Moonshine

A camphor-lamp shedding light on the sports
of thirty deer-eyed nymphs,

one huge sunshade, raised to celebrate
King Kâma's universal reign,

a fluffy fan, waving away fatigue
from lustful girls,

a cooling ointment for the musk-painted cheeks
of Love's young bride,

an island in the floods of the sky -
thus shines,

a pet goose in the city of the gods,
the moon with nectar rays.


(Jayadeva, around 1200)


translation by caru