UC-NRLF B 3 5Mb 431 "vr^^d^ ^?5^ "T^f^^: 4? ^ -^o. ■ THE HINDU ¥IFE OR THE EKCHANTED FRUIT. Bt EAJ LAKSHI DEBI^ |U-ovu6 . CALCUTTA : . • TRUBNER & Co., 57 & 59, LUDQATE HILL, LONDON. J. CHOSE & Co., 32, JHAMAPOOkuU LANE. 1876. P.y«. iT?,-.| y ^ only. .r _ I hl-n ' THE ENCHANTED FRUIT; OR, THE HINDU WIFE. * O LOVELY age i, by Brahmens fam'd Pure Setye Yug ^ in Sanscrit nam'd I Delightful ! Not for cups of gold. Or wives a thousand centuries old ; Or men, degenerate now and small. Then one and twenty cubits tall : Not that plump coivs full udders bore, And bowls with holy curd 3 ran o'er ; Not that, by Deities defended Fish, Boar, Snake, Lio7i ^, heav'n-descended, Leam'd Pendits, now grown sticks and clods, Kedde fast the Nagry of the Gods ^ And laymen, faithful to Narayn 6 Believ'd in Brahmds mystic strain 7 1. A parody on the Ode in Toad's Aminta, beginning, bella eta dell ' oro f 2. The Golden Age of the Hindus. 3. Called JogTirdt, the food of Crishna in his infancy and youth, 4. The four firsfe Avata'rs, or Incarnations of the Divine Spirit. 5. The Sanscrit, or Sengscrit, is written in letters so named. 6. Narayn or Nd'rd'yan, the Spirit of God. 7. The Vayds, or Sacred Writings of Brahma, called Rig, Sa'm, and Yeiar : doubts have been raised concerning the authority of ihe;fourth, or Ai'hrv&n, Vai/d, , 237 THE ENCHANTED FRUIT ; OR, Not that all Subjects spoke plain truth, While Rajas cherish'd eld and youth. No — yet delightful times !^ because Nature then reign'd, and Nature's Laivs ; When females of the softest kind Were unaffected, unconfin'd ; And this gi-and rule from none was hidden ^ ; What pleaseth, hath no law forbidden.' Thus, with a lyre in.' India strung, Amintas poet would have sung ; And thus too, in a modest way. All virtuous males Avill sing or say : But swarthy nymphs of Hindustan Look deeper than short-sighted man, And thus, in some poetic chime. Would speak with reason, as with rhyme : * lovelier age, by Brahmens fam'd. Gay DwdjMr Yug ^ in Sanscrit nam'd ! Delightful ! though impure with brass In many a green ill-scented mass ; Though husbands, but sevn cubits high. Must in a thousand summers die ; Though, in the lives of dwindled men, Ten parts were Sin ; Religion, ten ; Though cows would rarely fill the pail, But made th' expected creambowl fail ; Though lazy Pendits ill could read (No care of ours) their Yejar Veid ; • Though Rajas look'd a little proud, ^ And Ranies rather spoke too loud ; Though Gods, display 'd to mortal view In mortal -forms, were only two ; 8. " Se place, ei lice." Tasso. , 9. The Brar.m Aqc, or that in which Vice autl Virtue were in equal proportiw THE HINDU WIFE. ^3* (Yet CmsHNA lo^ sweetest youth, was one, Crishna, whose cheeks outblaz'd the sun) DeHghtful, ne'ertheless ! because ^ Not bound by vile unnatilral law^s, , Which curse this age from Cdley H nam'd; By some base woman-hater fram'd. Prepost'rous ! that one biped vain Should drag ten house-wives in his train, And stuff them in a gaudy cage, Slaves to weak lust or potent rage ? Not such the Divdper Yug ! oh then One BUXOM dame might wed five men.' ' True History, in solemn terms, This Philosophic lore confirms ; For India once, as now cold Tibet ^^^ A groupe unusual might exhibit, , Of sev'ral husbands, free from strife, Link'd fairly to a single wife ! Thus Botanists, with eyes acute | ; v' ^ To see prolific dust minute, I Taught by their learned northern Brahncn 13 | To class by pistil and by stamen, \ Produce from nature's rich dominion [ Flow'rs Polyandrian Monogynian, Where embryon blossoms, fruits, and leaves Twenty prepare, and one receives. But, lest my word should nought avail, Ye Fair to no unholy tale 10. The Apollo of India, 11. The Earthen Age, or that of Caly or Impurity : this verse aUudes to Ca'ley, the Hecate of the Indians. 12- See the accounts published in the Philosophical Transactions from the papers of Mr. Bogle. , 13. Linnaeus, THE EXCfRANTED FUUIT ; OR, Attend. 14 Pive thousand years i^ ago, As annals in Benares show, When Pdndu chiefs with Gurus fought ^^ And each the throne imperial sought, Five brothers of the reofal line Blaz'd high with qualities divine. The first a prince witlwut his peer. Just, pious, lib'ral Yudhishteir 17 ; Then Erjun, to the base a rod, An Hero favour'd by a God is r 'Bheima, like mountain-leopard strong, Unrival'd fn th' embattled throng. Bold Nacul, fir'd by noble shame To emulate fraternal fame ; And Selideo, flush' d with manly grace, Bright virtue dawning in his face : To these a dame devoid of care, Blythe Drawpady, the debonair, E-enown'd for beauty, and for wit, In wedlock's pleasing chain was kniti^ 14. The story is told by the Jesuit Bouchet, in his Letter to Huet, Bishop oi Avranches. 15. A round number is chosen ; but the Cahj Yug, a little before which Crishna disappeared from this world, heg&n four thousand, eight hundred, and eighty-four years ago, that is, according to our Chronotogists, seven hundred and forty seven before the flood ; and by the calculation of M. Bailly, but four hundred and fifty-four after the foundation of the Indian empire. 16. This war, which Crishna fomented in favour of the Pandu Prince, Yudhishtir, suppli- ed Vya's with the subject of his noble Epic Poem, Maha'bha'rat. 17. This word is commonly pronounced with a strong accent on the last letter, but tho preceding vowel is short in Sengscrit. The Prince is called on the Coast Dherme Ra'j, or Chief Magistrate. 18. The Geita, containing Instructions to Erjun, was comac^ed by Crishna who peculiarly distinguished him. 19. Yudhishtir and Draupady, called Drohadu by 31. Sonnerat, are deified on the Coast ; and their feast, of which that writer exhibits an engraving, is named the Procession of Fire, because she passed cwe»7 2/car from one of her ^we husbands to another, after a solemn purification by that clement. In the _ Bha'sha' language, her name is written, Dno'riy. ^ » THE HINDU WIFE. It fortun'd, at an idle hour, • This five-mal'd single-femal'd flow'r One balmy morn of fruitful May- Through vales and meadows took its way. , A low thatch'd mansion met their eye In trees umbrageous bosom'd high ; Near it (no sight, young maids, for you) A temple rose to Mahadeiv 20. A thorny hedge and reedy gate Enclos'd the garden's homely state ; Plain in its neatness : thither wend The princes and their lovely friend. Light-pinion'd gales, to charm the sense. Their odorifrous breath dispense; From Belas 21 pearl'd, or pointed, bloom, And Mdlty rich, they steal perfume : There honey-scented SingarJidr, And Jichy, like a rising star. Strong Chemiod, darted by Cdmdeiv, And Mulsery of paler hue, Cayora 22^ which the Ranies wear In tangles of their silken hair, Round 23 Bdhul-B.ow'YS, and Gulachein Dyed like the shell of Beauty's Queen, Sweet Mincly 24 press'd for crimson stains. And sacred Txdsy ^^, pride of plains. With Sewty, small unblushing rose, Their odours mix, their tints disclose, 20. The Indian Jupiter. 21. The varities of Bela, an(r*the tJiree flowers next mentioned, are beautiful species of Jasmin. 22. The Indian Spikenard. 23. The Mimota, or true Acacia, that produces the Arabian Gum. 24. Called Alhhinna' by the Arabs. 25. Of the kind called Ocymum. ' 6 • TUE ENCHANTED FRUIT ; OR, And, as a gemmed tiara, bright, Paint the fresh branches with deliofht. One tree above all others tower'd With shrubs and saplings close imbower'd, For every blooming child of Spring Paid homage to the verdant King : Aloft a solitary fruit. Full sixty cubits from the root, Kiss'd by the breeze, luxuriant hung, Soft chrysoHte with em'ralds strung. ' ' Try we, said Erjun indiscreet. If yon proud fruit be sharp or sweet ; My shaft its parent stalk shall wound : Eeceive it, ere it reach the ground.' Swift as his word, an arrow flew : The dropping prize besprent with dew The brothers, in contention gay. Catch, and on gather'd herbage lay. That instant scarlet lightnings flash. And Jemna's waves her borders lash, Crishna from Swergas 26 height descends. Observant of his mortal friends : Not such, as in his earliest years. Among his wanton cowherd peers. In Gocul or Brinddheiis 27 glades, He sported with the dairy-maids ; Or, having pip'd and danc'd enough, CJos'd the brisk night with hlindmaii s-huff 28 ; { List, antiquaries, and record This pastime of the Gopia's Lord 29 J^ 2G. The heaven of Imira, or the Empyreum. 27. In the district of Maifhura, not far from Agra. 28. This is told in the Bha'fjawat. 29. Copy Nat'ii, a title of Crishna, corrcspocdiDg with NympUfjeles, an epithet of Nejutune, THE HINDU WIFE. But radiant with ethereal fire : Nared alone could bards inspire In lofty SloJces 30 his mien .to trace, And unimaginable grace. With liuman voice, in human form, He mildly spake, and hush'd the storm : ' mortals, ever prone to ill 1 Too rashly Erjun prov'd his skill. Yon fruit a pious Muny 3i owns, Assistant of our heav'nly thrones. The golden pulp, each month renew'd, Supplies him w^th ambrosial food, Should he the daring archer curse. Not Mentra 32 deep, nor magic verse. Your gorgeous palaces could save From flames, your embers, from the wave 33/ The princes, whom th' immod'rate blaze Forbids their sightless eyes to raise, "With doubled hands his aid implore, And vow submission to his lore. ' One remedy, and simply one, Or take, said he, or be undone : Let each his crimes or faults confess. The greatest name, omit the less ; Your actions, words, e'en thoughts reveal ; No part must Draupady conceal : So shall the fruit, as each applies The faithful charm, ten dibits rise ; 30. Tetrasticks without rhyin».. • 31. An inspired Writer : tioenty are so called 32. Incantation, 33. This will receive illustration from a passage \nih.QRamayen : ' Even he, who cannot be slain by the ponderous arms of Indra, nor by those of CkCly, nor by the terrible Checra Cor Discus), of Vishm, shall be destroyed, 4f a Brahmen execrate him, as if lie were consumed hyfire.' THE ENCHANTED FRUIT ; OR, Till, if the dame be frank and true, It join the branch, where late it grew.' He smil'd and shed a transient gleam ; Then vanish'd like a morning dream. Now, long entranc'd, each waking brother Star'd with aimazement on another. Their consort's cheek forgot its glow, And pearly tears began to flow ; When Yudishteir, high-gifted man. His plain confession thus began. ' Inconstant fortune's wreathed smiles, Duryodhen's rage, Duryodhen's wiles, Fires rais'd for this devoted head, E'en poison for my brethren spread. My wand'rings through wild scenes of wo, And persecuted life, you know. Rude wassailers defil'd my halls. And riot shook my palace-walls, My treasures wasted. This and more With resignation calm I bore ; But, when the late-descending god Gave all I wish'd with soothing nod, When, by his counsel and his aid, Our banners danc'd, our clarions bray'd (Be this my greatest crime confess'd). Revenge sate ruler in my breast : I panted for the tug of arms. For skirmish hot, for fierce alarms ; Then had my shaft Duryodhen rent^ This heart had glow'd with sweet content.' . He ceas'd : the living gold upsprung. And from the bank ten cubits huno^. Embolden'd by this fair success, Next Erjun hasten'd to confess : THE HINDU WIFE. ' When I with Asivatthdma fought ; My noose the fell assassin caught"; My spear transfix'd him to the ground : His'giant limbs firm cordage bound : His holy thread extorted awe Spar'd by religion and by law ; But, when his murd'rous hands I view'd In blameless kindred gore imbued, Fury my boiling bosom sway'd, And Eage unsheath'd my willing blade : Then, had not Crishnas arm divine With gentle touch suspended mine, This hand a Brahmen had destroy'd. And vultures with his blood been cloy'd.* The fruit, forgiving Erjun^s dart. Ten cubits rose with eager start. Flush'd with some tints of honest shame, Bheima to his confession came : ' Twas at a feast for battles won From Dhritera shtras guileful son. High on the board in vases pil'd All vegetable nature smil'd : Proud Aiiaras 34 his beauties told, His verdant crown and studs of gold. To Dallim 35, whose soft rubies laugh'd Bursting with juice, that gods have quass'd ; Bipe Kellas 36 here in heaps were seen, Kellas, the golden and the green, With Ambas 37r^riz'd on distant coasts. Whose birth the fertile Ganga boasts : (Some gleam like silver, some outshine Wrought ingots from Besoaras mine) : Corindas there, too sharp alone, 34. Ananas. 35. Pomegranate. 36. Plantains. 37. Mangos. , B 10 THE ENCHANTED FRUIT ; OR, With honey mix'd, impurpled shone ; Talsam 38 his liquid crystal spread Pluck'd from high Taras tufted head ; Round Jamas ^9 delicate as fair, Like rose-water perfum'd the air ; Bright salvers high-rais'd Comlas ^o held Like topazes, which Am^it ^i swell'd ; "While some delicious Attas ^2 bore, And Catels 43 warm, a sugar'd store ; Others with Belas grains were heap'd. And mild Papayas honey-steep'd ; Or sweet Ajeirs ^4 the red and pale. Sweet to the taste and in the gale. Here mark'd we purest basons fraught "With sacred cream and fam'd Joghrat ; Nor saw we not rich bowls contain The Chaivlas 45 light nutritious grain, Some virgin-like in native pride. And some with strong Haldea 46 dyed. Some tasteful to dull palates made If Merich 47 lend his fervent aid. Or Langa 48 shap'd like od'rous nails, "Whose scent o'er groves of spice prevails. Or Adda 49, breathing gentle heat, Or Joutery ^o both warm and sweet. Supiary ^^ next ( in Pa na ^2 chew'd. And Gatha ^^, with strong pow'rs endued, Mix'd with Elachy's 54 glowing seeds, • Which some remoter climate breeds). Near Jeifel ^^ sate, like Jeifel fram'd Though not for equal fragrance nam'd : 38. Palmyra-fruit. 39. Rose-apples. 40. Oranges. 41. The Hindu Nectar. 42. Custard- applei^. 43. Jaik-fruit. 44. Guayavas. 45. Rice. 46. Turmeric 47. Indian Pepper. 48. Cloves. 49. Ginger, 50. Mace. 51. Areca-nut. 52. Betel-leaf. 53, AYhat we call Japau-carth, 54. CVdamums, 55. Nutmeg, THE IIIJvDU TVIFE. 11 Last, Na ryal ^^, whom all ranks esteem, Pour'd in full cups his dulcet stream : Long 1 survey'd the doubtful board . With each high delicacy stor'd ; Then freely gratified my soul, From many a dish, and many a bowl, Till health was lavish'd, as my time : Intemperance was my fatal crime.' Uprose the fruit ; and now mid-way Suspended shone like blazing day. Nacal then spoke : (a blush o'erspread His cheeks, and conscious droop'd his head) : ' Before Duryo dlien, ruthless king. Taught his fierce darts in air to sing, "With bright-arm'd ranks, by Cnshna sent. Elate from Indraprest ^"^ I went Through Eastern realms ; and vanquish'd all From rough Almo ra to Nipa I. Where ev'ry mansion, new or old, Flam'd with Barbaric gems and gold. Here shone with pride the regal stores On iv'ry roofs, and cedrine floors ; There diadems of price unknown Blaz'd with each all-attractins: stone ; Firm diamonds, like fix'd honour true. Some pink, and some of yellow hue. Some black, yet not the less esteem'd ; The rest like tranquil Jemna gleam'd, When in her be'd the Gopia lave Betray'd by the pellucid wave. Like raging fire the ruby glow'd. Or soft, but radiant, water show'd ; 56. Cocoanut. 57. Dehly. 12 THE ENCHANTED FRUIT ; OR, Pure amethysts, in richest ore Oft found, a purple vesture wore ; Sapphirs, like yon etherial plain ; Em'ralds, like Peipel ^8 fresh with rain ; Gay topazes, translucent gold ; Pale chrysolites of softer mould ; Pam'd beiyls, like the surge marine. Light-azure mix'd with modest green ; Refracted ev'ry varying dye. Bright as yon bow, that girds the sky. '^ Here opals, which all hues unite. Display' d their many-tinctur'd light. With turcoises divinely blue (Though doubts arise, where first they grew, Whether chaste elephantine bone By min'rals ting'd, or native stone). And pearls unblemish'd, such as deck JBhava nijs ^^ wrist or Lecshmys ^ neck. Each castle ras'd, each city storm'd. Vast loads of pillag'd wealth I form'd, Not for my coffers ; though they bore, As you decreed, my lot and more. Too pleas'd the brilliant heap I stor'd. Too charming seeoi'd the guarded hoard : An odious vice this heart assail' d ; Base Avrice for a time prevail'd. Th' enchanted orb ten cubits flew. Strait as the shaft, which Erjun drew. Sehdio, with youthful ardour bold^. Thus, penitent, his failings told : ' From clouds, by folly rais'd, these eyes Experience clear'd, and made me wise ; For, when the crash of batt]c roar'd. 58. A sacred tree like an Asirin. 59, The Indian Venus. GO. The Lidian Ckres. THE HINDU WIFE. 13 When death rain'd blood from spear and sword, When, in the tempest of alarms, Horse roll'd on horse, arms clash'd with arms, Such acts I saw by others' done. Such perils brav'd, such trophies won, That, while my patriot bosom glow'd. Though some faint skill, some strength I show'd, And, no dull gazer on the field. This hero slew, that forc'd to yield, Yet, meek hflmility, to thee. When Erjun fought, low sank my knee : But, ere the din of war began. When black'ning cheeks just mark'd the man, Myself invincible I deem'd, And great, without a rival, seem'd. Whene'er I sought the sportful plain, No youth of all the martial train With arm so strong or eye so true The CJiecras ^i pointed circle threw ; None Avhen the polish'd cane we bent. So far the light-wmg'd arrow sent ; None from the broad elastic reed. Like me, gave Agnyastra ^^ speed. Or spread its flames with nicer art In many an unextinguish'd dart ; Or, when in imitated fight We sported till departing light. None saw me to the ring advance With falchion keen or quiv'ring lance, Whose force my rooted seat could shake. Or on my steed impression make : No charioteer, no racer fleet 61. A radiated metalline ring, used as a missile weapon. 