THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES ^-^t /V /tC, ^cl a INDIAN BALLADS, AND OTHER POEMS. BY WILLIAM WATERFIELD. LONDON: S ^I I T H , E L D E E AND CO. 1868. * f CONTENTS INDIAN BALLADS. PAGE Hymn to Ushas 1 Hymn to Indka : , 5 The Sacrifice of Daksha 8 The Song of the Koil 16 The Churning of the Ocean .". 2(» The Fourth Avatara 29 The Lamentation of Aja 57 The Last Ordeal of Sita 61 Sharmishtha ' 70 Amba 78 The Story of the Syamantak Jewel 86 KUKMINI \ 103 The Destruction of the Yadavas 106 The Song of Kalindi ; 152 The Pilgrim's Return from Haridwara ' 156 The Moral of History 162 The Force of Nature 166 To the KalkT Tree 169 vi CONTENTS. MISCELLANEOUS BALLADS. PAGE Hymn of Spartan Matrons 175 Lamknt of the Tiiebans on the Death of Epaminondas 179 To Winter 200 The Silent Land 204 The Two Angels 208 The Three Wells 211 PsALjr II 227 Translation from Goethe 229 Sic Vita 230 The Days of Old 238 A Dream 243 ALBUM VERSES. "Weep sore for him that goeth away" 249 On the Christening of an Infant in India 251 On the Death of the Same 25.3 To Henrietta ; 255 Qn receiving a Glow-worm from a Lady 258 On the Death of Amy 259 Sonnet on the Same 261 To A Godchild '. 262 Sonnet, to a Lady on her last Birthday in India 283 Charade :. 264 To a Friend, on her coming of Age 268 CONTENTS. Vll ALBUM VEB.SES— continued. PAOE On the Death of a Friend 269 Sonnet ' ^" ^ To Bertha Margaret 272 Charade 274 To Edith Mary 275 Crambo 277 Bridal Verses 278 A Prayer 280 Allahabad 281 McssooRiE 283 Sonnet 284 NOTES : 287 Ji}diraticn. What gallant ship that sailed for summer skies, And twice would cross the misty-slumbrous Line, Was richlier freighted with her merchandise. Than we who carried love and prayers of thine ? What bring we back ? Ores from a golden mine, Where Love Who left the joy that never dies, To save a world and gladden weary eyes, Through dross of mortal passion still will shine '? Or pearls of human faith and constancy, Prahlada's firmness — Sita ever true — And the sweet love of plighted Rukminl '? And be the venture great, the profits few. Thou wilt not reckon harshly for thy due. Nor slight the poor return we render thee. INDIAN BALLADS. INDIAN BALLADS, ETC. ETC. - |}umii f0 llsbus (l^uroni). (fKOM the " RIG VEDA.") [The h}-mns of the Vedas are addressed chiefly to natural objects. An attempt has been made, while giving some of the most poetical ideas, to retain the simplicity of style and irregularity of metre.] 1. UsHAS I praise Of the brilliant rays, Who bath dwelt in heaven of old. The gates of the sky, As the sun draws nigh. Her lovely hands unfold. INDIAN BALLADS. 2. Goddess of Morn, Heavenly-born, Many-tinted, enrobed in white, A hundred cars Dost thou lead to the wars Thou wagest for us 'gainst the bands of Night. 3. Thou leadest the crowd, Like a warrior proud, Whose march is in the van ; For the realms of Night, With thy weapons of light. Thou art conquering back for man. 4. From afar, from afar, Dost thou harness thv car, Beyond the bright sunrise ; As thy course proceeds On thy purple steeds, Thou gladdenest mortal eyes. HYMN TO USHAS. 3 5. To the golden-eyed ^ Thou com'st as a bride Whom her mother's hands adorn : The demons of Night, Who would mar our rite, Ai-e chased by the breath of Morn. G. Glad cries are heard From beast and bird, The bounteous goddess knowing ; With truthful voice Doth each rejoice To greet the All-bestowing. 7. For wealth or fame, Or a holy name, The sons of men are striving ; Their slumber they break When thou dost wake, At thy silent call reviving. INDIAN BALLADS. 8. Tliou old, yet ever young ! Unchanged all change among ! Thy journeyings who may number ? As a matron wise and fair Intent on housewife care, Thou rousest thy sons from slumber. 9. Call the labourers from rest ; Call the birds from out their nest ; Call the priest to the hall of praise ; But let the niggard sleep In the dark unlovely deep, Afar from thy lightning rays. 10. They all are past and gone On whom thou erst hast shone, And thou shalt shine on those who see not yet the light ; But ours the present day ; Then, ere it roll away, The favour of the gods let us with prayers invite. ( 5 ) illnmn to v^fiibrii. ^Indra is the Jupiter of the Hindus, the representation of the visible firmament. He is therefore attended by the forty-nine winds. (It was prophesied to Indra that Marut, the wind, would be too powerful for his control. He therefore struck him with his thunderbolt, dividing him into seven ft-agments, and again, crosswise, each of these into seven. Thus the whole are never united, but counteract each other.) He is also lord of the rainbow and the thunderbolt, and of the thousand eyes or stars, though a later legend has been invented to explain this title. He is, again, like Jupiter, leader of the gods in theii' wars w'ith the Titans ; and one of his most common names is the " Kender of Cities." Maya, or illusion, is among the strongest weapons in the superhuman armoury of the Hindiis. He is, lastly. King of Sv/arga, the temporary Paradise of the good, with its immortal city, Amaravati, and its iive celestial trees. But, to do the Hindiis justice* and show how superior their creed is, in scheme, to that of Greece and Eome, it must be explained that no hymns later than the Vedas would be addressed to Indra, or any but the Supreme Deity, either in one of the persons of the Triad, or in an incaraation or energy (imaged as the consort) of one of the latter. Nor would they look, as the object of their hopes, to Swarga, which, after a period of enjoyment to the senses proportioned to merit, leads to other births in an earthly state. The only reward considered worth obtaining is union with the Supreme Spirit, and emancipation from the troubles and temptations of a mortal existence.] 6 INDIAN BALLADS. 1. God of the varied bow ! God of the thousand eyes ! From all the winds that blow Thy praises rise ; Forth through the world they go. Hymning to all below Thee, whom the blest shall know, Lord of the skies ! 2. Rending the guilty town, Leading celestial hosts. Hurling the demons down To the drear coasts : Still with thy lightning frown Winning thee wide renown, Till the wild waters drown All their proud boasts. 3. Whom thy dread weapon finds, Striking the mark afar, Them thy just anger binds In the fierce war : HYMN TO INDEA. Rebels ! their frenzied minds Thus thine illusion blinds,— Seven times seven vnnds Wafting thy car. 4. So, by the fivefold tree. Where the bright waters run, We, who impurity HeedfuUy shun. In Amaravati, Indra, shall dwell with thee, From earth's pollution free, When life is done. 5. God by the gods obeyed, Hear thou our feeble cry ! Lend us thy sovereign aid, Lord of the sky ! Of our fierce foes afraid. Fainting, distressed, dismayed. To thy protecting shade Hither we fly. 8 INDIAN BALLADS. Hh ^dcn^a of gahsba. [This is a favourite subject of Hindii sculpture, especially on the temples of Shiva, such as the caves of Elephanta and Ellora. It, no doubt, is an allegory of the contest between the followers of Shiva and the worshippers of the Elements, who observed the old ritual of the Vedas, in which the name of Shiva is never mentioned.] Daksha for devotion Made a mighty feast ; Milk and curds and butter, Flesh of bird and beast, Rice and spice and honey, Sweetmeats, ghi and gur,~ Gifts for all the Brahmans, Food for all the poor. At the gates of Ganga ^ Daksha held his feast ; Called the gods unto it. Greatest as the least. THE SACRIFICE OF DAKSHA. 9 All the gods were gathered Round with one accord ; All the gods but Uma,^ All but Uma's lord. Uma sat with Shiva On Kailasa ^ hill ; Round them stood the Rudras "^ Watching for their will. Who is this that cometh, Lilting to his lute ? All the birds of heaven Heard his music, mute. Round his head a garland Rich of hue was wreathed ; Every sweetest odour From its blossoms breathed. 'Tis the Muni ' Narad ; 'Mong the gods he fares, Ever making mischief By the tales he bears. 1^ INDIAN BALLADS. " Hail to lovely Uma ! Hail to Uma's lord ! Wherefore are they absent From her father's board ? ' ' Multiplied his merits Would be truly thrice, Could he gain your favour For his sacrifice." Wroth of heart was Uma ; To her lord she spake : — " Why dost thou, the mighty. Of no rite partake ? " Straight I speed to Daksha Such a sight to see : If he be my father, He must welcome thee." Wondrous was in glory Daksha's holy rite ; Never had creation Viewed so brave a sight. THE SACRIFICE OF DAKSHA. 11 Gods, and njToaplis, and fathers. Sages, Bnihmaus, sprites, — Every diverse creature Wrought that rite of rites. Quickly then a quaking Fell on all from far ; Uma stood amidst them On her lion car. " Greeting, gods and sages, Greeting, father mine ! Work hath wondrous virtue, Where such aids combine. " Guest-hall never gathered Goodlier company : Seemeth all are welcome, — All the gods hut me." te"^ Spake the Muni Daksha, Stern and cold his tone : — Welcome thou, too, daughter. Since thou com'st alone. 1- INDIAN BALLADS. " But thy frenzied husband ^ Suits another shrine ; He is no partaker Of this feast of mine. " He who walks the darkness Loves no deeds of light ; He who herds with demons Shuns each kindly sjirite. Let him wander naked, — Wizard weaj^ons wield, — Dance his frantic measure Round the funeral field. '' Art thou yet delighted With the reeking hide, Body smeared with ashes, Skulls in necklace tied ? '' Thou to love this monster ! , Thou to plead his part ! Know the moon and Ganga Share that faithless heart. THE SACRIFICE OF DAKSHA. 13 " Vainly art thou vying With thy rivals' charms : Are not coils of serpents Softer than thine arms ? " Words like these from Daksha Daksha's daughter heard ; Then a sudden passion All her bosom stirred : Eyes with fury flashing, Speechless in her ire, Headlong did she hurl her 'Mid the holy fire. Then a trembling terror Overcame each one, And their minds were troubled Like a darkened sun ; And a cruel Vision, Face of lurid flame, Uma's Wrath Incarnate, From the altar came. li INDIAN BALLADS. Fiendlike forms by thousands Started from his side ; 'Gainst the sacrificers All their might they plied : Till the saints availed not Strength like theirs to stay, And the gods distracted Turned and fled away. Hushed were hymns and chanting ; Priests were mocked and spurned ; Food defiled and scattered ; Altars overturned. — Then, to save the object Sought at such a price, Like a deer in semblance Sped the sacrifice. Soaring toward the heavens, Through the sky it fled ; But the Ptudras chasing Smote away its head. THE SACRIFICE OF DAKSHA. 1 Prostrate ou the pavement Daksha fell dismayed : — " Mightiest, thou hast conquered ; Thee we ask for aid. " Let not our oblations All be rendered vain ; Let our toilsome labour Full fruition gain." Bright the broken altars Shone with Shiva's form ; "Be it so!" His blessing Soothed that frantic storm. Soon his anger ceases, Though it soon arise ; — But the Deer's Head^ ever Blazes in the skies. K 16 INDIAN BALLADS. Cbc SoiTB of tijc %\dil 10 YOUTHS and maidens, rise and sing ! The Koil is come who leads the spring : The buds that were sleeping his voice have heard, And the tale is borne on by each nesting bird. The trees of the forest have all been told ; They have donned their mantles of scarlet and gold ; '^ To welcome him back they are bravely dressed, But he loves the blossoming mango best. The Koil is come, glad news to bring ! On the blossoming mango he rests his wing ; Though its hues may be dull, it is sweet, oh ! sweet, And its shade and its fruit the wanderer greet. The Koil is come, and the forests ring : He has called aloud to awake the Spring, — Spring the balmy, the friend of Love, The bodiless god who reigns above. ^'^ THE SOXG OF THE KOIL. 17 Oh ! sad were the hearts of the gods that day ^\lien the worlds all mourned the oppressor's sway ; "NMien the oracle promised deliverance none Till Shiva the wrathful should lend his sou.^* But Shiva the wrathful he recked not of that Where on Himavan's" side as a hermit he sat ; And there was not a dweller on Meru ^' would dare To break his devotion, and shovv him their prayer. Yet not even the frown of Destruction could awe The loveliest form that Creation e'er saw ; Eternal in youth, he thought it foul shame That the Eldest of Beings dishonoured his name. He hath mounted his parrot that flashed in the sun ; He hath pointed with blossoms his arrows each one : "^ Of the sweet, sweet cane he hath shapen his bow ; And his string is of bees in a long black row. Soon Kama is come to the Being he sought ; His \-isage was haggard vnth. watching and thought ; His body was lean, and his limbs were shrunk ; His colour was wan, and his eyes were sunk. 2 18 INDIAN BALLADS. His thick black locks iii a knot were tied ; His loins were wrapped with a tiger's hide ; His sldn with ashes was smeared and grey ; And spread beneath him a deer- skin lay. He moved not, nor spoke, save in telling his beads On the rosary strung of the jungle seeds ; ^' Yet his head was awful, a god's to view, And gemmed with the moon and the Ganges' dew. And little did Shiva the wrathful care For the flag which flaunted so bravely there ; Though the fish'"* was flashing with jewels and gold, He moved not his eyes, and his beads he told. But archly does young-eyed Kama smile On those who would foil him by force or by guile ; And his keenest shaft to the string he laid, As he called to that presence the mountain-maid. ^" The love-shaft flew from the bow-string fast, As the child of the snows in her beauty passed ; And the cream-white lotus "'^ blushed rosy red Where the blood of the god from his wound was shed. THE SONG OF THE KOIL. 19 Oh I sharp is the arrowy blossom's smart,. For the maugo flower ne'er missed the heart ; And the Avork of the gods is fairly done, And help shall arise out of Shiva's son.-^ But woe for that image of loveliness, woe ! Which the worlds of creation no longer shall know ; In Shiva's first wrath at the breach of his vow, Consumed by the flame-darting eye of his brow.^=^ But the flames could not weaken Immortal Might ; He is born in the heart"-' in the spring-time bright. Whose is the breast where the god shall dwell '? youths and maidens, you can tell. 20 INDIAN BALLADS. (Tbc Cburninq of iht Qwan. Sad and bitter was the season, In the lonely days of yore, When the mighty demon's treason Vexed the world from shore to shore When the Suras"* were but mortal, And they fell by force or guile : While the Asurs^^ to Heaven's portal Near and nearer drew the while. Came the gods by Brahma bidden — Doubt and dread in every face ; Long they held a council hidden — Strait and evil seemed their case. Vishnu prayed they then to save them ; Only him their trust they made : Deep the counsel which he gave them, When they looked to him for aid. THE CHURNING OF THE OCEAN. 21 When they left the realms of pleasure, " Know ye not, Asuras wise," Thus they said, " the priceless treasure Ocean hideth from our eyes ? " Sweet is life the while one liveth, But death cometh soon or late ; Win with us the di-aught which giveth Life exempt from change of fate. " If to churning of the ocean Our united strength we hring. From the swift and swirling motion Will that virtuous liquor spring." Then they made a pact between them, Gods and demons in that tide ; Joyously did they demean them As they laboured side by side. Mandar first, that mighty mountain, From his roots they wrenched and tore ; Him with tree and rock and fountain For their churning- staff they bore. 22 INDIAN BALLADS. Sheslia'-'" next, the hundred-lieaded, World -support — the Serpent King — Round the mountain him, the dreaded, Wound they for their churning string. Htill their work remained unready ; For their staff support they lack, Till hy Vishnu's grace 'twas steady On the eternal Tortoise'-^ hack. But the demons, danger scorning. Heedless seized the poison head, While the gods at Vishnu's warning Safely grasped the tail instead. So they ranged their ranks asunder ; So they toiled with might and glee : When was ever heard a wonder Like the churning of the sea! Eager strove they, struggling, straining ; Round the mountain whirled and swung ; Shesha writhed, the task disdaining ; High their crests the hillows flung. THE CHURNING OF THE OCEAN. 23 White the width of waters boiling Roared and burst around the hill : Ocean, all the labour foiling, Battled for his treasures still. Lo ! at last the waves are breaking ! Lo ! a prize of marvel Avon ! From his manes the foam -drops shaking, Sea-green courser of the sun.^^ Lo ! Airavat's-' form stupendous ! 'Tis the beast that ludra rides. Spouting from his trunk tremendous Fountains o'er his monstrous sides. Cow of plenty,^" boon-bestoA\ing, Yieldeth now the rifled sea : Now with sweetest blossoms blowing Swarga's ^^ first and fairest tree. Eager strove they, struggling, straining ; Round and round the mountain swung ; Shesha gasped, the toil sustaining ; Loud the thundering echoes rung ; 24 ' INDIAN BALLADS. Whirled the waste of waters raging ; White and wide the yeasty froth ; Ocean fiercer warfare waging Held his treasures still in wrath. Forms of brightness, silvern, golden. Moon and Sun by turn apj^ear : They by Soma, Silrya, holden, Eule the changes of the year. Vishnu gained his lustrous jewel, Couch and disc ^^ instinct with life ; Shiva won that weapon ^' cruel None but he can bend in strife. Shadowy shapes of perfect beauty''^ Form amidst the creaming foam ; Nymphs who — meed of warrior's duty — Make the Swara'a bowers their home. '&•- Eager strove they, struggling, straining ; Round the mountain whirled and swung ; Shesha panted, uncomplaining ; Flames from rocks and bushes sprung ; THE CHURNING OF THE OCEAN. "25 Billows raging, roaring, ra^•ing ; Stirred the waters' utmost deep ; Ocean's foamy banners waving Still their choicest treasures keep. Dhanwantari,^^ sage physician, Next his priceless casket brings — Healing hand, if ill condition E'er might touch celestial things. Now a vision comes enthralling — Lakshmi comes, the queen of grace ; '^^ Gods and demons prostrate falling Bow before that lovely face. By the charmer unaffected Sur or Asur stood not one ; Thus by rival hands neglected All their toil was nigh undone. Slow, more slow, was Mandar turning : Calmer gi-ew the angry main : Ocean from the fearful churning Deemed the prize his own again. 