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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/19529-0.txt b/19529-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..03e39db --- /dev/null +++ b/19529-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4968 @@ +Project Gutenberg's Nala and Damayanti and Other Poems, by Henry Hart Milman + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Nala and Damayanti and Other Poems + +Author: Henry Hart Milman + +Release Date: October 12, 2006 [EBook #19529] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NALA AND DAMAYANTI AND OTHER POEMS *** + + + + +Produced by Sankar Viswanathan and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was +produced from scanned images of public domain material +from the Google Print project.) + + + + + + + + + + Transcriber's note: + + 1. The spelling, accents, and diacritical marks of Sanskrit words is + not consistent through the book. The original spelling, accents, and + diacritical marks are retained. + + 2. The in-line notes refer to lines in the poems. These have been + converted to footnotes for easy reference. The information regarding + the line referred to is however retained. + + + + NALA AND DAMAYANTI + + AND OTHER POEMS + + + TRANSLATED FROM THE SANSCRIT INTO ENGLISH VERSE, WITH MYTHOLOGICAL + AND CRITICAL NOTES. + + + + + BY THE + REV. HENRY HART MILMAN, M. A. + +PREBENDARY OF WESTMINSTER; MINISTER OF ST. MARGARET'S; AND LATE PROFESSOR + OF POETRY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD. + + + + + + OXFORD: D. A. TALBOYS. + M DCCC XXXV + + * * * * * + + + + +TO MY MOTHER, + +TO WHOM THESE TRANSLATIONS HAVE AFFORDED +MUCH PLEASURE, + +AND TO WHOM, AT HER ADVANCED AGE, +TO HAVE AFFORDED PLEASURE + +IS THE MOST GRATIFYING REWARD OF LITERARY +LABOUR, + +THIS VOLUME IS INSCRIBED, + +BY HER AFFECTIONATE SON. + + * * * * * + + + + +CONTENTS: + + +NALA AND DAMAYANTI + NOTES + +THE DEATH OF YAJNADATTA + NOTES + +THE BRAHMIN'S LAMENT + NOTES + +THE DELUGE + +THE DESCENT OF THE GANGES + + * * * * * + + + + +PREFACE. + + +Those friends who have taken an interest in my literary productions +may feel some surprise at my appearance in the character of a +translator of Sanscrit poetry. To those, and indeed to all who may +take up the present volume, I owe some explanation of my pretensions +as a faithful interpreter of my original text. Those pretensions are +very humble; and I can unfeignedly say, that if the field had been +likely to be occupied by others, who might unite poetical powers with +a profound knowledge of the sacred language of India, I should have +withdrawn at once from the competition. But, in fact, in this country +the students of oriental literature, endowed with a taste and feeling +for poetry, are so few in number, that any attempt to make known the +peculiar character of those remarkable works, the old mythological +epics of India, may be received with indulgence by all who are +interested in the history of poetry. Mr. Wilson alone, since Sir W. +Jones, has united a poetical genius with deep Sanscrit scholarship; +but he has in general preferred the later and more polished +period--that of Kalidasa and the dramatists--to the ruder, yet in my +opinion, not less curious and poetical strains of the older epic +bards. + +A brief account of the manner in which I became engaged in these +studies, will best explain the extent of my proficiency. During the +two last years in which I held the office of Professor of Poetry in +the University of Oxford, having exhausted the subject which I had +chosen for my terminal course, I was at a loss for some materials for +the few remaining lectures before my office should expire. I had been +led by the ardent curiosity, which I have ever felt to acquire some +knowledge of the poetry of all ages and nations--to examine some of +the publications of French and German, as well as English scholars, on +the subject of Indian poetry; chiefly those of the Schlegels, of Bopp, +and of De Chezy. I was struck with the singularity and captivated by +the extreme beauty, as it appeared to me, of some of the extracts, +especially those from the great epic poems, the Mahabharata and the +Ramayana, in their Homeric simplicity so totally opposite to the +ordinary notions entertained of all eastern poetry. I was induced to +attempt, without any instruction, and with the few elementary works +which could be procured, the Grammars of Wilkins and Bopp, the +Glossaries of Bopp and Rosen (Mr. Wilson's Dictionary was then out of +print and could not be purchased), to obtain some knowledge of this +wonderful and mysterious language. The study grew upon me, and would +have been pursued with more ardour, perhaps with more success, but for +the constant interruption of more imperative professional and literary +avocations. In itself the Sanscrit is an inexhaustible subject of +interest; in its grammatical structure more regular, artificial, and +copious than the most perfect of the western languages; in its origin, +the parent from which the older Greek, the Latin and the Teutonic +tongues seem to branch out and develop themselves upon distinct and +discernible principles. + +I ventured to communicate to the Members of the University who +attended my lectures, my discoveries, as it were, in the unknown +region of Indian poetry, and to introduce translations of such +passages as appeared to me of peculiar singularity or beauty. Though I +was still moving in the leading-strings of my learned guides, I had +obtained sufficient acquaintance with the language to compare their +interpretations with the original text. I afterwards embodied some +parts of my lectures in an article in the Quarterly Review, in order +to contribute as far as was in my power to open this new and almost +untrodden field of literature to the English reader. + +Still I should not have presumed to form these translations into a +separate work, nor acceded to the proposal of the publisher of the +present volume, who has himself deserved so well of the students of +oriental lore by his excellent translation, or rather recomposition of +Adelung's "Historical Sketch of Sanscrit Literature," but for the +encouragement and assistance of Mr. Wilson, now, the University may be +proud to say, the Boden Professor of Sanscrit at Oxford. To his most +friendly care in revising these sheets, I owe the correction of many +errors; and Sanscrit scholars will find in the notes some observations +on the text, which will contribute to elucidate the poem of Nala. +Under the sanction of Mr. Wilson's revision, I may venture to hope +that the translation is, at least, an accurate version of the +original; and I cannot too strongly express my gratitude for the +labour which Mr. Wilson has been so kind as to expend on my imperfect +and unpretending work. + +The versification, or rather the metrical system, which I have +adopted, is an experiment, how far a successful one must be judged by +others. The original verse in which the vast epics of Vyasa and +Valmiki are composed is called the Sloka, which is thus described by +Schlegel in his Indische Bibliothek, p. 36: "The oldest, most simple, +and most generally adopted measure is the Sloka; a distich of two +sixteen syllable-lines, divided at the eighth syllable." According to +our prosodial marks, the following is the scheme:-- + +u u u u | u - - - | u u u u | u - u - +- - - - | u | - - - - | u + +u u u u | u - - - | u u u u | u - u u +- - - - | - u | - - - - | - + +The first four syllables are bound by no rule; the second half, on the +contrary, is unalterably fixed, excepting that the last syllable has +the common licence of termination. In the second half verse, I do not +remember a single instance of deviation from this, though sometimes, +but very seldom, the first half verse ends with another quadrisyllable +foot. The reader who is curious on the subject, may compare Mr. +Colebrooke's elaborate essays on Sanscrit poetry, Kosegarten's preface +to his Translation of Nala, and Bopp's preface to his Translation of +Selections from the Mahabharata. + +In the first translations which I attempted, a few passages from the +Bhagavat-Gita, I adhered as nearly as possible to the measure of the +original; in the Nala, in order to give the narrative a more easy and +trochaic flow, I omitted one syllable, and in some degree changed the +structure of the verse. + +_July_ 1835. + + + + +NALA AND DAMAYANTI. + + +The episode of Nala is extracted from the Vanaparvam, the third part +of the Mahabharata, the great Indian poem, which contains 100,000 +slokas, or distichs. The sage, Vrihadasva, relates the story of Nala +to king Yudishthira, in order to console him under the miseries to +which he was exposed by bad success in play. By the terms of the +gaming transaction, in which he was worsted by Sakuni, who threw the +dice for Duryodhana, he was condemned to wander with his brothers for +twelve years in the forest. The adventures of Nala showed how that +king, having been in the same manner unfortunate with the dice, had +suffered still greater toil and misery, and had at length recovered +his kingdom and his wife. The popularity of this fable with the +natives, is sufficiently proved by the numerous poetic versions of the +story. The Nalodaya, a poem ascribed to Kalidas, should first be +mentioned. A new edition of this work has been recently published by +Ferdinand Benary; we have a notice of it in the Quarterly Review: it +seems to bear the same relation to the simple and national episode of +the Mahabharata, as the seicentesti of Italy to Dante or Arìosto, or +Gongora to the poem of the Cid. Another poem called Naishadha, in +twenty-two books, does not complete the story, but only carries it as +far as the fifteenth book. There is a Tamulic version of the same +story, translated by Kindersley, in his specimens of Hindu Literature. +The third book of the poem of Sriharsha, containing 135 slokas, is +entirely occupied with the conversation between Damayanti and the +swans (the geese), in which the birds to excite her love, dwell with +diffuse eloquence on the praises of Nala. + + + + +NALA AND DAMAYANTI. + +BOOK I. + + + Lived of yore, a raja, Nala,--Virasena's mighty son, + Gifted he with every virtue,--beauteous, skilled in taming steeds: + Head of all the kings of mortals--like the monarch of the gods, + Over, over all exalted[1]--in his splendour like the sun: + Holy, deep-read in the Vedas[2]--in Nishadha lord of earth;[3] + Loving dice, of truth unblemished[4]--chieftain of a mighty host. + The admired of noble women--generous, with each sense subdued.[5] + Guardian of the state; of archers--best, a present Manu[6] he. + So there dwelt in high Vidarbha[7]--Bhima, terrible in strength,[8] + With all virtues blest, but childless--long for children had he pined. + Many an holy act, on offspring[9]--still intent, had he performed. + To his court there came a Brahmin,--Damana the seer was named. + Him the child-desiring Bhima--in all duties skilled, received, + Feasted with his royal consort--in his hospitable hall.[10] + Pleased on him the grateful Daman,--and his queen a boon bestowed, + One sweet girl, the pearl of maidens--and three fair and noble sons. + Damayanti, Dama Dánta--and illustrious Damana, + Richly gifted with all virtues--mighty, fearful in their might. + Damayanti with her beauty--with her brilliance, brightness, grace, + Through the worlds unrivalled glory--won the slender-waisted maid. + Her, arrived at bloom of beauty,--sate a hundred slaves around, + And a hundred virgin handmaids--as around great Indra's queen.[11] + In her court shone Bhima's daughter--decked with every ornament, + Mid her handmaids, like the lightning[12]--shone she with her faultless + form;[13] + Like the long-eyed queen of beauty--without rival, without peer. + Never mid the gods immortal--never mid the Yaksha race,[14] + Nor 'mong men was maid so lovely--ever heard of, ever seen, + As the soul-disturbing maiden--that disturbed the souls of gods. + Nala too, 'mong kings the tiger[15]--peerless among earthly men, + Like Kandarpa in his beauty[16]--like that bright-embodied God. + All around Vidarbha's princess--praised they Nala in their joy. + Ever praised they Damayanti--round Nishadha's noble king. + Hearing so each others virtues--all unseen they 'gan to love. + Thus of each, O son of Kunti,[17]--the deep silent passion grew. + Nala, in his heart impatient--longer that deep love to bear, + To the grove, in secret, wandered--by the palace' inmost court. + There the swans he saw disporting[18]--with their wings bedropped with gold: + Through the grove thus lightly moving--one of these bright birds he caught. + But the bird, in human language--thus the wondering king addressed: + "Slay me not, O gentle monarch!--I will do thee service true; + So in Damayanti's presence--will I praise Nishadha's king, + Never after shall the maiden--think of mortal man but thee." + Thus addressed, at once the monarch--let the bright-winged bird depart. + Flew away the swans rejoicing--to Vidarbha straight they flew; + To Vidharba's stately city:--there by Damayanti's feet, + Down with drooping plumes they settled--and she gazed upon the flock, + Wondering at their forms so graceful--where amid her maids she sate. + Sportively began the damsels--all around to chase the birds; + Scattering flew the swans before them--all about the lovely grove. + Lightly ran the nimble maidens,--every one her bird pursued; + But the swan that through the forest--gentle Damayanti chased, + Suddenly, in human language--spake to Damayanti thus.-- + "Damayanti, in Nishadha--Nala dwells, the noble king-- + Like the Aswinas in beauty,[19]--peerless among men is he. + O incomparable princess--to this hero wert thou wed, + Noble birth and perfect beauty--not unworthy fruit had borne. + Gods, Gandharvas,[20] men, the Serpents,[21]--and the Rakshasas[22] we've + seen, + All we've seen--of noble Nala--never have we seen the peer. + Pearl art thou among all women--Nala is the pride of men. + If the peerless wed the peerless--blessed must the union be." + When the bird thus strangely speaking--gentle Damayanti heard, + Answered thus the wondering maiden--"Thus to Nala, speak thou too." + "Be it so," replied the egg-born--to Vidarbha's beauteous maid. + Home then flew he to Nishadha--and to Nala told it all. + + + + +BOOK II. + + + Damayanti, ever after--she the swan's sweet speech had heard-- + With herself she dwelt no longer--all herself with Nala dwelt. + Lost in thought she sate dejected--pale her melancholy cheek, + Damayanti sate and yielded--all her soul to sighs of grief. + Upward gazing, meditative--with a wild distracted look, + Wan was all her soft complexion--and with passion heart-possessed,[23] + Nor in sleep nor gentle converse--nor in banquets found she joy; + Night nor day she could not slumber--Woe! oh woe! she wept and said. + Her no longer her own mistress--from her looks, her gesture, knew + Damayanti's virgin handmaids--to Vidarbha's monarch they + Told how pined his gentle daughter--for the sovereign of men. + This from Damayanti's maidens--when the royal Bhima heard, + In his mind he gravely pondered--for his child what best were done. + "Wherefore is my gentle daughter--from herself in mind estranged?" + When the lord of earth his daughter--saw in blooming youth mature, + Knew he for the Swayembara[24]--Damayanti's time was come. + Straight the lord of many peasants[25]--summoned all the chiefs of earth, + "Come ye to the Swayembara--all ye heroes of the world!" + Damayanti's Swayembara--soon as heard the kings of men, + All obeyed king Bhima's summons--all to Bhima's court drew near; + Elephants, and steeds, and chariots--swarmed along the sounding land; + All with rich and various garlands[26]--with his stately army each-- + All the lofty-minded rajas--Bhima with the arm of strength, + As beseemed, received with honour--on their thrones of state they sate. + At this very hour the wisest--of the sages, the divine, + Moving in their might ascended--up from earth to Indra's world.[27] + Great in holiness and wisdom--Narada and Parvata[28] + Honoured entered they the palace--of the monarch of the gods. + Them salutes the cloud-compeller[29]--of their everlasting weal, + Of their weal the worlds pervading--courteous asks the immortal lord. + + NARADA _spake_. + + Well it fares with us, Immortal--in our weal the world partakes-- + In the world, O cloud-compeller--well it fares with all her kings. + + VRIHADASVA _spake_. + + He that Bali slew and Vritra--asked of Narada again-- + All earth's just and righteous rulers--reckless of their lives in fight-- + Who the shafts' descending death-blow--meet with unaverted eye-- + Theirs this everlasting kingdom[30]--even as Kamadhuk is mine.[31] + Where are they, the Kshetriya heroes?--wherefore see I not approach + All the earth's majestic guardians--all mine ever-honoured guests. + Thus addressed by holy Sakra[32]--Narada replied and said: + "Hear me now, O cloud-compeller--why earth's kings appear not here. + Of Vidarbha's king the daughter--Damayanti, the renowned; + Through the earth the loveliest women--in her beauty she transcends-- + Soon she holds her Swayembara--soon her lord the maid will choose. + Thither all the kings are hastening--thither all the sons of kings. + Suitors for her hand the rajas--her of all the world the pearl, + O thou mighty giant slayer!--one and all approach to woo." + As they spake, the world-protectors[33]--with the god of fire drew near; + Of the immortals all, the highest--stood before the king of gods. + As they all stood silent hearing--Narada's majestic speech, + All exclaimed in sudden rapture--thither we likewise will go; + All the immortals on the instant,--with their chariots, with their hosts, + Hastened down towards Vidarbha--where the lords of earth were met. + Nala, too, no sooner heard he--of that concourse of the kings, + Set he forth, with soul all sanguine--full of Damayanti's love. + Saw the gods, king Nala standing--on the surface of the earth; + Standing in transcendent beauty--equal to the god of love.[34] + Him beheld the world's high guardians--in his radiance like the sun; + Each arrested stood and silent--at his peerless form amazed. + All their chariots the celestials--in the midway air have checked. + Through the blue air then descending--they Nishadha's king address. + Ho! what, ho! Nishadha's monarch--Nala, king, for truth renowned; + Do our bidding, bear our message--O, most excellent of men. + + + + +BOOK III. + + + Nala made his solemn promise,--"all your bidding will I do;" + Then with folded hands adoring--humbly of their will enquired. + "Who are ye? to whom must Nala--as your welcome herald go? + What is my commanded service?--tell me, mighty gods, the truth." + Spake the sovereign of Nishadha--Indra answered thus and said:-- + "Know us, the Immortals, hither--come for Damayanti's love. + Indra I, and yon is Agni,--and the king of waters there-- + Slayer he of mortal bodies,--Yama, too, is here, O king! + Thou, O Nala, of our coming,--must to Damayanti tell: + Thee to see, the world's dread guardians--Indra and the rest came down, + Indra, Agni, Varun, Yama,--each to seek thine hand are come. + One of these celestial beings,--choose, O maiden, for thy lord." + Nala, thus addressed by Indra--with his folded hands replied: + "Thus with one accord commanding--on this mission send not me. + How can man, himself enamoured--for another plead his cause? + Spare me then, ye gods, in mercy--this unwelcome service, spare." + + THE GODS _spake_. + + "I will do your bidding freely--thus thou'st said, Nishadha's king; + Wilt thou now belie thy promise?--Nala, go, nor more delay." + By the gods adjured so sternly--thus rejoined Nishadha's king-- + "Strictly guarded is yon palace--how may I find entrance there?" + "Thou shalt enter;" thus did Indra--to the unwilling king reply. + In the bower of Damayanti--as they spake, king Nala stood. + There he saw Vidarbha's maiden--girt with all her virgin bands; + In her glowing beauty shining--all excelling in her form; + Every limb in smooth proportion--slender waist and lovely eyes; + Even the moon's soft gleam disdaining--in her own o'erpowering light. + As he gazed, his love grew warmer--to the softly smiling maid, + Yet to keep his truth, his duty--all his passion he suppressed. + Then Nishadha's king beholding--all those maids with beauteous limbs + From their seats sprang up in wonder--at his matchless form amazed. + In their rapture to king Nala--all admiring, homage paid; + Yet, not venturing to accost him,--in their secret souls adored. + "Oh the beauty! oh the splendour!--oh the mighty hero's strength! + Who is he, or God, or Yaksha--or Gandharba may he be." + Not one single word to utter,--dared that fair-limbed maiden band; + All struck dumb before his beauty--in their bashful silence stood. + Smiling, first, upon the monarch--as on her he gently smiled, + Damayanti, in her wonder--to the hero Nala spake:-- + "Who art thou of form so beauteous--thou that wakenest all my love; + Cam'st thou here like an immortal--I would know thee, sinless chief. + How hast entered in our palace?--how hast entered all unseen? + Watchful are our chamber wardens--stern the mandate of the king." + By the maiden of Vidarbha--Nala thus addressed, replied:-- + "Know, O loveliest, I am Nala--here the messenger of gods, + Gods desirous to possess thee;--one of these, the lord of heaven + Indra, Agni, Varun, Yama,--choose thou, princess, for thy lord. + Through their power, their power almighty--I have entered here unseen; + As I entered in thy chamber--none hath seen, and none might stay. + This, the object of my mission,--fairest, from the highest gods, + Thou hast heard me, noble princess--even as thou wilt, decide." + + + + +BOOK IV. + + + To the gods performed her homage--smiled she, and to Nala spake:-- + "Pledge to me thy faith,[35] O raja--how that faith, may I requite? + I myself, and whatsoever--in the world I have, is thine + In full trust is thine[36]--O grant me--in thy turn thy love, O king! + Tis the swan's enamouring language--that hath kindled all my soul. + Only for thy sake, O hero--are the assembled rajas met. + But if thou mine homage scornest--scornest me, all honoured king, + Poison for thy sake, fire, water,--the vile noose will I endure."[37] + So, when spake Vidarbha's maiden--Nala answered thus, and said:-- + "With the world's dread guardians present--wilt thou mortal husband choose? + We with them, the world's creators--with these mighty lords compared, + Lowlier than the dust they tread on--raise to them thy loftier mind. + Man the gods displeasing, hastens--to inevitable death-- + Fair limbed! from that fate preserve me--choose the all excelling gods. + Robes by earthly dust unsullied--crowns of amaranthine flowers, + Every bright celestial glory--wedded to the gods, enjoy. + He, who all the world compressing[38]--with devouring might consumes, + Sovereign of the gods, Hutása,--where is she who would not wed? + He, in awe of whose dread sceptre[39]--all the assembled hosts of men, + Cultivate eternal justice--where is she who would not wed? + Him the all-righteous, lofty minded,--slayer of the infernal host,[40] + Of all gods, the mighty monarch,--who is she that would not wed? + Nor let trembling doubt arrest thee--in thy mind if thou couldst choose.[41] + Varuna, amongst earth's guardians,--hear the language of a friend." + To the sovereign of Nishadha--Damayanti spake, and said, + And her eyes grew dim with moisture--flowing from her inward grief:-- + "To the gods, to all, my homage--king of earth, I humbly pay; + Yet thee only, thee, my husband--may I choose, Be this my vow!" + Answered he the trembling maiden--as with folded hands she stood, + "Bound upon this solemn mission--mine own cause how dare I urge. + Plighted by a sacred promise--to the everlasting gods; + Thus engaged to plead for others--for myself I may not plead. + This my duty; yet hereafter--come I on my own behalf, + Then I'll plead mine own cause boldly--weigh it, beauteous, in thy thought." + Damayanti smiled serenely,--and with tear-impeded speech, + Uttered brokenly and slowly--thus to royal Nala spake:-- + "Yet I see a way of refuge--'tis a blameless way, O king; + Whence no sin to thee, O raja,--may by any chance arise. + Thou, O noblest of all mortals--and the gods by Indra led, + Come and enter in together--where the Swayembara meets; + Then will I, before the presence--of the guardians of the world, + Name thee, lord of men! my husband--nor to thee may blame accrue." + By the maiden of Vidarbha--royal Nala thus addressed, + Back again returned, where waited--eager, the expecting gods. + Him, the guardians of the world, the mighty--ere he yet drew near, beheld, + Him they saw, and bade him instant--all his tidings to unfold-- + "Was she seen of thee, O monarch--Damayanti with soft smile? + Spake she of us all? what said she?--tell, O blameless lord of earth." + + NALA _spake_. + + To the bower of Damayanti--on your solemn mission sent, + Entered I the lofty portal--by the aged warders watched; + Mortal eye might not behold me--there as swift I entered in; + None save that fair raja's daughter--through your all prevailing power. + And her virgin handmaids, saw I--and by them in turn was seen; + And they all in mute amazement--gazed upon me as I stood. + I described your godlike presence--but the maid with beauteous face + Chooses me, bereft of reason--O most excellent of gods! + Thus she spake, that maiden princess,--"Let the gods together come, + Come with thee, Oh king of mortals,--where the Swayembara meets; + There will I, before their presence--choose thee, raja, for my lord. + So to thee, O strong armed warrior--may no blame, no fault ensue." + Thus it was, even as I tell you--word for word did it befall. + Plainly have I spoke, the judgment--rests with you, of gods the chief! + + + + +BOOK V. + + + Came the day of happy omen[42]--moonday meet, and moment apt; + Bhima to the Swayembara--summoned all the lords of earth. + One and all, upon the instant--rose th' enamoured lords of earth, + Suitors all to Damayanti--in their loving haste they came. + They, the court with golden columns[43]--rich, and glittering portal arch, + Like the lions on the mountains--entered they the hall of state. + There the lords of earth were seated--each upon his several throne; + All their fragrant garlands wearing--all with pendant ear-gems rich. + Arms were seen robust and vigorous--as the ponderous battle mace, + Some like the five-headed serpents--delicate in shape and hue:[44] + With bright locks profuse and flowing--fine formed nose, and eye and brow, + Shone the faces of the rajas--like the radiant stars in heaven. + As with serpents, Bhogavati[45]--the wide hall was full of kings; + As the mountain caves with tigers--with the tiger-warriors full. + Damayanti in her beauty--entered on that stately scene, + With her dazzling light entrancing--every eye and every soul. + O'er her lovely person gliding--all the eyes of those proud kings; + There were fixed, there moveless rested--as they gazed upon the maid. + Then as they proclaimed the rajas--(by his name was each proclaimed) + In dismay saw Bhima's daughter--five in garb, in form the same. + On those forms, all undistinguished--each from each, she stood and gazed. + In her doubt Vidarbha's princess--Nala's form might not discern,[46] + Whichsoe'er the form she gazed on--him her Nala, him she thought. + She within her secret spirit--deeply pondering, stood and thought: + "How shall I the gods distinguish?--royal Nala how discern?" + Pondering thus Vidarbha's maiden--in the anguish of her heart-- + Th' attributes of the immortals--sought, as heard of yore, to see. + "Th' attributes of each celestial--that our aged sires describe, + As on earth they stand before me--not of one may I discern." + Long she pondered in her silence--and again, again she thought. + To the gods, her only refuge--turned she at this trying hour. + With her voice and with her spirit--she her humble homage paid. + Folding both her hands and trembling--to the gods the maiden spake: + "As when heard the swan's sweet language--chose I then Nishadha's king, + By this truth I here adjure ye--oh, ye gods, reveal my lord; + As in word or thought I swerve not--from my faith, all-knowing powers, + By this truth I here adjure ye--oh, ye gods, reveal my lord. + As the gods themselves have destined--for my lord Nishadha's king; + By this truth I here adjure ye--oh, ye gods, my lord reveal. + As my vow, so pledged to Nala--holily must be maintained, + By this truth I here adjure ye--oh, ye gods, my lord reveal. + Each the form divine assume ye--earth's protectors, mighty lords; + So shall I discern my Nala--I shall know the king of men." + As they heard sad Damayanti--uttering thus her piteous prayer, + At her high resolve they wonder--steadfast truth and fervent love, + Holiness of soul, and wisdom--to her lord her constant faith. + As she prayed, the gods obedient--stood with attributes revealed: + With unmoistened skins the Immortals--saw she, and with moveless eyes;[47] + Fresh their dust-unsullied garlands--hovered they, nor touched the earth. + On his shadow garland-drooping[48]--soiled with dust and moist with sweat, + On the earth Nishadha's monarch--stood confessed, with twinkling eyes; + On the gods an instant gazed she--then upon the king of men; + And of right king Bhima's daughter--named Nishadha's king her lord. + Modestly the large-eyed maiden--lifted up his garment's hem, + Round his shoulders threw she lightly--the bright zone of radiant flowers; + So she chose him for her husband--Nala, that high-hearted maid. + Then alas! alas! burst wildly,--from that conclave of the kings, + And "well done, well done," as loudly--from the gods and sages broke; + All in their extatic wonder--glorified Nishadha's king. + Then to royal Damayanti--Virasena's kingly son, + To that slender waisted damsel--spake he comfort in his joy; + "Since thou'st own'd me for thine husband--in the presence of the gods, + For thy faithful consort know me--aye delighting in thy words. + While this spirit fills this body--maiden with the smile serene! + Thine am I, so long thine only--this the solemn truth I vow." + Thus he gladdened Damayanti--with the assurance of his faith; + And the happy pair devoutly[49]--worshipped then the present gods. + Chosen thus Nishadha's monarch--the bright guardians of the world, + In their gladness all on Nala--eight transcendant gifts bestowed; + To discern the visible godhead--in the sacrifice, a gait + Firm and noble, Sachi's husband--Indra to king Nala gave. + Agni gave his own bright presence[50]--whensoe'er the monarch called. + All the worlds instinct with splendour--through his power Hutasa gave. + Subtle taste in food gave Yama--and in virtue eminence; + Varun gave obedient water--to be present at his call; + Garlands too of matchless fragrance;--each his double blessing gave.[51] + Thus bestowed their gracious favours--to the heavens the gods returned; + And the rajas, who with wonder--Nala's marriage saw confirmed + With the gentle Damayanti--as they came, in joy returned. + Thus the kings of earth departed;--Bhima in his joy and pride, + Solemnized the stately bridals--of the maiden and the king. + Fitting time when there he'd sojourned,--best of men, Nishadha's king; + Courteous parting with king Bhima--to his native city went. + Having gained the pearl of women--the majestic lord of earth + Lived in bliss, as with his Sachi,[52]--he that those old giants slew. + In his joy the elated monarch--shining radiant as the sun, + Ruled the subjects of his kingdom--with a just and equal sway. + Of the horse the famous offering[53]--like Nahucha's mighty son, + Every sacrifice performed he--with rich gifts to holy men. + And full oft in flowering gardens--and delicious shady groves, + Like a god, the royal Nala--took with Damayanti joy. + So begat from Damayanti--Nala, of heroic soul, + Indrasena one fair daughter--Indrasen one beauteous son. + Thus in sacrifice and pleasance--took his joy the king of men, + So the earth with riches teeming--ruled the sovereign of the earth. + + + + +BOOK VI. + + + Nala, chosen by Bhima's daughter--the bright guardians of the world, + As they parted thence, with Kali[54]--Dwapara approaching saw. + Kali as he saw, did Indra--did the giant-killer say, + "Here, with Dwapara attended--whither, Kali, dost thou go?" + Kali spake, "the Swayembara--we of Damayanti seek; + Her I go to make my consort--into her mine heart hath passed." + "Closed and ended is that bridal,"--Indra answered with a smile, + "Nala she hath chosen for husband--in the presence of us all." + Thus addressed by Indra, Kali--in the transport of his wrath, + All the heavenly gods saluting,--thus his malediction spake, + "Since before the Immortals' presence--she a mortal spouse did choose, + Of her impious crime most justly--heavy be the penal doom." + Kali hardly thus had spoken--than the heaven-born gods replied: + "With our full and liberal sanction--Damayanti chose her lord. + Who to Nala, with all virtue--rich endowed, would not incline? + He that rightly knows each duty--he who ever rightly acts, + He who reads the whole four Vedas--the Puranas too the fifth,[55] + In his palace with pure offerings--ever are the gods adored, + Gentle to all living creatures--true in word and strict in vow; + Good and constant he, and generous--holy, temperate, patient, pure; + His are all these virtues ever--equal to the earth-guarding gods. + Thus endowed, the noble Nala--he, O Kali, that would curse, + On himself recoil his curses--only fatal to himself. + Nala, gifted with such virtues--he, O Kali, who would curse-- + Be he plunged in hell's dark torments--in the deep and vasty lake." + Thus the gods to Kali speaking--to their native heavens arose. + Soon as they had parted, Kali--thus to Dwapara began: + "I my wrath can curb no longer--I henceforth in Nala dwell; + From his kingdom will I cast him--from his bliss with his sweet bride. + Thou within the dice embodied--Dwapara my cause assist." + + + + +BOOK VII. + + + Bound by that malignant treaty--Kali with his dark ally, + Haunted they the stately palace--where Nishadha's monarch ruled; + Watching still the fatal instant--in Nishadha long they dwelt. + Twelve long years had passed ere Kali--saw that fatal instant come. + Nala after act uncleanly--the ablution half performed,[56] + Prayed at eve, with feet unwashen--Kali seized the fatal hour. + Into Nala straight he entered--and possessed his inmost soul. + Pushkara in haste he summoned--come with Nala play at dice, + Ever in the gainful hazard--by my subtle aid thou'lt win, + Even the kingdom of Nishadha--even from Nala all his realm. + Pushkara by Kali summoned--to his brother Nala came, + In the dice of dice embodied[57]--Dwapara stood silent by. + Pushkara the hero-slayer--to king Nala standing near: + "Play we with the dice, my brother,"--thus again, again he said. + Long the lofty-minded raja--that bold challenge might not brook, + In Vidarbha's princess' presence--deemed he now the time for play. + For his wealth, his golden treasures--for his chariots, for his robes, + Then possessed by Kali, Nala--in the game was worsted still. + He with love of gaming maddened,--of his faithful friends not one + Might arrest the desperate frenzy--of the conqueror of his foes. + Came the citizens assembling--with the counsellors of state, + To behold the king approached they--to restrain his dread disease. + Then the charioteer advancing[58]--thus to Damayanti spake: + "All the city, noble princess--stands assembled at the gate, + Say thou to Nishadha's monarch--'All his subjects here are met; + Ill they brook this dire misfortune[59]--in their justice-loving king'." + Then, her voice half choked with anguish--spake the sorrow-stricken queen, + Spirit-broken, Bhima's daughter--to Nishadha's sovereign spake, + "Raja, lo! the assembled city--at the gate their king to see: + With the counsellors of wisdom--by their loyal duty led. + Deign thou, monarch, to admit them,"--thus again, again she said. + To the queen with beauteous eyelids--uttering thus her sad lament, + Still possessed by wicked Kali--answered not the king a word. + Then those counsellors of wisdom--and those loyal citizens, + "'Tis not he," exclaimed in sorrow,--and in shame and grief went home. + Thus of Pushkara and Nala--still went on that fatal play; + Many a weary month it lasted--and still lost the king of men. + + + + +BOOK VIII. + + + Damayanti then beholding--Punyasloka, king of men,[60] + Undistracted, him distracted--with the maddening love of play. + In her dread and in her sorrow--thus did Bhima's daughter speak; + Pondering on the weighty business--that concerned the king of men. + Trembling at his guilty frenzy--yet to please him still intent. + Nala, 'reft of all his treasures--when the noble woman saw, + Thus addressed she Vrihatsena,--her old faithful slave and nurse, + Friendly in all business dextrous--most devoted, wise in speech: + "Vrihatsena, go, the council--as at Nala's call convene, + Say what he hath lost of treasure--and what treasure yet remains." + Then did all that reverend council--Nala's summons as they heard, + "Our own fate is now in peril"--speaking thus, approach the king. + And a second time his subjects--all assembling, crowded near, + And the queen announced their presence;--of her words he took no heed. + All her words thus disregarded--when king Bhima's daughter found, + To the palace, Damayanti--to conceal her shame returned. + When the dice she heard for ever--adverse to the king of men, + And of all bereft, her Nala--to the nurse again she spake: + "Go again, my Vrihatsena,--in the name of Nala, go, + To the charioteer, Varshneya,--great the deed must now be done." + Vrihatsena on the instant--Damayanti's words she heard, + Caused the charioteer be summoned--by her messengers of trust. + Bhima's daughter to Varshneya--winning with her gentle voice, + Spake, the time, the place well choosing--for the deed, nor spake in vain: + "Well thou know'st the full reliance--that in thee the king hath placed, + In his fatal hour of peril--wilt not thou stand forth to aid? + As by Pushkara is worsted--ever more and more the king, + More and more the fatal frenzy--maddens in his heart for play. + As to Pushkara obedient--ever fall the lucky dice, + Thus those dice to royal Nala--still with adverse fortune fall. + Nor the voice of friend or kindred--as beseems him, will he hear; + Even to me he will not listen--in the madness of his heart. + Of the lofty-minded Nala--well I know 'tis not the sin, + That my words this senseless monarch--in his frenzy will not hear. + Charioteer, to thee my refuge--come I, do thou my behest; + I am not o'er calm in spirit--haply he may perish thus. + Yoke the much-loved steeds of Nala--fleet of foot, as thought, are they, + In the chariot place our children--to Cundina's city go.[61] + Leave the children with my kindred--and the chariot and the steeds; + Then or dwell there at thy pleasure--or depart where'er thou wilt." + When the speech of Damayanti--heard king Nala's charioteer, + He, the chief of Nala's council--thus in full divan addressed, + Weighed within their solemn conclave--and their full assent obtained, + With the children in the chariot--to Vidarbha straight he drove. + There he rendered up the horses--with the chariot there he left. + That young maiden Indrasena--Indrasen, that noble boy. + To king Bhima paid his homage--sad, for Nala's fall distressed, + Thence departing, to Ayodhya[62]--took the charioteer his way. + In his grief to Rituparna--that illustrious king, he came, + As his charioteer, the service--entered of the lord of earth. + + + + +BOOK IX. + + + Scarce Varshneya had departed--still the king of men played on, + Till to Pushkara his kingdom--all that he possessed, was lost. + Nala then, despoiled of kingdom--smiling Pushkara bespake: + "Throw we yet another hazard--Nala, where is now thy stake? + There remains but Damayanti--all thou hast beside, is mine. + Throw we now for Damayanti--come, once more the hazard try." + Thus as Pushkara addressed him--Punyasloka's inmost heart + By his grief was rent asunder--not a single word he spake. + And on Pushkara, king Nala--in his silent anguish gazed. + All his ornaments of splendour--from his person stripped he off, + With a single vest, scarce covered,--'mid the sorrow of his friends. + Slowly wandered forth the monarch--fallen from such an height of bliss. + Damayanti with one garment--slowly followed him behind. + Three long nights Nishadha's monarch--there without the gates had dwelt. + Proclamation through the city--then did Pushkara bid make, + "Whosoe'er befriendeth Nala--shall to instant death be doomed." + Thus, as Pushkara gave order--in the terror of his power, + Might the citizens no longer--hospitably serve the king. + Near the walls, of kind reception--worthiest, but by none received; + Three nights longer staid the monarch--water was his only drink, + He in unfastidious hunger--plucked the fruits, the roots of earth. + Then went forth again the outcast:--Damayanti followed slow. + In the agony of famine--Nala, after many days, + Saw some birds around him settling--with their golden tinctured wings. + Then the monarch of Nishadha--thought within his secret heart, + These to-day my welcome banquet--and my treasure these will be. + Over them his single garment--spreading light he wrapped them round: + Up that single garment bearing--to the air they sprang away; + And the birds above him hovering--thus in human accents spake, + Naked as they saw him standing--on the earth, and sad, and lone:-- + "Lo, we are the dice, to spoil thee--thus descended, foolish king! + While thou hadst a single garment--all our joy was incomplete." + When the dice he saw departing--and himself without his robe, + Mournfully did Punyasloka--thus to Damayanti speak: + "They, O blameless, by whose anger--from my kingdom I am driven, + Life-sustaining food unable--in my misery to find-- + They, through whom Nishadha's people--may not house their outcast king-- + They, the forms of birds assuming--my one robe have borne away. + In the dark extreme of misery--sad and frantic as I am, + Hear me, princess, hear and profit--by thy husband's best advice. + Hence are many roads diverging--to the region of the south,[63] + Passing by Avanti's city[64]--and the height of Rishavàn; + Vindhya here, the mighty mountain[65]--and Payoshni's seaward stream;[66] + And the lone retreats of hermits--on the fruits of earth that live; + This will lead thee to Vidarbha--this to Cosala away,[67] + Far beyond the region stretches--southward to the southward clime." + In these words to Damayanti--did the royal Nala speak, + More than once to Bhima's daughter--anxious pointing out the way. + She, with voice half choked with sorrow--with her weight of woe oppressed, + These sad words did Damayanti--to Nishadha's monarch speak:-- + "My afflicted heart is breaking--and my sinking members fail, + When, O king, thy desperate counsel--once I think of, once again. + Robbed of kingdom, robbed of riches--naked, thirst and hunger worn; + How shall I depart and leave thee--in the wood by man untrod. + When thou sad and famine-stricken--thinkest of thy former bliss, + In the wild wood, oh, my husband,--I thy weariness will soothe. + Like a wife, in every sorrow--this the wise physicians own, + Healing herb is none or balsam--Nala, 'tis the truth I speak." + + NALA _spake_. + + Slender-waisted Damayanti--true, indeed, is all thou'st said; + Like a wife no friendly medicine--to afflicted man is given. + Fear not that I thee abandon--Wherefore, timid, dread'st thou this? + Oh, myself might I abandon--and not thee, thou unreproached. + + DAMAYANTI _spake_. + + If indeed, oh mighty monarch--thou wilt ne'er abandon me, + Wherefore then towards Vidarbha--dost thou point me out the way. + Well, I know thee, noble Nala--to desert me far too true, + Only with a soul distracted--would'st thou leave me, lord of earth. + Yet, again, the way thou pointest--yet, again, thou best of men, + Thus my sorrow still enhancing--oh, thou like the immortal gods; + If this be thy better counsel--'to her kindred let her go,' + Be it so, and both together--to Vidarbha set we forth. + Thee Vidarbha's king will honour--honour'd in his turn by thee; + Held in high respect and happy--in our mansion thou shall dwell. + + + + +BOOK X. + + + NALA _spake_. + + "Mighty is thy father's kingdom--once was mine as mighty too; + Never will I there seek refuge--in my base extremity. + There I once appeared in glory--to the exalting of thy pride; + Shall I now appear in misery--to the increasing of thy shame?" + Nala thus to Damayanti--spake again, and yet again, + Comforting the noble lady--scant in half a garment clad. + Both together by one garment[68]--covered, roamed they here and there; + Wearied out by thirst and famine--to a cabin drew they near. + When they reached that lowly cabin--then did great Nishadha's king + With the princess of Vidarbha--on the hard earth seat them down; + Naked, with no mat to rest on--wet with mire and stained with dust. + Weary then with Damayanti--on the earth he fell asleep. + Sank the lovely Damayanti--by his side with sleep opprest, + She thus plunged in sudden misery--she the tender, the devout. + But while on the cold earth slumbered--Damayanti, all distraught + Nala in his mind by sorrow--might no longer calmly sleep; + For the losing of his kingdom--the desertion of his friends, + And his weary forest wanderings--painful on his thought arose; + "If I do it, what may follow?--what if I refuse to do? + Were my instant death the better--or to abandon her I love. + But to me too deep devoted--suffers she distress and shame; + Reft of me she home may wander--to her royal father's house; + Faithful wandering ever with me--certain sorrow will she bear, + But if separated from me--chance of solace may be hers." + Long within his heart he pondered--and again, again weighed o'er. + Best he thought it Damayanti--to desert, that wretched king. + From her virtue none dare harm her[69]--in the lonely forest way, + Her the fortunate, the noble--my devoted wedded wife. + Thus his mind on Damayanti--dwelt in its perverted thought, + Wrought by Kali's evil influence--to desert his lovely wife. + Of himself without a garment--and of her with only one. + As he thought, approached he near her--to divide that single robe. + "How shall I divide the garment--by my loved one unperceived?" + Pondering this within his spirit--round the cabin Nala went; + In that narrow cabin's circuit--Nala wandered here and there, + Till he found without a scabbard--shining, a well-tempered sword. + Then when half that only garment--he had severed, and put on, + In her sleep Vidarbha's princess--with bewildered mind he fled. + Yet, his cruel heart relenting--to the cabin turns he back; + On the slumbering Damayanti--gazing, sadly wept the king; + "Thou, that sun nor wind hath ever--roughly visited, my love! + On the hard earth in a cabin--sleepest with thy guardian gone. + Thus attired in half a garment--she that aye so sweetly smiled, + Like to one distracted, beauteous--how at length will she awake? + How will't fare with Bhima's daughter--lone, abandoned by her lord, + Wandering in the savage forest--where wild beasts and serpents dwell. + May the suns and winds of heaven--may the genii of the woods,[70] + Noblest, may they all protect thee--thine own virtue thy best guard." + To his wife of peerless beauty--on the earth, 'twas thus he spoke. + Then of sense bereft by Kali--Nala hastily set forth; + And departing, still departing--he returned again, again; + Dragged away by that bad demon--ever by his love drawn back. + Nala, thus his heart divided--into two conflicting parts, + Like a swing goes backward, forward--from the cabin, to and fro. + Torn away at length by Kali--flies afar the frantic king, + Leaving there his wife in slumber--making miserable moans. + Reft of sense, possessed by Kali--thinking still on her he left, + Passed he in the lonely forest--leaving his deserted wife. + + + + +BOOK XI. + + + Scarcely had king Nala parted--Damayanti now refreshed, + Wakened up, the slender-waisted--timorous in the desert wood. + When she did not see her husband--overpowered with grief and pain, + Loud she shriek'd in her first anguish--"Where art thou, Nishadha's king? + Mighty king! my soul-protector--O, my lord! desert'st thou me. + Oh, I'm lost! undone for ever--helpless in the wild wood left; + Faithful once to every duty--wert thou not, and true in word. + Art thou faithful to thy promise--to desert me thus in sleep. + Could'st thou then depart, forsaking--thy devoted, constant wife; + Her in sooth that never wronged thee--wronged indeed, but not by her. + Keep'st thou thus thy solemn promise--oh, unfaithful lord of men, + There, when all the gods were present--plighted to thy wedded wife? + Death is but decreed to mortals--at its own appointed time, + Hence one moment, thus deserted[71]--one brief moment do I live.-- + But thou'st had thy sport--enough then--now desist, O king of men, + Mock not thou a trembling woman--show thee to me, O my lord! + Yes, I see thee, there I see thee--hidden as thou think'st from sight, + In the rushes why conceal thee?--answer me, why speak'st thou not. + Wherefore now ungentle stay'st thou--like to one forsworn, aloof? + Wherefore wilt thou not approach me--to console me in my woe? + For myself I will not sorrow--nor for aught to me befalls. + Thou art all alone, my husband,--I will only mourn for thee. + How will't fare with thee, my Nala--thirsting, famished, faint with toil. + Nor beholding me await thee--underneath the trees at eve." + Then, in all her depth of anguish--with her trouble as on fire, + Hither, thither, went she weeping--all around she went and wailed. + Now springs up the desolate princess--now falls down in prostrate grief; + Now she pines in silent sorrow--now she shrieks and wails aloud. + So consumed with inward misery--ever sighing more and more, + Spake at length king Bhima's daughter--spake the still devoted wife: + "He, by whose dire imprecation--Nala this dread suffering bears, + May he far surpass in suffering--all that Nala suffers now, + May the evil one, to evil--who the blameless Nala drives, + Smitten by a curse as fatal--live a dark unblessed life." + Thus her absent lord lamenting--that high-minded raja's queen, + Every-where her lord went seeking--in the satyr-haunted wood.[72] + Like a maniac, Bhima's daughter--wandered wailing here and there; + And "alas! alas! my husband"--every-where her cry was heard. + Her beyond all measure wailing--like the osprey screaming shrill, + Miserably still deploring--still renewing her lament. + Suddenly king Bhima's daughter--as she wandered near his lair, + Seized a huge gigantic serpent--in his raging famine fierce. + In the grasp of that fierce serpent--round about with terror girt, + Not herself she pities only--pities she Nishadha's king. + "O my guardian, thus unguarded--in this savage forest seized, + Seized by this terrific serpent--wherefore art not thou at hand? + How will't be, when thou rememberest--once again thy faithful wife, + From this dreadful curse delivered--mind, and sense, and wealth returned? + When thou'rt weary, when thou'rt hungry--when thou'rt fainting with fatigue, + Who will soothe, O blameless Nala--all thy weariness, thy woe." + Then a huntsman as he wandered--in the forest jungle thick, + As he heard her thus bewailing--in his utmost haste drew near. + In the grasp when he beheld her--of that long-eyed serpent fell, + Instant did the nimble huntsman--rapidly as he came on, + Pierce that unresisting serpent--with a sharp and mortal shaft: + In her sight he slew that serpent--skill'd in slaughter of the chase. + Her released he from her peril--washed he then with water pure, + And with sylvan food refreshed her--and with soothing words address'd: + "Who art thou that roam'st the forest--with the eyes of the gazelle; + How to this extreme of misery--noble lady, hast thou fallen?" + Damayanti, by the huntsman--thus in soothing tone addressed, + All the story of her misery-told him, as it all befell; + Her, scant-clothed in half a garment--with soft swelling limbs and breast, + Form of youthful faultless beauty--and her fair and moonlike face, + And her eyes with brows dark arching--and her softly-melting speech, + Saw long time that wild beast hunter--kindled all his heart with love. + Then with winning voice that huntsman--bland beginning his discourse, + Fain with amorous speech would soothe her--she his dark intent perceived. + Damayanti, chaste and faithful,--soon as she his meaning knew, + In the transport of her anger--her indignant soul took fire. + In his wicked thought the dastard--her yet powerless to subdue, + On the unsubdued stood gazing--as like some bright flame she shone. + Damayanti, in her sorrow--of her realm, her lord bereft, + On the instant she found language--uttered loud her curse of wrath,[73]-- + "As my pure and constant spirit--swerves not from Nishadha's lord, + Instant so may this base hunter--lifeless fall upon the earth." + Scarce that single word was uttered--suddenly that hunter bold + Down upon the earth fell lifeless--like a lightning blasted tree. + + + + +BOOK XII. + + + Slain that savage wild-beast hunter--onward went the lotus-eyed, + Through the dread, and desert forest--ringing with the cricket's song; + Full of lions, pards, and tigers--stags, and buffalos, and bears, + Where all kinds of birds were flocking--and wild men and robbers dwelt. + Trees of every form and stature[74]--every foliage, every name; + Pregnant with rich mines of metal--many a mountain it enclosed, + Many a shady resonant arbour--many a deep and wondrous glen; + Many a lake, and pool, and river--birds and beasts of every shape. + She, in forms terrific round her--serpents, elves, and giants saw:[75] + Pools, and tanks of lucid water--and the shaggy tops of hills, + Flowing streams and headlong torrents--saw, and wondered at the sight. + And the princess of Vidarbha--gazed where in their countless herds, + Buffalos and bears were feeding--boars, and serpents of the wood. + Safe in virtue, bright in beauty--glorious and of high resolve, + Now alone, Vidarbha's daughter--wandering, her lost Nala sought. + Yet no fear king Bhima's daughter--for herself might deign to feel, + Travelling the dreary forest--only for her lord distressed; + Him she mourned, that noble princess--him in bitterest anguish wailed, + Every limb with sorrow trembling--stood she on a beetling rock; + "Monarch, with broad chest capacious--monarch with the sinewy arm, + Me in this dread forest leaving--whither hast thou fled away? + Thou the holy Aswamedha--thou each sacrificial rite, + Hast performed, to me, me only--in thy holy faith thou'st failed. + That which thou, O best of husbands--in mine hearing hast declared, + Thy most solemn vow remember--call to mind thy plighted faith. + Of the swift-winged swans the language--uttered, monarch, by thy side, + That thyself, before my presence--didst renew, bethink thee well. + Thou the Vedas, thou the Angas--with the Upangas oft hast read, + Of each heaven-descended volume--one and simple is the truth. + Therefore, of thy foes the slayer!--reverence thou the sacred truth + Of thy solemn plighted promise--in my presence sworn so oft. + Am not I the loved so dearly--purely, sinlessly beloved; + In this dark and awful forest--wherefore dost thou not reply? + Here with monstrous jaws wide yawning--with his fierce and horrid form, + Gapes the forest king to slay me--and thou art not here to save. + None but I, thou'st said, for ever--none but I to thee am dear! + Make this oft-repeated language--make this oft-sworn promise true. + To thy queen bereft of reason--to thy weeping wife beloved, + Why repliest thou not--her only thou desir'st--she only thee. + Meagre, miserable, pallid--tainted with the dust and mire, + Scantly clad in half a garment--lone, with no protector near; + Like a large-eyed hind that wanders--separate from the wonted herd, + Thou regard'st me not, thus weeping--oh thou tamer of thy foes. + Mighty king, a lonely wanderer--in this vast and trackless wood, + Damayanti, I address thee--wherefore answerest not my voice? + Nobly born, and nobly minded--beautiful in every limb, + Do I not e'en now behold thee--in this mountain, first of men, + In this lion-haunted forest--in this tiger-howling wood, + Lying down or seated, standing--or in majesty and might + Moving, do I not behold thee--the enhancer of my woe? + Who shall I address, afflicted--wasted by my grief away; + 'Hast thou haply seen my Nala--in the solitary wood?' + Who this day will show the monarch--wandering in the forest depth, + Beautiful and royal-minded--conqueror of an host of foes! + 'Him thou seek'st with eyes of lotus--Nala, sovereign of men-- + Lo, he's here!' whose voice of music--may I hear thus sweetly speak? + Lo, with fourfold tusks before me--and with wide and gaping jaws, + Stands the forest king, the tiger--I approach him without fear. + Of the beasts art thou the monarch--all this forest thy domain, + For the daughter of Vidarbha--Damayanti, know thou me, + Consort of Nishadha's sovereign--Nala, slayer of his foes-- + Seeking here my exile husband--lonely, wretched, sorrow-driven, + Thou, O king of beasts, console me--if my Nala thou hast seen; + Or, O lord of all the forest--Nala if thou canst not show, + Best of savage beasts, devour me--from my misery set me free. + Hearing thus my lamentation-now does that fell king of beasts + Go towards the crystal river--flowing downward to the sea.'-- + To this mountain then the holy--crowned with many a lofty peak, + In its soul-exalting splendour--rising, many-hued, to heaven; + Full within of precious metal--rich with many a glowing gem, + Rising o'er the spreading forest--like a banner broad and high, + Ranged by elephants and lions--tigers, bears, and boars, and stags; + And of many birds the voices--sweetly sound o'er all its cliffs; + All the trees of richest foliage[76]--all the trees of stateliest height, + All the flowers and golden fruitage--on its crested summits wave, + Down its peaks in many a streamlet--dip the water-birds their wings: + This, the monarch of all mountains--ask I of the king of men; + 'O, all-honoured Prince of Mountains, with thy heaven-ward soaring peaks, + Refuge of the lost, most noble--thee, O Mountain, I salute; + I salute thee, lowly bowing--I, the daughter of a king; + Of a king the royal consort--of a king's son I the bride. + Of Vidarbha the great sovereign--mighty hero is my sire. + Named the lord of earth, king Bhima--of each caste the guardian he; + Of the holy Aswamedha--of the regal sacrifice,[77] + He the offerer, best of monarchs--known by his commanding eye, + Pious, and of life unblemished--true in word, of generous speech, + Affable, courageous, prosperous--skilled in every duty, pure. + Of Vidarbha the protector--conqueror of a host of foes; + Know me of that king the daughter--lowly thus approaching thee. + In Nishadha, mighty Mountain! dwelt the father of my lord. + High the name he won, the illustrious--Virasena was he called. + Of this king the son, the hero--prosperous and truly brave, + He who rules his father's kingdom--by hereditary right, + Slayer of his foes, dark Nala--Punyasloka is he called; + Holy, Veda read, and eloquent--soma quaffing, fire adoring,[78][79] + Sacrificer, liberal giver--warrior, in all points a king,-- + Of this monarch, best of mountains--know, the wife before thee stands. + Fallen from bliss, bereft of husband--unprotected, sorrow-doomed, + Seeking every where her husband--him the best of noblest men. + Best of mountains, heaven-upsoaring--with thy hundred stately peaks, + Hast thou seen the kingly Nala--in this dark and awful wood: + Like the elephant in courage--wise, impetuous, with long arms, + Valiant, and of truth unquestioned--my heroic, glorious lord; + Hast thou seen Nishadha's sovereign--mighty Nala hast thou seen? + Why repliest thou not, oh Mountain--sorrowing, lonely, and distressed, + With thy voice why not console me--as thine own afflicted child? + Hero, mighty, strong in duty--true of promise, lord of earth, + If thou art within the forest--show thee in thy proper form. + When so eloquently deep-toned--like the sound of some dark cloud, + Shall I hear thy voice, oh Nala!--sweet as the amrita draught,[80] + Saying, 'daughter of Vidarbha!'--with distinct, with blessed sound, + Musical as holy Veda--rich, and soothing all my pain; + Thus console me, trembling, fainting--thou, oh virtue-loving king!" + To the holiest of mountains--spake the daughter of the king. + Damayanti then set forward--toward the region of the north. + Three days long, three nights she wandered--then that noble woman saw, + The unrivalled wood of hermits--like to a celestial grove. + To the ancient famous hermits[81]--equal was that sacred crew; + Self-denying, strict in diet[82]--temperate, and undefiled; + Water-drinking, air inhaling--and the leaves their simple food; + Mortified, for ever blessed--seeking the right way to heaven; + Bark for vests and skins for raiment--wore those hermits, sense-subdued. + She beheld the pleasant circle--of those hermits' lonely cells; + Round them flocks of beasts were grazing--wantoned there the monkey tribes. + When she saw those holy dwellings--all her courage was revived. + Lovely browed, and lovely tressed--lovely bosom'd, lovely lipp'd,[83] + In her brightness, in her glory--with her large dark beauteous eyes, + Entered she those hermit dwellings--wife of Virasena's son; + Pearl of women, ever blessed-Damayanti the devout, + She those holy men saluting--stood with modest form half bent. + "Hail, and welcome!" thus those hermits--instant with one voice exclaimed. + And those sacred men no sooner--had the fitting homage paid, + "Take thy seat," they said, "oh lady[84]--and command what we must do." + Thus replied the slender waisted--"Blessed are ye, holy men. + In your sacred fires, your worship[85]--blameless, with your beasts and + birds.[86] + Doth the grace of heaven attend you--in your duties, in your deeds?" + Answered they, "The grace of heaven--ever blesses all our deeds. + But say thou, of form so beauteous--who thou art, and what thou would'st? + As thy noble form we gaze on--on thy brightness as we gaze, + In amaze we stand and wonder--cheer thee up, and mourn no more. + Of the wood art thou the goddess--or the mountain goddess thou; + Or the goddess of the river?--Blessed Spirit, speak the truth. + Nor the sylvan goddess am I,"--to the Wise she thus replied; + "Neither of the mountain, Brahmins--nor the river nymph am I. + Know me but a mortal being--O, ye rich in holiness! + All my tale at length, I'll tell ye--if meet audience ye will give. + In Vidarbha, mighty guardian--Bhima, dwells the lord of earth; + Of that noble king the daughter--twice-born Sages, know ye me.[87] + And the monarch of Nishadha--Nala named, the great in fame; + Brave in battle, conqueror, prudent--is my lord, the peasants' king; + To the gods devout in worship--friendly to the Brahmin race, + Of Nishadha's race the guardian--great in glory, great in might, + True in word, and skilled in duty--and the slayer of his foes. + Pious, heaven-devoted, prosperous--conqueror of hostile towns; + Nala named, the best of sovereigns--splendid as the king of gods. + Know that large-eyed chief, my husband--like the full-orbed moon his face, + Giver he of costly offerings--deep in th' holy volumes read; + Slayer of his foes in battle--glorious as the sun and moon. + He to some most evil minded--unrespected, wicked men, + After many a challenge, studious--he of virtue and of truth, + To these skilful gamesters, fraudful--lost his kingdom and his wealth. + Know ye me the hapless consort--of that noble king of kings, + Damayanti, so they name me--yearning for my husband's sight. + I through forests, over mountains--stagnant marsh and river broad, + Lake with wide pellucid surface--through the long and trackless wood, + Ever seeking for my husband--Nala, skilful in the fight. + Mighty in the use of weapons--wander desolate and sad. + Tell me, to this pleasant sojourn--sacred to these holy men, + Hath he come, the royal Nala?--hath Nishadha's monarch come? + For whose sake through ways all trackless--terrible, have I set forth, + In this drear, appalling forest--where the lynx and tiger range, + If I see not noble Nala--ere few days, few nights are o'er, + I to happiness will join me--from this mortal frame set free. + Reft of him, my princely husband--what have I to do with life-- + How endure existence longer--for my husband thus distressed." + To the lady thus complaining--lonely in the savage wood, + Answered thus those holy hermits--spake the gifted seers the truth:-- + "There will be a time hereafter--beautiful, the time will come, + Through devotion now we see him[88]--and thou too wilt see him soon; + That good monarch of Nishadha--Nala, slayer of his foes; + That dispenser of strict justice--Bhima's daughter! free from grief, + From all sin released, thou'lt see him--glittering in his royal gems, + Governing that noble city--o'er his enemies supreme. + To his foemen causing terror--to his friends allaying grief, + Thou, oh noble, shalt thy husband--see, that king of noble race." + To the much-loved wife of Nala--to the princess speaking thus, + Vanished then those holy hermits--with their sacred fires, their cells. + As she gazed upon the wonder--wrapt in mute amaze she stood; + Damayanti, fair-limbed princess--wife of Virasena's son; + "Have I only seen a vision--what hath been this wondrous chance? + Where are all those holy hermits--where the circle of their cells? + Where that pure and pleasant river--haunted by the dipping birds? + Where those trees with grateful umbrage--with their pendant fruits and + flowers?" + Long within her heart she pondered--Damayanti with sweet smile, + For her lord, to grief abandoned--miserable, pale of hue; + To another region passed she--there with voice by weeping choked, + Mourns she, till with eyes o'erflowing--an Asoca tree she saw. + Best of trees, the Asoca blooming[89]--in the forest she approached, + Gemmed all o'er with glowing fruitage--vocal with the songs of birds. + "Ah, behold amid the forest--flourishes this happy tree, + With its leafy garlands radiant--as the joyous mountain king. + O thou tree with pleasant aspect--from my sorrow set me free. + Vitasoca, hast thou seen him--hast the fearless raja seen, + Nala, of his foes the slayer--Damayanti's lord beloved? + Hast thou seen Nishadha's monarch--hast thou seen mine only love, + Clad in half a single garment--with his soft and delicate skin; + Hast thou seen th' afflicted hero--wandering in the forest lone. + That I may depart ungrieving--fair Asoca, answer me. + Truly be thou named Asoca[90]--as the extinguisher of grief." + Thus in her o'erpowering anguish--moved she round the Asoca tree. + Then she went her way in sadness--to another region dread. + Many a tree she stood and gazed on--many a river passed she o'er; + Passed she many a pleasant mountain--many a wild deer, many a bird; + Many a hill and many a cavern--many a bright and wondrous stream, + Saw king Bhima's wandering daughter--as she sought her husband lost. + Long she roamed her weary journey--Damayanti with sweet smile, + Lo, a caravan of merchants--elephants, and steeds, and cars, + And beyond, a pleasant river--with its waters cool and clear. + 'Twas a quiet stream, and waveless--girt about with spreading canes; + There the cuckoo, there the osprey--there the red-geese clamouring stood; + Swarmed the turtles, fish and serpents--there rose many a stately isle. + When she saw that numerous concourse--Nala's once all-glorious wife, + Entered she, the slender-waisted--in the midst of all the host; + Maniac-like in form and feature--and in half a garment clad, + Thin and pallid, travel-tainted--matted all her locks with dust. + As they all beheld her standing--some in terror fled away; + Some stood still in speechless wonder--others raised their voice and cried; + Mocked her some with cruel tauntings--others spake reproachful words; + Others looked on her with pity--and enquired her state, her name. + "Who art thou? whose daughter. Lady--in the forest seek'st thou aught? + At thy sight we stand confounded--art thou of our mortal race? + Of this wood art thou the goddess?--of this mountain? of that plain? + Who art thou, O noble Lady--thee, our refuge, we adore. + Art thou sylvan nymph or genius--or celestial nymph divine? + Every-way regard our welfare--and protect us, undespised: + So our caravan in safety--may pursue its onward way, + So ordain it, O illustrious!--that good fortune wait on all." + Thus addressed by that assemblage--Damayanti, kingly-born, + Answered thus with gentle language--grieving for her husband lost. + Of that caravan the leader--and the whole assembled host, + Youths and boys, and grey-haired elders--and the guides, thus answered she: + "Know me, like yourselves, a mortal--daughter of a king of men, + Of another king the consort--seeking for my royal lord; + Know, Vidarbha's king, my father--and Nishadha's king, my lord, + Nala, is his name, the glorious--him, th' unconquered do I seek; + Know ye aught of that good monarch--tell me, quick, of my beloved, + Of the tiger hero, Nala--slayer of a host of foes." + Of the caravan the captain--thus the lovely-limbed addressed, + Suchi was his name, the merchant--"Hear, illustrious queen, my speech; + Of this caravan the captain--I, O Lady with sweet smile, + Him that bears the name of Nala--nowhere have these eyes beheld. + Elephants, and pards, and tigers--lynxes, buffaloes, and bears, + See I in this trackless forest--uninhabited by men; + Save thyself, of human feature--nought, or human form, I've seen. + So may he, the king of Yakshas--Manibhadra, guard us well."[91] + To the merchants then she answered--to the leader of the host, + "Tell me whither do ye travel!--whither bound your caravan?" + + _The_ CAPTAIN _of the caravan spake._ + + "To the realm of Chedi's sovereign[92]--truth-discerning Subahu, + Soon this caravan will enter--travelling in search of gain." + + + + +BOOK XIII. + + + [93]This, the lovely princess hearing--from the captain of the band, + With the caravan set forward--seeking still her royal lord. + Long their journey through the forest--through the dark and awful glens; + Then a lake of loveliest beauty--fragrant with the lotus flowers, + Saw those merchants, wide and pleasant--with fresh grass and shady trees; + Flowers and fruits bedecked its borders--where the birds melodious sang: + In its clear delicious waters--soul-enchanting, icy cool, + With their horses all o'erwearied--thought they then to plunge and bathe; + At the signal of the captain--entered all that pleasant grove. + At the close of day arriving--there encamped they for the night. + When the midnight came, all noiseless--came in silence deep and still, + Weary slept the band of merchants--lo, a herd of elephants,[94] + Oozing moisture from their temples--came to drink the troubled stream. + When that caravan they gazed on--with their slumbering beasts at rest, + The tame elephants they scented--those wild forest elephants; + Forward rush they fleet and furious--mad to slay, and wild with heat; + Irresistible the onset--of the rushing ponderous beasts, + As the peaks from some high mountain--down the valley thundering roll; + Strewn was all the way before them--with the boughs, the trunks of trees; + On they crash'd to where the travellers--slumbered by the lotus lake. + Trampled down without a struggle--helpless on the earth they lay, + "Woe, oh, woe!" shrieked out the merchants--wildly some began to fly, + In the forest thickets' plunging;--some stood gasping, blind with sleep; + And the elephants down beat them--with their tusks, their trunks, their + feet. + Many saw their camels dying--mingled with the men on foot, + And in frantic tumult rushing--wildly struck each other down; + Many miserably shrieking--cast them down upon the earth, + Many climbed the trees in terror--on the rough ground stumbled some. + Thus in various wise and fatal--by the elephants assailed, + Lay that caravan so wealthy--scattered all abroad or slain. + Such, so fearful was the tumult--the three worlds seemed all appalled,[95] + "'Tis a fire amid th' encampment--save ye, fly ye, for your lives. + Lo, your precious pearls ye trample--take them up, why fly so fast? + Save them, 'tis a common venture--fear ye not that I deceive." + Thus t' each other shrieked the merchants--as in fear they scattered round. + "Yet again I call upon you--cowards! think ye what ye do." + All around this frantic carnage--raging through the prostrate host, + Damayanti, soon awakened--with her heart all full of dread; + There she saw a hideous slaughter--the whole world might well appal. + To such sights all unfamiliar--gazed the queen with lotus eyes, + Pressing in her breath with terror--slowly rose she on her feet. + And the few that scaped the carnage--few that scaped without a wound, + All at once exclaimed together--"Of whose deeds is this the doom? + Hath not mighty Manibhadra--adoration meet received. + And Vaisravana the holy[96]--of the Yakshas lord and king, + Have not all that might impede us--ere we journied, been addressed? + Was it doomed, that all good omens--by this chance should be belied! + Were no planets haply adverse?--how hath fate, like this, befall'n!" + Others answered in their misery--reft of kindred and of wealth, + "Who is that ill-omened woman--that with maniac-staring eyes, + Joined our host, misshaped in aspect--and with scarcely human form? + Surely all this wicked witchcraft--by her evil power is wrought; + Witch or sorceress she, or dæmon--fatal cause of all our fears, + Hers is all the guilt, the misery--who such damning proof may doubt? + Could we but behold that false one--murtheress, bane of all our host, + With the clods, the dust, the bamboos--with our staves, or with our hands, + We would slay her on the instant--of our caravan the fate." + But no sooner Damayanti--their appalling words had heard, + In her shame and in her terror--to the forest shade she fled. + And that guilt imputed dreading--thus her fate began to wail: + "Woe is me, still o'er me hovers--the terrific wrath of fate; + No good fortune e'er attends me--of what guilt is this the doom? + Not a sin can I remember--not the least to living man. + Or in deed, or thought, or language--of what guilt is this the doom? + In some former life committed[97]--expiate I now the sin. + To this infinite misfortune--hence by penal justice doomed? + Lost my husband, lost my kingdom--from my kindred separate; + Separate from noble Nala--from my children far away, + Widowed of my rightful guardian--in the serpent-haunted wood." + Of that caravan at morning--then the sad surviving few, + Setting forth from that dread region--o'er that hideous carnage grieve; + Each a brother mourns, or father--or a son, or dearest friend, + Still Vidarbha's princess uttered--"What the sin that I have done? + Scarcely in this desert forest--had I met this host of men, + By the elephants they perish--this is through my luckless fate; + A still lengthening life of sorrow--I henceforth must sadly lead. + Ere his destined day none dieth--this of aged seers the lore; + Therefore am not I too trampled--by this herd of furious beasts. + Every deed of living mortal--by over-ruling fate is done. + Yet no sin have I committed--in my blameless infancy, + To deserve this dire disaster--or in word, or deed, or thought. + For the choosing of my husband--are the guardians of the world, + Angry are the gods, rejected--for the noble Nala's sake? + From my lord this long divorcement--through their power do I endure." + Thus the noblest of all women--to bewail her fate began, + The deserted Damayanti--with these sad and bitter words; + With some Veda-reading Brahmins--that survived that scattered host, + Then she went her way in sadness--like the young moon's sickle pale, + And ere long a mighty city--that afflicted queen drew near: + 'Twas the king of Chedi's city--truth-discerning Subahu. + Scantly clad in half a garment--entered she that stately town; + Her disturbed, emaciate, wretched--with dishevelled hair, unwashed, + Like a maniac, onward-moving--saw that city's wondering throng; + Gazing on her as she entered--to the monarch's royal seat; + All the boys her footsteps followed--in their curious gamesome play;[98] + Circled round by these she wandered--near the royal palace gate. + From that palace lofty terrace--her the mother of the king + Saw, and thus her nurse addressed she--"Go, and lead that wanderer in! + Sad she roves, without a refuge--troubled by those gazing men; + Yet in form so bright, irradiate--is our palace where she moves. + Though so maniac-like, half-clothed--like Heaven's long-eyed queen she + seems." + She those crowding men dispersing--quickly to the palace top + Made her mount--and in amazement--her the mother-queen addressed: + "Thus though bowed and worn with sorrow--such a shining form thou wear'st, + As through murky clouds the lightning--tell me who thou art and whence: + For thy form is more than human--of all ornament despoiled: + Men thou fear'st not, unattended--in celestial beauty safe." + Hearing thus her gentle language--Bhima's daughter made reply, + "Know me like thyself a mortal--a distressed, devoted wife; + Of illustrious race an handmaid--making where I will mine home; + On the roots and wild-fruits feeding--lonely, at the fall of eve. + Gifted with unnumber'd virtues--is my true, my faithful lord, + And I still the hero followed--like his shadow on the way. + 'Twas his fate, with desp'rate fondness--to pursue the love of play, + And in play subdued and ruined--entered he yon lonely wood; + Him, arrayed in but one garment,--like a madman wandering wild, + To console my noble husband--I too entered the deep wood; + He within that dreary forest--for some cause, to me unknown, + Wild with hunger, reft of reason--that one single robe he lost. + I with but one robe, him naked[99]--frantic, and with mind diseased, + Following through the boundless forest--many a night I had not slept; + Then, when I had sunk to slumber--me the blameless leaving there, + Half my garment having severed--he his sinless consort fled; + Seeking him, my outcast husband--night and day am I consumed: + Him I see not, ever shining--like the lotus cup, beloved; + Find him not, most like th' immortals--lord of all, my life, my soul." + Even as thus, with eyes o'erflowing--uttered she her sad lament, + Sad herself, sad Bhima's daughter--did the mother queen address: + "Dwell with me, then, noble Lady--deep the joy in thee I feel, + And the servants of my household--shall thy royal husband seek; + Haply hither he may wander--as he roams about the world: + Dwelling here in peace and honour--thou thy husband wilt rejoin." + To the king of Chedi's mother--Damayanti made reply; + "On these terms, O nurse of heroes!--I with thee may make abode: + That I eat not broken victuals[100]--wash not feet with menial hand:[101] + Nor with stranger men have converse--in my chaste, secluded state; + If that any man demand me--be he punished; if again, + Be he put to death on th' instant--this the vow that I have sworn. + Only, if they seek my husband--holy Brahmins will I see. + Be my terms by thee accepted--gladly will I sojourn here, + But on other terms no sojourn--will this heart resolved admit." + Then to her with joyful spirit--spake the mother of the king: + "As thou wilt shall all be ordered--be thou blest, since such thy vow." + Speaking thus to Bhima's daughter--did the royal mother then, + In these words address her daughter--young Sunanda was her name: + "See this handmaid, my Sunanda--gifted with a form divine; + She in age thy lovely compeer--be she to thee as a friend; + Joined with her in sweet communion--take thy pleasure without fear." + Young Sunanda, all rejoicing--to her own abode went back, + Taking with her Damayanti--circled with her virgin peers. + + + + +BOOK XIV. + + + Damayanti when deserting--royal Nala fled, ere long + Blazing in the forest jungle--he a mighty fire beheld; + Thence as of a living being--from the midst a voice he heard: + "Hasten, Nala!" oft and loudly--"Punyasloka, haste," it cried. + "Fear thou not," king Nala answered--plunging in the ruddy flame; + There he saw the king of serpents--lying, coiled into a ring. + There with folded hands the serpent--trembling, thus to Nala spake: + "Me, Karkotaka, the Serpent--know, thou sovereign of men; + Narada, the famous hermit[102]--I deceived, the holy sage; + He in righteous indignation--smote me with this awful curse: + Stay thou there as one unmoving--till king Nala passing by, + Lead thee hence; save only Nala--none can free thee from this curse. + Through this potent execration--I no step have power to move; + I the way to bliss will show thee--if thou sav'st me from this fate. + I will show thee noble friendship--serpent none is like to me; + Lightly shall I weigh, uplift me--in thy hand, with speed, O king." + Thus when spake the king of serpents--to a finger's size he shrank; + Him when Nala lightly lifted--to the unburning space he passed. + To the air all cool and temperate--brought him, by the flame unreached. + As he fain on th' earth would place him--thus Karkotaka began. + "Move thou now, O king, and slowly--as thou movest, count thy steps. + Then the best of all good fortune--will I give thee, mighty armed!" + Ere the tenth step he had counted[103]--him the sudden serpent bit: + As he bit him, on the instant--all his kingly form was changed. + There he stood, and gazed in wonder--Nala, on his altered form. + In his proper shape the serpent--saw the sovereign of men. + Then Karkotaka the serpent--thus to Nala comfort spake: + "Through my power thy form is altered--lest thou should'st be known of men. + He through whom thou'rt thus afflicted--Nala, with intensest grief, + Through my poison, shall in anguish--ever dwell within thy soul. + All his body steeped in poison--till he free thee from thy woe, + Shall he dwell within thee prison'd--in the ecstacy of pain. + So from him, by whom, thou blameless!--sufferest such unworthy wrong, + By the curse I lay upon him--my deliverance shall be wrought. + Fear not thou the tusked wild boar--foeman fear not thou, O king, + Neither Brahmin fear, nor Sages[104]--safe through my prevailing power. + King, this salutary poison--gives to thee nor grief nor pain; + In the battle, chief of Rajas--victory is ever thine. + Go thou forth, thyself thus naming--Vahuca, the charioteer, + To the royal Rituparna--in the dice all-skilful he; + To Ayodhya's pleasant city--sovereign of Nishadha! go; + He his skill in dice will give thee--for thy skill in taming steeds: + Of Ikshwàku's noble lineage--he will be thy best of friends. + Thou the skill in dice possessing--soon wilt rise again to bliss; + With thy consort reunited--yield not up thy soul to grief. + Thou thy kingdom, thou thy children--wilt regain, the truth I speak. + When again thou would'st behold thee--in thy proper form, O king, + Summon me to thy remembrance--and this garment put thou on: + In this garment clad resum'st thou--instantly thy proper form." + Saying thus, of vests celestial--gave he to the king a pair.[105] + And king Nala, thus instructed--gifted with these magic robes, + Instantly the king of serpents--vanished from his sight away. + + + + +BOOK XV. + + + Vanished thus the King of Serpents--set Nishadha's raja forth, + Rituparna's royal city--on the tenth day entered he. + Straight before the royal presence--"Vahuca am I," he said, + "In the skill of taming horses--on the earth is not my peer; + Use me, where the difficult counsel--where thou want'st the dexterous hand; + In the art of dressing viands[106]--I am skilful above all. + Whatsoe'er the art, whatever--be most difficult to do, + I will strive to execute it--take me to thy service, king." + + RITUPARNA _spake_. + + "Vahuca, I bid thee welcome--all this service shalt thou do, + On my horses' rapid motion--deeply is my mind engaged. + Take thou then on thee the office--that my steeds be fleet of foot, + Of my horse be thou the master--hundred hundreds is thy pay:[107] + Ever shalt thou have for comrades--Varshneya and Jivala: + With these two pursue thy pleasure--Vahuca, abide with me." + Thus addressed, did Nala, honoured--by king Rituparna long, + With Varshneya in that city--and with Jivala abide: + There abode he, sadly thinking--of Vidarbha's daughter still. + In the evening, every evening--uttered he this single verse; + "Where is she, by thirst and hunger--worn, and weary, pious still, + Thinking of her unwise husband--in whose presence is she now!" + Thus the raja, ever speaking--Jivala one night addressed; + "Who is she, for whom thou grievest?--Vahuca, I fain would hear." + [108]Answered thus the royal Nala--"To a man of sense bereft, + Once belonged a peerless lady--most infirm of word was he; + From some cause from her dissevered--went that frantic man away, + In his foolish soul thus parted--wanders he, by sorrow racked; + Night and day, and still for ever--by his parching grief consumed: + Nightly brooding o'er his sorrows--sings he this sad single verse. + O'er the whole wide earth a wanderer--chance-alighting in some place, + Dwells that woful man, unworthy,--ever wakeful with his grief. + Him that noble lady following--in the forest lone and dread, + Lives, of that bad man forsaken--hard it is to say, she lives! + Lone, and young, the ways unknowing--undeserving of such fate, + Pines she there with thirst and hunger--hard it is to say, she lives. + In that vast and awful forest--haunted by fierce beasts of prey, + By her lord she roams forsaken--hapless, by that luckless lord." + Thus remembering Damayanti--did Nishadha's king unknown, + Long within that dwelling sojourn--in the palace of the king. + + + + +BOOK XVI. + + + Nala thus bereft of kingdom--with his wife to slavery sunk, + Forth king Bhima sent the Brahmins--Nala through the world to seek. + Thus the royal Bhima charged them--with abundant wealth supplied:-- + "Go ye now and seek king Nala--Damayanti seek, my child: + And, achieved this weighty business--found Nishadha's royal lord, + Whosoe'er shall hither bring them--shall a thousand kine receive; + And a royal grant for maintenance[109]--of a village like a town. + If nor hither Damayanti--nor king Nala may be brought, + Know we where they are, rich guerdon--still we give, ten hundred kine." + Thus addressed, the joyful Brahmins--went to every clime of earth, + Through the cities, through the kingdoms--seeking Nala and his queen: + Nala, or king Bhima's daughter--in no place might they behold. + Then a Brahmin, named Sudeva--came to pleasant Chedi-pur; + There within the kingly palace--he Vidarbha's daughter saw, + Standing with the fair Sunanda--on a royal holiday.[110] + With her beauty once so peerless--worthy now of little praise, + Like the sun-light feebly shining--through the dimness of a cloud. + Gazing on the large-eyed princess--dull in look, and wasted still, + Lo, he thought, king Bhima's daughter--pondering thus within his mind.-- + + SUDEVA _spake_. + + "Even as once I wont to see her--such is yonder woman's form, + I my work have done, beholding--like the goddess world-adored, + Like the full moon, darkly beauteous--with her fair and swelling breasts, + Her, the queen, that with her brightness--makes each clime devoid of gloom, + With her lotus eyes expanding--like Manmatha's queen divine;[111] + Like the moonlight in its fulness--the desire of all the world. + From Vidarbha's pleasant waters--her by cruel fate plucked up, + [112]Like a lotus flower uprooted--with the mire and dirt around: + Like the pallid night, when Rahu[113]--swallows up the darkened moon: + For her husband wan with sorrow--like a gentle stream dried up; + Like a pool, where droops the lotus--whence the affrighted birds have fled, + By the elephant's proboscis--in its quiet depths disturbed. + Tender, soft-limbed, in a palace--fit, of precious stones, to dwell. + Like the lotus stem, uprooted--parched and withered by the sun. + Fair in form, in soul as generous--worthy of all bliss, unbless'd, + Like the young moon's slender crescent--in the heavens by dark clouds + veiled. + Widowed now of all love's pleasures--of her noble kin despoiled, + Wretched, bearing life, her husband--in her hope again to see. + To the unadorned, a husband[114]--is the chiefest ornament; + Of her husband if forsaken--she in splendour is not bright. + Difficult must be the trial--does king Nala, reft of her, + Still retain his wretched body--nor with sorrow pine away? + Her with her dark flowing tresses--with her long and lotus eyes, + Worthy of all joy, thus joyless--as I see, my soul is wrung. + To the furthest shore of sorrow--when will pass this beauteous queen? + To her husband reunited--as the moon's bride[115] to the moon? + Her recovering shall king Nala--to his happiness return, + King, albeit despoiled of kingdom--he his realm shall reassume; + In their age and virtues equal--equal in their noble race, + He alone of her is worthy--worthy she alone of him. + Me beseems it of that peerless--of that brave and prudent king, + To console the loyal consort--pining for her husband's sight. + Her will I address with comfort--with her moonlike glowing face. + Her with woe once unacquainted--woful now and lost in thought." + Thus when he had gazed and noted--all her marks, her features well, + To the daughter of king Bhima--thus the sage Sudeva spake: + "I am named Sudeva, lady--I, thy brother's chosen friend, + By king Bhima's royal mandate--hither come in search of thee. + Well thy sire, thy royal mother--well thy noble brethren fare, + And well fare those little infants--well and happy are they both. + For thy sake thy countless kindred--sit as though of sense bereft: + Seeking thee a hundred Brahmins--now are wandering o'er the earth." + She no sooner knew Sudeva--Damayanti, of her kin, + Many a question asked in order--and of every friend beloved. + And the daughter of Vidarbha--freely wept, so sudden thus + On Sudeva, best of Brahmins--gazing, on her brother's friend. + Her beheld the young Sunanda--weeping, wasted with distress, + As she thus her secret converse--with the wise Sudeva held. + Thus she spake unto her mother--"Lo, how fast our handmaid weeps, + Since her meeting with the Brahmin--who she is, thou now may'st know." + Forth the king of Chedi's mother--from the inner chamber went, + And she passed where with the Brahmin--that mysterious woman stood. + Them the mother queen Sudeva--bade before her presence stand; + And she asked, "Whose wife, whose daughter--may this noble stranger be? + From her kindred how dissevered--from her husband, the soft-eyed? + Is she known to thee, O Brahmin--canst thou tell from whence she came? + This I fain would hear, and clearly--all her strange and wonderous tale. + Tell me all that hath befallen--to this heaven-formed, plainly tell." + Best of Brahmins, thus Sudeva--by the mother queen addressed, + All the truth of Damayanti--sitting at his ease, declared. + + + + +BOOK XVII. + + + "In Vidarbha the just monarch--Bhima, in his glory dwells. + Of that king is she the daughter--Damayanti is her name; + And the raja of Nishadha--Nala, Virasena's son, + Of that king is she the consort--Punyasloka named, the Wise. + Him in play his brother worsted--spoiled of realm the king of earth: + He set forth with Damayanti--whither is unknown of men. + For the sake of Damayanti--wander we about the earth; + Till I found yon noble woman--in the palace of your son. + Like to her of mortal women--is there none, her beauty's peer; + In the midst, between her eyebrows--from her birth a lovely mole, + Dark was seen, and like a lotus--that hath vanished from my sight, + Covered over with defilement--like the moon behind a cloud. + This soft mark of perfect beauty--fashioned thus by Brahma's self, + As at change the moon's thin crescent--only dim and faintly gleams. + Yet her beauty is not faded--clouded o'er with toil and mire + Though she be, it shines apparent, like the native unwrought gold. + With that beauteous form yon woman--gifted with that lovely mole, + Instant knew I for the Princess--as the heat betrays the fire." + + VRIHADASVA _spake_. + + To Sudeva as she listened--uttering thus his strange discourse: + All the dust that mole concealing--young Sunanda washed away. + By the obscuring dust unclouded--shining out that mole appeared; + On the brow of Damayanti--like the unclouded moon in heaven. + Gazing on that mole, Sunanda--and the mother of the king, + Wept as fondly they embraced her--and an instant silent stood. + Then her tears awhile suppressing--thus the royal mother spake: + "Thou art mine own sister's daughter--by that beauteous mole made known; + I, Oh beauteous, and thy mother--of that lofty-minded king, + Are the daughters, king Sudaman--he that in Dasarna[116] reigns; + She was wedded to king Bhima--and to Viravahu I. + In my fathers home, Dasarna--once I saw thee, newly born. + As to me thy father's lineage--is akin, so mine to thee; + Whatsoe'er my power commandeth--Damayanti, all is thine." + To the queen did Damayanti--in the gladness of her heart, + Having bowed in courteous homage--to her mother's sister, speak: + "While unknown I might continue--gladly dwelt I here with thee; + Every want supplied on th' instant--guarded by thy gentle care. + Yet than even this pleasant dwelling--a more pleasant may there be; + Long a banished woman, mother!