62. Fire-arms, or rcckets, early known in India. 1 4 THE ENCHANTED FRUIT ; OR, O'ertook my wheels or rapid feet. Next, when the woody heights we sought, With madd'ning elephants I fought : In vain their high-priz'd tusks they gnash'd ; Their trunked heads my Geda 63 mash'd. No buffalo, with phrensy strong, Could bear my clatt'ring thunder long : No pard or tiger, from the wood Reluctant brought, this arm withstood. Pride in my heart his mansion fix'd. And with pure drops black poison mix'd. Swift rose the fruit, exalted now Ten cubits from his natal bough. Fair Draupady, with soft delay, Then spake : ' Heav'n's mandate I obey ; Though nought, essential to be known, Has heav'n to learn, or I to own. When scarce a damsel, scarce a child. In early bloom your handmaid smil'd. Love of the World her fancy mov'd, Vain pageantry her heart approv'd : Her form, she thought, and lovely mien. All must admire, when all had seen : A thirst of pleasure and of praise (With shame I speak) engross'd my days ; Nor were my night-thoughts, I confess. Free from solicitude for dress ; How best to bind my flowing hair With art, yet with an artless air . (My hair, like musk in scent and hue ; Oh ! blacker far and sweeter too) ; In what nice braid or glossy curl To fix a diamond or a peari, 63. A mace, or club. THE HINDU WIFE. 15 And where to smooth the love-spread toils With nard or jasmin's fragrant oils ; How to adjust the golden Tele ^^, > And most adorn my forehead sleek ; -* What Condcds ^^ should emblaze my ears. Like Seitas waves ^^ or Seitas tears ^-^ ; HoAv elegantly to dispose Bright circlets for my well-form'd nose ; "With strings of rubies how to deck, Or em'rald rows, my stately neck, While some that ebon tow'r embrac'd Some pendent sought my slender waist ; How next my purfled veil to chuse From silken stores of varied hues ; Which would attract the rovino- view, Pink, violet, purple, orange, blue ; The loveliest mantle to select, Or unembellish'd or bedeck 'd ; And how my twisted scarf to place With most inimitable grace ; (Too thin its warp, too fine its woof, For eyes of males not beauty-proof) ; What skirts the mantle best would suit, Ornate with stars or tissued fruit. The flow'r-embroider'd or the plain With silver or with golden vein ; The Chury ^^ bright, which gayly shows Fair objects, aptly to compose ; How each smooth arm and each soft wrist By richest Cosecs ^^ might be kiss'd ; 64. Properly Teica, an ornament of gold, placed above the nose. 65. Pendents. 66. Seita' Cund, or the Pool oiSeita\ the wife of RAM/_is the name given to the wonder- ful spring ^t Mengeir, with boiling water of exqusite clearness and purity. 67. Her tears, when she was made capti'^e by the giant Eaivdn. 68.. A small mirror worn in a ring, 69. Bracelets* IG THE ENCHANTED FRUIT; OR, \Vliilc some, my taper ankles round, With sunny radiance ting'd the ground. O waste of many a precious hour ! O Vanity, how vast thy poAv'r !' Cubits twice four th' ambrosial flew, Still from its branch disjoin'd by two. Each husband now, with Avild surprise. His compeers and his consort eyes ; Wlien Yiidishtelr : ' Thy female breast Some faults, perfidious, hath suppressed. Oh ! give the close-lock'd secret room, Unfold its bud, expand its bloom ; Lest, sinking Avith our crumbled halls. We see red flames devour their walls.' Abash'd, yet with a decent pride, Firm Draiipady the fact denied ; Till, through an arched alley green, The limit of that sacred scene. She saw the dreaded Muny go With steps majestically slow ; Then said : (a stifled sigh she stole. And show'd the conflict of her soul By broken speech and flutt'ring heart. One trifle more I must impart : A Brahmen learn'd, of pure intent And look demure, one morn you sent. With me, from Sanscrit old, to read Each high Purdn 70 each holy Veid. ■ His thread, which Brehmd's lineage shoAv'd' ! O'er his left shoulder graceful flow'd ; Of Crishna and his nymphs he redde, How with nine maids the dance he led ; How they ador'd, and he repaid 70. A Mythological autl Historical Toeui. THE HINDU WIFE. 17 Their homage in the sylvan shade. • While this gay tale my spirits cheer'd. So keen the Pendit's eyes appear'd, So sweet his voice — a blameless fire This bosom could not but inspire. Briofht as a God he seem'd to stand : The rev'rend volume left his hand, With mine he press'd' — With deep despair Brothers on brothers wildly stare : From Erjun Sew a wrathful glance ; Tow'rd them they saw their dread advance ; Then, trembling, breathless, pale with fear, ' Hear, said the matron, calmly hear ! By Tulsy's leaf the truth I speak — The Brahmen only kiss'd my cheek/ Strait its full height the wonder rose. Glad with its native branch to close. Now to the walk approach'd the Sage Exulting in his verdant age : His hands, that touch'd his front, express'd Due rev'rence to each princely guest. Whom to his rural board he led In simple delicacy spread. With curds their palates to regale, And cream-cups from the Gopia's pail. Could you, ye Fair, like this black wife. Restore us to primeval life, And bid that apple, pluck' d for Eve By him, who migjit all wives deceive. Hang from its parent bough once more Divine and perfect, as before. Would you confess your little faults ? (Great ones were never in. your thoughts) ; Would you the secret wish unfold. 1 8 THE ENCHANTED FRUIT ; OR, r Or in your heart's full casket hold ? Would you disclose your inmost mind, And speak plain truth, to bless mankind ? ' What ! said the Guardian of our realm, With waving crest and fiery helm, ' What ! are the fair, whose heav'nly smiles Rain glory through my cherish' d isles, Are they less virtuous or less true Than Indian dames of sooty hue ? No, by these arms. The cold surmise And doubt injurious vainly rise. Yet dares a bard, who better knows. This point distrustfully propose ; Vain fabler now ! though oft before His harp has cheer' d my sounding shore.' With brow austere the martial maid Spoke, and majestic trod the glade : To that fell cave her course she held, Where Scandal, bane of mortals, dwell' d. Outstretch'd on filth the pest she found, Black fetid venom streaming round : A gloomy light just seiVd to show The darkness of the den below. Britannia with resistless might Soon drasfff'd him from his darlinor nio^ht : The snakes, that o'er his body curl'd, And flung his poison through the world, ' Confounded with the flash of day, Hiss'd horribly a hellish lay. His eyes with flames and blood suffus'd. Long to th' ethereal beam unus'd, Fierce in their gory sockets roll'd ; And desperation made him bold : Plcas'd with the thought of human woes, THE HINDU WIFE. 1? Oil scaly dragon feet he rose. Thus, when Asurs with impious rage, Durst horrid war with Devta's wage, And darted many a burning mass E'en on the brow of gemm'd Caila s, High o'er the rest, on serpents rear'd. The grisly king of Deits appear'd. The nymph beheld the fiend advance, And couch'd her far-extending lance : Dire drops he threw ; th' infernal tide Her helm and silver hauberk dyed : Her moonlike shield before her hung ; The monster struck, the monster stung : Her spear with many a griding wound Fast nail'd him to the groaning ground. The wretch, from juster vengeance free. Immortal bom by heav'n's decree, "With chains of adamant secur'd. Deep in cold gloom she left immur'd„ Now reign at will, victorious Fair, In British, or in Indian, air ! Still with each envying flow'r adorn Your tresses radiant as the morn ; Still let each Asiatic dye Hich tints for your gay robes supply ; Still through the dance's laby'rinth float, And swell the sweetly-lengthen'd note ; Still, on proud steeds or glitt'ring cars, Kise on the course like beamy stars ; And, when charm' d circles round you close Of rhyming bards and smiling beaux, Whilst all with eager looks contend Their wit or worth to recommend, 20 THE ENCHANTED FRUIT ; OR, Still let your mild, yet piercing, eyes Impartially adjudge the prize. ■00- A HYMN TO C A M D E 0. THE ARGUMENT. T> HE Hindil God, to whom the following poem is addressed, appears evidently the same with the Grecian Eros and the Roman Cupido ; but the Indian description of his person and arms, his family, attendants, and attributes, has new and pecu- liar beauties. According to the mythology of Hindusta n, he was the son of Maya, or the general attracting power, and married to Betty or Affection ; and his bosom friend is Bessent or Spring : he is represented as a beautiful youth, sometimes conversing with his mother and consort in the midst of his gardens and temples ; sometimes riding by moonlight on a parrot or lory, and attend- ed by dancing-girls or nymphs, the foremost of whom bears his colours, which are a Jish on a red ground. His favourite place of resort is a large tract of country round Agra, and prin- cipally the plains of Matra, where Krishen also and the nine GopiA, who are clearly the Apollo and Muses of the Greeks, usually spend the night with music and dance. His bow of sugar-cane or flowers, with a string of bees, and his Jive arrows, each pointed with an Indian blossom of a heating quality, are allegories equally new and beautiful. He has at least twenty- three names, most of which are introduced in the hymn : that oijCa m or Ca ma signifies desire, a sense which it also bears in 22 THE ARGUMENT. ancient and modern Persian ; and it is possible, that the words Dipuc and Cupid, which have the satne signification, may have the same origin ; since we know, that the old Iletruscmis, from whom great part of the Roman language and religion was derived, and whose system had a near affinity with that of the Persians and Indians, used to write their lines alternately for- wards and backwards, as furrows are made by the plough ; and, though the two last letters of Cupido may be only the gram- matical termination, as in libido and eapedo, yet the primary root of cu2no is contained in the three first letters. The seventh stanza alludes to the bold attempt of this deity to wound the great God Mahadeo, for which he was punished by a flame consuming his corporeal nature and reducing him to a mental essence ; and hence his chief dominion is over the minds of mortals, of such deities as he is permitted to subdue. •00- THE HYMN. W, HAT potent God from Agras orient bow'rs Floats thro' the lucid air, whilst livins- flow'rs "With sunny twine the vocal arbours wreathe, And gales eiTamour'd heav'nly fragrance breathe ? Hail pow'r unknown ! for at thy beck . Vales and groves their bosoms deck, And ev'ry laughing blossom dresses With gems of dew his musky tresses. I feel, I feel thy genial flame divine, And hallow thee and kiss thy shrine, "Knowst thou not me V Celestial sounds I hear ! " Knowst thou not me ?" Ah, spare a mortal ear ! " Behold" — My swimming eyes entranc'd I raise. But oh ! they shrink before th' excessive blaze. Yes, son of Maya, yes, I know Thy bloomy shafts and cany bow. Cheeks with youthful glory beaming, Locks in braids ethereal streaming, Thy scaly standard, thy mysterious arms. And all thy pains and all thy charms. God of each lovely sight, each lovely sound. Soul-kindling, world-inflaming, stary-crown'd. Eternal Cd;ina ! Or doth Smara bright, Or proud Ananga give thee more delight ? Whate'er thy seat, whate'er thy name. Seas, earth, and air, thy reign proclaim : Wreathy smiles and roseate pleasures Ai'e thy richest, sweetest treasures. 24 THE HYMN. All animals to thee their tribute bring, And hail thee universal king. Thy consort mild, Affection ever true, Graces thy side, her vest of glowing hue, And in her train twelve blooming girls advance, Touch golden strings and knit the mirthful dance. Thy dreaded implements they bear. And wave them in the scented air. Each Avith pearls her neck adorning. Brighter than the tears of morning. * Thy crimson ensign, which before them flies, Decks with new stars the sapphire skies. God of the flow'ry shafts and flow'ry bow, Delight of all above and all below ! Thy lov'd companion, constant from his birth, In heav'n clep'd Bessent, and gay Spring on earth. Weaves thy green robe and flaunting bow'rs, And from thy clouds draws balmy show'rs, He with fresh arrows fills thy quiver, (Sweet the gift and sweet the giver !) And bids the many-plumed warbling throng Burst the pent blossoms with their song. He bends the luscious cane, and twists the string "With bees, how sweet ! but ah, how keen their sting ! He with five flow'rets tips thy ruthless darts. Which thro' five senses pierce enraptur d hearts : Strong Chumpa, rich in od'rous gold, • Warm Amer, nurs'd in heav'nly mould. Dry Nagkeser in silver smiling. Hot Kiticum our sense beguiling. And last, to kindle fierce the scorching flame, Loveshaft,, which gods bright Bela name. Can men resist thy pow'r, when Krishen yields, Krishen, who still in Matras holy fields HYMN. 25 • Tunes harps immortal, and to strains divine Dances by moonlight with the Gopia nine ? But, when thy daring argii untam'd At Mahadeo a loveshaft aim'd, Heav'n shook, and, smit with stony wonder, Told his deep dread in bursts of thunder, Whilst on thy beauteous limbs an azure fire Blaz'd forth, which never must expire. O thou for ^ges born, yet ever young. For ages may thy Bramins lay be sung ! And, when thy lory spreads his em'rald wings To waft thee high above the tow'rs of kings. Whilst o'er thy throne the moon's pale light Pours her soft radiance thro' the night, And to each floating cloud discovers The haunts of blest or joyless lovers, Thy mildest influence to thy bard impart. To warm, but not consume, his heart. W TWO HYMNS TO P R A C R I T I THE ARGUMENT. In all our conversations with learned Hindus we find them enthusiastic admirers of Poetry, which they consider as a divine art, that had been practised for numberless ages in heaven, before it was revealed on earth by Va lmi o, whose great Heroic Poem is fortunately preserved : the Brahmans of course prefer that poetry, which they believe to have been actually inspired ; while the Vaidyas, who are in general perfect grammarians and good poets, but are not suffered to read any of the sacred writings except the Ayurveda, or Body 0/ JfecZicaZ Traces, speak with rapture of their innumerable popular poems, Epic, Lyric, and Dramatic, which were composed by men not literally inspired, but called, metaphorically, the sons of Sereswati, orMiNERVA ; among whom the Pandits of all sects, nations, and degrees are unanimous in giving the prize of glory to CaIl/da'sa, who flourished in the court of Vicrama^ditya, fifty-seven years before Christ. He wrote several Dramas, one of which, entitled Sacontala , is in my possession ; and the subject of it appears to be as interest- ing as the composition is beautiful : besides these he published the Meghaduta, or cloud-messenger, and the NaUdaya, or ris© ■ of Nala, both elegant love-tafles ; the Raghnvansaf an Heroic THE ARGUMENT. 2-7 Poem ; and the Cuma^ra Sambhava, or birth of CCMA ra, which supplied me with materiaJs for the first of the following Odes. I have not indeed yet read it ; since it could not ]} •♦^ < THE HYMN TO D U R G A\ I 1. FkOM thee begins the'solemn air, Ador'd Gane'sa^; next, thy sire we praise (Him, from whose red clust'ring hair A new-born crescent sheds propitious rays. Fair as Ganga 's curHng foam). Dread I'swara ; who loVd o'er awful mountains. Rapt in prescience deep, to roam, But chiefly those, whence holy rivers gush. Bright from their secret fountains. And o'er the realms of Brahma^ rush. I. 2. Bock above rock they ride sublime. And lose their summits in blue fields of day, Fashion'd first, when rolling time. Vast infant, in his golden cradle lay, ■ Bidding endless ages run And wreath their giant heads in snows eternal Gilt by each revolving sun ; Though neither morning beam, ncr noontide glare, In wintry sign or vernal. Their adamantine strength impair ; THE HTMN TO DURGA . 33 I. 3. Nor e'en the fiercest summer heat Could thrill the palace, where their Monarch reign'd On his frost-impearled seat, (Such height had unremitted virtue gain'd !) HiMA LATA, to whom a lovely child, Sweet Parvati, sage Me na bore, Who now, in earliest bloom, saw heav'n adore Her charms ; earth languish, till she smil'd, IT. 1, But she to love no tribute paid ; Great Iswara her pious cares engag'd : Him, who Gods and fiends dismay 'd. She sooth'd with off'rings meek, when most he rag'd. On a mom, when, edg'd with light, The lake-born flow js their sapphire cups expanded Laughing at the scatter'd night, A vale remote and silent pool she sought, Smooth-footed, lotos-handed. And braids of sacred blossoms wrought ; 11. 