Dance of a Nautch Girl

Bedecked with trinkets and with pretty frock,

Wreathed with flowers, raddled with sandal wood,

In the main street, before the multitude

A Nautch girl danced to music's five-fold sound.

Into the city I had gone for alms,

And passing I beheld the dancer decked

In brave array, like a snare of Mara laid.

Anonymous Hindou