--give me leave from hence to part, + Thither where my infant children--dwell my tender little ones, + Orphaned of their sire, in sorrow--orphaned, ah, how long of me! + If thou yet wilt grant a favour--o'er all other favours dear, + To Vidarbha would I journey--quick the palanquin command." + "Be it so," her mother's sister--joyful, instant made reply. + Guarded by a mighty army--with th' approval of her son, + Sent the queen, that happy lady--in a palanquin, by men + Borne aloft, and well provided--with all raiment, drink, and food. + Thus the princess to Vidarbha--after brief delay returned. + Her her whole assembled kindred--welcomed home with pride and joy, + All in health she found her kinsmen-and that lovely infant pair, + With her mother, with her father--and her sister troop of friends. + To the gods she paid her worship--to the Brahmins in her joy; + So the queenly Damayanti--all in noblest guise performed. + And her royal sire Sudeva--with the thousand kine made glad, + Joyous to behold his daughter,--with a village and much wealth. + There, when in her father's palace--she the quiet night had passed, + In these words the noble lady--to her mother gan to speak: + "If in life thou would'st preserve me--mother, hear the truth I speak; + Home to bring the hero Nala--be it now thy chiefest toil." + Thus addressed by Damayanti--very sorrowful the queen + Clouded all her face with weeping--not a word in answer spake. + But the princess, thus afflicted--when the female train beheld, + "Woe! oh woe!" they shrieked together--all in pitying sadness wept. + To the mighty raja Bhima--did the queen that speech relate. + "'Damayanti, Lo thy daughter--for her husband sits and mourns.' + Breaking through all bashful silence--thus, oh king, to me she spake: + 'Be it now thy servants' business--to find out the king of men.'" + Urged by her the king his Brahmins--to his will obedient all, + Sent around to every region--"Be your care the king to find." + Then those Brahmins at the mandate--of Vidarbha's royal lord, + First drew near to Damayanti--"Lo, now set we forth," they said. + Then to them spake Bhima's daughter--"In all realms be this your speech, + Wheresoever men assemble--this repeat again, again: + Whither went'st thou then, oh gamester!--half my garment severing off, + Leaving me within the forest--all forsaken, thy beloved. + Even as thou commandedst, sits she--sadly waiting thy return. + Parched with sorrow sits that woman--in her scant half garment glad. + Oh to her thus ever weeping--in the extreme of her distress, + Grant thy pity, noble hero--answer to her earnest prayer. + Be this also said, to move him--to compassionate my state, + (By the wind within the forest--fanned, intensely burns the fire).[117] + Ever by her consort cherished--and sustained the wife should be. + Why hast thou forgot that maxim--thou in every duty skilled. + Thou wert ever called the generous--thou the gentle and the wise. + Art thou now estranged from pity--through my sad injurious fate. + Prince of men, O grant thy pity--grant it, lord of men, to me; + 'Mercy is the chief of duties,'--oft from thine own lips I've heard. + Thus as ye are ever speaking--should there any one reply, + Mark him well, lest he be Nala--who he is, and where he dwells. + He who to this speech hath listened--and hath thus his answer made, + Be his words, O best of Brahmins--treasured and brought home to me, + Lest he haply should discover--that by my command ye speak, + That again ye may approach him--do ye this without delay. + Whether he be of the wealthy--whether of the poor he be; + Be he covetous of riches--learn ye all he would desire." + Thus addressed, went forth the Brahmins--to the realms on every side, + Seeking out the royal Nala--in his dark concealed distress. + They through royal cities, hamlets--pastoral dwellings, hermits' cells, + Nala every-where went seeking--yet those Brahmins found him not. + All in every part went speaking--in the language they were taught; + In the words of Damayanti--spake they in the ears of men. + + + + +BOOK XVIII. + + + Long the time that passed, a Brahmin--wise Parnada was his name, + Home returning to the city--thus to Bhima's daughter spake: + "Damayanti! royal Nala--as I sought Nishadha's king, + Came I to Ayodhya's city--the Bhangasuri's abode. + Stood before me, eager listening--to the words thou bad'st us speak, + He, the prosperous Rituparna--all excelling! such his name. + Thus as spake I, answered nothing--Rituparna, king of men; + Nor of all that full assemblage--more than once addressed by me. + By the king dismissed, when sate I--in a solitary place, + One of Rituparna's household--Vahuca, his name, drew near, + Charioteer of that great raja--with short arms and all deformed, + Skilled to drive the rapid chariot--skilled the viands to prepare. + He, when much he'd groaned in anguish--and had wept again, again, + First his courteous salutation--made, then spake in words like these: + Even in the extreme of misery--noble women still preserve, + Over their ownselves the mastery--by their virtues winning heaven; + Of their faithless lords abandoned--anger feel not even then. + In the breastplate of their virtue--noble women live unharmed. + By the wretched, by the senseless--by the lost to every joy, + She by such a lord forsaken--yet to anger will not yield. + Against him his sustenance seeking--of his robe by birds despoiled, + Him consumed with utmost misery--still no wrath the dark-hued feels; + Treated well, or ill entreated--when her husband she beholds, + Spoiled of bliss, bereft of kingdom--famine-wasted, worn with woe. + Having heard the stranger's language--hither hasted I to come. + Thou hast heard, be thine the judgment--to the king relate thou all." + To Parnada having listened--with her eyes o'erflowed with tears, + Secretly went Damayanti--and her mother thus addressed: + "Let not what I speak to Bhima--O my mother, be made known-- + In thy presence to Sudeva--best of Brahmins, I would speak. + Let not this my secret counsel--to king Bhima be disclosed; + This the object we must compass--if thy daughter thou wouldst please, + As myself was to my kindred--swiftly by Sudeva brought, + With the same good fortune swiftly--may Sudeva part from hence, + Home to bring the royal Nala--mother, to Ayodhya's town." + Resting from his toil, Parnada--of the Brahmin race the best, + Did the daughter of Vidarbha--honour, and with wealth reward. + "Brahmin! home if come my Nala--richer guerdon will I give; + Much hast thou achieved, and wisely--so as none but thou has done. + That again with my lost husband--noblest Brahmin, I may meet." + Thus addressed, his grateful homage--and his benedictions paid, + Having thus achieved his mission--home the wise Parnada went. + Then accosting good Sudeva--Damayanti thus began, + And before her mother's presence--in her pain and grief she spake: + "Go, Sudeva, to the city--where Ayodhya's raja dwells, + Speak thou thus to Rituparna--Come, as of thine own accord. + Once again her Swayembara--does king Bhima's daughter hold; + Damayanti, thither hasten--all the kings and sons of kings; + Closely now the time is reckoned--when to-morrow's dawn appears; + If that thou would'st win the Princess--speed thou, tamer of thy foes. + When the sun is in his rising--she a second lord will choose: + Whether lives or is not living--royal Nala, no one knows." + Thus, as he received his mission--hastening to the king, he spake, + To the royal Rituparna--spake Sudeva, in these words. + + + + +BOOK XIX. + + + Hearing thus Sudeva's language--Rituparna, king of men + With a gentle voice and blandly--thus to Vahuca began. + "Where the princess Damayanti--doth her Swayembara hold + In one day to far Vidarbha--Vahuca, I fain would go." + In these words the unknown Nala--by his royal lord addressed + All his heart was torn with anguish--thus the lofty-minded thought-- + "Can she speak thus, Damayanti--thus with sorrow frantic act? + Is't a stratagem thus subtly--for my sake devised and plann'd? + To desire this deed unholy[118]--is that holy princess driven + Wrong'd by me, her basest husband--miserable, mind-estranged! + Fickle is the heart of woman--grievous too is my offence! + Hence she thus might act ignobly--in her exile, reft of friends, + Soul-disturbed by her great sorrow--in the excess of her despair. + No! she could not thus have acted--she with noble offspring blest. + Where the truth, and where the falsehood--setting forth, I best shall judge, + I the will of Rituparna--for mine own sake, will obey." + Thus within his mind revolving--Vahuca, his wretched mind, + With his folded hands addressed he--Rituparna, king of men: + "I thy mandate will accomplish--I will go, O king of men, + In a single day, O raja--to Vidarbha's royal town." + Vahuca of all the coursers--did a close inspection make + Entering in the royal stable--by Bhangasuri's command. + Ever urged by Rituparna--Vahuca, in horses skilled, + Long within himself debating--which the fleetest steeds to choose, + He approached four slender coursers--fit, and powerful for the road, + Blending mighty strength with fleetness--high in courage and in blood; + Free from all the well-known vices--broad of nostril--large of jaw; + With the ten good marks distinguished[119]--born in Sindhu[120]--fleet as + wind. + As he gazed upon those coursers--spoke the king, almost in wrath: + "Is then thus fulfilled our mandate?--think not to deceive us so. + How will these my coursers bear us--slight in strength and slightly + breathed-- + How can such a way be travelled--and so long, by steeds like these?"-- + + VAHUCA _spake_. + + "Two on th' head, one on the forehead--two and two on either flank-- + Two, behold, the chest discloses--and upon the crupper one-- + These the horses to Vidharba--that will bear us, doubt not thou; + Yet, if others thou preferest--speak, and I will yoke them straight." + + RITUPARNA _spake_. + + "In the knowledge thou of horses--Vahuca, hast matchless skill; + Whichso'er thou think'st the fittest--harness thou without delay." + + * * * * * + + Then those four excelling horses--nobly bred--of courage high, + In their harness to the chariot--did the skilful Nala yoke.-- + To the chariot yoked, as mounted--in his eager haste the king + To the earth those best of horses--bowed their knees and stooped them down. + Then the noblest of all heroes--Nala, with a soothing voice, + Spake unto those horses, gifted--both with fleetness and with strength. + Up the reins when he had gathered--he the charioteer bade mount, + First, Varshneya, skilled in driving--at full speed then set he forth. + Urged by Vahuca, those coursers--to the utmost of their speed, + All at once in th' air sprung upward--as the driver to unseat. + Then, as he beheld those horses--bearing him as fleet as wind, + Did the monarch of Ayodhya--in his silent wonder sit. + When the rattling of the chariot--when the guiding of the reins, + When of Vahuca the science--saw he, thus Varshneya thought: + "Is it Matali,[121] the chariot--of the king of heaven that drives? + Lo, in Vahuca each virtue--of that godlike charioteer! + Is it Salihotra skilful--in the race, the strength of steeds, + That hath ta'en a human body--thus all-glorious to behold? + Is't, or can it be, king Nala--conqueror of his foemen's realms? + Is the lord of men before us?"--thus within himself he thought. + "If the skill possessed by Nala--Vahuca possesseth too, + Lo, of Vahuca the knowledge--and of Nala equal seems; + And of Vahuca and Nala--thus alike the age should be. + If 'tis not the noble Nala--it is one of equal skill. + Mighty ones, disguised, are wandering--in the precincts of this earth. + They, divine by inborn nature--but in earthly forms concealed. + His deformity of body--that my judgment still confounds; + Yet that proof alone is wanting--what shall then my judgment be? + In their age they still are equal--though unlike that form misshaped, + Nala gifted with all virtues--Vahuca I needs must deem." + Thus the charioteer Varshneya--sate debating in his mind; + Much, and much again he pondered--in the silence of his thought. + But the royal Rituparna--Vahuca's surpassing skill, + With the charioteer Varshneya--sate admiring, and rejoiced. + In the guiding of the coursers--his attentive hand he watched, + Wondered at his skill, consummate--in consummate joy himself. + + + + +BOOK XX. + + + Over rivers, over mountains--through the forests, over lakes, + Fleetly passed they, rapid gliding--like a bird along the air. + As the chariot swiftly travelled--lo, Bhangasuri the king + Saw his upper garment fallen--from the lofty chariot seat; + Though in urgent haste, no sooner--he his fallen mantle saw, + Than the king exclaimed to Nala--"Pause, and let us take it up: + Check, an instant, mighty-minded!--check thy fiery-footed steeds, + While Varshneya, swift dismounting--bears me back my fallen robe." + Nala answered, "Far behind us--doth thy fallen garment lie; + Ten miles,[122] lo, it lies behind us--turn we not, to gain it, back." + Answered thus by noble Nala--then Bhangasuri the king, + Bowed with fruit, within the forest--saw a tall Vibhitak[123] tree: + Gazing on that tree, the raja--spake to Vahuca in haste, + "Now, O charioteer, in numbers, thou shalt see my passing skill. + Each one knows not every science--none there is that all things knows: + Perfect skill in every knowledge--in one mind there may not be. + On yon tree are leaves how many?--Vahuca, how many fruit? + Say, how many are there fallen?--one above a hundred, there. + One leaf is there 'bove a hundred--and one fruit, O Vahuca! + And of leaves are five ten millions[124]--hanging on those branches two. + Those two branches if thou gather--and the twigs that on them grow, + On those two are fruits two thousand--and a hundred, less by five." + Then, when he had check'd the chariot--answered Vahuca the king, + "What thou speakest, to mine eyesight--all invisible appears; + Visible I'll make it, counting--on yon boughs the leaves and fruit: + Then, when we have strictly numbered--I mistrust mine eyes no more. + In thy presence, king, I'll number--yonder tall Vibhitak-tree. + Whether it may be, or may not--this not done, I cannot know. + I will number, thou beholding--all its fruits, O king of men, + But an instant let Varshneya--hold the bridles of the steeds." + To the charioteer the raja--answered, "Time is none to stay." + Vahuca replied, all eager--his own purpose to fulfil, + "Either stay thou here an instant--or go onward in thy speed, + With the charioteer Varshneya--go, for straight the road before." + Answered him king Rituparna--with a bland and soothing voice: + "Charioteer! on earth thine equal--Vahuca, there may not be; + By thy guidance, skilled in horses!--to Vidarbha I would go: + I in thee have placed reliance--interrupt not then our course: + Willingly will I obey thee--Vahuca, in what thou ask'st, + If this day we reach Vidarbha--ere the sun hath sunk in night." + Vahuca replied, "No sooner--have I numbered yonder fruit, + To Vidarbha will I hasten--grant me then my prayer, O king." + Then the raja, all reluctant--"Stay then, and begin to count; + Of one branch one part, O blameless--from the tall Vibhitak tree, + Man of truth, begin to number--and make glad thine inmost heart." + From the chariot quick alighting--Nala tore the branch away. + Then, his soul possess'd with wonder--to the raja thus he said; + "Having counted, an thou sawest--even so many fruits there are, + Marvellous thy power, O monarch--by mine eyes beheld and proved, + Of that wonder-working science--fain the secret would I hear." + Then the raja spake in answer--eager to pursue his way, + "I of dice possess the science--and in numbers thus am skilled." + Vahuca replied; "That science--if to me thou wilt impart, + In return, O king, receive thou--my surpassing skill in steeds." + Then the raja Rituparna--by his pressing need induced, + Eager for that skill in horses--"Be it so," thus 'gan to say; + "Well, O Vahuca, thou speakest--thou my skill in dice receive, + And of steeds thy wondrous knowledge--be to me a meet return." + Rituparna, all his science--saying this, to Nala gave. + Soon as he in dice grew skilful--Kali from his body passed: + He Karkotaka's foul poison--vomiting from out his mouth, + Went from forth his body Kali[125]--tortured by that fiery curse. + Nala, wasted by that conflict--came not instant to himself, + But, released from that dread venom--Kali his own form resumed: + And Nishadha's monarch, Nala--fain would curse him in his ire. + Him addressed the fearful Kali--trembling, and with folded hands; + "Lord of men, restrain thine anger--I will give thee matchless fame; + Indrasena's wrathful mother--laid on me her fatal curse,[126] + When by thee she was deserted--since that time, O king of men, + I have dwelt in thee in anguish--in the ecstacy of pain. + By the King of Serpents' poison--I have burned by night, by day; + To thy mercy now for refuge--flee I, hear my speech, O king: + Wheresoe'er men, unforgetful--through the world shall laud thy name, + Shall the awful dread of Kali[126]--never in their soul abide. + If thou wilt not curse me, trembling--and to thee for refuge fled." + Thus addressed, the royal Nala--all his rising wrath suppressed, + And the fearful Kali entered--in the cloven Vibhitak tree:[127] + To no eyes but those of Nala--visible, had Kali spoken. + Then the monarch of Nishadha--from his inward fever freed, + When away had vanished Kali--when the fruits he had numbered all, + Triumphing in joy unwonted--blazing in his splendour forth, + Proudly mounting on the chariot--onward urged the rapid steeds. + But that tree by Kali entered--since that time stands aye accursed. + Those fleet horses, forward flying--like to birds, again, again, + All his soul elate with transport--Nala swifter, swifter drove; + With his face towards Vidarbha--rode the raja in his pride: + And when forward Nala journeyed--Kali to his home returned. + So released from all his sufferings--Nala went, the king of men, + Dispossessed by Kali, wanting--only now his proper form. + + + + +BOOK XXI. + + + With the evening in Vidarbha--men at watch, as they drew near, + Mighty Rituparna's coming--to king Bhima did proclaim. + Then that king, by Bhima's mandate--entered in Kundina's walls, + All the region round him echoing[128]--with the thunders of his car. + But the echoing of that chariot--when king Nala's horses heard, + In their joy they pawed and trampled[129]--even as Nala's self were there. + Damayanti, too, the rushing--of king Nala's chariot heard. + As a cloud that hoarsely thunders--at the coming of the rains. + All her heart was thrilled with wonder--at that old familiar sound. + On they seemed to come, as Nala--drove of yore his trampling steeds: + Like it seemed to Bhima's daughter--and e'en so to Nala's steeds. + On the palace roofs the peacocks--th' elephants within their stalls, + And the horses heard the rolling--of the mighty monarch's car. + Elephants and peacocks hearing--the fleet chariot rattling on, + Up they raised their necks and clamoured--as at sound of coming rain.[130] + + DAMAYANTI _spake_. + + "How the rolling of yon chariot--filling, as it seems, th' earth, + Thrills my soul with unknown transport--it is Nala, king of men. + If this day I see not Nala--with his glowing moonlike face, + Him, the king with countless virtues--I shall perish without doubt. + If this day within th' embraces--of that hero's clasping arms, + I the gentle pressure feel not--without doubt I shall not live. + If 'tis not, like cloud of thunder--he that comes, Nishadha's king, + I this day the fire will enter--burning like the hue of gold. + In his might like the strong lion--like the raging elephant, + Comes he not, the prince of princes--I shall perish without doubt. + Not a falsehood I remember--I remember no offence; + Not an idle word remember--in his noble converse free. + Lofty, patient, like a hero--liberal beyond all kings, + Nought ignoble, as the eunuch--even in private, may he do. + As I think upon his virtues--as I think by day, by night, + All my heart is rent with anguish--widowed of in own beloved." + Thus lamenting, she ascended--as with frenzied mind possessed, + To the palace roof's high terrace--to behold the king of men. + In the middle court high seated--in the car, the lord of earth, + Rituparna with Varshneya--and with Vahuca she saw, + When Varshneya from that chariot--and when Vahuca came down, + He let loose those noble coursers--and he stopped the glowing car. + From that chariot-seat descended--Rituparna, king of men, + To the noble monarch Bhima--he drew near, for strength renowned. + Him received with highest honour--Bhima, for without due cause, + Deemed not he, the mighty raja--with such urgent speed had come. + "Wherefore com'st thou! hail and welcome"--thus that gracious king enquires; + For his daughter's sake he knew not--that the lord of men had come. + But the raja Rituparna--great in wisdom as in might, + When nor king within the palace--nor king's son he could behold, + Nor of Swayembara heard he--nor assembled Brahmins saw. + Thus within his mind deep pondering--spoke of Kosala the lord. + "Hither, O majestic Bhima--to salute thee am I come." + But king Bhima smiled in secret--as he thought within his mind, + "What the cause of this far journey--of a hundred Yojanas. + Passing through so many cities--for this cause he set not forth; + For this cause of little moment--to our court he hath not come: + What the real cause, hereafter--haply I may chance to know." + After royal entertainment--then the king his guest dismissed: + "Take then thy repose," thus said he--"weary of thy journey, rest." + He refreshed, with courteous homage--of that courteous king took leave, + Ushered by the royal servants--to th' appointed chamber went: + There retired king Rituparna--with Varshneya in his suite. + Vahuca, meantime, the chariot--to the chariot-house had led, + There the coursers he unharnessed--skilfully he dressed them there, + And with gentle words caressed them--on the chariot seat sate down. + But the woeful Damayanti--when Bhangasuri she'd seen, + And the charioteer Varshneya--and the seeming Vahuca, + Thought within Vidarbha's princess--"Whose was that fleet chariot's sound? + Such it seems as noble Nala's--yet no Nala do I see. + Hath the charioteer Varshneya--Nala's noble science learned? + Therefore did the thundering chariot--sound as driven by Nala's self? + Or may royal Rituparna--like the skilful Nala drive, + Therefore did the rolling chariot--seem as of Nishadha's king?" + Thus when Damayanti pondered--in the silence of her soul, + Sent she then her beauteous handmaid--to that king her messenger. + + + + +BOOK XXII. + + + DAMAYANTI _spake_. + + "Go, Kesinia, go, enquire thou--who is yonder charioteer, + On the chariot seat reposing--all deformed, with arms so short? + Blessed maid, approach, and courteous--open thou thy bland discourse: + Undespis'd, ask thou thy question--and the truth let him reply. + Much and sorely do I doubt me--whether Nala it may be, + As my bosom's rapture augurs--as the gladness of my heart. + Speak thou, ere thou close the converse--even as good Parnada spake + And his answer, slender-waisted--undespis'd, remember thou." + Then to Vahuca departing--went that zealous messenger, + On the palace' loftiest terrace--Damayanti sate and gazed. + + KESINIA _spake_. + + "Happy omen mark thy coming--I salute thee, king of men: + Of the princess Damayanti--hear, O lord of men, the speech: + 'From what region came ye hither--with what purpose are ye come?' + Answer thou, as may beseem you--so Vidarbha's princess wills." + + VAHUCA _spake_. + + "Soon a second Swayembara, heard the king of Kosala, + Damayanti holds: to-morrow--will it be, the Brahmin said: + Hearing this, with fleetest coursers--that a hundred yojanas' speed, + Set he forth, the wind less rapid,--and his charioteer am I." + + KESINIA _spake_. + + "Who the third that journeys with you--who is he, and what his race? + Of what race art thou? this office--wherefore dost thou undertake!" + + VAHUCA _spake_. + + "'Tis the far-renowned Varshneya--Punyasloka's charioteer: + He, when Nala fled an exile--to Bhangasuri retired. + Skilful I in taming horses--and a famous charioteer. + Rituparna's chosen driver--dresser of his food am I." + + KESINIA _spake_. + + "Knows the charioteer Varshneya--whither royal Nala went? + Of his fortune hath he told thee--Vahuca, what hath he said?" + + VAHUCA _spake_. + + "He of the unhappy Nala--safe the children borne away, + Wheresoe'er he would, departed--of king Nala knows he nought: + Nothing of Nishadha's raja--fair one! living man doth know. + Through the world, concealed, he wanders--having lost his proper form. + Only Nala's self of Nala--knows, and his own inward soul, + Of himself to living mortal--Nala will no sign betray." + + KESINIA _spake_. + + "He that to Ayodhya's city--went, the holy Brahmin first, + Of his faithful wife these sayings--uttered once and once again; + 'Whither went'st thou then, O gamester--half my garment severing off; + Leaving her within the forest--all forsaken, thy belov'd? + Even as thou commanded'st, sits she--sadly waiting thy return, + Day and night, consumed with sorrow--in her scant half garment clad. + O to her for ever weeping--in the extreme of her distress, + Grant thy pity, noble hero--answer to her earnest prayer.' + Speak again the words thou uttered'st--words of comfort to her soul, + The renowned Vidarbha's princess--fain that speech would hear again, + When the Brahmin thus had spoken--what thou answered'st back to him, + That again Vidarbha's princess--in the self-same words would hear." + + VRIHADASVA _spake_. + + Of king Nala, by the handmaid--fair Kesinia thus addressed, + All the heart was wrung with sorrow--and the eyes o'erflowed with tears. + But his anguish still suppressing--inly though consumed, the king, + With a voice half choked with weeping--thus repeated his reply. + "Even in the extreme of misery--noble women still preserve + Over their own selves the mastery--by their virtues winning heaven; + By their faithless lords abandoned--anger feel they not, e'en then; + In the breastplate of their virtue--noble women live unharmed. + By the wretched, by the senseless--by the lost to every joy, + She by such a lord forsaken--to resentment will not yield. + Against him, by hunger wasted--of his robe by birds despoiled, + Him consumed with utmost misery--still no wrath, the dark-hued feels; + Treated well, or ill-entreated--when her husband 'tis she sees, + Spoiled of bliss, bereft of kingdom--famine wasted, worn with woe." + In these words as spake king Nala--in the anguish of his heart, + Could he not refrain from weeping--his unwilling tears burst forth. + Then departing, fair Kesinia--told to Damayanti all, + All that Vahuca had spoken--all th' emotion he betrayed. + + + + +BOOK XXIII. + + + Hearing this, fair Damayanti--all abandoned to her grief. + Thinking still that he was Nala--to Kesinia spake again. + "Go, Kesinia, go, examine--Vahuca, and all his acts, + Silent take thy stand beside him--and observe whate'er he does; + Nor, Kesinia, be there given him--fire his labours to assist: + Neither be there given him water--in thy haste, at his demand: + All, when thou hast well observed him--every act to me repeat, + Every act that more than mortal--seems in Vahuca, relate." + Thus addressed by Damayanti--straight Kesinia went again, + Of the tamer of the horses--every act observed, came back; + Every act as she had seen it--she to Damayanti told: + Every more than mortal wonder--that in Vahuca appeared. + + KESINIA _spake_. + + "Very holy is he, never--mortal man, in all my life, + Have I seen, or have I heard of--Damayanti, like to him. + He drew near the lowly entrance--bowed not down his stately head; + On the instant, as it saw him--up th' expanding portal rose. + For the use of Rituparna--much and various viands came;[131] + Sent, as meet, by royal Bhima--and abundant animal food. + These to cleanse, with meet ablution--were capacious vessels brought; + As he looked on them, the vessels--stood, upon the instant, full. + Then, the meet ablutions over--Vahuca went forth, and took, + Of the withered grass a handful--held it upward to the sun: + On the instant, brightly blazing--shone the all-consuming fire. + Much I marvelled at the wonder--and in mute amazement stood; + Lo, a second greater marvel--sudden burst upon my sight! + He that blazing fire stood handling--yet unharmed, unburned, remained. + At his will flows forth the water--at his will it sinks again. + And another greater wonder--lady, did I there behold: + He the flowers which he had taken--gently moulded in his hands, + In his hands the flowers, so moulded--as with freshening life endued, + Blossomed out with richer fragrance--stood erect upon their stems: + All these marvels having noted--swiftly came I back to thee." + + DAMAYANTI _spake_. + + Damayanti when these wonders--of the king of men she heard, + Thought yet more king Nala present--thought her utmost wish achieved. + Deeming still her royal consort--in the form of Vahuca, + With a gentle voice and weeping--to Kesinia spake again: + "Go, again, Kesinia, secret--and by Vahuca unseen, + Of those viands bring a portion--by his skilful hand prepared:" + She to Vahuca approaching--unperceived stole soft away + Of the well-cooked meat a morsel--warm she bore it in her haste, + And to Damayanti gave it--fair Kesinia, undelayed. + Of the food prepared by Nala--well the flavour did she know; + Tasting it she shrieked in transport--"Nala is yon charioteer." + Trying then a new emotion--of her mouth ablution made:[132] + She her pair of infant children--with Kesinia sent to him. + Soon as he young Indrasena--and her little brother saw, + Up he sprang, his arms wound round them--to his bosom folding both; + When he gazed upon the children--like the children of the gods, + All his heart o'erflowed with pity--and unwilling tears broke forth. + Yet Nishadha's lord perceiving--she his strong emotion marked, + From his hold released the children--to Kesinia speaking thus: + "Oh! so like mine own twin children--was yon lovely infant pair, + Seeing them thus unexpected--have I broken out in tears: + If so oft thou comest hither--men some evil will suspect, + We within this land are strangers--beauteous maiden, part in peace." + + + + +BOOK XXIV. + + + Seeing the profound emotion--of that wisest king of men, + Passing back in haste, Kesinia--told to Damayanti all: + Then again did Damayanti--mission to Kesinia give, + To approach her royal mother--in her haste her lord to see. + "Vahuca we've watched most closely--Nala we suspect him still; + Only from his form we doubt him--this myself would fain behold. + Cause him enter here, my mother--to my wishes condescend; + Known or unknown to my father--let it be decided now." + By that handmaid thus accosted--then the queen to Bhima told + All his daughter's secret counsel--and the raja gave assent. + Instant from her sire the princess--from her mother leave obtained, + Bade them make king Nala enter--in the chamber where she dwelt. + Sudden as he gazed upon her--upon Damayanti gazed, + Nala, he was seized with anguish--and with tears his eyes o'erflowed. + And when Damayanti gazed on--Nala, thus approaching near, + With an agonizing sorrow--was the noble lady seized. + Clad, then, in a scarlet mantle--hair dishevelled, mire-defiled,[133] + Unto Vahuca this language--Damayanti thus addressed: + "Vahuca beheld'st thou ever--an upright and noble man, + Who departed and abandoned--in the wood, his sleeping wife? + The beloved wife, and blameless--in the wild wood, worn with grief? + Who was he who thus forsook her?--who but Nala, king of men? + To the lord of earth, from folly--what offence can I have given? + That he fled, within the forest--leaving me, by sleep oppressed? + Openly, the gods rejected--was he chosen by me, my lord: + Could he leave the true, the loving--her that hath his children borne! + By the nuptial fire, in presence--of the gods, he clasped my hand, + 'I will be,'[134] this truth he plighted--whither did he then depart?" + While all this in broken accents--sadly Damayanti spoke, + From her eyes the drops of sorrow--flowed in copious torrents down. + Those dark eyes, with vermeil corners--thus with trembling moisture dewed, + When king Nala saw, and gazed on--to the sorrowful he spake. + "Gaming that I lost my kingdom--'twas not mine own guilty deed, + It was Kali wrought within me--hence it was I fled from thee; + Therefore he, in th' hour of trial--smitten by thy scathing curse, + In the wild wood as thou wanderest--grieving night and day for me, + Kali dwelt within my body--burning with thy powerful curse, + Ever burning, fiercer, hotter--as when fire is heaped on fire. + He, by my religious patience--my devotion, now subdued, + Lo! the end of all our sorrows--beautiful! is now at hand. + I, the evil one departed, hither have made haste to come; + For thy sake, O round-limbed! only;--other business have I none. + Yet, O how may high-born woman--from her vowed, her plighted lord, + Swerving, choose another husband--even as thou, O trembler, would'st? + Over all the earth the heralds--travel by the kings command, + 'Now the daughter of king Bhima--will a second husband choose, + 'Free from every tie, as wills she--as her fancy may beseem,' + Hearing this, came hither speeding--king Bhangasuri in haste." + Damayanti, when from Nala--heard she this his grievous charge, + With her folded hands, and trembling--thus to Nala made reply: + "Do not me, O noble-minded--of such shameless guilt suspect, + Thou, when I the gods rejected--Nala, wert my chosen lord. + Only thee to find, the Brahmins--went to the ten regions forth, + Chaunting to their holy measures--but the words that I had taught. + Then that Brahmin wise, Parnada--such the name he bears, O king, + Thee in Kosala, the palace--of king Rituparna saw. + There to thee, my words addressed he--answer there from thee received. + I this subtle wile imagined--king of men, to bring thee here. + Since, beside thyself, no mortal--in the world, within the day, + Could drive on the fleetest coursers--for a hundred Yojanas. + To attest this truth, O monarch!--thus I touch thy sacred feet; + Even in heart have I committed--never evil thought 'gainst thee. + He through all the world that wanders--witness the all-seeing wind,[135] + Let him now of life bereave me--if in this 'gainst thee I've sinned: + And the sun that moveth ever--over all the world, on high, + Let him now of life bereave me--if in this 'gainst thee I've sinned. + Witness, too, the moon that permeates--every being's inmost thought; + Let her too of life bereave me--if in this 'gainst thee I've sinned. + These three gods are they that govern--these three worlds, so let them + speak; + This my sacred truth attest they--or this day abandon me." + Thus adjured, a solemn witness--spake the wind from out the air; + "She hath done or thought no evil--Nala, 'tis the truth we speak: + King, the treasure of her virtue--well hath Damayanti kept, + We ourselves have seen and watched her--closely for three livelong years. + This her subtle wile she plotted--only for thy absent sake, + For beside thyself no mortal--might a hundred Yojanas drive. + Thou hast met with Bhima's daughter--Bhima's daughter meets with thee, + Cast away all jealous scruple--to thy bosom take thy wife." + Even as thus the wind was speaking--flowers fell showering all + around:[136] + And the gods sweet music sounded--on the zephyr floating light. + As on this surpassing wonder--royal Nala stood and gazed, + Of the blameless Damayanti--melted all his jealous doubts. + Then by dust all undefiled--he the heavenly vest put on, + Thought upon the King of Serpents--and his proper form resumed. + In his own proud form her husband--Bhima's royal daughter saw, + Loud she shrieked, the undespised--and embraced the king of men. + Bhima's daughter, too, king Nala--shining glorious as of old, + Clasped unto his heart, and fondled--gently that sweet infant pair. + Then her face upon his bosom--as the lovely princess laid, + In her calm and gentle sorrow--softly sighed the long-eyed queen: + He, that form still mire-defiled--as he clasped with smile serene, + Long the king of men stood silent--in the ecstacy of woe. + All the tale of Damayanti--and of Nala all the tale, + To king Bhima in her transport--told Vidarbha's mother-queen. + Then replied that mighty monarch--"Nala, his ablutions done, + Thus rejoined to Damayanti--I to-morrow will behold." + + VRIHADASVA _spake_. + + They the livelong night together--slow related, each to each, + All their wanderings in the forest--and each wild adventure strange. + In king Bhima's royal palace--studying each the other's bliss, + With glad hearts, Vidarbha's princess--and the kingly Nala dwelt. + In their fourth year of divorcement--reunited to his wife, + Richly fraught with every blessing--at the height of joy he stood. + Damayanti too re-wedded--still increasing in her bliss, + Like as the glad earth to water--opens its half-budding fruits, + She of weariness unconscious,--soothed each grief, and full each joy, + Every wish fulfilled, shone brightly--as the night, when high the moon. + + + + +BOOK XXV. + + + When that night was passed and over--Nala, that high-gifted king, + Wedded to Vidarbha's daughter--in fit hour her sire beheld. + Humbly Nala paid his homage--to the father of his queen, + Reverently did Damayanti--pay her homage to her sire. + Him received the royal Bhima--as his son, with highest joy, + Honoured, as became him, nobly:--then consoled that monarch wise + Damayanti, to king Nala--reconciled, the faithful wife. + Royal Nala, all these honours--as his homage meet, received; + And in fitting terms, devotion--to his royal sire declared. + Mighty then, through all the city--ran the wakening sound of joy; + All in every street exulting--at king Nala's safe return. + All the city with their banners--and with garlands decked they forth. + All the royal streets, well watered--and with stainless flowers were strewn; + And from door to door the garlands--of festooning flowers were hung; + And of all the gods the altars--were with fitting rites adorned. + Rituparna heard of Nala--in the form of Vahuca, + Now re-wed, to Damayanti--and the king of men rejoiced. + To the king, before his presence--Nala courteous made excuse. + In his turn Ayodhya's monarch--in like courteous language spake. + He, received thus hospitably--wondering to Nishadha's king, + "Bliss be with thee, reunited--to thy queen:" 'twas thus he said. + "Have I aught offensive ever--done to thee, or said, O king + Whilst unknown, within my palace--thou wert dwelling, king of men? + If designed or undesigning--any single act I've done + I might wish undone, thy pardon--grant me, I beseech thee, king." + + NALA _spake_. + + "Not or deed or word discourteous--not the slightest hast thou done; + Hadst thou, I might not resent it--freely would I pardon all. + Thou of old, my friend, my kinsman--wert, O sovereign of men, + From this time henceforth thy friendship--be my glory and my joy. + Every wish anticipated--pleasantly I dwelt with thee, + As in mine own royal palace--dwelt I ever, king, in thine. + My surpassing skill in horses--all is thine that I possess; + That on thee bestow I gladly--if, O king, it seem thee good." + Nala thus to Rituparna--gave his subtle skill in steeds, + Gladly he received the present--with each regulation meet. + Gifted with that precious knowledge--then Bhangasuri the king, + Home returned to his own city--with another charioteer. + Rituparna thus departed--Nala, then the king of men, + In the city of Kundina--sojourned for no length of time. + + + + +BOOK XXVI. + + + There a month when he had sojourned--of king Bhima taking leave, + Guarded but by few attendants--to Nishadha took his way. + With a single splendid chariot--and with elephants sixteen, + And with fifty armed horsemen--and six hundred men on foot; + Making, as 'twere, earth to tremble--hastening onward, did the king, + Enter awful in his anger--and terrific in his speed. + Then the son of Virasena--to king Pushkara drew near; + "Play we once again," then said he--"much the wealth I have acquired: + All I have, even Damayanti--every treasure I possess, + Set I now upon the hazard--Pushkara, thy kingdom thou: + In the game once more contend we--'tis my settled purpose this, + Brother, at a single hazard--play we boldly for our lives. + From another he who treasures--he who mighty realm hath won, + 'Tis esteemed a bounden duty--to play back the counter game. + If thou shrinkest from the hazard--be our game the strife of swords, + Meet we in the single combat--all our difference to decide. + An hereditary kingdom--may by any means be sought, + Be re-won by any venture--this the maxim of the wise. + Of two courses set before thee--Pushkara, the option make, + Or in play to stand the hazard--or in battle stretch the bow." + By Nishadha's lord thus challenged--Pushkara, with smile suppressed, + As secure of easy victory--answered to the lord of earth; + "Oh what joy! abundant treasures--thou hast won, again to play; + Oh what joy! of Damayanti--now the hard-won prize is mine: + Oh what joy! again thou livest--with thy consort, mighty armed! + With the wealth I win bedecked--soon shall Bhima's daughter stand, + By my side, as by great Indra--stands the Apsara in heaven.[137] + Still on thee hath dwelt my memory--still I've waited, king, for thee; + In the play I find no rapture--but 'gainst kinsmen like thyself. + When this day the round-limbed princess--Damayanti, undespised, + I shall win, I rest contented--still within mine heart she dwells." + Hearing his contemptuous language--franticly thus pouring forth, + With his sword th' indignant Nala--fain had severed off his head. + But with haughty smile, with anger--glaring in his blood-red eyes, + "Play we now, nor talk we longer--conquered, thou'lt no longer talk." + Then of Pushkara the gaming--and of Nala straight began: + In a single throw by Nala--was the perilous venture gained; + Pushkara, his gold, his jewels--at one hazard all was won! + Pushkara, in play thus conquered--with a smile the king rejoined: + "Mine again is all this kingdom--undisturbed, its foes o'ercome. + Fallen king! Vidarbha's daughter--by thine eyes may ne'er be seen. + Thou art now, with all thy household--unto abject slavery sunk. + Not thyself achieved the conquest--that subdued me heretofore! + 'Twas achieved by mightier Kali--that thou didst not, fool, perceive. + Yet my wrath, by him enkindled--will I not 'gainst thee direct; + Live thou henceforth at thy pleasure--freely I thy life bestow, + And of thine estate and substance--give I thee thy fitting share. + Such my pleasure, in thy welfare--hero, do I take delight, + And mine unabated friendship--never shall from thee depart. + Pushkara, thou art my brother--may'st thou live an hundred years!" + Nala thus consoled his brother--in his conscious power and strength, + Sent him home to his own city--once embracing, once again. + Pushkara, thus finding comfort--answered to Nishadha's lord, + Answered he to Punyasloka--bowing low with folded hands: + "Everlasting be thy glory! may'st thou live ten thousand years! + That my life to me thou grantest--and a city for mine home!" + Hospitably entertained--there a month when he had dwelt, + Joyful to his own proud city--Pushkara, with all his kin, + With a well-appointed army--of attendant slaves an host, + Shining like the sun departed,--in his full meridian orb. + Pushkara thus crowned with riches--thus unharmed, when he dismissed,[138] + Entered then his royal city--with surpassing pomp, the king: + As he entered, to his subjects--Nala spake the words of peace. + + * * * * * + + From the city, from the country--all, with hair erect with joy, + Came, with folded hands addressed him--and the counsellors of state. + "Happy are we now, O monarch--in the city, in the fields, + Setting forth to do thee homage--as to Indra all the gods." + Then at peace the tranquil city--the first festal gladness o'er, + With a mighty host escorted--Damayanti brought he home. + Damayanti rich in treasures--in her father's blessings rich, + Glad dismissed the mighty-minded--Bhima, fearful in his strength. + With the daughter of Vidarbha--with his children in his joy, + Nala lived, as lives the sovereign--of the gods in Nandana.[139] + Re-ascended thus to glory--he, among the kings of earth, + Ruled his realm in Jambudwipa[140]--thus re-won, with highest fame; + And all holy rites performed he--with devout munificence. + + + + +THE DEATH OF YAJNADATTA. + + + This extract from the Ramayana has been edited by M. Chezy, + with a free translation into French prose by M. Bournouf, a + literal version into Latin, and a grammatical commentary and + notes by the editor. + + Through the arts of one of his wives Kaikéyí, to whom he had + made an incautious vow to grant her demand, Dasaratha is + obliged to send his victorious son Rama into banishment at + the very moment of his marriage with the beautiful Sita. Rama + is accompanied in his exile by Lakshmana. The following + episode describes the misery and distress of the father, + deprived of his favourite son. + + + + +THE DEATH OF YAJNADATTA. + + + Scarce Rama to the wilderness--had with his younger brother gone, + Abandoned to his deep distress--king Dasaratha sate alone. + Upon his sons to exile driven--when thought that king, as Indra bright, + Darkness came o'er him, as in heaven--when pales th' eclipsed sun his light. + Six days he sate, and mourned and pined--for Rama all that weary time, + At midnight on his wandering mind--rose up his old forgotten crime. + His queen Kausalya, the divine--addressed he, as she rested near: + "Kausalya, if thou wak'st, incline--to thy lord's speech thy ready ear. + Whatever deed, or good or ill--by man, oh blessed queen, is wrought, + Its proper fruit he gathers still--by time to slow perfection brought. + He who the opposing counsel's weight--compares not in his judgment cool, + Or misery or bliss his fate--among the sage is deemed a fool. + As one that quits the Amra bower--the bright Palasa's pride to gain, + Mocked by the promise of its flower--seeks its unripening fruit in vain. + So I the lovely Amra left[141]--for the Palasa's barren bloom,[142] + Through mine own fatal error 'reft--of banished Rama, mourn in gloom. + Kausalya! in my early youth--by my keen arrow at its mark, + Aimed with too sure and deadly truth--was wrought a deed most fell and dark. + At length the evil that I did--hath fallen upon my fatal head,[143] + As when on subtle poison hid--an unsuspecting child hath fed; + Even as that child unwittingly--hath made the poisonous fare his food, + Even so in ignorance by me--was wrought that deed of guilt and blood. + Unwed wert thou in virgin bloom--and I in youth's delicious prime, + The season of the rains had come--that soft and love-enkindling time. + Earth's moisture all absorbed, the sun--through all the world its warmth + had spread, + Turned from the north, its course begun--where haunt the spirits of the + dead![144] + Gathering o'er all th' horizon's bound--on high the welcome clouds + appeared,[145] + Exulting all the birds flew round--cranes, cuckoos, peacocks, flew and + veered. + And all down each wide-water'd shore--the troubled, yet still limpid floods, + Over their banks began to pour--as o'er them hung the bursting clouds. + And, saturate with cloud-born dew--the glittering verdant-mantled earth, + The cuckoos and the peacocks flew--disputing as in drunken mirth. + In such a time, so soft, so bland--oh beautiful! I chanced to go, + With quiver, and with bow in hand--where clear Sarayu's waters flow. + If haply to the river's brink--at night the buffalo might stray, + Or elephant, the stream to drink,--intent my savage game to slay, + Then of a water cruise, as slow--it filled, the gurgling sound I heard, + Nought saw I, but the sullen low--of elephant that sound appeared. + The swift well-feathered arrow I--upon the bowstring fitting straight, + Toward the sound the shaft let fly--ah, cruelly deceived by fate! + The winged arrow scarce had flown--and scarce had reached its destined aim, + 'Ah me, I'm slain,' a feeble moan--in trembling human accents came. + 'Ah whence hath come this fatal shaft--against a poor recluse like me, + Who shot that bolt with deadly craft--alas! what cruel man is he? + At the lone midnight had I come--to draw the river's limpid flood, + And here am struck to death, by whom?--ah whose this wrongful deed of blood. + Alas! and in my parent's heart--the old, the blind, and hardly fed, + In the wild wood, hath pierced the dart--that here hath struck their + offspring dead. + Ah, deed most profitless as worst--a deed of wanton useless guilt; + As though a pupil's hand accurs'd[146]--his holy master's blood had spilt. + But not mine own untimely fate--it is not that which I deplore, + My blind, my aged parents state--'tis their distress afflicts me more. + That sightless pair, for many a day--from me their scanty food have earned, + What lot is theirs, when I'm away--to the five elements returned?[147] + Alike all wretched they, as I--ah, whose this triple deed of blood? + For who the herbs will now supply--the roots, the fruit, their blameless + food?' + My troubled soul, that plaintive moan--no sooner heard, so faint and low, + Trembled to look on what I'd done--fell from my shuddering hand my bow. + Swift I rushed up, I saw him there--heart-pierced, and fall'n the stream + beside, + That hermit boy with knotted hair--his clothing was the black deer's hide. + On me most piteous turned his look--his wounded breast could scarce respire, + 'What wrong, oh Kshatriya,[148] have I done--to be thy deathful arrow's aim, + The forest's solitary son--to draw the limpid stream I came. + Both wretched and both blind they lie--in the wild wood all destitute, + My parents, listening anxiously--to hear my home-returning foot. + By this, thy fatal shaft, this one--three miserable victims fall, + The sire, the mother, and the son--ah why? and unoffending all. + How vain my father's life austere--the Veda's studied page how vain, + He knew not with prophetic fear--his son would fall untimely slain. + But had he known, to one as he--so weak, so blind, 'twere bootless all, + No tree can save another tree--by the sharp hatchet marked to fall. + But to my father's dwelling haste--oh Raghu's[149] son, lest in his ire, + Thy head with burning curse he blast--as the dry forest tree the fire. + Thee to my father's lone retreat--will quickly lead yon onward path, + Oh haste, his pardon to entreat--or ere he curse thee in his wrath. + Yet first, that gently I may die--draw forth the barbed steel from hence, + Allay thy fears, no Brahmin I--not thine of Brahmin blood the offence. + My sire, a Brahmin hermit he--my mother was of Sudra race.'[150] + So spake the wounded boy, on me--while turned his unreproaching face. + As from his palpitating breast--I gently drew the mortal dart, + He saw me trembling stand, and blest--that boy's pure spirit seemed to part. + As died that holy hermit's son--from me my glory seemed to go, + With troubled mind I stood, cast down--t' inevitable endless woe. + That shaft that seemed his life to burn--like serpent venom, thus drawn out, + I, taking up his fallen urn--t' his father's dwelling took my route. + There miserable, blind, and old--of their sole helpmate thus forlorn, + His parents did these eyes behold--like two sad birds with pinions shorn. + Of him in fond discourse they sate--lone, thinking only of their son, + For his return so long, so late--impatient, oh by me undone. + My footsteps' sound he seemed to know--and thus the aged hermit said, + 'Oh, Yajnadatta, why so slow?--haste, let the cooling draught be shed. + Long, on the river's pleasant brink--hast thou been sporting in thy joy, + Thy mother's fainting spirits sink--in fear for thee, but thou, my boy, + If aught to grieve thy gentle heart--thy mother or thy sire do wrong, + Bear with us, nor when next we part--on the slow way thus linger long. + The feet of those that cannot move--of those that cannot see the eye, + Our spirits live but in thy love--Oh wherefore, dearest, no reply?' + My throat thick swollen with bursting tears--my power of speech that + seemed to choke, + With hands above my head, my fears--breaking my quivering voice, I spoke; + 'The Kshatriya Dasaratha I--Oh hermit sage, 'tis not thy son! + Most holy ones, unknowingly--a deed of awful guilt I've done. + With bow in hand I took my way--along Sarayu's pleasant brink, + The savage buffalo to slay--or elephant come down to drink. + A sound came murmuring to my ear--'twas of the urn that slowly filled, + I deemed some savage wild-beast near--my erring shaft thy son had killed. + A feeble groan I heard, his breast--was pierced by that dire arrow keen: + All trembling to the spot I pressed--lo there thy hermit boy was seen. + Flew to the sound my arrow, meant--the wandering elephant to slay, + Toward the river brink it went--and there thy son expiring lay. + The fatal shaft when forth I drew--to heaven his parting spirit soared, + Dying he only thought of you--long, long, your lonely lot deplored. + Thus ignorantly did I slay--your child beloved, Oh hermit sage! + Turn thou on me, whose fated day--is come, thy all-consuming rage.' + He heard my dreadful tale at length--he stood all lifeless, motionless; + Then deep he groaned, and gathering strength--me his meek suppliant did + address. + 'Kshatriya, 'tis well that thou hast turned--thy deed of murder to rehearse, + Else over all thy land had burned--the fire of my wide-wasting curse. + If with premeditated crime--the unoffending blood thou'dst spilt, + The Thunderer on his throne sublime--had shaken at such tremendous guilt. + Against the anchorite's sacred head--hadst, knowing, aimed thy shaft + accursed, + In th' holy Vedas deeply read--thy skull in seven wide rents had burst. + But since, unwitting, thou hast wrought--that deed of death, thou livest + still, + Oh son of Raghu, from thy thought--dismiss all dread of instant ill. + Oh lead me to that doleful spot--where my poor boy expiring lay, + Beneath the shaft thy fell hand shot--of my blind age, the staff, the stay. + On the cold earth 'twere yet a joy--to touch my perished child again, + (So long if I may live) my boy--in one last fond embrace to strain. + His body all bedewed with gore--his locks in loose disorder thrown, + Let me, let her but touch once more--to the dread realm of Yama gone.' + Then to that fatal place I brought--alone that miserable pair; + His sightless hands, and hers I taught--to touch their boy that slumbered + there. + Nor sooner did they feel him lie--on the moist herbage coldly thrown, + Both with a shrill and feeble cry--upon the body cast them down. + The mother as she lay and groaned--addressed her boy with quivering tongue, + And like a heifer sadly moaned--just plundered of her new-dropped young: + 'Was not thy mother once, my son--than life itself more dear to thee? + Why the long way hast thou begun--without one gentle word to me. + One last embrace, and then, beloved--upon thy lonely journey go! + Alas! with anger art thou moved--that not a word thou wilt bestow?' + The miserable father now[151]--with gentle touch each cold limb pressed, + And to the dead his words of woe--as to his living son, addressed: + 'I too, my son, am I not here?--thy sire with thy sad mother stands; + Awake, arise, my child, draw near--and clasp each neck with loving hands. + Who now, 'neath the dark wood by night--a pious reader shall be heard? + Whose honied voice my ear delight--with th' holy Veda's living word? + The evening prayer, th' ablution done--the fire adored with worship meet, + Who now shall soothe like thee, my son--with fondling hand, my aged feet? + And who the herb, the wholesome root--or wild fruit from the wood shall + bring? + To us the blind, the destitute--with helpless hunger perishing? + Thy blind old mother, heaven-resigned--within our hermit-dwelling lone, + How shall I tend, myself as blind--now all my strength of life is gone! + Oh stay, my child, Oh part not yet--to Yama's dwelling go not now, + To-morrow forth we all will set--thy mother, and myself, and thou: + For both, in grief for thee, and both--so helpless, ere another day, + From this dark world, but little loath--shall we depart, death's easy prey! + And I myself, by Yama's seat--companion of thy darksome way, + The guerdon to thy virtues meet--from that great Judge of men will pray. + Because, my boy, in innocence--by wicked deed thou hast been slain, + Rise, where the heroes dwell, who thence--ne'er stoop to this dark world + again. + Those that to earth return no more--the sense-subdued, the hermits wise, + Priests their sage masters that adore--to their eternal seats arise. + Those that have studied to the last--the Veda's, the Vedanga's page, + Where saintly kings of earth have passed--Nahusa and Yayáti sage; + The sires of holy families--the true to wedlock's sacred vow; + And those that cattle, gold, or rice--or lands with liberal hands bestow; + That ope th' asylum to th' oppressed--that ever love, and speak the truth, + Up to the dwellings of the blest--th' eternal, soar thou, best loved youth. + For none of such a holy race--within the lowest seat may dwell; + But that will be his fatal place--by whom my only offspring fell.' + So groaning deep, that wretched pair--the hermit and his wife, essayed + The meet ablution to prepare--their hands their last faint effort made. + Divine, with glorious body bright--in splendid car of heaven elate, + Before them stood their son in light--and thus consoled their helpless + state: + 'Meed of my duteous filial care--I've reached the wished for realms of + joy;[152] + And ye, in those glad realms, prepare--to meet full soon your dear-loved + boy. + My parents, weep no more for me--yon warrior monarch slew me not, + My death was thus ordained to be;--predestined was the shaft he shot." + Thus, as he spoke, the anchorite's son--soared up the glowing heaven afar, + In air his heavenly body shone--while stood he in his gorgeous car. + But they, of that lost boy so dear--the last ablution meetly made, + Thus spoke to me that holy seer--with folded hands above his head. + 'Albeit by thy unknowing dart--my blameless boy untimely fell, + A curse I lay upon thy heart--whose fearful pain I know too well. + As sorrowing for my son I bow--and yield up my unwilling breath, + So, sorrowing for thy son shalt thou--at life's last close repose in death.' + That curse, dread sounding in mine ear--to mine own city forth I set, + Nor long survived that hermit seer--to mourn his child in lone regret. + This day that Brahmin curse fulfilled--hath fallen on my devoted head, + In anguish for any parted child--have all my sinking spirits fled. + No more my darkened eyes can see--my clouded memory is o'ercast, + Dark Yama's heralds summon me--to his deep, dreary, realm to haste. + Mine eye no more my Rama sees--and grief o'erburns, my spirits sink, + As the swollen stream sweeps down the trees--that grow upon the crumbling + brink. + Oh, felt I Rama's touch, or spake--one word his home-returning voice, + Again to life should I awake--as quaffing nectar draughts rejoice, + But what so sad could e'er have been--celestial partner of my heart, + Than, Rama's beauteous face unseen,--from life untimely to depart. + His exile in the forest o'er--him home returned to Oudes high town, + Oh happy those, that see once more--like Indra from the sky come down. + No mortal men, but gods I deem--moonlike, before whose wondering sight, + My Rama's glorious face shall beam--from the dark forest bursting bright. + Happy that gaze on Rama's face--with beauteous teeth and smile of love, + Like the blue lotus in its grace--and like the starry king above. + Like to the full autumnal moon--and like the lotus in its bloom, + That youth who sees returning soon--how blest shall be that mortal's doom. + Dwelling on that sweet memory--on his last bed the monarch lay, + And slowly, softly, seemed to die--as fades the moon at dawn away. + "Ah, Rama! ah, my son!" thus said--or scarcely said, the king of men, + His gentle hapless spirit fled--in sorrow for his Rama then, + The shepherd of his people old--at midnight on his bed of death, + The tale of his son's exile told--and breathed away his dying breath. + + + + +EXTRACTS FROM THE MAHABHARATA. + +THE BRAHMIN'S LAMENT. + + + The hostility of the kindred races of Pandu and Kuru forms + one of the great circles of Indian fable. It fills great part + of the immense poem, the Mahabharata. At this period the five + sons of Pandu and their mother Kunti have been driven into + the wilderness from the court of their uncle Dritarashtra at + Nâgapur. The brothers, during their residence in the forest, + have an encounter with a terrible giant, Hidimba, the + prototype of the Cyclops of Homer, and of the whole race of + giants of northern origin, who, after amusing our ancestors, + children of larger growth, descended to our nurseries, from + whence they are now well-nigh exploded. After this adventure + the brothers take up their residence in the city of Ekachara, + where they are hospitably received in the house of a Brahmin. + The neighbourhood of this city is haunted by another terrible + giant, Baka, whose cannibal appetite has been glutted by a + succession of meaner victims. It is now come to the Brahmin's + turn to furnish the fatal banquet; they overhear the + following complaint of their host, whose family, consisting + of himself, his wife, a grown up daughter, and a son a little + child, must surrender one to become the horrible repast of + the monster. In turn, the father, the mother, in what may be + fairly called three singularly pathetic Indian elegies, + enforce each their claim to the privilege of suffering for + the rest. + + + + +THE BRAHMIN'S LAMENT. + + + Alas for life, so vain, so weary--in this changing world below, + Ever-teeming root of sorrow--still dependent, full of woe! + Still to life clings strong affliction--life that's one long suffering all, + Whoso lives must bear his sorrow--soon or late that must befall. + + * * * * * + + Oh to find a place of refuge--in this dire extremity, + For my wife, my son, my daughter--and myself what hope may be? + Oft I've said to thee, my dearest--Priestess, that thou knowest well, + But my word thou never heededst--let us go where peace may dwell. + "Here I had my birth, my nurture--still my sire is living here; + Oh unwise!" 'twas thus thou answeredst--to my oft-repeated prayer. + Thine old father went to heaven--slept thy mother by his side, + Then thy near and dear relations--why delight'st thou here t' abide? + Fondly loving still thy kindred--thine old home thou would'st not leave, + Of thy kindred death deprived thee--in thy griefs I could but grieve. + Now to me is death approaching--never victim will I give, + From mine house, like some base craven--and myself consent to live. + Thee with righteous soul, the gentle--ever like a mother deemed, + A sweet friend the gods have given me--aye my choicest wealth esteem'd. + From thy parents thee, consenting--mistress of my house I took, + Thee I chose, and thee I honoured--as enjoins the holy book. + Thou the high-born, thou the virtuous!--my dear children's mother thou, + Only to prolong my being--thee the good, the blameless, now, + Can to thy death surrender--mine own true, my faithful wife? + Yet my son can I abandon--in his early bloom of life, + Offer him in his sweet childhood--with no down his cheek to shade? + Her, whom Brahma, the all-bounteous--for a lovely bride hath made, + Mother of a race of heroes--a heaven-winning race may make;[153] + Of myself begot, the virgin--could I ever her forsake? + Towards a son the hearts of fathers--some have thought, are deepest moved, + Others deem the daughter dearer--both alike I've ever loved: + She that sons, that heaven hath in her--sons whose offerings heaven may win, + Can I render up my daughter--blameless, undefiled by sin? + If myself I offer, sorrow--in the next world my lot must be, + Hardly then could live my children--and my wife bereft of me. + One of these so dear to offer--to the wise, were sin, were shame, + Yet without me they must perish--how to 'scape the sin, the blame! + Woe! Oh woe! where find I refuge--for myself, for mine, oh where! + Better 'twere to die together--for to live I cannot bear. + + _The_ BRAHMIN'S WIFE _speaks_. + + As of lowly caste, my husband--yield not thus thy soul to woe, + This is not a time for wailing--who the Vedas knows must know: + Fate inevitable orders--all must yield to death in turn, + Hence the doom, th' irrevocable--it beseems not thee to mourn. + Man hath wife, and son, and daughter--for the joy of his own heart. + Wherefore wisely check thy sorrow--it is I must hence depart. + Tis the wife's most holy duty--law on earth without repeal, + That her life she offer freely--when demands her husband's weal. + And e'en now, a deed so noble--hath its meed of pride and bliss, + In the next world life eternal--and unending fame in this. + 'Tis a high, yet certain duty--that my life I thus resign, + 'Tis thy right, as thy advantage--both the willing deed enjoin-- + All for which a wife is wedded--long erenow through me thou'st won, + Blooming son and gentle daughter--that my debt is paid and done. + Thou may'st well support our children--gently guard, when I am gone, + I shall have no power to guard them--nor support them, left alone. + Oh, despoiled of thy assistance--lord of me, and all I have, + How these little ones from ruin--how my hapless self to save: + Widow'd, reft of thee, and helpless--with two children in their youth, + How maintain my son, and daughter--in the path of right and truth. + From the lustful, from the haughty--how shall I our child protect, + When they seek thy blameless daughter--by a father's awe unchecked. + As the birds in numbers swarming--gather o'er the earth-strewn corn, + Thus the men round some sad widow--of her noble lord forlorn. + Thus by all the rude and reckless--with profane desires pursued,[154] + How shall I the path still follow--loved and honoured by the good. + This thy dear, thy only daughter--this pure maiden innocent, + How to teach the way of goodness--where her sire, her fathers went. + How can I instil the virtues--in the bosom of our child, + Helpless and beset on all sides--as thou would'st in duty skilled. + Round thy unprotected daughter--Sudras like[155] to holy lore, + Scorning me in their wild passion--will unworthy suitors pour. + And if I refuse to give her--mindful of thy virtuous course, + As the storks the rice of offering[156]--they will bear her off by force. + Should I see my son degenerate--like his noble sire no more, + In the power of the unworthy--the sweet daughter that I bore; + And myself, the world's scorn, wandering--so as scarce myself to know, + Of proud men the scoff, the outcast--I should die of shame and woe. + And bereft of me, my children--and without thy aid to cherish, + As the fish when water fails them--both would miserably perish. + Thus of all the three is ruin--the inevitable lot, + Desolate of thee, their guardian--wherefore, Oh, forsake us not! + The dark way before her husband--'tis a wife's first bliss to go, + 'Tis a wife's that hath borne children--this the wise, the holy know. + For thee forsaken be my daughter--let my son forsaken be, + I for thee forsook my kindred--and forsake my life for thee. + More than offering 'tis, than penance--liberal gift or sacrifice, + When a wife, thus clearly summoned--for her husband's welfare dies. + That which now to do I hasten--all the highest duty feel, + For thy bliss, for thy well-doing--thine and all thy race's weal. + Men, they say, but pray for children--riches, or a generous friend, + To assist them in misfortune--and a wife for the same end. + The whole race (the wise declare it)--thou the increaser of thy race, + Than the single self less precious--ever holds a second place. + Let me then discharge the duty--and preserve thyself by me, + Give me thine assent, all-honoured--and my children's guardian be. + Women must be spared from slaughter--this the learn'd in duty say, + Even the giant knows that duty--me he will not dare to slay. + Of the man the death is certain--of the woman yet in doubt, + Wherefore, noblest, on the instant--as the victim send me out. + I have lived with many blessings--I have well fulfilled my part, + I have given thee beauteous offspring--death hath nought t' appal mine + heart. + I've borne children, I am aged--in my soul I've all revolved, + And with spirit strong to serve thee--I am steadfast and resolved. + Offering me, all-honoured husband--thou another wife wilt find, + And to her wilt do thy duty--gentle as to me, and kind. + Many wives if he espouses--man incurs nor sin nor blame, + For a wife to wed another--'tis inexpiable shame. + This well weighed within thy spirit--and the sin thyself to die, + Save thyself, thy race, thy children--be the single victim I. + + * * * * * + + Hearing thus his wife, the husband--fondly clasp'd her to his breast, + And their tears they poured together--by their mutual grief oppressed. + + + + +THIRD SONG. + + + Of these two the troubled language--in the chamber as she heard, + Lost herself in grief the daughter--thus took up the doleful word. + + _The_ DAUGHTER _spake_. + + Why to sorrow thus abandoned?--weep not thus, as all forlorn, + Hear ye now my speech, my parents--and your sorrows may be borne. + Me with right ye may abandon--none that right in doubt will call, + Yield up her that best is yielded--I alone may save you all. + Wherefore wishes man for children?--they in need mine help will be: + Lo, the time is come, my parents--in your need find help in me. + Ever here the son by offering--or hereafter doth atone, + Either way is he th' atoner--hence the wise have named him son. + Daughters too, the great forefathers--of a noble race desire, + And I now shall prove their wisdom--saving thus from death my sire. + Lo, my brother but an infant!--to the other world goest thou, + In a little time we perish--who may dare to question how? + But if first depart to heaven--he that after me was born, + Cease our race's sacred offerings--our offended sires would mourn. + Without father, without mother--of my brother too bereft, + I shall die, unused to sorrow--yet to deepest sorrow left. + But thyself, my sire! my mother--and my gentle brother save, + And their meet, unfailing offerings--shall our fathers' spirits have. + A second self the son, a friend the wife--the daughter's but a grief, + From thy grief thy daughter offering--thou of right wilt find relief. + Desolate and unprotected--ever wandering here and there, + Shall I quickly be, my father!--reft of thy paternal care! + But wert thou through me, my father--and thy race from peril freed, + Noble fruit should I have borne thee--having done this single deed. + But if thou from hence departing-leav'st me, noblest, to my fate, + Down I sink to bitterest misery--save, Oh save me from that state! + For mine own sake, and for virtue's--for our noble race's sake, + Yield up her who best is yielded--me thine own life's ransom make. + Instantly this step, the only--the inevitable take. + Hath the world a fate more wretched--than when thou to heaven art fled, + Like a dog to wander begging--and subsist on others' bread. + But my father, thus preserving--thus preserving all that's thine, + I shall then become immortal--and partake of bliss divine, + And the gods, and our forefathers--all will hail the prudent choice, + Still will have the water offerings--that their holy spirits rejoice. + + * * * * * + + As they heard her lamentation--in their troubled anguish deep, + Wept the father, wept the mother--'gan the daughter too to weep. + Then the little son beheld them--and their doleful moan he heard; + And with both his eyes wide open--lisped he thus his broken word. + "Weep not father, weep not mother--Oh my sister, weep not so!" + First to one, and then to th' other--smiling went he to and fro. + Then a blade of spear-grass lifting--thus in bolder glee he said, + "With this spear-grass will I kill him--this man-eating giant dead." + Though o'erpowered by bitterest sorrow--as they heard their prattling boy, + Stole into the parents' bosoms--mute and inexpressive joy. + + + + +THE DELUGE. + + + The following extract from the Mahábhárata was published by + Bopp, with a German translation, (the promised Latin version + has not yet reached this country,) with four other extracts + from the same poem. It is inserted here not on account of its + poetical merit, but on account of the interest of the + subject. It is the genuine, and probably the earliest, + version of the Indian tradition of the Flood. The author has + made the following observations on this subject in the + Quarterly Review, which he ventures here to transcribe. + + Nothing has thrown so much discredit on oriental studies, + particularly on the valuable Asiatic Researches, as the fixed + determination to find the whole of the Mosaic history in the + remoter regions of the East. It was not to be expected that, + when the new world of oriental literature was suddenly + disclosed, the first attempts to explore would be always + guided by cool and dispassionate criticism. Even Sir W. Jones + was led away, at times, by the ardour of his imagination; and + the gorgeous palaces of the Mahabadian dynasty, which were + built on the authority of the Desatir and the Dabistan, and + thrown upward into an age anterior even to the earliest + Indian civilisation, have melted away, and 'left not a wreck + behind,' before the cooler and more profound investigations + of Mr. Erskine[157]. Sir W. Jones was succeeded by Wilford, a + man of most excursive imagination, bred in the school of + Bryant, who, even if he had himself been more deeply versed + in the ancient language, would have been an unsafe guide. But + Wilford, it is well known, unfortunately betrayed to the + crafty and mercenary pundits whom he employed, the objects + which he hoped to find; and these unscrupulous interpreters, + unwilling to disappoint their employer, had little difficulty + in discovering, or forging, or interpolating, whatever might + suit his purpose. The honest candour with which Wilford, a + man of the strictest integrity, made the open and humiliating + confession of the deceptions which had been practised upon + him, ought for ever to preserve his memory from disrespect. + The fictions to which he had given currency, only retained, + and still we are ashamed to say retain, their ground in + histories of the Bible and works of a certain school of + theology, from which no criticism can exorcise an error once + established: still, however, with sensible men, a kind of + suspicion was thrown over the study itself; and the cool and + sagacious researches of men, probably better acquainted with + their own language than some of the Brahmins themselves, were + implicated in the fate of the fantastic and, though + profoundly learned, ever injudicious reveries of Wilford. + + Now, however, that we may depend on the genuineness of our + documents, it is curious to examine the Indian version or + versions of the universal tradition of the Deluge; for, + besides this extract from the Mahábhárata, Sir W. Jones had + extracted from the Bhagavata Purana another, and, in some + respects, very different legend. Both of these versions are + strongly impregnated with the mythological extravagance of + India; but the Purana, one of the Talmudic books of Indian + tradition, as M. Bopp observes, is evidently of a much later + date than the ruder and simpler fable of the old Epic. It + belongs to a less ancient school of poetry, and a less + ancient system of religion. While it is much more exuberant + in its fiction, it nevertheless betrays a sort of + apprehension lest it shall shock the less easy faith of a + more incredulous reader; it is manifestly from the religious + school of the follower of Vishnu, and, indeed, seems to have + some reference to one of the philosophic systems. Yet the + outline of the story is the same. In the Máhábharatic + version, Manu, like Noah, stands alone in an age of universal + depravity. His virtues, however, are of the Indian cast--the + most severe and excruciating penance by which he extorts, as + it were, the favour of the deity[158]. + + + + +THE DELUGE. + + + Vivaswata's son, a raja--and a sage of mighty fame, + King of men, the first great fathers--in his glory equalled he, + In his might and kingly power--Manu, and in earthly bliss, + And in wonder-working penance--sire and grandsire far surpassed. + With his arms on high outstretching--wrought the sovereign of men, + Steadily on one foot standing--penance rigorous and dread, + With his downward head low-drooping--with his fixed, unwavering eyes, + Dreed he thus his awful penance--many a long and weary year. + To the penitent with tresses--streaming loose, and wet, and long, + By the margin of Wirini--thus the fish began to speak: + "Blessed! lo, the least of fishes--of the mighty fish in dread, + Wilt thou not from death preserve me--thou that all thy vows fulfill'st? + Since the strongest of the fishes--persecute the weaker still, + Over us impends for ever--our inevitable fate. + Ere I sink, if thou wilt free me--from th' extremity of dread, + Meet return can I compensate--when the holy deed is done." + Speaking thus the fish when heard he--full of pity all his heart, + In his hand that fish king Manu--son of Vivaswata took. + Brought the son of Vivaswata--to the river shore the fish, + Cast it in a crystal vessel--like the moonshine clear and bright. + "Rapid grew that fish, O raja--tended with such duteous care, + Cleaved to him the heart of Manu--as to a beloved son. + Time rolled on, and larger, larger--ever waxed that wonderous fish, + Nor within that crystal vessel--found he longer space to move." + Spake again the fish to Manu--as he saw him, thus he spake: + "O all prosperous! O all gentle!--bring me to another place." + Then the fish from out the vessel--blessed Manu took again; + And with gentle speed he bare him,--Manu, to a spacious lake. + There the conqueror of cities,--mighty Manu, cast him in. + Still he grew, that fish so wondrous--many a circling round of years. + Three miles long that lake expanded--and a single mile its breadth, + Yet that fish with eyes like lotus--there no longer might endure; + Nor, O sovereign of the Vaisyas!--might that lake his bulk contain. + Spake again that fish to Manu--as he saw him, thus he spake: + "Bring me now, O blest and holy!--to the Ganga, ocean's bride, + Let me dwell in her wide waters--yet, O loved one, as thou wilt, + Be it so; whate'er thy bidding,--murmur would beseem me ill, + Since through thee, O blest and blameless!--to this wondrous bulk I've + grown." + Thus addressed, the happy Manu--took again the fish, and bore + To the sacred stream of Ganga--and himself he cast him in. + Still it grew, as time rolled onward--tamer of thy foes! that fish. + Spake again that fish to Manu--as he saw him, thus he spake: + "Mightiest! I can dwell no longer--here in Ganga's narrow stream; + Best of men! once more befriend me--bear me to the ocean swift." + Manu's self from Ganga's water--took again that wondrous fish, + And he brought him to the ocean,--with his own hand cast him in. + Brought by Manu to the ocean--very large that fish appeared, + But not yet of form unmeasured,--spread delicious odours round. + But that fish by kingly Manu--cast into the ocean wide, + In these words again bespake him--and he smiled as thus he spake: + "Blessed! thou hast still preserved me--still my every wish fulfilled, + When the awful time approaches--hear from me what thou must do. + In a little time, O blessed!--all this firm and seated earth, + All that moves upon its surface--shall a deluge sweep away. + Near it comes, of all creation--the ablution day is near; + Therefore what I now forewarn thee--may thy highest weal secure. + All the fixed and all the moving--all that stirs, or stirreth not, + Lo, of all the time approaches--the tremendous time of doom. + Build thyself a ship, O Manu--strong, with cables well prepared, + And thyself, with the seven Sages--mighty Manu enter in. + All the living seeds of all things--by the Brahmins named of yore, + Place thou first within thy vessel--well secured, divided well. + From thy ship keep watch, O hermit--watch for me, as I draw near; + Horned shall I swim before thee--by my horn thou'lt know me well. + This the work thou must accomplish,--I depart; so fare thee well-- + Over these tumultuous waters--none without mine aid can sail. + Doubt thou not, O lofty minded!--of my warning speech the truth." + To the fish thus answered Manu--"All that thou requir'st, I'll do." + Thus they parted, of each other--mutual leave when they had ta'en, + Manu, raja! to accomplish--all to him the fish had said. + Taking first the seeds of all things--launched he forth upon the sea; + On the billowy sea, the prudent--in a beauteous vessel rode. + Manu of the fish bethought him;--conscious of his thought the fish, + Conqueror of hostile cities!--with his horn came floating by. + King of men, the born of Manu!--Manu saw the sea-borne fish, + In his form foreshewn, the horned--like a mountain huge and high. + To the fish's head his cable, Manu bound--O king of men! + Strong and firm his cable wound he--round and round on either horn: + And the fish, all conquering raja!--with that twisted cable bound, + With the utmost speed that vessel--dragged along the ocean tide. + In his bark along the ocean--boldly went the king of men: + Dancing with the tumbling billows--dashing through the roaring spray, + Tossed about by winds tumultuous--in the vast and heaving sea, + Like a trembling, drunken woman--reeled that ship, O king of men. + Earth was seen no more, no region--nor the intermediate space; + All around a waste of water--water all, and air and sky. + In the whole world of creation--princely son of Bharata! + None was seen but those seven Sages--Manu only, and the fish. + Years on years, and still unwearied--drew that fish the bark along, + Till at length it came, where lifted--Himavan its loftiest peak. + There at length it came, and smiling--thus the fish addressed the sage: + "To the peak of Himalaya--bind thou now thy stately ship." + At the fish's mandate quickly--to the peak of Himavan + Bound the sage his bark, and ever--to this day that loftiest peak, + Bears the name of Manubandhan--from the binding of the bark. + To the sage, the god of mercy--thus with fixed look bespake: + "I am lord of all creation--Brahma, higher than all height; + I in fishlike form have saved thee--Manu, in the perilous hour; + But from thee new tribes of creatures--gods, asuras, men must spring. + All the worlds must be created--all that moves or moveth not, + By an all-surpassing penance--this great work must be achieved. + Through my mercy, thy creation--to confusion ne'er shall run," + Spake the fish, and on the instant--to the invisible he passed. + Vivaswata's son, all eager--the creation to begin, + Stood amid his work confounded:--mighty penance wrought he then. + So fulfilled that rigorous penance--instant Manu 'gan create-- + Instant every living creature--Raja! he began to form. + Such the old, the famous legend--named the story of the Fish, + Which to thee I have related--this for all our sins atones. + He that hears it, Manu's legend,--in the full possession he, + Of all things complete and perfect--to the heavenly world ascends. + + + + +NOTES ON NALA. + + +[Footnote 1: p. 3. l. 4. _Over, over all exalted_. This repetition is +in the original.] + +[Footnote 2: p. 3. l. 5. _Holy deep-read in the Vedas_. All the +perfections, which, according to the opinions and laws of the Hindus, +distinguish the sovereign from the rest of mankind, are here ascribed +to the hero of the poem. The study of the Vedas must be cultivated by +the three superior castes, and ensures both temporal and eternal +beatitude. In the laws of Menu it is said, "Greatness is not conferred +by years, not by grey hairs, not by wealth, not by powerful kindred." +The divine sages have established this rule--Whoever has read the +Vedas and their Angas, he is among us great. (JONES'S MENU, ii. 254). +Of all these duties, answered Bhrigu, the principal is to acquire from +the Upanishads a true knowledge of the one supreme God: that is the +most exalted of all sciences, because it ensures immortality, (xii. +85). For in the knowledge and adoration of one God, which the Veda +teaches, all the rules of good conduct before-mentioned in order, are +fully comprised, (ib. 87.) + +The study of the Vedas is considered the peculiar duty of kings, (vii. +43). The Upanishads are doctrinal extracts of the Vedas. + +The Indian law demands in the most rigorous manner from every one of +noble birth, the mastery over the _senses_. Menu says, c. ii. 93, "A +man by the attachment of his organs to sensual pleasure, incurs +certain guilt; but having wholly subdued them, he thence attains +heavenly bliss. v. 94. Desire is never satisfied with the enjoyment of +desired objects; as the fire is not appeased with clarified butter; it +only blazes more vehemently. v. 97. To a man contaminated by +sensuality, neither the Vedas, nor liberality, nor sacrifices, nor +strict observances, nor pious austerities, ever procure felicity." The +control over every kind of sensual indulgence is enjoined upon the +king. vii. 44. Day and night must he strenuously exert himself to gain +complete victory over his own organs; since that king alone whose +organs are completely subdued, can keep his people firm to their duty. + +Skill in the management of horses and chariots, which in a subsequent +part of the poem is of great importance to Nala, is often mentioned as +a praiseworthy accomplishment of kings. In the Ramayana, for instance, +in the description of king Dasaratha, which likewise contains the +above-mentioned traits of character--"In this city Ayodhya was a king +named Dusharuthâ, descended from Ikshwaku, perfectly skilled in the +Veda and Vedangas, prescient, of great ability, beloved by all his +people, a great charioteer, constant in sacrifice, eminent in sacred +duties, a royal sage, nearly equalling a Muhurshi, famed throughout +the three worlds, mighty, triumphant over his enemies, observant of +justice, having a perfect command of his appetites." CAREY and +MARSHMAN'S translation, sect. vi. p. 64.] + +[Footnote 3: p. 3. l. 5. _--in Nishadha lord of earth_. I have +accented this word not quite correctly Nĭshādhă, in order to +harmonise with the trochaic flow of my metre. It appears to be the +same as Nishadha-râshtra and Nishādha-dēsa. See Wilford's list +of mountains, rivers, countries; from the Purànas and other books. +Asiatic Researches, vol. viii. BOPP.] + +[Footnote 4: p. 3. l. 6. _Loving dice, of truth unblemished_. The +Sanscrit word Akshapujah is differently interpreted. Kosegarten +renders it in a good sense as "fearing heaven." He argues that it is +the poet's object in this passage to describe the good qualities of +Nala, and that he does not become a gamester till possessed by the +demon Kali. Bopp gives the sense in the text, which seems to connect +it with the history of king Yudishthira, to whom it is addressed.] + +[Footnote 5: p. 3. l. 7. _Sense subdued_. The highest notion of this +favourite perfection of Indian character, may be given in the words of +the author of the Bhagavat-Gita: "The highest perfection to which the +soul can attain, is action without passion. The mind is to be entirely +independent of external objects; to preserve its undisturbed serenity +it should have the conscious power of withdrawing all its senses +within itself, as the tortoise draws all its limbs beneath in shell." +Action is necessary, but action must produce no emotion--no sensation +on the calm spirit within; whatever may be their consequences, however +important, however awful, events are to be unfelt, and almost +unperceived by the impassive mind; and on this principle Arjuna is to +execute the fated slaughter upon his kindred without the least feeling +of sorrow or compunction being permitted to intrude on the divine +apathy of his soul. Some of the images in which this passionless +tranquillity of the spirit is described, appear singularly beautiful: + + As to th' unrais'd unswelling ocean flow the multitudinous streams, + So to the soul serene, unmov'd--flow in the undisturbing lusts. + +And then again the soul, in this state of unbroken quietude, + + Floats like the lotus on the lake, unmov'd, unruffled by the tide.] + +[Footnote 6: p. 3. l. 8. _Best, a present Manu he_. Manu, or Menu, +the representative of the human race; the holy, mythological ancestor +of the Hindus. In the Diluvium, the Indian version of the Deluge, (see +the latter part of this volume), Manu is the survivor of the human +race--the second ancestor of mankind. The first Menu is named +"Swayambhuva, or sprung from the self-existing." From him "came six +descendants, other Menus, or perfectly understanding the Scripture, +each giving birth to a race of his own, all exalted in dignity, +eminent in power." Laws of Menu, i. 61. The great code of law "the +Hindus firmly believe to have been promulged in the beginning of time +by Menu, son or grandson of Brahma, or in plain English the first of +created beings, and not the oldest only but the noblest of +legislators." Sir W. JONES'S preface to Laws of Menu; Works, vii. 76. +In the Ramayana, in like manner, king Dasaratha is compared to the +ancient king, Menu. The word Manu, as the name of the ancestor of men, +is derived from the Sanscrit root Man, to know (WILSONin voce); in +the same manner as the Sanscrit Maníshá, knowledge, Manushya, Man--as +also the Latin Mens, and the German Mensch. According to this +etymology, Man, Mensch, properly means "the knowing," the Being +endowed with knowledge. The German word, Meinen, to mean, or be of +opinion, belongs to the same stock.] + +[Footnote 7: p. 3. l. 9. _So there dwelt in high Vidarbha_. This city +is called by our poet Vidarbha Nagara, the city of Vidarbha, and +Cundina. According to Wilford it is Burra Nag-poor. BOPP. Colebrooke, +Asiatic Researches, remarks, that some suppose it to be the modern +Berar, which borders on the mountain Vindhya or Gondwanah. The kingdom +of Vidarbha, and its capital Kundini, are mentioned in the very +remarkable drama Malati and Madhava. WILSON's Hindu Theatre, ii. 16; +and extract from Harivansa, in LANGLOIS Monumens de l'Inde, p. 54.] + +[Footnote 8: p. 3. l. 9. _Bhima, terrible in strength_. +Bhima-parâkrama. There is a play upon the words, Bhima meaning +terrible.] + +[Footnote 9: p. 3. l. 11. _Many a holy act, on offspring_. He made +offerings and performed penance, by which blessings were forced from +the reluctant gods. In India not only temporal, but eternal happiness, +depends on having children. The son alone by the offering of the +Sraddha, or libation for the dead, can obtain rest for the departed +spirit of the father. Hence the begetting of a son is a religious +duty, particularly for a Brahmin, and is one of the three debts to +which he is bound during life. After he has read the Vedas in the form +prescribed by Law, has legally begotten a son, and has performed +sacrifices to the best of his power, he has paid his three debts, and +may then apply his heart to eternal bliss. MENU, vi. 36. By a son a +man obtains victory over all people; by a son's son he enjoys +immortality; and afterwards, by the son of that grandson, he reaches +the solar abode. MENU, ix. 137. + +This last passage is immediately followed by the explanation of the +Sanscrit word Puttra, son, by "the deliverer from hell." Since the son +(trayatè) delivers his father from the hell, named put, he was +therefore called puttra by Brahma himself. This explanation, which it +given by the Indian etymologists, appears nevertheless, as is often +the case, rather forced; since the final syllable, tra, which is +translated by deliver (or preserve, WILSON, in voce) is a common +ending of many words, without the peculiar signification of +delivering: as with this final syllable on the word Pu, to be pure, is +formed the noun Puwitra, pure. WILKINS, Grammar, p. 454; KOSEGARTEN. +The affix with which this last is formed however, is not tra, but +itra, and it affords therefore no ground of objection to the usual +etymology of Puttra. WILSON. + +The Indian poetry is full of instances of this strong desire for +offspring. In the Ramayana, king Dasaratha performs the Aswamedha, or +offering of a horse, to obtain a son. "To this magnanimous king, +acquainted in every duty, pre-eminent in virtue, and performing sacred +austerities for the sake of obtaining children, there was no son to +perpetuate his family. At length in the anxious mind of this noble one +the thought arose, 'Why do I not perform an Ushwamedha to obtain a +son.'" CAREY and MARSHMAN's translation, sect. viii. p. 74. Compare +the Raghu Vansa, canto i., and all that is done by king Dilipa to +obtain a son: and the poem of the death of Hidimbha, published by +Bopp.] + +[Footnote 10: p. 3. l. 14. _--in his hospitable hall_. Hospitality to +a Brahmin is of course one of the greatest virtues. "A Brahmin coming +as a guest, and not received with just honour, takes to himself all +the reward of the housekeeper's former virtue, even though he had been +so temperate as to live on the gleanings of harvests, and so pious as +to make oblations in five distinct fires." Sir W. JONES, Menu, iii. +100.] + +[Footnote 11: p. 3. l. 22. _--as around great Indra's queen_. Sachi. + + Sachi, soft as morning light, + Blithe Sachi, from her lord Indrani hight.