26 INDIAN BALLADS. But the demons fainter growing Could not win so fair a bride ; She, herself her hand bestowing, Seated her at Vishnu's side. Eager strained they, struggling, striving ; Round and round Mount Mandar swung Sheslia, drooping, scarce surviving, — On his jaws the poison hung. Nigh those jaws of horror gaping All the demons faint and tire, Till beyond control escaping Burst around the stream of fire. Then had earth and sky been blasted. Then the seven oceans blazed, Had the flaming torrent lasted — While the gods in stupor gazed — But that Shiva, strong in aiding, Drained himself the fatal draught ; While the throat-stain ^'' never fading Shows how fierce a cup he quafled. THE CHURNING OF THE OCEAN. 27 Lo, once more a sight surprising ! Lo, two maidens side by side ! Each amid the waters rising Bears a beaker from the tide. Roaring sink the seas defeated : Rests the serpent : stands the hill : All their labour now completed, Let the toilers take their fill. Then the Asuras dazed and hasting Seized the larger, fairer flask ; While the gods the Amrit ^^ tasting Gained the profit of the task. Yet each eager demon seeker , Boasted loud — " the prize is mine ; " "'' For from that deceitful beaker • First was poured the enchanter, Wine. Only of the Amrit flagon One more wary tasted too, — Rabu — spite his shape of dragon — Mingled with the Sura crew. 28 INDIAN BALLADS. Siirya soon the craft espying, Vishnu cleft his form in twain : But the head^" Kves on undying — Mortal yet the fish-like train. Sun and moon his hate pursuing Chases ever night and day : Woe for earth's and man's undoing, Should he seize them on their way ! V ( '29 ) Cbc f ourtb ^butura. y ^* 1. Sing we to him •who reigneth ou high, The first of the sacred three : " In the world beneath, and the earth, and sky, As far as the goklen walls ''* extend Where light must vanish and life must end, Is none so great as he. 2. Sing we to him whose couch is borne By the many-headed snake : ^-^ By elemental discord torn, Nature her rest must take, 'Midst the world of waters wide Tossing round on every side. 30 INDIAN BALLADS. Till the god his slumhers break, When the destined hour is nigh, And bid a new creation wake To life and energy. 3. All-preserving, all-creating, All-destroying he ; " From his essence generating All things that e'er shall be. Nought is done ~ Beneath the sun, Within the golden wall, But he, before the worlds begun, Hath predetermined all. 4. Still the work he loveth best Is to give the weary rest ; To remove, in mortal birth, The burdens of the groaning earth ; And with resistless arm to free THE FOURTH AYATARA. 31 His followers who, in good or ill, Shall hold their faith unshaken still. Few and feeble though they be ; For those who look to him for aid Nought on earth shall make afraid. 5. 'Twas thus he humbled Bali's pride/^ Spanning the skies at a single stride : And to earth the Vedas gave, Hidden long in ocean-cave, Till the conflict dire was ended : And, the holy king to save, From out the all-destroying wave His radiant horn extended. 6. Sing we the deeds of the Ramas three,'"^ With ploughshare, axe, and bow : Of him in vest of blue arrayed, The wielder of the awful blade, The spouse of Eevati : Of him who cleft the house of snow. 32 INDIAN BALLADS. Where, through the deep and winding length, The sacred waters flow Of Ganga rushing in her strength Upon the world helow ; Who, in his righteous ire, Unnumhered hosts o'erthrew. And, to avenge his slaughtered sire, The haughty tyrants slew : Or last, of him, Ayodhya's boast, Who bridged the roaring deep ; Who quelled the demon host, Though their arms were mighty, their walls were steep, And on the barbarous coast Undying fame did reap. 7. By his side His radiant bride, Lovely Sita,^^ lotus-eyed ; From the giant's fierce embrace, — Sorely tempted, sorely tried, — Rescued by the monkey race ; THE FOURTH AVATARA. 33 Ever constant, ever true, From the sea of milk descending, Each various incarnation through, His glorious steps attending. 8. Most precious of all treasures she ^^ That rose from out the teeming sea. When the gods and demons strove The cup of life to gain ; From every land The heavenly hand Of watchers thronged her hand to obtain ; Yet, well discerning Vishnu's love. She went with him to reign. 9. But, when misfortune on her cast Suspicion and evil blame, The ordeal strange she passed To clear her injured name ; High-hearted in her purity, She dared the raging flame ; 34 INDIAN BALLADS. Like the wind that blows From the mount of snows The holy fire became, And, from their self-moving cars on high,^ The heavenly powers Rained down flowers, And sang her spotless fame. 10. Yet best we love to sing The universal King/" When, for his faithful servants' good, Beneath the tyrant's sway oppressed, Clad in his yellow vest, The god in lowly guise A simple herd-boy stood, In Vrinda's holy wood ; — chief of mysteries, Hard to be understood ! 11. His lotus eyes Our hearts surprise From his face of the cloud-dark hue ; " THE FOURTH AVATARA. 35 As the stars shine hright Through the purj^le night, Or the sea-fire flashes its liying hght From the ocean's depths of hlue. 12. But a fiercer form he bore In the evil days of yore, When every region groaned beneath a tyrant's sway ; When every Hving thing The golden-mailed ^^ king Acknowledged as supreme to worship and obey. 13. So great the penance done, By Diti's °^ mighty son, A wondrous gift he won From the Creator's hand : O'er earth he ruled, and sea, and skies. And made the trembling deities Within his palace walls in menial garb to stand. None might strive with him in fight Beneath the eye of day ; None beneath the clouds of night Might the wicked Raja slay; 36 INDIAN BALLADS. He no hostile form need doubt In earth, or sky, or sea ; Within his palace and without, From death or danger free ; Man, and beast, and form divine Vainly should 'gainst him combine. 14. But with such power entrusted he Waxed wanton in his pride ; And with a frantic jealousy The friends of Vishnu eyed. 15. Where shall be found, oh ! where, One faithful earnest heart, Unblenchingly to dare The torture's fiery smart, And raise a suppliant prayer Before the eternal throne ? O fools ! by worldly threatenings cowed. Before a mortal's feet they bowed. And rendered him the worship proud They owed to one alone. THE FOURTH AVATARA. 37 The Brahmans misinterpreted What truths the Veclas taught : The people, by their priests misled, No real wisdom sought : The Scriptures were no longer read : None made the ablutions due ; The expectant manes were not fed ; The poor no helper knew ; The Gurus " were dishonoured ; The holy kine were slain ; For far and wide doth evil spread Beneath an evil reign. 16. On those who slight the god's command, What vengeance shall he do ? Shall floods destroy the impious land, And whelm the world anew ? Or shall the clouds of thunder, big with woes. That bring the iron age's fearful close, Amidst the affrighted skies Before their time arise ? Or shall the obedient trees again Hear their Creator's word, as when 38 INDIAN BALLADS. His mandate bade them sweep O'er hill and desert, rock and fen, With rapid growth unchecked, till men Were forced into the deep '? ^^ The breezes had no power to blow, And all that fearful shade below Was silent as the tomb : The restless sands did forests know, And Himavan ^® his crest of snow Veiled with a verdant plume ; So close the countless trunks were set, And interlacing branches met, The earth with rain was never wet, No ray dispelled the gloom ; Till from their vigil in the seas The saints " arising reached the bank, And, where they passed, the conscious trees Before their awful presence shrank. 17. The lord of mercy deemeth not All evil and unsound. If still one unpolluted spot. Unscathed by sin, be found. THE FOURTH AVATAEA. 39 He sees, amongst the Raja's train, One incorrupt of heart remain Amidst the tempters round. Before Hiranyakashipu ^^ Though princes bow and sages sue, — Though all the earth adore, — Unmoved by worldly pomp, his eye. Endued with wisdom from on high, To Vishnu's throne beyond the sky Hath learned in faith to soar. 18. The monarch's son, Prahlada styled. Of guilty sire the guiltless child, — Him no temptations could o'erwhelm, Still faithful found when tried, — The heir to all his father's realm, But not his father's pride. 19. The pleasures of a royal state Have made e'en sages fall ; The threatenings of the earthly great Cause saints from right to deviate ; 40 INDIAN BALLADS. He knew how vain our mortal fate, And overcame them alh His sire none more obedient knew, Yet served he not beyond the due Of fathers and of kings ; His heart was set on wisdom true. From Vishnu's self that springs. 20. " Son," said the king, " no longer praise Those puny gods of other days, Whose power has passed away ; A mightier sceptre than the old (Which thou thyself perchance may'st hold) Do all the worlds obey. Or, if they still some reverence claim. Through Shiva, not through Vishnu's name. Thy vows will most avail ; He was a mighty prince indeed ; His acts of vengeance we may read In many an ancient tale. But, on his distant lotus-seat Enthroned with his bride. Lies Vishnu in oblivion sweet, THE FOUETH AVATAEA. 41 Nor heeds the world beside. If thou wouldst praise him, thither go ; For not within these realms below Shall he, our race's deadliest foe, By thee be glorified ! " 21. To him Prahlada answer made : — " Father, in all things be obeyed (As best beseems) thy will ; But, when my eyes behold the land, And view the workings of his hand. How can my tongue be still ? And how can I associate With Shiva's sullen train, Who weave before his temple-gate. Their frantic dance, or meditate Within the awful fane ? 22. " It was not from the will of their master's might That the earth in its loveliness golden bright, And the changeful weft of the day and night. And the heavens whose glories are infinite, 42 INDIAN BALLADS. Into young creation burst : He loveth the blood of the mystic rite, And he smileth on men as they rush to fight, Like demons for gore athirst : In the funeral field, with fiend and sprite, He worketh his orgies dire, As they dance around by the spectral light Of the slowly-fading pyre. When the fight is done, 'Neath the setting sun, He hastes \\ith his horrid train : He quaffs the blood. In a ghastly flood As it lies on the battle-plain ; And he loves to bedeck With skulls his neck, As he strides o'er the heaps of slain. 23. " But Vishnu seeks to bless The earth with happiness, As in his yellow dress He roams the woodland shades ; THE FOUETH AVATAEA. 43 'Tis there lie si^encls the sunny hours ; Leader of Heaven's benignant powers. He haunts the groves and forest bowers, — His necklace, of the forest flowers, — His train, the forest maids. Kind to the poor, and mercy's lord ; How well such names accord With true devotion, the preserver's claim ! No penance fraught with fear, To gloomy Shiva dear, Shall have such power above As pure and earnest love. And faith on Hari's^^ name. Thus Vishnu doth fulfil To each his separate will Of honour, wealth, or fame ; But if, puffed up by power and pride, From truth and right they start aside, Compassionate, not even then His mercy fails the sons of men : Before misfortune's chilling blast Down from their dizzy greatness cast, They turn to him again. 44 INDIAN BALLADS. 24. " Yet he those paths of danger never knows, On whom the god his chiefest favour shows ; Who gives no boon Decaying soon, But saves from lasting woes, And union with himself through future time bestows. 25. " For countless wealth, or magic might, Or wondrous charms, or strength in iight, Or universal reign. To Mahadeva'''^ be thy suit ; All worldly blessings as its fruit Thy penance shall attain. But they who Vishnu serve. Nor from his precepts swerv^e, Though poverty the lot they must endure on earth, Among the spirits blest. Dwell in untroubled rest, Absorbed in his divinity, exempt from future birth." THE FOURTH AVATAEA. 26. Scarce the concluding word The king of giants heard, And marked Prahlada's faith, by menace un- deterred ; " Chiefs of my host," he cried, " obey. And with the traitorous wretch away, Who dares acknowledge in my realm a rival to my sway." 27. Straight at their monarch's call Attendant in the hall. Appeared the demon chiefs, of mighty stature all. Prahlada shrank not, but his eye Unquailing raised he to the sky, As though he said, — . " By Vishnu's aid Your warriors I defy." 28. " Strike ! " cried the monarch ; but in vain The weapons fall, and fall again : 46 INDIAN BALLADS. They swerve aside, nor reach his steadfast breast : As rowers, when with sinewy strain They strive some sheltering isle to gain, — Hurled by the eddies to the roaring main, In mute despair the weary oarsmen rest. 29. " Away with these ! " the angi-y Kaja cries, " The fire a surer punishment supplies." Then forth the unresisting prince they drew : An unseen power the flames obedient knew, And parted wide On either side. And wreathed their waving coils around, As though an arch of triumph they supplied, And his most holy head with glory crowned. 30. The tiger slunk away Before the intended prey : Unharmed, in faith did he the cup envenomed drink : Hurled from the mountain precipice's brink, THE FOURTH AVATARA. 47 As soft he sank to rest, On the earth's rocky breast, As the descending lark doth sink. Her hymn of thanks complete, upon her nest. 31. The learned Brahmans came. Before the sacred flame They wrought their sorceries dread : The spirit feared to face The shield of Vishnu's grace, And shrieking smote the sorcerers in his stead. 32. Thereat a voice was heard so soft and clear. It thrilled the heart with love and fear : ' ' Well hast thou done ; Thy prayer, whate'er it he, I hear. Ask thou a boon, my son." Prahlada due obeisance made, And thus -^ith reverent voice he said : — " If such be in thy will, Though these their lofty birth abuse. The works of righteousness refuse. 48 INDIAN BALLADS. And seek thy saints to kill ; Yet in thy mercy-loving breast Short time do wrath and anger rest ; Think, they are Brahmans still : Upon them look with pitying eye : Forgiven, they from sin may fly, And leave the paths of ill." 33. Up rose the Brahmans then, And they spake before the king : " Om-s is the strength of men. And their aid thy demons bring. But with thy holy son In vain would we contend ; For his righteousness hath won The Eternal for his friend. Him, Eaja, do not thou forget ; Though long his anger sleep, Kebellious princes never yet Destruction failed to reap. His shafts of vengeance are not spent, Though mercy bids them wait : Unless thou dost in time repent, Thou shalt — ^when all too late." THE FOURTH AVATARA. 49 34. " Then let him live, since live he must. Till he shall loathe to live ; Till all the joy of living rust, Cra\-ing, from him he made his trust, The death he cannot give. Bear him, ye demons, far away ; Beneath the ocean's utmost deej^, Where never reached the light of day, Let him and all his treasons sleep. With mountains piled above his head, Sunk in the water's oozy bed. Unseen and unremembered. How can his doctrines further spread? " 35. There many a day Prahlada lay. While rocks above him tower ; Rain and sunshine, night and day, Undistinguished roll away. Hour succeeding hour. He heard not the music, soft yet dread. Which the billows were making far overhead : 4 )0 INDIAN BALLADS. He saw not the fitful shadowy light (Like the struggling moon on a cloudy night), Which plays on many a hidden gem, Meet for Yaruna's" diadem. But on Yaikuntha's**' lord. In silence hest adored, So firmly had he fixed his bosom's every chord. He knew no thought of weary care. Aye wandering through those regions fair Which Lakshmi's self delights to bless, — Lakshmi, the queen of hapi^iness. 36. As one who lieth bound in sleep In some enchanted isle, Lulled by the sound of streams which sweep O'er pebbly channels to the deep, — But he dreameth on the while : He rideth again To the battle -plain. As he rode in the days of old ; He graspeth the band In his stalwart hand, And the glorious flag of his native land To victory doth unfold : THE FOURTH AVATARA. 51 Or he speedetli away to a lonely tower, Autl lie sitteth once more in his lady's bower, While the bright sunbeam, Like a golden stream, Comes floating in through the lattice high, Where the sweet woodbine And the jessamine Hang in an odorous canopy. For who wills to be free, him none shall enthrall, Since a fi-eedom there is which surpasseth all, The freedom of the mind : The tyrant's chain, and the sorcerer's charm, May fetter the hand and unnerve the arm. But the spirit they cannot bind. 37. While twice twelve times the gods and manes drained The silver bowl that radiant Soma**^ gained, Bound in his rocky prison the prince remained. But little the power of faith he knows Who deems Prahlada stilled for aye : The rocks were rent, and the captive rose, And breathed the air of upper day. 52 INDIAN BALLADS. 