The honey drink madhvika brought intoxication to the nighttime gathering. The poet describes laughter, anger, shyness and restlessness. At times, words lost their clarity and connection. One of the gopis wanted no more drink after her first cup. She wished to watch the intoxicated play of the sakhis and her beloved.
Another gopi did not notice the crystal cup before her. The transparent vessel merged with the moonlight. She thought Vrinda had not served her a drink at all. Her response mingled anger, pride and smiles. She remained unwilling to drink.
A companion looked at the moon reflected upon the drink. She asked the sakhis how she could possibly drink it. It seemed to her that the moon had entered the cup. She feared that it would become lodged in her throat. The moon’s dark markings also made her suspect the drink of impurity.
Others noticed the shadows of bees circling above the honey drink. They mistook those dark shapes for impurities. They stirred the drink with their fingertips. Then they strained it through the edge of their own garments. After doing this, they drank again.