--Sir W. JONES's Hymn to Indra.] + +[Footnote 12: p. 4. l. 2. _Mid her handmaids, like the lightning_. +There are two words of similar signification in the original; one of +them implies life-giving. Lightning in India being the forerunner of +the rainy season, is looked on as an object of delight as much as +terror. BOPP, from the Scholiast.] + +[Footnote 13: p. 4. l. 2. _--shone she with her faultless form_. Sri, +or Lakshmi, the goddess of beauty and abundance, at once the Ceres and +the Alma Venus of India. + + Daughter of ocean and primeval night, + Who fed with moonbeams dropping silent dew, + And cradled in a wild wave dancing light.--Sir W. JONES's Ode to Lacshmi.] + +[Footnote 14: p. 4. l. 4. _--never mid the Yaksha race_. The Yakshas +are demigods attendant on Kuvera, the god of wealth, descendants of +Kasyapa by his wife Khasa. They inhabit mountains, and have +intercourse with the Apsarasas, or heavenly nymphs. Sometimes they +appear not altogether as good beings, sometimes entirely harmless. +"The souls of men enslaved to their passions will rise no higher than +the Yakshas." MENU, xii. 47. The subject of the Meghaduta, or +Cloud-Messenger of Kalidása, so elegantly translated by Mr. Wilson, is +the regret of a Yaksha for his beloved wife. Compare Mr. Wilson's note +on the Yakshas, Cloud Messenger, p. 69.] + +[Footnote 15: p. 4. l. 7. _Nala too, 'mong kings the tiger_. Nara +Sardula, the Tiger warrior. I have retained the literal meaning, +though, according to Bopp, it means _in fine compositi, Optimus, +præstantissimus_. Mr. Southey's Young Tlalala, in Madoc, is the "tiger +of the war."] + +[Footnote 16: p. 4. l. 8. _Like Kandarpa in his beauty_. Kandarpa is +the god of love. Kama, Love, or Kam Deo, God of Love. Dipaka, the +Inflamer. Manmatha, Heart-disturber. Ananga, the Incorporeal. + + God of each lovely sight, each lovely sound. + Soul-kindling, world-inflaming, star y-crowned, + Eternal Cama! or doth Smara bright, + Or proud Ananga give thee more delight--SIR W. JONES, _Ode to Camdeo_.] + +[Footnote 17: p. 4. l. 12. _Thus of each, O son of Kunti_. Kunti was +the mother of King Yudishthira, to whom the poem is related. I have +usually omitted this address, which is sometimes made to Yudishthira +under the title of Bhárata, i. e. descendant of Bharata, or other +appellations.] + +[Footnote 18: p. 4. l. 15. _There the swans he saw disporting_. In +the original this is a far less poetic bird, and the author must crave +forgiveness for having turned his geese into swans. If, however, we +are to believe Bohlen, in his learned work, Das Alte Indien, the +translators are altogether mistaken; they have been misled by the +similarity of the word Hansa to Gans--a goose. The original, he +asserts, to mean a mythic bird, closely resembling the swan, or +perhaps the tall and brilliant flamingo, which Southey has introduced +with such effect in one of his rich descriptions in the Curse of +Kehama. The goose, however, according to the general opinion, is so +common in Indian mythology, that this must be received with much +caution. In the modern Tamulic version of the story, translated by Mr. +Kindersley, are substituted, "Milk white Aunnays, descending from the +skies, like an undulating garland of pearls." The Aunnays are supposed +to be a sort of birds of paradise. They are represented as milk white; +remarkable for the gracefulness of their walk; and endowed with +considerable gifts. Mr. Wilson, in his Meghaduta, has given me a +precedent for the change of geese into swans; see p. 27, v. 71, with +the note. And Mr. Ellis, Asiatic Researches, vol. xiv. p. 29, has the +following note on the subject: "There are three distinctions of Hamsa; +the Raja-hamsa, with a milk-white body and deep red beak and legs, +this is the Phenicopteros, or flamingo; the Mallicácsha-hamsa, with +brownish beak and legs; and the Dhartarashtra-hamsa, with black beak +and legs: the latter is the European swan, the former a variety. The +gait of an elegant woman is compared by the Hindu poets to the proud +bearing of a swan in the water. Sonnerat, making a mistake similar to +that in the text, translates a passage in which this allusion occurs, +in words to the following purport, 'Her gait resembled that of a +goose.' Other writers have fallen into the same error." The swans, ou +Plutôt les Génies ailès, play the same part in an extract from the +Harivansa, translated by M. Langlois, in his Monumens Littéraires de +l'Inde, _Paris_, 1827, p. 158. The first part of the Harivansa has +just appeared, under the auspices of the Oriental Translation +Committee.] + +[Footnote 19: p. 5. l. 4. _Like the Aswinas in beauty_. See Asiatic +Researches, i. 263; ix. 323. Ramayana, i. 226.] + +[Footnote 20: p. 5. l. 7. _Gandharvas_. Celestial choristers, of +beautiful forms and complexion, usually seen in Hindu sculptures +attendant on the deities. + + Celestial genii tow'rd their king advance + (So called by men) in heaven Gandharvas named, + For matchless music famed. + Soon when the bands in lucid rows assemble, + Flutes breathe, and citherns tremble. + +SIR W. JONES, Ode to Indra.--See Ramayana, l. 125.] + +[Footnote 21: p. 5. l. 7. _the Serpents_. The serpents are objects of +reverence and veneration in India. They are called Naga, not going; +Uragas--breast-going. Their residence is in Pátála, though they are +occasional visitants both of heaven and earth. See notes to book V. In +the Bhagavat Gita, Arjun sees Brahma "sitting on his lotus-throne; all +the Reshees and Ooragas (serpents)," Wilkins' translation, p. 91. +According to Wilson, (Sanscrit Dict. voce Naga), the race of these +beings is said to have sprung from Kadru, the wife of Kasyapa, in +order to people Pátála, or the regions below the earth.] + +[Footnote 22: p. 5. l. 7. _The Rakshasas_. Demons who assume at will +the forms of lions, tigers, horses, and other animals, as well as the +human shape, with numerous heads and arms. They are represented as +cannibals who devour their enemies. See Ramayana.] + +[Footnote 23: p. 6. l. 6. _--and with passion heart-possessed_. It +is, literally, her mind (or thought), being possessed by the +_heart-sleeper_, (i. e. love, reposing or dwelling in the heart). +WILSON.] + +[Footnote 24: p. 6. l. 8. _The Swayembara_. The self-election. The +princesses in India enjoyed this singular privilege. The festival was +proclaimed, and from the assembled suitors the lady selected her +future husband. The Swayembara is not among the eight kinds of +marriages mentioned in the third book of Menu, as customary among the +higher castes, in which the parents in general arrange such contracts. +The provision in the ninth book (v. 90), appears to belong to the +lower classes.--"Three years let a damsel wait, though she be +marriageable; but after that term let her choose for herself a +bridegroom of equal rank." In the Raghuvansa, a poem, parts of which +the author of this translation, if he could command leisure to make +himself better acquainted with Sanscrit, would consider well worthy of +being introduced to the English reader, there is a very remarkable and +beautiful book, describing a Swayembara. This is likewise held at +Vidarbha by the daughter of the king. The Mahabharata also describes +the Swayembara of the princess Draupadi.] + +[Footnote 25: p. 6. l. 17. _The lord of many peasants_. Vaisya, the +third caste, husbandmen and traders.] + +[Footnote 26: p. 6. l. 22. _All with rich and various garlands_. The +use of garlands in the decoration of the houses and temples of the +Hindus, and of flowers in their offerings and festivals, furnishes +employment to a particular tribe or caste, the málácáras, or wreath +makers. WILSON, note 57, on Meghaduta or Cloud-messenger.] + +[Footnote 27: p. 7. l. 2. _Indra's world_. Indra is the God of +heaven, of the thunder and lightning, storm and rain: his dwelling is +sometimes placed on mount Meru, as the heaven of the Greeks on +Olympus. His city is called Amaravati; his palace Vaijayanti; his +garden Nandana. (KOSEGARTEN.) + + Hail, mountain of delight, + Palace of glory, bless'd by glory's king. + With prospering shade embower me, whilst I sing + Thy wonders yet unreached by mortal flight. + Sky-piercing mountain! in thy bowers of love, + No tears are seen, save where medicinal stalks + Weep drops balsamic o'er the silvered walks. + No plaints are heard, save where the restless dove + Of coy repulse, and mild reluctance talks. + Mantled in woven gold, with gems inchas'd, + With emerald hillocks graced, + From whose fresh laps, in young fantastic mazes, + Soft crystal bounds and blazes, + Bathing the lithe convolvulus that winds + Obsequious, and each flaunting arbour binds.--SIR W. JONES, Ode to Indra.] + +[Footnote 28: p. 7. l. 3. _Narada and Parvata_. Two of the divine +Munis or Rishis. Narada is the son of Brahma; a friend of Krishna, a +celebrated lawgiver, and inventor of the vinà, or lute. (WILSON, Dict. +in voce.) Narada is mentioned as one of the "ten lords of created +beings, eminent in holiness." MENU, i. 34, 35.] + +[Footnote 29: p. 7. l. 5. _Them salutes the cloud-compeller_. +'Maghavan' is by some explained 'the cloudy.' I have adopted the word +used by the translators of Homer.] + +[Footnote 30: p. 7. l. 12. _Theirs this everlasting kingdom_. +Kshetriyas, or warriors, slain in battle, are transported to Swerga, +the heaven of Indra, by the Apsarasas or nymphs of heaven: hence they +are his "ever-honoured guests." "Those rulers of the earth, who, +desirous of defeating each other, exert their utmost strength in +battle, without ever averting their faces, ascend after death directly +to heaven." MENU, vii. 89. Indra means to say, "Why are none +new-killed in battle now-a-days, that I see none arriving in my +heaven, Swerga?"] + +[Footnote 31: p. 7. l. 12. _--even as Kamadhuk is mine_. Kamadhuk, +the cow of plenty. She was brought forth on churning the ocean to +produce the amrita, or drink of immortality. The interpretation is +doubtful; it may be that this realm is to them the cow of plenty, (as +bestowing upon them all their wishes), as the cow of plenty is mine. +See BOPP's and KOSEGARTEN's notes.] + +[Footnote 32: p. 7. l. 15. _Thus addressed by holy Sakra_. Sakra, a +name of Indra. + + Hail, Dyapeter, dismay to Bala's pride, + Or speaks Purander best thy martial fame, + Or Sacra, mystic name.--SIR W. JONES, Hymn to Indra. + +Bala and Vritra were the "giants" slain by Indra.] + +[Footnote 33: p. 7. l. 23. _As they spake, the world-protectors_. The +world-protectors are the eight gods next below the trine supreme, +Brahma, Siva, and Vishnu. They are Indra, the god of heaven; Surya, +the god of the sun; Soma or Chandra, the god of the moon; Agni, the +god of fire; Pavana, the god of the wind; Kuvera, the god of wealth; +Varuna, the god of water; Yama, the god of the infernal regions. At +present four only of these gods are introduced; Indra, Yama, Agni, and +Varuna. Compare, however, Mr. WILSON's note to Vikrama and Urvasi, +Hindu Theatre, i. 219.] + +[Footnote 34: p. 8. l. 8. _--equal to the god of love_. Manmatha, a +name of Kandarpa, or Camdeo, the god of love.] + +[Footnote 35: p. 11. l. 2. _Pledge me to thy faith, O raja_. Bopp has +rendered '_pranayaswa_,' _uxorem duc_, but this is questionable. The +root '_ni_,' with the preposition '_pari_,' has that sense, but with +'_pra_' its usual acceptation is 'to love, to bear affection.' I have +not met with it in the sense 'to marry.' Bopp is followed by Rosen in +assigning this sense to '_prani_.' WILSON.] + +[Footnote 36: p. 7. l. 4. _In full trust is thine_. Bopp connects +'_visrabdha_' with '_pranaya_,' and renders them _speratas nuptias_. I +should rather join it adverbially with '_sarvam_, all;' that is, +'yours in full trust or confidence: grant me your affection.' There is +something indelicate, though inartificial, in Damayanti's urging +matrimony so earnestly. WILSON.] + +[Footnote 37: p. 11. l. 8. _--the vile noose will I endure_. Hanging +was not considered by the Hindus an undignified mode of +self-destruction. See Hindu Theatre, ii. 237 and 299.] + +[Footnote 38: p. 11. l. 17. _He, who all the world compressing_. Nala +here recites the separate pretensions and attributes of the great +deities, first, of Hutasa, a name of Agni, the god of fire. The sense +here is extremely obscure. Bopp renders it literally. 'Qui hanc terram +totam contraxit,' seems ambiguous. It may refer to the agency of fire +in compacting the world and again consuming it, or simply shrivelling +it up, while in the act of consuming.] + +[Footnote 39: p. 11. l. 19. _He, in awe of whose dread sceptre_. +Yama: he is called the Dharma raja, king of justice. WILFORD in +Asiatic Researches. Compare SOUTHEY's description in the Curse of +Kehama, Canto xxii., with the note from Wilford on which it is +founded; and his interview with Sawitri in BOPP's collection of +Extracts from the Mahábhárata.] + +[Footnote 40: p. 11. l. 21. _--slayer of the infernal host_. Indra. +He was the conqueror of the Danavas or dæmons: + + When through the waves of war thy charger sprang, + Each rock rebellowed, and each forest rang, + The vanquish'd Asurs felt avenging pains.--SIR W. JONES, Ode to Indra.] + +[Footnote 41: p. 11. l. 23. _--in thy mind if thou couldst choose_. +(At the close full stop misprinted for comma). Varuna, the god of +waters. Schlegel and Rosen consider that a sloka, describing the +attributes of Varuna, has been lost--that in this line 'varanam, +seligendum' should be written instead of 'Varunam.' The Calcutta +edition has the same reading, however, and the change is not +necessary: if any alteration be made it should probably be in the +first word, and 'Vriyatám' be read in place of 'Kriyatám.' WILSON.] + +[Footnote 42: p. 14. l. 1. _Came the day of happy omen_. The Indians, +like all other Asiatic nations, have their fortunate and unfortunate +days. The month is divided into thirty lunar days (tithis), which are +personified as nymphs. See the Dissertation on the lunar year by Sir +W. JONES, Asiatic Researches, iii. 257. In the Laws of Menu are +multifarious directions concerning the day of the moon fit or unfit +for particular actions. "The dark lunar day destroys the spiritual +teacher; the fourteenth destroys the learner; the eighth and the day +of the full moon destroy all remembrance of Scripture; for which +reason he must avoid reading on those lunar days."] + +[Footnote 43: p. 14. l. 5. _They, the court with golden columns, +etc._ The literal rendering is, 'they entered the hall (the stage, or +place of exhibition, a spacious court or quadrangle) splendid with +columns of gold, and brilliant with a portal; a temporary or triumphal +arch (torana).' There is allusion to such a porch or portal in the +Mudrá Rakshasa (Hindu Theatre, ii. 181, 182), also in the Toy Cart, +(i. 82). For gold pillars see CRAWFURD's description of the Hall of +Audience at Ava. + +"The roof is supported by a great number of pillars: with the +exception of about fourteen or fifteen inches at the bottom of each +pillar, painted of a bright red, the whole interior of the palace is +one blaze of gilding--although little reconcilable to our notions of +good taste in architecture, the building is unquestionably most +splendid and brilliant, and I doubt whether so singular and imposing a +royal edifice exists in any other country." _Embassy to Ava_, 133. +WILSON.] + +[Footnote 44: p. 14. l. 10. _--delicate in shape and hue_. Bopp's +text is 'ákáravantah suslakshnah, having forms and delicate.' The +Calcutta edition reads 'ákáraverna suslakshnah, elegant in figure and +colour (complexion). Delicacy of colour, i. e. a lighter shade, +scarcely amounting to blackness at all, is in general a mark of high +caste. WILSON.] + +[Footnote 45: p. 14. l. 13. _As with serpents Bhogavati._ Bhogavati, +the capital of the serpents in the infernal world. In the Ramayana, +Ayodhya is described as guarded by warriors, as Bhogavati by the +serpents.] + +[Footnote 46: p. 15. l. 22. _Nala's form might not discern._ The form +of the gods, as it is here strikingly described by the poet, differs +from that of men by the absence of those defects which constitute the +inferiority of a mortal body to that of the inhabitants of the Indian +heaven. The immortal body does not perspire, it is unsoiled by dust, +the garlands which they wear stand erect, that is, the flowers are +still blooming and fresh. The gods are further distinguished by their +strong fixed gaze, and by floating on the earth without touching it. +They have no shadow. Nala's form is the opposite of all these. +KOSEGARTEN.] + +[Footnote 47: p. 15. l. 23. _--saw she, and with moveless eyes_. "The +gods are supposed to be exempt from the momentary elevation and +depression of the upper eyelid, to which mortals are subject. Hence a +deity is called 'Animisha' or 'Animesha,' one whose eyes do not +twinkle." Mr. Wilson, in his note to Vikrama and Urvasi, (Hindu Theatre, +i. 237. p. 60.), quotes this passage, and suggests that the "marble eyes +of Venus, by which Helen knew the goddess, and which the commentators +and translators seem to be much perplexed with, are probably the +'stabdha lochana,' the fixed eyes of the Hindus, full and unveiled for +an instant, like the eyes of a marble statue." Mr. Wilson has, I think, +been misled by the words ὁμματα μαρμαἱροντα, which rather expresses the +contrary. Μαρμαἱρω is to glitter, and is applied in many places in Homer +to the gleaming of armour. The μαρμαριγἀς θηεἴτο ποδὤν of the Odyssey is +well translated by Gray, "glance their many-twinkling feet." In Mr. +Wilson's curious reference to Heliodorus (the passage is in the +Æthiopica, iii. 13.) the author appears to write from Egyptian rather +than Grecian notions. He extorts, somewhat violently, a meaning from +Homer's words, δεινὼ δἐ εἱ ἔσσε φἁανθην, which they by no means +necessarily bear; but the analogy is as curious if Egyptian as if +Grecian.] + +[Footnote 48: p. 15. l. 25. _On his shadow, garland drooping_. According +to the Zoroastrian religion, one of the distinctions of human beings +after the restoration of all things and the final triumph of Ormuzd, +shall be that they shall cast no shadow; μἡτε σκἱαν παιοὔνταϛ. THEOPOMP. +apud Plut. de Isid. et Osirid. Compare ANQUETIL DU PERRON and KLEUKER, +Anhang zum Zendavesta, i. 140.] + +[Footnote 49: p. 16. l. 14. _And the happy pair devoutly_. The +devotion of the silent spirit, the purely mental worship, is the +holiest and most acceptable service to the gods. Compare WILKINS, +Bhagavat-Gita, p. 74; MENU, ii. 85; vi. 235.] + +[Footnote 50: p. 16. l. 19. _Agni gave his own bright presence_. Agni +gave him the command of fire whenever he willed. Hutása is a name of +Agni; hut-asa, 'qui sacrificium edit,' i. e. ignis. Bopp's +explanation, 'mundos per Deum Agnem splendentes,' has been adopted as +giving the clearest sense. Varuna gave the command of water.] + +[Footnote 51: p. 16. l. 23. _--each his double blessing gave_. Bopp +translates this, 'par liberorum dederunt,' but the original says, 'all +(or each) gave a pair,' i. e. a couple of blessings; making eight, as +stated above; each of the four gods giving two. WILSON.] + +[Footnote 52: p. 17. l. 4. _Lived in bliss, as with his Sachi_. +Indra, the giant-killer; Sachi, his spouse.] + +[Footnote 53: p. 17. l. 7. _Of the horse the famous offering_. The +reader will be best acquainted with the Aswamedha, or sacrifice of the +horse, from the spirit and felicity with which it has been introduced +by Southey in the Curse of Kehama. See also the Ramayana.] + +[Footnote 54: p. 18. l. 2. _As they parted thence, with Kali_. +Dwapara and Kali are the names of the third and fourth ages of the +world. The latter is here personified as a male deity.] + +[Footnote 55: p. 18. l. 17. _--the Puranas too the fifth_. In the +original 'Akhyana, history, legend.' The four Vedas are the Rig-veda, +the Yajur Veda, the Sama Veda, and the Atharvana. Akhyana is, as it +were, tradition superadded to scripture.] + +[Footnote 56: p. 20. l. 5. _Nala in the dusky twilight, etc._ This is +rather an unmanageable passage; but the Latin translation has not +rendered its purport correctly. 'Upaspris' can in no case mean +'calcare:' it implies touching, and especially touching or sipping +water, as part of the ceremony of purification. As Menu; "Let each man +sprinkle the cavities of his body, and taste water in due form, etc." +In the text of this passage, 'upaspris' is used for touching or +sprinkling. In others, it is used in the sense of ablution, bathing. +In the lexicons it is explained 'upasparsa sparsamátre, +snánáchamanay-orapi, touch in general, ablution, sipping water.' In +the Mitákshara, on the subject of personal purification, the direction +is, after evacuations, 'Dwijo nityam upaspriset, Let the man of two +births always perform the upaspersa,' i. e. says the commentator, +'áchámet, let him sip water.' The sense of the passage of the text is, +'that Nala sat down to evening prayer; (as Menu directs, he who +repeats it sitting at evening twilight, etc.,) after performing his +purifications, and sipping water, but without having washed his feet, +such ablution being necessary not because they had been soiled, but +because such an act is also part of the rite of purification. As the +Mitakshara, 'etasmát páda prakshálana prápti, after that +purification, comes the washing of the feet,' especially prior to any +religious act. So Colebrooke: "Having washed his hands and feet, and +having sipped water, the priest sits down to worship." A. R. v. 363. +WILSON.] + +[Footnote 57: p. 20. l. 12. _In the dice of dice embodied_. 'Sicut +taurus boum:' the literal translation of the phrase is explained by +the commentator Nilakantha, as 'talus inter talos eximius.' I have +adopted Schlegel's reading, which substitutes Dwapara for Kali, as +possessing the dice.] + +[Footnote 58: p. 20. l. 23. _Then the charioteer advancing_. The +charioteer appears as one of the great officers of state: the master +of the horse would convey as lofty a meaning to an English ear.] + +[Footnote 59: p. 21. l. 1. _Ill they brook this dire misfortune_. +Vyasana is a misfortune in a king: neglect of his duty for the +pleasures of the chase, gambling, etc.] + +[Footnote 60: p. 22. l. 1. _Punyasloka, king of men_. Punyasloka is a +title applied to other kings celebrated in Hindu poetry, to +Yudishthira, and also to Vishnu: it means, celebrated in sacred poems. +WILSON, Dict. in voce.] + +[Footnote 61: p. 23. l. 13. _--to Cundina's city go_. Cundina is the +capital of the kingdom of Vidarbha.] + +[Footnote 62: p. 23. l. 23. _Thence departing, to Ayodhya_. Ayodhya, +or Oude, is famous in all the early poetry of India. "On the banks of +the Suruyoo is a large country called Koshula, gay and happy, and +abounding with cattle, corn, and wealth. In that country was a famous +city called Ayodhya, built formerly by Munoo, the lord of men. A great +city, twelve yojanas in extent, the houses of which stood in triple +and long-extended rows. It was rich, and perpetually adorned with new +improvements; the streets and valleys were admirably disposed, and the +principal streets well watered. It was filled with merchants of +various descriptions, and adorned with abundance of jewels; difficult +of access, filled with spacious houses, beautified with gardens, and +groves of mango trees, surrounded by a deep and impassable moat, and +completely furnished with arms; was ornamented with stately gates and +porticoes, and constantly guarded by archers, etc. etc." Ramayana, +translated by CAREY and MARSHMAN, vol. i. p. 60.] + +[Footnote 63: p. 25. l. 16. _--to the region of the south_. +Dakshinaptha signifies properly the land on the right hand; as in the +Semitic language the south is that which is on the right hand. It +means here the land to the south of the Nerbudda. Dakshinapatha is +very probably meant in the word used by Arrian, Dachinabades. +KOSEGARTEN.] + +[Footnote 64: p. 25. l. 17. _Passing by Avanti's city_. Avanti, which +Bopp makes a mountain, according to Kosegarten and Mr. Wilson is a +city, Oujein. Bopp draws a somewhat fanciful analogy between Avanti +and the Aventine at Rome. He refers also to Himavan, qu. Mavanten, +'montem.' The philological student will do well to consult this note +of Bopp. In the Meghadúta, Oujein is Aventi: + + Behold the city, whose immortal fame, + Glows in Avanti's or Visala's name. line 193. + +The synonyms of Oujein are thus enumerated by Hemachandra: Ujjayini, +Visála, Avanti, and Pashparavandini. Rikshaván, i. e. bear-having, the +mount of bears, is part of the Vindhya chain, separating Malwa from +Kandesh and Berar. WILSON.] + +[Footnote 65: p. 25. l. 18. _Vindhya here, the mighty mountain_. See +note to 'Cloud-Messenger,' page 92 to 94. Compare likewise Asiatic +Researches, i. p. 380, where, in one of the famous inscriptions on the +staff of Feroz Shah, it is named as one of the boundaries of +Aryaverta, the land of virtue, or India. It is named also in the +curious Indian grant of land found at Tanna. Asiatic Researches, i. +366.] + +[Footnote 66: p. 25. l. 18. _--and Payoshni's seaward stream_. +Payoshni, a river that flows from the Vindhya, mentioned in the +Brahmanda Purana. Asiatic Researches, viii. 341.] + +[Footnote 67: p. 25. l. 20. _--this to Cosala away_. Cosala, a city +of Ayodhya, or Oude. Cosala is mentioned in the Brahmanda Purana as +beyond the Vindhya mountains. Asiatic Researches, viii. 343.] + +[Footnote 68: p. 27. l. 7. _Both together by one garment_. The poet +supposes that Damayanti had bestowed half her single garment upon +Nala. BOPP. This, however, does not appear to be the case.] + +[Footnote 69: p. 28. l. 4. _From her virtue none dare harm her_. +Spenser's Una, and still more the lady in Comus, will recur to the +remembrance of the English reader. See Quarterly Review, vol. xlv. p. +20.] + +[Footnote 70: p. 28. l. 24. _--may the genii of the woods_. He calls +on the Adityas, Vasavas, and Rudras, the Aswinas, the Maruts. This is +the literal version. They are different orders of genii, each +consisting of a definite number. The Adityas are twelve, and preside +over the different months. They are called the children of Kasyapa and +of Aditi his wife. According to Mr. Wilkins (notes to the +Bhagavat-Gita, p. 144), they are no more than emblems of the sun for +each month in the year. Mr. Wilkins gives their names: + +The Vasavas, or Vasus, are eight. Indra is the first. They are the +guardians of the world, and apparently the same with the eight gods +mentioned in the early part of the poem. + +The Rudras are eleven; according to some the eleven personifications +of Siva, who bears the name of Rudra. Bhagavat-Gita, p. 85. note 144. +"The lord of creation meditated profoundly on the earth, and created +the gods, the Vasus, Rudras, and Adityas." COLEBROOKE, in Asiatic +Researches, viii. 453. + +For the Aswinas see former note. + +The Maruts are forty-nine: they preside over the winds (MENU, iii. +88.) The chief god of the wind, Pavana, is called Marut. Their origin +is described in the Ramayana, i. 420. See also the Hindu Pantheon, p. +92.] + +[Footnote 71: p. 30. l. 14. _Hence one moment, thus deserted_. Conjugal duty is +carried to a great height in the laws of Menu: "Though unobservant of +approved usages, or enamoured of another woman, or devoid of good +qualities, yet a husband must constantly be revered as a god by a +virtuous wife." v. 154.] + +[Footnote 72: p. 31. l. 11. _--in the satyr-haunted wood_. Swapada, dog-footed: +the dog is an unclean animal in India. As the goat-footed, the +'capripedes satyri' in Greece, I have thought the satyr not so +exclusively Greek but that it might be used for any "wild man of the +woods." The word is also derived from 'swan, a dog,' and 'ápad, to +resemble,' and is explained by Mr. Wilson, ferocious, savage.] + +[Footnote 73: p. 32. l. 21. _--uttered loud her curse of wrath_. The power of a +curse, according to Indian belief, will be best illustrated to the +reader of English poetry by "the Curse of Kehama." In the "Death of +Yajnadatta," included in this volume, we find the effects of a +Brahmin's curse described.] + +[Footnote 74: p. 33. l. 5. _Trees of every form and stature_. I have omitted a +long list of trees, the names of which, conveying no notion to an +English ear, and wanting the characteristic epithets of Ovid's or of +Spenser's well-known and picturesque forest description, would only +perplex the reader with several lines of unintelligible words. To the +Indian ear these names, pregnant with pleasing associations, and +descriptive in their etymological meaning, would no doubt convey the +same delight as those of the Latin or English poet.] + +[Footnote 75: p. 33. l. 9. _--serpents, elves, and giants saw_. Kosegarten has +translated this word 'elves:' they are a kind of evil spirit. In Menu, +ii. 96, they are named with the Yakshas and Rakshasas as partaking of +unclean food.] + +[Footnote 76: p. 35. l. 22. _All the trees of richest foliage_. A general +description has again been substituted in these two lines for the +names of various trees.] + +[Footnote 77: p. 36. l. 4. _--of the regal sacrifice_. The king's offering. See +COLEBROOKE, in Asiatic Researches, viii. 430.] + +[Footnote 78: p. 36. l. 15. _--soma quaffing, fire adoring_. Soma, the juice of +the Asclepias acida, the moon plant. Drinking the expressed juice of +this plant is a holy ceremony, used at the completion of a sacrifice, +and sanctifies the drinker. "He alone is worthy to drink the juice of +the moon plant who keep a provision of grain sufficient to supply +those whom the law commands him to nourish, for the term of three +years or more. But a twice-born man, who keeps a less provision of +grain, yet presumes to taste the juice of the moon plant, shall gather +no fruit from that sacrament, even though he taste it at the first or +solemn, or much less at any occasional ceremony." MENU, iii. 197. All +the ancestors of the Brahmins are 'Soma-pas, moon-plant drinkers.'] + +[Footnote 79: p. 36. l. 15. _--fire adoring_. Watching or maintaining the +sacred fire is another duty: it peculiarly belongs to priests and +hermits. The latter may watch the fire mentally: "Then having +reposited his holy fires, as the law directs, in his mind, let him +live without external fire, without a mansion, wholly silent, feeding +on roots and fruit." MENU, vi. 25.] + +[Footnote 80: p. 37. l. 2. _--sweet as the amrita draught_. For the amrita, the +drink of immortality, see Curse of Kehama, the extract from the +Mahábhárata quoted by Mr. Wilkins in his notes to the Bhagavat-Gita, +and Ramayana, I. 410.] + +[Footnote 81: p. 37. l. 10. _To the ancient famous hermits_. These famous +hermits, whose names I have omitted, were Bhrigu, Atri, and Vasishta.] + +[Footnote 82: p. 37. l. 11. _Self-denying, strict in diet_. The sixth book of +Menu is filled with instructions to those who are engaged in 'tapasa:' +it is entitled, "On Devotion." "When the father of a family perceives +his muscles become flaccid, and his hair gray, and sees the child of +his child, let him then seek refuge in a forest. Abandoning all food +eaten in towns, and all his household utensils, let him repair to the +lonely wood, committing the care of his wife to her sons, or +accompanied by her, if she choose to attend him. Let him take up his +consecrated fire, and all his domestic implements of making oblations +to it, and departing from the town to the forest, let him dwell in it +with complete power over his organs of sense and of action. With many +sorts of pure food, such as holy sages used to eat, with green herbs, +roots, and fruit, let him perform the five great sacraments before +mentioned, introducing them with due ceremonies. Let him wear a black +antelope's hide, or a vesture of bark; let him suffer the hairs of his +head, his beard, and his nails, to grow continually." MENU, vi. 2. et +seqq.] + +[Footnote 83: p. 37. l. 18. _pulchris femoribus_. Clausulam hanc prudens omisi.] + +[Footnote 84: p. 37. l. 25. _Take thy seat, they said, oh lady_. The +hospitality of the hermits to Damayanti is strictly according to law. +"With presents of water, roots, and fruit, let him honour those who +visit his hermitage."] + +[Footnote 85: p. 37. l. 27. _In your sacred fires, your worship._ "Let him, as +the law directs, make oblations on the hearth with three sacred +fires." MENU, vi. 9. Compare iv. 25.] + +[Footnote 86: p. 37. l. 27. _--blameless, with your beasts and birds._ Hermits +were to have "a tender affection for all animated bodies," MENU, vi. +8.] + +[Footnote 87: p. 38. l. 12. _--twice-born Sages, know ye me_. The three first +castes are "twice-born." The first birth is from the natural mother; +the second from the ligation of the zone; the third from the due +performance of the sacrifice: such are the births of him who is +usually called twice-born, according to the text of the Veda: among +them his divine birth is that which is distinguished by the ligation +of the zone and sacrificial cord, and in that birth the Gayatri is his +mother, and the Acharya his father. MENU, ii. 169.] + +[Footnote 88: p. 39. l. 15. _Through devotion now we see him_. The kind of +prophetic trance, in which holy men, abstracted from all earthly +thoughts, were enwrapt, enabled them to see things future.] + +[Footnote 89: p. 40. l. 6. _Best of trees, the Asoca blooming_. The Asoca is a +shrub consecrated to Mahadeva; men and women of all classes ought to +bathe, on a particular day, in some holy stream, especially the +Brahma-putra, and drink water with the buds of the Asoca floating in +it. This shrub is planted near the temples of Siva, and grows +abundantly on Ceylon. Sita is said to have been confined in a grove of +it, while in captivity by Ravana; other relators say that she was +confined in a place or house called Asocavan. The Asoca is a plant of +the first order of the eighth class, of leguminous fructification, and +bears flowers of exquisite beauty. Van Rheede (Hortus Malab. vol. v. +tab. 59.) calls it Asjogam. See Asiatic Researches, iii. 254, 277. +MOOR, Hindu Pantheon, 55.] + +[Footnote 90: p. 40. l. 17. _Truly be thou named Asoca_. Asoca, from +_a_, privative, and _soka_, grief: a play of words, as when Helen, in +Euripides, is called 'Ελενασ, the destroyer of ships.' Many other +instances will occur to the classical reader. In Malati and Madhava, the +forlorn lover in turn addresses different objects of nature, the clouds, +the birds, and the elephants, to inform him whether they have seen his +lost mistress. ACT ix. See, however, Mr. WILSON's note, who seems to +think that he addresses the sylvan deities.] + +[Footnote 91: p. 42. l. 8. _--Manibhadra, guard us well_. Manibhadra, the +tutelar deity of travellers and merchants: probably a name of Kuvera, +the god of wealth.] + +[Footnote 92: p. 42. l. 11. _To the realm of Chedi's sovereign_. Chedi is the +name of the country now called Chandail. The country is perpetually +named in the marriage of Roukmini, extracted from the Harivansa by +Mons. LANGLOIS, Monumens de l'Inde, p. 96.] + +[Footnote 93: p. 43. Compare the Raghuvansa, ch. v. 43 to 49.] + +[Footnote 94: p. 43. l. 12. + + --_lo, a herd of elephants, + Oozing moisture from their temples_-- + + Where the wild elephant delights to shed + The juice exuding fragrant from his head + + WILSON's Cloud-Messenger, p. 127, and note.] + +[Footnote 95: p. 44. l. 7. _--the three worlds seemed all appalled_. Swerga, +heaven, Martya or Bhumi, the earth, and Patala, hell.] + +[Footnote 96: p. 44. l. 21. _And Vaisravana the holy_. Vaisravana is another +name of Kuvera, the god of wealth.] + +[Footnote 97: p. 45. l. 13. _In some former life committed_. The soul, in its +transmigration, expiates the sins committed in a former state of +being. This necessary corollary from the doctrine of the +metempsychosis appear to have prevailed among the pharisaic Jews in +the time of our Saviour: "Master, who did sin, this man or his +parents, that he was born blind." JOHN, ix. 2.] + +[Footnote 98: p. 46. l. 15. _--in their curious gamesome play_. Kutuhalát, +rendered by Bopp 'cum voluptate,' means, 'from curiosity.' WILSON.] + +[Footnote 99: p. 47. l. 13. _I with but one robe, him naked_. Bopp's text is +incorrect here. Instead of 'Tam. ekavasanam,' the accusative +masculine, it should be 'Tam. ekavasaná, I with one garment clad,' the +nominative feminine, referring to Damayanti, not to Nala: "I with one +garment following him naked and deprived of reason, like one crazed, +had not slept for many nights." WILSON.] + +[Footnote 100: p. 47. l. 28. _That I eat not broken victuals_. Among the kinds +of food proscribed to a Brahmin are, "the food of a servile man and +the orts of another."] + +[Footnote 101: p. 47. l. 28. _--wash not feet with menial hand_. The Latin +translation, 'ne faciam pedibus cursum,' is faulty: the sense is, +"that I perform not washing of the feet." Damayanti means that she is +not to perform menial offices appropriated to persons of low caste. +Stipulating for a carriage would be rather extraordinary. WILSON.] + +[Footnote 102: p. 49. l. 9. _Nárada, the famous hermit_. One of the Devarshis, +and a great prophet, who is supposed to be still wandering about the +world. 'Nara' signifies a thread or clew, a precept, and 'da,' giver. +Whenever he appears he is constantly employed in giving good counsel. +WILKINS, note on Bhagavat-Gita.] + +[Footnote 103: p. 49. l. 23. _Ere the tenth step he had counted--him the sudden +serpent bit_. 'Dasa' means both 'bite' and 'ten.'] + +[Footnote 104: p. 50. l. 12. _Neither Brahmin fear, nor Sages_. In Indian +poetry four classes of holy men, or Rishis, are distinguished, and +rise, one above the other, in the following rank: Rajarshis, royal +Rishis; Maharshis, great Rishis; Brahmarshis, Brahminical Rishis; and +Dewarshis, divine Rishis. KOSEGARTEN. Another enumeration specifies +seven grades. WILSON, in voce.] + +[Footnote 105: p. 50. l. 26. _Saying thus, of vests celestial--gave he to the +king a pair_. The dress of a Hindu consists of two pieces of cloth, +one, the lower garment fastened round his waist, and one the upper +garment thrown loosely and gracefully over the shoulders. WILSON.] + +[Footnote 106: p. 51. l. 6. _In the art of dressing viands_. This, it will be +remembered, was one of the gifts bestowed by the gods on Nala at his +marriage.] + +[Footnote 107: p. 51. l. 12. _--hundred hundreds is thy pay_. Suvarnas, a +certain measure of gold. WILSON, Dict. in voce.] + +[Footnote 108: p. 52. l. 2. There is in the text a second line, repeating the +same sentiment. Bopp proposes to reject the first, I have omitted the +second.] + +[Footnote 109: p. 53. l. 7. _And a royal grant for maintenance_. See Bopp's +note. I have adopted the second sense of the word Agrahārah. Such +grants were not uncommon in India, as throughout the east. See the +grants on copper-plates found near Bombay, Asiatic Researches, i. 362. +So the well-known gifts of the king of Persia to Themistocles.] + +[Footnote 110: p. 53. l. 15. _--on a royal holiday_. A day proclaimed as +fortunate by the king.] + +[Footnote 111: p. 54. l. 1. _--like Manmatha's queen divine_. The bride of +Kámadeva is Rati, pleasure.] + +[Footnote 112: p. 54. ls. 4--10. This long train of similes, in which the images +of the lotus flower and the moon so perpetually occur, is too +characteristic to be omitted or compressed. I have here and there used +the license of a paraphrase.] + +[Footnote 113: p. 54. l. 5. _Like the pallid night, when Rahu_. This is a +favourite simile of the Indian poets. + + That snatched my love from the uplifted sword, + Like the pale moon from Rahu's ravenous jaws. + + WILSON'S Malati and Madhava, p. 62. + + -------------and now thou fall'st, a prey + To death, like the full moon to Rahu's jaws + Consigned. + + Ibid. p. 115. + +In Indian mythology, eclipses are caused by the dragon Rahu attempting +to swallow up the moon. The origin of their hostility is given in a +passage quoted by Mr. Wilkins from the Mahabharata, in his notes to +the Bhagavat-Gita:--"And so it fell out that when the Soors were +quenching their thirst for immortality, Rahu, an Asoor, assumed the +form of a Soor, and begun to drink also; and the water had but reached +his throat, when the sun and moon, in friendship to the Soors, +discovered the deceit, and instantly Narayan cut off his head as he +was drinking, with his splendid weapon, chakra. And the gigantic head +of the Asoor, emblem of a monstrous summit, being thus separated from +his body by the chakra's edge, bounded into the heavens with a +dreadful cry, whilst the ponderous trunk fell, cleaving the ground +asunder, and shaking the whole earth unto its foundations, with all +its islands, rocks, and forest. And from this time the head of Rahu +resolved on eternal enmity, and continueth even unto this day at times +to seize upon the sun and moon." p. 149.] + +[Footnote 114: p. 54. l. 15. _To the unadorned a husband._ "Married women must +be honoured and adorned by their fathers and brethren, by their +husbands, and by the brethren of their husbands, if they seek abundant +prosperity." MENU, iii, 55.] + +[Footnote 115: p. 54. l. 22.--_the moon's bride_. Rohinia. The moon, as +in the northern mythologies, is a male deity. See WILFORD, in Asiatic +Researches, iii, 384. Rohinia is explained by Mr. Wilson, the fourth +lunar asterism, figured by a wheeled carriage, and containing five +stars, probably α β γ δ ε, Tauri. In mythology the asterism is +personified as one of the daughters of Daksha, and wives of the +moon.--Sanscrit Dict. in voce. Comp. Vikrama and Urvasi, p. 57.] + +[Footnote 116: p. 57. _Dasarna_. Dasarna is mentioned in the Cloud Messenger of +Kalidasa. + + Dasarna's fields await the coming shower. + +See likewise Mr. Wilson's note, p. 37.] + +[Footnote 117: p. 59. l. 2. _By the wind within the forest--fanned, intensely +burns the fire._ Kosegarten supposes this to mean, that as the +incessant wind kindles the fire in the grove of bamboos, so their +repeated words may fan the fire of pity in the heart of Nala.] + +[Footnote 118: p. 63. l. 9. _To desire this deed unholy._ A second marriage in +a woman is considered in India an inexpiable breach of conjugal +fidelity. "A virtuous wife ascends to heaven, though she have no +child, if after the decease of her lord she devotes herself to pious +austerity. But a widow, who from a wish to bear children, slights her +deceased husband by marrying again, brings disgrace on herself here +below, and shall be excluded from the seat of her lord." MENU, v, +160-161. "She who neglects her former (purva) lord, though of a lower +class, and takes another (para) of a higher, becomes despicable in +this world, and is called para purva, or one who had a different +husband before." Ibid. 163.] + +[Footnote 119: p. 64. l. 4. _With the ten good marks distinguished._ Avarttas +are "locks," curls, or twists of the hair in certain forms on +different parts of the body--here they are apparently: forehead 1, +head 2, chest 2, ribs 2, flanks 2, crupper 1. In the Magha, v. 9, we +have the term Avarttina applied to horses; on which the commentator +observes, "Avarttina signifies horses having the ten Avarttas, marks +of excellence; they are, two on the breast, two on the head, two on +the hollows of the ribs, two on the hollows of the flanks, and one on +the crupper (Prapata); these are called the ten Avarttas. Avartta +means an eddy, or whirlpool, and the name is applied to dispositions +of the hair of a horse which resemble a whirlpool." WILSON.] + +[Footnote 120: p. 64. l. 4. _--born in Sindhu_. The Sindhu is the Indian name +for the Indus; the neighbouring territory is called Sind. See Asiatic +Researches, viii. 336.] + +[Footnote 121: p. 65. l. 7. _Matali_. The charioteer of Indra. See Rhaguvansa, +xii, 86, and Sacontala.] + +[Footnote 122: p. 66. l. 10. _Ten miles, lo, it lies beyond us._ A Yojana; +according to some eleven, according to others five or six English +miles. I have given a round number.] + +[Footnote 123: p. 66. l. 12. _Vibhitak_. 'Beleric Myrobalan.' WILSON, Sanscrit +Dict. in voce.] + +[Footnote 124: p. 66. l. 21. _Kotis_. A Koti is ten millions.] + +[Footnote 125: p. 68. l. 11. _Kali_. It must be remembered that Kali, while +within the body of Nala, had been enchanted by the serpent Karkotaka.] + +[Footnote 126: p. 68. l. 16. Damayanti; who had cursed in the forest all who had +caused the misery of Nala.] + +[Footnote 127: p. 68. l. 25. Compare Prospero's power in the Tempest.] + +[Footnote 128: p. 70. l. 4. _All the region round him echoing--with the thunders +of his car._ This scene rather reminds us of the watchman reporting +the rapid approach of Jehu, "The driving is like the driving of Jehu +the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously." II Kings ix, 20.] + +[Footnote 129: p. 70. l. 6. _In their joy they pawed and trampled._ The horses +of Nala had been before conveyed to the city of king Bhima by +Varshneya.] + +[Footnote 130: p. 70. l. 16. _--as at sound of coming rain._ The rejoicing of +the peacocks at the approach of rain is very sweetly described in the +play of Malati and Madhava, translated by Mr. Wilson. + + Ah Malati, how can I bear to contemplate + The young Tamala, bowed beneath the weight + Of the light rain; the quivering drops that dance + Before the cooling gale; the joyful cry + That echoes round, as pleased the pea-fowl hail + The bow of heaven propitious to their loves.--p. 108. + +In the Cloud Messenger, the Yaksha who addresses the cloud, fears lest +it should be delayed by the cry of the peacock-- + + Or can the peacock's animated hail + The bird with lucid eyes, to lure thee fail.--l. 147. + +In another passage, + + Pleased on each terrace, dancing with delight, + The friendly peacock hails thy grateful flight.--l. 215.] + +[Footnote 131: p. 76. l. 19. _--much and various viands came_. The reader must +remember the various gifts bestowed on king Nala by the gods upon his +marriage.] + +[Footnote 132: p. 77. l. 22. _--of her mouth ablution made_. Washing the mouth +after food, which Damayanti in her height of emotion does not forget, +is a duty strictly enjoined in the Indian law, which so rigidly +enforces personal cleanliness. "With a remnant of food in the mouth, +or when the Sraddha has recently been eaten, let no man even meditate +in his heart on the holy texts." MENU, iv, 109. "Having slumbered, +having sneezed, having eaten, having spitten, having told untruths, +having drunk water, and going to read sacred books, let him, though +pure, wash his mouth." v. 145.] + +[Footnote 133: p. 79. l. 17. _--hair dishevelled, mire-defiled_. As a sign of +sorrow and mourning.] + +[Footnote 134: p. 80. l. 4. _I will be._ "I will be," must be the commencement +of the prayer uttered by the bridegroom at the time of marriage. It +does not correspond with any of those cited by Mr. Colebrooke. It is +probably analogous to that given by him, Asiatic Researches, viii, p. +301. WILSON.] + +[Footnote 135: p. 81. l. 11. _He through all the world that wanders--witness the +all-seeing lord._ See the curious Law of Ordeal, Asiatic Researches, +vol. i, p. 402, "On the trial by fire, let both hands of the accused +be rubbed with rice in the husk, and well examined: then let seven +leaves of the Aswatha (the religious fig-tree) be placed on them, and +bound with seven threads." Thou, O fire, pervadest all beings; O cause +of purity, who givest evidence of virtue and of sin, declare the truth +in this my hand.] + +[Footnote 136: p. 81. l. 27. _--flowers fell showering all around._ These +heavenly beings are ever ready, in the machinery of Hindu epics, to +perform their pleasing office (of showering flowers on the head of the +happy pair) on every important occasion: they are called +Pushpa-vrishti, or flower-rainers. MOOR, Hindu Pantheon, 194. See in +the Raghuvansa, ii, 60. No sooner has king Dílípa offered himself to +die for the sacred cow of his Brahminical preceptor, than "a shower of +flowers" falls upon him.] + +[Footnote 137: p. 86. l. 3. _--stands the Apsara in heaven._ The birth of the +Apsarasas is thus related in the Ramayana. + + Then from the agitated deep upsprung + The legion of Apsarasas, so named + That to the watery element they owed + Their being. Myriads were they born, and all + In vesture heavenly clad, and heavenly gems; + Yet more divine their native semblance, rich + With all the gifts of grace and youth and beauty. + A train innumerous followed, yet thus fair + Nor god nor demon sought their widowed love; + Thus Rághava they still remain, their charms + The common treasure of the host of heaven. + + --WILSON's Translation, Preface to the Drama of Vikrama and + Urvasi, p. 13.] + +[Footnote 138: p. 87. l. 16. _Pushkara appeased._ The Calcutta edition has a +better reading than that of Bopp. Instead of Prasantè Pushkare +(Pushkara appeased), it is Prasantè tu pure, (the city being tranquil, +the rejoicings having ceased). WILSON.] + +[Footnote 139: p. 87. l. 21. _Nala sate, as in Nandana_. Nandâna is the garden +of Indra.] + +[Footnote 140: p. 87. l. 23. _Ruled his realm in Jambudwípa_. Sic in Puranis +India nominatur. BOPP.] + + + + +NOTES TO + +THE DEATH OF YAJNADATTA. + + +[Footnote 141: p. 91. l. 15. _So I the lovely Amra left_. The Amra is the +Mangifern Indica. This tree is not only valuable in the estimation of +the Indians for the excellence of its fruits; the belief that the +burning juice of its flowers is used to steep the darts of love, +enhances their veneration for this beautiful tree. It is frequently +mentioned in their poetry. M. CHEZY.] + +[Footnote 142: p. 91. l. 15. _--for the Palasa's barren bloom_. The Palasa is +the Butea Frondosa of Koenig. Its flowers, of great beauty, are +papilionaceous; and its fruit, entirely without use in domestic +economy, compared particularly with the Amra, may well be called +barren. M. CHEZY. See Sir W. Jones's Essay on the Botany of India; and +the Asiatic Researches, vol. iii.] + +[Footnote 143: p. 91. l. 19. _--hath fallen upon my fatal head_. "Yes, iniquity +once committed, fails not of producing fruit to him who wrought it; if +not in his own person, yet in his son's; or if not in his son's, yet +in his grandson's." MENU, iv. 173.] + +[Footnote 144: p. 92. l. 2. _--where haunt the spirits of the dead!_ The south; +the realm of Yama, the judge of the dead.] + +[Footnote 145: p. 92. l. 3. _--on high the welcome clouds appeared_. The beauty +of nature after the rainy season has refreshed the earth, is a +favourite topic in Indian poetry. The Cloud Messenger, so gracefully +translated by Mr. Wilson, is full of allusions to the grateful +progress of the cloud, welcomed as it passes along by the joy of +animate and inanimate beings. Quote 61-70, 131-142. Compare, in the +Hindu Drama, the Toy Cart, act v.] + +[Footnote 146: p. 93. l. 2. _As though a pupil's hand accursed_. The offences +of a pupil against a tutor, almost the holiest relation of life, are +described in the Laws of Menu, ii. 191 to 218, 242, 8. "By censuring +his preceptor, though justly, he will be born an ass; by falsely +defaming him, a dog; by using his goods without leave, a small worm; +by envying his merit, a larger insect or reptile." As the Roman law +did not contemplate the possibility of parricide, that of Menu has no +provision against the crime in the text.] + +[Footnote 147: p. 93. l. 6. _--to the five elements returned_. A common Indian +phrase for death. The ether is the fifth element.] + +[Footnote 148: p. 93. l. 15. _Kshatriya_. The second, or warrior-caste. The +kings in India were usually of this caste.] + +[Footnote 149: p. 93. l. 25. _Raghu_. One of the famous ancestors of Dasaratha. +The poem of the Raghu Vansa has recently appeared, edited by M. +Stenzler.] + +[Footnote 150: p. 94. l. 3. _My sire, a Brahmin hermit he--my mother was of +Sudra race_. This seems inconsistent with Menu: "A Brahmin, if he +take a Sudra to his bed as his first wife, sinks to the regions of +torment; if he begets a child by her, he loses even his priestly +rank." iii, 17; also 18, 19.] + +[Footnote 151: p. 96. l. 14. _The miserable father now_. See in Menu, the +penalties and expiation for killing a Brahmin undesignedly, xi, 74, +82; compare 90. An assaulter of a Brahman with intent to kill, shall +remain in hell a hundred years; for actually striking him with like +intent, a thousand; as many small pellets of dust as the blood of a +Brahmin collects on the ground, for so many thousand years must the +shedder of that blood be tormented in hell. xi. 207, 8.] + +[Footnote 152: p. 97. l. 23. _I've reached the wished for realms of joy_. Among +the acts which lead to eternal bliss are these: "Studying and +comprehending the Veda--showing reverence to a natural or spiritual +father." MENU, xii, 83.] + + + + +NOTES TO + +THE BRAHMIN'S LAMENT. + + +[Footnote 153: p. 104. l. 5.--_a heaven-winning race may make_. +Literally: Whom Brahma has placed with me in trust for a future +husband, and through whose offspring I may obtain with my progenitors +the regions secured by ablutions made by a daughter's sons. WILSON.] + +[Footnote 154: p. 104. l. 15. A line is omitted here, which seems to +want a parallel to make up the sloka. Bopp has omitted it in his +translation.] + +[Footnote 155: p. 105. l. 21. _--Sudra like_. The lowest caste who +are not privileged, and indeed have no disposition in the native +barrenness of their minds to study the sacred Vedas.] + +[Footnote 156: p. 105. l. 25. _As the storks the rice of offering_. +We follow Bopp in refining these birds from birds of coarser prey.] + + + + +NOTES TO + +THE DELUGE. + + +[Footnote 157: See the very valuable papers of this gentleman in the +Bombay Transactions.] + +[Footnote 158: The editor remarks, that the name Manuja, Man-born, as +the appellative of the human race, is derived from Manu, as likewise +Mánawas, _masc._ Man--Mánawi, _fem._ Woman: from thence the Gothic +_Mann_, which we have preserved. Manu is thus the representative of +Man.] + + + + +THE DESCENT OF THE GANGES. + +FIRST PRINTED IN THE QUARTERLY REVIEW, VOL. XLV. + + +The descent of the Ganges is the sequel of another fiction still more +monstrous, but perhaps one of the most singular of the cosmogonical +notions of the ancient Indians. Sagara, the king of Ayodhya (Oude), +was without offspring--in almost all eastern countries the most +grievous calamity incident to man, more especially to those of noble +or royal race. By the most surpassing penances he obtains an oracle +from the wise Brighu, predicting that one of his wives will bring +forth a single son, the other _sixty thousand_! Accordingly the fair +Cesina gives birth to Asamanja; his other wife to a gourd, which, like +the egg of Leda, is instinct with life. From the seeds of this gourd, +preserved with great care, and fed with ghee, come forth in due time +the sixty thousand boys. The son of Cesina was a youth of the most +malicious and cruel disposition; his pastime was to throw little +infants into the river, and solace himself with their cries. He is +sent into exile by his just and humane father, where he has a son, +Ansuman, as gentle and popular as Asamanja was malignant and odious. +King Sagara prepares to offer the Aswameda, the famous sacrifice of +the horse. The holy and untouched steed is led forth, as in the 'Curse +of Kehama,' among the admiring multitude, by the youthful Ansuman, +when on a sudden a monstrous serpent arises from the earth, and drags +it into the abyss. Sagara, in wrath, commands his sixty thousand sons +to undertake the recovery of the steed from the malignant demon who +has thus interrupted the sacrifice. Having searched long in vain, they +begin to dig into the bowels of the earth, until,-- + + 'Cloven with shovel and with hoe, pierced by axes and by spades, + Shrieked the earth in frantic woe; rose from out the yawning shades + Yells of anguish, hideous roars from the expiring brood of hell-- + Serpents, giants, and Asoors, in the deep abyss that dwell. + Sixty thousand leagues in length, all unweary, full of wrath, + Through the centre, in their strength, clove they down their hellward path.' + +The gods, expecting the whole frame of the world, thus undermined, to +perish in total ruin, assemble around Brahma to implore his +interposition. He informs them that Vishnu, in the form of Kapila, has +been the robber of the horse, and that in due time the god will avenge +himself. From Patala, the hell of Indian mythology, the Sagaridæ +recommence their impious and destructive work. + + 'And downward dug they many a rood, and downward till they + saw aghast, Where the earth-bearing elephant stood, ev'n like + a mountain tall and vast. 'Tis he whose head aloft sustains + the broad earth's forest-clothed round, With all its vast and + spreading plains, and many a stately city crown'd. If + underneath the o'erbearing load bows down his weary head, + 'tis then The mighty earthquakes are abroad, and shaking down + the abodes of men. Around earth's pillar moved they slowly, + and thus in humble accents blest Him the lofty and the holy, + that bears the region of the East. And southward dug they + many a rood, until before their shuddering sight, The next + earth-bearing elephant stood, huge Mahapadmas' mountain + height. Upon his head earth's southern bound, all full of + wonder, saw they rest. Slow and awe-struck paced they round, + and him, earth's southern pillar, blest. Westward then their + work they urge, king Sagara's six myriad race, Unto the vast + earth's western verge, and there in his appointed place The + next earth-bearing elephant stood, huge Saumanasa's mountain + crest; Around they paced in humble mood, and in like + courteous phrase addrest, And still their weary toil endure, + and onward dig until they see Last earth-bearing Himapandure, + glorying in his majesty.' + +At length they reach the place where Vishnu appears in the form of +Kapila, with the horse feeding near him; a flame issues forth from the +indignant deity, and the six myriad sons of Sagara become a heap of +ashes. + +The adventure devolves on the youthful Ansuman, who achieves it with +perfect success; Vishnu permits him to lead away the steed, but the +ashes of his brethren cannot be purified by earthly water; the goddess +Ganga must first be brought to earth, and, having undergone lustration +from that holy flood, the race of Sagara are to ascend to heaven. Yet +a long period elapses; and it is not till the reign of the virtuous +Bhagiratha, that Brahma is moved by his surpassing penance to grant +the descent of Ganga from heaven. King Bhagiratha had taken his stand +on the top of Gokarna, the sacred peak of the Himavan, (the Himalaya,) +and here + + 'Stands with arms outstretch'd on high, amid five blazing fires, the one + Towards each quarter of the sky, the fifth the full meridian sun. + Mid fiercest frosts on snow he slept, the dry and withered leaves his food, + Mid rains his roofless vigil kept, the soul and sense alike subdued.' + +His prayers are irresistible; but Brahma forewarns him, that the +unbroken descent of Ganga from heaven would be so overpowering, that +the earth would be unable to sustain it, and Siva must be propitiated, +in order that he may receive on his head the precipitous cataract. +Under this wild and unwieldy allegory appears to lurk an obscure +allusion to the course of the Ganges among the summits, and under the +forests of the Himalaya, which are the locks of Siva. + + 'High on the top of Himavān the mighty Mashawara stood; + And "Descend," he gave the word to the heaven-meandering water-- + Full of wrath, the mandate heard Himavān's majestic daughter. + To a giant's stature soaring and intolerable speed, + From heaven's height down rush'd she pouring upon Siva's sacred head. + Him the goddess thought in scorn with her resistless might to sweep + By her fierce waves o'erborne, down to hell's remotest deep.' + +Siva, in his turn enraged, resists her fury. + + 'Down on Sankara's holy head, down the holy fell, and there + Amid the entangling meshes spread, of his loose and flowing hair. + Vast and boundless as the woods upon the Himalaya's brow, + Nor ever may the struggling floods rush headlong to the earth below. + Opening, egress was not there, amid those winding, long meanders. + Within that labyrinthine hair, for many an age the goddess wanders.' + +The king again has recourse to his penances, Siva is propitiated, and +the stream by seven[159] channels finds its way to the plains of India. +The spirit and the luxuriance of the description which follows, of the +king leading the way, and the obedient waters rolling after his car, +appear to us of a high order of poetry. + + 'Up the raja at the sign upon his glittering chariot leaps, + Instant Ganga the divine follows his majestic steps, From the + high heaven burst she forth first on Siva's lofty crown, + Headlong then and prone to earth thundering rushed the + cataract down. Swarms of bright-hued fish came dashing; + turtles, dolphins in their mirth, Fallen or falling, + glancing, flashing, to the many gleaming earth. And all the + host of heaven came down, spirits and genii, in amaze, And + each forsook his heavenly throne, upon that glorious scene to + gaze. On cars, like high tower'd cities, seen, with elephants + and coursers, rode, Or on soft swinging palanquin, lay + wondering each observant god. As met in bright divan each + god, and flash'd their jewell'd vestures' rays, The + coruscating æther glow'd, as with a hundred suns ablaze. And + with the fish and dolphins gleaming, and scaly crocodiles and + snakes, Glanc'd the air, as when fast streaming the blue + lightning shoots and breaks: And in ten thousand sparkles + bright went flashing up the cloudy spray, The snowy flocking + swans less white, within its glittering mists at play. And + headlong now poured down the flood, and now in silver + circlets wound, Then lakelike spread all bright and broad, + then gently, gently flowed around, Then 'neath the cavern'd + earth descending, then spouted up the boiling tide, Then + stream with stream harmonious blending, swell bubbling up or + smooth subside. By that heaven-welling water's breast, the + genii and the sages stood, Its sanctifying dews they blest, + and plung'd within the lustral flood. Whoe'er beneath the + curse of heaven from that immaculate world had fled, To th' + impure earth in exile driven, to that all-holy baptism sped; + And purified from every sin, to the bright spirit's bliss + restor'd, Th' etherial sphere they entered in, and through + th' empyreal mansions soar'd. The world in solemn jubilee + behold these heavenly waves draw near, From sin and dark + pollution free, bathed in the blameless waters clear. Swift + king Bhagiratha drave upon his lofty glittering car, And + swift with her obeisant wave bright Ganga followed him afar.' + +[Footnote 159: Schlegel supposes the three western streams to be the +Indus, which appears under its real name the Sind, the Iaxartes, and +the Oxus; are not the Sareswatie, or perhaps the Sutlej, under the +name of Sita, and the Jumna meant? Of the eastern branches, it is not +difficult to fix the Burhampooter. Schlegel suggests the Irawaddy, and +the Blue River of China. Why not the Alacananda and the Gogra? The +main stream bears the name of the Bhaghiratha, till it joins the +Alacananda and takes the name of the Ganges.] + + +THE END. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Nala and Damayanti and Other Poems, by +Henry Hart Milman + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NALA AND DAMAYANTI AND OTHER POEMS *** + +***** This file should be named 19529-0.txt or 19529-0.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/9/5/2/19529/ + +Produced by Sankar Viswanathan and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was +produced from scanned images of public domain material +from the Google Print project.) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/19529-0.zip b/19529-0.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..977b9d6 --- /dev/null +++ b/19529-0.zip diff --git a/19529-8.txt b/19529-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..40d46d9 --- /dev/null +++ b/19529-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4967 @@ +Project Gutenberg's Nala and Damayanti and Other Poems, by Henry Hart Milman + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Nala and Damayanti and Other Poems + +Author: Henry Hart Milman + +Release Date: October 12, 2006 [EBook #19529] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NALA AND DAMAYANTI AND OTHER POEMS *** + + + + +Produced by Sankar Viswanathan and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was +produced from scanned images of public domain material +from the Google Print project.) + + + + + + + + + + Transcriber's note: + + 1. The spelling, accents, and diacritical marks of Sanskrit words is + not consistent through the book. The original spelling, accents, and + diacritical marks are retained. + + 2. The in-line notes refer to lines in the poems. These have been + converted to footnotes for easy reference. The information regarding + the line referred to is however retained. + + + + NALA AND DAMAYANTI + + AND OTHER POEMS + + + TRANSLATED FROM THE SANSCRIT INTO ENGLISH VERSE, WITH MYTHOLOGICAL + AND CRITICAL NOTES. + + + + + BY THE + REV. HENRY HART MILMAN, M. A. + +PREBENDARY OF WESTMINSTER; MINISTER OF ST. MARGARET'S; AND LATE PROFESSOR + OF POETRY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD. + + + + + + OXFORD: D. A. TALBOYS. + M DCCC XXXV + + * * * * * + + + + +TO MY MOTHER, + +TO WHOM THESE TRANSLATIONS HAVE AFFORDED +MUCH PLEASURE, + +AND TO WHOM, AT HER ADVANCED AGE, +TO HAVE AFFORDED PLEASURE + +IS THE MOST GRATIFYING REWARD OF LITERARY +LABOUR, + +THIS VOLUME IS INSCRIBED, + +BY HER AFFECTIONATE SON. + + * * * * * + + + + +CONTENTS: + + +NALA AND DAMAYANTI + NOTES + +THE DEATH OF YAJNADATTA + NOTES + +THE BRAHMIN'S LAMENT + NOTES + +THE DELUGE + +THE DESCENT OF THE GANGES + + * * * * * + + + + +PREFACE. + + +Those friends who have taken an interest in my literary productions +may feel some surprise at my appearance in the character of a +translator of Sanscrit poetry. To those, and indeed to all who may +take up the present volume, I owe some explanation of my pretensions +as a faithful interpreter of my original text. Those pretensions are +very humble; and I can unfeignedly say, that if the field had been +likely to be occupied by others, who might unite poetical powers with +a profound knowledge of the sacred language of India, I should have +withdrawn at once from the competition. But, in fact, in this country +the students of oriental literature, endowed with a taste and feeling +for poetry, are so few in number, that any attempt to make known the +peculiar character of those remarkable works, the old mythological +epics of India, may be received with indulgence by all who are +interested in the history of poetry. Mr. Wilson alone, since Sir W. +Jones, has united a poetical genius with deep Sanscrit scholarship; +but he has in general preferred the later and more polished +period--that of Kalidasa and the dramatists--to the ruder, yet in my +opinion, not less curious and poetical strains of the older epic +bards. + +A brief account of the manner in which I became engaged in these +studies, will best explain the extent of my proficiency. During the +two last years in which I held the office of Professor of Poetry in +the University of Oxford, having exhausted the subject which I had +chosen for my terminal course, I was at a loss for some materials for +the few remaining lectures before my office should expire. I had been +led by the ardent curiosity, which I have ever felt to acquire some +knowledge of the poetry of all ages and nations--to examine some of +the publications of French and German, as well as English scholars, on +the subject of Indian poetry; chiefly those of the Schlegels, of Bopp, +and of De Chezy. I was struck with the singularity and captivated by +the extreme beauty, as it appeared to me, of some of the extracts, +especially those from the great epic poems, the Mahabharata and the +Ramayana, in their Homeric simplicity so totally opposite to the +ordinary notions entertained of all eastern poetry. I was induced to +attempt, without any instruction, and with the few elementary works +which could be procured, the Grammars of Wilkins and Bopp, the +Glossaries of Bopp and Rosen (Mr. Wilson's Dictionary was then out of +print and could not be purchased), to obtain some knowledge of this +wonderful and mysterious language. The study grew upon me, and would +have been pursued with more ardour, perhaps with more success, but for +the constant interruption of more imperative professional and literary +avocations. In itself the Sanscrit is an inexhaustible subject of +interest; in its grammatical structure more regular, artificial, and +copious than the most perfect of the western languages; in its origin, +the parent from which the older Greek, the Latin and the Teutonic +tongues seem to branch out and develop themselves upon distinct and +discernible principles. + +I ventured to communicate to the Members of the University who +attended my lectures, my discoveries, as it were, in the unknown +region of Indian poetry, and to introduce translations of such +passages as appeared to me of peculiar singularity or beauty. Though I +was still moving in the leading-strings of my learned guides, I had +obtained sufficient acquaintance with the language to compare their +interpretations with the original text. I afterwards embodied some +parts of my lectures in an article in the Quarterly Review, in order +to contribute as far as was in my power to open this new and almost +untrodden field of literature to the English reader. + +Still I should not have presumed to form these translations into a +separate work, nor acceded to the proposal of the publisher of the +present volume, who has himself deserved so well of the students of +oriental lore by his excellent translation, or rather recomposition of +Adelung's "Historical Sketch of Sanscrit Literature," but for the +encouragement and assistance of Mr. Wilson, now, the University may be +proud to say, the Boden Professor of Sanscrit at Oxford. To his most +friendly care in revising these sheets, I owe the correction of many +errors; and Sanscrit scholars will find in the notes some observations +on the text, which will contribute to elucidate the poem of Nala. +Under the sanction of Mr. Wilson's revision, I may venture to hope +that the translation is, at least, an accurate version of the +original; and I cannot too strongly express my gratitude for the +labour which Mr. Wilson has been so kind as to expend on my imperfect +and unpretending work. + +The versification, or rather the metrical system, which I have +adopted, is an experiment, how far a successful one must be judged by +others. The original verse in which the vast epics of Vyasa and +Valmiki are composed is called the Sloka, which is thus described by +Schlegel in his Indische Bibliothek, p. 36: "The oldest, most simple, +and most generally adopted measure is the Sloka; a distich of two +sixteen syllable-lines, divided at the eighth syllable." According to +our prosodial marks, the following is the scheme:-- + +u u u u | u - - - | u u u u | u - u - +- - - - | u | - - - - | u + +u u u u | u - - - | u u u u | u - u u +- - - - | - u | - - - - | - + +The first four syllables are bound by no rule; the second half, on the +contrary, is unalterably fixed, excepting that the last syllable has +the common licence of termination. In the second half verse, I do not +remember a single instance of deviation from this, though sometimes, +but very seldom, the first half verse ends with another quadrisyllable +foot. The reader who is curious on the subject, may compare Mr. +Colebrooke's elaborate essays on Sanscrit poetry, Kosegarten's preface +to his Translation of Nala, and Bopp's preface to his Translation of +Selections from the Mahabharata. + +In the first translations which I attempted, a few passages from the +Bhagavat-Gita, I adhered as nearly as possible to the measure of the +original; in the Nala, in order to give the narrative a more easy and +trochaic flow, I omitted one syllable, and in some degree changed the +structure of the verse. + +_July_ 1835. + + + + +NALA AND DAMAYANTI. + + +The episode of Nala is extracted from the Vanaparvam, the third part +of the Mahabharata, the great Indian poem, which contains 100,000 +slokas, or distichs. The sage, Vrihadasva, relates the story of Nala +to king Yudishthira, in order to console him under the miseries to +which he was exposed by bad success in play. By the terms of the +gaming transaction, in which he was worsted by Sakuni, who threw the +dice for Duryodhana, he was condemned to wander with his brothers for +twelve years in the forest. The adventures of Nala showed how that +king, having been in the same manner unfortunate with the dice, had +suffered still greater toil and misery, and had at length recovered +his kingdom and his wife. The popularity of this fable with the +natives, is sufficiently proved by the numerous poetic versions of the +story. The Nalodaya, a poem ascribed to Kalidas, should first be +mentioned. A new edition of this work has been recently published by +Ferdinand Benary; we have a notice of it in the Quarterly Review: it +seems to bear the same relation to the simple and national episode of +the Mahabharata, as the seicentesti of Italy to Dante or Arosto, or +Gongora to the poem of the Cid. Another poem called Naishadha, in +twenty-two books, does not complete the story, but only carries it as +far as the fifteenth book. There is a Tamulic version of the same +story, translated by Kindersley, in his specimens of Hindu Literature. +The third book of the poem of Sriharsha, containing 135 slokas, is +entirely occupied with the conversation between Damayanti and the +swans (the geese), in which the birds to excite her love, dwell with +diffuse eloquence on the praises of Nala. + + + + +NALA AND DAMAYANTI. + +BOOK I. + + + Lived of yore, a raja, Nala,--Virasena's mighty son, + Gifted he with every virtue,--beauteous, skilled in taming steeds: + Head of all the kings of mortals--like the monarch of the gods, + Over, over all exalted[1]--in his splendour like the sun: + Holy, deep-read in the Vedas[2]--in Nishadha lord of earth;[3] + Loving dice, of truth unblemished[4]--chieftain of a mighty host. + The admired of noble women--generous, with each sense subdued.[5] + Guardian of the state; of archers--best, a present Manu[6] he. + So there dwelt in high Vidarbha[7]--Bhima, terrible in strength,[8] + With all virtues blest, but childless--long for children had he pined. + Many an holy act, on offspring[9]--still intent, had he performed. + To his court there came a Brahmin,--Damana the seer was named. + Him the child-desiring Bhima--in all duties skilled, received, + Feasted with his royal consort--in his hospitable hall.[10] + Pleased on him the grateful Daman,--and his queen a boon bestowed, + One sweet girl, the pearl of maidens--and three fair and noble sons. + Damayanti, Dama Dnta--and illustrious Damana, + Richly gifted with all virtues--mighty, fearful in their might. + Damayanti with her beauty--with her brilliance, brightness, grace, + Through the worlds unrivalled glory--won the slender-waisted maid. + Her, arrived at bloom of beauty,--sate a hundred slaves around, + And a hundred virgin handmaids--as around great Indra's queen.[11] + In her court shone Bhima's daughter--decked with every ornament, + Mid her handmaids, like the lightning[12]--shone she with her faultless + form;[13] + Like the long-eyed queen of beauty--without rival, without peer. + Never mid the gods immortal--never mid the Yaksha race,[14] + Nor 'mong men was maid so lovely--ever heard of, ever seen, + As the soul-disturbing maiden--that disturbed the souls of gods. + Nala too, 'mong kings the tiger[15]--peerless among earthly men, + Like Kandarpa in his beauty[16]--like that bright-embodied God. + All around Vidarbha's princess--praised they Nala in their joy. + Ever praised they Damayanti--round Nishadha's noble king. + Hearing so each others virtues--all unseen they 'gan to love. + Thus of each, O son of Kunti,[17]--the deep silent passion grew. + Nala, in his heart impatient--longer that deep love to bear, + To the grove, in secret, wandered--by the palace' inmost court. + There the swans he saw disporting[18]--with their wings bedropped with gold: + Through the grove thus lightly moving--one of these bright birds he caught. + But the bird, in human language--thus the wondering king addressed: + "Slay me not, O gentle monarch!--I will do thee service true; + So in Damayanti's presence--will I praise Nishadha's king, + Never after shall the maiden--think of mortal man but thee." + Thus addressed, at once the monarch--let the bright-winged bird depart. + Flew away the swans rejoicing--to Vidarbha straight they flew; + To Vidharba's stately city:--there by Damayanti's feet, + Down with drooping plumes they settled--and she gazed upon the flock, + Wondering at their forms so graceful--where amid her maids she sate. + Sportively began the damsels--all around to chase the birds; + Scattering flew the swans before them--all about the lovely grove. + Lightly ran the nimble maidens,--every one her bird pursued; + But the swan that through the forest--gentle Damayanti chased, + Suddenly, in human language--spake to Damayanti thus.-- + "Damayanti, in Nishadha--Nala dwells, the noble king-- + Like the Aswinas in beauty,[19]--peerless among men is he. + O incomparable princess--to this hero wert thou wed, + Noble birth and perfect beauty--not unworthy fruit had borne. + Gods, Gandharvas,[20] men, the Serpents,[21]--and the Rakshasas[22] we've + seen, + All we've seen--of noble Nala--never have we seen the peer. + Pearl art thou among all women--Nala is the pride of men. + If the peerless wed the peerless--blessed must the union be." + When the bird thus strangely speaking--gentle Damayanti heard, + Answered thus the wondering maiden--"Thus to Nala, speak thou too." + "Be it so," replied the egg-born--to Vidarbha's beauteous maid. + Home then flew he to Nishadha--and to Nala told it all. + + + + +BOOK II. + + + Damayanti, ever after--she the swan's sweet speech had heard-- + With herself she dwelt no longer--all herself with Nala dwelt. + Lost in thought she sate dejected--pale her melancholy cheek, + Damayanti sate and yielded--all her soul to sighs of grief. + Upward gazing, meditative--with a wild distracted look, + Wan was all her soft complexion--and with passion heart-possessed,[23] + Nor in sleep nor gentle converse--nor in banquets found she joy; + Night nor day she could not slumber--Woe! oh woe! she wept and said. + Her no longer her own mistress--from her looks, her gesture, knew + Damayanti's virgin handmaids--to Vidarbha's monarch they + Told how pined his gentle daughter--for the sovereign of men. + This from Damayanti's maidens--when the royal Bhima heard, + In his mind he gravely pondered--for his child what best were done. + "Wherefore is my gentle daughter--from herself in mind estranged?" + When the lord of earth his daughter--saw in blooming youth mature, + Knew he for the Swayembara[24]--Damayanti's time was come. + Straight the lord of many peasants[25]--summoned all the chiefs of earth, + "Come ye to the Swayembara--all ye heroes of the world!" + Damayanti's Swayembara--soon as heard the kings of men, + All obeyed king Bhima's summons--all to Bhima's court drew near; + Elephants, and steeds, and chariots--swarmed along the sounding land; + All with rich and various garlands[26]--with his stately army each-- + All the lofty-minded rajas--Bhima with the arm of strength, + As beseemed, received with honour--on their thrones of state they sate. + At this very hour the wisest--of the sages, the divine, + Moving in their might ascended--up from earth to Indra's world.[27] + Great in holiness and wisdom--Narada and Parvata[28] + Honoured entered they the palace--of the monarch of the gods. + Them salutes the cloud-compeller[29]--of their everlasting weal, + Of their weal the worlds pervading--courteous asks the immortal lord. + + NARADA _spake_. + + Well it fares with us, Immortal--in our weal the world partakes-- + In the world, O cloud-compeller--well it fares with all her kings. + + VRIHADASVA _spake_. + + He that Bali slew and Vritra--asked of Narada again-- + All earth's just and righteous rulers--reckless of their lives in fight-- + Who the shafts' descending death-blow--meet with unaverted eye-- + Theirs this everlasting kingdom[30]--even as Kamadhuk is mine.[31] + Where are they, the Kshetriya heroes?--wherefore see I not approach + All the earth's majestic guardians--all mine ever-honoured guests. + Thus addressed by holy Sakra[32]--Narada replied and said: + "Hear me now, O cloud-compeller--why earth's kings appear not here. + Of Vidarbha's king the daughter--Damayanti, the renowned; + Through the earth the loveliest women--in her beauty she transcends-- + Soon she holds her Swayembara--soon her lord the maid will choose. + Thither all the kings are hastening--thither all the sons of kings. + Suitors for her hand the rajas--her of all the world the pearl, + O thou mighty giant slayer!--one and all approach to woo." + As they spake, the world-protectors[33]--with the god of fire drew near; + Of the immortals all, the highest--stood before the king of gods. + As they all stood silent hearing--Narada's majestic speech, + All exclaimed in sudden rapture--thither we likewise will go; + All the immortals on the instant,--with their chariots, with their hosts, + Hastened down towards Vidarbha--where the lords of earth were met. + Nala, too, no sooner heard he--of that concourse of the kings, + Set he forth, with soul all sanguine--full of Damayanti's love. + Saw the gods, king Nala standing--on the surface of the earth; + Standing in transcendent beauty--equal to the god of love.[34] + Him beheld the world's high guardians--in his radiance like the sun; + Each arrested stood and silent--at his peerless form amazed. + All their chariots the celestials--in the midway air have checked. + Through the blue air then descending--they Nishadha's king address. + Ho! what, ho! Nishadha's monarch--Nala, king, for truth renowned; + Do our bidding, bear our message--O, most excellent of men. + + + + +BOOK III. + + + Nala made his solemn promise,--"all your bidding will I do;" + Then with folded hands adoring--humbly of their will enquired. + "Who are ye? to whom must Nala--as your welcome herald go? + What is my commanded service?--tell me, mighty gods, the truth." + Spake the sovereign of Nishadha--Indra answered thus and said:-- + "Know us, the Immortals, hither--come for Damayanti's love. + Indra I, and yon is Agni,--and the king of waters there-- + Slayer he of mortal bodies,--Yama, too, is here, O king! + Thou, O Nala, of our coming,--must to Damayanti tell: + Thee to see, the world's dread guardians--Indra and the rest came down, + Indra, Agni, Varun, Yama,--each to seek thine hand are come. + One of these celestial beings,--choose, O maiden, for thy lord." + Nala, thus addressed by Indra--with his folded hands replied: + "Thus with one accord commanding--on this mission send not me. + How can man, himself enamoured--for another plead his cause? + Spare me then, ye gods, in mercy--this unwelcome service, spare." + + THE GODS _spake_. + + "I will do your bidding freely--thus thou'st said, Nishadha's king; + Wilt thou now belie thy promise?--Nala, go, nor more delay." + By the gods adjured so sternly--thus rejoined Nishadha's king-- + "Strictly guarded is yon palace--how may I find entrance there?" + "Thou shalt enter;" thus did Indra--to the unwilling king reply. + In the bower of Damayanti--as they spake, king Nala stood. + There he saw Vidarbha's maiden--girt with all her virgin bands; + In her glowing beauty shining--all excelling in her form; + Every limb in smooth proportion--slender waist and lovely eyes; + Even the moon's soft gleam disdaining--in her own o'erpowering light. + As he gazed, his love grew warmer--to the softly smiling maid, + Yet to keep his truth, his duty--all his passion he suppressed. + Then Nishadha's king beholding--all those maids with beauteous limbs + From their seats sprang up in wonder--at his matchless form amazed. + In their rapture to king Nala--all admiring, homage paid; + Yet, not venturing to accost him,--in their secret souls adored. + "Oh the beauty! oh the splendour!--oh the mighty hero's strength! + Who is he, or God, or Yaksha--or Gandharba may he be." + Not one single word to utter,--dared that fair-limbed maiden band; + All struck dumb before his beauty--in their bashful silence stood. + Smiling, first, upon the monarch--as on her he gently smiled, + Damayanti, in her wonder--to the hero Nala spake:-- + "Who art thou of form so beauteous--thou that wakenest all my love; + Cam'st thou here like an immortal--I would know thee, sinless chief. + How hast entered in our palace?--how hast entered all unseen? + Watchful are our chamber wardens--stern the mandate of the king." + By the maiden of Vidarbha--Nala thus addressed, replied:-- + "Know, O loveliest, I am Nala--here the messenger of gods, + Gods desirous to possess thee;--one of these, the lord of heaven + Indra, Agni, Varun, Yama,--choose thou, princess, for thy lord. + Through their power, their power almighty--I have entered here unseen; + As I entered in thy chamber--none hath seen, and none might stay. + This, the object of my mission,--fairest, from the highest gods, + Thou hast heard me, noble princess--even as thou wilt, decide." + + + + +BOOK IV. + + + To the gods performed her homage--smiled she, and to Nala spake:-- + "Pledge to me thy faith,[35] O raja--how that faith, may I requite? + I myself, and whatsoever--in the world I have, is thine + In full trust is thine[36]--O grant me--in thy turn thy love, O king! + Tis the swan's enamouring language--that hath kindled all my soul. + Only for thy sake, O hero--are the assembled rajas met. + But if thou mine homage scornest--scornest me, all honoured king, + Poison for thy sake, fire, water,--the vile noose will I endure."[37] + So, when spake Vidarbha's maiden--Nala answered thus, and said:-- + "With the world's dread guardians present--wilt thou mortal husband choose? + We with them, the world's creators--with these mighty lords compared, + Lowlier than the dust they tread on--raise to them thy loftier mind. + Man the gods displeasing, hastens--to inevitable death-- + Fair limbed! from that fate preserve me--choose the all excelling gods. + Robes by earthly dust unsullied--crowns of amaranthine flowers, + Every bright celestial glory--wedded to the gods, enjoy. + He, who all the world compressing[38]--with devouring might consumes, + Sovereign of the gods, Hutsa,--where is she who would not wed? + He, in awe of whose dread sceptre[39]--all the assembled hosts of men, + Cultivate eternal justice--where is she who would not wed? + Him the all-righteous, lofty minded,--slayer of the infernal host,[40] + Of all gods, the mighty monarch,--who is she that would not wed? + Nor let trembling doubt arrest thee--in thy mind if thou couldst choose.[41] + Varuna, amongst earth's guardians,--hear the language of a friend." + To the sovereign of Nishadha--Damayanti spake, and said, + And her eyes grew dim with moisture--flowing from her inward grief:-- + "To the gods, to all, my homage--king of earth, I humbly pay; + Yet thee only, thee, my husband--may I choose, Be this my vow!" + Answered he the trembling maiden--as with folded hands she stood, + "Bound upon this solemn mission--mine own cause how dare I urge. + Plighted by a sacred promise--to the everlasting gods; + Thus engaged to plead for others--for myself I may not plead. + This my duty; yet hereafter--come I on my own behalf, + Then I'll plead mine own cause boldly--weigh it, beauteous, in thy thought." + Damayanti smiled serenely,--and with tear-impeded speech, + Uttered brokenly and slowly--thus to royal Nala spake:-- + "Yet I see a way of refuge--'tis a blameless way, O king; + Whence no sin to thee, O raja,--may by any chance arise. + Thou, O noblest of all mortals--and the gods by Indra led, + Come and enter in together--where the Swayembara meets; + Then will I, before the presence--of the guardians of the world, + Name thee, lord of men! my husband--nor to thee may blame accrue." + By the maiden of Vidarbha--royal Nala thus addressed, + Back again returned, where waited--eager, the expecting gods. + Him, the guardians of the world, the mighty--ere he yet drew near, beheld, + Him they saw, and bade him instant--all his tidings to unfold-- + "Was she seen of thee, O monarch--Damayanti with soft smile? + Spake she of us all? what said she?--tell, O blameless lord of earth." + + NALA _spake_. + + To the bower of Damayanti--on your solemn mission sent, + Entered I the lofty portal--by the aged warders watched; + Mortal eye might not behold me--there as swift I entered in; + None save that fair raja's daughter--through your all prevailing power. + And her virgin handmaids, saw I--and by them in turn was seen; + And they all in mute amazement--gazed upon me as I stood. + I described your godlike presence--but the maid with beauteous face + Chooses me, bereft of reason--O most excellent of gods! + Thus she spake, that maiden princess,--"Let the gods together come, + Come with thee, Oh king of mortals,--where the Swayembara meets; + There will I, before their presence--choose thee, raja, for my lord. + So to thee, O strong armed warrior--may no blame, no fault ensue." + Thus it was, even as I tell you--word for word did it befall. + Plainly have I spoke, the judgment--rests with you, of gods the chief! + + + + +BOOK V. + + + Came the day of happy omen[42]--moonday meet, and moment apt; + Bhima to the Swayembara--summoned all the lords of earth. + One and all, upon the instant--rose th' enamoured lords of earth, + Suitors all to Damayanti--in their loving haste they came. + They, the court with golden columns[43]--rich, and glittering portal arch, + Like the lions on the mountains--entered they the hall of state. + There the lords of earth were seated--each upon his several throne; + All their fragrant garlands wearing--all with pendant ear-gems rich. + Arms were seen robust and vigorous--as the ponderous battle mace, + Some like the five-headed serpents--delicate in shape and hue:[44] + With bright locks profuse and flowing--fine formed nose, and eye and brow, + Shone the faces of the rajas--like the radiant stars in heaven. + As with serpents, Bhogavati[45]--the wide hall was full of kings; + As the mountain caves with tigers--with the tiger-warriors full. + Damayanti in her beauty--entered on that stately scene, + With her dazzling light entrancing--every eye and every soul. + O'er her lovely person gliding--all the eyes of those proud kings; + There were fixed, there moveless rested--as they gazed upon the maid. + Then as they proclaimed the rajas--(by his name was each proclaimed) + In dismay saw Bhima's daughter--five in garb, in form the same. + On those forms, all undistinguished--each from each, she stood and gazed. + In her doubt Vidarbha's princess--Nala's form might not discern,[46] + Whichsoe'er the form she gazed on--him her Nala, him she thought. + She within her secret spirit--deeply pondering, stood and thought: + "How shall I the gods distinguish?--royal Nala how discern?" + Pondering thus Vidarbha's maiden--in the anguish of her heart-- + Th' attributes of the immortals--sought, as heard of yore, to see. + "Th' attributes of each celestial--that our aged sires describe, + As on earth they stand before me--not of one may I discern." + Long she pondered in her silence--and again, again she thought. + To the gods, her only refuge--turned she at this trying hour. + With her voice and with her spirit--she her humble homage paid. + Folding both her hands and trembling--to the gods the maiden spake: + "As when heard the swan's sweet language--chose I then Nishadha's king, + By this truth I here adjure ye--oh, ye gods, reveal my lord; + As in word or thought I swerve not--from my faith, all-knowing powers, + By this truth I here adjure ye--oh, ye gods, reveal my lord. + As the gods themselves have destined--for my lord Nishadha's king; + By this truth I here adjure ye--oh, ye gods, my lord reveal. + As my vow, so pledged to Nala--holily must be maintained, + By this truth I here adjure ye--oh, ye gods, my lord reveal. + Each the form divine assume ye--earth's protectors, mighty lords; + So shall I discern my Nala--I shall know the king of men." + As they heard sad Damayanti--uttering thus her piteous prayer, + At her high resolve they wonder--steadfast truth and fervent love, + Holiness of soul, and wisdom--to her lord her constant faith. + As she prayed, the gods obedient--stood with attributes revealed: + With unmoistened skins the Immortals--saw she, and with moveless eyes;[47] + Fresh their dust-unsullied garlands--hovered they, nor touched the earth. + On his shadow garland-drooping[48]--soiled with dust and moist with sweat, + On the earth Nishadha's monarch--stood confessed, with twinkling eyes; + On the gods an instant gazed she--then upon the king of men; + And of right king Bhima's daughter--named Nishadha's king her lord. + Modestly the large-eyed maiden--lifted up his garment's hem, + Round his shoulders threw she lightly--the bright zone of radiant flowers; + So she chose him for her husband--Nala, that high-hearted maid. + Then alas! alas! burst wildly,--from that conclave of the kings, + And "well done, well done," as loudly--from the gods and sages broke; + All in their extatic wonder--glorified Nishadha's king. + Then to royal Damayanti--Virasena's kingly son, + To that slender waisted damsel--spake he comfort in his joy; + "Since thou'st own'd me for thine husband--in the presence of the gods, + For thy faithful consort know me--aye delighting in thy words. + While this spirit fills this body--maiden with the smile serene! + Thine am I, so long thine only--this the solemn truth I vow." + Thus he gladdened Damayanti--with the assurance of his faith; + And the happy pair devoutly[49]--worshipped then the present gods. + Chosen thus Nishadha's monarch--the bright guardians of the world, + In their gladness all on Nala--eight transcendant gifts bestowed; + To discern the visible godhead--in the sacrifice, a gait + Firm and noble, Sachi's husband--Indra to king Nala gave. + Agni gave his own bright presence[50]--whensoe'er the monarch called. + All the worlds instinct with splendour--through his power Hutasa gave. + Subtle taste in food gave Yama--and in virtue eminence; + Varun gave obedient water--to be present at his call; + Garlands too of matchless fragrance;--each his double blessing gave.