38. What can lieal the blindness Of rash and headstrong pride ? Although the king with kindness His son returning eyed, Yet to the god by whom, In his dungeon of doubt and gloom, That son was still protected, His homage paid he not : The warnings were neglected ; The wonders all forgot. 39. 'Twas evening, and the sun was low ; His rays of glory brightly shone The softly rippling waves upon, That shorewards ceaseless flow : As though a stream of gold Its liquid treasure rolled To bathe the coursers seven," All weary of their race through the high vault oi heaven. THE FOURTH AVATARA. 53 40. Beneath tlie palace gate, With pillars wrought of antique stone, Carved with the exploits gi-eat Of those old kings who held the throne Of Diti's sons, — alone Prahlclda and the Eaja sate. Th^ prince perceived the sinking ray, And rose the simple rites to pay. Due from the pious ere the day is done. As he went forth, his father bade him stay : " Leave me not yet, my son, Thy Vishnu, how can he From far Vaikuntha see One rite the less performed on earth ? Or is thy master so severe That one neglect outweighs the worth Of all good works performed through many a year?" 41. " Who seiTeth Vishnu well, for love him serveth, Not for reward," Prahlada made reply : " If by delusion led from right he swerveth, To his preserver contrite let him fly. 54 INDIAN BALLADS. , But how can he forgiveness hope to win, Who falls rebellions into wilful sin ? And deem not he in heaven alone abides, Whose spirit nature's countless workings guides : Whether in whirlwinds and in storms he rides, Or bids the seasons roll the appointed year, — Or whether he descends to scan The secrets of the heart of man, Vishnu is present here. For know, our spirits' inmost thought Is unto him as surely known As act in that effulgence wrought Which beams around his lotus throne." 42. The king a glance of anger cast, And on the portal's column vast Struck down his massive mace : — " And is he here ? Then let my foe His form disclose, that we may know Whose might should rule the world below, Whom serve the human race." THE FOURTH AYATARA. 55 43. He struck ; the stone asunder flew, And Hari's self appeared to view, In form of awe and dread ; No look with heavenly beauty graced, No glance of mercv could be traced ; But, on a human body placed. Appeared a lion's head. Vain was the strife, and vain escape ; Back to the chasm the fearful shape His struggling victim led : And, as the guilty spirit fled, On the far mountain's top the sun's last ray was shed. 44. Thus the reign of e^il ended : Thus did vengeance conquer pride : Though he, by magic charms defended, Earth and heaven alike defied, Yet was the web with craft designed By Vishnu's might asunder rent, For wickedness is ever blind. And leaves a way for punishment. 56 INDIAN BALLADS. 45. Sing we to him who shall yet return ^^ In our season of utmost need ; With a meteor flash his sword shall burn, As he mounts on his snow-white steed. With the hosts of the wicked he war shall wage, A victor from shore to shore ; And the earth from the stains of the iron age To virtue and peace restore. For the wisdom of old in vain we seek, Perplexed in fear and doubt, And the hearts of men are all too weak To work their salvation out ; And the infidel bands are increasing l^ist, And the faithful oppressed and slain — When shall the fated days be past. And our help return again ? ( 57 ) C^iJ f amentatioii of ijii. FROM THE RAGHUVANSHA, OR CHRONICLE OF RAGHU'S LINE. [King Aja, son of Raghu, and grandfather of Rama, was married to a nymph, enchanted to the form of a mortal princess. Her spell was to cease when she met the flowers of her native paradise. Accordingly, when the king and queen were walking together in the wood, Narada^s happened to pass, and a gust of wind earned his garland to the breast of the queen, on which she swooned and died.] My own, my loveliest, I clasp thee to my breast, A lute with chords unstrung ; Hushed is thy music tone, An evening lotus lone. No bee to murmur deep its snowy leaves among. Hath beauty power to slay '? Could blossoms sweet and gay Destroy this perfect form ? Ay ! softest natures oft Death smites with weapons soft ; Snow-rills the lotus kill, which braved the pelting storm. 58 INDIAN BALLADS. This wreath of vakuP" sweet Remaineth incomplete, We plaited hand in hand ; Thou didst begin the rite These graceful trees to unite/^ But now their yearning boughs must long unwedded stand. The Ashoka's"" fertile shoot, Of thy sweet touch the fruit, Its flowers above thee weeps ; I thought to bind thy hair With those red blossoms fair ; How can they deck the pyre whereon my darling sleeps '? The Chakravjika''" soon Rejoins his mate ; the moon Brings joy once more to night : These wait and trust, but I Look vainly to the sky, Which mocks my hopes with winds that wave thy ringlets light. Thy tinkling girdle pressed So close thy gentle breast, THE LAMENTATION OF AJA. 59 It knew each secret beat ; Now on tliy heart it Hes, Silent its melodies, As though its spirit still went with its mistress sweet. A bitter tear-mixed draught Must by thy shade be quaffed For wine of glad desire : A couch of leaves new-spread Was once too harsh a bed ; How will thy tender limbs endure the cruel pyre ? Thy voice the koils'^ show, Thy timid glance the doe, To lighten my distress ; The swans thy stately pace, The wind-waved boughs thy grace ; — But these are not my love, and I am comfortless. My light is fled to-day ; My glory wanes away ; My state a joyless throne ; My songs henceforth have ceased ; My year is void of feast ; My brave array is lost ; my couch is dark and lone. 60 INDIAN BALLADS. Had I offended aught, Thy gentle heart no thought Of anger felt to me : Why are my prayers unheard ? Without one farewell word, To leave thine only love, who never lov6d but thee ! Thy friends were true each one ; An orbed moon thy son ; Thy husband, thine through life. Oh ! what to me is left, By death of thee bereft. The partner of my joys, my friend, companion, wife ? ( 61 ) mn K:\Bt (Drbciil of .SltH. [Tbe stor_v of Sita, the sweetest heroine in all pagan ston-, should be t(jld by a chief of poets, not a mere translator of ballads. Still, in a collection of Indian legends, it could not be altogether omitted. Dasharatha, King of Ayodhya (Awadh or Uudh), had, by his three wives, four sons. The eldest of these, Rama, repaired to Mithila (Tirhut). the court of King Janaka, who had promised the hand of Sita — daughter of the earth, but found and adopted by him — to that competitor who should bend the bow of Shiva, which was preserved in his family. Rama not only bent but broke it, and thereby won the princess, but also incurred the hostility of Parashu Rama,"^ or Rama with the axe, a warlike saint, and declared enemy of the wan'ior caste, of whom he saw in Rama the champion, as well as the contemner of his patron, the god Shiva. But Rama vanquished him, on his challenge to a trial of skill in archer}', by striking a revolving mark, at which he might only aim by its reflection in a vessel of oil. On Rama's return, he was to be inaugurated as successor to the throne ; but his stepmother claimed two boons formerly promised by her husband, and selected the inaugm'ation of her own son Bharata, and the banishment of Rama for fourteen years. Rama accordingly went into exile with his wife and half-brother Lakshmana, who refused to leave him. The king soon afterwards died of grief, and Bhai-ata hastened to recall Rama ; but the latter refused to transgress the word of his dead father, so Bharata placed Rama's shoes on the throne, governing as his vicegerent. ^Meanwhile, Rama and his companions journeyed on ^^■ith many adventm-es, and at last settled by the source of the Godavari, near Nasik, the holy city of the Deccan. Here Ravana, the ten-headed giant, who ruled Lanka, or Ceylon, and had subdued even the gods and elements to his will, beguiled both Sita's protectors from her side by the semblance of a golden deer ; 62 INDIAN BALLADS. and then, presenting himself as a pilgrim perishing of thirst, persuaded her to leave the safe limits of her hut to assist him, when he carried her off to his palace. There Rama at last discovered her, with the help of his allies, the monkeys and bears (no doubt the aboriginal tribes who inhabited the woods and hills of the south). These built Adam's Bridge, to enable him to cross the Straits ; and, after several battles, Ravana was slain, and Sita delivered. She, however, could not be received by her husband, till she had proved her purity by the ordeal of fire, when the gods rained flowers on her, and transported the pai'ty in a heavenly car to Ayodhya. Upon their arrival Bharata resigned the governn:'ent, and they dwelt happily till Kama, on hearing that his subjects blamed him for taking back a wife who had been so long in the power of the ravisher, determined to put her away ; and when, shortly before the birth of her sons Kusha and Lava, she expressed a wish to revisit the banks of the Ganges, the scene of her first wanderings, he desu'ed Lakshmana to leave her there. So she dwelt in the hermitage, and Rama reigned solitary and remorseful. But, when some years after he held a great sacrifice in an assembly of all the citizens without the walls, he was attracted by the appearance of two noble youths, who sang the Karaayana, or history of his own exploits. On his inquiring their birth, they introduced the hermit and their mother, who proved to be his long-banished Sita.] Yes, Rama, it is I ; beliold again Her who was once thy wife, thy widow now. Long years exiled from happiness and thee ; And happier those who widows are indeed, Whom duty bids not to survive their lords, And drag out lingering years on earth alone. Yet am I not all cheerless in my woe : I still may learn thy deeds, still hear thy name A wonder and a praise on lips of men. THE LAST OEDEAL OF SITA. 68 And I am still the mother of thy sous, Thy sons and worthy thee, — worthy to fill Thy throne hereafter, blessing the earth with rule. There is no sin, no crime 'gainst God or man, But has its penance fitted to the case. And not to be exceeded. What for me ? Is't not enough, these weaiy, weaiy years ? Is there no memory of our early love. And the long troubles we together bare ? Dost not remember all my joy and pride, When sceptred kings contended for this hand, And thou didst conquer : — and that fearful day, When I beheld, with terror and with prayers. How the destroyer of the warrior race Despised thy youth and spurned thy courtesy. But went back humbled ? So, while, blest by all. The bridal train moved home triumphantly, There fell the cruel writ of banishment : And thou, my noble Rama, murmuredst not, — Thou heldest years of poverty and toil Less evil than to break a father's oath. Though rashly given. Nor did I put off The bracelets of my marriage,"'^ newly bound : 64 INDIAN BALLADS. I could not dwell in palaces alone, — I, chosen by the crown of Raghu's race."* By pathless ways, through woods and Avilds we went ; O'er rocks and rivers, and the haunts of beasts, Supported by thy love, I journeyed on. And oh ! how happy was our woodland life, — To weave thy forest garb, to dress thy meal, ,To rest in peace while sweet Godiivari Lulled us with murmurs down her rocky bed ! Oh, that thou wert a simple forester, And I thy love ! Thy love ? I am thy love, And thou the noblest king that ruleth right. And metetli justice to a hundred tribes^ Then would I rob thee of thy high estate, And leave the nations to a meaner lord ? So were their slanders true, mine exile just ; For no true wife is she, though chaste and pure. Who loves herself before her husband's fame. Yes, I transgressed ; was it so grave a crime ? I could not see him perishing for thirst, An old, frail man, and clad in holy weeds. I thought not of thy warning, and the wiles Of that deceiver, source of all our woe. THE LAST ORDEAL OF SITA. 65 I crossed the safe enclosure of our hut. Then straight the giant showed his monstrous form ; He seized me, calling vainly on thy name, And hore me trembling o'er the hills away. The savage dwellers in the woods and caves Took pity on my grief ; they marked my path ; They crossed the mountains and the southern sea ; They found me prisoned in the Ashoka " grove, And ranged their hosts 'neath thine avenging arm. Then came the moment of thy victory. When I was clasped to thy triumphant breast : Thou dost remember that ! But yet thou saidst, " I know thy heart mine own ; I know thine eyes, That could not look thus bravely into mine, Had aught of ill befallen ; yet, sweet heart. The wife of Rama must be stainless proved In sight of gods and men." Then I replied, " Rama, thou speakest well ; dear to a wife Should be her husband's honour as her own ; Wherefore prepare the fiery ordeal, — My love and truth shall bear me fearless through." I went ; I thought but of thy love and thee : The gods took pity on mine innocence, 5 66 INDIAN BALLADS. And rained down blossoms from no earthly trees. So passed I pure in sight of gods and men. How sweet, my love, was then our homeward way ! A double brightness glittered on the waves ; A double beauty blossomed in the woods ; The spring leaped up at once to sudden life ; The sun shone fearless, and the wind blew free. Since thou hadst overthrown the evil one. The ffrateful breezes wafted home our car ; O O'er sunlit seas we crossed, o'er coral caves, O'er wave-kissed rocks, and bays with fringe of palm. We passed wild hills, the haunt of savage tribes ; Bright rivers flashing through embowering woods ; And lakes, the home of reed-frequenting cranes. We watched the altars smoke from forest glades. Where holy hermits watered tender shrubs, And strewed wild rice before their fostered fanes. We marked our silent hut, and that tall tree Wliich spreads its branches set with ruby fruit," Where Yamuna leaps blue to Ganga's arms. And last we crossed rich plains and fertile fields : Far off we marked Ayodhya's gleaming walls. And, by the dust which rose between, we knew THE LAST ORDEAL OF SITA. 67 Thy brother led his host to welcome us, And render up the throne he kept so well. Did I unmeekly bear our royal state ? The citizens stand round : — I call on each. Yea, on my slanderers, to answer me. "Was I not gracious to the lowliest ? Did I not ever seek affliction out, To comfort where I might ? I grudged thee not To cares of governance and days of toil ; I strove to cheer thee in thine hours of ease, Sending thee back from leisure well refreshed To drag once more the heavy yoke of rule. But thou, — when under show of humouring My lightest wish, thou sentest me abroad, Fell on my ears that knell, " Eeturn no more ! " Had I then disobeyed thy will, or heard With murmuring ? Not one word to speak farewell ! Never to look upon thy children's face ! Oh ! it was cruel, bearing this from thee. Yet thou didst love me once. / ^YhJ dost thou turn Thy face away, and answer not a word ? Is there no hope that time may change my doom '? Kama, thou dost not doubt me in thy heart, 68 INDIAN BALLADS. But thou dost fear the people ; 'tis for kings To lead the people, not be led by them : For kings are set by God before the world, His chiefest servants of created men. To govern right by conscience and by laws, Holding a perfect mirror to the tribes. Thou wouldst not stoop to sin through fear of death : Why persecute the guiltless, break thy vows, Through fear of tarnishing thy mortal fame ? 'Twerc worthier of a hero and a king To do the right through shame and through disgrace. Thou sayest, " Clear thyself before the eyes Of this assembly; then thrice welcome home." Yet what so clear but time may veil with doubt ? And what so pure but slander may assail ? Well, if thou wilt, there is no other way; — Earth, my mother, on whose silent breast 1 lay a helpless child, when the good king Found me and fostered me, — hear thou my prayer ! If never I — in thought, or word, or act — Transgressed my marriage duty and my vows To my loved husband, take me once again To thy kind bosom, hushing me to rest From all the troubles of this weary world. THE LAST OEDEAL OF SITA. 69 Then o'er the people passed a murmuring wave, As when a sudden gust shakes the dry trees Which pant for rain after a sultry day ; And Rama cried a loud and hitter cry, And started from his seat ; hut, as he came, She, with her eyes still fixed upon his face, — As a tired lily sinks beneath the wave, Its day's work done, — sank, and was seen no more. 70 INDIAN BALLADS. . Sbarmisbtbu. '■J ^ ^ , Fair is the city of gold that floats in the fields of heaven, Ruled by the Danava chiefs, the kings of the Titans of old: After the shower of summer is brushed from a smiling even, Far through the clearness of air is it given those walls to behold. City of golden ramparts that blaze in the sun at his setting, Flashing with banners of crimson and amber changing to green ; Silver and diamond turrets of marvellous mystical fretting. Deep in the lap of the cloud by the lightning momently seen. Fair are the fields of the city, with pleasant murmur of waters, Bright with lovelier blossoms than gardens of earth can bear ; Fairer the stately forms of the mighty Danava's daughters : Fairest Sharmishtha, the princess who leads that company fair. SHARMISHTHA. 71 Was it a childish quarrel, a thrust, a tumult of falling ? Close in the weeds at their side lay hidden the ruinous well : Devaj'ani's name in sudden alarm they are calling — Hush ! but no reply is heard from the pit where she fell. Scattered for help they fly toward the distant walls of the city : What shall the maiden do, returned again from her swoon ? Faint with terror and pain she cries for assistance and pity. Left in her wild despair to die in misery soon. Who comes riding here, a king in the port of his glory "? Raja of rajas he, Yayati of matchless might : Bright doth his name shine forth in the annals of India's story, Bright as the flag of his car in the stormiest billows of fight. King Yayati hears the cry of the frantic maiden ; Strong is his bow-worn arm to help with tenderest skill : Swift to the city he guides the car with its sweet freight laden ; Safe in her father's arms he leaves her trembling still. 