2. Not for her neck, which, unadorn'd, Bade envying antelopes their beauties hide : Art she knew not, or she scorn'd ; Nor had her language e'en a name for pride. To the God, who, fix'd in thought, Sat in a crystal cave new worlds designing, Softly sweet her gift she brought, And spread the garland o'er his shoulders broad, Where serpents huge lay twining. Whose hiss the round creation aw'd. II. 3. He view'd, half-smiling, half-severe, The prostrate maid — That moment through the rocks He, who decks the purple year, Vasanta, vain of odorifroufl locks, E 34 TKI HYMN TO DURGA . With Ca'ma, hors'd on infant breezes flew : (Who knows not Ca'ma, nature's king ?) Vasanta barb'd the shaft and fix'd the string ; The living bow Candarpa drew. III. 1. Dire sacrilege ! The chosen reed, That Smara pointed with transcendent art, Glanc'd with nnimagin'd speed. And ting'd its blooming barb in Siva's heart : Glorious flow'r, in heav'n proclaim'd Rich Mellicd, with balmy breath delicious. And on earth Nyctanthes nam'd ! Some drops divine, that o'er the lotos blua Trickled in rills auspicious, Still mark it with a crimson hue. III. 2. Soon clos'd the wound its hallow'd lips ; But nature felt the pain : heav'n's blazing eye Sank absorb'd in sad eclipse, And meteors rare betray'd the trembling sky ; When a flame, to which compar'd The keenest lightnings were but idle flashes, From that orb all-piercing glar'd. Which in the front of wrathful Hara rolls, And soon to silver ashes Reduc'd th* inflamer of our souls. III. 3. Vasant, for thee a milder doom, Accomphce rash, a thund'ring voice decreed ; * With'ring live in joyless gloom, While ten gay signs the dancing seasons lead. Thy flow'rs, perennial once, now annual made, The Fish and Ram shall still adorn ; But, when the Bull has rear'd his ^old«n horn, ShaU, like yon idling rainbow, fiwl*.' THE HYMN TO BURGA . 35 IV. 1. The thunder ceas'd ; the day return'd ; But Siva from terrestrial haunts had fled : , Smit with rapt'rous love lie burn'd, And sigh'd on gemm'd Caildsas viewless head. Lonely down the mountain steep, "With flutt ring heart, soft Parvati descended ; Nor in drops of nectar'd sleep Drank solace through the night, but lay alarm'd, Lest her meaft gifts offended The God her pow'rful beauty charm'd. IV. 2. All arts her sorr'wing damsels tried, Her brow, where wrinkled anguish low'r'd, to smoothe, And, her troubled soul to soothe, Sagacious Me na mild reproof applied ; But nor art nor counsel saofe, Nor e'en her sacred parent's tender chiding, Could her only pain assuage : The mountain drear she sought, in mantlinor shade Her tears and transports hiding, And oft to her adorer pray'd. IV. 3. There on a crag, whose icy rift Hurl'd night and horror o'er the pool profound, That with madding eddy swift Kevengeful bark'd his rugged base around. The beauteous hermit sat ; but soon perceiv'd A Brdhmen old before her stand. His rude staff quiv'ring in his wither'd hand, Who, falt'ring, ask'd for whom she griev'd. V. 1. * What graceful youth with accents mild, Eyes like twin stars, and lips like early morn, Has thy pensive heart beguil'd V "No mortal youth," she said with modest scorn, 3^ THE HTMN TO DURQA . E'er begiiil'd my guiltless heart : Him have I lost, who to these mountains hoary- Bloom celestial could impart. Thee I salute, thee ven'rate, thee deplore, Dread Siva, source of glorj''. Which on these rocks must gleam no more !" V. 2. ' Rare object of a damsel's love,' The wizard bold replied, 'who, rude and wild, Leaves eternal bliss above. And roves o'er wastes where nature never smil'd, Mounted on his milkwhite bull ! Seek Indra with aerial bow victorious, Who from vaSes ever full Quaffs love and nectar ; seek the festive hall, Rich caves, and mansion glorious Of young CuvE RA, lov'd by all ; V. 3. But spurn that sullen wayward God, That three- ey'd monster, hideous, fierce, untam'd, Unattir'd, ill-girt, unshod Such fell impiety, the nymph exclaim'd, Who speaks, must agonize ; who hears, must die ; Nor can this vital frame sustain The pois'nous taint, that runs from vein to vein ; Death may atone the blasphemy.* VI. 1. She spoke, and o'er the rifted rocks Her lovely form with pious phrensy threw ; But beneath her floating locks And waving robes a thousand breezes flew, Knitting close their silky plumes, And in mid-air a downy pillow spreading ; Till, in clouds of rich perfumes Embalmed, they bore her to a mystic wood ; THE HYMN TO DUB^^i'^ 3T Where streams of glory shedding, The well-feign'd Brdhmen, Siva stood. VT. 2. The rest, my song conceal : Unhallow'd ears the sacrilege might rue. Gods alone to Gods reveal In what stupendous notes th' immortals woo. Straight the sons of light prepar'd The nuptial feast, heav'n's opal gates unfolding, Which th' empyreal araiy shar'd ; And sage Hima lata shed blissful tears With aged eyes beholding His daughter empress of the spheres. VI. 3. Whilst ev ry lip with nectar glow'd. The bridegroom blithe his transformation told : Round the mirthful goblets flow'd. And laughter free o'er plains of ether roU'd : ' Thee too, like Vishnu, said the blushing queen. Soft Ma ya , guileful maid, attends ; But in delight supreme the phantasm ends ; Love crowns the visionary scene.' VII. 1. Then rose Vrihaspati, who reigns Beyond red Mangala's terrific sphere, Wand'ring o'er cerulean plains : His periods eloquent heav'n loves to hear Soft as dew on waking flow'rs. He told, how Ta ^iaca with snaky legions, Envious of supernal pow'rs. Had menac'd long old Me ru's golden head, And Indra's beaming regions With desolation wild had spread : VII. 2. How, when the Gods to Brahma flew In routed squadrons, and his help implor'd ; 3S THK HYMN TO DURQA . " Sons, he said, from vengeance due The fiend must wield secure his fiery sword, (Thus th' unerring Will ordains), Till from the Great Destroyer's pure embraces, Knit in love's mysterious chains "With her, who, daughter to the mountain-king. Yon snowy mansion graces, Coma ra, warrior-child, shall spring ; VIL 3. r Who, bright in arms of heav'nly proof, His crest a blazing star, his diamond mail Colour'd in the rainbow's woof, The rash invaders fiercely shall assail, And, on a stately peacock borne, shall rush Against the dragons of the deep ; Nor shall his thund'ring mace insatiate sleep Till their infernal chief it crush," VIII. 1. 'The splendid host with solemn state (Still spoke th' ethereal orator unblam'd) Reason'd high in long debate ; Till, through my counsel provident, they claim'd Hapless Ca ma's potent aid : At Indra's wish appear d the soul's inflamer. And, in vernal arms array'd, Engag'd (ah, thoughtless !) in the bold emprise To tame wide nature's tamer, , And soften Him, who shakes the skies. VIIL 2. See now the God, whom all ador'd, An ashy heap, the jest of ev'ry gale ! Loss by heav'n and earth deplor'd ! For, love extinguish'd, earth and heav'n must faiL Mark, how Reti bears his urn, And tow'rd her widow'd pile with piercing ditty THE HYMN TO DURGA*^ 39* » Points the flames — ah, see it burn ! How ill the fun'ral with the feast agrees ! Come, love's pale sister, pity ; Come, and the lover's wrath appease.' VIII. 3. Tumultuous passions, whilst he spoke, In heav'nly bosoms mix'd their bursting fire. Scorning frigid wisdom's yoke. Disdain, revenge, devotion, hope, desire : Then grief prevail'd ; but pity won the prize. Not Siva could the charm resist : ' Rise, holy love !' he said ; and kiss'd The pearls, that gush'd from Durga 's eyes. IX. 1. That instant through the blest abode, His youthful charms renew'd, Ananga came ; High on em'rald plumes he rode "With Keti brighten'd by th' eluded flame ; Nor could young Vasanta mourn (Officious friend !) his darling lord attending, Though of annual beauty shorn : ' Love-shafts enow one season shall supply, He menac'd unoff'ending. To rule the rulers of the sky.' IX. 2. With shouts the boundless mansion ranor ; And, in sublime accord, the radiant quire Strains of bridal rapture sang With glowing conquest join'd and martial ire : ' Spring to life, triumphant son, Hell's future dread, and heav'n's eternal wonder ! Helm and flaming habergeon For thee, behold, immorlal artists weave. And edge with keen blue thunder The blade, that shall th' oppressor cleave.* • 40 THE HYMN TO DURGA . IX. 3. O DuRGA , thou hast deign'd to shield Man's feeble virtue with celestial might. Gliding from yon jasper field, And, on a lion borne, hast brav'd the sight ; For, when -the demon Vice thy realms defied. And arm'd with death each arched horn, Thy golden lance, goddess mountain-born. Touch but the pest — He roar'd and died. . veoooeeewn THE HYMN TO B H A V A' N I . _ ^ When time was drown'd in sacred sleep, And raven darkness brooded o'er the deep, Reposing on primeval pillows Of tossing billows. The forms of animated nature lay ; Till o'er the wild abyss, where love Sat like a nestling dove. From heav'n's dun concave shot a golden ray. Still brighter and more bright it stream'd, Then, like a thousand suns, resistless gleam'd ; "Whilst on the placid waters blooming, The sky perfuming. An op'ning Lotos rose, and smiling spread His azure skirts and vase of gold, "While o'er his foliage roll'd Drops, that impearl Bhava ni 's orient bed. Mother of Gods, rich nature's queen, Thy genial fire emblaz'd the bursting scene ; For, on th' expanded blossom sitting, "With sun-beams knitting That mystic veil for ever unremov'd. Thou badst the softly kindling flame Pervade this peopled frame. And smiles, with blushes ting'd, the work approv'd. Goddess, around thy radiant thi-one The scaly shoals in spangled vesture shone. 42 THE HYMN TO BHA VAN I. Some slowly through green waves advancing, Some swiftly glancing, As each thy mild mysterious pow'r impell'd : E'en ores and river-dragons felt Their iron bosoms melt With scorching heat ; for love the mightiest quell'd. But straight ascending vapours rare O'ercanopied thy seat with lucid air, While, through young Indra's new deminions Unnumber'd pinions Mix'd with thy beams a thousand varying dyes, Of birds or insects, who pursued Their flying loves, or woo'd Them yielding, and with music fill'd the skies. And now bedeck'd with sparkling isles Like rising stars, the watry desert smiles ; Smooth plains by waving forests bounded, With hillocks rounded, Send forth a shaggy brood, who, frisking light In mingled flocks or faithful pairs, Impart their tender cares : All animals to love their kind invite. Nor they alone : those vivid gems. That dance and glitter on their leafy stems, Thy voice inspires, thy bounty dresses, Thy rapture blesses, From yon tall palm, who, like a sunborn king. His proud tiara spreads elate. To those, who throng his gate, Where purple chieftains vernal tribute bring. A gale so sweet o'er Ganqa breathes. That in soft smiles her graceful cheek she wreathes. Mark, where her argent brow she raises. And blushing gazes THE HYMN TO BHA VANI . 43 On yon fresh CHacay whose am'rous flow'r Throws fragrance from his flaunting hair, While with his bloominsf fair He blends perfume, and multiplies the bow'r Thus, in one vast eternal gyre, Compact or fluid shapes, instinct with fire, Lead, as they dance, this gay creation. Whose mild gradation Of melting tints illudes the visual ray : Dense earth fn springing herbage lives. Thence life and nurture gives To sentient forms, that sink again to clay. Ye maids and youths on fruitful plains, Where Lacshmi^ revels and Bhava ni reigns, Oh, haste ! oh, bring your flow'ry treasures, To rapid measures Tripping at eve these hallow'd banks along : The pow'r, in yon dim shrines ador'd, To primal waves restor'd, With many a smiling race shall bless your song. A HYMN TO I N D R A. THE ARGUMENT. So many allusions to Hindu Mythology occur in the follow- ing Ode, that it would be scarce intelligible without an ex- planatory introduction, which, on every account and on all occasions, appears preferable to notes in the margin. A distinct idea of the God, whom the poem celebrates, may be collected from a passage in the ninth section of the Gitdj where the sudden change of measure has an effect similar to that of the finest modulation : te 'punyamdsddya surendra locam asnanti divydn dividevahhoga n, te tarn bhuctwa swergalocam visa lam cshine punye mertyalocam visanti " These, having through virtue reached the mansion of the king of suras, feast on the exquisite heavenly food of the Gods : they, who have enjoyed this lofty region of Swerga, hut whose virtue is exhausted, revisit the habitation of mortals." Indra, therefore, or the King of Immortals, corresponds with one of the ancient Jupiter s (for several of that name were worshipped in Europe), and particularly with Jupiter the Con- ductor., whose attributes are so nobly described by the Platonic Philosophers : one of his numerous titles is Dyupeti; or, in the nominative case before certain letters, Dyupetir which means the Lord of Heaven, and seems a more probable origin of the Hetruscan word than Juvans Pater ; as Diespiter was, probably, not the Father, but the Lord, of Day. He may be considered as the Jove of Ennius in his memorable line : . * Aspice hoc sublime candens, quem invocant omnes Jovem^ ' where the poet clearly means the firmament, of which Indra is the personification. He is the God of thunder and the five THE AEGUMENT. 45 elements, with inferior Genii under his command ; and is conceived to govern the Eastern quarter of the world, but to preside, like the Genius or Agathodcemon of the Ancients, ov^r the celestial bands, which are' stationed on the summit of Ma'ku, or the Northpole, where he solaces the Gods with nec- tar and heavenly music : hence, perhaps, the Hindus, who give evidence, and the magistrates, who hear it, are directed to stand fronting the East or the North. This imaginary mount is here feigned to have been seen in a vision at J^rdnasi, very improperly called JBandris, which takes its name from two rivulets, that embrace the city ; and the bard, who was favoured with the sight, is supposed to have been Vya sa, surnamed Dwaipdyana, or Dwelling in an Island ; who, if he really composed the Gita , makes very flattering mention of himself in the tenth chapter. The plant Latd, which he describes weaving a net round the mountain Mandara, is transported by a poetical liberty to Sumeru, which the great author of the Mahdbha rat has richly painted in four beautiful couplets : it is the generic name for a creeper, though represented here as a species, of which many elegant varieties are found in Asia. The Genii named Cinnaras are the male dancers in Swerga, or the Heaven of Indra ; and the Apsard's are his dancing- girls, answering to the fairies of the Persians, and to the damsels called in the Koran hhtiru'luyun, or with antelopes' eyes. For the story of Chitrarafha, the chief musician of the Indian paradise, whose painted car was burned by Arjun, and for that of the Chaturdesaretna, or fourteen gems, as they are called, which were produced by churning the ocean, the reader must be referred to Mr. Wilkins's learned annotations on his occurate version of the Bhagavadgitd. The fable of the pomegranate- flower is borrowed from the popular mythology of Nepdl and Tibet. In this poem the same form of stanza is repeated with varia- tions, on a principle entirely new in modern lyric poetry, which on some future occasion may be fully explained. THE HYMN. But ah ! what glories yon blue vault emblaze ? What living meteors from the zenith stream ? Or hath a rapt'rous dream Perplex'd the isle-born bard in fiction's maze ? He wakes ; he hears ; views no fancied rays. 'Tis Indra mounted on the sun's bright beam ; And round him revels his empyreal train : How rich their tints ! how sweet their strain ! Like shooting stars around his regal seat A veil of many-colour'd light they weave, That eyes unholy would of sense bereave : Their sparkling hands and lightly-tripping feet Tir'd gales and panting clouds behind them leave. With love of song and sacred beauty smit The mystic dance they kint ; Pursuing, circling, whirling, twining,[leading. Now chasing, now'receding ; Till the gay pageant from the sky descends On charm' d SumSru, who with homage bends. Hail, mountain of delight. Palace of glory, bless'd by glory's king ! With prosp'ring shade embow'r me, whilst I sing Thy wonders yet unreach'd by mortal flight. Sky-piercing mountain ! In thy bow'rs of love No tears are seen, save where medici'nal stalks Weep drops balsamic o'er the silver'd walks ; No plaints are heard, save where the restless dove Of coy repulse and mild reluctance talks ; Mantled in woven gold, with gems enchas'd, A HYMN TO INDRA. 