Her rude garment, rough and restrictive,
Radiates with inner brightness like an ornament.
Hidden in the dank weeds the lotus glows,
And the dusky scars which mar the face of the moon
Only serve to heighten its radiance;
Thus is Sakuntala's beauty revealed,
Her drab covering makes her irresistible,
For true beauty always conceals itself.
- Kaalidaas, Abhijnanasakuntalam
Painting by Raja Ravi Varma, Chennai Museum
- Satyagraha!
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