72 INDIAN BALLADS. Wroth was Shukra " the sage : he stood in the palace of meeting : Famous in council or war, the chiefs sat each in his place : '' Art thou distraught, king,"'^ that thou choosest a fortune so fleeting, Mocking thy teacher thus with an outrage wrought to his race ? " I, whose will controls the loveliest planet of morning— I, who in direst straits have proved to safety your guide — How were your homes a prey and your walls to the Suras a scorning,'" Should I in anger depart and leave you alone in your pride ! " Sore dismay in the breasts of the chiefs his threatening engendered : Long with entreaties they strove to abate the force of his ire : ' ' Let the source of the wrong as a slave to my daughter be rendered ; Only thus may ye hope to avert the curse of her sire. " SHARMISHTHA. 73 Who comes riding back, a king in the pomp of his splendour ? King Yayati comes, a prosperous wooing to speed. Devayanl, his bride, is fair and loving and tender, Trusting the strong right arm that helped her so well iu her need. Answered Shukra the sage, as the homeward march was beginning — Elephants, chariots, steeds with royal and bridal state — " Blest in thy prowess, son, be thou blest in the wife thou art winning, ' Worthy in soul as in form, with a lord of the earth to mate. "If she suffice thee not, there are royal maids for thy wooing ; Noblest and fairest, each would joy to stand at thy side : But, unless blinded by passion thou rush to thine own undoing, Choose not amongst her slaves to vex the soul of thy bride." 74 INDIAN BALLADS. Swiftly the seasons go by in valour and kingly duty. Measuring justice to each, and leading to conquest the brave ; Swiftly the years glide away, to love, and splendour and beauty ; Slowly the months drag on which link the chains of the slave. Patient and humble, Sharmishtha, her fault with meekness redeeming, Daily with duteous hand fulfils the bests of the queen : Only, w^hen evening reveals her home in its golden seeming, Silent her tears flow down in the thought of the days that have been. Sweet is the season of spring and the smile of the jasmine bower ; Pleasant the plash of the fountain that drops so cool from above ; Soothing the songs of the birds, that welcome the mango flower Blossoming newly to point the sharpest arrow of love.«° SHARMISHTHA. 75 Noon ^^ from the palace gate by the warder is duly chanted ; Wearied from judgment the king is gone to the alleys green : Who is the maid more fair than the loveliest flower there planted, Tending through sultry heat the trees that are dear to the queen ? Was it strange that the damsel ere long had a royal lover ?*^^ Was it strange that her heart by so gallant a wooer was won ? Well was their secret kept, nor did Shuki-a the marriage discover Till to a princely youth was grown Sharmishtha's son. Out spake Shukra the sage who rules the planet of morning, — Still in his bosom rankled the insult done to his child — " Hast thou dared my curse, nor heeded my words of warning, Reckless in thirst of pleasure, and through thy passion beguiled ? 76 INDIAN BALLADS. " Suddenly then thine age shall arrive ere thy prime is completed, Manhood turn to decay, and strength he wasted and dead." Devayani the queen in vain her father entreated : " Yes ! if the weight of my curse his son will hear in his stead." " Hearken, Yadu®® my first-horn, my pride, and the heir of my power, Art thou willing to how thy neck to the load of thy sire?" " Father, the bud of my youth but now is opening to flower ; How can I thus resign each hope of my life's desire ? " Then the rest of the princes their father's summons collected ; Hoping relief from the curse, he prayed them one by one ; Loving the pleasures of youth they all his entreaty rejected, — All but the youngest, Puru,®* the gentle Sharmishtha's son. SHAKMISHTHA. 77 '' Father, tliy will is my law," so answered he cheerful- hearted, " Father, my life is thy gift, and I render thee back thine own." Bowed with decay in his youth, he forth from the presence departed ; Royal in manhood's pride Yayati sat on his throne. Long he reigned in glory, enjo}ing each lawful pleasure, Till he had learnt how the gladness of earth is -n-ith bitterness blent ; Then having vowed with his queens to seek for heavenly treasure, Back to his son he rendered the youth so willingly lent. " Meed of thy patience and love, in my seat, Puru, I crown thee ; Thee shall thy brethren serve, and rule their realms in thy name ; High in the roll of the mighty shall prowess and justice renown thee, Higher the weakness thou barest ennoble thy household fame." 78 INDIAN BALL.U)S. I^mbii. [" I will not do as Amba, the daughter of Indradawan, king of the city of Kashi,83 did, who left her husband and went to King Bhisham ; and, when he would not retain her, returned to her husband ; and again, when her husband expelled her, sate down on the bank of the Ganga, and per- formed a great penance to Mahadev ; and, when Bholanath ^ came and gave her whatever boon she asked, went, in the strength of that boon, and revenged herself on King Bhisham ; this I cannot do." — Eastwick's Trans- lation of the Prem SagarfiT} 1. Ah me ! it is a weary thing To love, and love the lost ; To see the fairest bud of spring Nipped by a chilling frost ; And all that once would pleasure bring, Jar on the soul, like Vina's '^^ string By sudden discord crossed : To feel the soul of gladness die away ; Sad when among the sad, — more sad among the gay. Yet time the deepest wounds can heal, And bosoms seared may cease to feel ; AMBA. 79 And Hope her wildest raptures sings Amongst the world of shadowy things. Then may the heart elastic rise Beneath a load of care, And dream of one amid the skies, "VMio waits our coming there ; Of one who doth a pleasant bower prepare Nigh where his own blest spirit lies, And to the god of many eyes, -'^ TMio rules those gardens fair, Borne on the fragrant breeze above, Breathes forth one earnest prayer : One drop to fill the cup of bliss. One joy there lacketh yet, — and this Is union with the soul we love. 2. A weary thing it is to love, — To love, and not be loved again ; To feel the heart that fain would rove, Enthralled by Passion's iron chain. When Hope, that soars on pinion bold, Falls from her dizzy venture soon, Eewarded "^ith a glance as cold As that poor bird which woos the moon."'' 80 INDIAN BALLADS. But I, in cliildbood's golden morn With regal splendour nursed, Must dwell an outcast and forlorn, In deepest woe immersed ; And in the mouths of men unborn Be held a byword and a scorn, Of all my race accursed. My wealth, my grandeur, and my name, My crown, my bridegroom, and my fame, My earthly happiness, my hopes of heaven, All, all my treasures I for this return have given. 3. I sat me down on Ganga's brink. Beside the sacred stream ; I sat me down, and strove to think. For all was as a dream ; And that which I had said and done did seem The fragments of a half-forgotten lay. Sung by the bards of old on some high festal day I looked within, and all my brain did burn ; I looked toward home, and how could I return ? I looked to him, and found no pity there ; A loathing for my love, a scorn for my despair. AMBA. 81 Beware, and rue thee of thy bearing high ; Love, watered with a smile, can never die ; But springs there from its scathed and blasted root A plant of swiftest growth, and Vengeance is its fruit. Day and night, through many a year, There I kept my penance drear ; Cold and heat. And storm and sleet. Steadfast still I held my seat, Bark my robe, and herbs my meat ;— Such the vow to Shiva dear. 5. It was a night As soft and bright As the times when I was young ; When, beneath the shade Which the banian made, To the Vina's chords I sung ; The sun's last rays With a crimson blaze 6 82 INDIAN BALLADS. Lit up the skiff's white sail ; And a thousand flowers From the jasmine howers Breathed on the evening gale. All was moveless and still and calm, Save the wind as it sighed through the groves of palm, And the fireflies flickering 'midst the trees, — One scarce might know them from stars, I ween, Dancing the blackening waves between, When the ripples are rising before the breeze. All was hushed, save the insect's hum, And the plash of the measured oar, And the boatman's song, and the distant drum From the feast on the farther shore. Then a burning thought Of the sorrow I wrought Like lightning crossed my brain ; And my vengeance slept ; And my soul had wept, And my curse been recalled again ; But I remembered my hate and my vow, I remembered my scorn and my pain ; My heart, though it break, to my will shall bow ;— So I turned to my penance again. AMBA. 83 6. Soon as the whirlwind of passion passed, The heaven with clouds was overcast ; Huge and hlack from the south they came, And the lightning wrote on them its lines of flame. With the dim-seen shapes of a spirit band, And fiendish laughter on either hand, That drowned the rising storm, Borne on a bull as the snow-wreath white,''^ Revealed by the flashes of sudden light, I marked a godlike form : By the living serpent his waist around. By the collar of skulls his neck that bound. By his throat with its deep-blue ring,°- By his glance of terror and majesty, By his mooned brow and his triple eye, I knew the mountain-king. Came there a voice ; it seemed not loud. Yet deep as the distant thunder-cloud ; Still was all else, and hushed the storm. But I could not gaze on that fearful form, So before his feet I bowed. 84 INDIAN BALLADS. 7. " Well hast thou striven, worshipper mine. Striven 'gainst feelings of mortal birth ; They who would rise to power divine Must crush the weakness that springs from earth. Well hast thou served me, worshipper mine ; Take thou the boon that thy heart desires ; The Swarga ^^ king shall his throne resign, If to dominion thy soul aspires. Seekest thou riches, worshipper mine ? Seekest thou fortune unharmed by fate ? Kuvera °* shall yield thee his treasures nine. And Lakshmi's"^ self as thy handmaid wait. Seekest thou vengeance, worshipper mine ? Such is the joy that thy soul would know ? Have then thy will ; he is thine, he is thine. And thy curses shall drag him to ruin and woe ! " 8. He ceased ; and, with a crash the sky that rent. And through the echoing clouds rolled far away, As chafing that their wrath so long was pent, Wliat time a mightier power bade it stay. AMBA. 85 Rejoicing now to give their anger vent, The thunder- spirits joined in fierce affray ; And to and fro the fitful lightning went. And the rain poured in torrents where I lay : Yet I lay still. " And mine," I cried, " is now the power. And he must bend him to my will : Say, will he scorn me now, in my triumphal hour "?" And still I lay, until the tempest rude, Bom6 on the wings of night, passed slow away ; And the new sun with gold the waters strewed, And birds came forth to greet the early day : And still my thoughts on those same themes would brood. Nor once did towards the path of mercy stray. — Then up I rose, ere yet the sun was high, And to the town I took my weary way : Few knew me there, I ween, so wan and changed was I. 86 • INDIAN BALLADS. ®^jj Sfnrj) of tijc <§gamantali ^dml [The story of the Syamantak jewel is found in all the histories of Krishna, but not placed in its proper order among the incidents of his life. It appears to bo a legend much older than the rest, coming down from the time when Krishna was no demi-god, but merely a hero, of marvellous prowess indeed, but one who fell into disgrace and formed erroneous opinions, like ordinary mortals. There are many arguments in favour of the opinion that his divine character is partly founded on some spurious gospel. His name is pronounced Krishta, or Krista ; and in many of the events of his life there are resemblances to the sacred narrative, too remark- able for accidental coincidence. A simple ballad style seems most suitable to this curious legend of ancient manners. The independence and importance of the ladies intro- duced is one proof of its antiquity.] Part I. Long did Satrajit serve the Sun ; A boon of price from the god he won : — " Grant the Syamantak gem, King ; Honour and wealth will its presence bring." " Honour and wealth to the pure 'twill give, But none save the chaste can hold and live." THE STORY OF THE SYAMANTAK JEWEL. 87 lie came with tlie gem to the Yadavas' hall ; Up rose the princes and warriors all. " Hearken, Krishna, thy fame has spread ; The sun-god visits thy roof," they said. Forth looked Krishna ; laughing he spake, " Syamantak's lustre ye here mistake." Answered the Yadavas, mickle of might, " Such prize for Satrajit is all unright. " The jewel is meet for a king to gain ; Take it, Krishna, for Ugrasen." ^^ Out laughed Krishna, playing of dice ; — *' Hearest, Satrajit, the chiefs' advice ? " Up rose Satrajit, silent and vexed ; He went to his home with his heart perplexed. Answered Prasena, the hunter rude, — " Brother, why sittest so gloomy of mood ? " 88 INDIAN BALLADS. " Krishna is wroth with our house, I wot ; He asked me a gift, and I gave it not." Prasena rose, and the gem he took ; He went to the wood with an angry look- Ranging the wood on his snorting steed, A hon slew them, as fate decreed. Syamantak he bare to his darksome den ; It seemed as the sun had entered then ; The innermost depths were all ablaze ; The vaults reflected on the rays ; To the realms below their way they made, Where Jambavat, king of the bears, was laid. He rose in wrath from his gloomy lair ; " Who troubles my rest with this wondrous glare ? " He searched till he came to the upper ground ; The lion he smote, whom first he found ; THE STORY OF THE SYAMANTAK JEWEL. 89 The gem as a trophy he carried away, And hung it on high for his child to play. Long did his comrades seek Prasen ; They searched for him thrice, but they searched in vain. Satrajit tossed on his sleepless bed ; '' What troubles thy rest ? " his lady said. " Peace, good wife, let thy tongue be still ; Who trusteth a woman, he fareth ill ; " No secret stays in a woman's skin ; She t^lls abroad what she hears within." Many and ready the tears she shed ; " As thou lovest me not, thou shalt see me dead. " Am I like others, my word to break ? " She wearied her lord, till thus he spake : — ' ' Krishna is wroth with our house, I wot ; He asked me a gift, and I gave it not. 90 INDIAN BALLADS. " It fears me now he has met Prasen, Has taken the jewel, and him has slain. " But see that my thought to none thou tell ; God knoweth whether it so befell." Little the lady slept that night ; She sprang from her couch at dawn of light. " Hasten, my slaves, our neighbours call ; Send for my friends and companions all. — ' ' Krishna is wroth with our house, I wot ; He asked us a gift, and we gave it not. " Now in the wood he has met Prasen, Has taken the jewel, and him has slain. ' ' My lord has told me ; be sure 'tis true ; But tell not the secret I trust to you." In silence her friends amazed withdrew ; They talked of the matter by three and by two. THE STORY OF THE STAMANTAK JEWEL. 91 On Krishna's head they cast the blame : Astonished was he when he heard the same. " Hearken, chiefs, and Ugrasen ; I needs mnst clear me of this foul stain." With a chosen band he searched around ; At length the horse's track he found ; First the horse and stout Prasen ; Last they came on the lion slain. Sore afraid were the YadaTS brave ; None but Krishna would enter the cave. " Some mighty monster must here abide ; Rush not on certain death," they cried. " Witness how died Prasen, we bear : Clear is thy fame ; why further dare ?" Answered them Krishna : — *' I rest not yet ; On the missing jewel my heart is set. 92 INDIAN BALLADS. " Await my return for clays but ten ; I come as a victor, or come not again." Into the terrible cave he pressed ; He groped his path with dauntless breast. Far off he saw Syamantak's ray ; Down to the depths he made his way. The gem above the cradle hung ; Forward, with eager face, he sprung. Jambavat roused at the infant's cries ; They rushed together with kindling eyes. They grappled as heroes grappled of yore ; They wrestled for fourteen days and more.— But, when ten days were gone and past, Home went the Yadavas overcast. " What fight could there be, so long unwon ? The days of Krishna are told and done." THE STOEY OF THE SYAMANTAK JEWEL. 93 The rites of the Shraddha ^^ they duly paid, Albeit no corpse on the pile was laid. The food, for his spirit's refreshing meant, New life to the fainting Krishna lent. Both had been weary and weak with fight ; Krishna sprang np with redoubled might. Jambavat craves for quarter now ;— " Surely of Kama's race art thou : " I warred in Lanka,^ with Eama's men, 'Gainst Ravan the curst, with his faces ten. " None since that day has equalled my strength ;. A second Rama I view at length." He feasted Krishna with royal cheer ; He plighted the hand of his daughter dear. Syamantak in dower he likewise gave ; He sent them safe from the mountain cave. 94 INDIAN BALLADS. Glad of heart came Krishna down ; With Jambavati he reached the town. He gave Satrajit the jewel free : — " Take thou thine own, and blame not me." Home went Satrajit, bowed with shame ; With anxious mind to his wife he came : — " Wherewith can we this wrong repair ? " "Give Satyabhama, our daughter fair." A lucky time did the Brahman name ; The family priest to Krishna came. With rice unground on a dish were put Forehead-paint, a rupee, and a cocoa-nut. Where all the guests and Brahmans sat, Came Krishna, in bridegroom's high-peaked hat. He circled round with his bride in hand ; From her slender wrist he loosed the band. THE STORY OF THE STAMANTAK JEWEL. 