[51] + Thus bestowed their gracious favours--to the heavens the gods returned; + And the rajas, who with wonder--Nala's marriage saw confirmed + With the gentle Damayanti--as they came, in joy returned. + Thus the kings of earth departed;--Bhima in his joy and pride, + Solemnized the stately bridals--of the maiden and the king. + Fitting time when there he'd sojourned,--best of men, Nishadha's king; + Courteous parting with king Bhima--to his native city went. + Having gained the pearl of women--the majestic lord of earth + Lived in bliss, as with his Sachi,[52]--he that those old giants slew. + In his joy the elated monarch--shining radiant as the sun, + Ruled the subjects of his kingdom--with a just and equal sway. + Of the horse the famous offering[53]--like Nahucha's mighty son, + Every sacrifice performed he--with rich gifts to holy men. + And full oft in flowering gardens--and delicious shady groves, + Like a god, the royal Nala--took with Damayanti joy. + So begat from Damayanti--Nala, of heroic soul, + Indrasena one fair daughter--Indrasen one beauteous son. + Thus in sacrifice and pleasance--took his joy the king of men, + So the earth with riches teeming--ruled the sovereign of the earth. + + + + +BOOK VI. + + + Nala, chosen by Bhima's daughter--the bright guardians of the world, + As they parted thence, with Kali[54]--Dwapara approaching saw. + Kali as he saw, did Indra--did the giant-killer say, + "Here, with Dwapara attended--whither, Kali, dost thou go?" + Kali spake, "the Swayembara--we of Damayanti seek; + Her I go to make my consort--into her mine heart hath passed." + "Closed and ended is that bridal,"--Indra answered with a smile, + "Nala she hath chosen for husband--in the presence of us all." + Thus addressed by Indra, Kali--in the transport of his wrath, + All the heavenly gods saluting,--thus his malediction spake, + "Since before the Immortals' presence--she a mortal spouse did choose, + Of her impious crime most justly--heavy be the penal doom." + Kali hardly thus had spoken--than the heaven-born gods replied: + "With our full and liberal sanction--Damayanti chose her lord. + Who to Nala, with all virtue--rich endowed, would not incline? + He that rightly knows each duty--he who ever rightly acts, + He who reads the whole four Vedas--the Puranas too the fifth,[55] + In his palace with pure offerings--ever are the gods adored, + Gentle to all living creatures--true in word and strict in vow; + Good and constant he, and generous--holy, temperate, patient, pure; + His are all these virtues ever--equal to the earth-guarding gods. + Thus endowed, the noble Nala--he, O Kali, that would curse, + On himself recoil his curses--only fatal to himself. + Nala, gifted with such virtues--he, O Kali, who would curse-- + Be he plunged in hell's dark torments--in the deep and vasty lake." + Thus the gods to Kali speaking--to their native heavens arose. + Soon as they had parted, Kali--thus to Dwapara began: + "I my wrath can curb no longer--I henceforth in Nala dwell; + From his kingdom will I cast him--from his bliss with his sweet bride. + Thou within the dice embodied--Dwapara my cause assist." + + + + +BOOK VII. + + + Bound by that malignant treaty--Kali with his dark ally, + Haunted they the stately palace--where Nishadha's monarch ruled; + Watching still the fatal instant--in Nishadha long they dwelt. + Twelve long years had passed ere Kali--saw that fatal instant come. + Nala after act uncleanly--the ablution half performed,[56] + Prayed at eve, with feet unwashen--Kali seized the fatal hour. + Into Nala straight he entered--and possessed his inmost soul. + Pushkara in haste he summoned--come with Nala play at dice, + Ever in the gainful hazard--by my subtle aid thou'lt win, + Even the kingdom of Nishadha--even from Nala all his realm. + Pushkara by Kali summoned--to his brother Nala came, + In the dice of dice embodied[57]--Dwapara stood silent by. + Pushkara the hero-slayer--to king Nala standing near: + "Play we with the dice, my brother,"--thus again, again he said. + Long the lofty-minded raja--that bold challenge might not brook, + In Vidarbha's princess' presence--deemed he now the time for play. + For his wealth, his golden treasures--for his chariots, for his robes, + Then possessed by Kali, Nala--in the game was worsted still. + He with love of gaming maddened,--of his faithful friends not one + Might arrest the desperate frenzy--of the conqueror of his foes. + Came the citizens assembling--with the counsellors of state, + To behold the king approached they--to restrain his dread disease. + Then the charioteer advancing[58]--thus to Damayanti spake: + "All the city, noble princess--stands assembled at the gate, + Say thou to Nishadha's monarch--'All his subjects here are met; + Ill they brook this dire misfortune[59]--in their justice-loving king'." + Then, her voice half choked with anguish--spake the sorrow-stricken queen, + Spirit-broken, Bhima's daughter--to Nishadha's sovereign spake, + "Raja, lo! the assembled city--at the gate their king to see: + With the counsellors of wisdom--by their loyal duty led. + Deign thou, monarch, to admit them,"--thus again, again she said. + To the queen with beauteous eyelids--uttering thus her sad lament, + Still possessed by wicked Kali--answered not the king a word. + Then those counsellors of wisdom--and those loyal citizens, + "'Tis not he," exclaimed in sorrow,--and in shame and grief went home. + Thus of Pushkara and Nala--still went on that fatal play; + Many a weary month it lasted--and still lost the king of men. + + + + +BOOK VIII. + + + Damayanti then beholding--Punyasloka, king of men,[60] + Undistracted, him distracted--with the maddening love of play. + In her dread and in her sorrow--thus did Bhima's daughter speak; + Pondering on the weighty business--that concerned the king of men. + Trembling at his guilty frenzy--yet to please him still intent. + Nala, 'reft of all his treasures--when the noble woman saw, + Thus addressed she Vrihatsena,--her old faithful slave and nurse, + Friendly in all business dextrous--most devoted, wise in speech: + "Vrihatsena, go, the council--as at Nala's call convene, + Say what he hath lost of treasure--and what treasure yet remains." + Then did all that reverend council--Nala's summons as they heard, + "Our own fate is now in peril"--speaking thus, approach the king. + And a second time his subjects--all assembling, crowded near, + And the queen announced their presence;--of her words he took no heed. + All her words thus disregarded--when king Bhima's daughter found, + To the palace, Damayanti--to conceal her shame returned. + When the dice she heard for ever--adverse to the king of men, + And of all bereft, her Nala--to the nurse again she spake: + "Go again, my Vrihatsena,--in the name of Nala, go, + To the charioteer, Varshneya,--great the deed must now be done." + Vrihatsena on the instant--Damayanti's words she heard, + Caused the charioteer be summoned--by her messengers of trust. + Bhima's daughter to Varshneya--winning with her gentle voice, + Spake, the time, the place well choosing--for the deed, nor spake in vain: + "Well thou know'st the full reliance--that in thee the king hath placed, + In his fatal hour of peril--wilt not thou stand forth to aid? + As by Pushkara is worsted--ever more and more the king, + More and more the fatal frenzy--maddens in his heart for play. + As to Pushkara obedient--ever fall the lucky dice, + Thus those dice to royal Nala--still with adverse fortune fall. + Nor the voice of friend or kindred--as beseems him, will he hear; + Even to me he will not listen--in the madness of his heart. + Of the lofty-minded Nala--well I know 'tis not the sin, + That my words this senseless monarch--in his frenzy will not hear. + Charioteer, to thee my refuge--come I, do thou my behest; + I am not o'er calm in spirit--haply he may perish thus. + Yoke the much-loved steeds of Nala--fleet of foot, as thought, are they, + In the chariot place our children--to Cundina's city go.[61] + Leave the children with my kindred--and the chariot and the steeds; + Then or dwell there at thy pleasure--or depart where'er thou wilt." + When the speech of Damayanti--heard king Nala's charioteer, + He, the chief of Nala's council--thus in full divan addressed, + Weighed within their solemn conclave--and their full assent obtained, + With the children in the chariot--to Vidarbha straight he drove. + There he rendered up the horses--with the chariot there he left. + That young maiden Indrasena--Indrasen, that noble boy. + To king Bhima paid his homage--sad, for Nala's fall distressed, + Thence departing, to Ayodhya[62]--took the charioteer his way. + In his grief to Rituparna--that illustrious king, he came, + As his charioteer, the service--entered of the lord of earth. + + + + +BOOK IX. + + + Scarce Varshneya had departed--still the king of men played on, + Till to Pushkara his kingdom--all that he possessed, was lost. + Nala then, despoiled of kingdom--smiling Pushkara bespake: + "Throw we yet another hazard--Nala, where is now thy stake? + There remains but Damayanti--all thou hast beside, is mine. + Throw we now for Damayanti--come, once more the hazard try." + Thus as Pushkara addressed him--Punyasloka's inmost heart + By his grief was rent asunder--not a single word he spake. + And on Pushkara, king Nala--in his silent anguish gazed. + All his ornaments of splendour--from his person stripped he off, + With a single vest, scarce covered,--'mid the sorrow of his friends. + Slowly wandered forth the monarch--fallen from such an height of bliss. + Damayanti with one garment--slowly followed him behind. + Three long nights Nishadha's monarch--there without the gates had dwelt. + Proclamation through the city--then did Pushkara bid make, + "Whosoe'er befriendeth Nala--shall to instant death be doomed." + Thus, as Pushkara gave order--in the terror of his power, + Might the citizens no longer--hospitably serve the king. + Near the walls, of kind reception--worthiest, but by none received; + Three nights longer staid the monarch--water was his only drink, + He in unfastidious hunger--plucked the fruits, the roots of earth. + Then went forth again the outcast:--Damayanti followed slow. + In the agony of famine--Nala, after many days, + Saw some birds around him settling--with their golden tinctured wings. + Then the monarch of Nishadha--thought within his secret heart, + These to-day my welcome banquet--and my treasure these will be. + Over them his single garment--spreading light he wrapped them round: + Up that single garment bearing--to the air they sprang away; + And the birds above him hovering--thus in human accents spake, + Naked as they saw him standing--on the earth, and sad, and lone:-- + "Lo, we are the dice, to spoil thee--thus descended, foolish king! + While thou hadst a single garment--all our joy was incomplete." + When the dice he saw departing--and himself without his robe, + Mournfully did Punyasloka--thus to Damayanti speak: + "They, O blameless, by whose anger--from my kingdom I am driven, + Life-sustaining food unable--in my misery to find-- + They, through whom Nishadha's people--may not house their outcast king-- + They, the forms of birds assuming--my one robe have borne away. + In the dark extreme of misery--sad and frantic as I am, + Hear me, princess, hear and profit--by thy husband's best advice. + Hence are many roads diverging--to the region of the south,[63] + Passing by Avanti's city[64]--and the height of Rishavn; + Vindhya here, the mighty mountain[65]--and Payoshni's seaward stream;[66] + And the lone retreats of hermits--on the fruits of earth that live; + This will lead thee to Vidarbha--this to Cosala away,[67] + Far beyond the region stretches--southward to the southward clime." + In these words to Damayanti--did the royal Nala speak, + More than once to Bhima's daughter--anxious pointing out the way. + She, with voice half choked with sorrow--with her weight of woe oppressed, + These sad words did Damayanti--to Nishadha's monarch speak:-- + "My afflicted heart is breaking--and my sinking members fail, + When, O king, thy desperate counsel--once I think of, once again. + Robbed of kingdom, robbed of riches--naked, thirst and hunger worn; + How shall I depart and leave thee--in the wood by man untrod. + When thou sad and famine-stricken--thinkest of thy former bliss, + In the wild wood, oh, my husband,--I thy weariness will soothe. + Like a wife, in every sorrow--this the wise physicians own, + Healing herb is none or balsam--Nala, 'tis the truth I speak." + + NALA _spake_. + + Slender-waisted Damayanti--true, indeed, is all thou'st said; + Like a wife no friendly medicine--to afflicted man is given. + Fear not that I thee abandon--Wherefore, timid, dread'st thou this? + Oh, myself might I abandon--and not thee, thou unreproached. + + DAMAYANTI _spake_. + + If indeed, oh mighty monarch--thou wilt ne'er abandon me, + Wherefore then towards Vidarbha--dost thou point me out the way. + Well, I know thee, noble Nala--to desert me far too true, + Only with a soul distracted--would'st thou leave me, lord of earth. + Yet, again, the way thou pointest--yet, again, thou best of men, + Thus my sorrow still enhancing--oh, thou like the immortal gods; + If this be thy better counsel--'to her kindred let her go,' + Be it so, and both together--to Vidarbha set we forth. + Thee Vidarbha's king will honour--honour'd in his turn by thee; + Held in high respect and happy--in our mansion thou shall dwell. + + + + +BOOK X. + + + NALA _spake_. + + "Mighty is thy father's kingdom--once was mine as mighty too; + Never will I there seek refuge--in my base extremity. + There I once appeared in glory--to the exalting of thy pride; + Shall I now appear in misery--to the increasing of thy shame?" + Nala thus to Damayanti--spake again, and yet again, + Comforting the noble lady--scant in half a garment clad. + Both together by one garment[68]--covered, roamed they here and there; + Wearied out by thirst and famine--to a cabin drew they near. + When they reached that lowly cabin--then did great Nishadha's king + With the princess of Vidarbha--on the hard earth seat them down; + Naked, with no mat to rest on--wet with mire and stained with dust. + Weary then with Damayanti--on the earth he fell asleep. + Sank the lovely Damayanti--by his side with sleep opprest, + She thus plunged in sudden misery--she the tender, the devout. + But while on the cold earth slumbered--Damayanti, all distraught + Nala in his mind by sorrow--might no longer calmly sleep; + For the losing of his kingdom--the desertion of his friends, + And his weary forest wanderings--painful on his thought arose; + "If I do it, what may follow?--what if I refuse to do? + Were my instant death the better--or to abandon her I love. + But to me too deep devoted--suffers she distress and shame; + Reft of me she home may wander--to her royal father's house; + Faithful wandering ever with me--certain sorrow will she bear, + But if separated from me--chance of solace may be hers." + Long within his heart he pondered--and again, again weighed o'er. + Best he thought it Damayanti--to desert, that wretched king. + From her virtue none dare harm her[69]--in the lonely forest way, + Her the fortunate, the noble--my devoted wedded wife. + Thus his mind on Damayanti--dwelt in its perverted thought, + Wrought by Kali's evil influence--to desert his lovely wife. + Of himself without a garment--and of her with only one. + As he thought, approached he near her--to divide that single robe. + "How shall I divide the garment--by my loved one unperceived?" + Pondering this within his spirit--round the cabin Nala went; + In that narrow cabin's circuit--Nala wandered here and there, + Till he found without a scabbard--shining, a well-tempered sword. + Then when half that only garment--he had severed, and put on, + In her sleep Vidarbha's princess--with bewildered mind he fled. + Yet, his cruel heart relenting--to the cabin turns he back; + On the slumbering Damayanti--gazing, sadly wept the king; + "Thou, that sun nor wind hath ever--roughly visited, my love! + On the hard earth in a cabin--sleepest with thy guardian gone. + Thus attired in half a garment--she that aye so sweetly smiled, + Like to one distracted, beauteous--how at length will she awake? + How will't fare with Bhima's daughter--lone, abandoned by her lord, + Wandering in the savage forest--where wild beasts and serpents dwell. + May the suns and winds of heaven--may the genii of the woods,[70] + Noblest, may they all protect thee--thine own virtue thy best guard." + To his wife of peerless beauty--on the earth, 'twas thus he spoke. + Then of sense bereft by Kali--Nala hastily set forth; + And departing, still departing--he returned again, again; + Dragged away by that bad demon--ever by his love drawn back. + Nala, thus his heart divided--into two conflicting parts, + Like a swing goes backward, forward--from the cabin, to and fro. + Torn away at length by Kali--flies afar the frantic king, + Leaving there his wife in slumber--making miserable moans. + Reft of sense, possessed by Kali--thinking still on her he left, + Passed he in the lonely forest--leaving his deserted wife. + + + + +BOOK XI. + + + Scarcely had king Nala parted--Damayanti now refreshed, + Wakened up, the slender-waisted--timorous in the desert wood. + When she did not see her husband--overpowered with grief and pain, + Loud she shriek'd in her first anguish--"Where art thou, Nishadha's king? + Mighty king! my soul-protector--O, my lord! desert'st thou me. + Oh, I'm lost! undone for ever--helpless in the wild wood left; + Faithful once to every duty--wert thou not, and true in word. + Art thou faithful to thy promise--to desert me thus in sleep. + Could'st thou then depart, forsaking--thy devoted, constant wife; + Her in sooth that never wronged thee--wronged indeed, but not by her. + Keep'st thou thus thy solemn promise--oh, unfaithful lord of men, + There, when all the gods were present--plighted to thy wedded wife? + Death is but decreed to mortals--at its own appointed time, + Hence one moment, thus deserted[71]--one brief moment do I live.-- + But thou'st had thy sport--enough then--now desist, O king of men, + Mock not thou a trembling woman--show thee to me, O my lord! + Yes, I see thee, there I see thee--hidden as thou think'st from sight, + In the rushes why conceal thee?--answer me, why speak'st thou not. + Wherefore now ungentle stay'st thou--like to one forsworn, aloof? + Wherefore wilt thou not approach me--to console me in my woe? + For myself I will not sorrow--nor for aught to me befalls. + Thou art all alone, my husband,--I will only mourn for thee. + How will't fare with thee, my Nala--thirsting, famished, faint with toil. + Nor beholding me await thee--underneath the trees at eve." + Then, in all her depth of anguish--with her trouble as on fire, + Hither, thither, went she weeping--all around she went and wailed. + Now springs up the desolate princess--now falls down in prostrate grief; + Now she pines in silent sorrow--now she shrieks and wails aloud. + So consumed with inward misery--ever sighing more and more, + Spake at length king Bhima's daughter--spake the still devoted wife: + "He, by whose dire imprecation--Nala this dread suffering bears, + May he far surpass in suffering--all that Nala suffers now, + May the evil one, to evil--who the blameless Nala drives, + Smitten by a curse as fatal--live a dark unblessed life." + Thus her absent lord lamenting--that high-minded raja's queen, + Every-where her lord went seeking--in the satyr-haunted wood.[72] + Like a maniac, Bhima's daughter--wandered wailing here and there; + And "alas! alas! my husband"--every-where her cry was heard. + Her beyond all measure wailing--like the osprey screaming shrill, + Miserably still deploring--still renewing her lament. + Suddenly king Bhima's daughter--as she wandered near his lair, + Seized a huge gigantic serpent--in his raging famine fierce. + In the grasp of that fierce serpent--round about with terror girt, + Not herself she pities only--pities she Nishadha's king. + "O my guardian, thus unguarded--in this savage forest seized, + Seized by this terrific serpent--wherefore art not thou at hand? + How will't be, when thou rememberest--once again thy faithful wife, + From this dreadful curse delivered--mind, and sense, and wealth returned? + When thou'rt weary, when thou'rt hungry--when thou'rt fainting with fatigue, + Who will soothe, O blameless Nala--all thy weariness, thy woe." + Then a huntsman as he wandered--in the forest jungle thick, + As he heard her thus bewailing--in his utmost haste drew near. + In the grasp when he beheld her--of that long-eyed serpent fell, + Instant did the nimble huntsman--rapidly as he came on, + Pierce that unresisting serpent--with a sharp and mortal shaft: + In her sight he slew that serpent--skill'd in slaughter of the chase. + Her released he from her peril--washed he then with water pure, + And with sylvan food refreshed her--and with soothing words address'd: + "Who art thou that roam'st the forest--with the eyes of the gazelle; + How to this extreme of misery--noble lady, hast thou fallen?" + Damayanti, by the huntsman--thus in soothing tone addressed, + All the story of her misery-told him, as it all befell; + Her, scant-clothed in half a garment--with soft swelling limbs and breast, + Form of youthful faultless beauty--and her fair and moonlike face, + And her eyes with brows dark arching--and her softly-melting speech, + Saw long time that wild beast hunter--kindled all his heart with love. + Then with winning voice that huntsman--bland beginning his discourse, + Fain with amorous speech would soothe her--she his dark intent perceived. + Damayanti, chaste and faithful,--soon as she his meaning knew, + In the transport of her anger--her indignant soul took fire. + In his wicked thought the dastard--her yet powerless to subdue, + On the unsubdued stood gazing--as like some bright flame she shone. + Damayanti, in her sorrow--of her realm, her lord bereft, + On the instant she found language--uttered loud her curse of wrath,[73]-- + "As my pure and constant spirit--swerves not from Nishadha's lord, + Instant so may this base hunter--lifeless fall upon the earth." + Scarce that single word was uttered--suddenly that hunter bold + Down upon the earth fell lifeless--like a lightning blasted tree. + + + + +BOOK XII. + + + Slain that savage wild-beast hunter--onward went the lotus-eyed, + Through the dread, and desert forest--ringing with the cricket's song; + Full of lions, pards, and tigers--stags, and buffalos, and bears, + Where all kinds of birds were flocking--and wild men and robbers dwelt. + Trees of every form and stature[74]--every foliage, every name; + Pregnant with rich mines of metal--many a mountain it enclosed, + Many a shady resonant arbour--many a deep and wondrous glen; + Many a lake, and pool, and river--birds and beasts of every shape. + She, in forms terrific round her--serpents, elves, and giants saw:[75] + Pools, and tanks of lucid water--and the shaggy tops of hills, + Flowing streams and headlong torrents--saw, and wondered at the sight. + And the princess of Vidarbha--gazed where in their countless herds, + Buffalos and bears were feeding--boars, and serpents of the wood. + Safe in virtue, bright in beauty--glorious and of high resolve, + Now alone, Vidarbha's daughter--wandering, her lost Nala sought. + Yet no fear king Bhima's daughter--for herself might deign to feel, + Travelling the dreary forest--only for her lord distressed; + Him she mourned, that noble princess--him in bitterest anguish wailed, + Every limb with sorrow trembling--stood she on a beetling rock; + "Monarch, with broad chest capacious--monarch with the sinewy arm, + Me in this dread forest leaving--whither hast thou fled away? + Thou the holy Aswamedha--thou each sacrificial rite, + Hast performed, to me, me only--in thy holy faith thou'st failed. + That which thou, O best of husbands--in mine hearing hast declared, + Thy most solemn vow remember--call to mind thy plighted faith. + Of the swift-winged swans the language--uttered, monarch, by thy side, + That thyself, before my presence--didst renew, bethink thee well. + Thou the Vedas, thou the Angas--with the Upangas oft hast read, + Of each heaven-descended volume--one and simple is the truth. + Therefore, of thy foes the slayer!--reverence thou the sacred truth + Of thy solemn plighted promise--in my presence sworn so oft. + Am not I the loved so dearly--purely, sinlessly beloved; + In this dark and awful forest--wherefore dost thou not reply? + Here with monstrous jaws wide yawning--with his fierce and horrid form, + Gapes the forest king to slay me--and thou art not here to save. + None but I, thou'st said, for ever--none but I to thee am dear! + Make this oft-repeated language--make this oft-sworn promise true. + To thy queen bereft of reason--to thy weeping wife beloved, + Why repliest thou not--her only thou desir'st--she only thee. + Meagre, miserable, pallid--tainted with the dust and mire, + Scantly clad in half a garment--lone, with no protector near; + Like a large-eyed hind that wanders--separate from the wonted herd, + Thou regard'st me not, thus weeping--oh thou tamer of thy foes. + Mighty king, a lonely wanderer--in this vast and trackless wood, + Damayanti, I address thee--wherefore answerest not my voice? + Nobly born, and nobly minded--beautiful in every limb, + Do I not e'en now behold thee--in this mountain, first of men, + In this lion-haunted forest--in this tiger-howling wood, + Lying down or seated, standing--or in majesty and might + Moving, do I not behold thee--the enhancer of my woe? + Who shall I address, afflicted--wasted by my grief away; + 'Hast thou haply seen my Nala--in the solitary wood?' + Who this day will show the monarch--wandering in the forest depth, + Beautiful and royal-minded--conqueror of an host of foes! + 'Him thou seek'st with eyes of lotus--Nala, sovereign of men-- + Lo, he's here!' whose voice of music--may I hear thus sweetly speak? + Lo, with fourfold tusks before me--and with wide and gaping jaws, + Stands the forest king, the tiger--I approach him without fear. + Of the beasts art thou the monarch--all this forest thy domain, + For the daughter of Vidarbha--Damayanti, know thou me, + Consort of Nishadha's sovereign--Nala, slayer of his foes-- + Seeking here my exile husband--lonely, wretched, sorrow-driven, + Thou, O king of beasts, console me--if my Nala thou hast seen; + Or, O lord of all the forest--Nala if thou canst not show, + Best of savage beasts, devour me--from my misery set me free. + Hearing thus my lamentation-now does that fell king of beasts + Go towards the crystal river--flowing downward to the sea.'-- + To this mountain then the holy--crowned with many a lofty peak, + In its soul-exalting splendour--rising, many-hued, to heaven; + Full within of precious metal--rich with many a glowing gem, + Rising o'er the spreading forest--like a banner broad and high, + Ranged by elephants and lions--tigers, bears, and boars, and stags; + And of many birds the voices--sweetly sound o'er all its cliffs; + All the trees of richest foliage[76]--all the trees of stateliest height, + All the flowers and golden fruitage--on its crested summits wave, + Down its peaks in many a streamlet--dip the water-birds their wings: + This, the monarch of all mountains--ask I of the king of men; + 'O, all-honoured Prince of Mountains, with thy heaven-ward soaring peaks, + Refuge of the lost, most noble--thee, O Mountain, I salute; + I salute thee, lowly bowing--I, the daughter of a king; + Of a king the royal consort--of a king's son I the bride. + Of Vidarbha the great sovereign--mighty hero is my sire. + Named the lord of earth, king Bhima--of each caste the guardian he; + Of the holy Aswamedha--of the regal sacrifice,[77] + He the offerer, best of monarchs--known by his commanding eye, + Pious, and of life unblemished--true in word, of generous speech, + Affable, courageous, prosperous--skilled in every duty, pure. + Of Vidarbha the protector--conqueror of a host of foes; + Know me of that king the daughter--lowly thus approaching thee. + In Nishadha, mighty Mountain! dwelt the father of my lord. + High the name he won, the illustrious--Virasena was he called. + Of this king the son, the hero--prosperous and truly brave, + He who rules his father's kingdom--by hereditary right, + Slayer of his foes, dark Nala--Punyasloka is he called; + Holy, Veda read, and eloquent--soma quaffing, fire adoring,[78][79] + Sacrificer, liberal giver--warrior, in all points a king,-- + Of this monarch, best of mountains--know, the wife before thee stands. + Fallen from bliss, bereft of husband--unprotected, sorrow-doomed, + Seeking every where her husband--him the best of noblest men. + Best of mountains, heaven-upsoaring--with thy hundred stately peaks, + Hast thou seen the kingly Nala--in this dark and awful wood: + Like the elephant in courage--wise, impetuous, with long arms, + Valiant, and of truth unquestioned--my heroic, glorious lord; + Hast thou seen Nishadha's sovereign--mighty Nala hast thou seen? + Why repliest thou not, oh Mountain--sorrowing, lonely, and distressed, + With thy voice why not console me--as thine own afflicted child? + Hero, mighty, strong in duty--true of promise, lord of earth, + If thou art within the forest--show thee in thy proper form. + When so eloquently deep-toned--like the sound of some dark cloud, + Shall I hear thy voice, oh Nala!--sweet as the amrita draught,[80] + Saying, 'daughter of Vidarbha!'--with distinct, with blessed sound, + Musical as holy Veda--rich, and soothing all my pain; + Thus console me, trembling, fainting--thou, oh virtue-loving king!" + To the holiest of mountains--spake the daughter of the king. + Damayanti then set forward--toward the region of the north. + Three days long, three nights she wandered--then that noble woman saw, + The unrivalled wood of hermits--like to a celestial grove. + To the ancient famous hermits[81]--equal was that sacred crew; + Self-denying, strict in diet[82]--temperate, and undefiled; + Water-drinking, air inhaling--and the leaves their simple food; + Mortified, for ever blessed--seeking the right way to heaven; + Bark for vests and skins for raiment--wore those hermits, sense-subdued. + She beheld the pleasant circle--of those hermits' lonely cells; + Round them flocks of beasts were grazing--wantoned there the monkey tribes. + When she saw those holy dwellings--all her courage was revived. + Lovely browed, and lovely tressed--lovely bosom'd, lovely lipp'd,[83] + In her brightness, in her glory--with her large dark beauteous eyes, + Entered she those hermit dwellings--wife of Virasena's son; + Pearl of women, ever blessed-Damayanti the devout, + She those holy men saluting--stood with modest form half bent. + "Hail, and welcome!" thus those hermits--instant with one voice exclaimed. + And those sacred men no sooner--had the fitting homage paid, + "Take thy seat," they said, "oh lady[84]--and command what we must do." + Thus replied the slender waisted--"Blessed are ye, holy men. + In your sacred fires, your worship[85]--blameless, with your beasts and + birds.[86] + Doth the grace of heaven attend you--in your duties, in your deeds?" + Answered they, "The grace of heaven--ever blesses all our deeds. + But say thou, of form so beauteous--who thou art, and what thou would'st? + As thy noble form we gaze on--on thy brightness as we gaze, + In amaze we stand and wonder--cheer thee up, and mourn no more. + Of the wood art thou the goddess--or the mountain goddess thou; + Or the goddess of the river?--Blessed Spirit, speak the truth. + Nor the sylvan goddess am I,"--to the Wise she thus replied; + "Neither of the mountain, Brahmins--nor the river nymph am I. + Know me but a mortal being--O, ye rich in holiness! + All my tale at length, I'll tell ye--if meet audience ye will give. + In Vidarbha, mighty guardian--Bhima, dwells the lord of earth; + Of that noble king the daughter--twice-born Sages, know ye me.[87] + And the monarch of Nishadha--Nala named, the great in fame; + Brave in battle, conqueror, prudent--is my lord, the peasants' king; + To the gods devout in worship--friendly to the Brahmin race, + Of Nishadha's race the guardian--great in glory, great in might, + True in word, and skilled in duty--and the slayer of his foes. + Pious, heaven-devoted, prosperous--conqueror of hostile towns; + Nala named, the best of sovereigns--splendid as the king of gods. + Know that large-eyed chief, my husband--like the full-orbed moon his face, + Giver he of costly offerings--deep in th' holy volumes read; + Slayer of his foes in battle--glorious as the sun and moon. + He to some most evil minded--unrespected, wicked men, + After many a challenge, studious--he of virtue and of truth, + To these skilful gamesters, fraudful--lost his kingdom and his wealth. + Know ye me the hapless consort--of that noble king of kings, + Damayanti, so they name me--yearning for my husband's sight. + I through forests, over mountains--stagnant marsh and river broad, + Lake with wide pellucid surface--through the long and trackless wood, + Ever seeking for my husband--Nala, skilful in the fight. + Mighty in the use of weapons--wander desolate and sad. + Tell me, to this pleasant sojourn--sacred to these holy men, + Hath he come, the royal Nala?--hath Nishadha's monarch come? + For whose sake through ways all trackless--terrible, have I set forth, + In this drear, appalling forest--where the lynx and tiger range, + If I see not noble Nala--ere few days, few nights are o'er, + I to happiness will join me--from this mortal frame set free. + Reft of him, my princely husband--what have I to do with life-- + How endure existence longer--for my husband thus distressed." + To the lady thus complaining--lonely in the savage wood, + Answered thus those holy hermits--spake the gifted seers the truth:-- + "There will be a time hereafter--beautiful, the time will come, + Through devotion now we see him[88]--and thou too wilt see him soon; + That good monarch of Nishadha--Nala, slayer of his foes; + That dispenser of strict justice--Bhima's daughter! free from grief, + From all sin released, thou'lt see him--glittering in his royal gems, + Governing that noble city--o'er his enemies supreme. + To his foemen causing terror--to his friends allaying grief, + Thou, oh noble, shalt thy husband--see, that king of noble race." + To the much-loved wife of Nala--to the princess speaking thus, + Vanished then those holy hermits--with their sacred fires, their cells. + As she gazed upon the wonder--wrapt in mute amaze she stood; + Damayanti, fair-limbed princess--wife of Virasena's son; + "Have I only seen a vision--what hath been this wondrous chance? + Where are all those holy hermits--where the circle of their cells? + Where that pure and pleasant river--haunted by the dipping birds? + Where those trees with grateful umbrage--with their pendant fruits and + flowers?" + Long within her heart she pondered--Damayanti with sweet smile, + For her lord, to grief abandoned--miserable, pale of hue; + To another region passed she--there with voice by weeping choked, + Mourns she, till with eyes o'erflowing--an Asoca tree she saw. + Best of trees, the Asoca blooming[89]--in the forest she approached, + Gemmed all o'er with glowing fruitage--vocal with the songs of birds. + "Ah, behold amid the forest--flourishes this happy tree, + With its leafy garlands radiant--as the joyous mountain king. + O thou tree with pleasant aspect--from my sorrow set me free. + Vitasoca, hast thou seen him--hast the fearless raja seen, + Nala, of his foes the slayer--Damayanti's lord beloved? + Hast thou seen Nishadha's monarch--hast thou seen mine only love, + Clad in half a single garment--with his soft and delicate skin; + Hast thou seen th' afflicted hero--wandering in the forest lone. + That I may depart ungrieving--fair Asoca, answer me. + Truly be thou named Asoca[90]--as the extinguisher of grief." + Thus in her o'erpowering anguish--moved she round the Asoca tree. + Then she went her way in sadness--to another region dread. + Many a tree she stood and gazed on--many a river passed she o'er; + Passed she many a pleasant mountain--many a wild deer, many a bird; + Many a hill and many a cavern--many a bright and wondrous stream, + Saw king Bhima's wandering daughter--as she sought her husband lost. + Long she roamed her weary journey--Damayanti with sweet smile, + Lo, a caravan of merchants--elephants, and steeds, and cars, + And beyond, a pleasant river--with its waters cool and clear. + 'Twas a quiet stream, and waveless--girt about with spreading canes; + There the cuckoo, there the osprey--there the red-geese clamouring stood; + Swarmed the turtles, fish and serpents--there rose many a stately isle. + When she saw that numerous concourse--Nala's once all-glorious wife, + Entered she, the slender-waisted--in the midst of all the host; + Maniac-like in form and feature--and in half a garment clad, + Thin and pallid, travel-tainted--matted all her locks with dust. + As they all beheld her standing--some in terror fled away; + Some stood still in speechless wonder--others raised their voice and cried; + Mocked her some with cruel tauntings--others spake reproachful words; + Others looked on her with pity--and enquired her state, her name. + "Who art thou? whose daughter. Lady--in the forest seek'st thou aught? + At thy sight we stand confounded--art thou of our mortal race? + Of this wood art thou the goddess?--of this mountain? of that plain? + Who art thou, O noble Lady--thee, our refuge, we adore. + Art thou sylvan nymph or genius--or celestial nymph divine? + Every-way regard our welfare--and protect us, undespised: + So our caravan in safety--may pursue its onward way, + So ordain it, O illustrious!--that good fortune wait on all." + Thus addressed by that assemblage--Damayanti, kingly-born, + Answered thus with gentle language--grieving for her husband lost. + Of that caravan the leader--and the whole assembled host, + Youths and boys, and grey-haired elders--and the guides, thus answered she: + "Know me, like yourselves, a mortal--daughter of a king of men, + Of another king the consort--seeking for my royal lord; + Know, Vidarbha's king, my father--and Nishadha's king, my lord, + Nala, is his name, the glorious--him, th' unconquered do I seek; + Know ye aught of that good monarch--tell me, quick, of my beloved, + Of the tiger hero, Nala--slayer of a host of foes." + Of the caravan the captain--thus the lovely-limbed addressed, + Suchi was his name, the merchant--"Hear, illustrious queen, my speech; + Of this caravan the captain--I, O Lady with sweet smile, + Him that bears the name of Nala--nowhere have these eyes beheld. + Elephants, and pards, and tigers--lynxes, buffaloes, and bears, + See I in this trackless forest--uninhabited by men; + Save thyself, of human feature--nought, or human form, I've seen. + So may he, the king of Yakshas--Manibhadra, guard us well."[91] + To the merchants then she answered--to the leader of the host, + "Tell me whither do ye travel!--whither bound your caravan?" + + _The_ CAPTAIN _of the caravan spake._ + + "To the realm of Chedi's sovereign[92]--truth-discerning Subahu, + Soon this caravan will enter--travelling in search of gain." + + + + +BOOK XIII. + + + [93]This, the lovely princess hearing--from the captain of the band, + With the caravan set forward--seeking still her royal lord. + Long their journey through the forest--through the dark and awful glens; + Then a lake of loveliest beauty--fragrant with the lotus flowers, + Saw those merchants, wide and pleasant--with fresh grass and shady trees; + Flowers and fruits bedecked its borders--where the birds melodious sang: + In its clear delicious waters--soul-enchanting, icy cool, + With their horses all o'erwearied--thought they then to plunge and bathe; + At the signal of the captain--entered all that pleasant grove. + At the close of day arriving--there encamped they for the night. + When the midnight came, all noiseless--came in silence deep and still, + Weary slept the band of merchants--lo, a herd of elephants,[94] + Oozing moisture from their temples--came to drink the troubled stream. + When that caravan they gazed on--with their slumbering beasts at rest, + The tame elephants they scented--those wild forest elephants; + Forward rush they fleet and furious--mad to slay, and wild with heat; + Irresistible the onset--of the rushing ponderous beasts, + As the peaks from some high mountain--down the valley thundering roll; + Strewn was all the way before them--with the boughs, the trunks of trees; + On they crash'd to where the travellers--slumbered by the lotus lake. + Trampled down without a struggle--helpless on the earth they lay, + "Woe, oh, woe!" shrieked out the merchants--wildly some began to fly, + In the forest thickets' plunging;--some stood gasping, blind with sleep; + And the elephants down beat them--with their tusks, their trunks, their + feet. + Many saw their camels dying--mingled with the men on foot, + And in frantic tumult rushing--wildly struck each other down; + Many miserably shrieking--cast them down upon the earth, + Many climbed the trees in terror--on the rough ground stumbled some. + Thus in various wise and fatal--by the elephants assailed, + Lay that caravan so wealthy--scattered all abroad or slain. + Such, so fearful was the tumult--the three worlds seemed all appalled,[95] + "'Tis a fire amid th' encampment--save ye, fly ye, for your lives. + Lo, your precious pearls ye trample--take them up, why fly so fast? + Save them, 'tis a common venture--fear ye not that I deceive." + Thus t' each other shrieked the merchants--as in fear they scattered round. + "Yet again I call upon you--cowards! think ye what ye do." + All around this frantic carnage--raging through the prostrate host, + Damayanti, soon awakened--with her heart all full of dread; + There she saw a hideous slaughter--the whole world might well appal. + To such sights all unfamiliar--gazed the queen with lotus eyes, + Pressing in her breath with terror--slowly rose she on her feet. + And the few that scaped the carnage--few that scaped without a wound, + All at once exclaimed together--"Of whose deeds is this the doom? + Hath not mighty Manibhadra--adoration meet received. + And Vaisravana the holy[96]--of the Yakshas lord and king, + Have not all that might impede us--ere we journied, been addressed? + Was it doomed, that all good omens--by this chance should be belied! + Were no planets haply adverse?--how hath fate, like this, befall'n!" + Others answered in their misery--reft of kindred and of wealth, + "Who is that ill-omened woman--that with maniac-staring eyes, + Joined our host, misshaped in aspect--and with scarcely human form? + Surely all this wicked witchcraft--by her evil power is wrought; + Witch or sorceress she, or dmon--fatal cause of all our fears, + Hers is all the guilt, the misery--who such damning proof may doubt? + Could we but behold that false one--murtheress, bane of all our host, + With the clods, the dust, the bamboos--with our staves, or with our hands, + We would slay her on the instant--of our caravan the fate." + But no sooner Damayanti--their appalling words had heard, + In her shame and in her terror--to the forest shade she fled. + And that guilt imputed dreading--thus her fate began to wail: + "Woe is me, still o'er me hovers--the terrific wrath of fate; + No good fortune e'er attends me--of what guilt is this the doom? + Not a sin can I remember--not the least to living man. + Or in deed, or thought, or language--of what guilt is this the doom? + In some former life committed[97]--expiate I now the sin. + To this infinite misfortune--hence by penal justice doomed? + Lost my husband, lost my kingdom--from my kindred separate; + Separate from noble Nala--from my children far away, + Widowed of my rightful guardian--in the serpent-haunted wood." + Of that caravan at morning--then the sad surviving few, + Setting forth from that dread region--o'er that hideous carnage grieve; + Each a brother mourns, or father--or a son, or dearest friend, + Still Vidarbha's princess uttered--"What the sin that I have done? + Scarcely in this desert forest--had I met this host of men, + By the elephants they perish--this is through my luckless fate; + A still lengthening life of sorrow--I henceforth must sadly lead. + Ere his destined day none dieth--this of aged seers the lore; + Therefore am not I too trampled--by this herd of furious beasts. + Every deed of living mortal--by over-ruling fate is done. + Yet no sin have I committed--in my blameless infancy, + To deserve this dire disaster--or in word, or deed, or thought. + For the choosing of my husband--are the guardians of the world, + Angry are the gods, rejected--for the noble Nala's sake? + From my lord this long divorcement--through their power do I endure." + Thus the noblest of all women--to bewail her fate began, + The deserted Damayanti--with these sad and bitter words; + With some Veda-reading Brahmins--that survived that scattered host, + Then she went her way in sadness--like the young moon's sickle pale, + And ere long a mighty city--that afflicted queen drew near: + 'Twas the king of Chedi's city--truth-discerning Subahu. + Scantly clad in half a garment--entered she that stately town; + Her disturbed, emaciate, wretched--with dishevelled hair, unwashed, + Like a maniac, onward-moving--saw that city's wondering throng; + Gazing on her as she entered--to the monarch's royal seat; + All the boys her footsteps followed--in their curious gamesome play;[98] + Circled round by these she wandered--near the royal palace gate. + From that palace lofty terrace--her the mother of the king + Saw, and thus her nurse addressed she--"Go, and lead that wanderer in! + Sad she roves, without a refuge--troubled by those gazing men; + Yet in form so bright, irradiate--is our palace where she moves. + Though so maniac-like, half-clothed--like Heaven's long-eyed queen she + seems." + She those crowding men dispersing--quickly to the palace top + Made her mount--and in amazement--her the mother-queen addressed: + "Thus though bowed and worn with sorrow--such a shining form thou wear'st, + As through murky clouds the lightning--tell me who thou art and whence: + For thy form is more than human--of all ornament despoiled: + Men thou fear'st not, unattended--in celestial beauty safe." + Hearing thus her gentle language--Bhima's daughter made reply, + "Know me like thyself a mortal--a distressed, devoted wife; + Of illustrious race an handmaid--making where I will mine home; + On the roots and wild-fruits feeding--lonely, at the fall of eve. + Gifted with unnumber'd virtues--is my true, my faithful lord, + And I still the hero followed--like his shadow on the way. + 'Twas his fate, with desp'rate fondness--to pursue the love of play, + And in play subdued and ruined--entered he yon lonely wood; + Him, arrayed in but one garment,--like a madman wandering wild, + To console my noble husband--I too entered the deep wood; + He within that dreary forest--for some cause, to me unknown, + Wild with hunger, reft of reason--that one single robe he lost. + I with but one robe, him naked[99]--frantic, and with mind diseased, + Following through the boundless forest--many a night I had not slept; + Then, when I had sunk to slumber--me the blameless leaving there, + Half my garment having severed--he his sinless consort fled; + Seeking him, my outcast husband--night and day am I consumed: + Him I see not, ever shining--like the lotus cup, beloved; + Find him not, most like th' immortals--lord of all, my life, my soul." + Even as thus, with eyes o'erflowing--uttered she her sad lament, + Sad herself, sad Bhima's daughter--did the mother queen address: + "Dwell with me, then, noble Lady--deep the joy in thee I feel, + And the servants of my household--shall thy royal husband seek; + Haply hither he may wander--as he roams about the world: + Dwelling here in peace and honour--thou thy husband wilt rejoin." + To the king of Chedi's mother--Damayanti made reply; + "On these terms, O nurse of heroes!--I with thee may make abode: + That I eat not broken victuals[100]--wash not feet with menial hand:[101] + Nor with stranger men have converse--in my chaste, secluded state; + If that any man demand me--be he punished; if again, + Be he put to death on th' instant--this the vow that I have sworn. + Only, if they seek my husband--holy Brahmins will I see. + Be my terms by thee accepted--gladly will I sojourn here, + But on other terms no sojourn--will this heart resolved admit." + Then to her with joyful spirit--spake the mother of the king: + "As thou wilt shall all be ordered--be thou blest, since such thy vow." + Speaking thus to Bhima's daughter--did the royal mother then, + In these words address her daughter--young Sunanda was her name: + "See this handmaid, my Sunanda--gifted with a form divine; + She in age thy lovely compeer--be she to thee as a friend; + Joined with her in sweet communion--take thy pleasure without fear." + Young Sunanda, all rejoicing--to her own abode went back, + Taking with her Damayanti--circled with her virgin peers. + + + + +BOOK XIV. + + + Damayanti when deserting--royal Nala fled, ere long + Blazing in the forest jungle--he a mighty fire beheld; + Thence as of a living being--from the midst a voice he heard: + "Hasten, Nala!" oft and loudly--"Punyasloka, haste," it cried. + "Fear thou not," king Nala answered--plunging in the ruddy flame; + There he saw the king of serpents--lying, coiled into a ring. + There with folded hands the serpent--trembling, thus to Nala spake: + "Me, Karkotaka, the Serpent--know, thou sovereign of men; + Narada, the famous hermit[102]--I deceived, the holy sage; + He in righteous indignation--smote me with this awful curse: + Stay thou there as one unmoving--till king Nala passing by, + Lead thee hence; save only Nala--none can free thee from this curse. + Through this potent execration--I no step have power to move; + I the way to bliss will show thee--if thou sav'st me from this fate. + I will show thee noble friendship--serpent none is like to me; + Lightly shall I weigh, uplift me--in thy hand, with speed, O king." + Thus when spake the king of serpents--to a finger's size he shrank; + Him when Nala lightly lifted--to the unburning space he passed. + To the air all cool and temperate--brought him, by the flame unreached. + As he fain on th' earth would place him--thus Karkotaka began. + "Move thou now, O king, and slowly--as thou movest, count thy steps. + Then the best of all good fortune--will I give thee, mighty armed!" + Ere the tenth step he had counted[103]--him the sudden serpent bit: + As he bit him, on the instant--all his kingly form was changed. + There he stood, and gazed in wonder--Nala, on his altered form. + In his proper shape the serpent--saw the sovereign of men. + Then Karkotaka the serpent--thus to Nala comfort spake: + "Through my power thy form is altered--lest thou should'st be known of men. + He through whom thou'rt thus afflicted--Nala, with intensest grief, + Through my poison, shall in anguish--ever dwell within thy soul. + All his body steeped in poison--till he free thee from thy woe, + Shall he dwell within thee prison'd--in the ecstacy of pain. + So from him, by whom, thou blameless!--sufferest such unworthy wrong, + By the curse I lay upon him--my deliverance shall be wrought. + Fear not thou the tusked wild boar--foeman fear not thou, O king, + Neither Brahmin fear, nor Sages[104]--safe through my prevailing power. + King, this salutary poison--gives to thee nor grief nor pain; + In the battle, chief of Rajas--victory is ever thine. + Go thou forth, thyself thus naming--Vahuca, the charioteer, + To the royal Rituparna--in the dice all-skilful he; + To Ayodhya's pleasant city--sovereign of Nishadha! go; + He his skill in dice will give thee--for thy skill in taming steeds: + Of Ikshwku's noble lineage--he will be thy best of friends. + Thou the skill in dice possessing--soon wilt rise again to bliss; + With thy consort reunited--yield not up thy soul to grief. + Thou thy kingdom, thou thy children--wilt regain, the truth I speak. + When again thou would'st behold thee--in thy proper form, O king, + Summon me to thy remembrance--and this garment put thou on: + In this garment clad resum'st thou--instantly thy proper form." + Saying thus, of vests celestial--gave he to the king a pair.[105] + And king Nala, thus instructed--gifted with these magic robes, + Instantly the king of serpents--vanished from his sight away. + + + + +BOOK XV. + + + Vanished thus the King of Serpents--set Nishadha's raja forth, + Rituparna's royal city--on the tenth day entered he. + Straight before the royal presence--"Vahuca am I," he said, + "In the skill of taming horses--on the earth is not my peer; + Use me, where the difficult counsel--where thou want'st the dexterous hand; + In the art of dressing viands[106]--I am skilful above all. + Whatsoe'er the art, whatever--be most difficult to do, + I will strive to execute it--take me to thy service, king." + + RITUPARNA _spake_. + + "Vahuca, I bid thee welcome--all this service shalt thou do, + On my horses' rapid motion--deeply is my mind engaged. + Take thou then on thee the office--that my steeds be fleet of foot, + Of my horse be thou the master--hundred hundreds is thy pay:[107] + Ever shalt thou have for comrades--Varshneya and Jivala: + With these two pursue thy pleasure--Vahuca, abide with me." + Thus addressed, did Nala, honoured--by king Rituparna long, + With Varshneya in that city--and with Jivala abide: + There abode he, sadly thinking--of Vidarbha's daughter still. + In the evening, every evening--uttered he this single verse; + "Where is she, by thirst and hunger--worn, and weary, pious still, + Thinking of her unwise husband--in whose presence is she now!" + Thus the raja, ever speaking--Jivala one night addressed; + "Who is she, for whom thou grievest?--Vahuca, I fain would hear." + [108]Answered thus the royal Nala--"To a man of sense bereft, + Once belonged a peerless lady--most infirm of word was he; + From some cause from her dissevered--went that frantic man away, + In his foolish soul thus parted--wanders he, by sorrow racked; + Night and day, and still for ever--by his parching grief consumed: + Nightly brooding o'er his sorrows--sings he this sad single verse. + O'er the whole wide earth a wanderer--chance-alighting in some place, + Dwells that woful man, unworthy,--ever wakeful with his grief. + Him that noble lady following--in the forest lone and dread, + Lives, of that bad man forsaken--hard it is to say, she lives! + Lone, and young, the ways unknowing--undeserving of such fate, + Pines she there with thirst and hunger--hard it is to say, she lives. + In that vast and awful forest--haunted by fierce beasts of prey, + By her lord she roams forsaken--hapless, by that luckless lord." + Thus remembering Damayanti--did Nishadha's king unknown, + Long within that dwelling sojourn--in the palace of the king. + + + + +BOOK XVI. + + + Nala thus bereft of kingdom--with his wife to slavery sunk, + Forth king Bhima sent the Brahmins--Nala through the world to seek. + Thus the royal Bhima charged them--with abundant wealth supplied:-- + "Go ye now and seek king Nala--Damayanti seek, my child: + And, achieved this weighty business--found Nishadha's royal lord, + Whosoe'er shall hither bring them--shall a thousand kine receive; + And a royal grant for maintenance[109]--of a village like a town. + If nor hither Damayanti--nor king Nala may be brought, + Know we where they are, rich guerdon--still we give, ten hundred kine." + Thus addressed, the joyful Brahmins--went to every clime of earth, + Through the cities, through the kingdoms--seeking Nala and his queen: + Nala, or king Bhima's daughter--in no place might they behold. + Then a Brahmin, named Sudeva--came to pleasant Chedi-pur; + There within the kingly palace--he Vidarbha's daughter saw, + Standing with the fair Sunanda--on a royal holiday.[110] + With her beauty once so peerless--worthy now of little praise, + Like the sun-light feebly shining--through the dimness of a cloud. + Gazing on the large-eyed princess--dull in look, and wasted still, + Lo, he thought, king Bhima's daughter--pondering thus within his mind.-- + + SUDEVA _spake_. + + "Even as once I wont to see her--such is yonder woman's form, + I my work have done, beholding--like the goddess world-adored, + Like the full moon, darkly beauteous--with her fair and swelling breasts, + Her, the queen, that with her brightness--makes each clime devoid of gloom, + With her lotus eyes expanding--like Manmatha's queen divine;[111] + Like the moonlight in its fulness--the desire of all the world. + From Vidarbha's pleasant waters--her by cruel fate plucked up, + [112]Like a lotus flower uprooted--with the mire and dirt around: + Like the pallid night, when Rahu[113]--swallows up the darkened moon: + For her husband wan with sorrow--like a gentle stream dried up; + Like a pool, where droops the lotus--whence the affrighted birds have fled, + By the elephant's proboscis--in its quiet depths disturbed. + Tender, soft-limbed, in a palace--fit, of precious stones, to dwell. + Like the lotus stem, uprooted--parched and withered by the sun. + Fair in form, in soul as generous--worthy of all bliss, unbless'd, + Like the young moon's slender crescent--in the heavens by dark clouds + veiled. + Widowed now of all love's pleasures--of her noble kin despoiled, + Wretched, bearing life, her husband--in her hope again to see. + To the unadorned, a husband[114]--is the chiefest ornament; + Of her husband if forsaken--she in splendour is not bright. + Difficult must be the trial--does king Nala, reft of her, + Still retain his wretched body--nor with sorrow pine away? + Her with her dark flowing tresses--with her long and lotus eyes, + Worthy of all joy, thus joyless--as I see, my soul is wrung. + To the furthest shore of sorrow--when will pass this beauteous queen? + To her husband reunited--as the moon's bride[115] to the moon? + Her recovering shall king Nala--to his happiness return, + King, albeit despoiled of kingdom--he his realm shall reassume; + In their age and virtues equal--equal in their noble race, + He alone of her is worthy--worthy she alone of him. + Me beseems it of that peerless--of that brave and prudent king, + To console the loyal consort--pining for her husband's sight. + Her will I address with comfort--with her moonlike glowing face. + Her with woe once unacquainted--woful now and lost in thought." + Thus when he had gazed and noted--all her marks, her features well, + To the daughter of king Bhima--thus the sage Sudeva spake: + "I am named Sudeva, lady--I, thy brother's chosen friend, + By king Bhima's royal mandate--hither come in search of thee. + Well thy sire, thy royal mother--well thy noble brethren fare, + And well fare those little infants--well and happy are they both. + For thy sake thy countless kindred--sit as though of sense bereft: + Seeking thee a hundred Brahmins--now are wandering o'er the earth." + She no sooner knew Sudeva--Damayanti, of her kin, + Many a question asked in order--and of every friend beloved. + And the daughter of Vidarbha--freely wept, so sudden thus + On Sudeva, best of Brahmins--gazing, on her brother's friend. + Her beheld the young Sunanda--weeping, wasted with distress, + As she thus her secret converse--with the wise Sudeva held. + Thus she spake unto her mother--"Lo, how fast our handmaid weeps, + Since her meeting with the Brahmin--who she is, thou now may'st know." + Forth the king of Chedi's mother--from the inner chamber went, + And she passed where with the Brahmin--that mysterious woman stood. + Them the mother queen Sudeva--bade before her presence stand; + And she asked, "Whose wife, whose daughter--may this noble stranger be? + From her kindred how dissevered--from her husband, the soft-eyed? + Is she known to thee, O Brahmin--canst thou tell from whence she came? + This I fain would hear, and clearly--all her strange and wonderous tale. + Tell me all that hath befallen--to this heaven-formed, plainly tell." + Best of Brahmins, thus Sudeva--by the mother queen addressed, + All the truth of Damayanti--sitting at his ease, declared. + + + + +BOOK XVII. + + + "In Vidarbha the just monarch--Bhima, in his glory dwells. + Of that king is she the daughter--Damayanti is her name; + And the raja of Nishadha--Nala, Virasena's son, + Of that king is she the consort--Punyasloka named, the Wise. + Him in play his brother worsted--spoiled of realm the king of earth: + He set forth with Damayanti--whither is unknown of men. + For the sake of Damayanti--wander we about the earth; + Till I found yon noble woman--in the palace of your son. + Like to her of mortal women--is there none, her beauty's peer; + In the midst, between her eyebrows--from her birth a lovely mole, + Dark was seen, and like a lotus--that hath vanished from my sight, + Covered over with defilement--like the moon behind a cloud. + This soft mark of perfect beauty--fashioned thus by Brahma's self, + As at change the moon's thin crescent--only dim and faintly gleams. + Yet her beauty is not faded--clouded o'er with toil and mire + Though she be, it shines apparent, like the native unwrought gold. + With that beauteous form yon woman--gifted with that lovely mole, + Instant knew I for the Princess--as the heat betrays the fire." + + VRIHADASVA _spake_. + + To Sudeva as she listened--uttering thus his strange discourse: + All the dust that mole concealing--young Sunanda washed away. + By the obscuring dust unclouded--shining out that mole appeared; + On the brow of Damayanti--like the unclouded moon in heaven. + Gazing on that mole, Sunanda--and the mother of the king, + Wept as fondly they embraced her--and an instant silent stood. + Then her tears awhile suppressing--thus the royal mother spake: + "Thou art mine own sister's daughter--by that beauteous mole made known; + I, Oh beauteous, and thy mother--of that lofty-minded king, + Are the daughters, king Sudaman--he that in Dasarna[116] reigns; + She was wedded to king Bhima--and to Viravahu I. + In my fathers home, Dasarna--once I saw thee, newly born. + As to me thy father's lineage--is akin, so mine to thee; + Whatsoe'er my power commandeth--Damayanti, all is thine." + To the queen did Damayanti--in the gladness of her heart, + Having bowed in courteous homage--to her mother's sister, speak: + "While unknown I might continue--gladly dwelt I here with thee; + Every want supplied on th' instant--guarded by thy gentle care. + Yet than even this pleasant dwelling--a more pleasant may there be; + Long a banished woman, mother!--give me leave from hence to part, + Thither where my infant children--dwell my tender little ones, + Orphaned of their sire, in sorrow--orphaned, ah, how long of me! + If thou yet wilt grant a favour--o'er all other favours dear, + To Vidarbha would I journey--quick the palanquin command." + "Be it so," her mother's sister--joyful, instant made reply. + Guarded by a mighty army--with th' approval of her son, + Sent the queen, that happy lady--in a palanquin, by men + Borne aloft, and well provided--with all raiment, drink, and food. + Thus the princess to Vidarbha--after brief delay returned. + Her her whole assembled kindred--welcomed home with pride and joy, + All in health she found her kinsmen-and that lovely infant pair, + With her mother, with her father--and her sister troop of friends. + To the gods she paid her worship--to the Brahmins in her joy; + So the queenly Damayanti--all in noblest guise performed. + And her royal sire Sudeva--with the thousand kine made glad, + Joyous to behold his daughter,--with a village and much wealth. + There, when in her father's palace--she the quiet night had passed, + In these words the noble lady--to her mother gan to speak: + "If in life thou would'st preserve me--mother, hear the truth I speak; + Home to bring the hero Nala--be it now thy chiefest toil." + Thus addressed by Damayanti--very sorrowful the queen + Clouded all her face with weeping--not a word in answer spake. + But the princess, thus afflicted--when the female train beheld, + "Woe! oh woe!" they shrieked together--all in pitying sadness wept. + To the mighty raja Bhima--did the queen that speech relate. + "'Damayanti, Lo thy daughter--for her husband sits and mourns.' + Breaking through all bashful silence--thus, oh king, to me she spake: + 'Be it now thy servants' business--to find out the king of men.'" + Urged by her the king his Brahmins--to his will obedient all, + Sent around to every region--"Be your care the king to find." + Then those Brahmins at the mandate--of Vidarbha's royal lord, + First drew near to Damayanti--"Lo, now set we forth," they said. + Then to them spake Bhima's daughter--"In all realms be this your speech, + Wheresoever men assemble--this repeat again, again: + Whither went'st thou then, oh gamester!--half my garment severing off, + Leaving me within the forest--all forsaken, thy beloved. + Even as thou commandedst, sits she--sadly waiting thy return. + Parched with sorrow sits that woman--in her scant half garment glad. + Oh to her thus ever weeping--in the extreme of her distress, + Grant thy pity, noble hero--answer to her earnest prayer. + Be this also said, to move him--to compassionate my state, + (By the wind within the forest--fanned, intensely burns the fire).[117] + Ever by her consort cherished--and sustained the wife should be. + Why hast thou forgot that maxim--thou in every duty skilled. + Thou wert ever called the generous--thou the gentle and the wise. + Art thou now estranged from pity--through my sad injurious fate. + Prince of men, O grant thy pity--grant it, lord of men, to me; + 'Mercy is the chief of duties,'--oft from thine own lips I've heard. + Thus as ye are ever speaking--should there any one reply, + Mark him well, lest he be Nala--who he is, and where he dwells. + He who to this speech hath listened--and hath thus his answer made, + Be his words, O best of Brahmins--treasured and brought home to me, + Lest he haply should discover--that by my command ye speak, + That again ye may approach him--do ye this without delay. + Whether he be of the wealthy--whether of the poor he be; + Be he covetous of riches--learn ye all he would desire." + Thus addressed, went forth the Brahmins--to the realms on every side, + Seeking out the royal Nala--in his dark concealed distress. + They through royal cities, hamlets--pastoral dwellings, hermits' cells, + Nala every-where went seeking--yet those Brahmins found him not. + All in every part went speaking--in the language they were taught; + In the words of Damayanti--spake they in the ears of men. + + + + +BOOK XVIII. + + + Long the time that passed, a Brahmin--wise Parnada was his name, + Home returning to the city--thus to Bhima's daughter spake: + "Damayanti! royal Nala--as I sought Nishadha's king, + Came I to Ayodhya's city--the Bhangasuri's abode. + Stood before me, eager listening--to the words thou bad'st us speak, + He, the prosperous Rituparna--all excelling! such his name. + Thus as spake I, answered nothing--Rituparna, king of men; + Nor of all that full assemblage--more than once addressed by me. + By the king dismissed, when sate I--in a solitary place, + One of Rituparna's household--Vahuca, his name, drew near, + Charioteer of that great raja--with short arms and all deformed, + Skilled to drive the rapid chariot--skilled the viands to prepare. + He, when much he'd groaned in anguish--and had wept again, again, + First his courteous salutation--made, then spake in words like these: + Even in the extreme of misery--noble women still preserve, + Over their ownselves the mastery--by their virtues winning heaven; + Of their faithless lords abandoned--anger feel not even then. + In the breastplate of their virtue--noble women live unharmed. + By the wretched, by the senseless--by the lost to every joy, + She by such a lord forsaken--yet to anger will not yield. + Against him his sustenance seeking--of his robe by birds despoiled, + Him consumed with utmost misery--still no wrath the dark-hued feels; + Treated well, or ill entreated--when her husband she beholds, + Spoiled of bliss, bereft of kingdom--famine-wasted, worn with woe. + Having heard the stranger's language--hither hasted I to come. + Thou hast heard, be thine the judgment--to the king relate thou all." + To Parnada having listened--with her eyes o'erflowed with tears, + Secretly went Damayanti--and her mother thus addressed: + "Let not what I speak to Bhima--O my mother, be made known-- + In thy presence to Sudeva--best of Brahmins, I would speak. + Let not this my secret counsel--to king Bhima be disclosed; + This the object we must compass--if thy daughter thou wouldst please, + As myself was to my kindred--swiftly by Sudeva brought, + With the same good fortune swiftly--may Sudeva part from hence, + Home to bring the royal Nala--mother, to Ayodhya's town." + Resting from his toil, Parnada--of the Brahmin race the best, + Did the daughter of Vidarbha--honour, and with wealth reward. + "Brahmin! home if come my Nala--richer guerdon will I give; + Much hast thou achieved, and wisely--so as none but thou has done. + That again with my lost husband--noblest Brahmin, I may meet." + Thus addressed, his grateful homage--and his benedictions paid, + Having thus achieved his mission--home the wise Parnada went. + Then accosting good Sudeva--Damayanti thus began, + And before her mother's presence--in her pain and grief she spake: + "Go, Sudeva, to the city--where Ayodhya's raja dwells, + Speak thou thus to Rituparna--Come, as of thine own accord. + Once again her Swayembara--does king Bhima's daughter hold; + Damayanti, thither hasten--all the kings and sons of kings; + Closely now the time is reckoned--when to-morrow's dawn appears; + If that thou would'st win the Princess--speed thou, tamer of thy foes. + When the sun is in his rising--she a second lord will choose: + Whether lives or is not living--royal Nala, no one knows." + Thus, as he received his mission--hastening to the king, he spake, + To the royal Rituparna--spake Sudeva, in these words. + + + + +BOOK XIX. + + + Hearing thus Sudeva's language--Rituparna, king of men + With a gentle voice and blandly--thus to Vahuca began. + "Where the princess Damayanti--doth her Swayembara hold + In one day to far Vidarbha--Vahuca, I fain would go." + In these words the unknown Nala--by his royal lord addressed + All his heart was torn with anguish--thus the lofty-minded thought-- + "Can she speak thus, Damayanti--thus with sorrow frantic act? + Is't a stratagem thus subtly--for my sake devised and plann'd? + To desire this deed unholy[118]--is that holy princess driven + Wrong'd by me, her basest husband--miserable, mind-estranged! + Fickle is the heart of woman--grievous too is my offence! + Hence she thus might act ignobly--in her exile, reft of friends, + Soul-disturbed by her great sorrow--in the excess of her despair. + No! she could not thus have acted--she with noble offspring blest. + Where the truth, and where the falsehood--setting forth, I best shall judge, + I the will of Rituparna--for mine own sake, will obey." + Thus within his mind revolving--Vahuca, his wretched mind, + With his folded hands addressed he--Rituparna, king of men: + "I thy mandate will accomplish--I will go, O king of men, + In a single day, O raja--to Vidarbha's royal town." + Vahuca of all the coursers--did a close inspection make + Entering in the royal stable--by Bhangasuri's command. + Ever urged by Rituparna--Vahuca, in horses skilled, + Long within himself debating--which the fleetest steeds to choose, + He approached four slender coursers--fit, and powerful for the road, + Blending mighty strength with fleetness--high in courage and in blood; + Free from all the well-known vices--broad of nostril--large of jaw; + With the ten good marks distinguished[119]--born in Sindhu[120]--fleet as + wind. + As he gazed upon those coursers--spoke the king, almost in wrath: + "Is then thus fulfilled our mandate?--think not to deceive us so. + How will these my coursers bear us--slight in strength and slightly + breathed-- + How can such a way be travelled--and so long, by steeds like these?"-- + + VAHUCA _spake_. + + "Two on th' head, one on the forehead--two and two on either flank-- + Two, behold, the chest discloses--and upon the crupper one-- + These the horses to Vidharba--that will bear us, doubt not thou; + Yet, if others thou preferest--speak, and I will yoke them straight." + + RITUPARNA _spake_. + + "In the knowledge thou of horses--Vahuca, hast matchless skill; + Whichso'er thou think'st the fittest--harness thou without delay." + + * * * * * + + Then those four excelling horses--nobly bred--of courage high, + In their harness to the chariot--did the skilful Nala yoke.-- + To the chariot yoked, as mounted--in his eager haste the king + To the earth those best of horses--bowed their knees and stooped them down. + Then the noblest of all heroes--Nala, with a soothing voice, + Spake unto those horses, gifted--both with fleetness and with strength. + Up the reins when he had gathered--he the charioteer bade mount, + First, Varshneya, skilled in driving--at full speed then set he forth. + Urged by Vahuca, those coursers--to the utmost of their speed, + All at once in th' air sprung upward--as the driver to unseat. + Then, as he beheld those horses--bearing him as fleet as wind, + Did the monarch of Ayodhya--in his silent wonder sit. + When the rattling of the chariot--when the guiding of the reins, + When of Vahuca the science--saw he, thus Varshneya thought: + "Is it Matali,[121] the chariot--of the king of heaven that drives? + Lo, in Vahuca each virtue--of that godlike charioteer! + Is it Salihotra skilful--in the race, the strength of steeds, + That hath ta'en a human body--thus all-glorious to behold? + Is't, or can it be, king Nala--conqueror of his foemen's realms? + Is the lord of men before us?"--thus within himself he thought. + "If the skill possessed by Nala--Vahuca possesseth too, + Lo, of Vahuca the knowledge--and of Nala equal seems; + And of Vahuca and Nala--thus alike the age should be. + If 'tis not the noble Nala--it is one of equal skill. + Mighty ones, disguised, are wandering--in the precincts of this earth. + They, divine by inborn nature--but in earthly forms concealed. + His deformity of body--that my judgment still confounds; + Yet that proof alone is wanting--what shall then my judgment be? + In their age they still are equal--though unlike that form misshaped, + Nala gifted with all virtues--Vahuca I needs must deem." + Thus the charioteer Varshneya--sate debating in his mind; + Much, and much again he pondered--in the silence of his thought. + But the royal Rituparna--Vahuca's surpassing skill, + With the charioteer Varshneya--sate admiring, and rejoiced. + In the guiding of the coursers--his attentive hand he watched, + Wondered at his skill, consummate--in consummate joy himself. + + + + +BOOK XX. + + + Over rivers, over mountains--through the forests, over lakes, + Fleetly passed they, rapid gliding--like a bird along the air. + As the chariot swiftly travelled--lo, Bhangasuri the king + Saw his upper garment fallen--from the lofty chariot seat; + Though in urgent haste, no sooner--he his fallen mantle saw, + Than the king exclaimed to Nala--"Pause, and let us take it up: + Check, an instant, mighty-minded!--check thy fiery-footed steeds, + While Varshneya, swift dismounting--bears me back my fallen robe." + Nala answered, "Far behind us--doth thy fallen garment lie; + Ten miles,[122] lo, it lies behind us--turn we not, to gain it, back." + Answered thus by noble Nala--then Bhangasuri the king, + Bowed with fruit, within the forest--saw a tall Vibhitak[123] tree: + Gazing on that tree, the raja--spake to Vahuca in haste, + "Now, O charioteer, in numbers, thou shalt see my passing skill. + Each one knows not every science--none there is that all things knows: + Perfect skill in every knowledge--in one mind there may not be. + On yon tree are leaves how many?--Vahuca, how many fruit? + Say, how many are there fallen?--one above a hundred, there. + One leaf is there 'bove a hundred--and one fruit, O Vahuca! + And of leaves are five ten millions[124]--hanging on those branches two. + Those two branches if thou gather--and the twigs that on them grow, + On those two are fruits two thousand--and a hundred, less by five." + Then, when he had check'd the chariot--answered Vahuca the king, + "What thou speakest, to mine eyesight--all invisible appears; + Visible I'll make it, counting--on yon boughs the leaves and fruit: + Then, when we have strictly numbered--I mistrust mine eyes no more. + In thy presence, king, I'll number--yonder tall Vibhitak-tree. + Whether it may be, or may not--this not done, I cannot know. + I will number, thou beholding--all its fruits, O king of men, + But an instant let Varshneya--hold the bridles of the steeds." + To the charioteer the raja--answered, "Time is none to stay." + Vahuca replied, all eager--his own purpose to fulfil, + "Either stay thou here an instant--or go onward in thy speed, + With the charioteer Varshneya--go, for straight the road before." + Answered him king Rituparna--with a bland and soothing voice: + "Charioteer! on earth thine equal--Vahuca, there may not be; + By thy guidance, skilled in horses!--to Vidarbha I would go: + I in thee have placed reliance--interrupt not then our course: + Willingly will I obey thee--Vahuca, in what thou ask'st, + If this day we reach Vidarbha--ere the sun hath sunk in night." + Vahuca replied, "No sooner--have I numbered yonder fruit, + To Vidarbha will I hasten--grant me then my prayer, O king." + Then the raja, all reluctant--"Stay then, and begin to count; + Of one branch one part, O blameless--from the tall Vibhitak tree, + Man of truth, begin to number--and make glad thine inmost heart." + From the chariot quick alighting--Nala tore the branch away. + Then, his soul possess'd with wonder--to the raja thus he said; + "Having counted, an thou sawest--even so many fruits there are, + Marvellous thy power, O monarch--by mine eyes beheld and proved, + Of that wonder-working science--fain the secret would I hear." + Then the raja spake in answer--eager to pursue his way, + "I of dice possess the science--and in numbers thus am skilled." + Vahuca replied; "That science--if to me thou wilt impart, + In return, O king, receive thou--my surpassing skill in steeds." + Then the raja Rituparna--by his pressing need induced, + Eager for that skill in horses--"Be it so," thus 'gan to say; + "Well, O Vahuca, thou speakest--thou my skill in dice receive, + And of steeds thy wondrous knowledge--be to me a meet return." + Rituparna, all his science--saying this, to Nala gave. + Soon as he in dice grew skilful--Kali from his body passed: + He Karkotaka's foul poison--vomiting from out his mouth, + Went from forth his body Kali[125]--tortured by that fiery curse. + Nala, wasted by that conflict--came not instant to himself, + But, released from that dread venom--Kali his own form resumed: + And Nishadha's monarch, Nala--fain would curse him in his ire. + Him addressed the fearful Kali--trembling, and with folded hands; + "Lord of men, restrain thine anger--I will give thee matchless fame; + Indrasena's wrathful mother--laid on me her fatal curse,[126] + When by thee she was deserted--since that time, O king of men, + I have dwelt in thee in anguish--in the ecstacy of pain. + By the King of Serpents' poison--I have burned by night, by day; + To thy mercy now for refuge--flee I, hear my speech, O king: + Wheresoe'er men, unforgetful--through the world shall laud thy name, + Shall the awful dread of Kali[126]--never in their soul abide. + If thou wilt not curse me, trembling--and to thee for refuge fled." + Thus addressed, the royal Nala--all his rising wrath suppressed, + And the fearful Kali entered--in the cloven Vibhitak tree:[127] + To no eyes but those of Nala--visible, had Kali spoken. + Then the monarch of Nishadha--from his inward fever freed, + When away had vanished Kali--when the fruits he had numbered all, + Triumphing in joy unwonted--blazing in his splendour forth, + Proudly mounting on the chariot--onward urged the rapid steeds. + But that tree by Kali entered--since that time stands aye accursed. + Those fleet horses, forward flying--like to birds, again, again, + All his soul elate with transport--Nala swifter, swifter drove; + With his face towards Vidarbha--rode the raja in his pride: + And when forward Nala journeyed--Kali to his home returned. + So released from all his sufferings--Nala went, the king of men, + Dispossessed by Kali, wanting--only now his proper form. + + + + +BOOK XXI. + + + With the evening in Vidarbha--men at watch, as they drew near, + Mighty Rituparna's coming--to king Bhima did proclaim. + Then that king, by Bhima's mandate--entered in Kundina's walls, + All the region round him echoing[128]--with the thunders of his car. + But the echoing of that chariot--when king Nala's horses heard, + In their joy they pawed and trampled[129]--even as Nala's self were there. + Damayanti, too, the rushing--of king Nala's chariot heard. + As a cloud that hoarsely thunders--at the coming of the rains. + All her heart was thrilled with wonder--at that old familiar sound. + On they seemed to come, as Nala--drove of yore his trampling steeds: + Like it seemed to Bhima's daughter--and e'en so to Nala's steeds. + On the palace roofs the peacocks--th' elephants within their stalls, + And the horses heard the rolling--of the mighty monarch's car. + Elephants and peacocks hearing--the fleet chariot rattling on, + Up they raised their necks and clamoured--as at sound of coming rain.[130] + + DAMAYANTI _spake_. + + "How the rolling of yon chariot--filling, as it seems, th' earth, + Thrills my soul with unknown transport--it is Nala, king of men. + If this day I see not Nala--with his glowing moonlike face, + Him, the king with countless virtues--I shall perish without doubt. + If this day within th' embraces--of that hero's clasping arms, + I the gentle pressure feel not--without doubt I shall not live. + If 'tis not, like cloud of thunder--he that comes, Nishadha's king, + I this day the fire will enter--burning like the hue of gold. + In his might like the strong lion--like the raging elephant, + Comes he not, the prince of princes--I shall perish without doubt. + Not a falsehood I remember--I remember no offence; + Not an idle word remember--in his noble converse free. + Lofty, patient, like a hero--liberal beyond all kings, + Nought ignoble, as the eunuch--even in private, may he do. + As I think upon his virtues--as I think by day, by night, + All my heart is rent with anguish--widowed of in own beloved." + Thus lamenting, she ascended--as with frenzied mind possessed, + To the palace roof's high terrace--to behold the king of men. + In the middle court high seated--in the car, the lord of earth, + Rituparna with Varshneya--and with Vahuca she saw, + When Varshneya from that chariot--and when Vahuca came down, + He let loose those noble coursers--and he stopped the glowing car. + From that chariot-seat descended--Rituparna, king of men, + To the noble monarch Bhima--he drew near, for strength renowned. + Him received with highest honour--Bhima, for without due cause, + Deemed not he, the mighty raja--with such urgent speed had come. + "Wherefore com'st thou! hail and welcome"--thus that gracious king enquires; + For his daughter's sake he knew not--that the lord of men had come. + But the raja Rituparna--great in wisdom as in might, + When nor king within the palace--nor king's son he could behold, + Nor of Swayembara heard he--nor assembled Brahmins saw. + Thus within his mind deep pondering--spoke of Kosala the lord. + "Hither, O majestic Bhima--to salute thee am I come." + But king Bhima smiled in secret--as he thought within his mind, + "What the cause of this far journey--of a hundred Yojanas. + Passing through so many cities--for this cause he set not forth; + For this cause of little moment--to our court he hath not come: + What the real cause, hereafter--haply I may chance to know." + After royal entertainment--then the king his guest dismissed: + "Take then thy repose," thus said he--"weary of thy journey, rest." + He refreshed, with courteous homage--of that courteous king took leave, + Ushered by the royal servants--to th' appointed chamber went: + There retired king Rituparna--with Varshneya in his suite. + Vahuca, meantime, the chariot--to the chariot-house had led, + There the coursers he unharnessed--skilfully he dressed them there, + And with gentle words caressed them--on the chariot seat sate down. + But the woeful Damayanti--when Bhangasuri she'd seen, + And the charioteer Varshneya--and the seeming Vahuca, + Thought within Vidarbha's princess--"Whose was that fleet chariot's sound? + Such it seems as noble Nala's--yet no Nala do I see. + Hath the charioteer Varshneya--Nala's noble science learned? + Therefore did the thundering chariot--sound as driven by Nala's self? + Or may royal Rituparna--like the skilful Nala drive, + Therefore did the rolling chariot--seem as of Nishadha's king?" + Thus when Damayanti pondered--in the silence of her soul, + Sent she then her beauteous handmaid--to that king her messenger. + + + + +BOOK XXII. + + + DAMAYANTI _spake_. + + "Go, Kesinia, go, enquire thou--who is yonder charioteer, + On the chariot seat reposing--all deformed, with arms so short? + Blessed maid, approach, and courteous--open thou thy bland discourse: + Undespis'd, ask thou thy question--and the truth let him reply. + Much and sorely do I doubt me--whether Nala it may be, + As my bosom's rapture augurs--as the gladness of my heart. + Speak thou, ere thou close the converse--even as good Parnada spake + And his answer, slender-waisted--undespis'd, remember thou." + Then to Vahuca departing--went that zealous messenger, + On the palace' loftiest terrace--Damayanti sate and gazed. + + KESINIA _spake_. + + "Happy omen mark thy coming--I salute thee, king of men: + Of the princess Damayanti--hear, O lord of men, the speech: + 'From what region came ye hither--with what purpose are ye come?' + Answer thou, as may beseem you--so Vidarbha's princess wills." + + VAHUCA _spake_. + + "Soon a second Swayembara, heard the king of Kosala, + Damayanti holds: to-morrow--will it be, the Brahmin said: + Hearing this, with fleetest coursers--that a hundred yojanas' speed, + Set he forth, the wind less rapid,--and his charioteer am I." + + KESINIA _spake_. + + "Who the third that journeys with you--who is he, and what his race? + Of what race art thou? this office--wherefore dost thou undertake!" + + VAHUCA _spake_. + + "'Tis the far-renowned Varshneya--Punyasloka's charioteer: + He, when Nala fled an exile--to Bhangasuri retired. + Skilful I in taming horses--and a famous charioteer. + Rituparna's chosen driver--dresser of his food am I." + + KESINIA _spake_. + + "Knows the charioteer Varshneya--whither royal Nala went? + Of his fortune hath he told thee--Vahuca, what hath he said?" + + VAHUCA _spake_. + + "He of the unhappy Nala--safe the children borne away, + Wheresoe'er he would, departed--of king Nala knows he nought: + Nothing of Nishadha's raja--fair one! living man doth know. + Through the world, concealed, he wanders--having lost his proper form. + Only Nala's self of Nala--knows, and his own inward soul, + Of himself to living mortal--Nala will no sign betray." + + KESINIA _spake_. + + "He that to Ayodhya's city--went, the holy Brahmin first, + Of his faithful wife these sayings--uttered once and once again; + 'Whither went'st thou then, O gamester--half my garment severing off; + Leaving her within the forest--all forsaken, thy belov'd? + Even as thou commanded'st, sits she--sadly waiting thy return, + Day and night, consumed with sorrow--in her scant half garment clad. + O to her for ever weeping--in the extreme of her distress, + Grant thy pity, noble hero--answer to her earnest prayer.' + Speak again the words thou uttered'st--words of comfort to her soul, + The renowned Vidarbha's princess--fain that speech would hear again, + When the Brahmin thus had spoken--what thou answered'st back to him, + That again Vidarbha's princess--in the self-same words would hear." + + VRIHADASVA _spake_. + + Of king Nala, by the handmaid--fair Kesinia thus addressed, + All the heart was wrung with sorrow--and the eyes o'erflowed with tears. + But his anguish still suppressing--inly though consumed, the king, + With a voice half choked with weeping--thus repeated his reply. + "Even in the extreme of misery--noble women still preserve + Over their own selves the mastery--by their virtues winning heaven; + By their faithless lords abandoned--anger feel they not, e'en then; + In the breastplate of their virtue--noble women live unharmed. + By the wretched, by the senseless--by the lost to every joy, + She by such a lord forsaken--to resentment will not yield. + Against him, by hunger wasted--of his robe by birds despoiled, + Him consumed with utmost misery--still no wrath, the dark-hued feels; + Treated well, or ill-entreated--when her husband 'tis she sees, + Spoiled of bliss, bereft of kingdom--famine wasted, worn with woe." + In these words as spake king Nala--in the anguish of his heart, + Could he not refrain from weeping--his unwilling tears burst forth. + Then departing, fair Kesinia--told to Damayanti all, + All that Vahuca had spoken--all th' emotion he betrayed. + + + + +BOOK XXIII. + + + Hearing this, fair Damayanti--all abandoned to her grief. + Thinking still that he was Nala--to Kesinia spake again. + "Go, Kesinia, go, examine--Vahuca, and all his acts, + Silent take thy stand beside him--and observe whate'er he does; + Nor, Kesinia, be there given him--fire his labours to assist: + Neither be there given him water--in thy haste, at his demand: + All, when thou hast well observed him--every act to me repeat, + Every act that more than mortal--seems in Vahuca, relate." + Thus addressed by Damayanti--straight Kesinia went again, + Of the tamer of the horses--every act observed, came back; + Every act as she had seen it--she to Damayanti told: + Every more than mortal wonder--that in Vahuca appeared. + + KESINIA _spake_. + + "Very holy is he, never--mortal man, in all my life, + Have I seen, or have I heard of--Damayanti, like to him. + He drew near the lowly entrance--bowed not down his stately head; + On the instant, as it saw him--up th' expanding portal rose. + For the use of Rituparna--much and various viands came;[131] + Sent, as meet, by royal Bhima--and abundant animal food. + These to cleanse, with meet ablution--were capacious vessels brought; + As he looked on them, the vessels--stood, upon the instant, full. + Then, the meet ablutions over--Vahuca went forth, and took, + Of the withered grass a handful--held it upward to the sun: + On the instant, brightly blazing--shone the all-consuming fire. + Much I marvelled at the wonder--and in mute amazement stood; + Lo, a second greater marvel--sudden burst upon my sight! + He that blazing fire stood handling--yet unharmed, unburned, remained. + At his will flows forth the water--at his will it sinks again. + And another greater wonder--lady, did I there behold: + He the flowers which he had taken--gently moulded in his hands, + In his hands the flowers, so moulded--as with freshening life endued, + Blossomed out with richer fragrance--stood erect upon their stems: + All these marvels having noted--swiftly came I back to thee." + + DAMAYANTI _spake_. + + Damayanti when these wonders--of the king of men she heard, + Thought yet more king Nala present--thought her utmost wish achieved. + Deeming still her royal consort--in the form of Vahuca, + With a gentle voice and weeping--to Kesinia spake again: + "Go, again, Kesinia, secret--and by Vahuca unseen, + Of those viands bring a portion--by his skilful hand prepared:" + She to Vahuca approaching--unperceived stole soft away + Of the well-cooked meat a morsel--warm she bore it in her haste, + And to Damayanti gave it--fair Kesinia, undelayed. + Of the food prepared by Nala--well the flavour did she know; + Tasting it she shrieked in transport--"Nala is yon charioteer." + Trying then a new emotion--of her mouth ablution made:[132] + She her pair of infant children--with Kesinia sent to him. + Soon as he young Indrasena--and her little brother saw, + Up he sprang, his arms wound round them--to his bosom folding both; + When he gazed upon the children--like the children of the gods, + All his heart o'erflowed with pity--and unwilling tears broke forth. + Yet Nishadha's lord perceiving--she his strong emotion marked, + From his hold released the children--to Kesinia speaking thus: + "Oh! so like mine own twin children--was yon lovely infant pair, + Seeing them thus unexpected--have I broken out in tears: + If so oft thou comest hither--men some evil will suspect, + We within this land are strangers--beauteous maiden, part in peace." + + + + +BOOK XXIV. + + + Seeing the profound emotion--of that wisest king of men, + Passing back in haste, Kesinia--told to Damayanti all: + Then again did Damayanti--mission to Kesinia give, + To approach her royal mother--in her haste her lord to see. + "Vahuca we've watched most closely--Nala we suspect him still; + Only from his form we doubt him--this myself would fain behold. + Cause him enter here, my mother--to my wishes condescend; + Known or unknown to my father--let it be decided now." + By that handmaid thus accosted--then the queen to Bhima told + All his daughter's secret counsel--and the raja gave assent. + Instant from her sire the princess--from her mother leave obtained, + Bade them make king Nala enter--in the chamber where she dwelt. + Sudden as he gazed upon her--upon Damayanti gazed, + Nala, he was seized with anguish--and with tears his eyes o'erflowed. + And when Damayanti gazed on--Nala, thus approaching near, + With an agonizing sorrow--was the noble lady seized. + Clad, then, in a scarlet mantle--hair dishevelled, mire-defiled,[133] + Unto Vahuca this language--Damayanti thus addressed: + "Vahuca beheld'st thou ever--an upright and noble man, + Who departed and abandoned--in the wood, his sleeping wife? + The beloved wife, and blameless--in the wild wood, worn with grief? + Who was he who thus forsook her?