47 With em'rald hillocks grac'd, From whose fresh laps in young fantastic mazes Soft crystal bounds and blazes Bathing the lithe convolvulus, that winds Obsequious, and each flaunting arbour binds. When sapient Brahma this new world approv'd. On woody wings eight primal mountains mov'd ; But Indra mark'd Sumeru for his own, And motionless was ev'ry stone. Dazzling the moon he rears his golden head : Nor bards inspir'd, nor heav'n's all-perfect speech Less may unhallow'd rhyme his beauties teach, Or paint the pavement which th' immortals tread ; Nor thought of man his awful heio^ht can reach : Who sees it, maddens ; who approaches, dies ; For, with flame-darting eyes. Around it roll a thousand sleepless dragons ; While from their diamond flagons The feasting Gods exhaustless nectar sip, Which glows and sparkles on each fragrant lip. This feast, in mem'ry of the churned wave Great Indra gave, when AmHt first was won From impious demons, who to Ma yd's eyes Besign'd the prize, and rued the fight begun. Now, while each ardent Cinnara persuades The soft-ey'd Apsard to break the dance, And leads her loth, yet with love-beaming glance, To banks of marjoram and Chamjoac shades. Celestial Genii tow'rd their king advance (So call'd by men, in heav'n Gandharva's nam'd) For matchless music fam'd. Soon, where the bands in lucid rows assemble. Flutes breathe, and citherns tremble; Till Chitraratha sings — His painted car, Yet unconsum'd, gleams hke an orient star. Hush'd was ev'ry breezy pinion, 48 A HYMN TO INDRA. Ev'ry stream his fall suspended : Silence reign'd ; whose sole dominion Soon was rais'd, but soon was ended. He sings, how ' whilom from the troubled main The sov'reign elephant Air a van sprang ; The breathing shell, that peals of conquest rang ; The parent cow, whom none implores in vain ; The milkwhite steed, the bow with deaf ning clang ; The Goddesses of beauty, wealth, and wine ; Flow'rs, that unfading shine, Na ka van's gem, the moonlight's tender languish ; Blue venom, source of anguish ; The solemn leech, slow-moving o'er the strand, A vase of long-sought Amrit in his hand. To soften human ills dread Siva drank The pois'nous flood, that stain'd his azure neck ; The rest thy mansions deck. High Siverga, stor'd in many a blazing rank. Thou, God of thunder, satst on Meru thron'd. Cloud-riding, mountain-piercing, thonsand-ey'd, "With young Pulo maja , thy blooming bride, Whilst air and skies thy boundless empire own'd ; Hail, Dtupetir, dismay to Bala's pride ! Or speaks PuRANDER'best thy martial fame. Or Sacra, mystic name ? With various praise in odes and hallow'd story Sweet bards shall hymn thy glory. Thou, Ya savA, from this unmeasur'd height Shedst pearl, shedst odours o'er the sons of light !' The Genius rested ; for his pow'rful art Had svvell'd the monarch's heart with ardour vain. That threaten'd rash disdain, and seem'd to low'r On Gods of loftier pow'r and ampler reign. He smil'd ; and, warbling in a softer mode, Sang ' the red light'ning, hail, and whelming rain A HYMN TO INDRA. 49 ' O'er Gdcul green and Vrajas nymph-lov'd plain By Indra hurl'd, whose altars ne'er had glow'd, Since infant Crishna rul'd the rustic train Now thrill' d with terrour — Them the heav'nly child Call'd, and with looks ambrosial smil'd, Then with one finger rear'd the vast Goverdhen, Beneath whose rocky burden On pastures dry the maids and herdsmen trod : The Lord of thunder felt a mightier God !' What furies potent modulation soothes t E'en the dilated heart of Indra shrinks : His ruffled brow he smoothes, His lance half-rais'd with listless languor sinks. A sweeter strain the sage musician chose : He told, how ' Sachi, soft as morning light, Blythe Sachi, from her Lord Indrani hight. When through clear skies their car ethereal rose, Fix'd on a garden trim her wand'ring sight, Where gay pomegranates, fresh with early dew, Vaunted their blossoms new : " Oh ! pluck, she said, yon gems, which nature dresses To grace my darker tresses." In form a shepherd's boy, a God in soul, ' He hasten'd, and the bloomy treasure stole. The reckless peasant, who those glowing flow'rs, Hopeful of rubied fruit, had foster'd long, Seiz'd and with cordasre strons: Shackled the God, who gave him show'rs. Straight from sev'n winds immortal Genii flew, Green Varuna, whom foamy waves obey. Bright Vahni flaming like the lamp of day, Cuvera sought by all, enjoyed by few, Marut, who bids the winged breezes play, Stern Yama, ruthless judge, and ha cold G 50 A HYMX TO TNDRA. With Nairrit mildly bold : They with the ruddy flash, that points his thunder, E-end his vain bands asunder. Th' exulting God resumes his thousand eyes, Four arms divine, and robes of changing dyes.* Soft memory retrac'd the youthful scene : The thundVer yielded to resistless charms. Then smil'd enamour'd on his blushing queen. And melted in her arms. Such was the vision, which, on VararCs breast Or Asi pure with ofFer'd blossoms fiU'd, DwAiPA YAN slumb'ring saw ; (thus Na red will'd) For waking eye such glory never bless'd. Nor waking ear such music ever thrill 'd. It vanished with light sleep : he, rising, praised The guarded mount high-raised. And pray'd the thund'ring pow'r, that sheafy treasures. Mild show'rs and vernal pleasures. The laboring youth in mead and vale might cheer, And cherish' d herdsmen bless th' abundant year. Thee, darter of the swift blue bolt, he sang ; Sprinkler of genial dews and fruitful rains O'er hills and thirsty plains ! ' When through the waves of war thy charger sprang, Each rock rebellow'd and each forest rang, Till vanquish'd Asurs feli avenging pains. Send o'er their seats the snake, that never dies, But waft the virtuous to thy skies ! ' A HYMN TO S U" R Y A THE ARGUMENT. A PLAUSIBLE opinion has been entertained by learned men, that the principal source of idolatry among the ancients was their enthusiastic admiration of the Sun ; and that, when the primitive religion of mankind was lost amid the distractions' of establishing regal government, or neglected amid the allure- ments of vice, they ascribed to the great visible luminary, or to the wonderful fluid, of which it is the general reservoir, those powers of pervading all space and animating all nature, which their wiser ancestors had attributed to one eternal Mind, by whom the substance of fire had been created as an inanimate and secondary cause of natural phenomena. The Mythology of the East confirms this opinion ; and it is probable, that the triple Divinity of the Hindus was originally no more than a personification of the Sun, whom they call Treyitenu, or Three- hodied, in his triple capacity of producing forms by his " genial heat, preserving them , by his light, or destroying them by the concentrated force of his igneous matter : this, with the wilder ponceit of a, female power united with the Godhead, and ruling nature by his authority, will account for nearly the whole system of Egyptian, Indiarif and Grecian polytheism, distin- guished from the sublime Theology of the Philosophers, whose understandings were too strong to admit the popular belief, 'but whose influence was too weak to reform it. Cr2 THE ARGUMENT. Su KYA, PiicEBUs of Europeau heathens, has near fifty names or epithets in the Sanscrit language ; most of which, or at least the meanings of them, are introduced in the following Ode ; and every image, that seemed capable of poetical orna- ment, has been selected from books of the highest authority among the Hindus : the title Area is very singular ; and it is remarkable, that the Tihetians represent the Sun's car in the form of a hoat. It will be necessary to explain a few other particulars of the Hindu Mythology, to which allusions are made in the poem. Soma, or the Moon, is a male Deity in the Indian system, as Mona was, I believe, among the Saxons, and Lunus among some of the nations, who settled in Italy : his titles also, with one or two of the ancient fables, to which they refer, are exhibited in the second stanza. Most of the Lunar mansions are believed to be the daughters of Casyapa, the first produc- tion of BrahmcCs head, and from their names are derived those of the twelve months, who are here feigned to have married as many constellations : this primeval Bra hman and Vinatd are also supposed to have been the parents of Arun, the charioteer of the Sun, and of the bird Garuda, the eagle of the great Indian Jove, one of whose epithets is Madha va. After this explanation the Hymn will have few or no difficulties, especially if the reader has perused and studied the Bhagavadgi td, with which our literature has been lately enrich- ed, and the fine episode from the Mdha bha rat, on the produc- tion of the Amrita, which seems to be almost wholly astro- nomical, but abounds with poetical beauties. Let the follow- ing description of the demon Rahu, decapitated by Na ra yan, be compared with similar passages in Hesiod and Milton : tach di hailasringapratiman da navasya sird mahat chacracK liinnam vhamutpatya nena diti hhayancaramy tat cahandlictm pepdtdsya visp*hurad dharani taU sapervatavanadiui pdn daityasya campayanmahim. THE HYMN. Fountain of living Ught, That o'er all^ature streams, Of this vast microcosm both nerve and soul ; Whose swift and subtil beams, Eluding mortal sight, Pervade, attract, sustain th' effulgent whole. Unite, impel, dilate, calcine, Give to gold its weight and blaze, Dart from the diamond many- tinted rays. Condense, protrude, transform, concoct, refine The sparkling daughters of the mine ; Lord of the lotos, father, friend, and king, O Sun, thy pow'rs I sing : Thy substance Indra with his heav'nly bands Nor sings nor understands ; Nor e'en the Vedas three to man explain Thy mystic orb triform, though Brahma tun'd the strain. Thou, nectar-beaming Moon, Kegent of dewy night. From yon black roe, that in thy bosom sleeps. Fawn-spotted Sasin hight ; Wilt thou desert so soon Thy night-flow 'rs pale, whom liquid odour steeps. And Oshadhi's transcendent beam Burning in the darkest glade ? Will no lov'd name thy gentle mind persuade Yet one short hour to shed thy cooling stream ? But ah ! we court a passing dream : 54 A HYMN TO SURYA. Our pray'r nor Indu nor Himci nsu hears ; He fades ; he disappears — E'en CasyapaJs gay daughters twinkling die, And silence lulls the sky, Till Chdtacs twitter from the moving brake, And sandal-breathing gales on beds of ether wake. Burst into song, ye spheres ; A greater light proclaim, , And hymn, concentric orbs, with sev*i?fold chime The God with many a name ; Nor let un hallow 'd ears Drink life and rapture from your charm sublime : ' Our bosoms, Aryama inspire. Gem of heav'n, and flowV of day. Vivas wat, lancer of the golden ray, Divdcara, pure source of holy fire. Victorious 'i2a inas fervid fire, Dread child of Aditi, Martunda blessed. Or Siira be address'd, Bavi, or Mihira, or Bha mi bold, Or Area, title old. Or Heridaswa drawn by green-hair'd steeds. Or Carmasacshi keen, a;ttesting secret deeds. What fiend, what monster fierce E'er durst thy throne invade ? Malignant Ra hu. Him thy wakeful sight, That could the deepest shade Of snaky Narac pierce, Mark'd quafiing nectar ; when by magic sleight A Sura's lovely form he wore, Rob'd in light, with lotos crown'd, "What time th' immortals peerless treasures found On the churn'd Ocean's gem-bespangled shore, And Mandar^s load the tortoise bore : Thy voice reveal'd the daring sacrilege ; A HYMN TO SURTA. 55 Then, by the deathful edge Of bright Sudersan cleft, his dragon head Dismay and horror spread Kicking the skies, and struggling to impair The radiance of thy robes, and stain thy golden hair. With smiles of stern disdain Thou, sovereign victor, seest His impious rage : soon from the mad assault Thy courser^fly releas'd ; Then toss each verdant mane. And gallop o'er the smooth aerial vault ; Whilst in charm'd GocuVs od'rous vale Blue-ey'd Yamund descends Exulting, and her tripping tide suspends, The triumph of her mighty sire to hail : So must they fall, who Gods assail ! For now the demon rues his rash emprise, Yet, belloVing blasphemies With pois'nous throat, for horrid vengeance thirsts, And oft with tempest bursts. As oft repeird he groans in fiery chains. And o*er the realms of day unvanquish'd Surya reigns.* Ye clouds, in wavy wreathes Your dusky van unfold ; 0*er dimpled sands, ye surges, gently flow. With sapphires edg*d and gold ! Loose- tressed morning breathes. And spreads her blushes with expansive glow ; But chiefly where 'heav'n's op'ning eye Sparkles at her safli'on gate. How rich, how regal in his orient state ! Erelong he shall imblaze th' unbounded sky : The fiends of darkness yelling fly ; While birds of liveliest note and lightest wing The rising daystar sing, 56 A HYMN TO SURYA. Who skirts th* horizon with a blazing line Of topazes divine ; E'en, in their prelude, brighter and more bright. Flames the red east, and pours insufferable light*. First o'er blue hills appear, "With many an agate hoof And pasterns fring*d with pearl, sev'n coursers green ; Nor boasts yon arched woof. That girds the show'ry sphere, Such heav'n-spun threads of colour'd light serene, As tinge the reins, which Arim guides, Glowing with immortal grace, Young Arun, loveliest of Vinatian race, Though younger He, whom Mddhava bestrides, When high on eagle-plumes he rides : But oh ! what pencil of a living star Could paint that gorgeous car, In which, as in an ark supremely bright, The lord of boundless light Ascending calm o'er th* empyrean sails. And with ten thousand beams his awful beauty veils. Behind the glowing wheels Six jocund seasons dance, A radiant month in each quick -shifting hand ; Alternate they advance. While buxom nature feels The grateful changes of the frolic band : Each month a constellation fair Knit in youthful wedlock holds. And o'er each bed a varied sun unfolds. Lest one vast blaze our visual force impair, A canopy of woven air. Vasanta blythe with many a laughing flow'r Decks his Candarpa^s bow'r ; The drooping pastures thirsty Grishma dries, * See Qray'8 Letters, p. 382, 4to. aad the not*. A HYMN TO SURYA. 57 Till VerslicL bids them rise ; Then Sarat with full sheaves the champaign fills, Which Sisira bedews, and stern Hemanta chills. * • Mark, how th' all-kindling orb Meridian glory gains ! Round Meru's breathing zone he winds oblique O'er pure cerulean plains : His jealous flames absorb All meaner Ughts, and unresisted strike The world with rapt'rous joy and dread. Ocean, smit with melting pain. Shrinks, and the fiercest monster of the main Mantles in caves profound his tusky head With sea- weeds dank and coral spread : Less can mild earth and her green daughters bear The noon's wide-wasting glare ; To rocks the panther creeps ; to woody night The vulture steals his flight ; E'en cold cameleons pant in thickets dun, And o'er the burning grit th ' unwin^ed locusts run \ But when thy foaming steeds Descend with rapid pace Thy fervent axle hast'ning to allay. What majesty, what grace Dart o'er the western meads From thy relenting eye their blended ray ! Soon may th' undazzled sense behold Kich as Visliniis diadem, Or Amrit sparkling in an azure gem, Thy horizontal globe of molten gold, Which pearl'd and rubied clouds infold. It sinks ; and myriads of difl'usive dyes Stream o'er the tissued skies. Till Soma smiles, attracted by the song * Of many a plumed throng H 58 A HYMN TO SURYA. In groves, meads, vales ; and, whilst he glides above, Each bush and dancing bough quaflPs harmony and love. Then roves thy poet free, "Who with no borrow' d art Dares hymn thy pow'r, and durst provoke thy blaze, But felt thy thrilling dart ; And now, on lowly knee, From him, who gave the wound, the balsam prays. Herbs, that assuage the fever's pain. Scatter from thy rolling car, CuU'd by sage Aswm and divine Cicma r ; And, if they ask, " What mortal pours the strain 1" Say (for thou seest earth, air, and main) Say : " From the bosom of yon silver isle, Where skies more softly smile. He came ; and, lisping our celestial tongue. Though not from Brahma sprung. Draws orient knowledge from its fountains pure, Through caves obstructed long, and paths too long obscure.' Yes ; though the Sanscrit song Be strown witlf fancy's wreathes, And emblems rich, beyond low thoughts renn'd. Yet heav'nly truth it breathes With attestation strong. That, loftier than thy sphere, th' Eternal Mind, Unmoved unrival'd undefil'd, E-eigns with providence benign : 'He still'd the rude abyss, and bade it shine (While Sapience with approving aspect mild Saw the stupendous work, and smil'd) ; Next thee, his ilaming minister, bade rise O'er young and wondering skies. Since thou, great orb, with all-enlight'ning ray Rulest the golden day. How far more glorious He, who said serene, Be, and thou wast — Himself unform'd, unchang'd, uaseen A HYMN TO LA C S H M I'. ^ THE ARGUMENT. Most of the allusions to Indian Geography and Mythology^ which occur in the following Ode to the Goddess of Abundance have been explained on former occasions ; and the rest are sufficiently clear. Lacshm/, or Sr/, the Ceres of India, is the preserving power of nature, or, in the language of allegory, the consort of Vishnu or Heri, a personification of the divine good- ness ; and her origin is variously deduced in the SQYQVdX p)urdna^'s, as we might expect from a system wholly figurative and emble- matical. Some represent her as the daughter of Bhrigu, a son of Brahma'; but, in the Ma rcandeya Purdn, the Indian Isis, or Nature, is said to have assumed three transcendent forms, according to her three gunas or qualities, and, in each of them, to have produced a pair of divinities, Brahma^ and Lacshm/, Mahe s A and SsREswATi , Vishnu and Ca'li'^; after whose intermarriage, Brahma and Sereswati'' formed the mundane Egg, which Mahe'sa and CA^L/di^dded into halves ; and Vishnu together with Lacshmi' preserved it from destruction : a third story supposes her to have sprung from the Sea of milk', when it was churned on the sfecond incarnation of Hert, who is often painted reclining on the serpent Ananta, the emblem