"Whatever nature loveliness displays,
May seem to others beautiful and bright;
But since these charms have broken upon my gaze,
They form my life's sole exquisite delight."

Being asked by Makaranda as to how and where Malati first saw Madhava,
Mandarika says, "Malati was called to the lattice by Lavangika to look
at him as he passed the palace."

The picture is restored to Mandarika and brought back to Malati.

The mutual passion of the lovers, encouraged by their respective
confidants, is naturally increased.

Madhava thus addresses Makaranda,

"It is strange, most strange! wherever I turn, the same loved charms
appear on every side. Her beauteous face gleams as brightly as the
golden bud of the young lotus. Alas! my friend, this fascination spreads
over all my senses. A feverish flame consumes my strength. My heart is
all on fire. My mind is tossed with doubt. Every faculty is absorbed in
one fond thought.

I cease to be myself or conscious of the thing I am."

Malati thus addresses Lavangika:--

"Love spreads through every vein like subtlest poison and, like fire
that brightens in the breeze, consumes this feeble frame. Resistless
fever preys on each fibre. Its fury is fatal. No one can help me.