--who but Nala, king of men? + To the lord of earth, from folly--what offence can I have given? + That he fled, within the forest--leaving me, by sleep oppressed? + Openly, the gods rejected--was he chosen by me, my lord: + Could he leave the true, the loving--her that hath his children borne! + By the nuptial fire, in presence--of the gods, he clasped my hand, + 'I will be,'[134] this truth he plighted--whither did he then depart?" + While all this in broken accents--sadly Damayanti spoke, + From her eyes the drops of sorrow--flowed in copious torrents down. + Those dark eyes, with vermeil corners--thus with trembling moisture dewed, + When king Nala saw, and gazed on--to the sorrowful he spake. + "Gaming that I lost my kingdom--'twas not mine own guilty deed, + It was Kali wrought within me--hence it was I fled from thee; + Therefore he, in th' hour of trial--smitten by thy scathing curse, + In the wild wood as thou wanderest--grieving night and day for me, + Kali dwelt within my body--burning with thy powerful curse, + Ever burning, fiercer, hotter--as when fire is heaped on fire. + He, by my religious patience--my devotion, now subdued, + Lo! the end of all our sorrows--beautiful! is now at hand. + I, the evil one departed, hither have made haste to come; + For thy sake, O round-limbed! only;--other business have I none. + Yet, O how may high-born woman--from her vowed, her plighted lord, + Swerving, choose another husband--even as thou, O trembler, would'st? + Over all the earth the heralds--travel by the kings command, + 'Now the daughter of king Bhima--will a second husband choose, + 'Free from every tie, as wills she--as her fancy may beseem,' + Hearing this, came hither speeding--king Bhangasuri in haste." + Damayanti, when from Nala--heard she this his grievous charge, + With her folded hands, and trembling--thus to Nala made reply: + "Do not me, O noble-minded--of such shameless guilt suspect, + Thou, when I the gods rejected--Nala, wert my chosen lord. + Only thee to find, the Brahmins--went to the ten regions forth, + Chaunting to their holy measures--but the words that I had taught. + Then that Brahmin wise, Parnada--such the name he bears, O king, + Thee in Kosala, the palace--of king Rituparna saw. + There to thee, my words addressed he--answer there from thee received. + I this subtle wile imagined--king of men, to bring thee here. + Since, beside thyself, no mortal--in the world, within the day, + Could drive on the fleetest coursers--for a hundred Yojanas. + To attest this truth, O monarch!--thus I touch thy sacred feet; + Even in heart have I committed--never evil thought 'gainst thee. + He through all the world that wanders--witness the all-seeing wind,[135] + Let him now of life bereave me--if in this 'gainst thee I've sinned: + And the sun that moveth ever--over all the world, on high, + Let him now of life bereave me--if in this 'gainst thee I've sinned. + Witness, too, the moon that permeates--every being's inmost thought; + Let her too of life bereave me--if in this 'gainst thee I've sinned. + These three gods are they that govern--these three worlds, so let them + speak; + This my sacred truth attest they--or this day abandon me." + Thus adjured, a solemn witness--spake the wind from out the air; + "She hath done or thought no evil--Nala, 'tis the truth we speak: + King, the treasure of her virtue--well hath Damayanti kept, + We ourselves have seen and watched her--closely for three livelong years. + This her subtle wile she plotted--only for thy absent sake, + For beside thyself no mortal--might a hundred Yojanas drive. + Thou hast met with Bhima's daughter--Bhima's daughter meets with thee, + Cast away all jealous scruple--to thy bosom take thy wife." + Even as thus the wind was speaking--flowers fell showering all + around:[136] + And the gods sweet music sounded--on the zephyr floating light. + As on this surpassing wonder--royal Nala stood and gazed, + Of the blameless Damayanti--melted all his jealous doubts. + Then by dust all undefiled--he the heavenly vest put on, + Thought upon the King of Serpents--and his proper form resumed. + In his own proud form her husband--Bhima's royal daughter saw, + Loud she shrieked, the undespised--and embraced the king of men. + Bhima's daughter, too, king Nala--shining glorious as of old, + Clasped unto his heart, and fondled--gently that sweet infant pair. + Then her face upon his bosom--as the lovely princess laid, + In her calm and gentle sorrow--softly sighed the long-eyed queen: + He, that form still mire-defiled--as he clasped with smile serene, + Long the king of men stood silent--in the ecstacy of woe. + All the tale of Damayanti--and of Nala all the tale, + To king Bhima in her transport--told Vidarbha's mother-queen. + Then replied that mighty monarch--"Nala, his ablutions done, + Thus rejoined to Damayanti--I to-morrow will behold." + + VRIHADASVA _spake_. + + They the livelong night together--slow related, each to each, + All their wanderings in the forest--and each wild adventure strange. + In king Bhima's royal palace--studying each the other's bliss, + With glad hearts, Vidarbha's princess--and the kingly Nala dwelt. + In their fourth year of divorcement--reunited to his wife, + Richly fraught with every blessing--at the height of joy he stood. + Damayanti too re-wedded--still increasing in her bliss, + Like as the glad earth to water--opens its half-budding fruits, + She of weariness unconscious,--soothed each grief, and full each joy, + Every wish fulfilled, shone brightly--as the night, when high the moon. + + + + +BOOK XXV. + + + When that night was passed and over--Nala, that high-gifted king, + Wedded to Vidarbha's daughter--in fit hour her sire beheld. + Humbly Nala paid his homage--to the father of his queen, + Reverently did Damayanti--pay her homage to her sire. + Him received the royal Bhima--as his son, with highest joy, + Honoured, as became him, nobly:--then consoled that monarch wise + Damayanti, to king Nala--reconciled, the faithful wife. + Royal Nala, all these honours--as his homage meet, received; + And in fitting terms, devotion--to his royal sire declared. + Mighty then, through all the city--ran the wakening sound of joy; + All in every street exulting--at king Nala's safe return. + All the city with their banners--and with garlands decked they forth. + All the royal streets, well watered--and with stainless flowers were strewn; + And from door to door the garlands--of festooning flowers were hung; + And of all the gods the altars--were with fitting rites adorned. + Rituparna heard of Nala--in the form of Vahuca, + Now re-wed, to Damayanti--and the king of men rejoiced. + To the king, before his presence--Nala courteous made excuse. + In his turn Ayodhya's monarch--in like courteous language spake. + He, received thus hospitably--wondering to Nishadha's king, + "Bliss be with thee, reunited--to thy queen:" 'twas thus he said. + "Have I aught offensive ever--done to thee, or said, O king + Whilst unknown, within my palace--thou wert dwelling, king of men? + If designed or undesigning--any single act I've done + I might wish undone, thy pardon--grant me, I beseech thee, king." + + NALA _spake_. + + "Not or deed or word discourteous--not the slightest hast thou done; + Hadst thou, I might not resent it--freely would I pardon all. + Thou of old, my friend, my kinsman--wert, O sovereign of men, + From this time henceforth thy friendship--be my glory and my joy. + Every wish anticipated--pleasantly I dwelt with thee, + As in mine own royal palace--dwelt I ever, king, in thine. + My surpassing skill in horses--all is thine that I possess; + That on thee bestow I gladly--if, O king, it seem thee good." + Nala thus to Rituparna--gave his subtle skill in steeds, + Gladly he received the present--with each regulation meet. + Gifted with that precious knowledge--then Bhangasuri the king, + Home returned to his own city--with another charioteer. + Rituparna thus departed--Nala, then the king of men, + In the city of Kundina--sojourned for no length of time. + + + + +BOOK XXVI. + + + There a month when he had sojourned--of king Bhima taking leave, + Guarded but by few attendants--to Nishadha took his way. + With a single splendid chariot--and with elephants sixteen, + And with fifty armed horsemen--and six hundred men on foot; + Making, as 'twere, earth to tremble--hastening onward, did the king, + Enter awful in his anger--and terrific in his speed. + Then the son of Virasena--to king Pushkara drew near; + "Play we once again," then said he--"much the wealth I have acquired: + All I have, even Damayanti--every treasure I possess, + Set I now upon the hazard--Pushkara, thy kingdom thou: + In the game once more contend we--'tis my settled purpose this, + Brother, at a single hazard--play we boldly for our lives. + From another he who treasures--he who mighty realm hath won, + 'Tis esteemed a bounden duty--to play back the counter game. + If thou shrinkest from the hazard--be our game the strife of swords, + Meet we in the single combat--all our difference to decide. + An hereditary kingdom--may by any means be sought, + Be re-won by any venture--this the maxim of the wise. + Of two courses set before thee--Pushkara, the option make, + Or in play to stand the hazard--or in battle stretch the bow." + By Nishadha's lord thus challenged--Pushkara, with smile suppressed, + As secure of easy victory--answered to the lord of earth; + "Oh what joy! abundant treasures--thou hast won, again to play; + Oh what joy! of Damayanti--now the hard-won prize is mine: + Oh what joy! again thou livest--with thy consort, mighty armed! + With the wealth I win bedecked--soon shall Bhima's daughter stand, + By my side, as by great Indra--stands the Apsara in heaven.[137] + Still on thee hath dwelt my memory--still I've waited, king, for thee; + In the play I find no rapture--but 'gainst kinsmen like thyself. + When this day the round-limbed princess--Damayanti, undespised, + I shall win, I rest contented--still within mine heart she dwells." + Hearing his contemptuous language--franticly thus pouring forth, + With his sword th' indignant Nala--fain had severed off his head. + But with haughty smile, with anger--glaring in his blood-red eyes, + "Play we now, nor talk we longer--conquered, thou'lt no longer talk." + Then of Pushkara the gaming--and of Nala straight began: + In a single throw by Nala--was the perilous venture gained; + Pushkara, his gold, his jewels--at one hazard all was won! + Pushkara, in play thus conquered--with a smile the king rejoined: + "Mine again is all this kingdom--undisturbed, its foes o'ercome. + Fallen king! Vidarbha's daughter--by thine eyes may ne'er be seen. + Thou art now, with all thy household--unto abject slavery sunk. + Not thyself achieved the conquest--that subdued me heretofore! + 'Twas achieved by mightier Kali--that thou didst not, fool, perceive. + Yet my wrath, by him enkindled--will I not 'gainst thee direct; + Live thou henceforth at thy pleasure--freely I thy life bestow, + And of thine estate and substance--give I thee thy fitting share. + Such my pleasure, in thy welfare--hero, do I take delight, + And mine unabated friendship--never shall from thee depart. + Pushkara, thou art my brother--may'st thou live an hundred years!" + Nala thus consoled his brother--in his conscious power and strength, + Sent him home to his own city--once embracing, once again. + Pushkara, thus finding comfort--answered to Nishadha's lord, + Answered he to Punyasloka--bowing low with folded hands: + "Everlasting be thy glory! may'st thou live ten thousand years! + That my life to me thou grantest--and a city for mine home!" + Hospitably entertained--there a month when he had dwelt, + Joyful to his own proud city--Pushkara, with all his kin, + With a well-appointed army--of attendant slaves an host, + Shining like the sun departed,--in his full meridian orb. + Pushkara thus crowned with riches--thus unharmed, when he dismissed,[138] + Entered then his royal city--with surpassing pomp, the king: + As he entered, to his subjects--Nala spake the words of peace. + + * * * * * + + From the city, from the country--all, with hair erect with joy, + Came, with folded hands addressed him--and the counsellors of state. + "Happy are we now, O monarch--in the city, in the fields, + Setting forth to do thee homage--as to Indra all the gods." + Then at peace the tranquil city--the first festal gladness o'er, + With a mighty host escorted--Damayanti brought he home. + Damayanti rich in treasures--in her father's blessings rich, + Glad dismissed the mighty-minded--Bhima, fearful in his strength. + With the daughter of Vidarbha--with his children in his joy, + Nala lived, as lives the sovereign--of the gods in Nandana.[139] + Re-ascended thus to glory--he, among the kings of earth, + Ruled his realm in Jambudwipa[140]--thus re-won, with highest fame; + And all holy rites performed he--with devout munificence. + + + + +THE DEATH OF YAJNADATTA. + + + This extract from the Ramayana has been edited by M. Chezy, + with a free translation into French prose by M. Bournouf, a + literal version into Latin, and a grammatical commentary and + notes by the editor. + + Through the arts of one of his wives Kaiky, to whom he had + made an incautious vow to grant her demand, Dasaratha is + obliged to send his victorious son Rama into banishment at + the very moment of his marriage with the beautiful Sita. Rama + is accompanied in his exile by Lakshmana. The following + episode describes the misery and distress of the father, + deprived of his favourite son. + + + + +THE DEATH OF YAJNADATTA. + + + Scarce Rama to the wilderness--had with his younger brother gone, + Abandoned to his deep distress--king Dasaratha sate alone. + Upon his sons to exile driven--when thought that king, as Indra bright, + Darkness came o'er him, as in heaven--when pales th' eclipsed sun his light. + Six days he sate, and mourned and pined--for Rama all that weary time, + At midnight on his wandering mind--rose up his old forgotten crime. + His queen Kausalya, the divine--addressed he, as she rested near: + "Kausalya, if thou wak'st, incline--to thy lord's speech thy ready ear. + Whatever deed, or good or ill--by man, oh blessed queen, is wrought, + Its proper fruit he gathers still--by time to slow perfection brought. + He who the opposing counsel's weight--compares not in his judgment cool, + Or misery or bliss his fate--among the sage is deemed a fool. + As one that quits the Amra bower--the bright Palasa's pride to gain, + Mocked by the promise of its flower--seeks its unripening fruit in vain. + So I the lovely Amra left[141]--for the Palasa's barren bloom,[142] + Through mine own fatal error 'reft--of banished Rama, mourn in gloom. + Kausalya! in my early youth--by my keen arrow at its mark, + Aimed with too sure and deadly truth--was wrought a deed most fell and dark. + At length the evil that I did--hath fallen upon my fatal head,[143] + As when on subtle poison hid--an unsuspecting child hath fed; + Even as that child unwittingly--hath made the poisonous fare his food, + Even so in ignorance by me--was wrought that deed of guilt and blood. + Unwed wert thou in virgin bloom--and I in youth's delicious prime, + The season of the rains had come--that soft and love-enkindling time. + Earth's moisture all absorbed, the sun--through all the world its warmth + had spread, + Turned from the north, its course begun--where haunt the spirits of the + dead![144] + Gathering o'er all th' horizon's bound--on high the welcome clouds + appeared,[145] + Exulting all the birds flew round--cranes, cuckoos, peacocks, flew and + veered. + And all down each wide-water'd shore--the troubled, yet still limpid floods, + Over their banks began to pour--as o'er them hung the bursting clouds. + And, saturate with cloud-born dew--the glittering verdant-mantled earth, + The cuckoos and the peacocks flew--disputing as in drunken mirth. + In such a time, so soft, so bland--oh beautiful! I chanced to go, + With quiver, and with bow in hand--where clear Sarayu's waters flow. + If haply to the river's brink--at night the buffalo might stray, + Or elephant, the stream to drink,--intent my savage game to slay, + Then of a water cruise, as slow--it filled, the gurgling sound I heard, + Nought saw I, but the sullen low--of elephant that sound appeared. + The swift well-feathered arrow I--upon the bowstring fitting straight, + Toward the sound the shaft let fly--ah, cruelly deceived by fate! + The winged arrow scarce had flown--and scarce had reached its destined aim, + 'Ah me, I'm slain,' a feeble moan--in trembling human accents came. + 'Ah whence hath come this fatal shaft--against a poor recluse like me, + Who shot that bolt with deadly craft--alas! what cruel man is he? + At the lone midnight had I come--to draw the river's limpid flood, + And here am struck to death, by whom?--ah whose this wrongful deed of blood. + Alas! and in my parent's heart--the old, the blind, and hardly fed, + In the wild wood, hath pierced the dart--that here hath struck their + offspring dead. + Ah, deed most profitless as worst--a deed of wanton useless guilt; + As though a pupil's hand accurs'd[146]--his holy master's blood had spilt. + But not mine own untimely fate--it is not that which I deplore, + My blind, my aged parents state--'tis their distress afflicts me more. + That sightless pair, for many a day--from me their scanty food have earned, + What lot is theirs, when I'm away--to the five elements returned?[147] + Alike all wretched they, as I--ah, whose this triple deed of blood? + For who the herbs will now supply--the roots, the fruit, their blameless + food?' + My troubled soul, that plaintive moan--no sooner heard, so faint and low, + Trembled to look on what I'd done--fell from my shuddering hand my bow. + Swift I rushed up, I saw him there--heart-pierced, and fall'n the stream + beside, + That hermit boy with knotted hair--his clothing was the black deer's hide. + On me most piteous turned his look--his wounded breast could scarce respire, + 'What wrong, oh Kshatriya,[148] have I done--to be thy deathful arrow's aim, + The forest's solitary son--to draw the limpid stream I came. + Both wretched and both blind they lie--in the wild wood all destitute, + My parents, listening anxiously--to hear my home-returning foot. + By this, thy fatal shaft, this one--three miserable victims fall, + The sire, the mother, and the son--ah why? and unoffending all. + How vain my father's life austere--the Veda's studied page how vain, + He knew not with prophetic fear--his son would fall untimely slain. + But had he known, to one as he--so weak, so blind, 'twere bootless all, + No tree can save another tree--by the sharp hatchet marked to fall. + But to my father's dwelling haste--oh Raghu's[149] son, lest in his ire, + Thy head with burning curse he blast--as the dry forest tree the fire. + Thee to my father's lone retreat--will quickly lead yon onward path, + Oh haste, his pardon to entreat--or ere he curse thee in his wrath. + Yet first, that gently I may die--draw forth the barbed steel from hence, + Allay thy fears, no Brahmin I--not thine of Brahmin blood the offence. + My sire, a Brahmin hermit he--my mother was of Sudra race.'[150] + So spake the wounded boy, on me--while turned his unreproaching face. + As from his palpitating breast--I gently drew the mortal dart, + He saw me trembling stand, and blest--that boy's pure spirit seemed to part. + As died that holy hermit's son--from me my glory seemed to go, + With troubled mind I stood, cast down--t' inevitable endless woe. + That shaft that seemed his life to burn--like serpent venom, thus drawn out, + I, taking up his fallen urn--t' his father's dwelling took my route. + There miserable, blind, and old--of their sole helpmate thus forlorn, + His parents did these eyes behold--like two sad birds with pinions shorn. + Of him in fond discourse they sate--lone, thinking only of their son, + For his return so long, so late--impatient, oh by me undone. + My footsteps' sound he seemed to know--and thus the aged hermit said, + 'Oh, Yajnadatta, why so slow?--haste, let the cooling draught be shed. + Long, on the river's pleasant brink--hast thou been sporting in thy joy, + Thy mother's fainting spirits sink--in fear for thee, but thou, my boy, + If aught to grieve thy gentle heart--thy mother or thy sire do wrong, + Bear with us, nor when next we part--on the slow way thus linger long. + The feet of those that cannot move--of those that cannot see the eye, + Our spirits live but in thy love--Oh wherefore, dearest, no reply?' + My throat thick swollen with bursting tears--my power of speech that + seemed to choke, + With hands above my head, my fears--breaking my quivering voice, I spoke; + 'The Kshatriya Dasaratha I--Oh hermit sage, 'tis not thy son! + Most holy ones, unknowingly--a deed of awful guilt I've done. + With bow in hand I took my way--along Sarayu's pleasant brink, + The savage buffalo to slay--or elephant come down to drink. + A sound came murmuring to my ear--'twas of the urn that slowly filled, + I deemed some savage wild-beast near--my erring shaft thy son had killed. + A feeble groan I heard, his breast--was pierced by that dire arrow keen: + All trembling to the spot I pressed--lo there thy hermit boy was seen. + Flew to the sound my arrow, meant--the wandering elephant to slay, + Toward the river brink it went--and there thy son expiring lay. + The fatal shaft when forth I drew--to heaven his parting spirit soared, + Dying he only thought of you--long, long, your lonely lot deplored. + Thus ignorantly did I slay--your child beloved, Oh hermit sage! + Turn thou on me, whose fated day--is come, thy all-consuming rage.' + He heard my dreadful tale at length--he stood all lifeless, motionless; + Then deep he groaned, and gathering strength--me his meek suppliant did + address. + 'Kshatriya, 'tis well that thou hast turned--thy deed of murder to rehearse, + Else over all thy land had burned--the fire of my wide-wasting curse. + If with premeditated crime--the unoffending blood thou'dst spilt, + The Thunderer on his throne sublime--had shaken at such tremendous guilt. + Against the anchorite's sacred head--hadst, knowing, aimed thy shaft + accursed, + In th' holy Vedas deeply read--thy skull in seven wide rents had burst. + But since, unwitting, thou hast wrought--that deed of death, thou livest + still, + Oh son of Raghu, from thy thought--dismiss all dread of instant ill. + Oh lead me to that doleful spot--where my poor boy expiring lay, + Beneath the shaft thy fell hand shot--of my blind age, the staff, the stay. + On the cold earth 'twere yet a joy--to touch my perished child again, + (So long if I may live) my boy--in one last fond embrace to strain. + His body all bedewed with gore--his locks in loose disorder thrown, + Let me, let her but touch once more--to the dread realm of Yama gone.' + Then to that fatal place I brought--alone that miserable pair; + His sightless hands, and hers I taught--to touch their boy that slumbered + there. + Nor sooner did they feel him lie--on the moist herbage coldly thrown, + Both with a shrill and feeble cry--upon the body cast them down. + The mother as she lay and groaned--addressed her boy with quivering tongue, + And like a heifer sadly moaned--just plundered of her new-dropped young: + 'Was not thy mother once, my son--than life itself more dear to thee? + Why the long way hast thou begun--without one gentle word to me. + One last embrace, and then, beloved--upon thy lonely journey go! + Alas! with anger art thou moved--that not a word thou wilt bestow?' + The miserable father now[151]--with gentle touch each cold limb pressed, + And to the dead his words of woe--as to his living son, addressed: + 'I too, my son, am I not here?--thy sire with thy sad mother stands; + Awake, arise, my child, draw near--and clasp each neck with loving hands. + Who now, 'neath the dark wood by night--a pious reader shall be heard? + Whose honied voice my ear delight--with th' holy Veda's living word? + The evening prayer, th' ablution done--the fire adored with worship meet, + Who now shall soothe like thee, my son--with fondling hand, my aged feet? + And who the herb, the wholesome root--or wild fruit from the wood shall + bring? + To us the blind, the destitute--with helpless hunger perishing? + Thy blind old mother, heaven-resigned--within our hermit-dwelling lone, + How shall I tend, myself as blind--now all my strength of life is gone! + Oh stay, my child, Oh part not yet--to Yama's dwelling go not now, + To-morrow forth we all will set--thy mother, and myself, and thou: + For both, in grief for thee, and both--so helpless, ere another day, + From this dark world, but little loath--shall we depart, death's easy prey! + And I myself, by Yama's seat--companion of thy darksome way, + The guerdon to thy virtues meet--from that great Judge of men will pray. + Because, my boy, in innocence--by wicked deed thou hast been slain, + Rise, where the heroes dwell, who thence--ne'er stoop to this dark world + again. + Those that to earth return no more--the sense-subdued, the hermits wise, + Priests their sage masters that adore--to their eternal seats arise. + Those that have studied to the last--the Veda's, the Vedanga's page, + Where saintly kings of earth have passed--Nahusa and Yayti sage; + The sires of holy families--the true to wedlock's sacred vow; + And those that cattle, gold, or rice--or lands with liberal hands bestow; + That ope th' asylum to th' oppressed--that ever love, and speak the truth, + Up to the dwellings of the blest--th' eternal, soar thou, best loved youth. + For none of such a holy race--within the lowest seat may dwell; + But that will be his fatal place--by whom my only offspring fell.' + So groaning deep, that wretched pair--the hermit and his wife, essayed + The meet ablution to prepare--their hands their last faint effort made. + Divine, with glorious body bright--in splendid car of heaven elate, + Before them stood their son in light--and thus consoled their helpless + state: + 'Meed of my duteous filial care--I've reached the wished for realms of + joy;[152] + And ye, in those glad realms, prepare--to meet full soon your dear-loved + boy. + My parents, weep no more for me--yon warrior monarch slew me not, + My death was thus ordained to be;--predestined was the shaft he shot." + Thus, as he spoke, the anchorite's son--soared up the glowing heaven afar, + In air his heavenly body shone--while stood he in his gorgeous car. + But they, of that lost boy so dear--the last ablution meetly made, + Thus spoke to me that holy seer--with folded hands above his head. + 'Albeit by thy unknowing dart--my blameless boy untimely fell, + A curse I lay upon thy heart--whose fearful pain I know too well. + As sorrowing for my son I bow--and yield up my unwilling breath, + So, sorrowing for thy son shalt thou--at life's last close repose in death.' + That curse, dread sounding in mine ear--to mine own city forth I set, + Nor long survived that hermit seer--to mourn his child in lone regret. + This day that Brahmin curse fulfilled--hath fallen on my devoted head, + In anguish for any parted child--have all my sinking spirits fled. + No more my darkened eyes can see--my clouded memory is o'ercast, + Dark Yama's heralds summon me--to his deep, dreary, realm to haste. + Mine eye no more my Rama sees--and grief o'erburns, my spirits sink, + As the swollen stream sweeps down the trees--that grow upon the crumbling + brink. + Oh, felt I Rama's touch, or spake--one word his home-returning voice, + Again to life should I awake--as quaffing nectar draughts rejoice, + But what so sad could e'er have been--celestial partner of my heart, + Than, Rama's beauteous face unseen,--from life untimely to depart. + His exile in the forest o'er--him home returned to Oudes high town, + Oh happy those, that see once more--like Indra from the sky come down. + No mortal men, but gods I deem--moonlike, before whose wondering sight, + My Rama's glorious face shall beam--from the dark forest bursting bright. + Happy that gaze on Rama's face--with beauteous teeth and smile of love, + Like the blue lotus in its grace--and like the starry king above. + Like to the full autumnal moon--and like the lotus in its bloom, + That youth who sees returning soon--how blest shall be that mortal's doom. + Dwelling on that sweet memory--on his last bed the monarch lay, + And slowly, softly, seemed to die--as fades the moon at dawn away. + "Ah, Rama! ah, my son!" thus said--or scarcely said, the king of men, + His gentle hapless spirit fled--in sorrow for his Rama then, + The shepherd of his people old--at midnight on his bed of death, + The tale of his son's exile told--and breathed away his dying breath. + + + + +EXTRACTS FROM THE MAHABHARATA. + +THE BRAHMIN'S LAMENT. + + + The hostility of the kindred races of Pandu and Kuru forms + one of the great circles of Indian fable. It fills great part + of the immense poem, the Mahabharata. At this period the five + sons of Pandu and their mother Kunti have been driven into + the wilderness from the court of their uncle Dritarashtra at + Ngapur. The brothers, during their residence in the forest, + have an encounter with a terrible giant, Hidimba, the + prototype of the Cyclops of Homer, and of the whole race of + giants of northern origin, who, after amusing our ancestors, + children of larger growth, descended to our nurseries, from + whence they are now well-nigh exploded. After this adventure + the brothers take up their residence in the city of Ekachara, + where they are hospitably received in the house of a Brahmin. + The neighbourhood of this city is haunted by another terrible + giant, Baka, whose cannibal appetite has been glutted by a + succession of meaner victims. It is now come to the Brahmin's + turn to furnish the fatal banquet; they overhear the + following complaint of their host, whose family, consisting + of himself, his wife, a grown up daughter, and a son a little + child, must surrender one to become the horrible repast of + the monster. In turn, the father, the mother, in what may be + fairly called three singularly pathetic Indian elegies, + enforce each their claim to the privilege of suffering for + the rest. + + + + +THE BRAHMIN'S LAMENT. + + + Alas for life, so vain, so weary--in this changing world below, + Ever-teeming root of sorrow--still dependent, full of woe! + Still to life clings strong affliction--life that's one long suffering all, + Whoso lives must bear his sorrow--soon or late that must befall. + + * * * * * + + Oh to find a place of refuge--in this dire extremity, + For my wife, my son, my daughter--and myself what hope may be? + Oft I've said to thee, my dearest--Priestess, that thou knowest well, + But my word thou never heededst--let us go where peace may dwell. + "Here I had my birth, my nurture--still my sire is living here; + Oh unwise!" 'twas thus thou answeredst--to my oft-repeated prayer. + Thine old father went to heaven--slept thy mother by his side, + Then thy near and dear relations--why delight'st thou here t' abide? + Fondly loving still thy kindred--thine old home thou would'st not leave, + Of thy kindred death deprived thee--in thy griefs I could but grieve. + Now to me is death approaching--never victim will I give, + From mine house, like some base craven--and myself consent to live. + Thee with righteous soul, the gentle--ever like a mother deemed, + A sweet friend the gods have given me--aye my choicest wealth esteem'd. + From thy parents thee, consenting--mistress of my house I took, + Thee I chose, and thee I honoured--as enjoins the holy book. + Thou the high-born, thou the virtuous!--my dear children's mother thou, + Only to prolong my being--thee the good, the blameless, now, + Can to thy death surrender--mine own true, my faithful wife? + Yet my son can I abandon--in his early bloom of life, + Offer him in his sweet childhood--with no down his cheek to shade? + Her, whom Brahma, the all-bounteous--for a lovely bride hath made, + Mother of a race of heroes--a heaven-winning race may make;[153] + Of myself begot, the virgin--could I ever her forsake? + Towards a son the hearts of fathers--some have thought, are deepest moved, + Others deem the daughter dearer--both alike I've ever loved: + She that sons, that heaven hath in her--sons whose offerings heaven may win, + Can I render up my daughter--blameless, undefiled by sin? + If myself I offer, sorrow--in the next world my lot must be, + Hardly then could live my children--and my wife bereft of me. + One of these so dear to offer--to the wise, were sin, were shame, + Yet without me they must perish--how to 'scape the sin, the blame! + Woe! Oh woe! where find I refuge--for myself, for mine, oh where! + Better 'twere to die together--for to live I cannot bear. + + _The_ BRAHMIN'S WIFE _speaks_. + + As of lowly caste, my husband--yield not thus thy soul to woe, + This is not a time for wailing--who the Vedas knows must know: + Fate inevitable orders--all must yield to death in turn, + Hence the doom, th' irrevocable--it beseems not thee to mourn. + Man hath wife, and son, and daughter--for the joy of his own heart. + Wherefore wisely check thy sorrow--it is I must hence depart. + Tis the wife's most holy duty--law on earth without repeal, + That her life she offer freely--when demands her husband's weal. + And e'en now, a deed so noble--hath its meed of pride and bliss, + In the next world life eternal--and unending fame in this. + 'Tis a high, yet certain duty--that my life I thus resign, + 'Tis thy right, as thy advantage--both the willing deed enjoin-- + All for which a wife is wedded--long erenow through me thou'st won, + Blooming son and gentle daughter--that my debt is paid and done. + Thou may'st well support our children--gently guard, when I am gone, + I shall have no power to guard them--nor support them, left alone. + Oh, despoiled of thy assistance--lord of me, and all I have, + How these little ones from ruin--how my hapless self to save: + Widow'd, reft of thee, and helpless--with two children in their youth, + How maintain my son, and daughter--in the path of right and truth. + From the lustful, from the haughty--how shall I our child protect, + When they seek thy blameless daughter--by a father's awe unchecked. + As the birds in numbers swarming--gather o'er the earth-strewn corn, + Thus the men round some sad widow--of her noble lord forlorn. + Thus by all the rude and reckless--with profane desires pursued,[154] + How shall I the path still follow--loved and honoured by the good. + This thy dear, thy only daughter--this pure maiden innocent, + How to teach the way of goodness--where her sire, her fathers went. + How can I instil the virtues--in the bosom of our child, + Helpless and beset on all sides--as thou would'st in duty skilled. + Round thy unprotected daughter--Sudras like[155] to holy lore, + Scorning me in their wild passion--will unworthy suitors pour. + And if I refuse to give her--mindful of thy virtuous course, + As the storks the rice of offering[156]--they will bear her off by force. + Should I see my son degenerate--like his noble sire no more, + In the power of the unworthy--the sweet daughter that I bore; + And myself, the world's scorn, wandering--so as scarce myself to know, + Of proud men the scoff, the outcast--I should die of shame and woe. + And bereft of me, my children--and without thy aid to cherish, + As the fish when water fails them--both would miserably perish. + Thus of all the three is ruin--the inevitable lot, + Desolate of thee, their guardian--wherefore, Oh, forsake us not! + The dark way before her husband--'tis a wife's first bliss to go, + 'Tis a wife's that hath borne children--this the wise, the holy know. + For thee forsaken be my daughter--let my son forsaken be, + I for thee forsook my kindred--and forsake my life for thee. + More than offering 'tis, than penance--liberal gift or sacrifice, + When a wife, thus clearly summoned--for her husband's welfare dies. + That which now to do I hasten--all the highest duty feel, + For thy bliss, for thy well-doing--thine and all thy race's weal. + Men, they say, but pray for children--riches, or a generous friend, + To assist them in misfortune--and a wife for the same end. + The whole race (the wise declare it)--thou the increaser of thy race, + Than the single self less precious--ever holds a second place. + Let me then discharge the duty--and preserve thyself by me, + Give me thine assent, all-honoured--and my children's guardian be. + Women must be spared from slaughter--this the learn'd in duty say, + Even the giant knows that duty--me he will not dare to slay. + Of the man the death is certain--of the woman yet in doubt, + Wherefore, noblest, on the instant--as the victim send me out. + I have lived with many blessings--I have well fulfilled my part, + I have given thee beauteous offspring--death hath nought t' appal mine + heart. + I've borne children, I am aged--in my soul I've all revolved, + And with spirit strong to serve thee--I am steadfast and resolved. + Offering me, all-honoured husband--thou another wife wilt find, + And to her wilt do thy duty--gentle as to me, and kind. + Many wives if he espouses--man incurs nor sin nor blame, + For a wife to wed another--'tis inexpiable shame. + This well weighed within thy spirit--and the sin thyself to die, + Save thyself, thy race, thy children--be the single victim I. + + * * * * * + + Hearing thus his wife, the husband--fondly clasp'd her to his breast, + And their tears they poured together--by their mutual grief oppressed. + + + + +THIRD SONG. + + + Of these two the troubled language--in the chamber as she heard, + Lost herself in grief the daughter--thus took up the doleful word. + + _The_ DAUGHTER _spake_. + + Why to sorrow thus abandoned?--weep not thus, as all forlorn, + Hear ye now my speech, my parents--and your sorrows may be borne. + Me with right ye may abandon--none that right in doubt will call, + Yield up her that best is yielded--I alone may save you all. + Wherefore wishes man for children?--they in need mine help will be: + Lo, the time is come, my parents--in your need find help in me. + Ever here the son by offering--or hereafter doth atone, + Either way is he th' atoner--hence the wise have named him son. + Daughters too, the great forefathers--of a noble race desire, + And I now shall prove their wisdom--saving thus from death my sire. + Lo, my brother but an infant!--to the other world goest thou, + In a little time we perish--who may dare to question how? + But if first depart to heaven--he that after me was born, + Cease our race's sacred offerings--our offended sires would mourn. + Without father, without mother--of my brother too bereft, + I shall die, unused to sorrow--yet to deepest sorrow left. + But thyself, my sire! my mother--and my gentle brother save, + And their meet, unfailing offerings--shall our fathers' spirits have. + A second self the son, a friend the wife--the daughter's but a grief, + From thy grief thy daughter offering--thou of right wilt find relief. + Desolate and unprotected--ever wandering here and there, + Shall I quickly be, my father!--reft of thy paternal care! + But wert thou through me, my father--and thy race from peril freed, + Noble fruit should I have borne thee--having done this single deed. + But if thou from hence departing-leav'st me, noblest, to my fate, + Down I sink to bitterest misery--save, Oh save me from that state! + For mine own sake, and for virtue's--for our noble race's sake, + Yield up her who best is yielded--me thine own life's ransom make. + Instantly this step, the only--the inevitable take. + Hath the world a fate more wretched--than when thou to heaven art fled, + Like a dog to wander begging--and subsist on others' bread. + But my father, thus preserving--thus preserving all that's thine, + I shall then become immortal--and partake of bliss divine, + And the gods, and our forefathers--all will hail the prudent choice, + Still will have the water offerings--that their holy spirits rejoice. + + * * * * * + + As they heard her lamentation--in their troubled anguish deep, + Wept the father, wept the mother--'gan the daughter too to weep. + Then the little son beheld them--and their doleful moan he heard; + And with both his eyes wide open--lisped he thus his broken word. + "Weep not father, weep not mother--Oh my sister, weep not so!" + First to one, and then to th' other--smiling went he to and fro. + Then a blade of spear-grass lifting--thus in bolder glee he said, + "With this spear-grass will I kill him--this man-eating giant dead." + Though o'erpowered by bitterest sorrow--as they heard their prattling boy, + Stole into the parents' bosoms--mute and inexpressive joy. + + + + +THE DELUGE. + + + The following extract from the Mahbhrata was published by + Bopp, with a German translation, (the promised Latin version + has not yet reached this country,) with four other extracts + from the same poem. It is inserted here not on account of its + poetical merit, but on account of the interest of the + subject. It is the genuine, and probably the earliest, + version of the Indian tradition of the Flood. The author has + made the following observations on this subject in the + Quarterly Review, which he ventures here to transcribe. + + Nothing has thrown so much discredit on oriental studies, + particularly on the valuable Asiatic Researches, as the fixed + determination to find the whole of the Mosaic history in the + remoter regions of the East. It was not to be expected that, + when the new world of oriental literature was suddenly + disclosed, the first attempts to explore would be always + guided by cool and dispassionate criticism. Even Sir W. Jones + was led away, at times, by the ardour of his imagination; and + the gorgeous palaces of the Mahabadian dynasty, which were + built on the authority of the Desatir and the Dabistan, and + thrown upward into an age anterior even to the earliest + Indian civilisation, have melted away, and 'left not a wreck + behind,' before the cooler and more profound investigations + of Mr. Erskine[157]. Sir W. Jones was succeeded by Wilford, a + man of most excursive imagination, bred in the school of + Bryant, who, even if he had himself been more deeply versed + in the ancient language, would have been an unsafe guide. But + Wilford, it is well known, unfortunately betrayed to the + crafty and mercenary pundits whom he employed, the objects + which he hoped to find; and these unscrupulous interpreters, + unwilling to disappoint their employer, had little difficulty + in discovering, or forging, or interpolating, whatever might + suit his purpose. The honest candour with which Wilford, a + man of the strictest integrity, made the open and humiliating + confession of the deceptions which had been practised upon + him, ought for ever to preserve his memory from disrespect. + The fictions to which he had given currency, only retained, + and still we are ashamed to say retain, their ground in + histories of the Bible and works of a certain school of + theology, from which no criticism can exorcise an error once + established: still, however, with sensible men, a kind of + suspicion was thrown over the study itself; and the cool and + sagacious researches of men, probably better acquainted with + their own language than some of the Brahmins themselves, were + implicated in the fate of the fantastic and, though + profoundly learned, ever injudicious reveries of Wilford. + + Now, however, that we may depend on the genuineness of our + documents, it is curious to examine the Indian version or + versions of the universal tradition of the Deluge; for, + besides this extract from the Mahbhrata, Sir W. Jones had + extracted from the Bhagavata Purana another, and, in some + respects, very different legend. Both of these versions are + strongly impregnated with the mythological extravagance of + India; but the Purana, one of the Talmudic books of Indian + tradition, as M. Bopp observes, is evidently of a much later + date than the ruder and simpler fable of the old Epic. It + belongs to a less ancient school of poetry, and a less + ancient system of religion. While it is much more exuberant + in its fiction, it nevertheless betrays a sort of + apprehension lest it shall shock the less easy faith of a + more incredulous reader; it is manifestly from the religious + school of the follower of Vishnu, and, indeed, seems to have + some reference to one of the philosophic systems. Yet the + outline of the story is the same. In the Mhbharatic + version, Manu, like Noah, stands alone in an age of universal + depravity. His virtues, however, are of the Indian cast--the + most severe and excruciating penance by which he extorts, as + it were, the favour of the deity[158]. + + + + +THE DELUGE. + + + Vivaswata's son, a raja--and a sage of mighty fame, + King of men, the first great fathers--in his glory equalled he, + In his might and kingly power--Manu, and in earthly bliss, + And in wonder-working penance--sire and grandsire far surpassed. + With his arms on high outstretching--wrought the sovereign of men, + Steadily on one foot standing--penance rigorous and dread, + With his downward head low-drooping--with his fixed, unwavering eyes, + Dreed he thus his awful penance--many a long and weary year. + To the penitent with tresses--streaming loose, and wet, and long, + By the margin of Wirini--thus the fish began to speak: + "Blessed! lo, the least of fishes--of the mighty fish in dread, + Wilt thou not from death preserve me--thou that all thy vows fulfill'st? + Since the strongest of the fishes--persecute the weaker still, + Over us impends for ever--our inevitable fate. + Ere I sink, if thou wilt free me--from th' extremity of dread, + Meet return can I compensate--when the holy deed is done." + Speaking thus the fish when heard he--full of pity all his heart, + In his hand that fish king Manu--son of Vivaswata took. + Brought the son of Vivaswata--to the river shore the fish, + Cast it in a crystal vessel--like the moonshine clear and bright. + "Rapid grew that fish, O raja--tended with such duteous care, + Cleaved to him the heart of Manu--as to a beloved son. + Time rolled on, and larger, larger--ever waxed that wonderous fish, + Nor within that crystal vessel--found he longer space to move." + Spake again the fish to Manu--as he saw him, thus he spake: + "O all prosperous! O all gentle!--bring me to another place." + Then the fish from out the vessel--blessed Manu took again; + And with gentle speed he bare him,--Manu, to a spacious lake. + There the conqueror of cities,--mighty Manu, cast him in. + Still he grew, that fish so wondrous--many a circling round of years. + Three miles long that lake expanded--and a single mile its breadth, + Yet that fish with eyes like lotus--there no longer might endure; + Nor, O sovereign of the Vaisyas!--might that lake his bulk contain. + Spake again that fish to Manu--as he saw him, thus he spake: + "Bring me now, O blest and holy!--to the Ganga, ocean's bride, + Let me dwell in her wide waters--yet, O loved one, as thou wilt, + Be it so; whate'er thy bidding,--murmur would beseem me ill, + Since through thee, O blest and blameless!--to this wondrous bulk I've + grown." + Thus addressed, the happy Manu--took again the fish, and bore + To the sacred stream of Ganga--and himself he cast him in. + Still it grew, as time rolled onward--tamer of thy foes! that fish. + Spake again that fish to Manu--as he saw him, thus he spake: + "Mightiest! I can dwell no longer--here in Ganga's narrow stream; + Best of men! once more befriend me--bear me to the ocean swift." + Manu's self from Ganga's water--took again that wondrous fish, + And he brought him to the ocean,--with his own hand cast him in. + Brought by Manu to the ocean--very large that fish appeared, + But not yet of form unmeasured,--spread delicious odours round. + But that fish by kingly Manu--cast into the ocean wide, + In these words again bespake him--and he smiled as thus he spake: + "Blessed! thou hast still preserved me--still my every wish fulfilled, + When the awful time approaches--hear from me what thou must do. + In a little time, O blessed!--all this firm and seated earth, + All that moves upon its surface--shall a deluge sweep away. + Near it comes, of all creation--the ablution day is near; + Therefore what I now forewarn thee--may thy highest weal secure. + All the fixed and all the moving--all that stirs, or stirreth not, + Lo, of all the time approaches--the tremendous time of doom. + Build thyself a ship, O Manu--strong, with cables well prepared, + And thyself, with the seven Sages--mighty Manu enter in. + All the living seeds of all things--by the Brahmins named of yore, + Place thou first within thy vessel--well secured, divided well. + From thy ship keep watch, O hermit--watch for me, as I draw near; + Horned shall I swim before thee--by my horn thou'lt know me well. + This the work thou must accomplish,--I depart; so fare thee well-- + Over these tumultuous waters--none without mine aid can sail. + Doubt thou not, O lofty minded!--of my warning speech the truth." + To the fish thus answered Manu--"All that thou requir'st, I'll do." + Thus they parted, of each other--mutual leave when they had ta'en, + Manu, raja! to accomplish--all to him the fish had said. + Taking first the seeds of all things--launched he forth upon the sea; + On the billowy sea, the prudent--in a beauteous vessel rode. + Manu of the fish bethought him;--conscious of his thought the fish, + Conqueror of hostile cities!--with his horn came floating by. + King of men, the born of Manu!--Manu saw the sea-borne fish, + In his form foreshewn, the horned--like a mountain huge and high. + To the fish's head his cable, Manu bound--O king of men! + Strong and firm his cable wound he--round and round on either horn: + And the fish, all conquering raja!--with that twisted cable bound, + With the utmost speed that vessel--dragged along the ocean tide. + In his bark along the ocean--boldly went the king of men: + Dancing with the tumbling billows--dashing through the roaring spray, + Tossed about by winds tumultuous--in the vast and heaving sea, + Like a trembling, drunken woman--reeled that ship, O king of men. + Earth was seen no more, no region--nor the intermediate space; + All around a waste of water--water all, and air and sky. + In the whole world of creation--princely son of Bharata! + None was seen but those seven Sages--Manu only, and the fish. + Years on years, and still unwearied--drew that fish the bark along, + Till at length it came, where lifted--Himavan its loftiest peak. + There at length it came, and smiling--thus the fish addressed the sage: + "To the peak of Himalaya--bind thou now thy stately ship." + At the fish's mandate quickly--to the peak of Himavan + Bound the sage his bark, and ever--to this day that loftiest peak, + Bears the name of Manubandhan--from the binding of the bark. + To the sage, the god of mercy--thus with fixed look bespake: + "I am lord of all creation--Brahma, higher than all height; + I in fishlike form have saved thee--Manu, in the perilous hour; + But from thee new tribes of creatures--gods, asuras, men must spring. + All the worlds must be created--all that moves or moveth not, + By an all-surpassing penance--this great work must be achieved. + Through my mercy, thy creation--to confusion ne'er shall run," + Spake the fish, and on the instant--to the invisible he passed. + Vivaswata's son, all eager--the creation to begin, + Stood amid his work confounded:--mighty penance wrought he then. + So fulfilled that rigorous penance--instant Manu 'gan create-- + Instant every living creature--Raja! he began to form. + Such the old, the famous legend--named the story of the Fish, + Which to thee I have related--this for all our sins atones. + He that hears it, Manu's legend,--in the full possession he, + Of all things complete and perfect--to the heavenly world ascends. + + + + +NOTES ON NALA. + + +[Footnote 1: p. 3. l. 4. _Over, over all exalted_. This repetition is +in the original.] + +[Footnote 2: p. 3. l. 5. _Holy deep-read in the Vedas_. All the +perfections, which, according to the opinions and laws of the Hindus, +distinguish the sovereign from the rest of mankind, are here ascribed +to the hero of the poem. The study of the Vedas must be cultivated by +the three superior castes, and ensures both temporal and eternal +beatitude. In the laws of Menu it is said, "Greatness is not conferred +by years, not by grey hairs, not by wealth, not by powerful kindred." +The divine sages have established this rule--Whoever has read the +Vedas and their Angas, he is among us great. (JONES'S MENU, ii. 254). +Of all these duties, answered Bhrigu, the principal is to acquire from +the Upanishads a true knowledge of the one supreme God: that is the +most exalted of all sciences, because it ensures immortality, (xii. +85). For in the knowledge and adoration of one God, which the Veda +teaches, all the rules of good conduct before-mentioned in order, are +fully comprised, (ib. 87.) + +The study of the Vedas is considered the peculiar duty of kings, (vii. +43). The Upanishads are doctrinal extracts of the Vedas. + +The Indian law demands in the most rigorous manner from every one of +noble birth, the mastery over the _senses_. Menu says, c. ii. 93, "A +man by the attachment of his organs to sensual pleasure, incurs +certain guilt; but having wholly subdued them, he thence attains +heavenly bliss. v. 94. Desire is never satisfied with the enjoyment of +desired objects; as the fire is not appeased with clarified butter; it +only blazes more vehemently. v. 97. To a man contaminated by +sensuality, neither the Vedas, nor liberality, nor sacrifices, nor +strict observances, nor pious austerities, ever procure felicity." The +control over every kind of sensual indulgence is enjoined upon the +king. vii. 44. Day and night must he strenuously exert himself to gain +complete victory over his own organs; since that king alone whose +organs are completely subdued, can keep his people firm to their duty. + +Skill in the management of horses and chariots, which in a subsequent +part of the poem is of great importance to Nala, is often mentioned as +a praiseworthy accomplishment of kings. In the Ramayana, for instance, +in the description of king Dasaratha, which likewise contains the +above-mentioned traits of character--"In this city Ayodhya was a king +named Dusharuth, descended from Ikshwaku, perfectly skilled in the +Veda and Vedangas, prescient, of great ability, beloved by all his +people, a great charioteer, constant in sacrifice, eminent in sacred +duties, a royal sage, nearly equalling a Muhurshi, famed throughout +the three worlds, mighty, triumphant over his enemies, observant of +justice, having a perfect command of his appetites." CAREY and +MARSHMAN'S translation, sect. vi. p. 64.] + +[Footnote 3: p. 3. l. 5. _--in Nishadha lord of earth_. I have accented +this word not quite correctly Nishadha, in order to harmonise with the +trochaic flow of my metre. It appears to be the same as Nishadha-rshtra +and Nishadha-desa. See Wilford's list of mountains, rivers, countries; +from the Purnas and other books. Asiatic Researches, vol. viii. BOPP.] + +[Footnote 4: p. 3. l. 6. _Loving dice, of truth unblemished_. The +Sanscrit word Akshapujah is differently interpreted. Kosegarten +renders it in a good sense as "fearing heaven." He argues that it is +the poet's object in this passage to describe the good qualities of +Nala, and that he does not become a gamester till possessed by the +demon Kali. Bopp gives the sense in the text, which seems to connect +it with the history of king Yudishthira, to whom it is addressed.] + +[Footnote 5: p. 3. l. 7. _Sense subdued_. The highest notion of this +favourite perfection of Indian character, may be given in the words of +the author of the Bhagavat-Gita: "The highest perfection to which the +soul can attain, is action without passion. The mind is to be entirely +independent of external objects; to preserve its undisturbed serenity +it should have the conscious power of withdrawing all its senses +within itself, as the tortoise draws all its limbs beneath in shell." +Action is necessary, but action must produce no emotion--no sensation +on the calm spirit within; whatever may be their consequences, however +important, however awful, events are to be unfelt, and almost +unperceived by the impassive mind; and on this principle Arjuna is to +execute the fated slaughter upon his kindred without the least feeling +of sorrow or compunction being permitted to intrude on the divine +apathy of his soul. Some of the images in which this passionless +tranquillity of the spirit is described, appear singularly beautiful: + + As to th' unrais'd unswelling ocean flow the multitudinous streams, + So to the soul serene, unmov'd--flow in the undisturbing lusts. + +And then again the soul, in this state of unbroken quietude, + + Floats like the lotus on the lake, unmov'd, unruffled by the tide.] + +[Footnote 6: p. 3. l. 8. _Best, a present Manu he_. Manu, or Menu, +the representative of the human race; the holy, mythological ancestor +of the Hindus. In the Diluvium, the Indian version of the Deluge, (see +the latter part of this volume), Manu is the survivor of the human +race--the second ancestor of mankind. The first Menu is named +"Swayambhuva, or sprung from the self-existing." From him "came six +descendants, other Menus, or perfectly understanding the Scripture, +each giving birth to a race of his own, all exalted in dignity, +eminent in power." Laws of Menu, i. 61. The great code of law "the +Hindus firmly believe to have been promulged in the beginning of time +by Menu, son or grandson of Brahma, or in plain English the first of +created beings, and not the oldest only but the noblest of +legislators." Sir W. JONES'S preface to Laws of Menu; Works, vii. 76. +In the Ramayana, in like manner, king Dasaratha is compared to the +ancient king, Menu. The word Manu, as the name of the ancestor of men, +is derived from the Sanscrit root Man, to know (WILSONin voce); in +the same manner as the Sanscrit Mansh, knowledge, Manushya, Man--as +also the Latin Mens, and the German Mensch. According to this +etymology, Man, Mensch, properly means "the knowing," the Being +endowed with knowledge. The German word, Meinen, to mean, or be of +opinion, belongs to the same stock.] + +[Footnote 7: p. 3. l. 9. _So there dwelt in high Vidarbha_. This city +is called by our poet Vidarbha Nagara, the city of Vidarbha, and +Cundina. According to Wilford it is Burra Nag-poor. BOPP. Colebrooke, +Asiatic Researches, remarks, that some suppose it to be the modern +Berar, which borders on the mountain Vindhya or Gondwanah. The kingdom +of Vidarbha, and its capital Kundini, are mentioned in the very +remarkable drama Malati and Madhava. WILSON's Hindu Theatre, ii. 16; +and extract from Harivansa, in LANGLOIS Monumens de l'Inde, p. 54.] + +[Footnote 8: p. 3. l. 9. _Bhima, terrible in strength_. +Bhima-parkrama. There is a play upon the words, Bhima meaning +terrible.] + +[Footnote 9: p. 3. l. 11. _Many a holy act, on offspring_. He made +offerings and performed penance, by which blessings were forced from +the reluctant gods. In India not only temporal, but eternal happiness, +depends on having children. The son alone by the offering of the +Sraddha, or libation for the dead, can obtain rest for the departed +spirit of the father. Hence the begetting of a son is a religious +duty, particularly for a Brahmin, and is one of the three debts to +which he is bound during life. After he has read the Vedas in the form +prescribed by Law, has legally begotten a son, and has performed +sacrifices to the best of his power, he has paid his three debts, and +may then apply his heart to eternal bliss. MENU, vi. 36. By a son a +man obtains victory over all people; by a son's son he enjoys +immortality; and afterwards, by the son of that grandson, he reaches +the solar abode. MENU, ix. 137. + +This last passage is immediately followed by the explanation of the +Sanscrit word Puttra, son, by "the deliverer from hell." Since the son +(trayat) delivers his father from the hell, named put, he was +therefore called puttra by Brahma himself. This explanation, which it +given by the Indian etymologists, appears nevertheless, as is often +the case, rather forced; since the final syllable, tra, which is +translated by deliver (or preserve, WILSON, in voce) is a common +ending of many words, without the peculiar signification of +delivering: as with this final syllable on the word Pu, to be pure, is +formed the noun Puwitra, pure. WILKINS, Grammar, p. 454; KOSEGARTEN. +The affix with which this last is formed however, is not tra, but +itra, and it affords therefore no ground of objection to the usual +etymology of Puttra. WILSON. + +The Indian poetry is full of instances of this strong desire for +offspring. In the Ramayana, king Dasaratha performs the Aswamedha, or +offering of a horse, to obtain a son. "To this magnanimous king, +acquainted in every duty, pre-eminent in virtue, and performing sacred +austerities for the sake of obtaining children, there was no son to +perpetuate his family. At length in the anxious mind of this noble one +the thought arose, 'Why do I not perform an Ushwamedha to obtain a +son.'" CAREY and MARSHMAN's translation, sect. viii. p. 74. Compare +the Raghu Vansa, canto i., and all that is done by king Dilipa to +obtain a son: and the poem of the death of Hidimbha, published by +Bopp.] + +[Footnote 10: p. 3. l. 14. _--in his hospitable hall_. Hospitality to +a Brahmin is of course one of the greatest virtues. "A Brahmin coming +as a guest, and not received with just honour, takes to himself all +the reward of the housekeeper's former virtue, even though he had been +so temperate as to live on the gleanings of harvests, and so pious as +to make oblations in five distinct fires." Sir W. JONES, Menu, iii. +100.] + +[Footnote 11: p. 3. l. 22. _--as around great Indra's queen_. Sachi. + + Sachi, soft as morning light, + Blithe Sachi, from her lord Indrani hight.--Sir W. JONES's Hymn to Indra.] + +[Footnote 12: p. 4. l. 2. _Mid her handmaids, like the lightning_. +There are two words of similar signification in the original; one of +them implies life-giving. Lightning in India being the forerunner of +the rainy season, is looked on as an object of delight as much as +terror. BOPP, from the Scholiast.] + +[Footnote 13: p. 4. l. 2. _--shone she with her faultless form_. Sri, +or Lakshmi, the goddess of beauty and abundance, at once the Ceres and +the Alma Venus of India. + + Daughter of ocean and primeval night, + Who fed with moonbeams dropping silent dew, + And cradled in a wild wave dancing light.--Sir W. JONES's Ode to Lacshmi.] + +[Footnote 14: p. 4. l. 4. _--never mid the Yaksha race_. The Yakshas +are demigods attendant on Kuvera, the god of wealth, descendants of +Kasyapa by his wife Khasa. They inhabit mountains, and have +intercourse with the Apsarasas, or heavenly nymphs. Sometimes they +appear not altogether as good beings, sometimes entirely harmless. +"The souls of men enslaved to their passions will rise no higher than +the Yakshas." MENU, xii. 47. The subject of the Meghaduta, or +Cloud-Messenger of Kalidsa, so elegantly translated by Mr. Wilson, is +the regret of a Yaksha for his beloved wife. Compare Mr. Wilson's note +on the Yakshas, Cloud Messenger, p. 69.] + +[Footnote 15: p. 4. l. 7. _Nala too, 'mong kings the tiger_. Nara +Sardula, the Tiger warrior. I have retained the literal meaning, +though, according to Bopp, it means _in fine compositi, Optimus, +prstantissimus_. Mr. Southey's Young Tlalala, in Madoc, is the "tiger +of the war."] + +[Footnote 16: p. 4. l. 8. _Like Kandarpa in his beauty_. Kandarpa is +the god of love. Kama, Love, or Kam Deo, God of Love. Dipaka, the +Inflamer. Manmatha, Heart-disturber. Ananga, the Incorporeal. + + God of each lovely sight, each lovely sound. + Soul-kindling, world-inflaming, star y-crowned, + Eternal Cama! or doth Smara bright, + Or proud Ananga give thee more delight--SIR W. JONES, _Ode to Camdeo_.] + +[Footnote 17: p. 4. l. 12. _Thus of each, O son of Kunti_. Kunti was +the mother of King Yudishthira, to whom the poem is related. I have +usually omitted this address, which is sometimes made to Yudishthira +under the title of Bhrata, i. e. descendant of Bharata, or other +appellations.] + +[Footnote 18: p. 4. l. 15. _There the swans he saw disporting_. In +the original this is a far less poetic bird, and the author must crave +forgiveness for having turned his geese into swans. If, however, we +are to believe Bohlen, in his learned work, Das Alte Indien, the +translators are altogether mistaken; they have been misled by the +similarity of the word Hansa to Gans--a goose. The original, he +asserts, to mean a mythic bird, closely resembling the swan, or +perhaps the tall and brilliant flamingo, which Southey has introduced +with such effect in one of his rich descriptions in the Curse of +Kehama. The goose, however, according to the general opinion, is so +common in Indian mythology, that this must be received with much +caution. In the modern Tamulic version of the story, translated by Mr. +Kindersley, are substituted, "Milk white Aunnays, descending from the +skies, like an undulating garland of pearls." The Aunnays are supposed +to be a sort of birds of paradise. They are represented as milk white; +remarkable for the gracefulness of their walk; and endowed with +considerable gifts. Mr. Wilson, in his Meghaduta, has given me a +precedent for the change of geese into swans; see p. 27, v. 71, with +the note. And Mr. Ellis, Asiatic Researches, vol. xiv. p. 29, has the +following note on the subject: "There are three distinctions of Hamsa; +the Raja-hamsa, with a milk-white body and deep red beak and legs, +this is the Phenicopteros, or flamingo; the Malliccsha-hamsa, with +brownish beak and legs; and the Dhartarashtra-hamsa, with black beak +and legs: the latter is the European swan, the former a variety. The +gait of an elegant woman is compared by the Hindu poets to the proud +bearing of a swan in the water. Sonnerat, making a mistake similar to +that in the text, translates a passage in which this allusion occurs, +in words to the following purport, 'Her gait resembled that of a +goose.' Other writers have fallen into the same error." The swans, ou +Plutt les Gnies ails, play the same part in an extract from the +Harivansa, translated by M. Langlois, in his Monumens Littraires de +l'Inde, _Paris_, 1827, p. 158. The first part of the Harivansa has +just appeared, under the auspices of the Oriental Translation +Committee.] + +[Footnote 19: p. 5. l. 4. _Like the Aswinas in beauty_. See Asiatic +Researches, i. 263; ix. 323. Ramayana, i. 226.] + +[Footnote 20: p. 5. l. 7. _Gandharvas_. Celestial choristers, of +beautiful forms and complexion, usually seen in Hindu sculptures +attendant on the deities. + + Celestial genii tow'rd their king advance + (So called by men) in heaven Gandharvas named, + For matchless music famed. + Soon when the bands in lucid rows assemble, + Flutes breathe, and citherns tremble. + +SIR W. JONES, Ode to Indra.--See Ramayana, l. 125.] + +[Footnote 21: p. 5. l. 7. _the Serpents_. The serpents are objects of +reverence and veneration in India. They are called Naga, not going; +Uragas--breast-going. Their residence is in Ptla, though they are +occasional visitants both of heaven and earth. See notes to book V. In +the Bhagavat Gita, Arjun sees Brahma "sitting on his lotus-throne; all +the Reshees and Ooragas (serpents)," Wilkins' translation, p. 91. +According to Wilson, (Sanscrit Dict. voce Naga), the race of these +beings is said to have sprung from Kadru, the wife of Kasyapa, in +order to people Ptla, or the regions below the earth.] + +[Footnote 22: p. 5. l. 7. _The Rakshasas_. Demons who assume at will +the forms of lions, tigers, horses, and other animals, as well as the +human shape, with numerous heads and arms. They are represented as +cannibals who devour their enemies. See Ramayana.] + +[Footnote 23: p. 6. l. 6. _--and with passion heart-possessed_. It +is, literally, her mind (or thought), being possessed by the +_heart-sleeper_, (i. e. love, reposing or dwelling in the heart). +WILSON.] + +[Footnote 24: p. 6. l. 8. _The Swayembara_. The self-election. The +princesses in India enjoyed this singular privilege. The festival was +proclaimed, and from the assembled suitors the lady selected her +future husband. The Swayembara is not among the eight kinds of +marriages mentioned in the third book of Menu, as customary among the +higher castes, in which the parents in general arrange such contracts. +The provision in the ninth book (v. 90), appears to belong to the +lower classes.--"Three years let a damsel wait, though she be +marriageable; but after that term let her choose for herself a +bridegroom of equal rank." In the Raghuvansa, a poem, parts of which +the author of this translation, if he could command leisure to make +himself better acquainted with Sanscrit, would consider well worthy of +being introduced to the English reader, there is a very remarkable and +beautiful book, describing a Swayembara. This is likewise held at +Vidarbha by the daughter of the king. The Mahabharata also describes +the Swayembara of the princess Draupadi.] + +[Footnote 25: p. 6. l. 17. _The lord of many peasants_. Vaisya, the +third caste, husbandmen and traders.] + +[Footnote 26: p. 6. l. 22. _All with rich and various garlands_. The +use of garlands in the decoration of the houses and temples of the +Hindus, and of flowers in their offerings and festivals, furnishes +employment to a particular tribe or caste, the mlcras, or wreath +makers. WILSON, note 57, on Meghaduta or Cloud-messenger.] + +[Footnote 27: p. 7. l. 2. _Indra's world_. Indra is the God of +heaven, of the thunder and lightning, storm and rain: his dwelling is +sometimes placed on mount Meru, as the heaven of the Greeks on +Olympus. His city is called Amaravati; his palace Vaijayanti; his +garden Nandana. (KOSEGARTEN.) + + Hail, mountain of delight, + Palace of glory, bless'd by glory's king. + With prospering shade embower me, whilst I sing + Thy wonders yet unreached by mortal flight. + Sky-piercing mountain! in thy bowers of love, + No tears are seen, save where medicinal stalks + Weep drops balsamic o'er the silvered walks. + No plaints are heard, save where the restless dove + Of coy repulse, and mild reluctance talks. + Mantled in woven gold, with gems inchas'd, + With emerald hillocks graced, + From whose fresh laps, in young fantastic mazes, + Soft crystal bounds and blazes, + Bathing the lithe convolvulus that winds + Obsequious, and each flaunting arbour binds.--SIR W. JONES, Ode to Indra.] + +[Footnote 28: p. 7. l. 3. _Narada and Parvata_. Two of the divine +Munis or Rishis. Narada is the son of Brahma; a friend of Krishna, a +celebrated lawgiver, and inventor of the vin, or lute. (WILSON, Dict. +in voce.) Narada is mentioned as one of the "ten lords of created +beings, eminent in holiness." MENU, i. 34, 35.] + +[Footnote 29: p. 7. l. 5. _Them salutes the cloud-compeller_. +'Maghavan' is by some explained 'the cloudy.' I have adopted the word +used by the translators of Homer.] + +[Footnote 30: p. 7. l. 12. _Theirs this everlasting kingdom_. +Kshetriyas, or warriors, slain in battle, are transported to Swerga, +the heaven of Indra, by the Apsarasas or nymphs of heaven: hence they +are his "ever-honoured guests." "Those rulers of the earth, who, +desirous of defeating each other, exert their utmost strength in +battle, without ever averting their faces, ascend after death directly +to heaven." MENU, vii. 89. Indra means to say, "Why are none +new-killed in battle now-a-days, that I see none arriving in my +heaven, Swerga?"] + +[Footnote 31: p. 7. l. 12. _--even as Kamadhuk is mine_. Kamadhuk, +the cow of plenty. She was brought forth on churning the ocean to +produce the amrita, or drink of immortality. The interpretation is +doubtful; it may be that this realm is to them the cow of plenty, (as +bestowing upon them all their wishes), as the cow of plenty is mine. +See BOPP's and KOSEGARTEN's notes.] + +[Footnote 32: p. 7. l. 15. _Thus addressed by holy Sakra_. Sakra, a +name of Indra. + + Hail, Dyapeter, dismay to Bala's pride, + Or speaks Purander best thy martial fame, + Or Sacra, mystic name.--SIR W. JONES, Hymn to Indra. + +Bala and Vritra were the "giants" slain by Indra.] + +[Footnote 33: p. 7. l. 23. _As they spake, the world-protectors_. The +world-protectors are the eight gods next below the trine supreme, +Brahma, Siva, and Vishnu. They are Indra, the god of heaven; Surya, +the god of the sun; Soma or Chandra, the god of the moon; Agni, the +god of fire; Pavana, the god of the wind; Kuvera, the god of wealth; +Varuna, the god of water; Yama, the god of the infernal regions. At +present four only of these gods are introduced; Indra, Yama, Agni, and +Varuna. Compare, however, Mr. WILSON's note to Vikrama and Urvasi, +Hindu Theatre, i. 219.] + +[Footnote 34: p. 8. l. 8. _--equal to the god of love_. Manmatha, a +name of Kandarpa, or Camdeo, the god of love.] + +[Footnote 35: p. 11. l. 2. _Pledge me to thy faith, O raja_. Bopp has +rendered '_pranayaswa_,' _uxorem duc_, but this is questionable. The +root '_ni_,' with the preposition '_pari_,' has that sense, but with +'_pra_' its usual acceptation is 'to love, to bear affection.' I have +not met with it in the sense 'to marry.' Bopp is followed by Rosen in +assigning this sense to '_prani_.' WILSON.] + +[Footnote 36: p. 7. l. 4. _In full trust is thine_. Bopp connects +'_visrabdha_' with '_pranaya_,' and renders them _speratas nuptias_. I +should rather join it adverbially with '_sarvam_, all;' that is, +'yours in full trust or confidence: grant me your affection.' There is +something indelicate, though inartificial, in Damayanti's urging +matrimony so earnestly. WILSON.] + +[Footnote 37: p. 11. l. 8. _--the vile noose will I endure_. Hanging +was not considered by the Hindus an undignified mode of +self-destruction. See Hindu Theatre, ii. 237 and 299.] + +[Footnote 38: p. 11. l. 17. _He, who all the world compressing_. Nala +here recites the separate pretensions and attributes of the great +deities, first, of Hutasa, a name of Agni, the god of fire. The sense +here is extremely obscure. Bopp renders it literally. 'Qui hanc terram +totam contraxit,' seems ambiguous. It may refer to the agency of fire +in compacting the world and again consuming it, or simply shrivelling +it up, while in the act of consuming.] + +[Footnote 39: p. 11. l. 19. _He, in awe of whose dread sceptre_. +Yama: he is called the Dharma raja, king of justice. WILFORD in +Asiatic Researches. Compare SOUTHEY's description in the Curse of +Kehama, Canto xxii., with the note from Wilford on which it is +founded; and his interview with Sawitri in BOPP's collection of +Extracts from the Mahbhrata.] + +[Footnote 40: p. 11. l. 21. _--slayer of the infernal host_. Indra. +He was the conqueror of the Danavas or dmons: + + When through the waves of war thy charger sprang, + Each rock rebellowed, and each forest rang, + The vanquish'd Asurs felt avenging pains.--SIR W. JONES, Ode to Indra.] + +[Footnote 41: p. 11. l. 23. _--in thy mind if thou couldst choose_. +(At the close full stop misprinted for comma). Varuna, the god of +waters. Schlegel and Rosen consider that a sloka, describing the +attributes of Varuna, has been lost--that in this line 'varanam, +seligendum' should be written instead of 'Varunam.' The Calcutta +edition has the same reading, however, and the change is not +necessary: if any alteration be made it should probably be in the +first word, and 'Vriyatm' be read in place of 'Kriyatm.' WILSON.] + +[Footnote 42: p. 14. l. 1. _Came the day of happy omen_. The Indians, +like all other Asiatic nations, have their fortunate and unfortunate +days. The month is divided into thirty lunar days (tithis), which are +personified as nymphs. See the Dissertation on the lunar year by Sir +W. JONES, Asiatic Researches, iii. 257. In the Laws of Menu are +multifarious directions concerning the day of the moon fit or unfit +for particular actions. "The dark lunar day destroys the spiritual +teacher; the fourteenth destroys the learner; the eighth and the day +of the full moon destroy all remembrance of Scripture; for which +reason he must avoid reading on those lunar days."] + +[Footnote 43: p. 14. l. 5. _They, the court with golden columns, +etc._ The literal rendering is, 'they entered the hall (the stage, or +place of exhibition, a spacious court or quadrangle) splendid with +columns of gold, and brilliant with a portal; a temporary or triumphal +arch (torana).' There is allusion to such a porch or portal in the +Mudr Rakshasa (Hindu Theatre, ii. 181, 182), also in the Toy Cart, +(i. 82). For gold pillars see CRAWFURD's description of the Hall of +Audience at Ava. + +"The roof is supported by a great number of pillars: with the +exception of about fourteen or fifteen inches at the bottom of each +pillar, painted of a bright red, the whole interior of the palace is +one blaze of gilding--although little reconcilable to our notions of +good taste in architecture, the building is unquestionably most +splendid and brilliant, and I doubt whether so singular and imposing a +royal edifice exists in any other country." _Embassy to Ava_, 133. +WILSON.] + +[Footnote 44: p. 14. l. 10. _--delicate in shape and hue_. Bopp's +text is 'kravantah suslakshnah, having forms and delicate.' The +Calcutta edition reads 'kraverna suslakshnah, elegant in figure and +colour (complexion). Delicacy of colour, i. e. a lighter shade, +scarcely amounting to blackness at all, is in general a mark of high +caste. WILSON.] + +[Footnote 45: p. 14. l. 13. _As with serpents Bhogavati._ Bhogavati, +the capital of the serpents in the infernal world. In the Ramayana, +Ayodhya is described as guarded by warriors, as Bhogavati by the +serpents.] + +[Footnote 46: p. 15. l. 22. _Nala's form might not discern._ The form +of the gods, as it is here strikingly described by the poet, differs +from that of men by the absence of those defects which constitute the +inferiority of a mortal body to that of the inhabitants of the Indian +heaven. The immortal body does not perspire, it is unsoiled by dust, +the garlands which they wear stand erect, that is, the flowers are +still blooming and fresh. The gods are further distinguished by their +strong fixed gaze, and by floating on the earth without touching it. +They have no shadow. Nala's form is the opposite of all these. +KOSEGARTEN.] + +[Footnote 47: p. 15. l. 23. _--saw she, and with moveless eyes_. "The +gods are supposed to be exempt from the momentary elevation and +depression of the upper eyelid, to which mortals are subject. Hence a +deity is called 'Animisha' or 'Animesha,' one whose eyes do not +twinkle." Mr. Wilson, in his note to Vikrama and Urvasi, (Hindu Theatre, +i. 237. p. 60.), quotes this passage, and suggests that the "marble eyes +of Venus, by which Helen knew the goddess, and which the commentators +and translators seem to be much perplexed with, are probably the +'stabdha lochana,' the fixed eyes of the Hindus, full and unveiled for +an instant, like the eyes of a marble statue." Mr. Wilson has, I think, +been misled by the words [Greek: hommata marmaironta], which rather +expresses the contrary. [Greek: Marmair] is to glitter, and is applied +in many places in Homer to the gleaming of armour. The [Greek: +marmarigas theito podn] of the Odyssey is well translated by Gray, +"glance their many-twinkling feet." In Mr. Wilson's curious reference to +Heliodorus (the passage is in the thiopica, iii. 13.) the author +appears to write from Egyptian rather than Grecian notions. He extorts, +somewhat violently, a meaning from Homer's words, [Greek: dein de ei +esse phaanthn], which they by no means necessarily bear; but the +analogy is as curious if Egyptian as if Grecian.] + +[Footnote 48: p. 15. l. 25. _On his shadow, garland drooping_. According +to the Zoroastrian religion, one of the distinctions of human beings +after the restoration of all things and the final triumph of Ormuzd, +shall be that they shall cast no shadow; [Greek: mte skian paiountas]. +THEOPOMP. apud Plut. de Isid. et Osirid. Compare ANQUETIL DU PERRON and +KLEUKER, Anhang zum Zendavesta, i. 140.] + +[Footnote 49: p. 16. l. 14. _And the happy pair devoutly_. The +devotion of the silent spirit, the purely mental worship, is the +holiest and most acceptable service to the gods. Compare WILKINS, +Bhagavat-Gita, p. 74; MENU, ii. 85; vi. 235.] + +[Footnote 50: p. 16. l. 19. _Agni gave his own bright presence_. Agni +gave him the command of fire whenever he willed. Hutsa is a name of +Agni; hut-asa, 'qui sacrificium edit,' i. e. ignis. Bopp's +explanation, 'mundos per Deum Agnem splendentes,' has been adopted as +giving the clearest sense. Varuna gave the command of water.] + +[Footnote 51: p. 16. l. 23. _--each his double blessing gave_. Bopp +translates this, 'par liberorum dederunt,' but the original says, 'all +(or each) gave a pair,' i. e. a couple of blessings; making eight, as +stated above; each of the four gods giving two. WILSON.] + +[Footnote 52: p. 17. l. 4. _Lived in bliss, as with his Sachi_. +Indra, the giant-killer; Sachi, his spouse.] + +[Footnote 53: p. 17. l. 7. _Of the horse the famous offering_. The +reader will be best acquainted with the Aswamedha, or sacrifice of the +horse, from the spirit and felicity with which it has been introduced +by Southey in the Curse of Kehama. See also the Ramayana.] + +[Footnote 54: p. 18. l. 2. _As they parted thence, with Kali_. +Dwapara and Kali are the names of the third and fourth ages of the +world. The latter is here personified as a male deity.] + +[Footnote 55: p. 18. l. 17. _--the Puranas too the fifth_. In the +original 'Akhyana, history, legend.' The four Vedas are the Rig-veda, +the Yajur Veda, the Sama Veda, and the Atharvana. Akhyana is, as it +were, tradition superadded to scripture.] + +[Footnote 56: p. 20. l. 5. _Nala in the dusky twilight, etc._ This is +rather an unmanageable passage; but the Latin translation has not +rendered its purport correctly. 'Upaspris' can in no case mean +'calcare:' it implies touching, and especially touching or sipping +water, as part of the ceremony of purification. As Menu; "Let each man +sprinkle the cavities of his body, and taste water in due form, etc." +In the text of this passage, 'upaspris' is used for touching or +sprinkling. In others, it is used in the sense of ablution, bathing. +In the lexicons it is explained 'upasparsa sparsamtre, +snnchamanay-orapi, touch in general, ablution, sipping water.' In +the Mitkshara, on the subject of personal purification, the direction +is, after evacuations, 'Dwijo nityam upaspriset, Let the man of two +births always perform the upaspersa,' i. e. says the commentator, +'chmet, let him sip water.' The sense of the passage of the text is, +'that Nala sat down to evening prayer; (as Menu directs, he who +repeats it sitting at evening twilight, etc.,) after performing his +purifications, and sipping water, but without having washed his feet, +such ablution being necessary not because they had been soiled, but +because such an act is also part of the rite of purification. As the +Mitakshara, 'etasmt pda prakshlana prpti, after that +purification, comes the washing of the feet,' especially prior to any +religious act. So Colebrooke: "Having washed his hands and feet, and +having sipped water, the priest sits down to worship." A. R. v. 363. +WILSON.] + +[Footnote 57: p. 20. l. 12. _In the dice of dice embodied_. 'Sicut +taurus boum:' the literal translation of the phrase is explained by +the commentator Nilakantha, as 'talus inter talos eximius.' I have +adopted Schlegel's reading, which substitutes Dwapara for Kali, as +possessing the dice.] + +[Footnote 58: p. 20. l. 23. _Then the charioteer advancing_. The +charioteer appears as one of the great officers of state: the master +of the horse would convey as lofty a meaning to an English ear.] + +[Footnote 59: p. 21. l. 1. _Ill they brook this dire misfortune_. +Vyasana is a misfortune in a king: neglect of his duty for the +pleasures of the chase, gambling, etc.] + +[Footnote 60: p. 22. l. 1. _Punyasloka, king of men_. Punyasloka is a +title applied to other kings celebrated in Hindu poetry, to +Yudishthira, and also to Vishnu: it means, celebrated in sacred poems. +WILSON, Dict. in voce.] + +[Footnote 61: p. 23. l. 13. _--to Cundina's city go_. Cundina is the +capital of the kingdom of Vidarbha.] + +[Footnote 62: p. 23. l. 23. _Thence departing, to Ayodhya_. Ayodhya, +or Oude, is famous in all the early poetry of India. "On the banks of +the Suruyoo is a large country called Koshula, gay and happy, and +abounding with cattle, corn, and wealth. In that country was a famous +city called Ayodhya, built formerly by Munoo, the lord of men. A great +city, twelve yojanas in extent, the houses of which stood in triple +and long-extended rows. It was rich, and perpetually adorned with new +improvements; the streets and valleys were admirably disposed, and the +principal streets well watered. It was filled with merchants of +various descriptions, and adorned with abundance of jewels; difficult +of access, filled with spacious houses, beautified with gardens, and +groves of mango trees, surrounded by a deep and impassable moat, and +completely furnished with arms; was ornamented with stately gates and +porticoes, and constantly guarded by archers, etc. etc." Ramayana, +translated by CAREY and MARSHMAN, vol. i. p. 60.] + +[Footnote 63: p. 25. l. 16. _--to the region of the south_. +Dakshinaptha signifies properly the land on the right hand; as in the +Semitic language the south is that which is on the right hand. It +means here the land to the south of the Nerbudda. Dakshinapatha is +very probably meant in the word used by Arrian, Dachinabades. +KOSEGARTEN.] + +[Footnote 64: p. 25. l. 17. _Passing by Avanti's city_. Avanti, which +Bopp makes a mountain, according to Kosegarten and Mr. Wilson is a +city, Oujein. Bopp draws a somewhat fanciful analogy between Avanti +and the Aventine at Rome. He refers also to Himavan, qu. Mavanten, +'montem.' The philological student will do well to consult this note +of Bopp. In the Meghadta, Oujein is Aventi: + + Behold the city, whose immortal fame, + Glows in Avanti's or Visala's name. line 193. + +The synonyms of Oujein are thus enumerated by Hemachandra: Ujjayini, +Visla, Avanti, and Pashparavandini. Rikshavn, i. e. bear-having, the +mount of bears, is part of the Vindhya chain, separating Malwa from +Kandesh and Berar. WILSON.] + +[Footnote 65: p. 25. l. 18. _Vindhya here, the mighty mountain_. See +note to 'Cloud-Messenger,' page 92 to 94. Compare likewise Asiatic +Researches, i. p. 380, where, in one of the famous inscriptions on the +staff of Feroz Shah, it is named as one of the boundaries of +Aryaverta, the land of virtue, or India. It is named also in the +curious Indian grant of land found at Tanna. Asiatic Researches, i. +366.] + +[Footnote 66: p. 25. l. 18. _--and Payoshni's seaward stream_. +Payoshni, a river that flows from the Vindhya, mentioned in the +Brahmanda Purana. Asiatic Researches, viii. 341.] + +[Footnote 67: p. 25. l. 20. _--this to Cosala away_. Cosala, a city +of Ayodhya, or Oude. Cosala is mentioned in the Brahmanda Purana as +beyond the Vindhya mountains. Asiatic Researches, viii. 343.] + +[Footnote 68: p. 27. l. 7. _Both together by one garment_. The poet +supposes that Damayanti had bestowed half her single garment upon +Nala. BOPP. This, however, does not appear to be the case.] + +[Footnote 69: p. 28. l. 4. _From her virtue none dare harm her_. +Spenser's Una, and still more the lady in Comus, will recur to the +remembrance of the English reader. See Quarterly Review, vol. xlv. p. +20.] + +[Footnote 70: p. 28. l. 24. _--may the genii of the woods_. He calls +on the Adityas, Vasavas, and Rudras, the Aswinas, the Maruts. This is +the literal version. They are different orders of genii, each +consisting of a definite number. The Adityas are twelve, and preside +over the different months. They are called the children of Kasyapa and +of Aditi his wife. According to Mr. Wilkins (notes to the +Bhagavat-Gita, p. 144), they are no more than emblems of the sun for +each month in the year. Mr. Wilkins gives their names: + +The Vasavas, or Vasus, are eight. Indra is the first. They are the +guardians of the world, and apparently the same with the eight gods +mentioned in the early part of the poem. + +The Rudras are eleven; according to some the eleven personifications +of Siva, who bears the name of Rudra. Bhagavat-Gita, p. 85. note 144. +"The lord of creation meditated profoundly on the earth, and created +the gods, the Vasus, Rudras, and Adityas." COLEBROOKE, in Asiatic +Researches, viii. 453. + +For the Aswinas see former note. + +The Maruts are forty-nine: they preside over the winds (MENU, iii. +88.) The chief god of the wind, Pavana, is called Marut. Their origin +is described in the Ramayana, i. 420. See also the Hindu Pantheon, p. +92.] + +[Footnote 71: p. 30. l. 14. _Hence one moment, thus deserted_. Conjugal duty is +carried to a great height in the laws of Menu: "Though unobservant of +approved usages, or enamoured of another woman, or devoid of good +qualities, yet a husband must constantly be revered as a god by a +virtuous wife." v. 154.] + +[Footnote 72: p. 31. l. 11. _--in the satyr-haunted wood_. Swapada, dog-footed: +the dog is an unclean animal in India. As the goat-footed, the +'capripedes satyri' in Greece, I have thought the satyr not so +exclusively Greek but that it might be used for any "wild man of the +woods." The word is also derived from 'swan, a dog,' and 'pad, to +resemble,' and is explained by Mr. Wilson, ferocious, savage.] + +[Footnote 73: p. 32. l. 21. _--uttered loud her curse of wrath_. The power of a +curse, according to Indian belief, will be best illustrated to the +reader of English poetry by "the Curse of Kehama." In the "Death of +Yajnadatta," included in this volume, we find the effects of a +Brahmin's curse described.] + +[Footnote 74: p. 33. l. 5. _Trees of every form and stature_. I have omitted a +long list of trees, the names of which, conveying no notion to an +English ear, and wanting the characteristic epithets of Ovid's or of +Spenser's well-known and picturesque forest description, would only +perplex the reader with several lines of unintelligible words. To the +Indian ear these names, pregnant with pleasing associations, and +descriptive in their etymological meaning, would no doubt convey the +same delight as those of the Latin or English poet.] + +[Footnote 75: p. 33. l. 9. _--serpents, elves, and giants saw_. Kosegarten has +translated this word 'elves:' they are a kind of evil spirit. In Menu, +ii. 96, they are named with the Yakshas and Rakshasas as partaking of +unclean food.] + +[Footnote 76: p. 35. l. 22. _All the trees of richest foliage_. A general +description has again been substituted in these two lines for the +names of various trees.] + +[Footnote 77: p. 36. l. 4. _--of the regal sacrifice_. The king's offering. See +COLEBROOKE, in Asiatic Researches, viii. 430.] + +[Footnote 78: p. 36. l. 15. _--soma quaffing, fire adoring_. Soma, the juice of +the Asclepias acida, the moon plant. Drinking the expressed juice of +this plant is a holy ceremony, used at the completion of a sacrifice, +and sanctifies the drinker. "He alone is worthy to drink the juice of +the moon plant who keep a provision of grain sufficient to supply +those whom the law commands him to nourish, for the term of three +years or more. But a twice-born man, who keeps a less provision of +grain, yet presumes to taste the juice of the moon plant, shall gather +no fruit from that sacrament, even though he taste it at the first or +solemn, or much less at any occasional ceremony." MENU, iii. 197. All +the ancestors of the Brahmins are 'Soma-pas, moon-plant drinkers.'] + +[Footnote 79: p. 36. l. 15. _--fire adoring_. Watching or maintaining the +sacred fire is another duty: it peculiarly belongs to priests and +hermits. The latter may watch the fire mentally: "Then having +reposited his holy fires, as the law directs, in his mind, let him +live without external fire, without a mansion, wholly silent, feeding +on roots and fruit." MENU, vi. 25.] + +[Footnote 80: p. 37. l. 2. _--sweet as the amrita draught_. For the amrita, the +drink of immortality, see Curse of Kehama, the extract from the +Mahbhrata quoted by Mr. Wilkins in his notes to the Bhagavat-Gita, +and Ramayana, I. 410.] + +[Footnote 81: p. 37. l. 10. _To the ancient famous hermits_. These famous +hermits, whose names I have omitted, were Bhrigu, Atri, and Vasishta.] + +[Footnote 82: p. 37. l. 11. _Self-denying, strict in diet_. The sixth book of +Menu is filled with instructions to those who are engaged in 'tapasa:' +it is entitled, "On Devotion." "When the father of a family perceives +his muscles become flaccid, and his hair gray, and sees the child of +his child, let him then seek refuge in a forest. Abandoning all food +eaten in towns, and all his household utensils, let him repair to the +lonely wood, committing the care of his wife to her sons, or +accompanied by her, if she choose to attend him. Let him take up his +consecrated fire, and all his domestic implements of making oblations +to it, and departing from the town to the forest, let him dwell in it +with complete power over his organs of sense and of action. With many +sorts of pure food, such as holy sages used to eat, with green herbs, +roots, and fruit, let him perform the five great sacraments before +mentioned, introducing them with due ceremonies. Let him wear a black +antelope's hide, or a vesture of bark; let him suffer the hairs of his +head, his beard, and his nails, to grow continually." MENU, vi. 2. et +seqq.] + +[Footnote 83: p. 37. l. 18. _pulchris femoribus_. Clausulam hanc prudens omisi.] + +[Footnote 84: p. 37. l. 25. _Take thy seat, they said, oh lady_. The +hospitality of the hermits to Damayanti is strictly according to law. +"With presents of water, roots, and fruit, let him honour those who +visit his hermitage."] + +[Footnote 85: p. 37. l. 27. _In your sacred fires, your worship._ "Let him, as +the law directs, make oblations on the hearth with three sacred +fires." MENU, vi. 9. Compare iv. 25.] + +[Footnote 86: p. 37. l. 27. _--blameless, with your beasts and birds._ Hermits +were to have "a tender affection for all animated bodies," MENU, vi. +8.] + +[Footnote 87: p. 38. l. 12. _--twice-born Sages, know ye me_. The three first +castes are "twice-born." The first birth is from the natural mother; +the second from the ligation of the zone; the third from the due +performance of the sacrifice: such are the births of him who is +usually called twice-born, according to the text of the Veda: among +them his divine birth is that which is distinguished by the ligation +of the zone and sacrificial cord, and in that birth the Gayatri is his +mother, and the Acharya his father. MENU, ii. 169.] + +[Footnote 88: p. 39. l. 15. _Through devotion now we see him_. The kind of +prophetic trance, in which holy men, abstracted from all earthly +thoughts, were enwrapt, enabled them to see things future.] + +[Footnote 89: p. 40. l. 6. _Best of trees, the Asoca blooming_. The Asoca is a +shrub consecrated to Mahadeva; men and women of all classes ought to +bathe, on a particular day, in some holy stream, especially the +Brahma-putra, and drink water with the buds of the Asoca floating in +it. This shrub is planted near the temples of Siva, and grows +abundantly on Ceylon. Sita is said to have been confined in a grove of +it, while in captivity by Ravana; other relators say that she was +confined in a place or house called Asocavan. The Asoca is a plant of +the first order of the eighth class, of leguminous fructification, and +bears flowers of exquisite beauty. Van Rheede (Hortus Malab. vol. v. +tab. 59.) calls it Asjogam. See Asiatic Researches, iii. 254, 277. +MOOR, Hindu Pantheon, 55.] + +[Footnote 90: p. 40. l. 17. _Truly be thou named Asoca_. Asoca, from +_a_, privative, and _soka_, grief: a play of words, as when Helen, in +Euripides, is called '[Greek: 'Elenas], the destroyer of ships.' Many +other instances will occur to the classical reader. In Malati and +Madhava, the forlorn lover in turn addresses different objects of +nature, the clouds, the birds, and the elephants, to inform him whether +they have seen his lost mistress. ACT ix. See, however, Mr. WILSON's +note, who seems to think that he addresses the sylvan deities.] + +[Footnote 91: p. 42. l. 8. _--Manibhadra, guard us well_. Manibhadra, the +tutelar deity of travellers and merchants: probably a name of Kuvera, +the god of wealth.] + +[Footnote 92: p. 42. l. 11. _To the realm of Chedi's sovereign_. Chedi is the +name of the country now called Chandail. The country is perpetually +named in the marriage of Roukmini, extracted from the Harivansa by +Mons. LANGLOIS, Monumens de l'Inde, p. 96.] + +[Footnote 93: p. 43. Compare the Raghuvansa, ch. v. 43 to 49.] + +[Footnote 94: p. 43. l. 12. + + --_lo, a herd of elephants, + Oozing moisture from their temples_-- + + Where the wild elephant delights to shed + The juice exuding fragrant from his head + + WILSON's Cloud-Messenger, p. 127, and note.] + +[Footnote 95: p. 44. l. 7. _--the three worlds seemed all appalled_. Swerga, +heaven, Martya or Bhumi, the earth, and Patala, hell.] + +[Footnote 96: p. 44. l. 21. _And Vaisravana the holy_. Vaisravana is another +name of Kuvera, the god of wealth.] + +[Footnote 97: p. 45. l. 13. _In some former life committed_. The soul, in its +transmigration, expiates the sins committed in a former state of +being. This necessary corollary from the doctrine of the +metempsychosis appear to have prevailed among the pharisaic Jews in +the time of our Saviour: "Master, who did sin, this man or his +parents, that he was born blind." JOHN, ix. 2.] + +[Footnote 98: p. 46. l. 15. _--in their curious gamesome play_. Kutuhalt, +rendered by Bopp 'cum voluptate,' means, 'from curiosity.' WILSON.] + +[Footnote 99: p. 47. l. 13. _I with but one robe, him naked_. Bopp's text is +incorrect here. Instead of 'Tam. ekavasanam,' the accusative +masculine, it should be 'Tam. ekavasan, I with one garment clad,' the +nominative feminine, referring to Damayanti, not to Nala: "I with one +garment following him naked and deprived of reason, like one crazed, +had not slept for many nights." WILSON.] + +[Footnote 100: p. 47. l. 28. _That I eat not broken victuals_. Among the kinds +of food proscribed to a Brahmin are, "the food of a servile man and +the orts of another."] + +[Footnote 101: p. 47. l. 28. _--wash not feet with menial hand_. The Latin +translation, 'ne faciam pedibus cursum,' is faulty: the sense is, +"that I perform not washing of the feet." Damayanti means that she is +not to perform menial offices appropriated to persons of low caste. +Stipulating for a carriage would be rather extraordinary. WILSON.] + +[Footnote 102: p. 49. l. 9. _Nrada, the famous hermit_. One of the Devarshis, +and a great prophet, who is supposed to be still wandering about the +world. 