95 She sat on bis left, in her place beside ; They returned the board, and the knot untied. In robes of honour the bards they arrayed ; To the family goddess their vows they paid. Rice-milk and sugar in sport they ate ; All things were done as the Veds dictate. A dowi-y rich did Satrajit tell ; They left him with music and mirth as well. Syamantak among his gifts he sent : With that was Krishna not content : — " The jewel thou givest was gained from the Sun, But we receive gifts from no gods but One." Part H. Kritavarman and Akiiir took this ill ; They sought Shatadhauwan, the feeble of will. 96 INDIAN BALLADS. " We courted Satrajit's daugliter both, And her father to thee did the maid betroth. " Are we so base, to be held for nought ? Or has Krishna, the cowherd, the kingdom bought ? " Now, in his absence, Satrajit kill ; Under wrongs like thine can a man be still ? " Nor Krishna nor Rama^ will soon be near; And, should they be wroth, thy friends are here." Shatadhanwan the witless at night took sword ; The jewel he seized, and smote its lord. Satyabhamfi heard, and arose in haste ; Her father's corpse in oil she placed. Filled with fury she mounted her car ; Day and night she travelled afar. In Hastinapur^"" her lord she found ; The Kanrava ^"^ princes were seated around. THE STORY OF THE SYAMANTAK JEWEL. 97 The eyes of Krishna flashed with flame : " Cease from thy bitter weeping, dame. " My wrath is kindled without thy wail ; Who spoils the nests must the tree assail. " Hear, Balarama ! dead is Prasen ; Now is Satrajit foully slain. " So is Syamantak our common right ; With me then against Shatadhanwan fight." Shatadhanwan heard, and was sore afraid ; He sought Kritavarman, imploring aid. Laughed Kritavarman, the crafty and cool ; " The wise man counsels ; acts the fool. " Can I with Krishna and Ram contend ? They who are strongest find me their friend." Shatadhanwan heard, and was sore dismayed ; He went to Akrura, imploring aid. 7 98 INDIAN BALLADS. His hands he bound with his turban-cloth, — " Hide me, sage, from Krishna's wrath." Answered Akrura, the placid of mind, — " Why didst thou listen, and look not behind ? '' Life is dear to the wise man's heart ; Why should I die, by taking thy part ? " Shatadhanwan heard, and sadly sighed, — " This fatal All the sons of Adam, — All the sons of God. Of their nightly visions Such the tales they tell : Wondrous are the virtues Of the holy well. THE THEEE WELLS. 217 Deep within the woodland, — Where the shadows rest, — Where the thickest beeches Hide the thi'ostle's nest, — Where the weeds have woven Such a tangled green, Scarce the busy coneys Find a way between, — • Where the untrodden pathway Hardly leaves a trace, — Open to the sunlight Lies a little space. There a rock grey-lichened Breaks the hill's smooth side, But the ferns and flowers All its sternness hide. From above a rowan Her sweet arms doth fling. Bending to her shadow In the fairy spring. •218 MISCELLANEOUS BALLADS. Bubbling, gushing, sparkling, Through the silver sand. Pausing now, — then leaping As with broken baud, — Like a petted beauty Wilful of her will, Forth the waters gambol Down the sloping hill ; Dashing, till they shower From the old oak's bough ; Calm, and gently lulling Rush and marsh-flower, now ; Green above their mosses ; Sparkling next with foam ; Eddying, loth to wander From their lovely home ; Warbling o'er their pebbles One sweet changeless tone ; Rolling mimic thunder Through the heaped- up stone ; THE THREE WELLS. 219 Down the rocky cliannel, 'Neath the o'erarching green, Joyously they vanish Towards the vale unseen. There the earliest snowdrops Brave the mntry skies ; There the sweetest odours From the violets rise ; There the ring-dove's love-notes Are most frequent heard ; There the ripest berries Draw the wintering bird. For that spring the fauies Charmed with spells of power, Giving changeful beauty With the changing hour. So, who tastes its waters, When the moon is high, — When the new-leaved branches Cross athwart the sky, — 220 MISCELLANEOUS BALLADS. When the hlies faiutly Catch the silver beams, — When the wind-flowers whisper, — When the primrose dreams, — When the lavish season, Like a spendthrift son, Wastes its wealth of blossoms Ere the spring is done, — Straight his sight is strengthened, Gifted to behold Hidden liie where Nature Seems most dark and cold. From the blossoms shyly Peers the flower- sprite ; O'er the fountain hover Sylphs in rainbow flight ; Nymphs of rock and river Past the beeches glide, Mourning in their beauty For the soul denied. THE THREE WELLS. 221 See with emerald lustre Rise the fairy ring ; Gaily move the dancers, Circling round their king ; Bright the flowery garments, — Bright the jewels' sheen, — Bright the crown of dew-drops, Meet for elfin queen. From above, the Troll-king Peers in sullen thought. With his golden armlets, In the hill-cave wrought. Lo ! the vista lengthens ; Grlades are opening wide ; Down the mossy alleys Knight and lady ride. Lo ! enchanted towers In the distance rise ; Fiend and giant guard them, With their priceless prize. 222 MISCELLANEOUS BALLADS. Though the path be painful, Champion, do not quail ; Over all unholy Love and Faith prevail. — Thus, like clouds of summer, Like a wizard's glass. O'er the charmed fountain Love and Beauty pass. All that fancy pictures. All that poets dream, Mingle in the visions By the fairy stream. Just above the village Runs the winding lane, Midst the fields of clover, And the springing grain. There the ploughman's horses Pass with shamble slow, And the cows to milking, Lowing as they go. THE THEEE WELLS.' 223 Overhead the hawthorns Stretch above the lane, Rifling ears in harvest From the loaded wain. Down the sloping hedge-bank, Starred with celandine, — Where the glow-worms softly Through the bracken shine, — Where the primrose-clusters Make the April gay, — Gushes out the brooklet Where the children play. Clear and fresh its water, All the country knows ; Many a cottage-pitcher Takes it as it flows ; Many a sheep-boy, plodding Through the dusty glare. Throws its sparkling crystal On his yellow hair. 224 MISCELLANEOUS BALLADS. From the mossy stone-trough, Bubbling o'er the brink, Where the weary cattle Stoop their heads to drink, — By the fragrant hedgerow Breathing of the May, — Onward to the village Runs its busy way. By the cottage gardens, Heard, but scarcely seen, — By the wickets standing On the village green, — By the churchyard yew-tree, And the low grey tower. And the bridge, — it hastens, Widening every hour. Watering quiet orchards Bright with daffodils, — Gathering strength from union With its neighbour rills, — THE THREE WELLS. 225 Working now in earnest For the merry mill, — Now through level cornfields Winding soft and still, — By the alder thickets Clustered on its edge, — W^ashing with its ripple Willow-herb and sedge, — Seeking the long river By the pollard-tree, — On it bears its tidings To the expectant sea. Who hath strength for climbing Up the toilsome hill ? Who hath time to wander By the woodland rill ? Could we learn the secrets Of the caves below, From the self- same sources All their waters flow : 15 226 MISCELLANEOUS BALLADS. One the rains of heaven ; 1 One the nightly dew ; One the rocky cistern, Old, yet ever new. He whose eyes are opened, Finds no need to roam From the household waters Nearest to his home. ( 227 ) lis aim II. Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing ? Kings of the earth stand up, and rulers take counsel together, — Stand against the Lord, and take counsel against His Anointed. Cast we away their cords, and their bands let us break them asunder. He shall laugh them to scorn, the Lord that dwelleth in heaven ; Then shall He speak in his wrath, and vex them in heavy displeasure. Yet have I set My King on the hill of ]\Iy holiness, Zion. I will declare the decree, the word which Jehovah hath spoken, — Thou art My Son, Mine Own, Whom I this day have begotten. 228 PSALM II. Ask of Me, and I shall give Thee the heathen to be Thy possession ; Seek, and the uttermost parts of the earth shall be Thine to inherit. Thou shalt break them with iron, like potters' vessels in pieces. Therefore, be wise, O ye kings ; ye judges of earth, be instructed ; Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling before Him. Kiss the Son, even now, lest, when He be angry, ye perish ; Lest ye fall from the way, if His wrath but a little be kindled. Blessed shall all they be that put their trust in His mercy. ( 229 ) Cransfirtbn horn ^odh. On every mountain brow Is rest ; Scarce on the woodland crest Hearest thou Faint whispering ; The birds are all hushed on the tree. Wait ; — time will bring Rest, even for thee. 230 MISCELLANEOUS BALLADS. Part I. " This also is vanity and vexation of spirit." All things are vain We pursue from our birth ; Trouble and pain Are born of the earth. A numerous band, Whom distance shall thin, Linked hand in hand, We our journey begin. Fresh is the morning. And pleasant the scene ; Koses adorning The dew-spangled green : SIC VITA. Birds hover singing To greet the glad beams ; Bright insects are winging O'er murmuring streams. Blossoms must die, And fondhngs must perish ; That soonest shall fij Which dearest we cherish. Sad are the gay, And joy turns to sorrow ; Too short is the day To prepare for the morrow. Steep is the mountain, And sultry the day ; Never a fountain Our thirst to allay. The fruits of the ground Are bitter to taste ; And for roses are found The rank herbs of the waste. 281 232 MISCELLANEOUS BALLADS. The skies that head flattered Are angry and red ; Our comrades are scattered, And pleasure is dead. Home sadly weeping Have hopelessly strayed ; Some sought for sleeping The poisonous shade ; Some faint and drooping Have sunk on the road ; And the strong limbs are stooping. Borne down by their load. Like the dreams of the morn, The song-birds are fled ; But the vultures are borne To the feast of the dead. On ! through wild land, Where no shelter is seen. No friendly hand Whereon we may lean. SIC VITA. 233 Landmarks are rare, And distant the goal ; And the gloom of despair Presses hard on the soul. Evening droops o'er us, And low sinks the sun ; A desert before us ; Keturn there is none. Where shall the weary rest, Wandering lonely ? Peace in the earth's cold breast Dwells, and there only. Loss is our gain, And sorrow our mirth ; Trouble and pain Are born of the earth. 234 MISCELLANEOUS BALLADS. Part II. ' But now they desire a better country." All things are vain We pursue from our birth ; While we cease not to strain For the things of the earth, — For the fruits that are fair, But to ashes will turn, For the bowers, all bare When noontide shall burn, — For the flowers that fade, — For the fountains that fail, — For the wealth that when weighed Grows light in the scale. ^o^ How shall we 'scape from sin With its false treasure ? How shall we hope to win Lastinger pleasure ? SIC VITA. 235 Where shall we find a guide, — We the forsaken, — Never to quit our side, Ne'er be mistaken ? Eastward our journey lies ; There in our youth, Ere on our souls arise Mists of untruth, If we but fix our eyes, Clear though afar, Through the red morning skies Shineth our star. Few eagle -sighted Long hold it in view ; But the path it has lighted Is steadfast and true. As the track which a beacon Flings far o'er the lake, With no moonlight to weaken, No ripple to shake. 236 MISCELLANEOUS BALLADS. If the foot goes astray, — If turns backward the gaze, — Though childhood's fair tay Be lost in the haze, — Though desert and burning The way we must go, — Though the steps of returning Be painful and slow, — Even yet for our leading A token shall shine. From the east still proceeding, — A Cross for a sign. And, when, weary with striving, The stout heart is bent, — When the scattered surviving Are feeble and spent, — Though dying and tender The sunlight has set, The East with its splendour Is glorious yet ; SIC VITA. 237 Till their eye waxes clearer, Whose pulses are cold, — And nearer and nearer The city of gold. There shall they reign O'er a purified earth : Why wander in vain, redeemed from your birth ? 238 MISCELLANEOUS BALLADS. CIjc guns 0f C)(tr. The days of old, the days of old, The times for aye departed, — When dames were fair, and knights were bold, And lovers constant-hearted ; When magic barks o'er summer seas Swept with the voice of song, And fairy music on the breeze Was softly borne along. The days of old, the days of old. With deeds of heroes rife, — When truth was valued more than gold, And honour more than life : They went not selfish on their way. No care or thought for others ; If on a breast the red cross lay, Be sure it was a brother's. THE DAYS OF OLD. 239 The days of old, the days of old, The days of faith and truth, — When love was free, and help unsold, And earth was iu her youth ; Before by deed and thought and speech The electric chain was riven, That binds our spirits each to each, And all of us to heaven. The days of old, the days of old, The days of noble deed, — When champions rode by wood and wold To succour all at need. They stayed not then to count the cost At which the help was wrought ; What though by tarrying there were lost The prize so dearly sought, — What though the way were drear and long, No hope of gain or fame, — That these were weak, their foes were strong, It was sufficient claim. The days of old, the days of old, — Ere minstrels' fees were stinted ; When songs were sung, and tales were told, But speeches were not printed ; 240 MISCELLANEOUS BALLADS. When Nature all was fresh and glad, Her richest gifts in store, — And poets found not others had Their happiest thoughts before ; War Correspondents sent no views With " should" and " had" and " if" in, Nor artists published in the News The last-encountered griffin. The days of old, the days of old, — When mansions were not rented ; Nor cheer with niggard hand was doled, Nor marriage-deeds invented ; The mirth and laughter never flagged ; The wine passed round in flagons ; And every knight of fame had bagged His brace or two of dragons ; While, if his wishes sought a crown As settlement in life. They offered in the nearest town A princess for a wdfe. The days of old, the days of old, — When freedom loved the heather ; When outlaws never caught a cold, — Whate'er the greenwood weather ; I THE DAYS OP OLD. 241 And, if the leech should recommend A change of air as needed, In packing up they need not spend The fortnight which preceded ; No care had they to search about For lodgings light and airy, But turned some old enchanter out, Or feasted with a fairy. Obedient genii in a night A crystal hall erected, Or just as soon transferred the site, If vested rights objected. The days of old, the days of old, — When right was rule alone, Before the Codes were manifold. Or cramming yet was known : In their own cause they made defence, Nor paid a lawyer's fee. Nor (save the pugilistic sense) Were e'er in Chancery ; Each champion in his sword conveyed A perfect legislation ; And Orientals were not made 16 242 MISCELLANEOUS BALLADS. A branch of education, — Yet, if, in plain or mountain glen, (No matter what his nation) A Christian met a Saracen, They held a conversation, — Which clearly shows our modern lights Are greatly overrated, Since neither Pagans now nor knights Are half so educated : — But gone are now the ancient wise ; Learning doth all her aid refuse ; When shall an (Edipus arise To read us the " Fonetik Nuz ? " ( 243 ) % §xmn. C'est une vallee verte et belle, — Where it lies I may not tell, Sive sit in Tempe, vel Far beyond the sea, 5. La ou rile Hesperienne Holds a rest for perfect men, Hoson erga kala en Les jours de la vie. Ita tamen fit, ut ssepe, 10. When my eyes are worn and sleepy, Se upabaner samipe Pass I in my dream Sur un char des vents je saute. And through fleecy clouds I float 15. On thaet sethele gemot Mibb'ney hamm' laklm. 244 MISCELLANEOUS BALLADS. Kai entautha he selene Clare splendet ac serene, "Ala ghusni 'lyasimini, 20. Unci des Sommers See : And the placid waters brighten Wo die Elfenschifflein gleiten, Atque inter Nymphas Triton Sings across the bay. 25. Dalon men se kabhi bina, Con armonia divina, Arboreta per amoena Rend ses tristes sons ; Where the lamps of living flame, 30. Que la fee du bocage aime, Yeman pransampanna hem, Pharpharate hon. Soon, too soon, must break the spell ! Traiim verschwindend allzu schnell ! 35. Vision frele autant que belle ! Oh that I might sleep on, "Ala 'ddawam ki bibinam, Supra, coelum tam serenum, Niche, desham shokahinam, 40. Hos ekeinon kepon ! i A DREAM. 245 In the preceding lines there are specimens of fourteen languages. Verses 1 , 5, 8, 1.3, 28, 30, and 35, are French ; 2, 4, 6, 10, 12, 14, 21, 24, 29, 33, and 36, are English ; 3, 9, 18, 23, 27, and 38, are Latin ; 7, 17, and 40, are Greek ; 11 and 31 are Bengali ; 15 is Anglo-Saxon ; 16 is Hebrew ; 19 is Arabic ; 20, 22, and 34, are German ; 25 is Hindi ; 26 is Italian ; 32 is Urdu ; 37 is Persian ; and 39 is Sanscrit. In reading the Oriental languages, the vowels are pronounced as in Italian, except that a is like u in English (but in Bengali like 6) ; the con- sonants are pronounced much as in English (but in Bengali y is like j, and s like sh ; n is nasal. The following is a literal translation of the lines : — It is a green and beautiful valley, — Where it lies I may not tell, "Whether it be in Temjje, or Far beyond the sea, Where the Western Island Holds a rest for perfect men, Whose deeds were honourable in The days of their life. Thus however it happens, that often, When my eyes are worn and sleepy, Near to that garden Pass I in my dream ; On a chariot of the winds I leap, And through fleecy clouds I float To the noble assembly Of the sons of the kings. 