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Chap.VI.]
SUTRASTHANAM.
53


The characteristic features of the seasons which do not exhibit unnatural traits (Metrical texts):-Cold winds from the north blow in the season of Hemanta. The quarters of the sky are enveloped in smoke and assume a dusky aspect. The sun is hid in the frost, and lakes and pools are frozen or lie covered over with flakes, or thin layers of ice. Crows, rhinoceroses, buffaloes, lambs and elephants become excited and sprightly in this part of the year; and the Lodhra, Priyangu, and Punnaga trees begin to blossom.

Winter exhibits the same features as above, only in a greater degree of intensity; and the quarters of the sky are agitated by strong gales of wind and showers of rain.

In spring, when the summits of the mount Malaya are besmeared red with the moist foot-prints of the brides of the Siddhas and the Vidyadharas, and are perfumed in contact with the sweet-scented sandal forests, the lively south-wind is roused up from his lair and winnows gladness to damsels burning with desires, and kindles up the flame of love and appeases the amorous anger of the beloved pairs by turning their fancies to themes of love. The quarters of the sky are cleared up and look joyful. The woods are decked with the full-blown flowers of the Kinshuka, lotus,