of eternity ; and this fable, whatever may be the meaning of it, has been chosen as the most poetical. Tlie other names of Sr/, or Prosperity, are Heripbiya^, Pebma'lata^, or PEDMA^and Camala ; the first implying the wife of Vishnu, and the rest derived from th« names of the Lotos. As to the tale of Suda'maN; whos« 60 THE ARGUMENT. wealth is proverbial among the Hindus, it is related at consider- able length in the Bhagavat, or great piirdn on the Achievements of Crishna : the^^ra limen, who read it with me, was frequently stopped by his tears. We may be inclined perhaps to think, that the wild fables of idolaters are not worth knowing, and that we may be satisfied with mispending our time in learning the Pagan Theology of old Greece and Rome ; but we must consider, that the allegories contained in the Hymn to Lacshmi constitute at this moment the prevailing religion of a most extensive and celebrated Empire, 'and are devoutly believed by many millions, whose industry adds to the revenue of Britain, and whose manners, which are interwoven with their religious opinions, nearly affect all Europeans^ who reside among them. THE HYMN Daughter of Ocean and primeval Night, Who, fed with moonbeams dropping silver dew, And cradledjn a wild wave dancing light, Saw'st with a smile new shores and creatures new, Thee, Goddess, I salute ; thy gifts I sing. And, not with idle wing, Soar from this fragrant bow'r through tepid skies. Ere yet the steeds of noon's effulgent king Shake their green manes and blaze with rubied eyes : Hence, floating o'er the smooth expense of day. Thy bounties I survey. See through man's oval realm thy charms display'd. See clouds, air, earth, performing thy behest. Plains by soft show'rs, thy tripping handmaids, dress'd, And fruitful woods, in gold and gems array 'd. Spangling the mingled shade ; "While autumn boon his yellow ensign rears, And stores the world's true wealth in rip'ning ears. But most that central tract thy smile adorns, Which old Himdla clips with fost'ring arms. As with a wexing moon's half-circling horns, And shields from bandits fell, or worse alarms Of Tatar horse from Yunan late subdued. Or Bactrian bowmen rude ; Snow-crown'd Himdla, whence, with wavy wings Far spread, as falcons o'er their nestlings brood, Fam'd Brahmaputra joy 'and verdure brings. And Sindhus five-arm'd flood from Cashghar hastes. To cheer the rocky wastes. Through western this and that through orient plains ; 62 A HYMN TO LACSHMI . While bluish Yamunci between them streams, And Ganga pure with sunny radiance gleams. Till Vdnl, whom a russet ochre stains, Their destin'd confluence gains : Then flows in mazy knot the triple pow'r O'er laughing Magadh and the vales of Gour. Not long inswath'd the sacred infant lay (Celestial forms full soon their prime attain) : Her eyes, oft darted o'er the liquid way, "With golden light emblaz'd the darkling main ; And those firm breasts, whence all our comforts well, Rose with enchanting swell ; Her loose hair with the bounding billows play'd. And caught in charming toils each pearly shell, That idling through the surgy forest stray'd ; "When ocean sufFer'd a portentous change, Toss'd with convulsion strange ; For lofty Mandar from his base was torn. With streams, rocks, woods, by Gods and Demons whirled. While round his crasrgy sides the mad spray curl'd, Hugh mountain, by the passive Tortoise borne : Then sole, but not forlorn, Shipp'd in a flow'r, that balmy sweets exhal'd. O'er waves of dulcet cream Pedma la sail'd. So name the Goddess from her Lotos blue, Or Camala , if more auspicious deem'd : With many-petal'd wings the blossom flew. And from the mount a flutt'ring sea-bird seem'd, Till on the shore it stopp'd, the heav'n-lov'd shore, Bright with unvalued store Of gems marine by mirthful Indra won ; But she, (what brighter gem had shone before ?) No bride for old Ma'ri'cha's frolic son. On azure Heri fix'd her prosp'ring eyes : Love bade the bridegroom rise ; Straight o'er the deep, then dimpling smooth, he rush'd ; A HYMN TO LACSHMI . 63 And tow'rd th' unmeasured snake, stupendous bed, The world's great mother, not reluctant, led : All nature glow'd, whene'er she smil'd or blushed, The king of serpents hush*d * His thousand heads, where diamond mirrors blaz'd, That multiplied her image, as he gaz'd. Thus multiplied, thus wedded, they pervade. In varying myriads of ethereal forms, This pendei)^ Egof by dovelike Ma ya laid, And quell Ma he s!a's ire, when most it storms ; Ride on keen liofhtning and disarm its flash. Or bid loud surges lash Th' impassive rock, and leave the rolline barque With oars unshatter'd milder seas to dash ; And oft, as man's unnumber'd woes they mark. They spring to birth in some high-favour' d line. Half human, half divine. And tread life's maze tran'^fignr'd, unimpair'd : As when, through blest Vrinda vans od'rous grove. They deign'd with hinds and village girls to rove. And myrth or toil in field or dairy shar'd. As lowly rustics far'd : Blythe Ka dha she, with speaking eyes, was nam'd, He Crishna, lov'd in youth, in manhood fam'd. Though long in Mathura^ with milkmaids bred, Each bush attuning with his past'ral flute, Ananda's holy steers the Herdsman fed, . ' His nobler mind aspir'd to nobler fruit : The fiercest monsiers of each brake or wood His youthful arm withstood. And from the rank mire of the stagnant lake Drew the crush'd serpent with ensanguin'd hood ; Then, worse than rav'ning beast or fenny snake, A ruthless king his pond'rous mace laid low, And heav'n approv'd the blow : 64 A HYMN TO LACSHMI . No more in bow'r or wattled cabin pent, By rills he scorn'd and flow'ry banks to dwell, His pipe lay timeless, and his wreathy shell With martial clangor hills and forests rent ; On crimson wars intent He sway'd high Dwa raca , that fronts the mouth Of gulfy Sindhu from the burning south. A Brahmen young, who, when the heav'nly boy In Vraja green and scented Gocul play'^, Partook each transient care, each flitting joy. And hand in hand through dale or thicket stray 'd, By fortune sever'd from the blissful seat, Had sought a lone retreat ; Where in a costless hut sad hours he pass'd, Its mean thatch pervious to the daystar's heat. And fenceless from night's dew or pinching blast : Firm virtue he possess'd and vigorous health, But they were all his wealth. SuDA MAN was he nam'd ; and many a year (If glowing song can life and honour give) From sun to sun his honour'd name shall live : Oft strove his consort wise their gloom to cheer, And hide the stealing tear ; But all her thrift could scarce each eve afford The needful sprinkling of their scanty board. Now Fame, who rides on sunbeams, and conveys To woods and antres deep her spreading gleam, Illumin'd earth and heav'n with Crishna's praise : Each forest echoed loud the joyous theme. But keener joy Suda man's bosom thrilFd, And tears ecstatic rill'd : " My friend, he cried, is monarch of the skies !" Then counsoU'd she, who nought unseemly will'd : *' Oh ! haste ; oh ! seek the God with lotos eyes ; The pow'r that stoops to soften human pain, A HYMN TO LACSHMI^ C5 Though bashful penury his hope depress'd ; A tatter'd cincture was his only vest, And o'er his weaker shoulder loosely spread Floated the mystic thread : * Secure from scorn the crowded paths he trode Through yielding ranks, and hail'd the Shepherd God. " Friend of my childhood, lov'd in riper age, A dearer guest these mansions never grac'd : O meek in sqgial hours, in council sage ! " So spake the Warriour, and his neck embrac'd ; And e'en the Goddess left her golden seat Her lord's compeer to greet : He charm'd, but prostrate on the hallow'd floor, Their purfled vestment kiss'd and radiant feet ; Then from a small fresh leaf, a borrow'd store (Such off'rings e'en to mortal kings are due) Of modest rice he drew. Some proff'er'd grains the soft-ey'd Hero ate. And more had eaten, but, with placid mien. Bright E-ucMiNi (thus name th' all-bounteous Queen) Exclaim'd : " Ah, hold ! enough for mortal state !" Then grave on themes elate Discoursing, or on past adventures gay. They clos'd with converse mild the rapt'rous day. At smile of dawn dismiss'd, ungifted, home The hermit plodded, till sublimely rais'd On granite columns many a sumptuous dome He view'd, and many a spire, that richly blaz'd, And seem'd, impurpled by the blush of morn. The lowlier plains to scorn Imperious : they, with conscious worth serene, Laugh'd at vain pride, and bade new gems adorn Each rising shrub, that clad them. Lovely scene And more than human ! His astonish'd sight Drank deep the strange delight : 65 A TIYMN TO LACSHMl' He saw brisk fountains dance, crisp riv'lets wind O'er borders trim, and round inwoven bow'rs, Where sportive creepers, threading ruby flow'rs On em'rald stalks, each vernal arch intwin'd, Luxuriant though confin'd ; And heard sweet-breathing gales in whispers tell From what young bloom they sipp'd their spicy smell. Soon from the palace-gate in broad array A maiden legion, touching tuneful strings, Descending strow'd with flow'rs the brighten'd way. And straight, their jocund van in equal v/ings Unfoldinof, in their vacant centre show'd Their chief, whose vesture glow'd With carbuncles and smiling pearls atween ; And o'er her head a veil translucent flow'd, Which, dropping light, disclos'd a beauteous queen, Who, breathing love, and swift with timid grace, Sprang to her lord's embrace With ardent greeting and sweet blandishment ; His were the marble tow'rs, th' officious train, The gems unequal'd and the large domain : AVhen bursting joy its rapid stream had spent, The stores, which heav*n had lent,/ He spread unsparing, unattach'd employ'd, With meekness view'd, with temp'rate bliss enjoy'd. Such were thy gifts, Pedma^la , such the pow'r ! For, when thy smile irradiates yon blue fields. Observant Indra sheds the genial show'r, And pregnant earth her springing tribute yields Of spiry blades, that clothe the champaign dank, Or skirt the verd'rous bank. That in th' o'erflowing rill allays his thirst : Then, rising gay in many a waving rank, The stalks redunda>it into laughter burst ; The rivers broad, like busy should' ling bands, Clap their applauding hands j A HYMN TO LACSHMI . 67 t The marish dances and the forest sings ; The vaunting trees their bloomy banners rear ; And shouting hills proclaim th' abundant year. That food to herds, to herd'smen plenty brings, And wealth to guardian kings. Shall man unthankful riot on thy stores ? Ah, no ! he bends, he blesses, he adores. But, when his vices rank thy frown excite, Excessive sl^w'rs the plains and valleys drench. Or warping insects heath and coppice blight. Or drought unceasing, which no streams can quench, The germin shrivels or contracts the shoot, Or burns the wasted root : Then fade the groves with gathered crust imbrown'd. The hills lie gasping, and the woods are mute. Low sink the riv'lets from the yawning ground ; Till Famine gaunt her screaming pack lets slip, And shakes her scorpion whip ; Dire forms of death spread havock, as she flies, Pain at her skirts and Mis'ry by her side, And jabb'ring spectres o'er her traces glide ; The mother clasps her babe, with livid eyes. Then, faintly shrieking, dies : He drops expiring, or but lives to feel The vultures bick'ring for their horrid meal. From ills, that, painted, harrow up the breast,. (What agonies, if real, must they give !) , " Preserve thy vot'ries : be their labours blest ! Oh ! bid the patient Hindu rise and live. His erring mind, that wizard lore beguiles Clouded by priestly wiles, To senseless nature bows for nature's God. Now, stretch'd o'er ocearl's vast from happier isles,. He sees the wand of empire, not the rod : , Ah, may those beams, that western skies illume^ Disperse th' unholy gloom ! C8 A HYMN TO LACSHMK Meanwhile may laws, by myriads long rever'd, Tlieir strife appease, their gentler claims decide ; So shall their victors, mild with virtuous pride. To many a cherish'd grateful race endear'd. With temper' d love be fear'd : Though mists profane obscure their narrow ken. They err, yet feel ; though pagans, they are men. A HYMN TO ^N A' R A' Y E N A THE .ARGUMENT. A COMPLETE introduction to the following Ode would be no less than a full comment on the Vayds and Pura ns of the Hindus, the remains of Egyptian and Persian Theology, and the tenets of the Ionic and Italic Schools ; but this is not the place for so vast a disquisition. It will be sufficient here to premise, that the inextricable difficulties attending the vulgar notion of material substances, conerning which ■" We know this only, that we nothing know," induced many of the wisest among the Ancients, and some of the most enlightened among the Moderns, to believe, that the whole Creation was rather an energy than a ivorh, by which the Infinite Being, who is present at all times in all places, exhibits to the minds of his creatures a set of perceptions, like a wonderful picture or piece of music, always varied, yet always uniform ; so that all bodies and their qualities exist, indeed, to every wise and useful purpose, but exist onlyas far as they are perceived ; a theory no less pious than sublime, and as different from any principle of Atheism, as the brightest sunshine differs from the blackest midnight. This illusive operation of the Deity the Hindu philosophers call Ma ya , or Deception ; and the word occurs in this sense more than once in the commentary on the Rig Vayd, by the great Vasishtha, of which Mr. Halhed has given us an admirable specimen. 70 THE ARGUMENT. The first stanza of the Hymn represents the sublimesfc attributes of the Supreme Being, and the three forms, in which they most clearly appear to us, Power, Wisdom, and Goodness, or, in the language of Orpheus and his disciples. Love : the second comprises the Indian and Egyptian doctrine of the Divine Essence and Archetypal Ideas ; for a distinct account of which the reader must be referred to a noble description in the sixth book of Plato's Republic ; and the fine explanation of that passage in an elegant discourse by the author of Cyrus, from whose learned work a hint has been borrowed for the conclusion of this piece. The third and fourth are taken from the Institutes of Menu, and the eighteenth puran of Vya sa , entitled Srey Bhagawat, part of which has been translated into Persian, not without elegance, but rather too paraphrastically. From Brehme, or the Great Being, in the neuter gender, is formed Brehma , in the masculine ; and the second word is appropriated to the creative power of the Divinity. The spirit of God, called Na ra tena, or moving on the water, has a multiplicity of other epithets in Sanscrit, the principal of which are introduced, expressly or by allusion, in the fifth stanza ; and two of them contain the names of the evil beings, who are feigned to have sprung from the ears of Vishnu ; for thus the divine spirit is entitled, when considered as the pre- serving power : the sixth ascribes the perception of secondary qualities by our senses to the immediate influence of Ma ya ; and the seventh imputes to her operation the primary qualities of extension and solidity. THE HYMN fePTRiT of Spirits, who, through ev'ry part Of space expanded and of endless time, Beyond the stretch of lab'ring thought sublime, Badst uproar into beauteous order start, Before Heav'n was. Thou art ; Ere spheres beneath us roll'd or spheres above. Ere earth in firmamental ether hung. Thou satst alone ; till, through thy mystic Love, Things unexisting to existence sprung, And grateful descant sung. What first impell'd thee to exert thy might ? Goodness unlimited. What glorious light Thy pow'r directed ? Wisdom without bound. What prov'd it first ? Oh ! guide my fancy right ; Oh ! raise from combrous ground My soul in rapture drown'd, That fearless it may soar on wings of fire ; For Thou, who only knowst, Thou only canst inspire. Wrapt in eternal solitary shade, Th' impenetrable gloom of light intense, Impervious, inaccessible, immense, Ere spirits were infus'd or forms display'd, Brehm his own Mind survey 'd, As mortal eyes (thus finite we compare With infinite) in smoothest mirrors gaze : Swift, at his look, a shape supremely fair Leap'd into being with a boundless blaze, That fifty suns might daze. Primeval Maya was the Goddess nam'd, A HYMN TO NaIiAYENA. Who to her sire, with Love divine inflam'd, A casket gave with rich Ideas fill'd, From which this gorgeous Universe he fram'd; For, when th' Almighcy will'd Unnumber'd worlds to build, <» From Unity diversified he sprang, While gay Creation laugh'd, and procreant Nature rang. First an all-potent all-pervading sound Bade flow the waters and the waters flow'd, Exulting in their measureless abode. Diffusive, multitudinous, profound. Above, beneath, around ; Then o'er the vast expanse primordial wind Breath'd gently, till a lucid bubble rose. Which grew in perfect shape an Egg refin'd : Created substance no such lustre shows, Earth no such beauty knows. Above the warring waves it danc'd elate, Till from its bursting shell with lovely state A form cerulean flutter'd o'er the deep, Brightest of beings, greatest of the great : Who, not as mortals steep. Their eyes in dewy sleep, But