246 MISCELLANEOUS BALLADS. And there the moon Shines brightly and serenely, On the branch of the jasmine And the summer sea : And the placid waters brighten Where the little fairy-boats glide, And among the nymphs Triton Sings across the bay. From among the branches sometimes the lute, With divine harmony. Through the pleasant groves Gives forth its sad sounds ; Where the lamps of living flame. Which the woodland fairy loves, Like gold possessed of life, May be twinkling. Soon, too soon, must break the spell ! Dream vanishing all too quickly ! Vision frail as beautiful ! Oh, that I might sleep on, So that I may constantly see. Above, a heaven thus calm, Beneath, a country free from sorrow. As that garden ! ALBUM VERSES 1 ''^w|3 Boxt for Inm tbat gottlj alviau." [A lady, whose sister was about to start for India, took up the Bible to try the "Sortes," and opened on Jeremiah xxii. 10.] Weep for her that goeth, Ye who tarry here ; Every breeze that hloweth Briugeth doubt and fear : Dangers may be nearest When they seem to sleep ; None to guard our dearest ;— Therefore do we weep. Mornings springing brightly Bring a cheerless day ; Sudden frosts may nightly Chill the flowers away ; 250 ALBUM VERSES. Life is frail and fleeting ; Fate is dark and deep ; Parting brings no meeting ; — Mortals, we must weep. Earth's a desert only, Where apart we roam ; If we journey lonely, We shall meet at home. They who sow in sorrow Shall in gladness reap ; Bright shall break the morrow ;- Christians, cease to weep. ( 251 ) #n tbc CbristcniiTg of nn |nfant in Jnbia. November 15, 1857. Born in a season of sorrow and strife, With trouble and tumult and terror rife, How shall we read, dear child, thy life ? How shall Ave shape our words to pray That the seven best gifts -"^ of wisdom may Descend as the dews on thy brow this day ? Bold shalt thou be, as they who fell, Striving so nobly and so well To the aid of the leaguered citadel. Tender withal, as the spirits brave Who sought not their lives alone to save, — Who stayed by the weaker — to share their grave. Hopeful be thou, as those who stood 'Midst thousands thirsting for their blood, Cheerful through evil and through good. 252 ALBUM VERSES. Faithful, as they who cliose to die, — Who put the proffered safety by, — Who dared not live and their Lord deny. Prudent, as those in whose wise command The scattered spots of safety stand, Like beacon-towers in a flooded land. Just shall thou be to redeem the right, As the vengeful arm of England's might. Crushing the felon ranks in fight. Temperate be thou ever, as they Who slacked not their hand the guilty to slay, But torture with torture would not repay. Grace, a sevenfold grace be thine ; Gifts of the earth and gifts divine, All good things in thy lot combine ! Be thou in soul as in race thou art, — Be thou thy parents' counterpart. With thy father's head and thy mother s heart ! I ( 253 ) (Decembee 9, 1857.) I saw beside its parent stem A sapling springing fair ; I passed ; again I sought for them ; The sapling was not there. Oh ! sadly did the parent tree Her golden tresses shed ; So sharp a pang of agony Their roots had severed. Yet afterward I saw her smile More sweetly than before, And towards the heaven as other- while She spread her golden store. 254 ALBUM VERSES. For dreams the plant we held so dear In brighter gardens show ; And graces nipped so early here In perfect beauty blow. But with the soil where once it grew It sympathizes yet ; The stem from which its life it drew It never can forget. Through secret rills its fostering care Shall heavenly dew convey, And breathing down the fragrant air Shall life and love repay. I ( 255 ) (Lo Ijcnncttii. Let me write a line, and send it to my pet, a certain friend of mine, whose name is But can I succeed ? It would task a veteran in verse, indeed, to rhyme of Still I think I'll try; whatever etiquette, a strong desire have I to write to Daijeeling dear, to you I owe a debt, a heavy debt, — for here I met with When I think of hill, rock and rivulet, arise within me still thoughts of Eyes so deep and blue ; hair of glossy jet ; a prettier picture who could find than As to birds the gun, as to fish the net, a danger to each one would be At your sunny smile the grumbler most inveterate would cease awhile to mope, my Gladly would the sage leave his books and metaphysics, I engage, for sake of 256 ALBUM VERSES. I would undertake, through the cold and wet, a journey, for the sake of seeing Happy should I prove, could I only get a lady for my love like to May this many a day nothing vex or fret a spirit light and gay as is Never may there live one w'ho would abet a word or look to give pain to Should I liken you to lark or violet ? a flower of lovely hue, or bird, my Birds in gloomy skies tune their flageolet : a mind content and wise may yours be. Flowers blossom gay though by thorns beset : a creature pure as they be you, Till your friends declare that they never met a girl so sweet and fair, and good as Gazing on the snow, as her birthday set, a wish I felt to know the fate of Hoping to discern happier, and yet a happier, return for my Pure as snow, her heart, like an amulet, avert all evil part from my But, as blushed the snow in the rays, so let affection's rosy glow spring for TO HENRIETTA. 257 Far l)eneatli her lie mists of vain regret ! above, iu cloudless sky, move my — Bill these rhjiues if I prolong until etcetera, — at last good-by must come to Yes, I must depart ! Do not you forget a warm and faithful heart, darling Henrietta ! 17 •258 ALBUM VERSES. ([)\\ rcccibuTcj; ;i C6(oln-lv)orm from ;i l^ubu. A GIFT, a gift of thine ! Not on the coral stem, Not in the diamond mine, It grew, — this living gem. Ever some sheltered lair, 'Mid ferns and mosses green, Apart from gaud and glare. Concealed its modest sheen. Dost thou true friendship need ? Oh, leave the world's false light : No gem so fair, so dead, Ever as cold as bright. Life glows in friendships nursed in gentler ways ; Let me find such a friend, whose name this rhyme displays. ( 259 ) (Dn tin ilcatb of ^mn. ^ . ^ ^ — - I Ail sent to thee on my swiftest wing, Beloved as tliou art ; A golden crown I bring, From the Treasures of the King, Though thou see but my deadly dart. There be other crowns of as precious ore, Which the conquering warriors win ; But sad the wounds and sore, Which thev who wear them bore, As they strove with the hosts of Sin. There be other faces as innocent In the presence of the King ; But to lead thee I am sent, Where thy Lord before thee went, Perfect through suffering. 260 ALBUM VERSES. Beloved, indeed, by the gift I bear Is not my gift tlie best ? So I kiss thy forehead fair. And I smooth thy golden hair, And T hush thee into rest. { ^61 ) .bonnet on tbc .$^amc. If that betrothal, half in lightness said, Had been remembered in the after-tide, Tliou might'st perchance have claimed in me a guide. Had earthly harm assailed thy gentle head ; But now the guidance may be thine instead, And thine that whispered warning at my side : For thou hast learnt a world of wisdom wide, Wliich in no land of living men is read ; And thou canst calmly look on darker ways Than mortal innocence unhurt could bear. Thy loving eyes with strength anointed were, ^Yhat time, pure heart, they saw those glory-rays Whereon thine angel's face doth ever gaze : Beloved, guide me yet to win thy welcome there. 262 ALBUM VERSES. ^0 a 6obcbiltr. (Eastek Monday, April 1.) Ever round thy peaceful bed Troops of angel-guards attend : . Heaven upon thy favoured head Endless store of blessings send. Let thy month, the month of Love, Crown for thee her opening day : Let thy saddest sorrows prove April showers, to pass away. Rainbow of a smiling heaven, Easter-gift, we clasp thee fast. Welcome more that thou art given After tears of trouble past. Thus would I, distraught and blind. Send thee blessings o'er the sea ? Oh, but blessings may'st thou find Not as seemeth best to me ! ( 263 ) sonnet, TO A LADY ON HER LAST BIRTHDAY IX IXDIA. They say that India's sun shall shine no more Upon the opening promise of thy year ; That gentler hours have gifts for thee in store, Among the mellowing woods of Kent, or near Fields waving pleasantly with golden ear And scented hops, our England's \intage, or AMiere Thames by cedared lawns flows soft and clear, Or where sweet Devon crowns her flowery shore. What need to speak of exile past and done ? So may thy children's voices greet thy name Through many an autumn holiday ; but we, Whose friends pass homeward from us one by one, — What joy for us this side the severing sea. Save that on all the stars look down the same ? 264 ALBUM VERSES. ON THE MARRIAGE OF SOPHIA CATHERINE SLADEN. In viy second, hid from day, Dark and dread the monster lay ; Far across the wasted plain Withered trees and blasted grain Felt the reptile's poisoned breath. — What from Sin can spring but Death ? Sadder yet the slaughter-trace Nearer round that evil place, Maiden garb besmirched and rent, Raven tresses gore-besprent. — What has earth so young and fair The destroyer turns to spare ? Therefore do the mourning cries From the white-walled city rise ; CHARADE. '-^t^S From the king upon his throne Each hath lost his loved, his own. — Ancient conqueror is the Grave : Not e'en Love is strong to save. Now in virgin-white arrayed. As beseems a royal maid, Forth along that path of woe Lonely must the princess go : Yet she will not stay nor fly. — ' Well, for those she loves, to die. Blanched her cheek, and downcast eye Lest she earlier should espy What she knoweth, soon or late, Must her onward steps await. — Sharper pain, the sweeter rest ; That which is decreed is best. Lo ! across the sultry haze Whence the sudden armour blaze ? Who the champion rides this way, (jlorious in his war array ? — 266 ALBUM VERSES. When all hope is turned to dust, Cometh help to them that trust. How shall mortal warrior hope With unearthly foe to cope ? Scales of brass and throat of flame, Strength that armies could not tame. — Vain on earthly arms to lean ; Best are those which are not seen. Only let his heart he pure. Words be true, and thrust be sure ; Then that fiery breath shall yield. Quenched before his red-cross shield. So against the fiend accurst He prevaileth to my first. Thou whose life this day hath crowned, In whose name my wliole is found, — Prove thyself like Una's loiight, Warrior ever brave and bright ; So may'st thou an Una find Her whose lot with thine is twined ! CHAEADE. Find her as her name is writ, ^Yise of soul with heavenly wit ; Find her as the letters paint, Pure in heart as \'irgin saint : So let all your days be blest, — Latest, still the happiest ! 267 •268 ALBUM VERSES. ^0 II Jh-icnt). ON HER COMING OF AGE (WRITTEN AT HOMBAY). Each night the western winds arise, Vexed, shrill, complaining, from the sea ; Each night the stars, calm as thine eyes, Look on my lonely tent and me. Yet, as their orbs roll slowdy by, Night hushes down that restless wail ; Then, from his rocky distance, I Heiir Ocean's solemn, ceaseless tale. Oh, thus may perfect womanhood Make all thy days secure and still ! Peace crown thy life with amplest good ! Spring's promise Summer's fruits fulfil ! On earth long joys be thine ! Yet, through them all, Nearer and clearer still the eternal voices fall ! 269 ) 0)it tin DciUij oi ii i'ricnb. In a \isioii once again Saw I her in beauty's bloom, Ere thej- made her denizen Of the sad and silent tomb ; Ere, as falls on Nature's face. When the sun hath run his race, When the darkness comes apace. Fell upon our souls that sudden gloom. Still as beautiful and bright, Gentle eye and softest tress, Hallowing meaner things with light Of her passing loveliness. Often in that queenly face Hath my fancy loved to trace Shadowed forth each inward grace. All around her path that wont to bless. 270 ALBUM VERSES. Losing her, the joys we knew All the joy which crowned them lack And our hopes of brightest hue, Losing her, are hung with black. Yet, if words of mine had power To renew the vanished hour, To restore the withered flower, — Yet I would not speak to call her back. For she sleepeth calm and still. By the ancient river's tide. Where the sun may shine at will 'Mid the branches waving wide. Wherefore speak of her as clay, Whom the angels bore away. Breathing now a purer day Than hath bard in loftiest vision eyed ? Hath she not a message now To the friends she loved on earth, Sent to soothe the throbbing brow. Sent to calm the careless mirth, When in thankless paths they rove Sent to draw our hearts above ? Oh ! beside her angel love All the mortal did shall pale in worth. ( 271 ) Soniut. As one who, journeying through a burning zone, Unwitting chances on a fountain fair, Girt all around with trees of fruitage rare, Upon whose branches birds of sweetest tone Salute the echoes of that valley lone, — Tears to his eyelids stai-t, and thoughts of prayer And thankfulness rise heavenwai-d, unaware : Cast among strangers so was I, unknown, — With warmest welcome met, with friendly eyes ; And I thenceforth have ever found a friend To feel my griefs, and in my joys rejoice. Should time decay my brighter memories. O'er all things else his empire may extend, — Not thy sweet eyes, and not thy gentle voice. 272 ALBUM VERSES. (Lo ^crtljit glargurct. Bright are the clewdrops, the jewels of morning, Each a gem for the flowers' queen ; Rainhows in fragments the blossoms adorning. They rejoice in the sun's new sheen. Health and loveliness from them welling, As the dewdrops may'st thou too he, Making a paradise round thy dwelling, All thine hours of mirth and glee ! Raindrops all in the sun may not glitter ; Garden and woodland some nourish not ; Under the sea-waves, lonely and bitter. Exile and darkness their dreary lot.^' Raindrop-like, be content with thy station ; 111 and good come alike from above ; Trust through the waters of life's tribulation ; Even the billows are guided by Love. TO BEKTHA MARGARET. 273 Bright are the pearldrops, the treasures of Ocean, Each a gem for a crowned king : Numbered for monarchs with care and devotion ; Theirs in the day of reckoning. Happiness lasteth not here till the morrow ; All earth's brightest is but for a day ; Low must they pass through the waters of sorrow, Light who inherit that fades not away. 18 27-i ALBUM VERSES. 268 Beightly glowed the morning sun, As the Monks of Bangor sang ; But, before my first was done, Battle closed and arrows rang. Red my next was stained with gore, Ere the noon had reached its height. When the heathen's onset bore Britain's chiefs to hurrying flight. O'er the traces of my ivhole Night a veil of pity cast ; But, till suns shall backward roll, Rule from Arthur's race had passed. ( 275 ) Co 6bitl) glarn. Happiness and bitterness, Who hath these united ? Parting with the first caress Of the newly plighted, Silver with the raven tress, Koses in their summer dress With the autumn-blighted ? Bitterness and happiness, Well they are not parted : Balm the wounded souls to bless Which for guilt have smarted, Peace for those who sins confess, Hope and comfort in distress For the lonely-hearted. 176 ALBUM VEKSES. Must they mingle thus for aye Failure with endeavour ? Life and beauty from decay One alone can sever, — Where no night shall close the day, Where the tears are wiped away From our eves for ever. ( 277 ) (Triunbo. [Question — Where were yon brought up ? Word to be introduced- Pundit] Wheee o'er the storied shrines of saints Religion weds with Beauty ; Where to 3'oung hearts Tradition paints The loyal path of duty ; Where Statesmen and where Prelates found The earliest steps of learning ; Where, met again in hallowed ground, Their frames to dust are turning ; Where, if aught hase or vile abode, The very air had shunned it ; Where founts of learning ever flowed, Enough to make a Pundit. 278 ALBUM VERSES. Roses wove her bridal wreath, Roses red of June ; All the flowers of May Lingered but to say, Maiden, thou must leave us soon ! All the daughters of the sea Round her path would smile, As their amethyst eyes Laughed to sunny skies. And they sang sweet songs the while. Spring and summer joined their hands O'er her gentle head ; Earth and heaven vied Thus to bless the bride, From her English birthplace sped. BRIDAL VERSES. 279 Sunnv days on Devon's shore, Bring a sunny life ! Love and joy increase ! Happiness and peace Keep the footsteps of the wife ! 280 ALBUM VERSES. % francr. Lord, let all Thy love can bring On her flow with bounteous grace ; Under Thy protecting ^ving Is her sure abiding place. Safely may her footsteps go, As a child would fearless tread, Watched by loving friends below, And Thine angels overhead. Though there be who love her well, Earthly arms are weak and frail ; — Raging waves may storm and swell ; Faith is fixed, and cannot fail. In Thy favour from above Endless blessings keep mine own, — Life a path of faith and love, — Death a gate to joys unknown ! ( 281 ) I^KuIrabiitr. NOVEM BER, 1865. Abound thy birth-place glide The sisters blue and brown ; Each rolls her laughing tide, The weary land to crown : But they may not abide ; Their waters ebb away ; And thou, too, from our side Didst pass as they. The trees, that saw thy birth, Were bright with fragrant bloom Their blossoms strewed the earth. And knew not of thy tomb : The season of their mirth Was brief, however gay ; And thou, too, from our hearth Didst fade as they. 282 ALBUM VERSES. The streams which winter dries Shall swell with melting snows, And summers new shall rise As other summers rose : But thou didst reach the skies, Nor know a wintry day ; And thou shalt glad our eyes Once more as they. ( 283 ) September, 186 7. Cover tbe eyes that shone so bright : Hold the violet, fingers slight, And the windflower and everlasting white. Raise him up in the misty eve : Let those eyes that awhile must grieve Endless sunshine through tears perceive. Strength of the everlasting hill, Land of the rock, and mist, and rill. Open the casket our jewel must fill. Under the oak tree lay him to sleep : Is there not comfort for those that weep ? Sadness to sow, but joy to reap ? 