Note 130 — BOOK XXI.
Reading edition
p. 70. l. 16. —as at sound of coming rain. The rejoicing of the peacocks at the approach of rain is very sweetly described in the play of Malati and Madhava, translated by Mr. Wilson.
Ah Malati, how can I bear to contemplate The young Tamala, bowed beneath the weight Of the light rain; the quivering drops that dance Before the cooling gale; the joyful cry That echoes round, as pleased the pea-fowl hail The bow of heaven propitious to their loves.—p. 108.
In the Cloud Messenger, the Yaksha who addresses the cloud, fears lest it should be delayed by the cry of the peacock—
Or can the peacock's animated hail The bird with lucid eyes, to lure thee fail.—l. 147.
In another passage,
Pleased on each terrace, dancing with delight, The friendly peacock hails thy grateful flight.—l. 215.