For a fortnight the people had been denied sight of the god Jagannath [while his image was being painted anew]; and their grief changed into joy when, at the expiry of the period, the eye-painting (i.e., the last stage) being over, they could again see him. The Master went thither with all His followers. First marched Kashishwar, making a lane through the crowd, next went Govinda with a bowl of water. In front of the Master walked the Puri and the Bhárati, and by His side Swarup and Adwaita, the other _bhaktas_ bringing up the rear. Anxiously did He go to Jagannáth's temple and in passion of longing stepped beyond the rules, asking to see the fair face of the god in the dining room. The thirsty eyes of the Master ardently drank in the face of Krishna, like a pair of bees sucking in a lotus. The god's eyes surpassed the blooming lotus in beauty, his cheeks flashed radiance like a polished turquoise mirror, his lower lip was sweet as the Bandhuli flower, a light smile spread a ripple of nectar over his form. As the _bhaktas_ gazed on, the charm of the god's countenance increased every moment; their thirst increased with its gratification; their eyes could not move from that face. Thus did the Master with His following gaze at the god till noon, perspiring, trembling, weeping incessantly, and again checking these outbursts in order to have a clearer view of the deity. At the time of _bhog_ He began to sing _kirtan_, forgetful of everything else in the bliss of gazing. The _bhaktas_ led Him back to His quarters at noon. The servitors offered to the god a double quantity of prasád, knowing that the Car Festival would take place next morning. [Text, canto 12.] [1] A quadrangle in front of the inner shrine, where the worshippers stand when gazing on the idol. CHAPTER XI The Dance before Jagannáth's Car.