heav'nly-pensive on the Lotos lay, That blossom'd at his touch and shed a golden ray. Hail, primal blossom ! hail empyreal gem ! . Kemel, or Pedma, or whate'er high name Delight thee, say, what four-form'd Godhead came. With graceful stole and beamy diadem, Forth from thy verdant stem ? Full-gifted Brehma ! Rapt in solemn thought He stood, and round his eyes fire-darting threw ; But, whilst his viewless origin he sought. One plain he saw of living waters blue. Their spring nor saw nor knew. A HYMN TO XaIiAYEXA. TS Then, in his parent stalk again retir'd, With restless pain for ages he inquir'd "What were his pow'rs, by. whom, and why conferred : "With doubts perplex'd, with keen impatience fir'd He rose, and rising heard Th' unknown all-knowing Word, " Brehma j no more in vain research persist : My veil thou canst not move — Go ; bid all worlds exist.'' Hail, self-exislent, in celestial speech Narayen, from thy watry cradle, nam'd ; Or Yenamaly may I sing unblam'd, With flow'ry braids, that to thy sandals reach, Whose beauties, who can teach ? Or high Peitamber clad in yellow robes Than sunbeams brighter in meridian glow, That weave their heav'n-spun light o'er circling globes ? Unwearied, lotos-eyed, with dreadful bow, Dire Evil's constant foe ! Great Pedmanabha, o'er thy cherish'd world The pointed Checra, by thy fingers whirl'd, Fierce Kytabh shall destroy and Medhu grim To black despair and deep destruction hurl'd. Such views my senses dim. My eyes in darkness swim : What eye can bear thy blaze, what utt'rance tell Thy deeds with silver trump or many- wreathed shell ? Omniscient Spirit, whose all-ruling pow'r Bids from each sense bright emanations beam ; Glows in the rainbow, sparkles in the stream, .Smiles in the bud, and glistens in the flow'r ; That crowns each vernal bow'r ; Sighs in the gale, and warbles in the throat Of ev'ry bird, that hails the bloomy spring. Or tells his love in many a liquid note, Whilst envious artists touch the rival string, J A HYMN TO XA Ra'VeNA. Till rocks and forests ring ; Breathes in rich fragrance from the sandal grove, Or where the precious musk-deer playful rove ; In dulcet juice from clust'ring fruit distills, And burns salubrious in the tasteful clove : Soft banks and verd'rous hills Thy present influence fills ; In air, in floods, in caverns, woods, and plains ; Thy will inspirits all, thy sov'reign M^ya reigns. Blue crystal vault, and elemental fires. That in th' ethereal fluid blaze and breathe ; Thou, tossing main, whose snaky branches wreathe This pensile orb with intertwisted gyres ; Mountains, whose radiant spires Presumptuous rear their summits to the skies. And blend their em'rald hue with sapphire light ; Smooth meads and lawns, that glow with varying dyes Of dew-bespangled leaves and bloffbms bright, Hence ! vanish from my sight : Delusive Pictures ! unsubstantial shows ! My soul absorb'd One only Being knows, Of all perceptions One abundant source. Whence ev'ry object ev'ry moment flows : Suns hence derive their force. Hence planets learn their course ; But suns and fading worlds I view no more ; God only I perceive ; God only I adore. A HYMN TO S E R E S W A T Y. THE ARGUMENT. _j[HE Hindu Goddesses are uniformly represented as the subordinate powe^^s of their respective lords : thus Lacshmy, the consort of Vishnu the Preserver, is the Goddess o^ abundance and prosperity ; Bhava ny, the wife of Maha de v, is the genial power of fecundity ; and Sereswaty, whose husband was the Creator Brehma , possesses the powers of Imagination and Invention, which may justly be termed creative. She is, therefore, adored as the patroness of the fine arts, especially of Music and Bhetoric, as the inventress of the Sanscrit Lansfuaofe, of the Devandgry Letters, and of the sciences, which writing perpetuates ; so that her attributes correspond with those of Minerva Musica, in Greece and Italy, who invented the flute, and presided over literature. In this character she is addressed in the following ode, and particularly as the Goddess of Harmony; since the Indians usually paint her with a musical instrument in her hand : the seven notes, an artful combination of which constitutes Music and variously afiects the passions, are feigned to be her earliest production ; and the greatest part of the Hymn exhibits a correct delineation of the Ba gma la , or Necklace of Musical Modes, which may be considered as . the most pleasing invention of the ancient Hindus, and the most beautiful union of Painting with poetical Mythology and the genuine theory of Music. The different position of the tivo semitones in the scale oi seven notes gives birth to seven primary modes ; and, as the whole series consists of tivelve semito»nes, every one of which may be made a modal note or tonic, there are in nature, (^though not universally in practice^ seventy-seven other modes, which may , 76 THE ARGUiMEM. < be called derivative : all the eighty-four are distributed by the Persians, under the notion of locality, into three classes consisting of ^t^'e/ ye rooms, twenty-four angles, Sind forty-eight recesses ; but the Hindu arrangement is elegantly formed on the variations of the Indian year, and the association of idaas ; a powerful auxiliary to the ordinary effect of modulation. The Modes, in this system, are deified ; and, as there are six seasons in India, namely, two Springs, Summer, Autumn, and two Winters, an original Ra g, or God of the Mode, is con- ceived to preside over a particular season ; each principal mode is attended by fve Ha gnys, or Nymphs of Harmony; each has eight Sons, or Genii of the same divine Art ; and each Ra g, with his family, is appropriated to a distinct season, in which alone his melody can be sung or played at prescribed hours of the day and night : the mode of Deipec, or Cupid the Inflamer, is supposed to be lost ; and a tradition is current in Hindustan, that a musician, who attempted to restore it, was consumed by fire from heaven. The natural distribution of modes would have heexi seven, thirty-three, and forty-four, according to the number of the minor and major secondary tones ; but this order was varied for the sake of the charming fiction above-mentioned. Na ked, who is described in the third stanza, was one of the first created beings, corresponding with the Mercury of the Italians, inventor of the Vene, a fretted instrument supported by two large gourds, and confessedly the finest used in Asia. A full discussion of so copious a subject would require a separate dissertation ; but here it will be sufficient to say, that almost every allusion and every epithet in the Poem, as well as the names, are selected from approved treatises, either originally Persian or translated from the Sanscrit, which contain as lively a display of genius, as human imagination ever exhibited. The last couplet alludes to the celebrated place of pilgrimage, at the confluence of the Gangcl and Yamnd, which the Seresivaty, another sacred river, is supposed to join under ground. THE HYMN Sweet grace of Brehma's bed ! Thou/when thy glorious lord Bade airy nothing breathe and bless his pow'r, Satsf^ith illumin'd head, And, in sublime accord, Sev'n sprightly notes, to hail th' auspicious hour, Ledst from their secret bow'r : They drank the air ; they came With many a sparkling glance. And knit the mazy dance. Like yon bright orbs, that gird the solar flame. Now parted, now combin'd. Clear as thy speech and various as thy mind. Young Passions at the sound In shadowy forms arose, O'er hearts, yet uncreated, sure to reign ; Joy, that o'erleaps all bound. Grief, that in silence grows, Hope, that with honey blends the cup of pain. Pale Fear, and stern Disdain, Grim Wrath's avenging band, Love, nurs'd in dimple smooth. That ev'ry pang can soothe ; But, Avhen soft Pity her meek trembling hand Stretch'd, like a new-born girl. Each sigh was music,^and each tear a pearl. Thee her great parent owns All-ruling Eloquence, That, like full Gang a, pours her stream divine Alarming states and thrones : 78 A HYMN TO SERESWATY. To fix the flying sense Of words, thy daughters, by the varied line (Stupendous art !) was Thine ; Thine, with pointed reed To give primeval Truth Th' unfading bloom of youth, And paint on deathless leaves high Virtue's meed : Fair Science, heav'n-born child, And playful Fancy on thy bosom smil'd. "Who bids the fretted Vene Start from his deep repose, And wakes to melody the quiv'ring frame ? What youth with goldlike mien O'er his bright shoulder throws The verdant gourd, that swells with struggling flame ? Na red, immortal name ! He, like his potent Sire, Creative spreads around The mighty world of sound. And calls from speaking wood ethereal fire ; While to th' accordant strings Of boundless heav'ns and heav'nly deeds he sings. But look ! the jocund hours A lovelier scene display. Young HiNDOL sportive in his golden swing High-canopied with flow'rs ; While Rdgnys ever gay Toss the light cordage, and in cadence sing The sweet return of Spring : Here dark Virdwer stands ; There i^c^mcarz/ divine And fawn-eyed Lelit shine ; But aiern Daysdsha \esids her warring bands, And slow in ebon clouds Petmevjary her fading beauty shrouds. A HYMN TO SERESWATY. Ah! where has Deipec veil'd His flame-encircled head ? "Where flow his lays too sweet for mortal ears ? O loss how lon^ boAvail'd ! Is yellow Cdmod fled ? And blythe Cdrndty vaunting o'er her peers ? "Whe^se stream Cay da rs tears Intent on scenes above, A be&uteous anchorite ? No more shall Daysa bright With gentle numbers call her tardy love ? Has Netta, martial maid, Lock'd in sad slumbers her sky-temper'd blade ? Once, when the vernal noon Blaz'd with resistless glare, The Sun's eye sparkled, and a God was born : He smil'd ; but vanish'd soon Then groan' d the northern air ; The clouds, in thunder mutt'ring sullen scorn, Delug'd the thirsty corn. But, earth-born artist, hold ! If e'er thy soaring lyre To Deipec s notes aspire. Thy strings, thy'^bow'r, thy breast with rapture bold, Bed lightning shall consume ; Nor can thy sweetest song avert ^lie doom. See sky-form'd Maygh descend In^fertilisirig rain. Whilst in his hand a falchion gleams unsheath'd ! Soft nymphs' his car attend, And raise the golden grain. Their tresses dank with dusky spikenard wreath'd : (A sweeter gale ne'er breath'd) Tenca with laughing eyes, And Gitjrys bloomy cheek, 80 A HYMN TO SERESWATY. < Mela r with dimple sleek , On whose fair front two musky crescents rise : While Day sea r his rich neck And mild Bhopa ly with fresh jasmin deck. Is that the King of Dread "With ashy musing face, From whose moon-silver'd locks fam'd Ganga springs ? 'Tis Bhairan, whose gay bed Five blushing damsels grace, "^ And rouse old Autumn with immortal strings, Till ev*ry forest rings ; Benga ly lotos-crown'd, Vaira ty like the morn, Sindvy with looks of scorn. And Bhairavy, her brow with Champa s bound ; But Medhuma dha's eyes Speak love, and from her breast pomegranates rise. Sing loud, ye lucid spheres ; Ye gales, more briskly play. And wake with harmony the drooping meads : The cooler season cheers Each bird, that panting lay, And SiRY bland his dancing bevy leads Hymning celestial deeds : Marva with robes like fire, Vasant whose hair perfumes With musk its rich-eyed plumes, A sa very, whom list'ning asps admire, Dhena sry, flow'r of glades, And Ma Isry, whom the branching Amra shades. Malcaus apart reclines Bedeck'd with heav*n-strung pearls, Blue-mantled, wanton, drunk with youthful pride ; Nor with vain love repines, "While softly-smiling^ girls A HTMX TO MERES WATT, 81 > Melt on his cheek or frolic by his side, And wintry winds deride ; Shamhha wty leads along Cocabh with kerchief rent, And Gailry wine-besprent, Warm Guncary, and Toda sweet in song, Whom antelopes surround With smooth tall necks, and quaff the streaming sound. Nor d^em these nuptial joys With lovely fruit unblest : No ; from each God an equal race proceeds, From each eight blooming boys ; Who, their high birth confess'd, : With infant lips gave breath to living reeds In valleys, groves, and meads : Mark how they bound and glance ! Some climb the vocal trees, Some catch the sighing breeze, Some, like new stars, with twinkling sandals dance ; Some the young Shamma snare, Some warble wild, and some the burden bear. These are thy wond'rous arts ; Queen of the flowing speech, Thence Sereswaty nam'd and Va ny bright ! Oh, joy of mortal hearts. Thy mystic wisdom teach ; Expand thy leaves, and, with ethereal light, Spangle ^he veil of night. If Lepit please thee more. Or Bra hmy, awful name, Dread Bra hmy's aid we claim, ' - And thirst, VaIjde vy, for thy balmy lore Drawn from that rubied cave. Where meek-ey'd pilgrinis hail the triple w^ave. » ' K A HYMN TO o a A N G A^. ft THE ARGUMENT. This poem would be rather obscure without geo^aphical notes ; but a short introductory explanation will supply the place of them, and give less interruption to the reader. We are obliged to a late illustrious Chinese monarch named Ca.n-hi'', who directed an accurate survey to be made of Potyid or (as it is called by the Arabs) Tebhut, for our knowledge, that a chain of mountains nearly parallel with Imaus, and called Cantesd by the Tartars, forms a line of separation between the sources of two vast rivers ; which, as we have abundant reason to believe, run at first in opposite directions, and, having finished a winding circuit of two thousand miles, meet a little below Dha cd, so as to inclose the richest and most beautiful peninsula on earth, in which the British nation, after a prosperous course of brilliant actions in peace and war, have now the principal sway. These rivers are deified in India ; that, which rises on the Western edge of the mountain, being considered as the daughter of Maha de va or Siva, and the other as the son of Brahma : their loves, wanderings, and nuptials are the chief subject of the following Ode, which is feio'ned to have been the work of a Bra hmen, in an early, age of Hindu antiquity, who, by a prophetical spirit, discerns the toleration and equity of 'the British government, and concludes with a prayer for it9 peaceful duration under good laws well administered. m» ARGrMiNT. m After a general description of the Ganges, an account i» given of her fabulous birth, like that of Pallas, from the forehead of Siva, the Jupiter Tonans and Genitor of thp Latins ; and the creation of her* lover by an act of Brahmd's wilj is the subject of another stanza, in which his course is delineated through the country of Potyid^ by the name of Sanpd, or Supreme Bliss, where he passes near the fortress of JRimbU, the island of Palte or Yambro (known to be the seat of a high priestess almost equally venerated with the Goddess Bhawa nij and 'Ptashilhumbo (as a Potya or Tebhutian would pronounce it), or the sacred mansion; of the Xawa next in^ dignity to that of PCtala, who resides in a city, to the south of the Sanpd, which the Italian travellers write Sgigatzhe, but which, according to the letters, ought rather to be written in a manner, that would appear still more barbarous in our ortho- graphy. The Brahmaputra is not mentioned again till the twelfth stanza, where his progress is traced, by very probable conjecture, through Rangama ti, the ancient Hangamriticd or Rangamar, celebrated for the finest spikenard, and Srihdt or Siret, the Serratce of Elian, whence the fragrant essence ex- tracted from the Malobathrum, called Sa^dahhj the' Persians y. smd Te j apa tra h J the Indians, was carried by the Persian gulf to Syria, and from that coast into Greece and Italy. It is not, however, positively certain, that the Brahmaputra rises as it is here described : two great geographers are decidedly of opposite opinions on this very point ; nor is it impossible that the Indian river may be one arm of the Sanpd and the Nau- cyan, another ; diverging from the mountains of Asha^m^ after they have been enriched by many rivers from the rocks of China. The fourth VLnd. fifth stanzas represent the Goddess obstruct- ed in her passage to the west by the hills of Emodi, so called from a Sanscrit word signifying snow, from which also are derived both Imaus and Hima laya or Himola. The sixth describes her, after her entrance into Hindustan through the straits of Ciipala, flowing near Samhal, the Samhalaca of* 8"4 THE argume:ht. 