284 ALBUM VERSES. bonnet. Kind breezes waft them on their homeward way Across the perilous sea and sultry strait ; Thou ship, sail swiftly with thy priceless freight ; Hide, gentle clouds, the force of flaming day ; Angels, on innocence and love that wait, Kelax no care for sin of mine, that they, In safety brought to happy meeting, may New mercies with new thankfulness relate. Easter is come, but where my sweetest rose ? Easter is come, but where my opening flower ? My Lent is lengthened through the joyous days : I watch, but still the brimming river flows. Light of my life, may the endless Easter hour Yet find us hand in hand to sing our songs of praise. NOTES. NOTES. I The sun. * Ghl : clarified butter. Gur : molasses. 8 Gates of Ganga : Haridwar (Anglice, Hurdwar) where the Ganges enters the plain countiy. ■* Umii : a name of Dm'ga, Gamn or Parvati, wife of Shiva, and, in one of her births, daughter of Daksha. Her attendant is the lion. ^ Kailiisa : the paradise of Shiva, — the " Calasay " of Southey. ^ Rudras : demigods, attendant on Shiva. 7 Muni : a sage. — Narada, though a holy personage, often appears in a discreditable situation, and is cursed with a restless spirit, which leads him to wander about, mischief-making by his news. He is the instructor of the Gandharbas, or heavenly musicians, — the " Glendoveers " of Southey. 8 Shiva bears on his forehead a crescent and the river Ganges. He wears a necklace of skulls, and girdle, bracelets, &c. of serpents. He is often naked in other respects, except that he smears his body with ashes, and fluigs over his shoulders a raw elephant's hide. He is attended by bloodthirsty goblins, and is the pati'on of magical rites in burning grounds, of cra^y fanatics, &c. » The Deer's Head is the constellation Orion. 10 The Koil is the Indian cuckoo. II The Dhak, silk cotton, and coral trees are covered with red blossoms before the leaves appear. 288 NOTES. 12 Auanga, the bodiless, — a common name of Kfuna, explained by tbis legend. (See also "Destruction of the Yfidavas : " stanza 40.) IS Taraka ; a demon who was not to be overcome, except by a son of Shiva, who had then neither son nor wife. " Himavan, the snowy ; the same as Himalaya, the house of snow. 15 Meru ; the mountain on which stand the palaces of the gods. 16 Five arrows, barbed with five different flowers. 1'? Rudraksha, Eleocarpus ganitrus. Shiva's head is adorned with the moon and the Ganges. 1* The fish is the banner of Kama. 19 Parvati, the daughter of the mountain (Himalaya), in which character the Queen of Shiva was bom again after her death in the sacrificial fire. {See the " Sacrifice of Daksha.") 20 There is a red lotus as well as the white. 21 Kartikeya, the god of war. 22 The centre eye in the forehead, always a mark of Shiva. 23 Hearfc-bom, another of Kama's names. 2< Suras — gods or demigods, of whom Indra is the king. 25 Asuras (those who are not Suras), — then- opponents, the Titans, or demons. 26 Shesha : see stanzas 44 and 45 of the "Destruction of the Yiidavas." 27 The tortoise is the second Avatara of Vishnu. 2s The chariot of the sun is drawn by a horse with seven heads ; according to other accounts, by seven horses. (See "Fourth Avatara," stanza 39.) 2'J Airavata, Indra's elephant. 30 Kamadhenu or Surabhi : see " Destruction of the Yadavas," stanza 4. 31 Parijata, one of the five trees of Swarga or Paradise. (See " Hymn to Indra.") NOTES. 289 32 Disc, Sudarshana : see " Destruction of tlic Yadavas," stanza 5. 33 Shiva's bow : see Introductiou to " The last ordeal of Sita." 3-» The Apsarasas. The resemblance to the legend of Venus Aphrodite is striking. 35 Dhanwantari, phrsician of the gods. 36-Lakshmi : see "Fourth Avatara," stanzas 7 and 8. s"! Shiva is called Xilakantha or Blue-Throat. (See " Amba," stanza 6.) 3« Amrita. The same word as Ambrosia, the draught of immortality. 39 The reckoning of the fourteen jewels is not always the same. Some lists omit the Sun and Vishnu's quoit, counting the nymphs and the poison among the jewels. Instead of the horse of the Sun and the bow of Shiva, they mention those of Indra. IN'ow the first incai-nation was the fish which guided the ark over the waters of the deluge ; and this of the tortoise, which was the second, is said by some to have been manifested in order to recover the treasures lost in the ocean dm-ing the flood. To this tradition the bow of Indra, which is the rainbow, seems appropriate. Tlie fatal discovery of wine immediately succeeding the dehige is also a remark- able point in the legend. ^ Rahu, the head, and Ketu, the tail of the dragon, are the ascending and descending nodes in astronomical mythology. And hcnoe the origin of eclipses. ■ii The followers of Vishnu of course exalt him to the chief place in the Triad. ^ One tradition of Hindu cosmogony represents the vvhole universe to be enclosed in a golden shell ; hence it is common!}- called the egg of Brahma. *3 During the inten'al between two cycles of creation, Vishnu is said to sleep on the chaotic ocean, resting on Shesha, the thousand-lieaded king of the serpents. " Here Brahma and Shiva are represented as merely other manifesta- tions of Vishnu. 19 290 NOTES. *''• The fifth Avatara, or incarnation, is that of the dwarf, who begged from Bali a boon of three paces of land. In the first, he took the earth, and, in the second, heaven ; but, on Bali's submission, he refi'ained from depriving him of Patala, the subterraneous region, where Bali accordingly reigns still. The third Avatara was that of the boar, who dived and brought up on his tusks the earth and the Vedas, both sunk in the ocean by the giant Hiranyaksha (the Ermaccasen of Southey.) The first Avatara was tlie fish, which preserved Manu at the time of the deluge. The vessel of the king was fastened to his horn, and guided safely through the ocean. if Parashu Rama (or Rama with the axe), Ramachandra, and Balarama, were the sixth, seventh, and eighth (or ninth) Avataras. The last was armed with a ploughshare ; he is brother of Krishna, and husband of Revati. The first destroyed the Kshatriyas, or military caste, twenty-one times, in revenge for the murder of his father, Jarnadagni the hermit ; and with his axe he opened a way for the Ganges, through the Himfilaya, or house of snow. Ramachandra, of the solar dynasty, was Prince of Ayodhya (Oudh), the modern Fyzabad. His wife Slta was can'ied off by the ten- headed giant Ravana, who reigned in Lanka (Ceylon) ; Rama pursued him with an array of bears and monkeys (probably the wild tribes of the south, as the Aryan race and Brahman religion were long confined to the north of the Vindhya Mountains); to rescue Sita, they arc supposed to have built Adam's Bridge from the continent to the island. ■''' Sita is an incarnation of Lakshmi, who reigns with Vishnu as his queen, upon the milky ocean. ^8 Lakshmi, goddess of prosperity, was one of the fomteen treasures obtained from the sea when the gods and demons churned it to obtain the Amrita, or water of immortality (the demons, however, for their share were put oti with wine); the churning staff was Mount Mandara resting on the tortoise, the second Avatara ; and the rope was the serpent Shesha held at the head by the demons and at the tail by the gods. So great was Lakshnii's beauty that the guardians of the eight points of the compass became her suitors ; but she selected Vishnu. {See " The Churning of the Ocean.") When Sita was rescued from Ravana, she imderwent the ordeal of fire NOTES. 291 to prove her purity, to which also all the gods bore witness, raining flowers upon her. (See " The Last Ordeal of Sita.") ^9 The Viraana is the animated vehicle of the gods. (Southey's " ship of the gods.") *o Krishna is by some considered the ninth Avatara ; by others, who look on Buddha as the eighth, assumed to mislead the wicked, he is regarded as an emanation from the Ueity, distinct from, and superior to the ten Avatai-as. He was fostered among the herdsmen of Vrinda, to conceal him from the usurper Kansa, who knew that Krishna was destined to destroy him. One of the names of Vishnu is " j^ellow-robed." 51 Krishna means dark-blue ; and he is always represented of a black colour, as is well known from the representations of Jagannath. 52 Golden-mailed — Hiranyakashipu, or golden armour — the " Errenen " of Southey. 53 Diti was mother of the Daityas, or Titans. 54 Gurus are spiritual teachers. 55 It has been suggested that the tortoise which supports the world — the third Avatara — may be a ti'adition of the great fossil tortoise found in India. Can this be an allusion to the coal epoch ? 66 Himavan, the snowy, is the same as Himalaya, the house of snow. 57 Saints — the Prachetasas — ten patriarchs who spent 10,000 years in the sea in meditation, during which time the trees overspread the earth. On their return they destroyed the forests by the wind and flame of thcLr anger. 58 Hiranyakashipu : see stanza 1 2. 59 Hari is the most common of the names of Vishnu. 6" Mahadeva, the great god, — Shiva. «i Varuna is god of the sea. ^' Vaikuntha is Vishnu's paradii-e. 63 Soma is the god of the moon. During the former half of the month, 292 ifOTES. the moon is supposed to be filled with amrita or nectar, which is drunk by the gods and fathers during the latter half. •5* The sun's cliariot is drawn by seven green horses, the seven days of the week. "5 Stanza 45. The tenth Avatara, yet to come, is that of Kalki, or the swordsman mounted oh the white horse. "6 Narada : see note 7, on the " Sacrifice of Daksha." 6" Vakul : mimusops elengi. 6'^ It seems to have been a favourite amusement of the Hindu ladies to unite by a marriage ceremony two of the trees in their gardens. 6s> Ashoka : the Jonesia Asoca, said to flower when touched by a lady's foot. {See note 134 to the " Destruction of the Yadavas," stanza 11) ™ Chakravaka, the Brahmini duck ; the Indian emblem of conjugal affection. ■^1 Koil, the Indian cuckoo. "- Parashu Eama : see note 46 to the "Fourth Avatara," stanza 6. 73 A wife may not wear her ornaments in her husband's absence. Clasping the bracelet is a part of the marriage ceremony. "1 " Chosen by the crown of Raghu's race : " literally, the tilaka, or mark impressed on the forehead at consecration. The powder with which it is made is still sent to the Hindu princes, on their accession, by the Eana of Udipur, who claims descent from Rama, and is admitted to be the best blood in India. Raghu was great-grandfather of Rama. 75 Ashoka : Jonesia Asoca. 75 Tall tree : the famous fig-tree at Allahabad, where the Jumna and Ganges mingle their waters, blue and brown. 77 Shukra or Ushanas, regent of the planet Venus, and spiritual guide of the Titans ; as Vrihaspati, or Jupiter, is of the gods. 73 King Vrishapai-van, King of the Danavas, and father of Sharmishtha. NOTES. 293 '9 Suras, the demi-gods and constant foes of the Titans. It is curious how often in Indian legends, as in the story of Prometheus, our sj'mpathies are excited rather by the Titans than by their successful rivals. They are always worsted in the end of their conflicts, but seldom in fair fight. Sometimes a direct emanation from the superior gods takes place to save the Suras ; sometimes they obtain the aid of wan-iors of human race ; some- times the Titans are defeated through a trick — through their unswerving fixity of purpose, or through being led into heresy and error by a god taking the shape of their teachers. •* The arrows of Kama are barbed with five flowers. (See tlie '* Song of the Koil.") *^i Every hour of the day had its allotted occupation for the Indian kings, and from the dramas it seems that the changes were announced in verse by the warders of the palace. 82 It will of course he remembered that the Indian princes were not limited to a single queen. S3 The name of Yadn is still preserved in the powerful tribe of the Jats. ** Porus, the opponent of Alexander, is supposed to have been a name- sake, if not a descendant of Puru. ^' Kfishi is Benares. 86 Bholanath (the lord or husband of Bholii, one of the names of Parvati), and Mahadev (the great god), are titles of Shiva. '•'' In justice to the lady, it must be stated that the author of the Prem Sugar misrepresented her stor}^ ; indeed, there is scarcely a heroine of Indian mythology who is not represented as a model of Avifely virtue. She was taken captive by King Bhishma, who, however, dismissed her honour- ably when he found that she was a manned woman. But her husband refused to receive one who had even been in the power of another ; and it was for thus destroying her domestic happiness, that she sought for revenge upon Bhishma. 8* Vina is the Hirdii lute. *« Indra is the god of the thousand eyes, and lord of paradise. 294 NOTES. 80 The chakor, bartavelle, or Greek partridge, is supposed to feed on the moonbeams. 'Ji Shiva, whose abode is on Mount Kailfisa, in the Himalayas, is usually represented riding on a white bull, with the crescent on his forehead, and the other emblems in the text. "'- The dark-blue colour of his throat was caused by his swallowing the poison, which threatened to consume the world, at the churning of the ocean. {See the ballad of that name.) 33 Swarga is Paradise ; Indra its king. "* Kuvera is the god of wealth, and possessor of the nine famous jewels. "5 Lakshmi is the goddess of fortune, and wife of Vishnu. ^'^ Ugrasena was King of the Yadavas, Krishna's tribe. *^ The Shraddha is the funeral ceremonies. 'J« Lanka and Ravana: see note 46, on stanza 6 of" The Fourth Avatara." ^^ Rama is Balarama, brother of Krishna, — not Eamachundra, the patron of Jambavat. 1"" Hastinapur is on the Ganges, not far from Delhi. i"i Kanravas : see note 160, to stanza 34 of the " Destruction of the Yadavas." ' i"2 Mithila is Tirhut. 1"'' A kos is two miles. 1"^ The disc or quoit is Krishna's weapon. 105 Vasudeva was father of Krishna. io« The Ocean-city is Dwaraka, on the coast of Kattiawar, in Gujrat, tabled to have been built on the ocean. (See " Destruction of the Yadavas," stanza .5.) iw Bharata was the first sovereign who enjoyed universal empire, whence India is known as Bharatavarsha, the region of Bharata. "w Manu was the Hindu Noah. w« Yadu was the ancestor of the tribe to which Krishna belonged. NOTES. 205 110 The Bavtavclle, or Greek partridge, is supposed to feed on the moon- beiuns. The Indian simile, " The moon sees many night-flowers— the night-flower sees but one moon," is well known, having been published by Sir Wm. Jones, and imitated by Moore. 111 Fourteen jewels were gained from the ocean, when churned by the gods and demons. Mount Mandara was the churning stick, and the serpent Vasuki was the rope ; but the latter, wearied with the labour too long con- tinued, emitted a poison which nearly consumed the world. There are other versions of the legend. (See the " Churning of the Ocean.") 112 The city is Dwiiraka, situated on the coast of the peninsula of Guji'at. 113 The Kalpa is one of the five trees of Swarga. (See "Hymn to Indra.") 11* Surabhi is the cow of plenty. 115 Vishnakarman was the architect of the gods. i"5 The Yadavas were transported from Mathura, when besieged by Jarasantha. '1'' Sudarshana is the animated discus of Vishnu. '1^ The seven regions : see note to the " Moral of History." 119 Ugrasena w'as the king of the Yadavas. 120 The five trees, branches of which are placed in waterpots on festivals, are the Indian, the holy, and the wave-leaved fig-trees, the mango, and a kind of acacia. 121 Krishna was born to slay the tyrant Kansa, who usurped the throne of his (Kansa's) father, Ugrasena. 122 Krishna was an incarnation of Vishnu, who is usually represented seated on a lotus. 123 It had been foretold to Kansa that he should be slain by the eighth son of Vasudeva and Devaki. Great precautions were therefore taken to slay the infant at the moment of birth ; but, in spite of all, Vasudeva was enabled to convey the child to Nanda, chief of the herdsmen of Vraja, who brought him up. 296 NOTES. 12* Yamuna is by the English 'n-ritten and pronounced Jumna. 125 Yadu was the eldest son of Yayati, hut, with his brethren, was disinherited, and the crown conferred on the youngest, Puru, who had tiiken on him his father's decay, in exchange for his own youth. (See " Sharmishtha.") i^*' Rukmini {see note on " Rukmini "), Jambavati (see " The Syamantak Jewel "), and Kaliudi, were three of Krishna's eight queens. 12V The waters of the Yamuna are blue and clear. 128 Some of these similes are not very consonant with European, ideas, as the comparison of the tapering back-hair to a snake, and the slow, languid step to an elephant's motion ; but the latter especially is too universal a point of description, and too chai'acteristic of Indian notions of elegance, to be omitted. 129 The koil is the Indian cuckoo, named from its note. I-''" The vimba is a small red gourd : the ]SIomordica monadclpha. 131 The champaka is a deliciously fragrant flower of the magnolia family, Michelia Champac. 132 The rose is Persian, and would not be found in classical poetry, but it occurs in the corresponding passage of the Premsugar. 