GIRLS' EVENING PASTIME It was time when the sun set. In the courtyard of moonlight, The girls were immersed in delight. With their lovers spent the night. THE GIRLS IN THE RAINY SEASON Wearing light red silken dresses, And variety of flowers in their tresses, The Madurai girls looked so beautiful In the rainy season that was bountiful. IN THE COOL WINDY SEASON Closing the windows the girls, Along with their own males, Around the fireplace they sat. Also they did daylong chat. IN THE EARLY WINTER In the days of south bound sun, At the start of the winter season, Any cloud, not even a white one, O'er the sky was rarely seen. The girls stood in the courtyard For the little warmth what they had. Under the sun's mild heat cover, Each one spent time with her lover. IN THE MIDST OF WINTER In the harbor all the boats Stood like a crowd of floats, Facing the eastern cool wind, Which blew towards the land. It went deep inside the town, To invite the Cupid's action To make all happy and gay In that festival of love play. IN THE EARLY SUMMER The early summer came, Which was slightly warm, The couples talked of that time, Of the severe days yet to come. THE END OF SUMMER In the animal inhabited forest, The heat was like a fire-burst. Elsewhere the king wished to move out, To escape from the summer heat.