'Ptolemy, famed for a beautiful plant of the like name, and thence to the once opulent city and royal place of residence, Co. mjacuvja, erroneously named Calinipaxa by the Greeks, and Canauj, not very accuratel}'-, by the modern Asiatics: here she is join- ed by the Calinadi, and pursues her course to Praya^ga, whence the people of Baha r were named Prasii, and where the Yamunct, having received the Sereswati below Indar'prestlia or Dehli, and watered the- poetical ground of MatVmra^ and Agard, mingles her noble stream with the Gangcl close to the modern fort of Ilahaijdd. This place- is considered as" the confluence of three sacred rivers, and known by the name of I'riveni, or the th^ee flaited locks ; from which a number of pilgrims, who there begin the ceremonies to be .completed at Gaijd, are continually bringing vases of water, which they preserve with superstitious veneration, and are greeted by all the Hindus, who meet them on their return. Six of the principal rivers, which bring their tribute to the Oayiges, are next enumerated, and are succinctly described from real properties : thus the Gandac, which the Greeks knew by a similar name, abounds, according to Giorgi, with crocodiles of eriormous magnitude ; and the Malm,nadi runs by the plain of Gaura, once a populous district with a magnificent capital, from which the Bengalese were probably called Gangaridce, but now the seat of desolation, and the haunt of wild beasts. From 'Prayaga she hastens to Casi, or as the Muslimans name it, Benares ; and here occasion is taken to condemn the cruel and intolerant spirit of the crafty tyrant Aurangzi b, whom the Hindus of Cashmir call Aurangasilr, or the Demon, not the Ornament, of the Throne. She next^ bathes the skirts of Pa^taliputra, changed into Patna, which, both in situation and name, ao-rees better on the whole with the ancient Palibothra, than either Praya'^ga, or Ca^nyacuvja : if Megasthenes and the ambassadors of Seleucus visited the last-named city, and called it Palibothra, they were palpably mistaken. After this are introduced the beautiful hill of Miictigiri, or Mengir, and the wonderful pool of Sita^, which takes its name from the wife of THE ARGUMENT. 85 Ha ma, whose conquest of Sinhaldivlp, or Sildn, and victory- over the giant Ra tcan, are celebrated by the immortal Va Imicl, and by other epic poets of India. The pleasant hills of Ca Itgra m and Ganga -presa d are the^ introduced, and give occasion to deplore and extol the late excelllent Augustus Clevland, Esq. who nearly completed by lenity the glorious work, which severity could not have accom- plished, of civilizing a ferocious race o? Indians, whose mountains were formerly, perhaps, a rocky island, or washed at least by that sea, from wflich the fertile champaign of Bengal has been gained in a course of ages. The western arm of the Ganges is called Blia girathi, from a poetical fable of ^ demigod or holy man, named Bha gixatlia, whose devotion had obtained from Siva the privilege of leading after him a great part of the heavenly water, and who drew it accordingly in two branches ; which embrace the fine island, now ^denominated from Ka simba zdr, and famed for the defeat of the monster Sirajud- daulah, and, having met near the venerable Hindu seminary of Nawadwip or Nediya , flow in a copious stream by the several European settlements, and reach the Bay at an island which assumes the name of Sa gar, either from the S^a or from an ancient Raja of distinguished piety. , The Sundarabans or Beautiful Woods, an appellation to which they are justly entitled, are incidentally mentioned, as lying between the Bhagriat'hi and the Great River, or Eastern arm, which, xby its junction with the Brahma putra, forms many considerable islands ; one of which, as well as ^ town near the conflux, derives its name from Lacohnii, the Goddess of Abundance. , ' It will soon be perceived, that th.efo7^m of the stanza, which is partly borrowed from Ghay, and to which he was probably partial, as he uses it six times in nine, is enlarged in the following liymri by a line of fourteen syllables, expressing the long and solemn march of the great Asiatic rivers. THE HYMN. How sweetly Ganga^ smiles, and glides Luxuriant o'er her broad autumnal bed ! Her waves perpetual verdure spread, Whilst health and plenty deck her golden sides : As when an eagle, child of light, On Cdmhalas unmeasur'd height. By Potala, the pontiff's throne rever'd, 0*er her eyry proudly rear'd Sits brooding, and her plumage vast expands, Thus Ganga o'er her cherish'd lands. To BrahmcVs grateful race endear'd. Throws wide her fost'ring arms, and on her banks divine Sees temples, groves, and glitt'ring towVs, that in her crystal shine. ] Above the stretch of mortal ken, On bless'd Caila sas top, where ev*ry stem Glow'd with a vegetable gem, Mahe sa stood, the dread and joy of men ; While Pa rvati, to gain a boon, Fix'd on his locks a beamy moon. And hid his frontal eye, in jocund play, With reluctant sweet delay : All nature straight was lock'd in dim eclipse Till Bra limans pure, with hallow'd lips And warbled pray'rs restor'd the day ; When Gaxga from his brow by heav'nly fingers press'd Sprang radiant, and descending grac'd the caverns of the west. ] THE HYMN TO GANGa' 87 > The sun's car blaz'd, and laugh'd the morn ; What time near proud Cantesa's eastern bow'rs, (While Devatas rain'd living flow'rs) A river-god, so Brahmd will'd, was born, And roll'd mature his vivid stream Impetuous with celestial gleam : The charms of Ganga' through all worlds proclaim'd, Soon his youthful breast inflam'd, But destiny the bridal hour delay'd ; Then, distant from the west*ring maid, He flow'd, now blissful Sanpd nam*d, By Falte crown'd with hills, bold Rimhu's tow'ring state, And where sage Trashilhumho hails her Lama's form renate. But she, whose mind, at Siva^s nod, The picture of that sov'reign youth had seen, With graceful port and warlike mien, In arms and vesture like his parent God, Smit with the bright idea rush'd. And from her sacred mansion gush'd. Yet ah ! with erring step — The western hills Pride, not pious ardour, fills : In fierce confed'racy the giant bands Advance with venom-darting hands. Fed by their own malignant rills ; Nor could her placid grace their savage fury quell : The madding rifts and should'ring crags her foamy flood repell ] " Confusion wild and anxious wo Haunt your waste, brow, she said, unholy rocks, Far from these nectar-dropping locks ! But thou, lov'd Father, teach my waves to flow." Loud thunder her high birth confess'd ; Then from th* inhospitable west She turnM, and, gliding o'er a lovelier plain, Cheer'd the pearled East again : Through groves of nard she roU'd, o*er spicy reed», 8^ "^ THE HYMN TO GANGa'! Through golden vales and em'rald meads ; Till, pleased with Indra's fair domain, She won through yielding marl her heav'n-directed way : With lengthen'd notes her eddies curl'd, and pour*d a blaze of d*ay. ] Smoothly by SamhaVs flaunting bow'rs. Smoothly she flows, where Calinadi brings To Canyacuvja, seat of kings, On prostrate waves her tributary flow'rs ; Whilst Yamufid, whose waters clear Fam'd Indraprestha^s vallies cheer, With Sere'swati knit in mystic chain, Gurgles o'er the vocal plain Oi Mathurd, by sweet Brinda van's grove, Where Gopas love-lorn daughters rove, And hurls her azure stream amain, Till blest Prayd^ya^s point beholds three mingling tides, Where pilgrims on the far-sought bank drink nectar, as it glides. ] From Himolas perennial snow. And southern Palamau's less daring steep, Sonorous rivers, bright though deep, O'er thirsty deserts youth and freshness throw. ' A goddess comes,' cried Gumti chaste. And roird her flood with zealous haste : Her foUow'd Sona with pellucid wave Dancing from her diamond cave, Broad Gogra, rushing swift from northern hills, Ked Gandac, drawn by crocodiles,, (Herds, drink not there, nor^ herdsmen, lave !) Cosa, whose bounteous hand Nepa iian odour flings,; And 'Mahanadi laughing wild at cities, thrones, and kings. Thy temples, Ca si , nexi^ she sought, And verdVous plains by tepid breezes fann'd. Where health extends her pinions bland, Thy groves, were pious Valmic sat and thought, THE IIYMX TO CAXGA'f 89 > "Where Vydsa pour'd the strain sublime, That lauo-hs at all-consumino' time, And Brdhmans rapt the lofty Veda sing. • Cease, oh ! cease — a ruffian king, The demon of his empire, not the grace, His ruthless bandits bids deface The shrines, whence gifts ethereal spring : So shall his* frantic sons with discord rend his throne, And his fair-smiling realms be sway'd by nations yet unlaiown.] Less hallow'd scenes her course prolong ; But Cdma, restless pow'r, forbids delay : . To love all virtues homage pay, E'en stern religion yields. How full, how strong Her trembling panting surges run, Where Pa talis immortal son To domes and turrets gives his awful name Erao-rant in the oales of fame ! Nor stop, were Ka. ma , bright from dire alarms. Sinks in chaste Si tas constant arms, While bards his wars and truth proclaim : There from a fiery cave the bubbling crystal flows. And Muctigir, delightful hill, with mirth and beauty glows. Oh ! rising bow'rs, great Ca u s boast. And thou, from Gangd nam'd, enchanting mount, AVhat voice your wailings can recount Borne by shrill echoes o'er each howling coast. When He, who bade vour forests bloom, Shall seal his eyes, in iron gloom ? Exalted youth ! The godless mountaineer. Beaming round his thickets drear. Whom rigour fir'd, nor legions could appall, I see before thy mildness fall, Thy wisdom love, thy justice fear : A race, whom rapine nurs'd, whom gory murder stains, ' Thy fair example wins to peace, to gentle virtue trains. L 90 THE HYMN TO QANQA' i But mark, where old Bha'gi rath leads (This boon his pray'rs ofMaha dev obtain : Grace more distinguish'd who could gain ?) Here calmer current o'er his western meads, Which trips the fertile plains along, *- Where vengeance waits th' oppressor's wrong ; Then girds, fair Nawadwip, thy shaded cells, Where the Pendit musing dwells ; Thence by th' abode of arts and commerce glides, Till Sa'^gar breasts the bitter tides : While She, whom struggling passion swells, Beyond the labyrinth green, where pards by moonlight prowl,] With rapture seeks her destin'd lord, and pours her mighty soul.] Meanwhile o'er FStyid's musky dales, Gay Rangamar, where sweetest spikenard blooms. And Siret, fam'd for strong perfumes. That, flung from shining tresses, lull the gales, Wild Brahmaputra winding flows. And murmurs hoars his am'rous woes ; Then, charming Gaxga seen, the heav'nly boy Bushes with tumultuous joy : (Can aught but Love to men or Gods be sweet ? ) When she, the long-lost youth to greet. Darts, not as earth-born lovers toy. But blending her fierce waves, and teeming verdant isles ; While buxom Lacshmi^ crowns their .bed, and sounding ocean smiles.] What name, sweet bride, will best allure Thy sacred ear, and give thee honour due ? Vishnupedi ? Mild BhishmasH ? Smooth Suranwmagd 1 Irisrotd pure ? By that I call ? Its pow'r confess ; With growing gifts thy suppliants bless, Who with full sails in many a light-oar'd boat THE HYMN TO GA^'GA . 91 On thy jasper bosom float ; * Nor frown, dread Goddess, on a peerless race With iib'ral heart and martial grace, Wasted iiom colder isles remote : As they preserve our laws, and bid our terror cease, So be their darling laws preserv'd in wealth, in joy, in peace !] THE FIRST NEMEAN ODE OF PINDAR. I. 1. CALM breathing-place of Alpheus dread, Oetygia, graceful branch of Syracuse renown'd. Young Diana's rosy bed, Sister of Delos, thee, with sweet, yet lofty, sound Bursting numbers call, to raise Of tempest-footed steeds the trophies glorious (Thus Etiv SAN Jove we praise) ; AYhile Chromius' car invites, and Nemea's plain, For noble acts victorious To weave th' encomiastic strain. I. 2. From prospering Gods the song begins ; Next hails that godlike man and virtue's holy meeds : He the flow'r of greatness wins, Whom smiUng fortune crowns ; and vast heroic deeds Ev'rymuse delights to sing. Now wake to that /air isle the splendid story. Which the great Olympian king, JovE, gave to Proserpine, and wav'd his locks Vowing, that, supreme in glory, Fam'd for sweet fruits and nymph-lov^d rocks, I. 3. Sicilia's full nutricious breast With tow'r'd and wealthy cities he would crown. THE FIRST NEMEAN ODE. 93 Her the son of Saturn bless'd AVith suitors brazen-arm' d for war's renown By lance and fiery steed ; yet oft thy leaves^ • Olympic olive, bind their hair In wreathy gold. Great subjects I prepare ; But none th' immortal verse deceives. II. 1. Oft in the portals was I plac'd Of that guf^t-loving man, and pour'd the dulcet strain, Where becoming dainties grac'd His hospitable board ; for ne'er with efforts vain Strangers to his mansion came : And thus the virtuous, when detraction rages, Quench with liberal streams her flame. Let each in virtue's path right onward press. As each his art engages, And, urg'd by genius, win success. II. 2. Laborious action Strength applies. And wary conduct. Sense : the future to foresee Nature gives to few, the wise. Agesidamus' son, she frankly gave to thee Pow'rful might and wisdom deep. I seek not in dark cells the hoarded treasure Grovling ivith low care to keep. But, as wealth flows, to spread it ; and to hear Loud fame, with ample measure Cheering my friends, since hope and fear • II. 3. Assail disastrous men. The praise Of Hercules with rapture I embrace : On the heights, which virtues raise. The rapid legend old his' name shall place ; For, when he ht^ook^d no more the cheerless gloom, And brust into the blaze of day, 94 THE FIRST NEMEAN ODE. The child of Jove with his twin-brother lay, Rt fulgent from the sacred womb. Ill 1. Not unobserv'd the godlike boy By JujSO golden-thron'd the saifron cradle press'd ; Straight heav'n's queen with furious joy Bade hideous dragons fleet th' unguarded floor infest : They, the portals op'ning wide, E-oll'd throujrh the chamber's broad reces*s tremendous, And in jslws Jlre-darting tried The slumb'ring babe to close. He, starting light, Beard his hold head stupendous, And first in battle prov'd his might. III. 2. "With both resistless hands he clasp'd Both struggling horrid pests, and cloth'd their necks with death ;] They expiring, as he grasp'd, Pour'd from their throats compress'd the foul envenom'd breath.] Horror seiz'd the female train, AVho near Alcmena's genial couch attended : She, from agonizing pain Yet weak, unsandaVd and unmantled rush'd, And her love'd charge defended, "Whilst he the fiery monsters crush'd. III. 3. Swift the Cadmean leaders ran In brazen mail precipitately bold : First Amphitryon, dauntless man, Bar'd his rais'd falchion from its sheathinof Sfold, While griding anguish pierc'd his fluttering breast ; For private woes most keenly bite Self-loving man ; but soon the heart is light, With son-ow, not its own, oppress'd. THE FIRST NEMEAX ODE. 95 IV. 1. Standing in deep amazement wild With rapt'rous pleasure mix'd he saw th' enormous force, • Saw the valour of his child : And fated heralds prompt, as heav'n had shap'd their course,] Wafted round the varied tale ; Then call'd he from hio^h Jove's contiofuous reo'ion, Him, whose warnings never fail, TiREsiAs hlfnd, who told, in diction sage. The chief and thronging leirion What fortunes must his boy engage ; IV. 2. What lawless tyrants of the wood. What serppnts he would slay, what monsters of the main. What proud foe to human o-ood. The worst of monstrous forms, that holy manhood stain, His huge arm to death would dash : How, when heav'n's host, o'er Phlegra's champaign hasting,~\ With embattled iriants ra^h Vindictive warr'd, his pond'rous mace would storm With dreadful strokes wid' -wasting, And dust their o;litt'rino; locks deform, IV. 3. He told ; and how in blissful peace Through cycles infinite of gliding time, When his mortal task should cease, ' " Sweet prize of perils hard and toil sublime. In gorgeous mansions he should hold entranced Soft Hebe, fresh with blooming grace. And crown, exalting his majestic race. The bridal feast near Jove advanc'd. AN EXTEAOT r FROM THE BHU'SIIANDA' RA'MA^yAN J_ HE beautiful and lofty mountain, called Neil, or azure, has a pointed summit of pure gold : the holy trees, Peipel, Ber, and PacTy flourish on its brow ; and its top is crowned with a pool of water shining like diamonds of exquisite brilliancy : cl'ear^ fresh, and sweet streams, displaying a rich variety of colours, flow from all sides of it ; and thousands of birds warble rapturous lays amorg the sacred branches. Here the Crow Bhu shanda , who had been adorned with many virtues, and disgraced by many vices, who had lived in every part of the universe, and knew all events from the beginning of time, had fixed his abode. Under the Peipel, he meditated on the divinity : under the Pacr he poured forth invocations : under the shade of the Ber he chanted the story of Visiin ; to hear which the feathered inhabitants of woods and of waters assembled around him ; and even Mahadato, in the form of the large wliite-'plumed Mara l, perched on a bough, was delighted with listening to the adventures of the all-good and all-powerful Ra m. To this mountain the sage Eagle Gerhur, essence of all amiable qualities who stands near Vislm himself, and is ridden by that stupendous God, hastily took his flight, and was relieved, on beholding it from the cares, which before oppressed him : he bathed his pinions in the pool,'" and refreshed his beak with a draught of the hallowed water. Just as Bhiishanda^ was 'opening his divine history, the king of air appeared in his AX F':X TRACT FRO:\T TnE !' ( ) presence : the wino-ed assembly paid him respectful homage, saluted him with solemn expressions of reverence, and then, addressing him with sweet words of affection, placed him oiT a seat hecoming his high dignity. ^'Monarch of birds, began the Crow, the sight of thee transports me with joy, signify to me thy commands ; and inform me what inducement has broug^ht thee to the mansion of thy servant." "* ^^Brother, answered