133 The colour of a smile is white in Indian poetry. 13* The Ashoka (Jonesia Asoca) flowers when touched by a lady's foot. It has a beautiful scarlet blossom ; but the leaves are at the end of the branches. 135 The deer are always said to be captivated by music. 138 Kalindi is the daughter of the Sun. 13" Meru, where stand the palaces of the gods, is the North Pole. i3« The king is often described under the emblem of u bull. 139 The Yamuna, or Jumna, is also daughter of the Sun ; indeed Kfilindi is probably the river personified. i*" The wife wears no ornaments while her husband is absent. NOTES. 297 111 Vaikuntha is the heaven of Vishnu, as Swarga is of Indra. 142 The impostor was Paundraka, who in Kiishi, or Benares, asserted himself to be an incarnation of Vishnu. This points apparently to a schism among the Vaishnavas, the weaker party in which was supported by the followers of Shiva. 143 The Kali, or iron, age, dates from the death of Krishna. 144 Murari means the enemy of Mura, who was a demon slain by Krishna. 145 Kritya was a female fiend, produced from the sacrificial fire by the incantations of the son of the King of Kashi, to revenge the death of his father, who fell with his friend. King Paundraka. (.See stanza 19.) 146 Salava and the brothers of King Shishupala, Vakradanta, and Viduratha, made various attacks upon Dwaraka, to revenge the death of Shishupala. 14V Dwivida was minister of Salava. i4f* ^Madhu was a demon slain by Vishnu. 149 Arjuna was third of the five Pandava princes. 150 Balarama was elder brother of Kiishna ; his weapons were a pestle and ploughshare. 151 Paundrak : see stanza 19. 15- Rukmin, brother of Rukmini, led an army to rescue her, when Krishna carried lier oif. (See " Eukmini.") 153 Bana : -see stanza 38. 154 Anga is the country about Bhagalpur. 155 The Apsarasas, or njnnphs of Paradise, are wedded to warriors slain in battle. The expression does not mean choosers of those marked for slaughter, as in the Northern mythology, but choosers for themselves of the bravest warriors among those fallen in battle. 156 Prabhasa is a place of pilgrimage near Somnath, on the coast of Gujrat. 298 NOTES. 187 The Meghaduta has, in a somewhat different reasoning, — " The fairest portion of celestial birth, Of Indra's paradise transferred to earth, The last reward to acts of virtue given, The only recompence then left to heaven." 158 Mace : see stanza 35. 1''''* Bhadrasena and Durgama were sons of Vasudeva. Charu and Shruta were sons of Krishna. Prithu was a Yadava. 160 The hundred Kuru princes ruled in Hastinapura, (or the elephant city,) on the Ganges not far from Delhi. Duryodhana was the eldest of them, and his daughter was carried off by Samba, while making her public choice of a husband ; the Kurus pursued and captured him. "^1 A bend in the river Yamuna is said to have been caused by Bala- rfima, who drew her to him with his ploughshare, when she refused to change her course to bathe him. i'"'2 Samba was dressed by his companions as a woman, and brought to the sages as a bride inquiring about her future offspring ; the sages, incensed, replied, " A club, which shall destroy the race of Yadu." 163 Drona was father of Ashwatthfiman, preceptor of the Kuru princes, and their helper in the war with the Pandavas. (^See stanza 47.) 1"* Satyabhama, wife of Krishna, and daughter of Satrajit, had been wooed by Akriira, Kritavarman, and Shatadhanwan, and the two former persuaded the latter to revenge his slight by the murder of Satrajit ; Krishna revenged his death. (See the " Story of the Syamantak Jewel") i"5 Bima, King of the Daityas or Titans, propitiated Shiva, and gained a thousand arms ; but, finding no employment for them, he again requested an antagonist. Shiva gave him a flag, on the fall of which he would meet with an enemy, viz. Krishna, who came to rescue his grandson, Aniruddha, son of Pradyumna, from confinement, as Bana had thrown him into chains on the discovery of his secret marriage with his daughter Ushu. I"*' On the death of Satrajit (see stanza 36), Akriira got possession of the jewel he had obtained from the Sun. (Seethe " Story of the Syamantak Jewel.") NOTES. 299 167 Prady umna, son of Krishna and Rukmiui, was an incarnation of Kama, god of love, after be was reduced to ashes by Shiva. (See the " Song of the Koil.") if'8 The royal families of India all belonged to the solar or lunar race. All were engaged in the great war between the Kurus and their cousins, the five Pandava princes. i^s Daruka was Krishna's charioteer. i''" Balarama was an incarnation of Shesha, king of serpents. 1"! The Nagas are the snake- gods who dwell in Patala, or the subter- ranean regions. i"^'^ Vishnu's paradise, Vaikuntha, is on the ocean of milk. "* Pritha was wife of Pandu, and mother of the three eldest of the five princes. I'^i Vajra was son of Aniruddha. 1^5 The tenth incarnation, yet to come, is Kalki, or the rider on the white horse. i'6 Durvasas, the implacable sage, being offended by Krishna, foretold his death. A part of the club (see stanza 35) could not be ground to powder, and was thrown into the sea ; hut it was swallowed by a fish, and recovered by a hunter. !■?" The two great Indian epics are the Eamayana, said to have been written before Rama's birth, and the Mahabharata, or war of the Ivanrava and Pandava princes. (See stanza 43.) "* Ravana, king of Lanka, or Ceylon, carried off Sitil, wife of Rama. (5ee the " Last Ordeal of SIta.") i"9 Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, and the Twins, were the five princes. A sacrifice held by Yudhishthira, as paramount sovereign of India, caused much of the jealousy which led to the war. i*« Siddhas are demigods who dwell in the middle air. 181 The Ganges of heaven is the Milky Way. 300 NOTES. i**2 The seven Saints, or Rishis, are the Great Bear. "*3 Dhrava is the pole star. 184 Stanza 49 is taken from the description in Act v. of Shakuntala. 185 Hemakuta, or Golden Peak, is the residence of Kashyapa and Acliti, the parents of the gods. 18C Kailasa is the abode of Shiva — Southey's "silver mount of Calasay." 187 The sleep of the Universe is the chaos between two cycles of creation . 188 Indra, witli his tliunderbolt, leads the gods in their encounters with the demons. 189 The temple is said by some to be a portion of the original Dwaraka; its antiquity is certainly very great. 150 The children of the sage Bhrigu were persecuted by the sons of King Kritavirva. From the wrath of Aurva, grandson of Bhrigu, proceeded a flame, which would have destroyed the world, had he not, on Brahma's entreaty, confined it in the ocean ; but the time comes when it shall burst its bonds. 191 Varuna is god of the sea. 192 ThQfive elements of the Hindiis are each to be absorbed in the next grosser, and the last to be absorbed in the universal spirit. 1** Exemption from future birth is, according to Hindii philosophy, only to be obtained by the knowledge that this spirit pervades all things, and is, in fact, one with our own and with those of others, — and that conse- quently all things, good and evil, are equal. 194 Kalindi is the daughter of the Sun. (5ee "Destruction of the Yadavas," stanza 12.) 195 Simal, the silk cotton tree. Before its leaves come, it is a mass of large red blossoms, most brilliant iu the sunshine. 196 Coral ti'ce : Erythrina fulgens : Parijfita. 197 Parrot bloom : Butea frondosa : Palasha, from which the field of Plassey was named. Its orange scarlet pea flower is thought to resemble a parrot's beak, from which it derives its other name of Kinshuka. NOTES. 301 198 Koil : the Indian cuckoo. 19a Vaikuntha : Vishnu's paradise. 200 Kalpa tree : the tree of heaven, which grants every wish. 201 Padma bloom : the white lotus. 202 The white water-lily, nymphsea esculenta, opens its blossoms by night, as the lotus does by day. 203 Chakravaka (ki, fern.), the Brahmim duck, the Indian emblem of conjugal affection. It is supposed to be under a curse, by which it is doomed to pass the night on the opposite bank of the river to its mate, to whom it calls the whole night through. 2w The milky way. 205 The Briihmans, and also the two next classes, arc solemnly invested with a thread, which, being considered a spiritual birth, gives them the title of twice-born. The simile, however, is scarcely Indian, as a Hindii woukl describe the Ganges as threefold, including its course in Patala. 206 Sagara, purposing to perform an ashwamedha, or sacrifice of a horse, as an essential part of the ceremony set at liberty the horse, which was carried off by one of the serpents of Patala. The king du'ected his sons by his wife Sumati, 60,000 in number, to recover the steed. Their efforts, though unavailing, were enough to alarm the gods and demons, and to insure their destiiiction. After penetrating deep towards the subterranean regions, they came upon the horse grazing near Kapila, an incarnation of Vishnu as a sage, whom the sons of Sagara challenged as the thief. Kapila, incensed, reduced them all to ashes with a blast from his nostrils. Anslmmat, the son of Asamanjas, the son of Sagara by his other wife, Keshini, afterwards discovered the relics of his uncles, and learned from Garura, their uncle, that the waters of the Ganges were necessary to procure them admission to heaven. Neither was Sagara, nor his successors, Anshumat and Dilipa, able to efTect the descent of Ganga, which was reserved for the son and successor of the latter, Bhagiratha. On the austerities of this prince successively propitiating Brahma, Uma, and Mahadeva, the Ganges was by their power compelled to flow over the earth, following Bhagiratha to the sea, and thence to Patala, where the ashes of 302 NOTES. his ancestors were laved by its waters. The Ganges was called Bhagirathi, in honour of the king, and the ocean termed Sagara,as in Saugor Island, in commemoration of Sagai'a and his sons. 207 The Nagas are snake-gods, who inhabit Patala, or the subterranean regions. 208 Maitreya is the pupil to whom the Vishnu Purfma is related by the sage, his instructor. 209 Manu is the Noah of the Hindus. 210 There are in the Hindu cosmogony seven earths, each surrounded by its own ocean of a different composition. 211 Prithu was so famous for universal empire that the earth is from him commonly called Prithivi. 212 Simal is the silk cotton-tree. Its cotton is very white and beautiful, and shines like snow, after the crimson blossoms have fallen in early spring ; but it is of no practical value. 21S Kartavirya, a patronymic of Arjuna, who conquered Efivana, but was slain by Parashurama. 21* Raghu was a famous prince of the solar dynasty, king of Ayodhya, or Oudh, and ancestor of Eama. 215 The inhabitants of Taurica Chersonesus, now the Crimea, offered on the altar of Diana all strangers shipwrecked on their coasts. 216 Iphigenia. 217 Endyraion was a shepherd and astronomer, whence he is said to have been loved by Luna. 218 Hippolytus, son of Theseus, a hunter devoted to Diana, having unjustly been put to death, was restored by her to life under the name of Virbius. 219 Adonis, or Thammuz, was restored to life by Proserpine, on condition of his spending halt the year with her and half with Venus. Ilis aimual death and revival are an allegory of winter and summer. NOTES. 303 220 Pirithous, having attempted to carry oS. Proserpine, was punished by- being bound to the wheel of his father, Ixion. He was, however, according to one legend, subsequently released by Hercules. 221 Women who died suddenly were said to be slain by the aiTows of Diana. 223 The walls of Thebes, "the seven-gated," (to distinguish it fi-om the Egyptian Thebes of the hundred gates,) were raised by the music of Amphion. 223 ^te is the Goddess of Eetribution. 224 Crissaeus Sinus, the Bay of Crissa, the laud devoted on account of the sacrilege of the Phocians in the Sacred War. This was ended sixteen years after the death of Epaminondas ; and the song is imagined to have been composed during the decline of Thebes, between that time and the capture of the city by Philopcemeu. 225 CEdipus, having been exposed as a child, unwittingly killed his father Laius and married his mother Jocasta. Pie was driven from the throne of Thebes and went into exile, blind, and attended only by his devoted daughter Antigone. Meanwhile a war for the succession raged between his sons, Eteocles and Polynices. The latter brought seven chiefs to his aid, all but one of whom fell before the city. Both princes were killed, and Creon, who became king, forbade their burial on pain of death. This, however, did not deter Antigone from performing the funeral rites. 22G Pelopidas and Epaminondas delivered Thebes from the Spartan garrison, and destroyed the supremacy which Sparta had exercised over Greece since the time of the Peloponnesian war. 227 The dragon showed that he was one of the Sparti or sown men, who traced their descent from the dragon's teeth. 228 The Apian land is the Peloponnesus, so called from Apis, King of Argos. 229 Sparta boasted that she had no walls but the shields of her sons. The story is well known of the Arcadian contending with the Spartan : " Many of your nation lie on the plains of Mantinea; " and of the Spartan's reply, " But none of your nation lie on the plains of Sparta." 804 NOTES. 230 Messene was subdued by Sparta after four terrible wars. It revolted with the assistance of Thebes. -SI The Cyparissian Bay was on the west coast of the Peloponnesus. 232 Ithome was one of the chief towns of Messene. 233 Ira was a stronghold of Messene, the capture of which, after a siege of eleven years, ended the second Messenian war. It was, according to prophecy, to fall when the fig-tree drank, of the Neda. 234 Thebes was the chief city in Greece of the .^olic branch ; the rest were Doric or Ionic. 235 Cadmea was the citadel of Thebes. 236 lacchus, or Bacchus, was born when his mother Semele perished in consequence of her having unwisely, at Juno's instigation, requested Jupiter to nsit her in divine splendour. 237 Hercules accomplished the twelve famous labours. 28S Zethus and Amphion are described by iEschylus as " the sons of Jupiter who ride on white horses." 239 When mankind were destroyed in the Deluge, the earth was reple- nished from the stones flung over their shoulders by Deucalion and Pyrrha, in obedience to the Delphic oracle. 2-«' The serpent with his tail in his mouth was the Egyptian emblem of eternity. 211 Cadmus was banished from Sidon by his father, until he should find his sister Europa. Giving up the search in despair, he applied to Apollo, the Pythian god, who directed him to follow a heifer, which would lead him to the kingdom destined for him. 242 Ismenus is a river of Bceotia, near Thebes. 248 The Spartian line is the Sparti, or sown men ; not the Spartistas, or Spartans. 2« Hermione was the daughter of Venus. 215 For Semele's historv, see note 236. NOTES. 305 2-tfi Agave, in a fit of frenzy, killed her son Pentheus, king of Thebes. ^'' Ino man-ied Athamas, who, during a paroxysm of madness, killed one of his sons, Learchus, and was about to kill the other, Melicertes ; but Ino fled with him across the white plain in Megaiis, and threw herself with the boy into the sea. '^^ Laius was father of CEdipus. (See note 225.) ^^ Bacchus extended his conquests to India. *^ Bacchus found Aiiadne deserted by Theseus, raised her to heaveu and placed her crown among the constellations. *5i Theseus, after being freed by Hercules from his capti%ity in Hades, attempted to eject Menestheus, who in his absence had seized the throne of Athens. Failing in this, he retired to Scyros, where he was treacherously killed by the king, Lycomedes. 253 Hippolytus, son of Theseus, was unjustly accused by his stepmother, Pyrrha. Theseus believed her, and prayed Xeptunc to punish him ; and in passing near the sea-shore his horses took fright, and he was dashed to pieces. 253 ^thra, the mother of Theseus, was enslaved by Castor and Pollux, in revenge for his ha\-ing carried off their sister Helen. 25i Pentheus, King of Thebes, opposed the introduction of the worship of Bacchus, and was consequently torn in pieces by his mother Agave, and other Bacchanals. 25o Lycurgus, King of Thrace, persecuted Bacchus and his worship on the mountain of Nyseion. He was punished by madness, during which he killed his own son : and he was soon afterwards torn to pieces by horses. 256 Mount Cithasron, in Boeotia, was a famous resort of the Maenads, or Bacchanals. •257 Thyone is a name of Semele. 258 Ino, to whom Bacchus was entrusted on the death of his mother, Semele. 20 306 - NOTES. 289 Semele. (See note 236.) 260 Hercules, son of Alcmena, was begotten by Jupiter, in the form ol' her husband. The slaughter of the Nemean lion was one of the most famous exploits of Hercules. •2(11 The last labour of Hercules was to carry off Cerberus from Tartarus, round which Styx flowed nine times. 262 Pirithous, King of the Lapithte, in Thessaly, was released by Hercules from the punishment which he was undergoing in consequence of his attempt to carry off Proserpine. 263 The labours of Hercules were imposed on him in consequence of his fated subjection to Eurystheus. •i6i The Theban armies were arranged for battle in the phalanx. 265 The Sacred Band were the flower of the youth, bound to die on the field of battle rather than fly from it. 266 See Longfellow's " Golden Legend," the Nativity, Part HI., where the seven angels bring the gifts of Faith, Hope, Charity, Justice, Prudence, Fortitude, and Temperance. 267 An Eastern legend traces the origin of pearls to raindrops falling into the shells. 268 See " The Monks of Bangor's March," by Sir Walter Scott. THE END. 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