'Nara' signifies a thread or clew, a precept, and 'da,' giver. +Whenever he appears he is constantly employed in giving good counsel. +WILKINS, note on Bhagavat-Gita.] + +[Footnote 103: p. 49. l. 23. _Ere the tenth step he had counted--him the sudden +serpent bit_. 'Dasa' means both 'bite' and 'ten.'] + +[Footnote 104: p. 50. l. 12. _Neither Brahmin fear, nor Sages_. In Indian +poetry four classes of holy men, or Rishis, are distinguished, and +rise, one above the other, in the following rank: Rajarshis, royal +Rishis; Maharshis, great Rishis; Brahmarshis, Brahminical Rishis; and +Dewarshis, divine Rishis. KOSEGARTEN. Another enumeration specifies +seven grades. WILSON, in voce.] + +[Footnote 105: p. 50. l. 26. _Saying thus, of vests celestial--gave he to the +king a pair_. The dress of a Hindu consists of two pieces of cloth, +one, the lower garment fastened round his waist, and one the upper +garment thrown loosely and gracefully over the shoulders. WILSON.] + +[Footnote 106: p. 51. l. 6. _In the art of dressing viands_. This, it will be +remembered, was one of the gifts bestowed by the gods on Nala at his +marriage.] + +[Footnote 107: p. 51. l. 12. _--hundred hundreds is thy pay_. Suvarnas, a +certain measure of gold. WILSON, Dict. in voce.] + +[Footnote 108: p. 52. l. 2. There is in the text a second line, repeating the +same sentiment. Bopp proposes to reject the first, I have omitted the +second.] + +[Footnote 109: p. 53. l. 7. _And a royal grant for maintenance_. See Bopp's +note. I have adopted the second sense of the word Agraharah. Such +grants were not uncommon in India, as throughout the east. See the +grants on copper-plates found near Bombay, Asiatic Researches, i. 362. +So the well-known gifts of the king of Persia to Themistocles.] + +[Footnote 110: p. 53. l. 15. _--on a royal holiday_. A day proclaimed as +fortunate by the king.] + +[Footnote 111: p. 54. l. 1. _--like Manmatha's queen divine_. The bride of +Kmadeva is Rati, pleasure.] + +[Footnote 112: p. 54. ls. 4--10. This long train of similes, in which the images +of the lotus flower and the moon so perpetually occur, is too +characteristic to be omitted or compressed. I have here and there used +the license of a paraphrase.] + +[Footnote 113: p. 54. l. 5. _Like the pallid night, when Rahu_. This is a +favourite simile of the Indian poets. + + That snatched my love from the uplifted sword, + Like the pale moon from Rahu's ravenous jaws. + + WILSON'S Malati and Madhava, p. 62. + + -------------and now thou fall'st, a prey + To death, like the full moon to Rahu's jaws + Consigned. + + Ibid. p. 115. + +In Indian mythology, eclipses are caused by the dragon Rahu attempting +to swallow up the moon. The origin of their hostility is given in a +passage quoted by Mr. Wilkins from the Mahabharata, in his notes to +the Bhagavat-Gita:--"And so it fell out that when the Soors were +quenching their thirst for immortality, Rahu, an Asoor, assumed the +form of a Soor, and begun to drink also; and the water had but reached +his throat, when the sun and moon, in friendship to the Soors, +discovered the deceit, and instantly Narayan cut off his head as he +was drinking, with his splendid weapon, chakra. And the gigantic head +of the Asoor, emblem of a monstrous summit, being thus separated from +his body by the chakra's edge, bounded into the heavens with a +dreadful cry, whilst the ponderous trunk fell, cleaving the ground +asunder, and shaking the whole earth unto its foundations, with all +its islands, rocks, and forest. And from this time the head of Rahu +resolved on eternal enmity, and continueth even unto this day at times +to seize upon the sun and moon." p. 149.] + +[Footnote 114: p. 54. l. 15. _To the unadorned a husband._ "Married women must +be honoured and adorned by their fathers and brethren, by their +husbands, and by the brethren of their husbands, if they seek abundant +prosperity." MENU, iii, 55.] + +[Footnote 115: p. 54. l. 22.--_the moon's bride_. Rohinia. The moon, as +in the northern mythologies, is a male deity. See WILFORD, in Asiatic +Researches, iii, 384. Rohinia is explained by Mr. Wilson, the fourth +lunar asterism, figured by a wheeled carriage, and containing five +stars, probably [Greek: a b g d e], Tauri. In mythology the asterism is +personified as one of the daughters of Daksha, and wives of the +moon.--Sanscrit Dict. in voce. Comp. Vikrama and Urvasi, p. 57.] + +[Footnote 116: p. 57. _Dasarna_. Dasarna is mentioned in the Cloud Messenger of +Kalidasa. + + Dasarna's fields await the coming shower. + +See likewise Mr. Wilson's note, p. 37.] + +[Footnote 117: p. 59. l. 2. _By the wind within the forest--fanned, intensely +burns the fire._ Kosegarten supposes this to mean, that as the +incessant wind kindles the fire in the grove of bamboos, so their +repeated words may fan the fire of pity in the heart of Nala.] + +[Footnote 118: p. 63. l. 9. _To desire this deed unholy._ A second marriage in +a woman is considered in India an inexpiable breach of conjugal +fidelity. "A virtuous wife ascends to heaven, though she have no +child, if after the decease of her lord she devotes herself to pious +austerity. But a widow, who from a wish to bear children, slights her +deceased husband by marrying again, brings disgrace on herself here +below, and shall be excluded from the seat of her lord." MENU, v, +160-161. "She who neglects her former (purva) lord, though of a lower +class, and takes another (para) of a higher, becomes despicable in +this world, and is called para purva, or one who had a different +husband before." Ibid. 163.] + +[Footnote 119: p. 64. l. 4. _With the ten good marks distinguished._ Avarttas +are "locks," curls, or twists of the hair in certain forms on +different parts of the body--here they are apparently: forehead 1, +head 2, chest 2, ribs 2, flanks 2, crupper 1. In the Magha, v. 9, we +have the term Avarttina applied to horses; on which the commentator +observes, "Avarttina signifies horses having the ten Avarttas, marks +of excellence; they are, two on the breast, two on the head, two on +the hollows of the ribs, two on the hollows of the flanks, and one on +the crupper (Prapata); these are called the ten Avarttas. Avartta +means an eddy, or whirlpool, and the name is applied to dispositions +of the hair of a horse which resemble a whirlpool." WILSON.] + +[Footnote 120: p. 64. l. 4. _--born in Sindhu_. The Sindhu is the Indian name +for the Indus; the neighbouring territory is called Sind. See Asiatic +Researches, viii. 336.] + +[Footnote 121: p. 65. l. 7. _Matali_. The charioteer of Indra. See Rhaguvansa, +xii, 86, and Sacontala.] + +[Footnote 122: p. 66. l. 10. _Ten miles, lo, it lies beyond us._ A Yojana; +according to some eleven, according to others five or six English +miles. I have given a round number.] + +[Footnote 123: p. 66. l. 12. _Vibhitak_. 'Beleric Myrobalan.' WILSON, Sanscrit +Dict. in voce.] + +[Footnote 124: p. 66. l. 21. _Kotis_. A Koti is ten millions.] + +[Footnote 125: p. 68. l. 11. _Kali_. It must be remembered that Kali, while +within the body of Nala, had been enchanted by the serpent Karkotaka.] + +[Footnote 126: p. 68. l. 16. Damayanti; who had cursed in the forest all who had +caused the misery of Nala.] + +[Footnote 127: p. 68. l. 25. Compare Prospero's power in the Tempest.] + +[Footnote 128: p. 70. l. 4. _All the region round him echoing--with the thunders +of his car._ This scene rather reminds us of the watchman reporting +the rapid approach of Jehu, "The driving is like the driving of Jehu +the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously." II Kings ix, 20.] + +[Footnote 129: p. 70. l. 6. _In their joy they pawed and trampled._ The horses +of Nala had been before conveyed to the city of king Bhima by +Varshneya.] + +[Footnote 130: p. 70. l. 16. _--as at sound of coming rain._ The rejoicing of +the peacocks at the approach of rain is very sweetly described in the +play of Malati and Madhava, translated by Mr. Wilson. + + Ah Malati, how can I bear to contemplate + The young Tamala, bowed beneath the weight + Of the light rain; the quivering drops that dance + Before the cooling gale; the joyful cry + That echoes round, as pleased the pea-fowl hail + The bow of heaven propitious to their loves.--p. 108. + +In the Cloud Messenger, the Yaksha who addresses the cloud, fears lest +it should be delayed by the cry of the peacock-- + + Or can the peacock's animated hail + The bird with lucid eyes, to lure thee fail.--l. 147. + +In another passage, + + Pleased on each terrace, dancing with delight, + The friendly peacock hails thy grateful flight.--l. 215.] + +[Footnote 131: p. 76. l. 19. _--much and various viands came_. The reader must +remember the various gifts bestowed on king Nala by the gods upon his +marriage.] + +[Footnote 132: p. 77. l. 22. _--of her mouth ablution made_. Washing the mouth +after food, which Damayanti in her height of emotion does not forget, +is a duty strictly enjoined in the Indian law, which so rigidly +enforces personal cleanliness. "With a remnant of food in the mouth, +or when the Sraddha has recently been eaten, let no man even meditate +in his heart on the holy texts." MENU, iv, 109. "Having slumbered, +having sneezed, having eaten, having spitten, having told untruths, +having drunk water, and going to read sacred books, let him, though +pure, wash his mouth." v. 145.] + +[Footnote 133: p. 79. l. 17. _--hair dishevelled, mire-defiled_. As a sign of +sorrow and mourning.] + +[Footnote 134: p. 80. l. 4. _I will be._ "I will be," must be the commencement +of the prayer uttered by the bridegroom at the time of marriage. It +does not correspond with any of those cited by Mr. Colebrooke. It is +probably analogous to that given by him, Asiatic Researches, viii, p. +301. WILSON.] + +[Footnote 135: p. 81. l. 11. _He through all the world that wanders--witness the +all-seeing lord._ See the curious Law of Ordeal, Asiatic Researches, +vol. i, p. 402, "On the trial by fire, let both hands of the accused +be rubbed with rice in the husk, and well examined: then let seven +leaves of the Aswatha (the religious fig-tree) be placed on them, and +bound with seven threads." Thou, O fire, pervadest all beings; O cause +of purity, who givest evidence of virtue and of sin, declare the truth +in this my hand.] + +[Footnote 136: p. 81. l. 27. _--flowers fell showering all around._ These +heavenly beings are ever ready, in the machinery of Hindu epics, to +perform their pleasing office (of showering flowers on the head of the +happy pair) on every important occasion: they are called +Pushpa-vrishti, or flower-rainers. MOOR, Hindu Pantheon, 194. See in +the Raghuvansa, ii, 60. No sooner has king Dlpa offered himself to +die for the sacred cow of his Brahminical preceptor, than "a shower of +flowers" falls upon him.] + +[Footnote 137: p. 86. l. 3. _--stands the Apsara in heaven._ The birth of the +Apsarasas is thus related in the Ramayana. + + Then from the agitated deep upsprung + The legion of Apsarasas, so named + That to the watery element they owed + Their being. Myriads were they born, and all + In vesture heavenly clad, and heavenly gems; + Yet more divine their native semblance, rich + With all the gifts of grace and youth and beauty. + A train innumerous followed, yet thus fair + Nor god nor demon sought their widowed love; + Thus Rghava they still remain, their charms + The common treasure of the host of heaven. + + --WILSON's Translation, Preface to the Drama of Vikrama and + Urvasi, p. 13.] + +[Footnote 138: p. 87. l. 16. _Pushkara appeased._ The Calcutta edition has a +better reading than that of Bopp. Instead of Prasant Pushkare +(Pushkara appeased), it is Prasant tu pure, (the city being tranquil, +the rejoicings having ceased). WILSON.] + +[Footnote 139: p. 87. l. 21. _Nala sate, as in Nandana_. Nandna is the garden +of Indra.] + +[Footnote 140: p. 87. l. 23. _Ruled his realm in Jambudwpa_. Sic in Puranis +India nominatur. BOPP.] + + + + +NOTES TO + +THE DEATH OF YAJNADATTA. + + +[Footnote 141: p. 91. l. 15. _So I the lovely Amra left_. The Amra is the +Mangifern Indica. This tree is not only valuable in the estimation of +the Indians for the excellence of its fruits; the belief that the +burning juice of its flowers is used to steep the darts of love, +enhances their veneration for this beautiful tree. It is frequently +mentioned in their poetry. M. CHEZY.] + +[Footnote 142: p. 91. l. 15. _--for the Palasa's barren bloom_. The Palasa is +the Butea Frondosa of Koenig. Its flowers, of great beauty, are +papilionaceous; and its fruit, entirely without use in domestic +economy, compared particularly with the Amra, may well be called +barren. M. CHEZY. See Sir W. Jones's Essay on the Botany of India; and +the Asiatic Researches, vol. iii.] + +[Footnote 143: p. 91. l. 19. _--hath fallen upon my fatal head_. "Yes, iniquity +once committed, fails not of producing fruit to him who wrought it; if +not in his own person, yet in his son's; or if not in his son's, yet +in his grandson's." MENU, iv. 173.] + +[Footnote 144: p. 92. l. 2. _--where haunt the spirits of the dead!_ The south; +the realm of Yama, the judge of the dead.] + +[Footnote 145: p. 92. l. 3. _--on high the welcome clouds appeared_. The beauty +of nature after the rainy season has refreshed the earth, is a +favourite topic in Indian poetry. The Cloud Messenger, so gracefully +translated by Mr. Wilson, is full of allusions to the grateful +progress of the cloud, welcomed as it passes along by the joy of +animate and inanimate beings. Quote 61-70, 131-142. Compare, in the +Hindu Drama, the Toy Cart, act v.] + +[Footnote 146: p. 93. l. 2. _As though a pupil's hand accursed_. The offences +of a pupil against a tutor, almost the holiest relation of life, are +described in the Laws of Menu, ii. 191 to 218, 242, 8. "By censuring +his preceptor, though justly, he will be born an ass; by falsely +defaming him, a dog; by using his goods without leave, a small worm; +by envying his merit, a larger insect or reptile." As the Roman law +did not contemplate the possibility of parricide, that of Menu has no +provision against the crime in the text.] + +[Footnote 147: p. 93. l. 6. _--to the five elements returned_. A common Indian +phrase for death. The ether is the fifth element.] + +[Footnote 148: p. 93. l. 15. _Kshatriya_. The second, or warrior-caste. The +kings in India were usually of this caste.] + +[Footnote 149: p. 93. l. 25. _Raghu_. One of the famous ancestors of Dasaratha. +The poem of the Raghu Vansa has recently appeared, edited by M. +Stenzler.] + +[Footnote 150: p. 94. l. 3. _My sire, a Brahmin hermit he--my mother was of +Sudra race_. This seems inconsistent with Menu: "A Brahmin, if he +take a Sudra to his bed as his first wife, sinks to the regions of +torment; if he begets a child by her, he loses even his priestly +rank." iii, 17; also 18, 19.] + +[Footnote 151: p. 96. l. 14. _The miserable father now_. See in Menu, the +penalties and expiation for killing a Brahmin undesignedly, xi, 74, +82; compare 90. An assaulter of a Brahman with intent to kill, shall +remain in hell a hundred years; for actually striking him with like +intent, a thousand; as many small pellets of dust as the blood of a +Brahmin collects on the ground, for so many thousand years must the +shedder of that blood be tormented in hell. xi. 207, 8.] + +[Footnote 152: p. 97. l. 23. _I've reached the wished for realms of joy_. Among +the acts which lead to eternal bliss are these: "Studying and +comprehending the Veda--showing reverence to a natural or spiritual +father." MENU, xii, 83.] + + + + +NOTES TO + +THE BRAHMIN'S LAMENT. + + +[Footnote 153: p. 104. l. 5.--_a heaven-winning race may make_. +Literally: Whom Brahma has placed with me in trust for a future +husband, and through whose offspring I may obtain with my progenitors +the regions secured by ablutions made by a daughter's sons. WILSON.] + +[Footnote 154: p. 104. l. 15. A line is omitted here, which seems to +want a parallel to make up the sloka. Bopp has omitted it in his +translation.] + +[Footnote 155: p. 105. l. 21. _--Sudra like_. The lowest caste who +are not privileged, and indeed have no disposition in the native +barrenness of their minds to study the sacred Vedas.] + +[Footnote 156: p. 105. l. 25. _As the storks the rice of offering_. +We follow Bopp in refining these birds from birds of coarser prey.] + + + + +NOTES TO + +THE DELUGE. + + +[Footnote 157: See the very valuable papers of this gentleman in the +Bombay Transactions.] + +[Footnote 158: The editor remarks, that the name Manuja, Man-born, as +the appellative of the human race, is derived from Manu, as likewise +Mnawas, _masc._ Man--Mnawi, _fem._ Woman: from thence the Gothic +_Mann_, which we have preserved. Manu is thus the representative of +Man.] + + + + +THE DESCENT OF THE GANGES. + +FIRST PRINTED IN THE QUARTERLY REVIEW, VOL. XLV. + + +The descent of the Ganges is the sequel of another fiction still more +monstrous, but perhaps one of the most singular of the cosmogonical +notions of the ancient Indians. Sagara, the king of Ayodhya (Oude), +was without offspring--in almost all eastern countries the most +grievous calamity incident to man, more especially to those of noble +or royal race. By the most surpassing penances he obtains an oracle +from the wise Brighu, predicting that one of his wives will bring +forth a single son, the other _sixty thousand_! Accordingly the fair +Cesina gives birth to Asamanja; his other wife to a gourd, which, like +the egg of Leda, is instinct with life. From the seeds of this gourd, +preserved with great care, and fed with ghee, come forth in due time +the sixty thousand boys. The son of Cesina was a youth of the most +malicious and cruel disposition; his pastime was to throw little +infants into the river, and solace himself with their cries. He is +sent into exile by his just and humane father, where he has a son, +Ansuman, as gentle and popular as Asamanja was malignant and odious. +King Sagara prepares to offer the Aswameda, the famous sacrifice of +the horse. The holy and untouched steed is led forth, as in the 'Curse +of Kehama,' among the admiring multitude, by the youthful Ansuman, +when on a sudden a monstrous serpent arises from the earth, and drags +it into the abyss. Sagara, in wrath, commands his sixty thousand sons +to undertake the recovery of the steed from the malignant demon who +has thus interrupted the sacrifice. Having searched long in vain, they +begin to dig into the bowels of the earth, until,-- + + 'Cloven with shovel and with hoe, pierced by axes and by spades, + Shrieked the earth in frantic woe; rose from out the yawning shades + Yells of anguish, hideous roars from the expiring brood of hell-- + Serpents, giants, and Asoors, in the deep abyss that dwell. + Sixty thousand leagues in length, all unweary, full of wrath, + Through the centre, in their strength, clove they down their hellward path.' + +The gods, expecting the whole frame of the world, thus undermined, to +perish in total ruin, assemble around Brahma to implore his +interposition. He informs them that Vishnu, in the form of Kapila, has +been the robber of the horse, and that in due time the god will avenge +himself. From Patala, the hell of Indian mythology, the Sagarid +recommence their impious and destructive work. + + 'And downward dug they many a rood, and downward till they + saw aghast, Where the earth-bearing elephant stood, ev'n like + a mountain tall and vast. 'Tis he whose head aloft sustains + the broad earth's forest-clothed round, With all its vast and + spreading plains, and many a stately city crown'd. If + underneath the o'erbearing load bows down his weary head, + 'tis then The mighty earthquakes are abroad, and shaking down + the abodes of men. Around earth's pillar moved they slowly, + and thus in humble accents blest Him the lofty and the holy, + that bears the region of the East. And southward dug they + many a rood, until before their shuddering sight, The next + earth-bearing elephant stood, huge Mahapadmas' mountain + height. Upon his head earth's southern bound, all full of + wonder, saw they rest. Slow and awe-struck paced they round, + and him, earth's southern pillar, blest. Westward then their + work they urge, king Sagara's six myriad race, Unto the vast + earth's western verge, and there in his appointed place The + next earth-bearing elephant stood, huge Saumanasa's mountain + crest; Around they paced in humble mood, and in like + courteous phrase addrest, And still their weary toil endure, + and onward dig until they see Last earth-bearing Himapandure, + glorying in his majesty.' + +At length they reach the place where Vishnu appears in the form of +Kapila, with the horse feeding near him; a flame issues forth from the +indignant deity, and the six myriad sons of Sagara become a heap of +ashes. + +The adventure devolves on the youthful Ansuman, who achieves it with +perfect success; Vishnu permits him to lead away the steed, but the +ashes of his brethren cannot be purified by earthly water; the goddess +Ganga must first be brought to earth, and, having undergone lustration +from that holy flood, the race of Sagara are to ascend to heaven. Yet +a long period elapses; and it is not till the reign of the virtuous +Bhagiratha, that Brahma is moved by his surpassing penance to grant +the descent of Ganga from heaven. King Bhagiratha had taken his stand +on the top of Gokarna, the sacred peak of the Himavan, (the Himalaya,) +and here + + 'Stands with arms outstretch'd on high, amid five blazing fires, the one + Towards each quarter of the sky, the fifth the full meridian sun. + Mid fiercest frosts on snow he slept, the dry and withered leaves his food, + Mid rains his roofless vigil kept, the soul and sense alike subdued.' + +His prayers are irresistible; but Brahma forewarns him, that the +unbroken descent of Ganga from heaven would be so overpowering, that +the earth would be unable to sustain it, and Siva must be propitiated, +in order that he may receive on his head the precipitous cataract. +Under this wild and unwieldy allegory appears to lurk an obscure +allusion to the course of the Ganges among the summits, and under the +forests of the Himalaya, which are the locks of Siva. + + 'High on the top of Himavan the mighty Mashawara stood; + And "Descend," he gave the word to the heaven-meandering water-- + Full of wrath, the mandate heard Himavan's majestic daughter. + To a giant's stature soaring and intolerable speed, + From heaven's height down rush'd she pouring upon Siva's sacred head. + Him the goddess thought in scorn with her resistless might to sweep + By her fierce waves o'erborne, down to hell's remotest deep.' + +Siva, in his turn enraged, resists her fury. + + 'Down on Sankara's holy head, down the holy fell, and there + Amid the entangling meshes spread, of his loose and flowing hair. + Vast and boundless as the woods upon the Himalaya's brow, + Nor ever may the struggling floods rush headlong to the earth below. + Opening, egress was not there, amid those winding, long meanders. + Within that labyrinthine hair, for many an age the goddess wanders.' + +The king again has recourse to his penances, Siva is propitiated, and +the stream by seven[159] channels finds its way to the plains of India. +The spirit and the luxuriance of the description which follows, of the +king leading the way, and the obedient waters rolling after his car, +appear to us of a high order of poetry. + + 'Up the raja at the sign upon his glittering chariot leaps, + Instant Ganga the divine follows his majestic steps, From the + high heaven burst she forth first on Siva's lofty crown, + Headlong then and prone to earth thundering rushed the + cataract down. Swarms of bright-hued fish came dashing; + turtles, dolphins in their mirth, Fallen or falling, + glancing, flashing, to the many gleaming earth. And all the + host of heaven came down, spirits and genii, in amaze, And + each forsook his heavenly throne, upon that glorious scene to + gaze. On cars, like high tower'd cities, seen, with elephants + and coursers, rode, Or on soft swinging palanquin, lay + wondering each observant god. As met in bright divan each + god, and flash'd their jewell'd vestures' rays, The + coruscating ther glow'd, as with a hundred suns ablaze. And + with the fish and dolphins gleaming, and scaly crocodiles and + snakes, Glanc'd the air, as when fast streaming the blue + lightning shoots and breaks: And in ten thousand sparkles + bright went flashing up the cloudy spray, The snowy flocking + swans less white, within its glittering mists at play. And + headlong now poured down the flood, and now in silver + circlets wound, Then lakelike spread all bright and broad, + then gently, gently flowed around, Then 'neath the cavern'd + earth descending, then spouted up the boiling tide, Then + stream with stream harmonious blending, swell bubbling up or + smooth subside. By that heaven-welling water's breast, the + genii and the sages stood, Its sanctifying dews they blest, + and plung'd within the lustral flood. Whoe'er beneath the + curse of heaven from that immaculate world had fled, To th' + impure earth in exile driven, to that all-holy baptism sped; + And purified from every sin, to the bright spirit's bliss + restor'd, Th' etherial sphere they entered in, and through + th' empyreal mansions soar'd. The world in solemn jubilee + behold these heavenly waves draw near, From sin and dark + pollution free, bathed in the blameless waters clear. Swift + king Bhagiratha drave upon his lofty glittering car, And + swift with her obeisant wave bright Ganga followed him afar.' + +[Footnote 159: Schlegel supposes the three western streams to be the +Indus, which appears under its real name the Sind, the Iaxartes, and +the Oxus; are not the Sareswatie, or perhaps the Sutlej, under the +name of Sita, and the Jumna meant? Of the eastern branches, it is not +difficult to fix the Burhampooter. Schlegel suggests the Irawaddy, and +the Blue River of China. Why not the Alacananda and the Gogra? The +main stream bears the name of the Bhaghiratha, till it joins the +Alacananda and takes the name of the Ganges.] + + +THE END. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Nala and Damayanti and Other Poems, by +Henry Hart Milman + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NALA AND DAMAYANTI AND OTHER POEMS *** + +***** This file should be named 19529-8.txt or 19529-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/9/5/2/19529/ + +Produced by Sankar Viswanathan and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was +produced from scanned images of public domain material +from the Google Print project.) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Nala and Damayanti and Other Poems + +Author: Henry Hart Milman + +Release Date: October 12, 2006 [EBook #19529] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NALA AND DAMAYANTI AND OTHER POEMS *** + + + + +Produced by Sankar Viswanathan and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was +produced from scanned images of public domain material +from the Google Print project.) + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<div class="tr"><p class="center">Transcriber's note:</p> + +<p>1. The spelling, accents, and diacritical marks of Sanskrit words is not consistent through the book. The original spelling, accents, and diacritical marks are retained.</p> + +<p>2. The in-line notes refer to lines in the poems. These have been converted to footnotes for easy reference. The information regarding the line referred to is however retained.</p></div> + + + + + +<h1>NALA AND DAMAYANTI</h1> + +<h3>AND OTHER POEMS</h3> +<p> </p> + +<h4 class="center">TRANSLATED FROM THE SANSCRIT INTO ENGLISH VERSE, WITH MYTHOLOGICAL +AND CRITICAL NOTES.</h4> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h4>BY THE</h4> +<h2>REV. HENRY HART MILMAN, M. A.</h2> + +<h4 class="center">PREBENDARY OF WESTMINSTER; MINISTER OF ST. MARGARET'S; AND LATE PROFESSOR +OF POETRY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD.</h4> +<p> </p> +<p class="center"><img src="images/image_01.jpg" alt="Seal" width="200" height="238" /></p> +<p> </p> +<h3>OXFORD: D. A. TALBOYS.</h3> +<h4>M DCCC XXXV +</h4> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + +<p class="f3">TO MY MOTHER,</p> +<p> </p> +<p class="f3">TO WHOM THESE TRANSLATIONS HAVE AFFORDED</p> +<p class="f3">MUCH PLEASURE,</p> +<p> </p> +<p class="f3">AND TO WHOM, AT HER ADVANCED AGE,</p> +<p class="f3">TO HAVE AFFORDED PLEASURE</p> +<p> </p> +<p class="f3">IS THE MOST GRATIFYING REWARD OF LITERARY</p> +<p class="f3">LABOUR,</p> +<p> </p> +<p class="f3">THIS VOLUME IS INSCRIBED,</p> +<p> </p> +<p class="f2">BY HER AFFECTIONATE SON.</p> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CONTENTS:</h2> + + + + + + + + + + +<table summary="Contents"> +<tr><td></td><td class="tocpg f1"><span class="smcap">Page</span></td></tr> +<tr><td><a href="#NALA_AND_DAMAYANTI">NALA AND DAMAYANTI</a></td><td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td></tr> +<tr><td> <a href="#NOTES_ON_NALA">NOTES</a></td> +<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_117">117</a></td> +</tr> +<tr><td><a href="#THE_DEATH_OF_YAJNADATTA">THE DEATH OF YAJNADATTA</a></td> +<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_89">89</a></td> +</tr> +<tr><td> <a href="#NOTES_1">NOTES</a></td> +<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_141">141</a></td> +</tr> +<tr><td><a href="#THE_BRAHMINS_LAMENT">THE BRAHMIN'S LAMENT</a></td> +<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_101">101</a></td> +</tr> +<tr><td> <a href="#NOTES_2">NOTES</a></td> +<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_143">143</a></td> +</tr> +<tr><td><a href="#THE_DELUGE">THE DELUGE</a></td> +<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_110">110</a></td> +</tr> +<tr><td><a href="#THE_DESCENT_OF_THE_GANGES">THE DESCENT OF THE GANGES</a></td> +<td class="tocpg"><a href="#Page_145">145</a></td> +</tr> +</table> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[v]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="PREFACE" id="PREFACE"></a>PREFACE.</h2> + + +<p>Those friends who have taken an interest in my literary productions +may feel some surprise at my appearance in the character of a +translator of Sanscrit poetry. To those, and indeed to all who may +take up the present volume, I owe some explanation of my pretensions +as a faithful interpreter of my original text. Those pretensions are +very humble; and I can unfeignedly say, that if the field had been +likely to be occupied by others, who might unite poetical powers with +a profound knowledge of the sacred language of India, I should have +withdrawn at once from the competition. But, in fact, in this country +the students of oriental literature, endowed with a taste and feeling +for poetry, are so few in number, that any attempt to make known the +peculiar character of those remarkable works, the old mythological +epics of India, may be received with indulgence by all who are +interested in the history of poetry. Mr. Wilson alone, since Sir W. +Jones, has united a poetical genius with deep Sanscrit scholarship; +but he has in general preferred the later and more polished +period—that of Kalidasa and the dramatists—to the ruder, yet in my +opinion, not less curious and poetical strains of the older epic +bards.</p> + +<p>A brief account of the manner in which I became engaged in these +studies, will best explain the extent of my proficiency. During the +two last years in which I held the office of Professor of Poetry in +the University of Oxford, having exhausted the subject which I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[vi]</a></span> had +chosen for my terminal course, I was at a loss for some materials for +the few remaining lectures before my office should expire. I had been +led by the ardent curiosity, which I have ever felt to acquire some +knowledge of the poetry of all ages and nations—to examine some of +the publications of French and German, as well as English scholars, on +the subject of Indian poetry; chiefly those of the Schlegels, of Bopp, +and of De Chezy. I was struck with the singularity and captivated by +the extreme beauty, as it appeared to me, of some of the extracts, +especially those from the great epic poems, the Mahabharata and the +Ramayana, in their Homeric simplicity so totally opposite to the +ordinary notions entertained of all eastern poetry. I was induced to +attempt, without any instruction, and with the few elementary works +which could be procured, the Grammars of Wilkins and Bopp, the +Glossaries of Bopp and Rosen (Mr. Wilson's Dictionary was then out of +print and could not be purchased), to obtain some knowledge of this +wonderful and mysterious language. The study grew upon me, and would +have been pursued with more ardour, perhaps with more success, but for +the constant interruption of more imperative professional and literary +avocations. In itself the Sanscrit is an inexhaustible subject of +interest; in its grammatical structure more regular, artificial, and +copious than the most perfect of the western languages; in its origin, +the parent from which the older Greek, the Latin and the Teutonic +tongues seem to branch out and develop themselves upon distinct and +discernible principles.</p> + +<p>I ventured to communicate to the Members of the University who +attended my lectures, my discoveries, as it were, in the unknown +region of Indian poetry, and to introduce translations of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[vii]</a></span> such +passages as appeared to me of peculiar singularity or beauty. Though I +was still moving in the leading-strings of my learned guides, I had +obtained sufficient acquaintance with the language to compare their +interpretations with the original text. I afterwards embodied some +parts of my lectures in an article in the Quarterly Review, in order +to contribute as far as was in my power to open this new and almost +untrodden field of literature to the English reader.</p> + +<p>Still I should not have presumed to form these translations into a +separate work, nor acceded to the proposal of the publisher of the +present volume, who has himself deserved so well of the students of +oriental lore by his excellent translation, or rather recomposition of +Adelung's "Historical Sketch of Sanscrit Literature," but for the +encouragement and assistance of Mr. Wilson, now, the University may be +proud to say, the Boden Professor of Sanscrit at Oxford. To his most +friendly care in revising these sheets, I owe the correction of many +errors; and Sanscrit scholars will find in the notes some observations +on the text, which will contribute to elucidate the poem of Nala. +Under the sanction of Mr. Wilson's revision, I may venture to hope +that the translation is, at least, an accurate version of the +original; and I cannot too strongly express my gratitude for the +labour which Mr. Wilson has been so kind as to expend on my imperfect +and unpretending work.</p> + +<p>The versification, or rather the metrical system, which I have +adopted, is an experiment, how far a successful one must be judged by +others. The original verse in which the vast epics of Vyasa and +Valmiki are composed is called the Sloka, which is thus described by +Schlegel in his Indische Bibliothek, p. 36: "The oldest, most<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">[viii]</a></span> simple, +and most generally adopted measure is the Sloka; a distich of two +sixteen syllable-lines, divided at the eighth syllable." According to +our prosodial marks, the following is the scheme:—</p> + +<p class="center"><img src="images/image_02.jpg" alt="Prosidial Marks" width="398" height="92" /></p> + + + +<p>The first four syllables are bound by no rule; the second half, on the +contrary, is unalterably fixed, excepting that the last syllable has +the common licence of termination. In the second half verse, I do not +remember a single instance of deviation from this, though sometimes, +but very seldom, the first half verse ends with another quadrisyllable +foot. The reader who is curious on the subject, may compare Mr. +Colebrooke's elaborate essays on Sanscrit poetry, Kosegarten's preface +to his Translation of Nala, and Bopp's preface to his Translation of +Selections from the Mahabharata.</p> + +<p>In the first translations which I attempted, a few passages from the +Bhagavat-Gita, I adhered as nearly as possible to the measure of the +original; in the Nala, in order to give the narrative a more easy and +trochaic flow, I omitted one syllable, and in some degree changed the +structure of the verse.</p> + +<p class="sig1"><i>July</i> 1835.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="NALA_AND_DAMAYANTI" id="NALA_AND_DAMAYANTI"></a>NALA AND DAMAYANTI.</h2> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span></p> + +<p>The episode of Nala is extracted from the Vanaparvam, the third part +of the Mahabharata, the great Indian poem, which contains 100,000 +slokas, or distichs. The sage, Vrihadasva, relates the story of Nala +to king Yudishthira, in order to console him under the miseries to +which he was exposed by bad success in play. By the terms of the +gaming transaction, in which he was worsted by Sakuni, who threw the +dice for Duryodhana, he was condemned to wander with his brothers for +twelve years in the forest. The adventures of Nala showed how that +king, having been in the same manner unfortunate with the dice, had +suffered still greater toil and misery, and had at length recovered +his kingdom and his wife. The popularity of this fable with the +natives, is sufficiently proved by the numerous poetic versions of the +story. The Nalodaya, a poem ascribed to Kalidas, should first be +mentioned. A new edition of this work has been recently published by +Ferdinand Benary; we have a notice of it in the Quarterly Review: it +seems to bear the same relation to the simple and national episode of +the Mahabharata, as the seicentesti of Italy to Dante or Arìosto, or +Gongora to the poem of the Cid. Another poem called Naishadha, in +twenty-two books, does not complete the story, but only carries it as +far as the fifteenth book. There is a Tamulic version of the same +story, translated by Kindersley, in his specimens of Hindu Literature. +The third book of the poem of Sriharsha, containing 135 slokas, is +entirely occupied with the conversation between Damayanti and the +swans (the geese), in which the birds to excite her love, dwell with +diffuse eloquence on the praises of Nala.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span></p> +<h2>NALA AND DAMAYANTI.</h2> + +<h2>BOOK I.</h2> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Lived of yore, a raja, Nala,—Virasena's mighty son,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Gifted he with every virtue,—beauteous, skilled in taming steeds:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Head of all the kings of mortals—like the monarch of the gods,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Over, over all exalted<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a>—in his splendour like the sun:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Holy, deep-read in the Vedas<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a>—in Nishadha lord of earth;<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Loving dice, of truth unblemished<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a>—chieftain of a mighty host.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The admired of noble women—generous, with each sense subdued.<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Guardian of the state; of archers—best, a present Manu<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> he.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">So there dwelt in high Vidarbha<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a>—Bhima, terrible in strength,<a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">With all virtues blest, but childless—long for children had he pined.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Many an holy act, on offspring<a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a>—still intent, had he performed.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To his court there came a Brahmin,—Damana the seer was named.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Him the child-desiring Bhima—in all duties skilled, received,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Feasted with his royal consort—in his hospitable hall.<a name="FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Pleased on him the grateful Daman,—and his queen a boon bestowed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">One sweet girl, the pearl of maidens—and three fair and noble sons.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Damayanti, Dama Dánta—and illustrious Damana,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Richly gifted with all virtues—mighty, fearful in their might.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Damayanti with her beauty—with her brilliance, brightness, grace,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Through the worlds unrivalled glory—won the slender-waisted maid.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her, arrived at bloom of beauty,—sate a hundred slaves around,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And a hundred virgin handmaids—as around great Indra's queen.<a name="FNanchor_11_11" id="FNanchor_11_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a><br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span><span class="i0">In her court shone Bhima's daughter—decked with every ornament,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Mid her handmaids, like the lightning<a name="FNanchor_12_12" id="FNanchor_12_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a>—shone she with her faultless<a name="FNanchor_13_13" id="FNanchor_13_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a> form;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Like the long-eyed queen of beauty—without rival, without peer.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Never mid the gods immortal—never mid the Yaksha race,<a name="FNanchor_14_14" id="FNanchor_14_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nor 'mong men was maid so lovely—ever heard of, ever seen,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As the soul-disturbing maiden—that disturbed the souls of gods.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nala too, 'mong kings the tiger<a name="FNanchor_15_15" id="FNanchor_15_15"></a><a href="#Footnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a>—peerless among earthly men,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Like Kandarpa in his beauty<a name="FNanchor_16_16" id="FNanchor_16_16"></a><a href="#Footnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a>—like that bright-embodied God.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All around Vidarbha's princess—praised they Nala in their joy.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ever praised they Damayanti—round Nishadha's noble king.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hearing so each others virtues—all unseen they 'gan to love.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus of each, O son of Kunti,<a name="FNanchor_17_17" id="FNanchor_17_17"></a><a href="#Footnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a>—the deep silent passion grew.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Nala, in his heart impatient—longer that deep love to bear,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To the grove, in secret, wandered—by the palace' inmost court.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There the swans he saw disporting<a name="FNanchor_18_18" id="FNanchor_18_18"></a><a href="#Footnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a>—with their wings bedropped with gold:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Through the grove thus lightly moving—one of these bright birds he caught.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But the bird, in human language—thus the wondering king addressed:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Slay me not, O gentle monarch!—I will do thee service true;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So in Damayanti's presence—will I praise Nishadha's king,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Never after shall the maiden—think of mortal man but thee."<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Thus addressed, at once the monarch—let the bright-winged bird depart.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Flew away the swans rejoicing—to Vidarbha straight they flew;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To Vidharba's stately city:—there by Damayanti's feet,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Down with drooping plumes they settled—and she gazed upon the flock,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wondering at their forms so graceful—where amid her maids she sate.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sportively began the damsels—all around to chase the birds;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Scattering flew the swans before them—all about the lovely grove.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lightly ran the nimble maidens,—every one her bird pursued;<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span><span class="i0">But the swan that through the forest—gentle Damayanti chased,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Suddenly, in human language—spake to Damayanti thus.—<br /></span> +<span class="i2">"Damayanti, in Nishadha—Nala dwells, the noble king—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Like the Aswinas in beauty,<a name="FNanchor_19_19" id="FNanchor_19_19"></a><a href="#Footnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a>—peerless among men is he.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">O incomparable princess—to this hero wert thou wed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Noble birth and perfect beauty—not unworthy fruit had borne.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Gods, Gandharvas,<a name="FNanchor_20_20" id="FNanchor_20_20"></a><a href="#Footnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a> men, the Serpents,<a name="FNanchor_21_21" id="FNanchor_21_21"></a><a href="#Footnote_21_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a>—and the Rakshasas<a name="FNanchor_22_22" id="FNanchor_22_22"></a><a href="#Footnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> we've seen,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All we've seen—of noble Nala—never have we seen the peer.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Pearl art thou among all women—Nala is the pride of men.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If the peerless wed the peerless—blessed must the union be."<br /></span> +<span class="i2">When the bird thus strangely speaking—gentle Damayanti heard,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Answered thus the wondering maiden—"Thus to Nala, speak thou too."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Be it so," replied the egg-born—to Vidarbha's beauteous maid.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Home then flew he to Nishadha—and to Nala told it all.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span></p> +<h2>BOOK II.</h2> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Damayanti, ever after—she the swan's sweet speech had heard—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With herself she dwelt no longer—all herself with Nala dwelt.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lost in thought she sate dejected—pale her melancholy cheek,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Damayanti sate and yielded—all her soul to sighs of grief.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Upward gazing, meditative—with a wild distracted look,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wan was all her soft complexion—and with passion heart-possessed,<a name="FNanchor_23_23" id="FNanchor_23_23"></a><a href="#Footnote_23_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nor in sleep nor gentle converse—nor in banquets found she joy;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Night nor day she could not slumber—Woe! oh woe! she wept and said.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her no longer her own mistress—from her looks, her gesture, knew<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Damayanti's virgin handmaids—to Vidarbha's monarch they<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Told how pined his gentle daughter—for the sovereign of men.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">This from Damayanti's maidens—when the royal Bhima heard,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In his mind he gravely pondered—for his child what best were done.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Wherefore is my gentle daughter—from herself in mind estranged?"<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When the lord of earth his daughter—saw in blooming youth mature,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Knew he for the Swayembara<a name="FNanchor_24_24" id="FNanchor_24_24"></a><a href="#Footnote_24_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a>—Damayanti's time was come.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Straight the lord of many peasants<a name="FNanchor_25_25" id="FNanchor_25_25"></a><a href="#Footnote_25_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a>—summoned all the chiefs of earth,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Come ye to the Swayembara—all ye heroes of the world!"<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Damayanti's Swayembara—soon as heard the kings of men,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All obeyed king Bhima's summons—all to Bhima's court drew near;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Elephants, and steeds, and chariots—swarmed along the sounding land;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All with rich and various garlands<a name="FNanchor_26_26" id="FNanchor_26_26"></a><a href="#Footnote_26_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a>—with his stately army each—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All the lofty-minded rajas—Bhima with the arm of strength,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As beseemed, received with honour—on their thrones of state they sate.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span><span class="i2">At this very hour the wisest—of the sages, the divine,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Moving in their might ascended—up from earth to Indra's world.<a name="FNanchor_27_27" id="FNanchor_27_27"></a><a href="#Footnote_27_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Great in holiness and wisdom—Narada and Parvata<a name="FNanchor_28_28" id="FNanchor_28_28"></a><a href="#Footnote_28_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Honoured entered they the palace—of the monarch of the gods.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Them salutes the cloud-compeller<a name="FNanchor_29_29" id="FNanchor_29_29"></a><a href="#Footnote_29_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a>—of their everlasting weal,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of their weal the worlds pervading—courteous asks the immortal lord.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p class="sig"><span class="smcap">Narada</span> <i>spake</i>.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Well it fares with us, Immortal—in our weal the world partakes—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the world, O cloud-compeller—well it fares with all her kings.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p class="sig"><span class="smcap">Vrihadasva</span> <i>spake</i>.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">He that Bali slew and Vritra—asked of Narada again—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All earth's just and righteous rulers—reckless of their lives in fight—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who the shafts' descending death-blow—meet with unaverted eye—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Theirs this everlasting kingdom<a name="FNanchor_30_30" id="FNanchor_30_30"></a><a href="#Footnote_30_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a>—even as Kamadhuk is mine.<a name="FNanchor_31_31" id="FNanchor_31_31"></a><a href="#Footnote_31_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Where are they, the Kshetriya heroes?—wherefore see I not approach<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All the earth's majestic guardians—all mine ever-honoured guests.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus addressed by holy Sakra<a name="FNanchor_32_32" id="FNanchor_32_32"></a><a href="#Footnote_32_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a>—Narada replied and said:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Hear me now, O cloud-compeller—why earth's kings appear not here.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of Vidarbha's king the daughter—Damayanti, the renowned;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Through the earth the loveliest women—in her beauty she transcends—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Soon she holds her Swayembara—soon her lord the maid will choose.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thither all the kings are hastening—thither all the sons of kings.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Suitors for her hand the rajas—her of all the world the pearl,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">O thou mighty giant slayer!—one and all approach to woo."<br /></span> +<span class="i2">As they spake, the world-protectors<a name="FNanchor_33_33" id="FNanchor_33_33"></a><a href="#Footnote_33_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a>—with the god of fire drew near;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of the immortals all, the highest—stood before the king of gods.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span><span class="i0">As they all stood silent hearing—Narada's majestic speech,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All exclaimed in sudden rapture—thither we likewise will go;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All the immortals on the instant,—with their chariots, with their hosts,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hastened down towards Vidarbha—where the lords of earth were met.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Nala, too, no sooner heard he—of that concourse of the kings,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Set he forth, with soul all sanguine—full of Damayanti's love.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Saw the gods, king Nala standing—on the surface of the earth;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Standing in transcendent beauty—equal to the god of love.<a name="FNanchor_34_34" id="FNanchor_34_34"></a><a href="#Footnote_34_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Him beheld the world's high guardians—in his radiance like the sun;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Each arrested stood and silent—at his peerless form amazed.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All their chariots the celestials—in the midway air have checked.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Through the blue air then descending—they Nishadha's king address.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ho! what, ho! Nishadha's monarch—Nala, king, for truth renowned;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Do our bidding, bear our message—O, most excellent of men.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span></p> +<h2>BOOK III.</h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Nala made his solemn promise,—"all your bidding will I do;"<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then with folded hands adoring—humbly of their will enquired.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Who are ye? to whom must Nala—as your welcome herald go?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What is my commanded service?—tell me, mighty gods, the truth."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Spake the sovereign of Nishadha—Indra answered thus and said:—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Know us, the Immortals, hither—come for Damayanti's love.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Indra I, and yon is Agni,—and the king of waters there—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Slayer he of mortal bodies,—Yama, too, is here, O king!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thou, O Nala, of our coming,—must to Damayanti tell:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thee to see, the world's dread guardians—Indra and the rest came down,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Indra, Agni, Varun, Yama,—each to seek thine hand are come.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">One of these celestial beings,—choose, O maiden, for thy lord."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nala, thus addressed by Indra—with his folded hands replied:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Thus with one accord commanding—on this mission send not me.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">How can man, himself enamoured—for another plead his cause?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Spare me then, ye gods, in mercy—this unwelcome service, spare."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p class="sig"><span class="smcap">The Gods</span> <i>spake</i>.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"I will do your bidding freely—thus thou'st said, Nishadha's king;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wilt thou now belie thy promise?—Nala, go, nor more delay."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By the gods adjured so sternly—thus rejoined Nishadha's king—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Strictly guarded is yon palace—how may I find entrance there?"<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Thou shalt enter;" thus did Indra—to the unwilling king reply.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the bower of Damayanti—as they spake, king Nala stood.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There he saw Vidarbha's maiden—girt with all her virgin bands;<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span><span class="i0">In her glowing beauty shining—all excelling in her form;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Every limb in smooth proportion—slender waist and lovely eyes;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Even the moon's soft gleam disdaining—in her own o'erpowering light.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As he gazed, his love grew warmer—to the softly smiling maid,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet to keep his truth, his duty—all his passion he suppressed.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then Nishadha's king beholding—all those maids with beauteous limbs<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From their seats sprang up in wonder—at his matchless form amazed.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In their rapture to king Nala—all admiring, homage paid;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet, not venturing to accost him,—in their secret souls adored.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Oh the beauty! oh the splendour!—oh the mighty hero's strength!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who is he, or God, or Yaksha—or Gandharba may he be."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Not one single word to utter,—dared that fair-limbed maiden band;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All struck dumb before his beauty—in their bashful silence stood.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Smiling, first, upon the monarch—as on her he gently smiled,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Damayanti, in her wonder—to the hero Nala spake:—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Who art thou of form so beauteous—thou that wakenest all my love;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Cam'st thou here like an immortal—I would know thee, sinless chief.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">How hast entered in our palace?—how hast entered all unseen?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Watchful are our chamber wardens—stern the mandate of the king."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By the maiden of Vidarbha—Nala thus addressed, replied:—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Know, O loveliest, I am Nala—here the messenger of gods,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Gods desirous to possess thee;—one of these, the lord of heaven<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Indra, Agni, Varun, Yama,—choose thou, princess, for thy lord.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Through their power, their power almighty—I have entered here unseen;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As I entered in thy chamber—none hath seen, and none might stay.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">This, the object of my mission,—fairest, from the highest gods,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thou hast heard me, noble princess—even as thou wilt, decide."<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span></p> +<h2>BOOK IV.</h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">To the gods performed her homage—smiled she, and to Nala spake:—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Pledge to me thy faith,<a name="FNanchor_35_35" id="FNanchor_35_35"></a><a href="#Footnote_35_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a> O raja—how that faith, may I requite?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I myself, and whatsoever—in the world I have, is thine<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In full trust is thine<a name="FNanchor_36_36" id="FNanchor_36_36"></a><a href="#Footnote_36_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a>—O grant me—in thy turn thy love, O king!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Tis the swan's enamouring language—that hath kindled all my soul.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Only for thy sake, O hero—are the assembled rajas met.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But if thou mine homage scornest—scornest me, all honoured king,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Poison for thy sake, fire, water,—the vile noose will I endure."<a name="FNanchor_37_37" id="FNanchor_37_37"></a><a href="#Footnote_37_37" class="fnanchor">[37]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">So, when spake Vidarbha's maiden—Nala answered thus, and said:—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"With the world's dread guardians present—wilt thou mortal husband choose?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">We with them, the world's creators—with these mighty lords compared,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lowlier than the dust they tread on—raise to them thy loftier mind.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Man the gods displeasing, hastens—to inevitable death—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Fair limbed! from that fate preserve me—choose the all excelling gods.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Robes by earthly dust unsullied—crowns of amaranthine flowers,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Every bright celestial glory—wedded to the gods, enjoy.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He, who all the world compressing<a name="FNanchor_38_38" id="FNanchor_38_38"></a><a href="#Footnote_38_38" class="fnanchor">[38]</a>—with devouring might consumes,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sovereign of the gods, Hutása,—where is she who would not wed?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He, in awe of whose dread sceptre<a name="FNanchor_39_39" id="FNanchor_39_39"></a><a href="#Footnote_39_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a>—all the assembled hosts of men,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Cultivate eternal justice—where is she who would not wed?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Him the all-righteous, lofty minded,—slayer of the infernal host,<a name="FNanchor_40_40" id="FNanchor_40_40"></a><a href="#Footnote_40_40" class="fnanchor">[40]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of all gods, the mighty monarch,—who is she that would not wed?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nor let trembling doubt arrest thee—in thy mind if thou couldst choose.<a name="FNanchor_41_41" id="FNanchor_41_41"></a><a href="#Footnote_41_41" class="fnanchor">[41]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Varuna, amongst earth's guardians,—hear the language of a friend."<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To the sovereign of Nishadha—Damayanti spake, and said,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span><span class="i0">And her eyes grew dim with moisture—flowing from her inward grief:—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"To the gods, to all, my homage—king of earth, I humbly pay;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet thee only, thee, my husband—may I choose, Be this my vow!"<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Answered he the trembling maiden—as with folded hands she stood,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Bound upon this solemn mission—mine own cause how dare I urge.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Plighted by a sacred promise—to the everlasting gods;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus engaged to plead for others—for myself I may not plead.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">This my duty; yet hereafter—come I on my own behalf,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then I'll plead mine own cause boldly—weigh it, beauteous, in thy thought."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Damayanti smiled serenely,—and with tear-impeded speech,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Uttered brokenly and slowly—thus to royal Nala spake:—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Yet I see a way of refuge—'tis a blameless way, O king;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Whence no sin to thee, O raja,—may by any chance arise.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thou, O noblest of all mortals—and the gods by Indra led,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Come and enter in together—where the Swayembara meets;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then will I, before the presence—of the guardians of the world,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Name thee, lord of men! my husband—nor to thee may blame accrue."<br /></span> +<span class="i2">By the maiden of Vidarbha—royal Nala thus addressed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Back again returned, where waited—eager, the expecting gods.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Him, the guardians of the world, the mighty—ere he yet drew near, beheld,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Him they saw, and bade him instant—all his tidings to unfold—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Was she seen of thee, O monarch—Damayanti with soft smile?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Spake she of us all? what said she?—tell, O blameless lord of earth."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p class="sig"><span class="smcap">Nala</span> <i>spake</i>.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">To the bower of Damayanti—on your solemn mission sent,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Entered I the lofty portal—by the aged warders watched;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Mortal eye might not behold me—there as swift I entered in;<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span><span class="i0">None save that fair raja's daughter—through your all prevailing power.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And her virgin handmaids, saw I—and by them in turn was seen;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And they all in mute amazement—gazed upon me as I stood.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I described your godlike presence—but the maid with beauteous face<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Chooses me, bereft of reason—O most excellent of gods!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus she spake, that maiden princess,—"Let the gods together come,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Come with thee, Oh king of mortals,—where the Swayembara meets;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There will I, before their presence—choose thee, raja, for my lord.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So to thee, O strong armed warrior—may no blame, no fault ensue."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus it was, even as I tell you—word for word did it befall.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Plainly have I spoke, the judgment—rests with you, of gods the chief!<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span></p> +<h2>BOOK V.</h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Came the day of happy omen<a name="FNanchor_42_42" id="FNanchor_42_42"></a><a href="#Footnote_42_42" class="fnanchor">[42]</a>—moonday meet, and moment apt;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Bhima to the Swayembara—summoned all the lords of earth.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">One and all, upon the instant—rose th' enamoured lords of earth,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Suitors all to Damayanti—in their loving haste they came.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They, the court with golden columns<a name="FNanchor_43_43" id="FNanchor_43_43"></a><a href="#Footnote_43_43" class="fnanchor">[43]</a>—rich, and glittering portal arch,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Like the lions on the mountains—entered they the hall of state.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There the lords of earth were seated—each upon his several throne;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All their fragrant garlands wearing—all with pendant ear-gems rich.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Arms were seen robust and vigorous—as the ponderous battle mace,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Some like the five-headed serpents—delicate in shape and hue:<a name="FNanchor_44_44" id="FNanchor_44_44"></a><a href="#Footnote_44_44" class="fnanchor">[44]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">With bright locks profuse and flowing—fine formed nose, and eye and brow,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Shone the faces of the rajas—like the radiant stars in heaven.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As with serpents, Bhogavati<a name="FNanchor_45_45" id="FNanchor_45_45"></a><a href="#Footnote_45_45" class="fnanchor">[45]</a>—the wide hall was full of kings;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As the mountain caves with tigers—with the tiger-warriors full.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Damayanti in her beauty—entered on that stately scene,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With her dazzling light entrancing—every eye and every soul.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">O'er her lovely person gliding—all the eyes of those proud kings;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There were fixed, there moveless rested—as they gazed upon the maid.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then as they proclaimed the rajas—(by his name was each proclaimed)<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In dismay saw Bhima's daughter—five in garb, in form the same.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On those forms, all undistinguished—each from each, she stood and gazed.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In her doubt Vidarbha's princess—Nala's form might not discern,<a name="FNanchor_46_46" id="FNanchor_46_46"></a><a href="#Footnote_46_46" class="fnanchor">[46]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Whichsoe'er the form she gazed on—him her Nala, him she thought.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She within her secret spirit—deeply pondering, stood and thought:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"How shall I the gods distinguish?—royal Nala how discern?"<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span><span class="i0">Pondering thus Vidarbha's maiden—in the anguish of her heart—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Th' attributes of the immortals—sought, as heard of yore, to see.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Th' attributes of each celestial—that our aged sires describe,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As on earth they stand before me—not of one may I discern."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Long she pondered in her silence—and again, again she thought.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To the gods, her only refuge—turned she at this trying hour.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With her voice and with her spirit—she her humble homage paid.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Folding both her hands and trembling—to the gods the maiden spake:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"As when heard the swan's sweet language—chose I then Nishadha's king,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By this truth I here adjure ye—oh, ye gods, reveal my lord;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As in word or thought I swerve not—from my faith, all-knowing powers,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By this truth I here adjure ye—oh, ye gods, reveal my lord.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As the gods themselves have destined—for my lord Nishadha's king;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By this truth I here adjure ye—oh, ye gods, my lord reveal.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As my vow, so pledged to Nala—holily must be maintained,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By this truth I here adjure ye—oh, ye gods, my lord reveal.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Each the form divine assume ye—earth's protectors, mighty lords;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So shall I discern my Nala—I shall know the king of men."<br /></span> +<span class="i2">As they heard sad Damayanti—uttering thus her piteous prayer,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At her high resolve they wonder—steadfast truth and fervent love,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Holiness of soul, and wisdom—to her lord her constant faith.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As she prayed, the gods obedient—stood with attributes revealed:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With unmoistened skins the Immortals—saw she, and with moveless eyes;<a name="FNanchor_47_47" id="FNanchor_47_47"></a><a href="#Footnote_47_47" class="fnanchor">[47]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Fresh their dust-unsullied garlands—hovered they, nor touched the earth.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On his shadow garland-drooping<a name="FNanchor_48_48" id="FNanchor_48_48"></a><a href="#Footnote_48_48" class="fnanchor">[48]</a>—soiled with dust and moist with sweat,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On the earth Nishadha's monarch—stood confessed, with twinkling eyes;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On the gods an instant gazed she—then upon the king of men;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And of right king Bhima's daughter—named Nishadha's king her lord.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span><span class="i0">Modestly the large-eyed maiden—lifted up his garment's hem,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Round his shoulders threw she lightly—the bright zone of radiant flowers;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So she chose him for her husband—Nala, that high-hearted maid.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then alas! alas! burst wildly,—from that conclave of the kings,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And "well done, well done," as loudly—from the gods and sages broke;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All in their extatic wonder—glorified Nishadha's king.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then to royal Damayanti—Virasena's kingly son,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To that slender waisted damsel—spake he comfort in his joy;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Since thou'st own'd me for thine husband—in the presence of the gods,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For thy faithful consort know me—aye delighting in thy words.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While this spirit fills this body—maiden with the smile serene!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thine am I, so long thine only—this the solemn truth I vow."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus he gladdened Damayanti—with the assurance of his faith;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And the happy pair devoutly<a name="FNanchor_49_49" id="FNanchor_49_49"></a><a href="#Footnote_49_49" class="fnanchor">[49]</a>—worshipped then the present gods.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Chosen thus Nishadha's monarch—the bright guardians of the world,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In their gladness all on Nala—eight transcendant gifts bestowed;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To discern the visible godhead—in the sacrifice, a gait<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Firm and noble, Sachi's husband—Indra to king Nala gave.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Agni gave his own bright presence<a name="FNanchor_50_50" id="FNanchor_50_50"></a><a href="#Footnote_50_50" class="fnanchor">[50]</a>—whensoe'er the monarch called.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All the worlds instinct with splendour—through his power Hutasa gave.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Subtle taste in food gave Yama—and in virtue eminence;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Varun gave obedient water—to be present at his call;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Garlands too of matchless fragrance;—each his double blessing gave.<a name="FNanchor_51_51" id="FNanchor_51_51"></a><a href="#Footnote_51_51" class="fnanchor">[51]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus bestowed their gracious favours—to the heavens the gods returned;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And the rajas, who with wonder—Nala's marriage saw confirmed<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With the gentle Damayanti—as they came, in joy returned.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus the kings of earth departed;—Bhima in his joy and pride,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Solemnized the stately bridals—of the maiden and the king.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span><span class="i0">Fitting time when there he'd sojourned,—best of men, Nishadha's king;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Courteous parting with king Bhima—to his native city went.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Having gained the pearl of women—the majestic lord of earth<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lived in bliss, as with his Sachi,<a name="FNanchor_52_52" id="FNanchor_52_52"></a><a href="#Footnote_52_52" class="fnanchor">[52]</a>—he that those old giants slew.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In his joy the elated monarch—shining radiant as the sun,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ruled the subjects of his kingdom—with a just and equal sway.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of the horse the famous offering<a name="FNanchor_53_53" id="FNanchor_53_53"></a><a href="#Footnote_53_53" class="fnanchor">[53]</a>—like Nahucha's mighty son,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Every sacrifice performed he—with rich gifts to holy men.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And full oft in flowering gardens—and delicious shady groves,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Like a god, the royal Nala—took with Damayanti joy.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So begat from Damayanti—Nala, of heroic soul,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Indrasena one fair daughter—Indrasen one beauteous son.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus in sacrifice and pleasance—took his joy the king of men,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So the earth with riches teeming—ruled the sovereign of the earth.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span></p> +<h2>BOOK VI.</h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Nala, chosen by Bhima's daughter—the bright guardians of the world,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As they parted thence, with Kali<a name="FNanchor_54_54" id="FNanchor_54_54"></a><a href="#Footnote_54_54" class="fnanchor">[54]</a>—Dwapara approaching saw.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Kali as he saw, did Indra—did the giant-killer say,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Here, with Dwapara attended—whither, Kali, dost thou go?"<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Kali spake, "the Swayembara—we of Damayanti seek;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her I go to make my consort—into her mine heart hath passed."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Closed and ended is that bridal,"—Indra answered with a smile,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Nala she hath chosen for husband—in the presence of us all."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus addressed by Indra, Kali—in the transport of his wrath,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All the heavenly gods saluting,—thus his malediction spake,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Since before the Immortals' presence—she a mortal spouse did choose,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of her impious crime most justly—heavy be the penal doom."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Kali hardly thus had spoken—than the heaven-born gods replied:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"With our full and liberal sanction—Damayanti chose her lord.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who to Nala, with all virtue—rich endowed, would not incline?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He that rightly knows each duty—he who ever rightly acts,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He who reads the whole four Vedas—the Puranas too the fifth,<a name="FNanchor_55_55" id="FNanchor_55_55"></a><a href="#Footnote_55_55" class="fnanchor">[55]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">In his palace with pure offerings—ever are the gods adored,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Gentle to all living creatures—true in word and strict in vow;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Good and constant he, and generous—holy, temperate, patient, pure;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His are all these virtues ever—equal to the earth-guarding gods.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus endowed, the noble Nala—he, O Kali, that would curse,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On himself recoil his curses—only fatal to himself.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nala, gifted with such virtues—he, O Kali, who would curse—<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span><span class="i0">Be he plunged in hell's dark torments—in the deep and vasty lake."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus the gods to Kali speaking—to their native heavens arose.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Soon as they had parted, Kali—thus to Dwapara began:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"I my wrath can curb no longer—I henceforth in Nala dwell;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From his kingdom will I cast him—from his bliss with his sweet bride.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thou within the dice embodied—Dwapara my cause assist."<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span></p> +<h2>BOOK VII.</h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Bound by that malignant treaty—Kali with his dark ally,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Haunted they the stately palace—where Nishadha's monarch ruled;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Watching still the fatal instant—in Nishadha long they dwelt.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Twelve long years had passed ere Kali—saw that fatal instant come.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nala after act uncleanly—the ablution half performed,<a name="FNanchor_56_56" id="FNanchor_56_56"></a><a href="#Footnote_56_56" class="fnanchor">[56]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Prayed at eve, with feet unwashen—Kali seized the fatal hour.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Into Nala straight he entered—and possessed his inmost soul.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Pushkara in haste he summoned—come with Nala play at dice,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ever in the gainful hazard—by my subtle aid thou'lt win,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Even the kingdom of Nishadha—even from Nala all his realm.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Pushkara by Kali summoned—to his brother Nala came,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the dice of dice embodied<a name="FNanchor_57_57" id="FNanchor_57_57"></a><a href="#Footnote_57_57" class="fnanchor">[57]</a>—Dwapara stood silent by.