39 Baṭu’s cheating and being rebuked

Ṭīkā: Switching back to Kṛṣṇa-Bhāvanāmṛta, Rādhikā wins after throwing her desired number! Then the Sakhīs sternly address Madhumaṅgala: "Oh re Bato! Why are you lowering your head now? During the jala-keli you were dancing upon seeing our defeat, so where has that artful dancing performance gone? And where is that funny grin as you said, "Aha! I'll take the Gopīs' ornaments and bangles to trade them for sweets in the Mathura bazar!"

Rādhikā says, "Hey Sakhīs! This Baṭu is very fond of sitopala candy, so why don't you bring Sitopali ("ice blocks") from a mountain-top and dump it on his head. Let's see how he relishes that!"

Madhumaṅgala listens to all this in silence, prompting the Sakhīs to say, "Oh re! Why aren't you answering? Ah ha! We see, having lost at Pāśā Khelā, you're now assuming forgiveness, patience, and śānti to preserve your brāhmanaical qualities!" Seeing no other way out and fearing the consequences. Baṭu cheats as follows:39 Slyly moving his hand over the board in an effort to hide Govinda's low score, Madhu asserts: "Aha! Our desired number has fallen! We won!" Meanwhile, he upsets the pieces on the board, mixing Rādhā's with Kṛṣṇa's! Seeing Madhu's mischief, the Sakhīs come to bind him, but he screams, and a great skirmish ensues!Ṭīkā: The Sakhīs warn Baṭu: "Your sneaky tricks won't pass! We've seen everything. Thus, we're going to tie you up first!" Then they surround him. But Baṭu does not give an inch and takes to screaming! He swears and makes all sorts of faces. Thus, he gives ānanda to everyone!

In Kṛṣṇa-Bhāvanāmṛta, Kṛṣṇa loses a match to Rādhā when his Kaustubha-maṇi is at stake. Then the Sakhīs say: "This Kaustubha has rubbed the breasts of many Vraja ramaṇī; so how can we place it around our Priyā Sakhīs neck? Oh, perhaps we could sell it and purchase other gems for decorating Śrimatī'! Or maybe if we wash it many times our Rāja-Nāndīni might accept it?"

Then Nāndīmukhī declares: "Oh Vraja-yuva Rāja! You've lost! So, give the Kaustubha to Rādhā!" Kṛṣṇa feigns disappointment as Kuṇḍalatā transfers the jewel to Rādhā's chest. But as Kṛṣṇa sits before Rādhā, suddenly his reflection appears on the Kaustubha. Thus, Kuṇḍalatā exclaims, "Oh Kṛṣṇa! Just see how beautiful you look between Rādhā's two breasts! Hey Prema Sindho! The Kaustubha has rested on your chest for so long, but today, having accepted the āśraya of Rādhā's kuca yugala, this maṇi Rāja holds you on its chest!"

As Kṛṣṇa stares at his reflection, moha (illusion) overtakes him! Thus, he feelingly declares: "Hey reflection! You're the real Śyāmasundara, because you reside between my Priyā's kuca yugala, the place of my constant meditation!" As Kṛṣṇa repeats himself over and over, tears pour from his eyes!

Then Rādhā slips a peek to see her Prāṇa-nath's reflection cast on the Kaustubha. Thus, she scorns both her kañchulī and her modesty (because her kañchulī prevents the reflection from touching her body, and because modesty prevents her from staring to her heart's satisfaction). Thus, Rādhā is stunned in ecstasy!

Then the Sakhīs chide Madhumaṅgala: "Hey Baṭo! What happened to your Priyā Sakhā's prestige'! Has it fallen to hide under your feet'! Oh, re foolish one! We're not in the cow pastures, nor are we playing a demon-killing game, this is called Pāśā-Khelā! This competition discloses one's wit!"

The Sakhīs swiftly flowing Sarasvatī river of rebuke uproots the jute-plant of Baṭu's equipoise! Thus frightened, he addresses Kṛṣṇa: "Hey sakhe! Here, you can offer the Kaustubha. I've got some business to look after, so I'll see you later. Oh, by the way, in case these Vraja-ramaṇī should attack you alone I'm going to warn Nandarāṇī. She'll certainly come and teach them a lesson. Aha! They'll be thrown in a dark well of embarrassment!"

Kṛṣṇa scoffs: "Oh foolish Madhu! Why are you so panicky'! Just watch, now I shall defeat these Gopīs! So don't worry, and stop announcing my defeat!"
Madhu retorts: "Hey Kṛṣṇa! l've given good advice, so why are you becoming upset'!
Oh! Let your Kaustubha get stolen, I'm leaving. These shrewd Yuvatīs will simply make you dance like a play-puppet and take all your wealth!" (As Madhu starts to leave, everyone offers pacification; then he is re-seated near the playing board).