Gerdr, the purpose of my visit Vv'as id. part answered by my first view of thy charming retreat ; eaid the doubts, which thou alone couldst have removed from this breast, are now almost wholly dispersed : but listen to my recital. "When the son of E-a wan, the giant, with a thousand arms, had bound Rci in with a snake discharged from his bow, Nared ^commissioned me to disentangle tke celestial warriour ; and the couimisson was executed with faithful dispatch : but pride arose in my heart ; and considering that even mortals are exempt through devotion, from the shackles of terror, I concluded that, if Ra ni had in truth been a deity ©f boundless power, he could never have been made captive by the fold of a reptile. All night was I disturbed by these embarrassing reflexions ; and my arrogance, as the deliverer of a god, attained ^such a height, that my reason had nearly forsaken me : I retained, however, sense enough to seek a solution of my doubts; and, hastening to my wise employer Na red, laid open to him the secret of my bosom. Thou art fallen, said the son of Biiehma , with a compas- •sionate aspect, into the snares of passion, from ivhlcli the 'tWst virtuous, ivhen they fail to exert their understandings, cannot' he secure ; that appearance, hy which thou hast been caught, was only the Ma ya , or deception of Vishn, which has often deluded even me. To give thee perfect relief, exceeds my power : go to tlie palace of my father, and implicitly folloio his directions. '''With all imaginable swiftness I flew to the heaven of Brehma , giving praises to my lord and rider Vishn, and explained to the benign God, the grounds of my perplexity. * 9S LAST BOOK or THi: ra*aia yan. i The Creator stood awhile in silence, reflecting on the glories of Ra m, and the force of his illusions ; then, leaving his medi- •tation, 7i is 7io wonder, ssiid he, that thou hast heen deceived hy a 'power, Ji^om which I, as the very time of the creation, was not tocempt. Ram has tried thee by a delusive appearance * and, when thou hadst untwisted the living chain, which entangled him, thou satst all night elated ivith pride, and contemplating thy own py^owess. Hasten, therefore, to the palace of Ma hadayo, than whom no deity better knows the supremacy of Ra m : he will dissipate thy sorrows. His words were instantly followed by my flight towards Cai las, but T mefc the destroying power near the mansion of ■ Cobayr, the wealthy genius of the north. Having listened benignantly to my narrative, he thus instructed me : ' Thou art under the influence of a strong passion, from which no discourse of mine can so soon relieve thee^ as the coversation of religious persons, and serious attention to the history of Vishn, related by pious Munys in sweet accents. Without conversing with the religious, the noble deeds of the preserving power cannot be known ; without that knowledge, the passions cannot be conquered ; without that conquest, true devotion cannot be acquired ; and without that acquisition, whatever sacrifices may be performed, or ceremonies observed, God will never be seen by man. Fly, O Gerilr, to the regions of the west, and piously attend, with birds of inferior wing, to the achievements of Ra'^m ; as they will be related by the wise habitant of the azure mountain, the virtuous Bhusanda : the relation will subdue thy passion, and wholly dispel thy sorrows. Expect not a remedy from me ; since thou hast entertained, proud thoughts concern-, ing Ra m, by whom I have been highly favoured : besides, one bird will convey instruction more effectually to another bird in their common dialect.' Not a moment was lost by me in seeking thy delightful abode ; and the sight of it almost entirely destroyed my pride with its bitter, but certain, fruit, affliction. Complete my re- covery, beloved brother, by reciting the sacred story of Ra m." AN Extract from the 99 The devout Bhiisanda^ complied immediately with his re- quest ; and having pronounced an eulogium on the incarnate God, began with an account of his Accdar, or Descent; and, then related the adventures of his childhood, the actions of his you^h, and the circumstances of his marriage with Sei ta . He next informed the attentive ea^le, how the machinations of B'haIit, the half-brother of Ra^m, and of Caycai', his step- mother, induced king Jesret, his father, to send him into the woods, while the whole nation in agony mourned his loss : how Lech'hmen, his affectionate brother, insisted on accompanying him in exile ; how they meditated on providence in a great forest, and afterwards passed the Ganga to preach lessons of devotion in populous towns : he proceeded to the death of the old Raja , the penitence of B'ha'^H, and his journey in pursuit of Ra m, who, after long and earnest solicitation, returned to Ayodhya, where he lived with the splendour of a divinity : he told^ how Ra m again retired among the tickets, and there gave instruc- tions to hermits and reverend Munys; how Lech'hmen was pro- voked to disfigure a giantess, and slay two giants, the sister and kinsmen of Ra wan ; how that imperious demon ^dolently seized the incomparable Set ta , and bore her captive to the place of his tyrannous empire, the isle of LxInca ; how Ra^m, afflicted to excess, passed the whole rainy season upon a mountain, having contracted a friendship with the race of Apes,2,n6. appointed their chief, Hen u man, son of the wind, to the command of his new-raised army ; how they discovered the bower of Asoca's", in which Seita was confined ; how a vast bridge was erected by them over the sea, from whii?Gh Henu man leaped into the island, consoled the faithful Seita, and set fire to the gardens of Ra ioan ; who, in a desperate engagement, was routed and slain by Ra m ; lastly, how the divine conqueror revisited his country, restored to joy its dis- consolate inhabitants, conferred hiofh honon.r:^ on the learned Bra hmens, treated his preceptor Ba sisht with such reverence, that he drank the water in which he had v/ashed the feet i>f * Jonesia of Doctor Roxburgh. i^'O LAST" BOOK OF THE RAMA'^iAX. the Miinii, and instructed the humble Blia rt in celestial knowledge ; how the Jia iiijs and highborn damsels, having- bathed the \o\e\j Sei la , decorated her with inestimable jewels, and offered her holy curds iii golden basons, crowned Avith branches of Tulsij ; how the princes of the apes, and other wai'like beasts, assumed the most beautiful human foriris ; how men of all ranks, who flocked to the palace, forgetting their homes, as the pious forget their enemies, concurred in singing the praises of their king,, while the gods rained flowers from heaven on the delighted assembly. "The festivals and entertainments," added the crow, on his receiving the sacred mark of vermilion, and ascending the throne- with Seltd, "thou ssiwst, monarch of the air, and wast enrap- tured with devout joy ; for Brahma, Mahddayo, Ndred, and other deities, attended tilem ; nor wouldst thou be absent on so signal an occasion. During this peign, no terrors alarmed, or sorrows rent, the bosoms of his vot^aries ; all was love, piety, concord ; the name of vice was unknown or unheard ; none w^ere then infirm, none ignorant, none- distressed ; sweet and salutary liquors flowed from every tree ; perpetual blossoms laughed on the stalks, and perpetual fruit hung glittering from. t]ie branches ; a cool placid gale blew without ceasing ; the birds charmed each forest with afiteal melody ; and animals,, the most opposite in their kinds, lived together, like the vener- able cow with her own calf, in perfect amity, and even tender- ness. Such were the blessings derived by mankind from Rdm,. whose presence rendered the silver age equal in virtue and' happiness to that of gold.^'' As soon as Busunda had concluded his narration : '' O adorable Ra «i," exclaimed tile eagle, " I revere thee for thy power, and love thee for thy goodness ! Hadst thou not been pleased to raise doubtsr in my mind, and, by thy divine Ma^ya^, to beguile me into the sin of pride, how should I have been directed to this noble mountain ? How should I have heard the* recital of thy glorious actions ? How should the ardent love of thee have been kindled in my bosom ?" AN KXTKACT lEOM HIE 1 101 *'Mc too," said the crow, " has Ra^in exalted, by procuring me the honour of being thus consulted by the sovereign of birds. To thee his affection has been signally manifested*; and thou may-ist now cease to wonder, that the most eminent amd^ig the deities, and the most virtuous Rishys, have fallen under the dominion of the passions. What being exists, but God, who was never seduced by the love of Avealth ; whom nothing has provoked to wrath, or stimulated to vengeance ; whom the pleasures of youth have not allured, nor female beauty smitten with the shafts of large and languishing eyes ? who can boast of a constant exemption from groundless terrore and unavailino' orief ? Whose faiue has never been blemished by pride ? AT horn has ambition never captivated Avith false views of greatness ? All these temptations and blandishments are the daughters of Ma ya , with whose fascinations, diffused over the world, VisJin deludes all creatures' for their ultimate advantacre. Be is the beinsf of beino-s, one substance in three forms ; without mode, without quality, without passion ; immense, incomprehensible, iiifinte, indivisible, immutable, incorporeal, irresistible : His operations no mind can conceive : and his will moves ail the inhabitants of the universe, as puj^pets are moved by strings. The pious, whom he loves,, as a mother loves her onl}^ infant, rejoice in his government, and exu't in his glory ; while the irreligious, who are proud, ignorant, captious, and madly impute to Ra m the consequences of their own stupidity, vainly afflict themselves, and view all oljects in false colours ; as they, whose e3'es are inf^an.ed, suppose the moon also to be red : their folly would make tliem believe, that the sun rises in the west, and their fears agitate them, like small barques tossed hj th® waves. Were the firmament illumined by sixteen moons, yet, if no sun rose, the stars would not disappear : thus, without religion and humility, vice and error cannot be dispersed. As an illustration of these truths, hear, O Gerur, the story of my life ; and mark the sad eflects of my sin. " When Ra/ni was born in A udh, I repaired eagerly to his 102 LAST BOOK OF THE RA MA YAN. birthplace, attended him five years with assiduity, contemplat- ing his beautiful features, and receiving happiness from the sparkles of his eye. He used to laugh when I approached him, and when I departed, to weep ': sometimes he tried to seize me by the feet, and shed tears if I flew out of his reach. Can this, I thought, can this he the rider of the universe ? Thus was I entangled by his illusion, and my mind was perplexed with doubts ; I became sad and pensive ; but the divine infant laughed at my distress, One day, he ran suddenly to catch me ; but seeing his body black and his feet ruddy,*! took my flight aloft with inexpressible agitation : he stretched out his arm, and how high soever I flew, the same arm pursued me at an equal distance. As soon as I reached the heaven of Brahma, I looked back, and still saw behind me the arm of Vishn; amazed and stupefied, I closed my eyes in a trance and found myself, when I opened them, near the city of Ayodhya. '' On my return to the palace Jesret, I renewed my homage to Ra^m ; but he made a sport of my confusion, which was so great, that, as he laughed, I flew into his mouth : there I saw myriads- of heavens infinitely splendid; myriads of Brahma* s and Mohadayoa, myriads of suns, moons, and stars, gods and goddesses, Ra^ja^'s and Ra^ivfs, and gazed beneath me on this vast earth, girt with multitudinous seas, veined Avith rivers, clothed with forests, and peopled with numberless animals. An hundred complete years I dwelled in each heaven ; and travers^ ing them all, was dazzled with their endless and unutterable glories ; but, whithersoever T shaped my course, I beheld one only, Ra^m, the same lovely infant, whose idea was impressed indelibly on my mind. Having spent a wonderful period of revolving ages in this ethereal jaunt, I returned to my own habitation ; where I heard, that Ra'^ni was become incarnate, and, hastening to the place of his birth, I enjoyed the rapture of beholding him : yet was my heart still agitated by a storm of passions, and a thou- sand cares arose in my breast. Ra%i, knowing what anxiety his deceptions had produced, again laughed, and I flefw out of his AN EXTRACT FROM THE 10;^ mouth into open air. On finding that I had rambled over so many worlds, and seen so many wonders in so few minutes, and on considering the power of the divine spirit, I fell breath- less to the ground : at length : ' Have pity, said 1, have pity o»»me ; and cease, thou, who rewardest the devout ! cease to delude and grieve thy humiliated votary.' The deity then perceiving my unfeigned anguish, suspended the influence of his Maia, placed his hands with gentleness on my head, relieved at once my solicitude ; and, having mildly heard a fervent effusion, which I pronounced with weeping eyes, commanded me to ask for whatever I most desired : I asked for true piety towards him ; and he gave it with gracious praise, added to heivenly benedictions. Adore, therefore, and invoke perpe- tually that invisible being, who, having no shape, is described in the Vai/cls by a similitude, and compared to a bottomless ocean of innumerable virtues." " How salutary,'* said Geriir, "are the lessons of a spiritual instructor ! If a hundred Brahmas and a hundred Mahadayos had assisted me, I should not have been so effectually relieved." After a long conversation between Biisund and his penitent -visitor, in which they reciprocally told their most interesting adventures, the crow discoursed more at large on the grandeur of jRa m, and the blessings of the age, in which he appeared on earth. " Very different," continued he, " will be the Col Yug, or age of impurity ! Then shall priests, kings, and subjects, be wholly abandoned to vice ; neglecting holy rites, and the due observance of ranks ; not considering genuine piety, as the true, and invaluable gem, which all ought to seek : such as babble fastest will be Signified with the title of Pendits ; and such as relate most untruths, with the epithet of virtuous ; they who wear necklaces of beads, and the dress of Gosains, will be reverenced as observers of inspired scripture ; and they who suffer their nails^to grow unpaired, and their hair uncut, or stand longest on one leg, holding the other in their hand, as .devout Senniya sys .-the low cast of Shudrs will have Brdhmens for their disciples, and presume to wear the same cord ; whil'e lOi LAST BOOR or THE IIA MA VAX. tlie Brnhmens will bo distint^uished only by that mark, whicJi they will be sure to display uncovered : they Avill be illiterate, cQvetous, luxurious, inobservant of rites, and resembling bulls without tlieir tails ; dissipating the property, not the ignorance, or uneasiness, of their pupils ; and even parents will instruct their children in gluttony, not in rehgion. Then will Raja s be merciless, and profligate, putting Brdhmens to death, and continually racking or amercing their subj6cts, numbers of whom will die through want, since famine will from time to time desolate whole provinces ; the clouds will ' shed no rain ; and the ground will yield no return for the grains it has receiv- ed : yet, even in this debased age, the miserable race of men may be saved bv affectionate devotion towards Ra'^m, not ap- pearing in external acts, but glowing in the recesses of the heart." " The disorders of that age," said the eagle, '* vvall, indeed, be as terrilde, as the remedy is delightful, and certain." '" Happy," said Bhnshunda, " will be they, who faithfully apply it ; but tlie domination of pride is more or less absolute in eveiy human breast : this abominable sin caused the many changes of my form, and my condemnation to a lonely residence among these rocks. In a temple of M-iha, dayo I stood mvoking his name, when the guide of my youth, my instructor in religious duties, entered it with true humility ; yet such was my arrogance, from a vain conceit of my own piety and knowledge, that I made him no salutation, and showed him no respect. He opened not his lips, nor was he moved to anger by my presumption ; but the God, whom we adored, bore it not ^ so mildly, and in a tre- mendous voice from above, thundered against me a sentence of perpetual misery. This dreadful judgment threw my indulgent preceptor into an agony of grief; his limbs trembled, his tongue faultered ; and casting himself on the earth, with clasped hands, he supplicated for a miligation of my doom. Such benignity, and zeal, could not but appease the wrathful divinity, who spoke thus from the summit of Ca da .v : * Justice requires AN EXTRACT FROM THE 105 the chastisement of this proud mortal, but thy piety has pro- cured a remission of its greatest pain*. He shall suffer a thous- and transmigrations, and in all of them shall exist without* pleasure, but not without wisdom ; he shall be a constant adoi