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Pushkara the hero-slayer—to king Nala standing near:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Play we with the dice, my brother,"—thus again, again he said.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Long the lofty-minded raja—that bold challenge might not brook,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In Vidarbha's princess' presence—deemed he now the time for play.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For his wealth, his golden treasures—for his chariots, for his robes,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then possessed by Kali, Nala—in the game was worsted still.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He with love of gaming maddened,—of his faithful friends not one<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Might arrest the desperate frenzy—of the conqueror of his foes.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Came the citizens assembling—with the counsellors of state,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To behold the king approached they—to restrain his dread disease.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then the charioteer advancing<a name="FNanchor_58_58" id="FNanchor_58_58"></a><a href="#Footnote_58_58" class="fnanchor">[58]</a>—thus to Damayanti spake:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"All the city, noble princess—stands assembled at the gate,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Say thou to Nishadha's monarch—'All his subjects here are met;<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span><span class="i0">Ill they brook this dire misfortune<a name="FNanchor_59_59" id="FNanchor_59_59"></a><a href="#Footnote_59_59" class="fnanchor">[59]</a>—in their justice-loving king'."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then, her voice half choked with anguish—spake the sorrow-stricken queen,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Spirit-broken, Bhima's daughter—to Nishadha's sovereign spake,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Raja, lo! the assembled city—at the gate their king to see:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With the counsellors of wisdom—by their loyal duty led.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Deign thou, monarch, to admit them,"—thus again, again she said.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To the queen with beauteous eyelids—uttering thus her sad lament,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Still possessed by wicked Kali—answered not the king a word.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then those counsellors of wisdom—and those loyal citizens,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"'Tis not he," exclaimed in sorrow,—and in shame and grief went home.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus of Pushkara and Nala—still went on that fatal play;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Many a weary month it lasted—and still lost the king of men.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span></p> +<h2>BOOK VIII.</h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Damayanti then beholding—Punyasloka, king of men,<a name="FNanchor_60_60" id="FNanchor_60_60"></a><a href="#Footnote_60_60" class="fnanchor">[60]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Undistracted, him distracted—with the maddening love of play.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In her dread and in her sorrow—thus did Bhima's daughter speak;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Pondering on the weighty business—that concerned the king of men.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Trembling at his guilty frenzy—yet to please him still intent.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nala, 'reft of all his treasures—when the noble woman saw,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus addressed she Vrihatsena,—her old faithful slave and nurse,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Friendly in all business dextrous—most devoted, wise in speech:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Vrihatsena, go, the council—as at Nala's call convene,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Say what he hath lost of treasure—and what treasure yet remains."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then did all that reverend council—Nala's summons as they heard,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Our own fate is now in peril"—speaking thus, approach the king.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And a second time his subjects—all assembling, crowded near,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And the queen announced their presence;—of her words he took no heed.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All her words thus disregarded—when king Bhima's daughter found,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To the palace, Damayanti—to conceal her shame returned.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When the dice she heard for ever—adverse to the king of men,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And of all bereft, her Nala—to the nurse again she spake:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Go again, my Vrihatsena,—in the name of Nala, go,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To the charioteer, Varshneya,—great the deed must now be done."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Vrihatsena on the instant—Damayanti's words she heard,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Caused the charioteer be summoned—by her messengers of trust.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Bhima's daughter to Varshneya—winning with her gentle voice,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Spake, the time, the place well choosing—for the deed, nor spake in vain:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Well thou know'st the full reliance—that in thee the king hath placed,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span><span class="i0">In his fatal hour of peril—wilt not thou stand forth to aid?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As by Pushkara is worsted—ever more and more the king,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">More and more the fatal frenzy—maddens in his heart for play.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As to Pushkara obedient—ever fall the lucky dice,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus those dice to royal Nala—still with adverse fortune fall.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nor the voice of friend or kindred—as beseems him, will he hear;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Even to me he will not listen—in the madness of his heart.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of the lofty-minded Nala—well I know 'tis not the sin,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That my words this senseless monarch—in his frenzy will not hear.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Charioteer, to thee my refuge—come I, do thou my behest;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I am not o'er calm in spirit—haply he may perish thus.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yoke the much-loved steeds of Nala—fleet of foot, as thought, are they,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the chariot place our children—to Cundina's city go.<a name="FNanchor_61_61" id="FNanchor_61_61"></a><a href="#Footnote_61_61" class="fnanchor">[61]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Leave the children with my kindred—and the chariot and the steeds;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then or dwell there at thy pleasure—or depart where'er thou wilt."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When the speech of Damayanti—heard king Nala's charioteer,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He, the chief of Nala's council—thus in full divan addressed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Weighed within their solemn conclave—and their full assent obtained,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With the children in the chariot—to Vidarbha straight he drove.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There he rendered up the horses—with the chariot there he left.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That young maiden Indrasena—Indrasen, that noble boy.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To king Bhima paid his homage—sad, for Nala's fall distressed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thence departing, to Ayodhya<a name="FNanchor_62_62" id="FNanchor_62_62"></a><a href="#Footnote_62_62" class="fnanchor">[62]</a>—took the charioteer his way.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In his grief to Rituparna—that illustrious king, he came,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As his charioteer, the service—entered of the lord of earth.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span></p> +<h2>BOOK IX.</h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Scarce Varshneya had departed—still the king of men played on,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Till to Pushkara his kingdom—all that he possessed, was lost.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nala then, despoiled of kingdom—smiling Pushkara bespake:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Throw we yet another hazard—Nala, where is now thy stake?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There remains but Damayanti—all thou hast beside, is mine.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Throw we now for Damayanti—come, once more the hazard try."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus as Pushkara addressed him—Punyasloka's inmost heart<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By his grief was rent asunder—not a single word he spake.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And on Pushkara, king Nala—in his silent anguish gazed.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All his ornaments of splendour—from his person stripped he off,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With a single vest, scarce covered,—'mid the sorrow of his friends.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Slowly wandered forth the monarch—fallen from such an height of bliss.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Damayanti with one garment—slowly followed him behind.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Three long nights Nishadha's monarch—there without the gates had dwelt.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Proclamation through the city—then did Pushkara bid make,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Whosoe'er befriendeth Nala—shall to instant death be doomed."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus, as Pushkara gave order—in the terror of his power,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Might the citizens no longer—hospitably serve the king.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Near the walls, of kind reception—worthiest, but by none received;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Three nights longer staid the monarch—water was his only drink,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He in unfastidious hunger—plucked the fruits, the roots of earth.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then went forth again the outcast:—Damayanti followed slow.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the agony of famine—Nala, after many days,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Saw some birds around him settling—with their golden tinctured wings.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then the monarch of Nishadha—thought within his secret heart,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span><span class="i0">These to-day my welcome banquet—and my treasure these will be.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Over them his single garment—spreading light he wrapped them round:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Up that single garment bearing—to the air they sprang away;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And the birds above him hovering—thus in human accents spake,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Naked as they saw him standing—on the earth, and sad, and lone:—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Lo, we are the dice, to spoil thee—thus descended, foolish king!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While thou hadst a single garment—all our joy was incomplete."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When the dice he saw departing—and himself without his robe,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Mournfully did Punyasloka—thus to Damayanti speak:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"They, O blameless, by whose anger—from my kingdom I am driven,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Life-sustaining food unable—in my misery to find—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They, through whom Nishadha's people—may not house their outcast king—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They, the forms of birds assuming—my one robe have borne away.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the dark extreme of misery—sad and frantic as I am,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hear me, princess, hear and profit—by thy husband's best advice.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hence are many roads diverging—to the region of the south,<a name="FNanchor_63_63" id="FNanchor_63_63"></a><a href="#Footnote_63_63" class="fnanchor">[63]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Passing by Avanti's city<a name="FNanchor_64_64" id="FNanchor_64_64"></a><a href="#Footnote_64_64" class="fnanchor">[64]</a>—and the height of Rishavàn;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Vindhya here, the mighty mountain<a name="FNanchor_65_65" id="FNanchor_65_65"></a><a href="#Footnote_65_65" class="fnanchor">[65]</a>—and Payoshni's seaward stream;<a name="FNanchor_66_66" id="FNanchor_66_66"></a><a href="#Footnote_66_66" class="fnanchor">[66]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">And the lone retreats of hermits—on the fruits of earth that live;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">This will lead thee to Vidarbha—this to Cosala away,<a name="FNanchor_67_67" id="FNanchor_67_67"></a><a href="#Footnote_67_67" class="fnanchor">[67]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Far beyond the region stretches—southward to the southward clime."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In these words to Damayanti—did the royal Nala speak,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">More than once to Bhima's daughter—anxious pointing out the way.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She, with voice half choked with sorrow—with her weight of woe oppressed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">These sad words did Damayanti—to Nishadha's monarch speak:—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"My afflicted heart is breaking—and my sinking members fail,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When, O king, thy desperate counsel—once I think of, once again.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Robbed of kingdom, robbed of riches—naked, thirst and hunger worn;<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span><span class="i0">How shall I depart and leave thee—in the wood by man untrod.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When thou sad and famine-stricken—thinkest of thy former bliss,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the wild wood, oh, my husband,—I thy weariness will soothe.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Like a wife, in every sorrow—this the wise physicians own,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Healing herb is none or balsam—Nala, 'tis the truth I speak."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p class="sig"><span class="smcap">Nala</span> <i>spake</i>.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Slender-waisted Damayanti—true, indeed, is all thou'st said;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Like a wife no friendly medicine—to afflicted man is given.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Fear not that I thee abandon—Wherefore, timid, dread'st thou this?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Oh, myself might I abandon—and not thee, thou unreproached.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p class="sig"><span class="smcap">Damayanti</span> <i>spake</i>.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">If indeed, oh mighty monarch—thou wilt ne'er abandon me,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wherefore then towards Vidarbha—dost thou point me out the way.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Well, I know thee, noble Nala—to desert me far too true,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Only with a soul distracted—would'st thou leave me, lord of earth.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet, again, the way thou pointest—yet, again, thou best of men,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus my sorrow still enhancing—oh, thou like the immortal gods;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If this be thy better counsel—'to her kindred let her go,'<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Be it so, and both together—to Vidarbha set we forth.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thee Vidarbha's king will honour—honour'd in his turn by thee;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Held in high respect and happy—in our mansion thou shall dwell.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span></p> +<h2>BOOK X.</h2> + +<p class="sig"><span class="smcap">Nala</span> <i>spake</i>.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Mighty is thy father's kingdom—once was mine as mighty too;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Never will I there seek refuge—in my base extremity.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There I once appeared in glory—to the exalting of thy pride;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Shall I now appear in misery—to the increasing of thy shame?"<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nala thus to Damayanti—spake again, and yet again,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Comforting the noble lady—scant in half a garment clad.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Both together by one garment<a name="FNanchor_68_68" id="FNanchor_68_68"></a><a href="#Footnote_68_68" class="fnanchor">[68]</a>—covered, roamed they here and there;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wearied out by thirst and famine—to a cabin drew they near.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When they reached that lowly cabin—then did great Nishadha's king<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With the princess of Vidarbha—on the hard earth seat them down;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Naked, with no mat to rest on—wet with mire and stained with dust.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Weary then with Damayanti—on the earth he fell asleep.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sank the lovely Damayanti—by his side with sleep opprest,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She thus plunged in sudden misery—she the tender, the devout.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But while on the cold earth slumbered—Damayanti, all distraught<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nala in his mind by sorrow—might no longer calmly sleep;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For the losing of his kingdom—the desertion of his friends,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And his weary forest wanderings—painful on his thought arose;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"If I do it, what may follow?—what if I refuse to do?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Were my instant death the better—or to abandon her I love.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But to me too deep devoted—suffers she distress and shame;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Reft of me she home may wander—to her royal father's house;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Faithful wandering ever with me—certain sorrow will she bear,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span><span class="i0">But if separated from me—chance of solace may be hers."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Long within his heart he pondered—and again, again weighed o'er.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Best he thought it Damayanti—to desert, that wretched king.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From her virtue none dare harm her<a name="FNanchor_69_69" id="FNanchor_69_69"></a><a href="#Footnote_69_69" class="fnanchor">[69]</a>—in the lonely forest way,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her the fortunate, the noble—my devoted wedded wife.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus his mind on Damayanti—dwelt in its perverted thought,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wrought by Kali's evil influence—to desert his lovely wife.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of himself without a garment—and of her with only one.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As he thought, approached he near her—to divide that single robe.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"How shall I divide the garment—by my loved one unperceived?"<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Pondering this within his spirit—round the cabin Nala went;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In that narrow cabin's circuit—Nala wandered here and there,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Till he found without a scabbard—shining, a well-tempered sword.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then when half that only garment—he had severed, and put on,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In her sleep Vidarbha's princess—with bewildered mind he fled.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet, his cruel heart relenting—to the cabin turns he back;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On the slumbering Damayanti—gazing, sadly wept the king;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Thou, that sun nor wind hath ever—roughly visited, my love!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On the hard earth in a cabin—sleepest with thy guardian gone.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus attired in half a garment—she that aye so sweetly smiled,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Like to one distracted, beauteous—how at length will she awake?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">How will't fare with Bhima's daughter—lone, abandoned by her lord,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wandering in the savage forest—where wild beasts and serpents dwell.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">May the suns and winds of heaven—may the genii of the woods,<a name="FNanchor_70_70" id="FNanchor_70_70"></a><a href="#Footnote_70_70" class="fnanchor">[70]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Noblest, may they all protect thee—thine own virtue thy best guard."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To his wife of peerless beauty—on the earth, 'twas thus he spoke.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then of sense bereft by Kali—Nala hastily set forth;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And departing, still departing—he returned again, again;<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span><span class="i0">Dragged away by that bad demon—ever by his love drawn back.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nala, thus his heart divided—into two conflicting parts,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Like a swing goes backward, forward—from the cabin, to and fro.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Torn away at length by Kali—flies afar the frantic king,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Leaving there his wife in slumber—making miserable moans.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Reft of sense, possessed by Kali—thinking still on her he left,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Passed he in the lonely forest—leaving his deserted wife.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span></p> +<h2>BOOK XI.</h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Scarcely had king Nala parted—Damayanti now refreshed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wakened up, the slender-waisted—timorous in the desert wood.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When she did not see her husband—overpowered with grief and pain,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Loud she shriek'd in her first anguish—"Where art thou, Nishadha's king?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Mighty king! my soul-protector—O, my lord! desert'st thou me.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Oh, I'm lost! undone for ever—helpless in the wild wood left;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Faithful once to every duty—wert thou not, and true in word.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Art thou faithful to thy promise—to desert me thus in sleep.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Could'st thou then depart, forsaking—thy devoted, constant wife;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her in sooth that never wronged thee—wronged indeed, but not by her.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Keep'st thou thus thy solemn promise—oh, unfaithful lord of men,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There, when all the gods were present—plighted to thy wedded wife?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Death is but decreed to mortals—at its own appointed time,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hence one moment, thus deserted<a name="FNanchor_71_71" id="FNanchor_71_71"></a><a href="#Footnote_71_71" class="fnanchor">[71]</a>—one brief moment do I live.—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But thou'st had thy sport—enough then—now desist, O king of men,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Mock not thou a trembling woman—show thee to me, O my lord!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yes, I see thee, there I see thee—hidden as thou think'st from sight,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the rushes why conceal thee?—answer me, why speak'st thou not.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wherefore now ungentle stay'st thou—like to one forsworn, aloof?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wherefore wilt thou not approach me—to console me in my woe?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For myself I will not sorrow—nor for aught to me befalls.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thou art all alone, my husband,—I will only mourn for thee.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">How will't fare with thee, my Nala—thirsting, famished, faint with toil.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nor beholding me await thee—underneath the trees at eve."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then, in all her depth of anguish—with her trouble as on fire,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span><span class="i0">Hither, thither, went she weeping—all around she went and wailed.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Now springs up the desolate princess—now falls down in prostrate grief;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Now she pines in silent sorrow—now she shrieks and wails aloud.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So consumed with inward misery—ever sighing more and more,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Spake at length king Bhima's daughter—spake the still devoted wife:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"He, by whose dire imprecation—Nala this dread suffering bears,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">May he far surpass in suffering—all that Nala suffers now,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">May the evil one, to evil—who the blameless Nala drives,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Smitten by a curse as fatal—live a dark unblessed life."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus her absent lord lamenting—that high-minded raja's queen,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Every-where her lord went seeking—in the satyr-haunted wood.<a name="FNanchor_72_72" id="FNanchor_72_72"></a><a href="#Footnote_72_72" class="fnanchor">[72]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Like a maniac, Bhima's daughter—wandered wailing here and there;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And "alas! alas! my husband"—every-where her cry was heard.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her beyond all measure wailing—like the osprey screaming shrill,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Miserably still deploring—still renewing her lament.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Suddenly king Bhima's daughter—as she wandered near his lair,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Seized a huge gigantic serpent—in his raging famine fierce.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the grasp of that fierce serpent—round about with terror girt,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Not herself she pities only—pities she Nishadha's king.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"O my guardian, thus unguarded—in this savage forest seized,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Seized by this terrific serpent—wherefore art not thou at hand?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">How will't be, when thou rememberest—once again thy faithful wife,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From this dreadful curse delivered—mind, and sense, and wealth returned?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When thou'rt weary, when thou'rt hungry—when thou'rt fainting with fatigue,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who will soothe, O blameless Nala—all thy weariness, thy woe."<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Then a huntsman as he wandered—in the forest jungle thick,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As he heard her thus bewailing—in his utmost haste drew near.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the grasp when he beheld her—of that long-eyed serpent fell,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span><span class="i0">Instant did the nimble huntsman—rapidly as he came on,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Pierce that unresisting serpent—with a sharp and mortal shaft:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In her sight he slew that serpent—skill'd in slaughter of the chase.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her released he from her peril—washed he then with water pure,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And with sylvan food refreshed her—and with soothing words address'd:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Who art thou that roam'st the forest—with the eyes of the gazelle;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">How to this extreme of misery—noble lady, hast thou fallen?"<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Damayanti, by the huntsman—thus in soothing tone addressed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All the story of her misery-told him, as it all befell;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her, scant-clothed in half a garment—with soft swelling limbs and breast,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Form of youthful faultless beauty—and her fair and moonlike face,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And her eyes with brows dark arching—and her softly-melting speech,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Saw long time that wild beast hunter—kindled all his heart with love.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then with winning voice that huntsman—bland beginning his discourse,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Fain with amorous speech would soothe her—she his dark intent perceived.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Damayanti, chaste and faithful,—soon as she his meaning knew,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the transport of her anger—her indignant soul took fire.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In his wicked thought the dastard—her yet powerless to subdue,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On the unsubdued stood gazing—as like some bright flame she shone.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Damayanti, in her sorrow—of her realm, her lord bereft,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On the instant she found language—uttered loud her curse of wrath,<a name="FNanchor_73_73" id="FNanchor_73_73"></a><a href="#Footnote_73_73" class="fnanchor">[73]</a>—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"As my pure and constant spirit—swerves not from Nishadha's lord,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Instant so may this base hunter—lifeless fall upon the earth."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Scarce that single word was uttered—suddenly that hunter bold<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Down upon the earth fell lifeless—like a lightning blasted tree.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span></p> +<h2>BOOK XII.</h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Slain that savage wild-beast hunter—onward went the lotus-eyed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Through the dread, and desert forest—ringing with the cricket's song;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Full of lions, pards, and tigers—stags, and buffalos, and bears,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Where all kinds of birds were flocking—and wild men and robbers dwelt.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Trees of every form and stature<a name="FNanchor_74_74" id="FNanchor_74_74"></a><a href="#Footnote_74_74" class="fnanchor">[74]</a>—every foliage, every name;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Pregnant with rich mines of metal—many a mountain it enclosed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Many a shady resonant arbour—many a deep and wondrous glen;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Many a lake, and pool, and river—birds and beasts of every shape.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She, in forms terrific round her—serpents, elves, and giants saw:<a name="FNanchor_75_75" id="FNanchor_75_75"></a><a href="#Footnote_75_75" class="fnanchor">[75]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Pools, and tanks of lucid water—and the shaggy tops of hills,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Flowing streams and headlong torrents—saw, and wondered at the sight.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And the princess of Vidarbha—gazed where in their countless herds,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Buffalos and bears were feeding—boars, and serpents of the wood.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Safe in virtue, bright in beauty—glorious and of high resolve,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Now alone, Vidarbha's daughter—wandering, her lost Nala sought.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet no fear king Bhima's daughter—for herself might deign to feel,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Travelling the dreary forest—only for her lord distressed;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Him she mourned, that noble princess—him in bitterest anguish wailed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Every limb with sorrow trembling—stood she on a beetling rock;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Monarch, with broad chest capacious—monarch with the sinewy arm,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Me in this dread forest leaving—whither hast thou fled away?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thou the holy Aswamedha—thou each sacrificial rite,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hast performed, to me, me only—in thy holy faith thou'st failed.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That which thou, O best of husbands—in mine hearing hast declared,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span><span class="i0">Thy most solemn vow remember—call to mind thy plighted faith.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of the swift-winged swans the language—uttered, monarch, by thy side,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That thyself, before my presence—didst renew, bethink thee well.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thou the Vedas, thou the Angas—with the Upangas oft hast read,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of each heaven-descended volume—one and simple is the truth.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Therefore, of thy foes the slayer!—reverence thou the sacred truth<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of thy solemn plighted promise—in my presence sworn so oft.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Am not I the loved so dearly—purely, sinlessly beloved;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In this dark and awful forest—wherefore dost thou not reply?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Here with monstrous jaws wide yawning—with his fierce and horrid form,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Gapes the forest king to slay me—and thou art not here to save.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">None but I, thou'st said, for ever—none but I to thee am dear!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Make this oft-repeated language—make this oft-sworn promise true.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To thy queen bereft of reason—to thy weeping wife beloved,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Why repliest thou not—her only thou desir'st—she only thee.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Meagre, miserable, pallid—tainted with the dust and mire,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Scantly clad in half a garment—lone, with no protector near;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Like a large-eyed hind that wanders—separate from the wonted herd,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thou regard'st me not, thus weeping—oh thou tamer of thy foes.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Mighty king, a lonely wanderer—in this vast and trackless wood,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Damayanti, I address thee—wherefore answerest not my voice?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nobly born, and nobly minded—beautiful in every limb,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Do I not e'en now behold thee—in this mountain, first of men,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In this lion-haunted forest—in this tiger-howling wood,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lying down or seated, standing—or in majesty and might<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Moving, do I not behold thee—the enhancer of my woe?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who shall I address, afflicted—wasted by my grief away;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Hast thou haply seen my Nala—in the solitary wood?'<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span><span class="i0">Who this day will show the monarch—wandering in the forest depth,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Beautiful and royal-minded—conqueror of an host of foes!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Him thou seek'st with eyes of lotus—Nala, sovereign of men—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lo, he's here!' whose voice of music—may I hear thus sweetly speak?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lo, with fourfold tusks before me—and with wide and gaping jaws,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Stands the forest king, the tiger—I approach him without fear.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of the beasts art thou the monarch—all this forest thy domain,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For the daughter of Vidarbha—Damayanti, know thou me,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Consort of Nishadha's sovereign—Nala, slayer of his foes—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Seeking here my exile husband—lonely, wretched, sorrow-driven,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thou, O king of beasts, console me—if my Nala thou hast seen;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Or, O lord of all the forest—Nala if thou canst not show,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Best of savage beasts, devour me—from my misery set me free.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hearing thus my lamentation-now does that fell king of beasts<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Go towards the crystal river—flowing downward to the sea.'—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To this mountain then the holy—crowned with many a lofty peak,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In its soul-exalting splendour—rising, many-hued, to heaven;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Full within of precious metal—rich with many a glowing gem,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Rising o'er the spreading forest—like a banner broad and high,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ranged by elephants and lions—tigers, bears, and boars, and stags;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And of many birds the voices—sweetly sound o'er all its cliffs;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All the trees of richest foliage<a name="FNanchor_76_76" id="FNanchor_76_76"></a><a href="#Footnote_76_76" class="fnanchor">[76]</a>—all the trees of stateliest height,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All the flowers and golden fruitage—on its crested summits wave,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Down its peaks in many a streamlet—dip the water-birds their wings:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">This, the monarch of all mountains—ask I of the king of men;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'O, all-honoured Prince of Mountains, with thy heaven-ward soaring peaks,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Refuge of the lost, most noble—thee, O Mountain, I salute;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I salute thee, lowly bowing—I, the daughter of a king;<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span><span class="i0">Of a king the royal consort—of a king's son I the bride.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of Vidarbha the great sovereign—mighty hero is my sire.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Named the lord of earth, king Bhima—of each caste the guardian he;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of the holy Aswamedha—of the regal sacrifice,<a name="FNanchor_77_77" id="FNanchor_77_77"></a><a href="#Footnote_77_77" class="fnanchor">[77]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">He the offerer, best of monarchs—known by his commanding eye,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Pious, and of life unblemished—true in word, of generous speech,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Affable, courageous, prosperous—skilled in every duty, pure.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of Vidarbha the protector—conqueror of a host of foes;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Know me of that king the daughter—lowly thus approaching thee.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In Nishadha, mighty Mountain! dwelt the father of my lord.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">High the name he won, the illustrious—Virasena was he called.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of this king the son, the hero—prosperous and truly brave,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He who rules his father's kingdom—by hereditary right,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Slayer of his foes, dark Nala—Punyasloka is he called;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Holy, Veda read, and eloquent—soma quaffing, fire adoring,<a name="FNanchor_78_78" id="FNanchor_78_78"></a><a href="#Footnote_78_78" class="fnanchor">[78]</a><a name="FNanchor_79_79" id="FNanchor_79_79"></a><a href="#Footnote_79_79" class="fnanchor">[79]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sacrificer, liberal giver—warrior, in all points a king,—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of this monarch, best of mountains—know, the wife before thee stands.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Fallen from bliss, bereft of husband—unprotected, sorrow-doomed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Seeking every where her husband—him the best of noblest men.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Best of mountains, heaven-upsoaring—with thy hundred stately peaks,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hast thou seen the kingly Nala—in this dark and awful wood:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Like the elephant in courage—wise, impetuous, with long arms,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Valiant, and of truth unquestioned—my heroic, glorious lord;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hast thou seen Nishadha's sovereign—mighty Nala hast thou seen?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Why repliest thou not, oh Mountain—sorrowing, lonely, and distressed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With thy voice why not console me—as thine own afflicted child?<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Hero, mighty, strong in duty—true of promise, lord of earth,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If thou art within the forest—show thee in thy proper form.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span><span class="i0">When so eloquently deep-toned—like the sound of some dark cloud,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Shall I hear thy voice, oh Nala!—sweet as the amrita draught,<a name="FNanchor_80_80" id="FNanchor_80_80"></a><a href="#Footnote_80_80" class="fnanchor">[80]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Saying, 'daughter of Vidarbha!'—with distinct, with blessed sound,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Musical as holy Veda—rich, and soothing all my pain;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus console me, trembling, fainting—thou, oh virtue-loving king!"<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To the holiest of mountains—spake the daughter of the king.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Damayanti then set forward—toward the region of the north.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Three days long, three nights she wandered—then that noble woman saw,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The unrivalled wood of hermits—like to a celestial grove.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To the ancient famous hermits<a name="FNanchor_81_81" id="FNanchor_81_81"></a><a href="#Footnote_81_81" class="fnanchor">[81]</a>—equal was that sacred crew;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Self-denying, strict in diet<a name="FNanchor_82_82" id="FNanchor_82_82"></a><a href="#Footnote_82_82" class="fnanchor">[82]</a>—temperate, and undefiled;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Water-drinking, air inhaling—and the leaves their simple food;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Mortified, for ever blessed—seeking the right way to heaven;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Bark for vests and skins for raiment—wore those hermits, sense-subdued.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She beheld the pleasant circle—of those hermits' lonely cells;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Round them flocks of beasts were grazing—wantoned there the monkey tribes.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When she saw those holy dwellings—all her courage was revived.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lovely browed, and lovely tressed—lovely bosom'd, lovely lipp'd,<a name="FNanchor_83_83" id="FNanchor_83_83"></a><a href="#Footnote_83_83" class="fnanchor">[83]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">In her brightness, in her glory—with her large dark beauteous eyes,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Entered she those hermit dwellings—wife of Virasena's son;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Pearl of women, ever blessed-Damayanti the devout,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She those holy men saluting—stood with modest form half bent.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Hail, and welcome!" thus those hermits—instant with one voice exclaimed.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And those sacred men no sooner—had the fitting homage paid,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Take thy seat," they said, "oh lady<a name="FNanchor_84_84" id="FNanchor_84_84"></a><a href="#Footnote_84_84" class="fnanchor">[84]</a>—and command what we must do."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus replied the slender waisted—"Blessed are ye, holy men.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In your sacred fires, your worship<a name="FNanchor_85_85" id="FNanchor_85_85"></a><a href="#Footnote_85_85" class="fnanchor">[85]</a>—blameless, with your beasts and birds.<a name="FNanchor_86_86" id="FNanchor_86_86"></a><a href="#Footnote_86_86" class="fnanchor">[86]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Doth the grace of heaven attend you—in your duties, in your deeds?"<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span><span class="i0">Answered they, "The grace of heaven—ever blesses all our deeds.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But say thou, of form so beauteous—who thou art, and what thou would'st?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As thy noble form we gaze on—on thy brightness as we gaze,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In amaze we stand and wonder—cheer thee up, and mourn no more.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of the wood art thou the goddess—or the mountain goddess thou;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Or the goddess of the river?—Blessed Spirit, speak the truth.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nor the sylvan goddess am I,"—to the Wise she thus replied;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Neither of the mountain, Brahmins—nor the river nymph am I.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Know me but a mortal being—O, ye rich in holiness!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All my tale at length, I'll tell ye—if meet audience ye will give.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In Vidarbha, mighty guardian—Bhima, dwells the lord of earth;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of that noble king the daughter—twice-born Sages, know ye me.<a name="FNanchor_87_87" id="FNanchor_87_87"></a><a href="#Footnote_87_87" class="fnanchor">[87]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">And the monarch of Nishadha—Nala named, the great in fame;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Brave in battle, conqueror, prudent—is my lord, the peasants' king;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To the gods devout in worship—friendly to the Brahmin race,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of Nishadha's race the guardian—great in glory, great in might,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">True in word, and skilled in duty—and the slayer of his foes.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Pious, heaven-devoted, prosperous—conqueror of hostile towns;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nala named, the best of sovereigns—splendid as the king of gods.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Know that large-eyed chief, my husband—like the full-orbed moon his face,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Giver he of costly offerings—deep in th' holy volumes read;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Slayer of his foes in battle—glorious as the sun and moon.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He to some most evil minded—unrespected, wicked men,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">After many a challenge, studious—he of virtue and of truth,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To these skilful gamesters, fraudful—lost his kingdom and his wealth.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Know ye me the hapless consort—of that noble king of kings,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Damayanti, so they name me—yearning for my husband's sight.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I through forests, over mountains—stagnant marsh and river broad,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span><span class="i0">Lake with wide pellucid surface—through the long and trackless wood,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ever seeking for my husband—Nala, skilful in the fight.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Mighty in the use of weapons—wander desolate and sad.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Tell me, to this pleasant sojourn—sacred to these holy men,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hath he come, the royal Nala?—hath Nishadha's monarch come?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For whose sake through ways all trackless—terrible, have I set forth,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In this drear, appalling forest—where the lynx and tiger range,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If I see not noble Nala—ere few days, few nights are o'er,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I to happiness will join me—from this mortal frame set free.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Reft of him, my princely husband—what have I to do with life—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">How endure existence longer—for my husband thus distressed."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To the lady thus complaining—lonely in the savage wood,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Answered thus those holy hermits—spake the gifted seers the truth:—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"There will be a time hereafter—beautiful, the time will come,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Through devotion now we see him<a name="FNanchor_88_88" id="FNanchor_88_88"></a><a href="#Footnote_88_88" class="fnanchor">[88]</a>—and thou too wilt see him soon;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That good monarch of Nishadha—Nala, slayer of his foes;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That dispenser of strict justice—Bhima's daughter! free from grief,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From all sin released, thou'lt see him—glittering in his royal gems,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Governing that noble city—o'er his enemies supreme.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To his foemen causing terror—to his friends allaying grief,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thou, oh noble, shalt thy husband—see, that king of noble race."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To the much-loved wife of Nala—to the princess speaking thus,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Vanished then those holy hermits—with their sacred fires, their cells.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As she gazed upon the wonder—wrapt in mute amaze she stood;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Damayanti, fair-limbed princess—wife of Virasena's son;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Have I only seen a vision—what hath been this wondrous chance?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Where are all those holy hermits—where the circle of their cells?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Where that pure and pleasant river—haunted by the dipping birds?<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span><span class="i0">Where those trees with grateful umbrage—with their pendant fruits and flowers?"<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Long within her heart she pondered—Damayanti with sweet smile,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For her lord, to grief abandoned—miserable, pale of hue;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To another region passed she—there with voice by weeping choked,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Mourns she, till with eyes o'erflowing—an Asoca tree she saw.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Best of trees, the Asoca blooming<a name="FNanchor_89_89" id="FNanchor_89_89"></a><a href="#Footnote_89_89" class="fnanchor">[89]</a>—in the forest she approached,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Gemmed all o'er with glowing fruitage—vocal with the songs of birds.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">"Ah, behold amid the forest—flourishes this happy tree,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With its leafy garlands radiant—as the joyous mountain king.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">O thou tree with pleasant aspect—from my sorrow set me free.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Vitasoca, hast thou seen him—hast the fearless raja seen,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nala, of his foes the slayer—Damayanti's lord beloved?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hast thou seen Nishadha's monarch—hast thou seen mine only love,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Clad in half a single garment—with his soft and delicate skin;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hast thou seen th' afflicted hero—wandering in the forest lone.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That I may depart ungrieving—fair Asoca, answer me.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Truly be thou named Asoca<a name="FNanchor_90_90" id="FNanchor_90_90"></a><a href="#Footnote_90_90" class="fnanchor">[90]</a>—as the extinguisher of grief."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus in her o'erpowering anguish—moved she round the Asoca tree.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then she went her way in sadness—to another region dread.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Many a tree she stood and gazed on—many a river passed she o'er;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Passed she many a pleasant mountain—many a wild deer, many a bird;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Many a hill and many a cavern—many a bright and wondrous stream,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Saw king Bhima's wandering daughter—as she sought her husband lost.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Long she roamed her weary journey—Damayanti with sweet smile,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lo, a caravan of merchants—elephants, and steeds, and cars,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And beyond, a pleasant river—with its waters cool and clear.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Twas a quiet stream, and waveless—girt about with spreading canes;<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span><span class="i0">There the cuckoo, there the osprey—there the red-geese clamouring stood;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Swarmed the turtles, fish and serpents—there rose many a stately isle.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">When she saw that numerous concourse—Nala's once all-glorious wife,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Entered she, the slender-waisted—in the midst of all the host;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Maniac-like in form and feature—and in half a garment clad,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thin and pallid, travel-tainted—matted all her locks with dust.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As they all beheld her standing—some in terror fled away;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Some stood still in speechless wonder—others raised their voice and cried;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Mocked her some with cruel tauntings—others spake reproachful words;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Others looked on her with pity—and enquired her state, her name.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Who art thou? whose daughter. Lady—in the forest seek'st thou aught?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At thy sight we stand confounded—art thou of our mortal race?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of this wood art thou the goddess?—of this mountain? of that plain?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who art thou, O noble Lady—thee, our refuge, we adore.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Art thou sylvan nymph or genius—or celestial nymph divine?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Every-way regard our welfare—and protect us, undespised:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So our caravan in safety—may pursue its onward way,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So ordain it, O illustrious!—that good fortune wait on all."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus addressed by that assemblage—Damayanti, kingly-born,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Answered thus with gentle language—grieving for her husband lost.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of that caravan the leader—and the whole assembled host,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Youths and boys, and grey-haired elders—and the guides, thus answered she:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Know me, like yourselves, a mortal—daughter of a king of men,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of another king the consort—seeking for my royal lord;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Know, Vidarbha's king, my father—and Nishadha's king, my lord,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nala, is his name, the glorious—him, th' unconquered do I seek;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Know ye aught of that good monarch—tell me, quick, of my beloved,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of the tiger hero, Nala—slayer of a host of foes."<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span><span class="i2">Of the caravan the captain—thus the lovely-limbed addressed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Suchi was his name, the merchant—"Hear, illustrious queen, my speech;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of this caravan the captain—I, O Lady with sweet smile,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Him that bears the name of Nala—nowhere have these eyes beheld.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Elephants, and pards, and tigers—lynxes, buffaloes, and bears,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">See I in this trackless forest—uninhabited by men;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Save thyself, of human feature—nought, or human form, I've seen.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So may he, the king of Yakshas—Manibhadra, guard us well."<a name="FNanchor_91_91" id="FNanchor_91_91"></a><a href="#Footnote_91_91" class="fnanchor">[91]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">To the merchants then she answered—to the leader of the host,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Tell me whither do ye travel!—whither bound your caravan?"<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p class="sig"><i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Captain</span> <i>of the caravan spake.</i></p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"To the realm of Chedi's sovereign<a name="FNanchor_92_92" id="FNanchor_92_92"></a><a href="#Footnote_92_92" class="fnanchor">[92]</a>—truth-discerning Subahu,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Soon this caravan will enter—travelling in search of gain."<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span></p> +<h2>BOOK XIII.</h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><a name="FNanchor_93_93" id="FNanchor_93_93"></a><a href="#Footnote_93_93" class="fnanchor">[93]</a>This, the lovely princess hearing—from the captain of the band,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With the caravan set forward—seeking still her royal lord.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Long their journey through the forest—through the dark and awful glens;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then a lake of loveliest beauty—fragrant with the lotus flowers,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Saw those merchants, wide and pleasant—with fresh grass and shady trees;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Flowers and fruits bedecked its borders—where the birds melodious sang:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In its clear delicious waters—soul-enchanting, icy cool,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With their horses all o'erwearied—thought they then to plunge and bathe;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At the signal of the captain—entered all that pleasant grove.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At the close of day arriving—there encamped they for the night.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">When the midnight came, all noiseless—came in silence deep and still,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Weary slept the band of merchants—lo, a herd of elephants,<a name="FNanchor_94_94" id="FNanchor_94_94"></a><a href="#Footnote_94_94" class="fnanchor">[94]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Oozing moisture from their temples—came to drink the troubled stream.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When that caravan they gazed on—with their slumbering beasts at rest,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The tame elephants they scented—those wild forest elephants;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Forward rush they fleet and furious—mad to slay, and wild with heat;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Irresistible the onset—of the rushing ponderous beasts,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As the peaks from some high mountain—down the valley thundering roll;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Strewn was all the way before them—with the boughs, the trunks of trees;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On they crash'd to where the travellers—slumbered by the lotus lake.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Trampled down without a struggle—helpless on the earth they lay,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Woe, oh, woe!" shrieked out the merchants—wildly some began to fly,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the forest thickets' plunging;—some stood gasping, blind with sleep;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And the elephants down beat them—with their tusks, their trunks, their feet.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span><span class="i0">Many saw their camels dying—mingled with the men on foot,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And in frantic tumult rushing—wildly struck each other down;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Many miserably shrieking—cast them down upon the earth,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Many climbed the trees in terror—on the rough ground stumbled some.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus in various wise and fatal—by the elephants assailed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lay that caravan so wealthy—scattered all abroad or slain.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Such, so fearful was the tumult—the three worlds seemed all appalled,<a name="FNanchor_95_95" id="FNanchor_95_95"></a><a href="#Footnote_95_95" class="fnanchor">[95]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">"'Tis a fire amid th' encampment—save ye, fly ye, for your lives.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lo, your precious pearls ye trample—take them up, why fly so fast?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Save them, 'tis a common venture—fear ye not that I deceive."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus t' each other shrieked the merchants—as in fear they scattered round.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Yet again I call upon you—cowards! think ye what ye do."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All around this frantic carnage—raging through the prostrate host,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Damayanti, soon awakened—with her heart all full of dread;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There she saw a hideous slaughter—the whole world might well appal.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To such sights all unfamiliar—gazed the queen with lotus eyes,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Pressing in her breath with terror—slowly rose she on her feet.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And the few that scaped the carnage—few that scaped without a wound,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All at once exclaimed together—"Of whose deeds is this the doom?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hath not mighty Manibhadra—adoration meet received.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And Vaisravana the holy<a name="FNanchor_96_96" id="FNanchor_96_96"></a><a href="#Footnote_96_96" class="fnanchor">[96]</a>—of the Yakshas lord and king,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Have not all that might impede us—ere we journied, been addressed?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Was it doomed, that all good omens—by this chance should be belied!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Were no planets haply adverse?—how hath fate, like this, befall'n!"<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Others answered in their misery—reft of kindred and of wealth,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Who is that ill-omened woman—that with maniac-staring eyes,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Joined our host, misshaped in aspect—and with scarcely human form?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Surely all this wicked witchcraft—by her evil power is wrought;<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span><span class="i0">Witch or sorceress she, or dæmon—fatal cause of all our fears,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hers is all the guilt, the misery—who such damning proof may doubt?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Could we but behold that false one—murtheress, bane of all our host,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With the clods, the dust, the bamboos—with our staves, or with our hands,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">We would slay her on the instant—of our caravan the fate."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But no sooner Damayanti—their appalling words had heard,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In her shame and in her terror—to the forest shade she fled.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And that guilt imputed dreading—thus her fate began to wail:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Woe is me, still o'er me hovers—the terrific wrath of fate;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">No good fortune e'er attends me—of what guilt is this the doom?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Not a sin can I remember—not the least to living man.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Or in deed, or thought, or language—of what guilt is this the doom?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In some former life committed<a name="FNanchor_97_97" id="FNanchor_97_97"></a><a href="#Footnote_97_97" class="fnanchor">[97]</a>—expiate I now the sin.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To this infinite misfortune—hence by penal justice doomed?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lost my husband, lost my kingdom—from my kindred separate;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Separate from noble Nala—from my children far away,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Widowed of my rightful guardian—in the serpent-haunted wood."<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Of that caravan at morning—then the sad surviving few,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Setting forth from that dread region—o'er that hideous carnage grieve;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Each a brother mourns, or father—or a son, or dearest friend,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Still Vidarbha's princess uttered—"What the sin that I have done?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Scarcely in this desert forest—had I met this host of men,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By the elephants they perish—this is through my luckless fate;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A still lengthening life of sorrow—I henceforth must sadly lead.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ere his destined day none dieth—this of aged seers the lore;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Therefore am not I too trampled—by this herd of furious beasts.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Every deed of living mortal—by over-ruling fate is done.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet no sin have I committed—in my blameless infancy,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span><span class="i0">To deserve this dire disaster—or in word, or deed, or thought.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For the choosing of my husband—are the guardians of the world,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Angry are the gods, rejected—for the noble Nala's sake?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From my lord this long divorcement—through their power do I endure."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus the noblest of all women—to bewail her fate began,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The deserted Damayanti—with these sad and bitter words;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With some Veda-reading Brahmins—that survived that scattered host,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then she went her way in sadness—like the young moon's sickle pale,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And ere long a mighty city—that afflicted queen drew near:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Twas the king of Chedi's city—truth-discerning Subahu.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Scantly clad in half a garment—entered she that stately town;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her disturbed, emaciate, wretched—with dishevelled hair, unwashed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Like a maniac, onward-moving—saw that city's wondering throng;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Gazing on her as she entered—to the monarch's royal seat;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All the boys her footsteps followed—in their curious gamesome play;<a name="FNanchor_98_98" id="FNanchor_98_98"></a><a href="#Footnote_98_98" class="fnanchor">[98]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Circled round by these she wandered—near the royal palace gate.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From that palace lofty terrace—her the mother of the king<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Saw, and thus her nurse addressed she—"Go, and lead that wanderer in!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sad she roves, without a refuge—troubled by those gazing men;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet in form so bright, irradiate—is our palace where she moves.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Though so maniac-like, half-clothed—like Heaven's long-eyed queen she seems."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She those crowding men dispersing—quickly to the palace top<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Made her mount—and in amazement—her the mother-queen addressed:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Thus though bowed and worn with sorrow—such a shining form thou wear'st,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As through murky clouds the lightning—tell me who thou art and whence:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For thy form is more than human—of all ornament despoiled:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Men thou fear'st not, unattended—in celestial beauty safe."<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span><span class="i2">Hearing thus her gentle language—Bhima's daughter made reply,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Know me like thyself a mortal—a distressed, devoted wife;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of illustrious race an handmaid—making where I will mine home;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On the roots and wild-fruits feeding—lonely, at the fall of eve.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Gifted with unnumber'd virtues—is my true, my faithful lord,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And I still the hero followed—like his shadow on the way.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Twas his fate, with desp'rate fondness—to pursue the love of play,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And in play subdued and ruined—entered he yon lonely wood;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Him, arrayed in but one garment,—like a madman wandering wild,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To console my noble husband—I too entered the deep wood;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He within that dreary forest—for some cause, to me unknown,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wild with hunger, reft of reason—that one single robe he lost.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I with but one robe, him naked<a name="FNanchor_99_99" id="FNanchor_99_99"></a><a href="#Footnote_99_99" class="fnanchor">[99]</a>—frantic, and with mind diseased,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Following through the boundless forest—many a night I had not slept;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then, when I had sunk to slumber—me the blameless leaving there,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Half my garment having severed—he his sinless consort fled;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Seeking him, my outcast husband—night and day am I consumed:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Him I see not, ever shining—like the lotus cup, beloved;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Find him not, most like th' immortals—lord of all, my life, my soul."<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Even as thus, with eyes o'erflowing—uttered she her sad lament,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sad herself, sad Bhima's daughter—did the mother queen address:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Dwell with me, then, noble Lady—deep the joy in thee I feel,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And the servants of my household—shall thy royal husband seek;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Haply hither he may wander—as he roams about the world:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Dwelling here in peace and honour—thou thy husband wilt rejoin."<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To the king of Chedi's mother—Damayanti made reply;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"On these terms, O nurse of heroes!—I with thee may make abode:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That I eat not broken victuals<a name="FNanchor_100_100" id="FNanchor_100_100"></a><a href="#Footnote_100_100" class="fnanchor">[100]</a>—wash not feet with menial hand:<a name="FNanchor_101_101" id="FNanchor_101_101"></a><a href="#Footnote_101_101" class="fnanchor">[101]</a><br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span><span class="i0">Nor with stranger men have converse—in my chaste, secluded state;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If that any man demand me—be he punished; if again,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Be he put to death on th' instant—this the vow that I have sworn.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Only, if they seek my husband—holy Brahmins will I see.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Be my terms by thee accepted—gladly will I sojourn here,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But on other terms no sojourn—will this heart resolved admit."<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Then to her with joyful spirit—spake the mother of the king:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"As thou wilt shall all be ordered—be thou blest, since such thy vow."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Speaking thus to Bhima's daughter—did the royal mother then,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In these words address her daughter—young Sunanda was her name:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"See this handmaid, my Sunanda—gifted with a form divine;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She in age thy lovely compeer—be she to thee as a friend;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Joined with her in sweet communion—take thy pleasure without fear."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Young Sunanda, all rejoicing—to her own abode went back,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Taking with her Damayanti—circled with her virgin peers.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span></p> +<h2>BOOK XIV.</h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Damayanti when deserting—royal Nala fled, ere long<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Blazing in the forest jungle—he a mighty fire beheld;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thence as of a living being—from the midst a voice he heard:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Hasten, Nala!" oft and loudly—"Punyasloka, haste," it cried.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Fear thou not," king Nala answered—plunging in the ruddy flame;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There he saw the king of serpents—lying, coiled into a ring.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There with folded hands the serpent—trembling, thus to Nala spake:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Me, Karkotaka, the Serpent—know, thou sovereign of men;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Narada, the famous hermit<a name="FNanchor_102_102" id="FNanchor_102_102"></a><a href="#Footnote_102_102" class="fnanchor">[102]</a>—I deceived, the holy sage;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He in righteous indignation—smote me with this awful curse:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Stay thou there as one unmoving—till king Nala passing by,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lead thee hence; save only Nala—none can free thee from this curse.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Through this potent execration—I no step have power to move;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I the way to bliss will show thee—if thou sav'st me from this fate.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I will show thee noble friendship—serpent none is like to me;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lightly shall I weigh, uplift me—in thy hand, with speed, O king."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus when spake the king of serpents—to a finger's size he shrank;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Him when Nala lightly lifted—to the unburning space he passed.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To the air all cool and temperate—brought him, by the flame unreached.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As he fain on th' earth would place him—thus Karkotaka began.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Move thou now, O king, and slowly—as thou movest, count thy steps.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then the best of all good fortune—will I give thee, mighty armed!"<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ere the tenth step he had counted<a name="FNanchor_103_103" id="FNanchor_103_103"></a><a href="#Footnote_103_103" class="fnanchor">[103]</a>—him the sudden serpent bit:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As he bit him, on the instant—all his kingly form was changed.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span><span class="i0">There he stood, and gazed in wonder—Nala, on his altered form.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In his proper shape the serpent—saw the sovereign of men.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then Karkotaka the serpent—thus to Nala comfort spake:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Through my power thy form is altered—lest thou should'st be known of men.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He through whom thou'rt thus afflicted—Nala, with intensest grief,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Through my poison, shall in anguish—ever dwell within thy soul.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All his body steeped in poison—till he free thee from thy woe,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Shall he dwell within thee prison'd—in the ecstacy of pain.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So from him, by whom, thou blameless!—sufferest such unworthy wrong,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By the curse I lay upon him—my deliverance shall be wrought.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Fear not thou the tusked wild boar—foeman fear not thou, O king,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Neither Brahmin fear, nor Sages<a name="FNanchor_104_104" id="FNanchor_104_104"></a><a href="#Footnote_104_104" class="fnanchor">[104]</a>—safe through my prevailing power.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">King, this salutary poison—gives to thee nor grief nor pain;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the battle, chief of Rajas—victory is ever thine.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Go thou forth, thyself thus naming—Vahuca, the charioteer,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To the royal Rituparna—in the dice all-skilful he;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To Ayodhya's pleasant city—sovereign of Nishadha! go;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He his skill in dice will give thee—for thy skill in taming steeds:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of Ikshwàku's noble lineage—he will be thy best of friends.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thou the skill in dice possessing—soon wilt rise again to bliss;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With thy consort reunited—yield not up thy soul to grief.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thou thy kingdom, thou thy children—wilt regain, the truth I speak.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When again thou would'st behold thee—in thy proper form, O king,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Summon me to thy remembrance—and this garment put thou on:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In this garment clad resum'st thou—instantly thy proper form."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Saying thus, of vests celestial—gave he to the king a pair.<a name="FNanchor_105_105" id="FNanchor_105_105"></a><a href="#Footnote_105_105" class="fnanchor">[105]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">And king Nala, thus instructed—gifted with these magic robes,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Instantly the king of serpents—vanished from his sight away.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span></p> +<h2>BOOK XV.</h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Vanished thus the King of Serpents—set Nishadha's raja forth,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Rituparna's royal city—on the tenth day entered he.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Straight before the royal presence—"Vahuca am I," he said,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"In the skill of taming horses—on the earth is not my peer;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Use me, where the difficult counsel—where thou want'st the dexterous hand;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the art of dressing viands<a name="FNanchor_106_106" id="FNanchor_106_106"></a><a href="#Footnote_106_106" class="fnanchor">[106]</a>—I am skilful above all.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Whatsoe'er the art, whatever—be most difficult to do,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I will strive to execute it—take me to thy service, king."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p class="sig"><span class="smcap">Rituparna</span> <i>spake</i>.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Vahuca, I bid thee welcome—all this service shalt thou do,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On my horses' rapid motion—deeply is my mind engaged.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Take thou then on thee the office—that my steeds be fleet of foot,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of my horse be thou the master—hundred hundreds is thy pay:<a name="FNanchor_107_107" id="FNanchor_107_107"></a><a href="#Footnote_107_107" class="fnanchor">[107]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ever shalt thou have for comrades—Varshneya and Jivala:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With these two pursue thy pleasure—Vahuca, abide with me."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus addressed, did Nala, honoured—by king Rituparna long,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With Varshneya in that city—and with Jivala abide:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There abode he, sadly thinking—of Vidarbha's daughter still.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the evening, every evening—uttered he this single verse;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Where is she, by thirst and hunger—worn, and weary, pious still,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thinking of her unwise husband—in whose presence is she now!"<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus the raja, ever speaking—Jivala one night addressed;<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span><span class="i0">"Who is she, for whom thou grievest?—Vahuca, I fain would hear."<br /></span> +<span class="i0"><a name="FNanchor_108_108" id="FNanchor_108_108"></a><a href="#Footnote_108_108" class="fnanchor">[108]</a>Answered thus the royal Nala—"To a man of sense bereft,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Once belonged a peerless lady—most infirm of word was he;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From some cause from her dissevered—went that frantic man away,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In his foolish soul thus parted—wanders he, by sorrow racked;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Night and day, and still for ever—by his parching grief consumed:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nightly brooding o'er his sorrows—sings he this sad single verse.