Uddhava has come from Mathura to console the gopis on Krishna's behalf. He sees Radhika — "that must be Sri Radha" — and bends to touch her feet. At that very moment he hears: "Friend of a cheater, do not dare touch my feet!" Radhika is saying it to a bumblebee circling her feet — but every word enters Uddhava's heart like an arrow. And now she is cross-examining it: "Bumblebee, what is that red powder on your antennae? I know very well. Krishna was embracing his new sweetheart; her kumkum stayed on his garland — and you landed to sip the honey and got yourself all smeared." The bee pleads: "No, no, I have come from Mathura, a long way; I grew faint with thirst and rested on a lotus — this is only its pollen." "I don't believe you," Radhika cuts in. "A cheater's friend is himself a cheater — and worse: when two lie with one voice, the truth can never be found. Go back to Mathura." And Uddhava stands there — every arrow shot at the bee striking him.