न कौलीन्यं न सद्वृत्तं महत्त्वाय प्रकल्पते
Neither noble lineage nor good conduct was considered worthy of greatness.
विपद्यपि हि ते धन्या न ये दैन्यप्रणोदिताः
Even in misfortune, those are truly blessed who are not driven by misery.
पंचत्वमेव हि वरं लोके लाघववर्ज्जितम्
Indeed, in this world, it is better to die than to live with disgrace.
त एव लोके जीवंति पुण्यभाजस्त एव वै
Only those who possess merit truly live in this world—only they.
कदाचित्संपदुदयः कदाचिद्विपदुद्गमः
Sometimes prosperity arises, and sometimes adversity emerges.
उदयानुदयौ प्राज्ञैर्द्रष्टव्यौ पुष्पवंतयोः 4.2.71.
The wise should regard both the rise and fall (of fortune) as like the blossoming and withering of flowers.
यस्त्वापदं समासाद्य दैन्यग्रस्तो विपद्यते
But he who, having encountered misfortune, is overcome by dejection and fails.
आपद्यपि हि ये धीरा इह लोके परत्र च
Even in adversity, those who are steadfast—both in this world and the next—
भ्रष्टराज्याश्च विबुधा महेशं शरणं गताः
The wise, though deprived of their kingdoms, sought refuge in the great Lord.
माहेश्वरीं समासाद्य भवान्याज्ञां प्रहृष्टवत्
Having approached the goddess of Maheśvara, joyfully received the command of Bhavānī.
कालरात्रीं समाहूय कांत्या त्रैलोक्यसुंदरीम्
Summoning Kālarātrī, whose beauty surpasses that of the three worlds,
कालरात्री समासाद्य तं दैत्यं दुष्टचेष्टितम्
Kālarātrī, having confronted that demon of wicked deeds,
त्रिलोकीं लभतामिंद्रस्त्वं तु याहि रसातलम्
"Let Indra obtain the three worlds; as for you, descend to the netherworld."
अथ चेद्गर्वलेशोऽस्ति तदायाहि समाजये
"But if there remains even a trace of pride, then come and contend with me."
इति वक्तुं महादेव्या महामंगलरूपया
Thus spoke the great goddess, the embodiment of supreme auspiciousness.
अतो यदुचितं कर्तुं तद्विधेहि महासुर 4.2.71.
"Therefore, do what is fitting now, O great Asura."
इत्याकर्ण्य वचो देव्या महाकाल्याः स दैत्यराट्
Hearing these words of the goddess Mahākālī, the king of the demons—
त्रैलोक्यमोहिनी ह्येषा प्राप्ता मद्भाग्यगौरवैः
"This one, who bewilders the three worlds, has come because of my great fortune and merit.
एतदर्थं हि देवर्षि नृपा बंदी कृता मया
For this purpose, O devarṣi, I have taken the gods and kings captive.
अवश्यं यस्य योग्यं यत्तत्तस्येहोपतिष्ठते
Surely, whatever is appropriate for someone, that alone befalls him here.
अंतःपुरचरा एतां नयंत्वंतःपुरं महत्
"Let the women of the inner palace lead her into the great inner chambers."
अहो महोदयश्चाद्य जातो मम महामते
"Ah, today a great fortune has arisen for me, O wise one!"
नृत्यंतु पितरश्चाद्य मोदंतां बांधवाः सुखम्
"Let my ancestors dance today, let my kinsmen rejoice in happiness!"
इति यावत्समायातास्तां नेतुं सौविदल्लकाः
So then, as the palace attendants approached to lead her away—
वयं दूत्यः परवशा राजनीतिविदुत्तम
We are messengers, subject to others' will, O best among those skilled in royal policy.
अल्पोपि दूतसंबाधां न विदध्यात्कदाचन 4.2.71.
One should never create even a small gathering of messengers.
दूतीषु कोनुरागोयं महाराजाल्पिकास्विह
What affection is there among messengers, O great king, especially when they are few here?
विजित्य समरे तां तु स्वामिनीं मम दैत्यप
Having conquered her in battle, O lord of the Daityas, she has become my mistress.
अद्यैव ते महासौख्यं भावितस्याविलोकनात्
Today itself, you will attain great happiness by beholding her, who is destined for you.
संपत्स्यंतेऽद्य ते कामाः सर्वे ये चिरचिंतिताः
Today all your desires, long cherished in your mind, will be fulfilled.