Page:History of Bengali Language and Literature.djvu/338

 302 BENGALI LANGUAGE & LITERATURE. [ Chap.]. Jyaistha we have scarcely any food, and live, for | the most part, on wild berries. In the months of Asadha and Cravana, when the newly formed clouds cover the sky, the village roads become muddy and pools fullof water, a host of leeches bite me as 1 go out, though a snake-bite would be more welcome, for it would end my miseries. In the month of Bhadra, our whole village is flooded and scarcely can I find a customer for my meat. At the approach of Agvina, every one, seems to be happy, and the goddess Uma is worshipped in big houses. There is dance and merry-making, and people are dressed in beautiful raiment. But goats are sacrificed to the Goddess at every house, so our meat will not sell in the market, and in this hut we have so often to fast. In the winter-months, the little fire that we kindle with stray fuel gathered from the woods scarcely warms us. For want of clothes, I often wear the skin of a deer, which but ill protects me from cold. Then comes the spring season, when the jasmine blooms and the bee whispers love to it gathering its honey. With the spring’s soft influ- ence in their hearts, maidens and youths are love- sick. But poor Phullara feels only the pain of hunger. Why do you, Oh noble lady, court a life so wretched as must be that of a hunter’s wife.” Her eyes glistened with tears as she related the story of her woes. Love’s Nor did she at all exaggerate her miseries ; only amends, ; : Kalaketu’s love made such amends for the ills of life that she did not mind them. When the hunter’s well-formed strong arm served as a pillow to her in the night, what she did she care for want of a nice bed? When eating what she