agony. Vain were the lunar rays or gelid streams to cool my body's
fever, whilst my mind whirls in perpetual round and does not know rest.
Requested by Lavangika, I gave her the flowery wreath. She took it with
respect, as if it were a precious gift and all the while the eyes of
Malati were fixed on her. Bowing with reverence, she than retired."

Makaranda remarks--

"Your story most plainly shows that Malati's affection is your own. The
soft cheek, whose pallid tint denoted love pre-conceived, is pale alone
for you; She must have seen you. Maidens of her rank do not allow their
eyes to rest on one to whom they have not already given their hearts.
And then, those looks that passed among her maidens plainly showed the
passion you had awakened in their mistress.

Then comes her foster-sister's clear enigma and tells intelligibly whose
her heart is."

Kalahansa, advancing, shows a picture and says, "This picture is the
work of hers who has stolen Madhava's heart. Mandarika gave it to me.
She had it from Lavangika, Malati painted it to amuse and relieve
distress." Makaranda says, "This lovely maid, the soft light of your
eyes, assuredly regards you bound to her in love's alliance. What should
prevent your union? Fate and love combined seem labouring to effect it.
Come, let me behold the wondrous form that works such change in you. You
have the skill. Portray her."

Madhava, in return, delineates the likeness of Malati on the same tablet
and Makaranda writes under it the following impassioned love-stanza,