From Vikramorvasie by Kalidasa

Drunken with Honey

from Vikramorvasie by Kalidasa

translated by Sri Aurobindo

What cry is this that breaks upon our prologue
From upper worlds, most like the wail distressed
Of ospreys, sad but sweet as moan of bees
Drunken with honey in deep summer bloom,
Or the low cry of distant cuckoo? or hear I
Women who move on Heaven’s azure stage
Splendid with rows of seated Gods, and chant
In airy syllables a liquid sweetness?