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">O'er the whole wide earth a wanderer—chance-alighting in some place,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Dwells that woful man, unworthy,—ever wakeful with his grief.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Him that noble lady following—in the forest lone and dread,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lives, of that bad man forsaken—hard it is to say, she lives!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lone, and young, the ways unknowing—undeserving of such fate,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Pines she there with thirst and hunger—hard it is to say, she lives.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In that vast and awful forest—haunted by fierce beasts of prey,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By her lord she roams forsaken—hapless, by that luckless lord."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus remembering Damayanti—did Nishadha's king unknown,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Long within that dwelling sojourn—in the palace of the king.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span></p> +<h2>BOOK XVI.</h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Nala thus bereft of kingdom—with his wife to slavery sunk,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Forth king Bhima sent the Brahmins—Nala through the world to seek.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus the royal Bhima charged them—with abundant wealth supplied:—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Go ye now and seek king Nala—Damayanti seek, my child:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And, achieved this weighty business—found Nishadha's royal lord,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Whosoe'er shall hither bring them—shall a thousand kine receive;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And a royal grant for maintenance<a name="FNanchor_109_109" id="FNanchor_109_109"></a><a href="#Footnote_109_109" class="fnanchor">[109]</a>—of a village like a town.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If nor hither Damayanti—nor king Nala may be brought,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Know we where they are, rich guerdon—still we give, ten hundred kine."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus addressed, the joyful Brahmins—went to every clime of earth,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Through the cities, through the kingdoms—seeking Nala and his queen:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nala, or king Bhima's daughter—in no place might they behold.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then a Brahmin, named Sudeva—came to pleasant Chedi-pur;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There within the kingly palace—he Vidarbha's daughter saw,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Standing with the fair Sunanda—on a royal holiday.<a name="FNanchor_110_110" id="FNanchor_110_110"></a><a href="#Footnote_110_110" class="fnanchor">[110]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">With her beauty once so peerless—worthy now of little praise,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Like the sun-light feebly shining—through the dimness of a cloud.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Gazing on the large-eyed princess—dull in look, and wasted still,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lo, he thought, king Bhima's daughter—pondering thus within his mind.—<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p class="sig"><span class="smcap">Sudeva</span> <i>spake</i>.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Even as once I wont to see her—such is yonder woman's form,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I my work have done, beholding—like the goddess world-adored,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Like the full moon, darkly beauteous—with her fair and swelling breasts,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her, the queen, that with her brightness—makes each clime devoid of gloom,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span><span class="i0">With her lotus eyes expanding—like Manmatha's queen divine;<a name="FNanchor_111_111" id="FNanchor_111_111"></a><a href="#Footnote_111_111" class="fnanchor">[111]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Like the moonlight in its fulness—the desire of all the world.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From Vidarbha's pleasant waters—her by cruel fate plucked up,<br /></span> +<span class="i0"><a name="FNanchor_112_112" id="FNanchor_112_112"></a><a href="#Footnote_112_112" class="fnanchor">[112]</a>Like a lotus flower uprooted—with the mire and dirt around:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Like the pallid night, when Rahu<a name="FNanchor_113_113" id="FNanchor_113_113"></a><a href="#Footnote_113_113" class="fnanchor">[113]</a>—swallows up the darkened moon:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For her husband wan with sorrow—like a gentle stream dried up;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Like a pool, where droops the lotus—whence the affrighted birds have fled,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By the elephant's proboscis—in its quiet depths disturbed.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Tender, soft-limbed, in a palace—fit, of precious stones, to dwell.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Like the lotus stem, uprooted—parched and withered by the sun.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Fair in form, in soul as generous—worthy of all bliss, unbless'd,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Like the young moon's slender crescent—in the heavens by dark clouds veiled.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Widowed now of all love's pleasures—of her noble kin despoiled,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wretched, bearing life, her husband—in her hope again to see.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To the unadorned, a husband<a name="FNanchor_114_114" id="FNanchor_114_114"></a><a href="#Footnote_114_114" class="fnanchor">[114]</a>—is the chiefest ornament;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of her husband if forsaken—she in splendour is not bright.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Difficult must be the trial—does king Nala, reft of her,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Still retain his wretched body—nor with sorrow pine away?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her with her dark flowing tresses—with her long and lotus eyes,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Worthy of all joy, thus joyless—as I see, my soul is wrung.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To the furthest shore of sorrow—when will pass this beauteous queen?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To her husband reunited—as the moon's bride<a name="FNanchor_115_115" id="FNanchor_115_115"></a><a href="#Footnote_115_115" class="fnanchor">[115]</a> to the moon?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her recovering shall king Nala—to his happiness return,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">King, albeit despoiled of kingdom—he his realm shall reassume;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In their age and virtues equal—equal in their noble race,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He alone of her is worthy—worthy she alone of him.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Me beseems it of that peerless—of that brave and prudent king,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To console the loyal consort—pining for her husband's sight.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span><span class="i0">Her will I address with comfort—with her moonlike glowing face.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her with woe once unacquainted—woful now and lost in thought."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus when he had gazed and noted—all her marks, her features well,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To the daughter of king Bhima—thus the sage Sudeva spake:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"I am named Sudeva, lady—I, thy brother's chosen friend,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By king Bhima's royal mandate—hither come in search of thee.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Well thy sire, thy royal mother—well thy noble brethren fare,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And well fare those little infants—well and happy are they both.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For thy sake thy countless kindred—sit as though of sense bereft:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Seeking thee a hundred Brahmins—now are wandering o'er the earth."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She no sooner knew Sudeva—Damayanti, of her kin,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Many a question asked in order—and of every friend beloved.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And the daughter of Vidarbha—freely wept, so sudden thus<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On Sudeva, best of Brahmins—gazing, on her brother's friend.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her beheld the young Sunanda—weeping, wasted with distress,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As she thus her secret converse—with the wise Sudeva held.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus she spake unto her mother—"Lo, how fast our handmaid weeps,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Since her meeting with the Brahmin—who she is, thou now may'st know."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Forth the king of Chedi's mother—from the inner chamber went,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And she passed where with the Brahmin—that mysterious woman stood.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Them the mother queen Sudeva—bade before her presence stand;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And she asked, "Whose wife, whose daughter—may this noble stranger be?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From her kindred how dissevered—from her husband, the soft-eyed?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Is she known to thee, O Brahmin—canst thou tell from whence she came?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">This I fain would hear, and clearly—all her strange and wonderous tale.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Tell me all that hath befallen—to this heaven-formed, plainly tell."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Best of Brahmins, thus Sudeva—by the mother queen addressed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All the truth of Damayanti—sitting at his ease, declared.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span></p> +<h2>BOOK XVII.</h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"In Vidarbha the just monarch—Bhima, in his glory dwells.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of that king is she the daughter—Damayanti is her name;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And the raja of Nishadha—Nala, Virasena's son,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of that king is she the consort—Punyasloka named, the Wise.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Him in play his brother worsted—spoiled of realm the king of earth:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He set forth with Damayanti—whither is unknown of men.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For the sake of Damayanti—wander we about the earth;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Till I found yon noble woman—in the palace of your son.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Like to her of mortal women—is there none, her beauty's peer;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the midst, between her eyebrows—from her birth a lovely mole,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Dark was seen, and like a lotus—that hath vanished from my sight,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Covered over with defilement—like the moon behind a cloud.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">This soft mark of perfect beauty—fashioned thus by Brahma's self,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As at change the moon's thin crescent—only dim and faintly gleams.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet her beauty is not faded—clouded o'er with toil and mire<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Though she be, it shines apparent, like the native unwrought gold.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With that beauteous form yon woman—gifted with that lovely mole,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Instant knew I for the Princess—as the heat betrays the fire."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p class="sig"><span class="smcap">Vrihadasva</span> <i>spake</i>.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">To Sudeva as she listened—uttering thus his strange discourse:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All the dust that mole concealing—young Sunanda washed away.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By the obscuring dust unclouded—shining out that mole appeared;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On the brow of Damayanti—like the unclouded moon in heaven.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span><span class="i0">Gazing on that mole, Sunanda—and the mother of the king,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wept as fondly they embraced her—and an instant silent stood.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then her tears awhile suppressing—thus the royal mother spake:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Thou art mine own sister's daughter—by that beauteous mole made known;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I, Oh beauteous, and thy mother—of that lofty-minded king,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Are the daughters, king Sudaman—he that in Dasarna<a name="FNanchor_116_116" id="FNanchor_116_116"></a><a href="#Footnote_116_116" class="fnanchor">[116]</a> reigns;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She was wedded to king Bhima—and to Viravahu I.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In my fathers home, Dasarna—once I saw thee, newly born.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As to me thy father's lineage—is akin, so mine to thee;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Whatsoe'er my power commandeth—Damayanti, all is thine."<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To the queen did Damayanti—in the gladness of her heart,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Having bowed in courteous homage—to her mother's sister, speak:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"While unknown I might continue—gladly dwelt I here with thee;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Every want supplied on th' instant—guarded by thy gentle care.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet than even this pleasant dwelling—a more pleasant may there be;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Long a banished woman, mother!—give me leave from hence to part,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thither where my infant children—dwell my tender little ones,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Orphaned of their sire, in sorrow—orphaned, ah, how long of me!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If thou yet wilt grant a favour—o'er all other favours dear,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To Vidarbha would I journey—quick the palanquin command."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Be it so," her mother's sister—joyful, instant made reply.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Guarded by a mighty army—with th' approval of her son,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sent the queen, that happy lady—in a palanquin, by men<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Borne aloft, and well provided—with all raiment, drink, and food.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Thus the princess to Vidarbha—after brief delay returned.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Her her whole assembled kindred—welcomed home with pride and joy,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All in health she found her kinsmen-and that lovely infant pair,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With her mother, with her father—and her sister troop of friends.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span><span class="i0">To the gods she paid her worship—to the Brahmins in her joy;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So the queenly Damayanti—all in noblest guise performed.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And her royal sire Sudeva—with the thousand kine made glad,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Joyous to behold his daughter,—with a village and much wealth.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There, when in her father's palace—she the quiet night had passed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In these words the noble lady—to her mother gan to speak:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"If in life thou would'st preserve me—mother, hear the truth I speak;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Home to bring the hero Nala—be it now thy chiefest toil."<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Thus addressed by Damayanti—very sorrowful the queen<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Clouded all her face with weeping—not a word in answer spake.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But the princess, thus afflicted—when the female train beheld,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Woe! oh woe!" they shrieked together—all in pitying sadness wept.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To the mighty raja Bhima—did the queen that speech relate.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"'Damayanti, Lo thy daughter—for her husband sits and mourns.'<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Breaking through all bashful silence—thus, oh king, to me she spake:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Be it now thy servants' business—to find out the king of men.'"<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Urged by her the king his Brahmins—to his will obedient all,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sent around to every region—"Be your care the king to find."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then those Brahmins at the mandate—of Vidarbha's royal lord,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">First drew near to Damayanti—"Lo, now set we forth," they said.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then to them spake Bhima's daughter—"In all realms be this your speech,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wheresoever men assemble—this repeat again, again:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Whither went'st thou then, oh gamester!—half my garment severing off,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Leaving me within the forest—all forsaken, thy beloved.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Even as thou commandedst, sits she—sadly waiting thy return.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Parched with sorrow sits that woman—in her scant half garment glad.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Oh to her thus ever weeping—in the extreme of her distress,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Grant thy pity, noble hero—answer to her earnest prayer.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span><span class="i0">Be this also said, to move him—to compassionate my state,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">(By the wind within the forest—fanned, intensely burns the fire).<a name="FNanchor_117_117" id="FNanchor_117_117"></a><a href="#Footnote_117_117" class="fnanchor">[117]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ever by her consort cherished—and sustained the wife should be.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Why hast thou forgot that maxim—thou in every duty skilled.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thou wert ever called the generous—thou the gentle and the wise.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Art thou now estranged from pity—through my sad injurious fate.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Prince of men, O grant thy pity—grant it, lord of men, to me;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Mercy is the chief of duties,'—oft from thine own lips I've heard.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus as ye are ever speaking—should there any one reply,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Mark him well, lest he be Nala—who he is, and where he dwells.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He who to this speech hath listened—and hath thus his answer made,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Be his words, O best of Brahmins—treasured and brought home to me,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lest he haply should discover—that by my command ye speak,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That again ye may approach him—do ye this without delay.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Whether he be of the wealthy—whether of the poor he be;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Be he covetous of riches—learn ye all he would desire."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus addressed, went forth the Brahmins—to the realms on every side,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Seeking out the royal Nala—in his dark concealed distress.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They through royal cities, hamlets—pastoral dwellings, hermits' cells,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nala every-where went seeking—yet those Brahmins found him not.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All in every part went speaking—in the language they were taught;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the words of Damayanti—spake they in the ears of men.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span></p> +<h2>BOOK XVIII.</h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Long the time that passed, a Brahmin—wise Parnada was his name,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Home returning to the city—thus to Bhima's daughter spake:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Damayanti! royal Nala—as I sought Nishadha's king,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Came I to Ayodhya's city—the Bhangasuri's abode.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Stood before me, eager listening—to the words thou bad'st us speak,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He, the prosperous Rituparna—all excelling! such his name.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus as spake I, answered nothing—Rituparna, king of men;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nor of all that full assemblage—more than once addressed by me.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By the king dismissed, when sate I—in a solitary place,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">One of Rituparna's household—Vahuca, his name, drew near,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Charioteer of that great raja—with short arms and all deformed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Skilled to drive the rapid chariot—skilled the viands to prepare.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He, when much he'd groaned in anguish—and had wept again, again,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">First his courteous salutation—made, then spake in words like these:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Even in the extreme of misery—noble women still preserve,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Over their ownselves the mastery—by their virtues winning heaven;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of their faithless lords abandoned—anger feel not even then.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the breastplate of their virtue—noble women live unharmed.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By the wretched, by the senseless—by the lost to every joy,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She by such a lord forsaken—yet to anger will not yield.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Against him his sustenance seeking—of his robe by birds despoiled,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Him consumed with utmost misery—still no wrath the dark-hued feels;<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span><span class="i0">Treated well, or ill entreated—when her husband she beholds,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Spoiled of bliss, bereft of kingdom—famine-wasted, worn with woe.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Having heard the stranger's language—hither hasted I to come.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thou hast heard, be thine the judgment—to the king relate thou all."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To Parnada having listened—with her eyes o'erflowed with tears,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Secretly went Damayanti—and her mother thus addressed:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Let not what I speak to Bhima—O my mother, be made known—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In thy presence to Sudeva—best of Brahmins, I would speak.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Let not this my secret counsel—to king Bhima be disclosed;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">This the object we must compass—if thy daughter thou wouldst please,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As myself was to my kindred—swiftly by Sudeva brought,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With the same good fortune swiftly—may Sudeva part from hence,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Home to bring the royal Nala—mother, to Ayodhya's town."<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Resting from his toil, Parnada—of the Brahmin race the best,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Did the daughter of Vidarbha—honour, and with wealth reward.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Brahmin! home if come my Nala—richer guerdon will I give;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Much hast thou achieved, and wisely—so as none but thou has done.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That again with my lost husband—noblest Brahmin, I may meet."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus addressed, his grateful homage—and his benedictions paid,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Having thus achieved his mission—home the wise Parnada went.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Then accosting good Sudeva—Damayanti thus began,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And before her mother's presence—in her pain and grief she spake:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Go, Sudeva, to the city—where Ayodhya's raja dwells,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Speak thou thus to Rituparna—Come, as of thine own accord.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Once again her Swayembara—does king Bhima's daughter hold;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Damayanti, thither hasten—all the kings and sons of kings;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Closely now the time is reckoned—when to-morrow's dawn appears;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If that thou would'st win the Princess—speed thou, tamer of thy foes.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span><span class="i0">When the sun is in his rising—she a second lord will choose:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Whether lives or is not living—royal Nala, no one knows."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus, as he received his mission—hastening to the king, he spake,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To the royal Rituparna—spake Sudeva, in these words.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span></p> +<h2>BOOK XIX.</h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Hearing thus Sudeva's language—Rituparna, king of men<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With a gentle voice and blandly—thus to Vahuca began.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Where the princess Damayanti—doth her Swayembara hold<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In one day to far Vidarbha—Vahuca, I fain would go."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In these words the unknown Nala—by his royal lord addressed<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All his heart was torn with anguish—thus the lofty-minded thought—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Can she speak thus, Damayanti—thus with sorrow frantic act?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Is't a stratagem thus subtly—for my sake devised and plann'd?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To desire this deed unholy<a name="FNanchor_118_118" id="FNanchor_118_118"></a><a href="#Footnote_118_118" class="fnanchor">[118]</a>—is that holy princess driven<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wrong'd by me, her basest husband—miserable, mind-estranged!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Fickle is the heart of woman—grievous too is my offence!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hence she thus might act ignobly—in her exile, reft of friends,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Soul-disturbed by her great sorrow—in the excess of her despair.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">No! she could not thus have acted—she with noble offspring blest.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Where the truth, and where the falsehood—setting forth, I best shall judge,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I the will of Rituparna—for mine own sake, will obey."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus within his mind revolving—Vahuca, his wretched mind,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With his folded hands addressed he—Rituparna, king of men:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"I thy mandate will accomplish—I will go, O king of men,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In a single day, O raja—to Vidarbha's royal town."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Vahuca of all the coursers—did a close inspection make<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Entering in the royal stable—by Bhangasuri's command.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ever urged by Rituparna—Vahuca, in horses skilled,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Long within himself debating—which the fleetest steeds to choose,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span><span class="i0">He approached four slender coursers—fit, and powerful for the road,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Blending mighty strength with fleetness—high in courage and in blood;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Free from all the well-known vices—broad of nostril—large of jaw;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With the ten good marks distinguished<a name="FNanchor_119_119" id="FNanchor_119_119"></a><a href="#Footnote_119_119" class="fnanchor">[119]</a>—born in Sindhu<a name="FNanchor_120_120" id="FNanchor_120_120"></a><a href="#Footnote_120_120" class="fnanchor">[120]</a>—fleet as wind.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As he gazed upon those coursers—spoke the king, almost in wrath:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Is then thus fulfilled our mandate?—think not to deceive us so.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">How will these my coursers bear us—slight in strength and slightly breathed—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">How can such a way be travelled—and so long, by steeds like these?"—<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p class="sig"><span class="smcap">Vahuca</span> <i>spake</i>.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Two on th' head, one on the forehead—two and two on either flank—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Two, behold, the chest discloses—and upon the crupper one—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">These the horses to Vidharba—that will bear us, doubt not thou;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet, if others thou preferest—speak, and I will yoke them straight."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p class="sig"><span class="smcap">Rituparna</span> <i>spake</i>.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"In the knowledge thou of horses—Vahuca, hast matchless skill;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Whichso'er thou think'st the fittest—harness thou without delay."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="hr1" /> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Then those four excelling horses—nobly bred—of courage high,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In their harness to the chariot—did the skilful Nala yoke.—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To the chariot yoked, as mounted—in his eager haste the king<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To the earth those best of horses—bowed their knees and stooped them down.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then the noblest of all heroes—Nala, with a soothing voice,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Spake unto those horses, gifted—both with fleetness and with strength.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Up the reins when he had gathered—he the charioteer bade mount,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">First, Varshneya, skilled in driving—at full speed then set he forth.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span><span class="i2">Urged by Vahuca, those coursers—to the utmost of their speed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All at once in th' air sprung upward—as the driver to unseat.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then, as he beheld those horses—bearing him as fleet as wind,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Did the monarch of Ayodhya—in his silent wonder sit.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When the rattling of the chariot—when the guiding of the reins,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When of Vahuca the science—saw he, thus Varshneya thought:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Is it Matali,<a name="FNanchor_121_121" id="FNanchor_121_121"></a><a href="#Footnote_121_121" class="fnanchor">[121]</a> the chariot—of the king of heaven that drives?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lo, in Vahuca each virtue—of that godlike charioteer!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Is it Salihotra skilful—in the race, the strength of steeds,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That hath ta'en a human body—thus all-glorious to behold?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Is't, or can it be, king Nala—conqueror of his foemen's realms?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Is the lord of men before us?"—thus within himself he thought.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"If the skill possessed by Nala—Vahuca possesseth too,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lo, of Vahuca the knowledge—and of Nala equal seems;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And of Vahuca and Nala—thus alike the age should be.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If 'tis not the noble Nala—it is one of equal skill.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Mighty ones, disguised, are wandering—in the precincts of this earth.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">They, divine by inborn nature—but in earthly forms concealed.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His deformity of body—that my judgment still confounds;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet that proof alone is wanting—what shall then my judgment be?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In their age they still are equal—though unlike that form misshaped,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nala gifted with all virtues—Vahuca I needs must deem."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus the charioteer Varshneya—sate debating in his mind;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Much, and much again he pondered—in the silence of his thought.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But the royal Rituparna—Vahuca's surpassing skill,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With the charioteer Varshneya—sate admiring, and rejoiced.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the guiding of the coursers—his attentive hand he watched,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wondered at his skill, consummate—in consummate joy himself.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span></p> +<h2>BOOK XX.</h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Over rivers, over mountains—through the forests, over lakes,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Fleetly passed they, rapid gliding—like a bird along the air.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As the chariot swiftly travelled—lo, Bhangasuri the king<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Saw his upper garment fallen—from the lofty chariot seat;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Though in urgent haste, no sooner—he his fallen mantle saw,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Than the king exclaimed to Nala—"Pause, and let us take it up:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Check, an instant, mighty-minded!—check thy fiery-footed steeds,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">While Varshneya, swift dismounting—bears me back my fallen robe."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nala answered, "Far behind us—doth thy fallen garment lie;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ten miles,<a name="FNanchor_122_122" id="FNanchor_122_122"></a><a href="#Footnote_122_122" class="fnanchor">[122]</a> lo, it lies behind us—turn we not, to gain it, back."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Answered thus by noble Nala—then Bhangasuri the king,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Bowed with fruit, within the forest—saw a tall Vibhitak<a name="FNanchor_123_123" id="FNanchor_123_123"></a><a href="#Footnote_123_123" class="fnanchor">[123]</a> tree:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Gazing on that tree, the raja—spake to Vahuca in haste,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Now, O charioteer, in numbers, thou shalt see my passing skill.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Each one knows not every science—none there is that all things knows:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Perfect skill in every knowledge—in one mind there may not be.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On yon tree are leaves how many?—Vahuca, how many fruit?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Say, how many are there fallen?—one above a hundred, there.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">One leaf is there 'bove a hundred—and one fruit, O Vahuca!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And of leaves are five ten millions<a name="FNanchor_124_124" id="FNanchor_124_124"></a><a href="#Footnote_124_124" class="fnanchor">[124]</a>—hanging on those branches two.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Those two branches if thou gather—and the twigs that on them grow,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On those two are fruits two thousand—and a hundred, less by five."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then, when he had check'd the chariot—answered Vahuca the king,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"What thou speakest, to mine eyesight—all invisible appears;<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span><span class="i0">Visible I'll make it, counting—on yon boughs the leaves and fruit:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then, when we have strictly numbered—I mistrust mine eyes no more.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In thy presence, king, I'll number—yonder tall Vibhitak-tree.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Whether it may be, or may not—this not done, I cannot know.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I will number, thou beholding—all its fruits, O king of men,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But an instant let Varshneya—hold the bridles of the steeds."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To the charioteer the raja—answered, "Time is none to stay."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Vahuca replied, all eager—his own purpose to fulfil,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Either stay thou here an instant—or go onward in thy speed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With the charioteer Varshneya—go, for straight the road before."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Answered him king Rituparna—with a bland and soothing voice:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Charioteer! on earth thine equal—Vahuca, there may not be;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By thy guidance, skilled in horses!—to Vidarbha I would go:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I in thee have placed reliance—interrupt not then our course:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Willingly will I obey thee—Vahuca, in what thou ask'st,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If this day we reach Vidarbha—ere the sun hath sunk in night."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Vahuca replied, "No sooner—have I numbered yonder fruit,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To Vidarbha will I hasten—grant me then my prayer, O king."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then the raja, all reluctant—"Stay then, and begin to count;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of one branch one part, O blameless—from the tall Vibhitak tree,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Man of truth, begin to number—and make glad thine inmost heart."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From the chariot quick alighting—Nala tore the branch away.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then, his soul possess'd with wonder—to the raja thus he said;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Having counted, an thou sawest—even so many fruits there are,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Marvellous thy power, O monarch—by mine eyes beheld and proved,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of that wonder-working science—fain the secret would I hear."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then the raja spake in answer—eager to pursue his way,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"I of dice possess the science—and in numbers thus am skilled."<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span><span class="i0">Vahuca replied; "That science—if to me thou wilt impart,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In return, O king, receive thou—my surpassing skill in steeds."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then the raja Rituparna—by his pressing need induced,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Eager for that skill in horses—"Be it so," thus 'gan to say;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Well, O Vahuca, thou speakest—thou my skill in dice receive,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And of steeds thy wondrous knowledge—be to me a meet return."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Rituparna, all his science—saying this, to Nala gave.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Soon as he in dice grew skilful—Kali from his body passed:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He Karkotaka's foul poison—vomiting from out his mouth,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Went from forth his body Kali<a name="FNanchor_125_125" id="FNanchor_125_125"></a><a href="#Footnote_125_125" class="fnanchor">[125]</a>—tortured by that fiery curse.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nala, wasted by that conflict—came not instant to himself,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But, released from that dread venom—Kali his own form resumed:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And Nishadha's monarch, Nala—fain would curse him in his ire.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Him addressed the fearful Kali—trembling, and with folded hands;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Lord of men, restrain thine anger—I will give thee matchless fame;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Indrasena's wrathful mother—laid on me her fatal curse,[126]<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When by thee she was deserted—since that time, O king of men,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I have dwelt in thee in anguish—in the ecstacy of pain.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By the King of Serpents' poison—I have burned by night, by day;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To thy mercy now for refuge—flee I, hear my speech, O king:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wheresoe'er men, unforgetful—through the world shall laud thy name,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Shall the awful dread of Kali<a name="FNanchor_126_126" id="FNanchor_126_126"></a><a href="#Footnote_126_126" class="fnanchor">[126]</a>—never in their soul abide.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If thou wilt not curse me, trembling—and to thee for refuge fled."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus addressed, the royal Nala—all his rising wrath suppressed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And the fearful Kali entered—in the cloven Vibhitak tree:<a name="FNanchor_127_127" id="FNanchor_127_127"></a><a href="#Footnote_127_127" class="fnanchor">[127]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">To no eyes but those of Nala—visible, had Kali spoken.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then the monarch of Nishadha—from his inward fever freed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When away had vanished Kali—when the fruits he had numbered all,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span><span class="i0">Triumphing in joy unwonted—blazing in his splendour forth,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Proudly mounting on the chariot—onward urged the rapid steeds.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But that tree by Kali entered—since that time stands aye accursed.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Those fleet horses, forward flying—like to birds, again, again,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All his soul elate with transport—Nala swifter, swifter drove;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With his face towards Vidarbha—rode the raja in his pride:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And when forward Nala journeyed—Kali to his home returned.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So released from all his sufferings—Nala went, the king of men,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Dispossessed by Kali, wanting—only now his proper form.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span></p> +<h2>BOOK XXI.</h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">With the evening in Vidarbha—men at watch, as they drew near,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Mighty Rituparna's coming—to king Bhima did proclaim.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then that king, by Bhima's mandate—entered in Kundina's walls,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All the region round him echoing<a name="FNanchor_128_128" id="FNanchor_128_128"></a><a href="#Footnote_128_128" class="fnanchor">[128]</a>—with the thunders of his car.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But the echoing of that chariot—when king Nala's horses heard,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In their joy they pawed and trampled<a name="FNanchor_129_129" id="FNanchor_129_129"></a><a href="#Footnote_129_129" class="fnanchor">[129]</a>—even as Nala's self were there.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Damayanti, too, the rushing—of king Nala's chariot heard.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As a cloud that hoarsely thunders—at the coming of the rains.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All her heart was thrilled with wonder—at that old familiar sound.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On they seemed to come, as Nala—drove of yore his trampling steeds:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Like it seemed to Bhima's daughter—and e'en so to Nala's steeds.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On the palace roofs the peacocks—th' elephants within their stalls,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And the horses heard the rolling—of the mighty monarch's car.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Elephants and peacocks hearing—the fleet chariot rattling on,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Up they raised their necks and clamoured—as at sound of coming rain.<a name="FNanchor_130_130" id="FNanchor_130_130"></a><a href="#Footnote_130_130" class="fnanchor">[130]</a><br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p class="sig"><span class="smcap">Damayanti</span> <i>spake</i>.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"How the rolling of yon chariot—filling, as it seems, th' earth,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thrills my soul with unknown transport—it is Nala, king of men.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If this day I see not Nala—with his glowing moonlike face,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Him, the king with countless virtues—I shall perish without doubt.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If this day within th' embraces—of that hero's clasping arms,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I the gentle pressure feel not—without doubt I shall not live.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If 'tis not, like cloud of thunder—he that comes, Nishadha's king,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span><span class="i0">I this day the fire will enter—burning like the hue of gold.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In his might like the strong lion—like the raging elephant,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Comes he not, the prince of princes—I shall perish without doubt.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Not a falsehood I remember—I remember no offence;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Not an idle word remember—in his noble converse free.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lofty, patient, like a hero—liberal beyond all kings,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nought ignoble, as the eunuch—even in private, may he do.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As I think upon his virtues—as I think by day, by night,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All my heart is rent with anguish—widowed of in own beloved."<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Thus lamenting, she ascended—as with frenzied mind possessed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To the palace roof's high terrace—to behold the king of men.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the middle court high seated—in the car, the lord of earth,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Rituparna with Varshneya—and with Vahuca she saw,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When Varshneya from that chariot—and when Vahuca came down,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He let loose those noble coursers—and he stopped the glowing car.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From that chariot-seat descended—Rituparna, king of men,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To the noble monarch Bhima—he drew near, for strength renowned.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Him received with highest honour—Bhima, for without due cause,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Deemed not he, the mighty raja—with such urgent speed had come.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Wherefore com'st thou! hail and welcome"—thus that gracious king enquires;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For his daughter's sake he knew not—that the lord of men had come.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But the raja Rituparna—great in wisdom as in might,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When nor king within the palace—nor king's son he could behold,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nor of Swayembara heard he—nor assembled Brahmins saw.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus within his mind deep pondering—spoke of Kosala the lord.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Hither, O majestic Bhima—to salute thee am I come."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But king Bhima smiled in secret—as he thought within his mind,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span><span class="i0">"What the cause of this far journey—of a hundred Yojanas.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Passing through so many cities—for this cause he set not forth;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For this cause of little moment—to our court he hath not come:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What the real cause, hereafter—haply I may chance to know."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">After royal entertainment—then the king his guest dismissed:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Take then thy repose," thus said he—"weary of thy journey, rest."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He refreshed, with courteous homage—of that courteous king took leave,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ushered by the royal servants—to th' appointed chamber went:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There retired king Rituparna—with Varshneya in his suite.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Vahuca, meantime, the chariot—to the chariot-house had led,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There the coursers he unharnessed—skilfully he dressed them there,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And with gentle words caressed them—on the chariot seat sate down.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">But the woeful Damayanti—when Bhangasuri she'd seen,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And the charioteer Varshneya—and the seeming Vahuca,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thought within Vidarbha's princess—"Whose was that fleet chariot's sound?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Such it seems as noble Nala's—yet no Nala do I see.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hath the charioteer Varshneya—Nala's noble science learned?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Therefore did the thundering chariot—sound as driven by Nala's self?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Or may royal Rituparna—like the skilful Nala drive,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Therefore did the rolling chariot—seem as of Nishadha's king?"<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus when Damayanti pondered—in the silence of her soul,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sent she then her beauteous handmaid—to that king her messenger.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span></p> +<h2>BOOK XXII.</h2> + + +<p class="sig"><span class="smcap">Damayanti</span> <i>spake</i>.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Go, Kesinia, go, enquire thou—who is yonder charioteer,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On the chariot seat reposing—all deformed, with arms so short?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Blessed maid, approach, and courteous—open thou thy bland discourse:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Undespis'd, ask thou thy question—and the truth let him reply.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Much and sorely do I doubt me—whether Nala it may be,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As my bosom's rapture augurs—as the gladness of my heart.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Speak thou, ere thou close the converse—even as good Parnada spake<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And his answer, slender-waisted—undespis'd, remember thou."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then to Vahuca departing—went that zealous messenger,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On the palace' loftiest terrace—Damayanti sate and gazed.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p class="sig"><span class="smcap">Kesinia</span> <i>spake</i>.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Happy omen mark thy coming—I salute thee, king of men:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of the princess Damayanti—hear, O lord of men, the speech:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'From what region came ye hither—with what purpose are ye come?'<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Answer thou, as may beseem you—so Vidarbha's princess wills."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p class="sig"><span class="smcap">Vahuca</span> <i>spake</i>.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Soon a second Swayembara, heard the king of Kosala,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Damayanti holds: to-morrow—will it be, the Brahmin said:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hearing this, with fleetest coursers—that a hundred yojanas' speed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Set he forth, the wind less rapid,—and his charioteer am I."<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span></div></div> + +<p class="sig"><span class="smcap">Kesinia</span> <i>spake</i>.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Who the third that journeys with you—who is he, and what his race?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of what race art thou? this office—wherefore dost thou undertake!"<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p class="sig"><span class="smcap">Vahuca</span> <i>spake</i>.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"'Tis the far-renowned Varshneya—Punyasloka's charioteer:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He, when Nala fled an exile—to Bhangasuri retired.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Skilful I in taming horses—and a famous charioteer.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Rituparna's chosen driver—dresser of his food am I."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p class="sig"><span class="smcap">Kesinia</span> <i>spake</i>.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Knows the charioteer Varshneya—whither royal Nala went?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of his fortune hath he told thee—Vahuca, what hath he said?"<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p class="sig"><span class="smcap">Vahuca</span> <i>spake</i>.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"He of the unhappy Nala—safe the children borne away,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wheresoe'er he would, departed—of king Nala knows he nought:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nothing of Nishadha's raja—fair one! living man doth know.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Through the world, concealed, he wanders—having lost his proper form.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Only Nala's self of Nala—knows, and his own inward soul,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of himself to living mortal—Nala will no sign betray."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p class="sig"><span class="smcap">Kesinia</span> <i>spake</i>.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"He that to Ayodhya's city—went, the holy Brahmin first,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of his faithful wife these sayings—uttered once and once again;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Whither went'st thou then, O gamester—half my garment severing off;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Leaving her within the forest—all forsaken, thy belov'd?<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span><span class="i0">Even as thou commanded'st, sits she—sadly waiting thy return,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Day and night, consumed with sorrow—in her scant half garment clad.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">O to her for ever weeping—in the extreme of her distress,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Grant thy pity, noble hero—answer to her earnest prayer.'<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Speak again the words thou uttered'st—words of comfort to her soul,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The renowned Vidarbha's princess—fain that speech would hear again,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When the Brahmin thus had spoken—what thou answered'st back to him,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That again Vidarbha's princess—in the self-same words would hear."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p class="sig"><span class="smcap">Vrihadasva</span> <i>spake</i>.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Of king Nala, by the handmaid—fair Kesinia thus addressed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All the heart was wrung with sorrow—and the eyes o'erflowed with tears.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But his anguish still suppressing—inly though consumed, the king,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With a voice half choked with weeping—thus repeated his reply.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Even in the extreme of misery—noble women still preserve<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Over their own selves the mastery—by their virtues winning heaven;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By their faithless lords abandoned—anger feel they not, e'en then;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the breastplate of their virtue—noble women live unharmed.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By the wretched, by the senseless—by the lost to every joy,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She by such a lord forsaken—to resentment will not yield.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Against him, by hunger wasted—of his robe by birds despoiled,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Him consumed with utmost misery—still no wrath, the dark-hued feels;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Treated well, or ill-entreated—when her husband 'tis she sees,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Spoiled of bliss, bereft of kingdom—famine wasted, worn with woe."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In these words as spake king Nala—in the anguish of his heart,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Could he not refrain from weeping—his unwilling tears burst forth.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then departing, fair Kesinia—told to Damayanti all,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All that Vahuca had spoken—all th' emotion he betrayed.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span></p> +<h2>BOOK XXIII.</h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Hearing this, fair Damayanti—all abandoned to her grief.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thinking still that he was Nala—to Kesinia spake again.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Go, Kesinia, go, examine—Vahuca, and all his acts,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Silent take thy stand beside him—and observe whate'er he does;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nor, Kesinia, be there given him—fire his labours to assist:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Neither be there given him water—in thy haste, at his demand:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All, when thou hast well observed him—every act to me repeat,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Every act that more than mortal—seems in Vahuca, relate."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus addressed by Damayanti—straight Kesinia went again,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of the tamer of the horses—every act observed, came back;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Every act as she had seen it—she to Damayanti told:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Every more than mortal wonder—that in Vahuca appeared.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p class="sig"><span class="smcap">Kesinia</span> <i>spake</i>.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Very holy is he, never—mortal man, in all my life,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Have I seen, or have I heard of—Damayanti, like to him.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He drew near the lowly entrance—bowed not down his stately head;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On the instant, as it saw him—up th' expanding portal rose.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For the use of Rituparna—much and various viands came;<a name="FNanchor_131_131" id="FNanchor_131_131"></a><a href="#Footnote_131_131" class="fnanchor">[131]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sent, as meet, by royal Bhima—and abundant animal food.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">These to cleanse, with meet ablution—were capacious vessels brought;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As he looked on them, the vessels—stood, upon the instant, full.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then, the meet ablutions over—Vahuca went forth, and took,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of the withered grass a handful—held it upward to the sun:<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span><span class="i0">On the instant, brightly blazing—shone the all-consuming fire.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Much I marvelled at the wonder—and in mute amazement stood;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lo, a second greater marvel—sudden burst upon my sight!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He that blazing fire stood handling—yet unharmed, unburned, remained.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At his will flows forth the water—at his will it sinks again.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And another greater wonder—lady, did I there behold:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He the flowers which he had taken—gently moulded in his hands,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In his hands the flowers, so moulded—as with freshening life endued,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Blossomed out with richer fragrance—stood erect upon their stems:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All these marvels having noted—swiftly came I back to thee."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p class="sig"><span class="smcap">Damayanti</span> <i>spake</i>.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Damayanti when these wonders—of the king of men she heard,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thought yet more king Nala present—thought her utmost wish achieved.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Deeming still her royal consort—in the form of Vahuca,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With a gentle voice and weeping—to Kesinia spake again:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Go, again, Kesinia, secret—and by Vahuca unseen,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of those viands bring a portion—by his skilful hand prepared:"<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She to Vahuca approaching—unperceived stole soft away<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of the well-cooked meat a morsel—warm she bore it in her haste,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And to Damayanti gave it—fair Kesinia, undelayed.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of the food prepared by Nala—well the flavour did she know;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Tasting it she shrieked in transport—"Nala is yon charioteer."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Trying then a new emotion—of her mouth ablution made:<a name="FNanchor_132_132" id="FNanchor_132_132"></a><a href="#Footnote_132_132" class="fnanchor">[132]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">She her pair of infant children—with Kesinia sent to him.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Soon as he young Indrasena—and her little brother saw,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Up he sprang, his arms wound round them—to his bosom folding both;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When he gazed upon the children—like the children of the gods,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span><span class="i0">All his heart o'erflowed with pity—and unwilling tears broke forth.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet Nishadha's lord perceiving—she his strong emotion marked,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From his hold released the children—to Kesinia speaking thus:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Oh! so like mine own twin children—was yon lovely infant pair,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Seeing them thus unexpected—have I broken out in tears:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If so oft thou comest hither—men some evil will suspect,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">We within this land are strangers—beauteous maiden, part in peace."<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span></p> +<h2>BOOK XXIV.</h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Seeing the profound emotion—of that wisest king of men,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Passing back in haste, Kesinia—told to Damayanti all:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then again did Damayanti—mission to Kesinia give,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To approach her royal mother—in her haste her lord to see.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Vahuca we've watched most closely—Nala we suspect him still;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Only from his form we doubt him—this myself would fain behold.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Cause him enter here, my mother—to my wishes condescend;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Known or unknown to my father—let it be decided now."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By that handmaid thus accosted—then the queen to Bhima told<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All his daughter's secret counsel—and the raja gave assent.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Instant from her sire the princess—from her mother leave obtained,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Bade them make king Nala enter—in the chamber where she dwelt.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sudden as he gazed upon her—upon Damayanti gazed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nala, he was seized with anguish—and with tears his eyes o'erflowed.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And when Damayanti gazed on—Nala, thus approaching near,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With an agonizing sorrow—was the noble lady seized.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Clad, then, in a scarlet mantle—hair dishevelled, mire-defiled,<a name="FNanchor_133_133" id="FNanchor_133_133"></a><a href="#Footnote_133_133" class="fnanchor">[133]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Unto Vahuca this language—Damayanti thus addressed:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Vahuca beheld'st thou ever—an upright and noble man,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who departed and abandoned—in the wood, his sleeping wife?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The beloved wife, and blameless—in the wild wood, worn with grief?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who was he who thus forsook her?—who but Nala, king of men?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To the lord of earth, from folly—what offence can I have given?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That he fled, within the forest—leaving me, by sleep oppressed?<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span><span class="i0">Openly, the gods rejected—was he chosen by me, my lord:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Could he leave the true, the loving—her that hath his children borne!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By the nuptial fire, in presence—of the gods, he clasped my hand,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'I will be,'<a name="FNanchor_134_134" id="FNanchor_134_134"></a><a href="#Footnote_134_134" class="fnanchor">[134]</a> this truth he plighted—whither did he then depart?"<br /></span> +<span class="i2">While all this in broken accents—sadly Damayanti spoke,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From her eyes the drops of sorrow—flowed in copious torrents down.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Those dark eyes, with vermeil corners—thus with trembling moisture dewed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When king Nala saw, and gazed on—to the sorrowful he spake.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Gaming that I lost my kingdom—'twas not mine own guilty deed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">It was Kali wrought within me—hence it was I fled from thee;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Therefore he, in th' hour of trial—smitten by thy scathing curse,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the wild wood as thou wanderest—grieving night and day for me,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Kali dwelt within my body—burning with thy powerful curse,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ever burning, fiercer, hotter—as when fire is heaped on fire.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He, by my religious patience—my devotion, now subdued,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lo! the end of all our sorrows—beautiful! is now at hand.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I, the evil one departed, hither have made haste to come;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For thy sake, O round-limbed! only;—other business have I none.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet, O how may high-born woman—from her vowed, her plighted lord,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Swerving, choose another husband—even as thou, O trembler, would'st?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Over all the earth the heralds—travel by the kings command,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Now the daughter of king Bhima—will a second husband choose,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Free from every tie, as wills she—as her fancy may beseem,'<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hearing this, came hither speeding—king Bhangasuri in haste."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Damayanti, when from Nala—heard she this his grievous charge,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With her folded hands, and trembling—thus to Nala made reply:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Do not me, O noble-minded—of such shameless guilt suspect,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thou, when I the gods rejected—Nala, wert my chosen lord.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span><span class="i0">Only thee to find, the Brahmins—went to the ten regions forth,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Chaunting to their holy measures—but the words that I had taught.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then that Brahmin wise, Parnada—such the name he bears, O king,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thee in Kosala, the palace—of king Rituparna saw.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There to thee, my words addressed he—answer there from thee received.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I this subtle wile imagined—king of men, to bring thee here.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Since, beside thyself, no mortal—in the world, within the day,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Could drive on the fleetest coursers—for a hundred Yojanas.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To attest this truth, O monarch!—thus I touch thy sacred feet;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Even in heart have I committed—never evil thought 'gainst thee.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He through all the world that wanders—witness the all-seeing wind,<a name="FNanchor_135_135" id="FNanchor_135_135"></a><a href="#Footnote_135_135" class="fnanchor">[135]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Let him now of life bereave me—if in this 'gainst thee I've sinned:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And the sun that moveth ever—over all the world, on high,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Let him now of life bereave me—if in this 'gainst thee I've sinned.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Witness, too, the moon that permeates—every being's inmost thought;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Let her too of life bereave me—if in this 'gainst thee I've sinned.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">These three gods are they that govern—these three worlds, so let them speak;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">This my sacred truth attest they—or this day abandon me."<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Thus adjured, a solemn witness—spake the wind from out the air;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"She hath done or thought no evil—Nala, 'tis the truth we speak:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">King, the treasure of her virtue—well hath Damayanti kept,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">We ourselves have seen and watched her—closely for three livelong years.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">This her subtle wile she plotted—only for thy absent sake,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For beside thyself no mortal—might a hundred Yojanas drive.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thou hast met with Bhima's daughter—Bhima's daughter meets with thee,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Cast away all jealous scruple—to thy bosom take thy wife."<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Even as thus the wind was speaking—flowers fell showering all around:<a name="FNanchor_136_136" id="FNanchor_136_136"></a><a href="#Footnote_136_136" class="fnanchor">[136]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">And the gods sweet music sounded—on the zephyr floating light.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span><span class="i0">As on this surpassing wonder—royal Nala stood and gazed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of the blameless Damayanti—melted all his jealous doubts.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then by dust all undefiled—he the heavenly vest put on,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thought upon the King of Serpents—and his proper form resumed.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In his own proud form her husband—Bhima's royal daughter saw,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Loud she shrieked, the undespised—and embraced the king of men.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Bhima's daughter, too, king Nala—shining glorious as of old,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Clasped unto his heart, and fondled—gently that sweet infant pair.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then her face upon his bosom—as the lovely princess laid,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In her calm and gentle sorrow—softly sighed the long-eyed queen:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He, that form still mire-defiled—as he clasped with smile serene,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Long the king of men stood silent—in the ecstacy of woe.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All the tale of Damayanti—and of Nala all the tale,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To king Bhima in her transport—told Vidarbha's mother-queen.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then replied that mighty monarch—"Nala, his ablutions done,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus rejoined to Damayanti—I to-morrow will behold."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p class="sig"><span class="smcap">Vrihadasva</span> <i>spake</i>.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">They the livelong night together—slow related, each to each,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All their wanderings in the forest—and each wild adventure strange.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In king Bhima's royal palace—studying each the other's bliss,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With glad hearts, Vidarbha's princess—and the kingly Nala dwelt.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In their fourth year of divorcement—reunited to his wife,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Richly fraught with every blessing—at the height of joy he stood.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Damayanti too re-wedded—still increasing in her bliss,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Like as the glad earth to water—opens its half-budding fruits,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She of weariness unconscious,—soothed each grief, and full each joy,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Every wish fulfilled, shone brightly—as the night, when high the moon.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span></p> +<h2>BOOK XXV.</h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">When that night was passed and over—Nala, that high-gifted king,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wedded to Vidarbha's daughter—in fit hour her sire beheld.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Humbly Nala paid his homage—to the father of his queen,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Reverently did Damayanti—pay her homage to her sire.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Him received the royal Bhima—as his son, with highest joy,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Honoured, as became him, nobly:—then consoled that monarch wise<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Damayanti, to king Nala—reconciled, the faithful wife.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Royal Nala, all these honours—as his homage meet, received;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And in fitting terms, devotion—to his royal sire declared.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Mighty then, through all the city—ran the wakening sound of joy;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All in every street exulting—at king Nala's safe return.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All the city with their banners—and with garlands decked they forth.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All the royal streets, well watered—and with stainless flowers were strewn;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And from door to door the garlands—of festooning flowers were hung;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And of all the gods the altars—were with fitting rites adorned.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Rituparna heard of Nala—in the form of Vahuca,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Now re-wed, to Damayanti—and the king of men rejoiced.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To the king, before his presence—Nala courteous made excuse.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In his turn Ayodhya's monarch—in like courteous language spake.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He, received thus hospitably—wondering to Nishadha's king,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Bliss be with thee, reunited—to thy queen:" 'twas thus he said.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Have I aught offensive ever—done to thee, or said, O king<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Whilst unknown, within my palace—thou wert dwelling, king of men?<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span><span class="i0">If designed or undesigning—any single act I've done<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I might wish undone, thy pardon—grant me, I beseech thee, king."<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p class="sig"><span class="smcap">Nala</span> <i>spake</i>.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Not or deed or word discourteous—not the slightest hast thou done;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hadst thou, I might not resent it—freely would I pardon all.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thou of old, my friend, my kinsman—wert, O sovereign of men,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From this time henceforth thy friendship—be my glory and my joy.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Every wish anticipated—pleasantly I dwelt with thee,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As in mine own royal palace—dwelt I ever, king, in thine.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My surpassing skill in horses—all is thine that I possess;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That on thee bestow I gladly—if, O king, it seem thee good."<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Nala thus to Rituparna—gave his subtle skill in steeds,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Gladly he received the present—with each regulation meet.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Gifted with that precious knowledge—then Bhangasuri the king,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Home returned to his own city—with another charioteer.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Rituparna thus departed—Nala, then the king of men,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the city of Kundina—sojourned for no length of time.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span></p> +<h2>BOOK XXVI.</h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">There a month when he had sojourned—of king Bhima taking leave,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Guarded but by few attendants—to Nishadha took his way.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With a single splendid chariot—and with elephants sixteen,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And with fifty armed horsemen—and six hundred men on foot;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Making, as 'twere, earth to tremble—hastening onward, did the king,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Enter awful in his anger—and terrific in his speed.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then the son of Virasena—to king Pushkara drew near;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Play we once again," then said he—"much the wealth I have acquired:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All I have, even Damayanti—every treasure I possess,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Set I now upon the hazard—Pushkara, thy kingdom thou:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the game once more contend we—'tis my settled purpose this,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Brother, at a single hazard—play we boldly for our lives.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From another he who treasures—he who mighty realm hath won,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Tis esteemed a bounden duty—to play back the counter game.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If thou shrinkest from the hazard—be our game the strife of swords,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Meet we in the single combat—all our difference to decide.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">An hereditary kingdom—may by any means be sought,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Be re-won by any venture—this the maxim of the wise.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of two courses set before thee—Pushkara, the option make,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Or in play to stand the hazard—or in battle stretch the bow."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By Nishadha's lord thus challenged—Pushkara, with smile suppressed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As secure of easy victory—answered to the lord of earth;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Oh what joy! abundant treasures—thou hast won, again to play;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Oh what joy! of Damayanti—now the hard-won prize is mine:<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span><span class="i0">Oh what joy! again thou livest—with thy consort, mighty armed!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With the wealth I win bedecked—soon shall Bhima's daughter stand,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By my side, as by great Indra—stands the Apsara in heaven.<a name="FNanchor_137_137" id="FNanchor_137_137"></a><a href="#Footnote_137_137" class="fnanchor">[137]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Still on thee hath dwelt my memory—still I've waited, king, for thee;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the play I find no rapture—but 'gainst kinsmen like thyself.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When this day the round-limbed princess—Damayanti, undespised,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I shall win, I rest contented—still within mine heart she dwells."<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Hearing his contemptuous language—franticly thus pouring forth,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With his sword th' indignant Nala—fain had severed off his head.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But with haughty smile, with anger—glaring in his blood-red eyes,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Play we now, nor talk we longer—conquered, thou'lt no longer talk."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then of Pushkara the gaming—and of Nala straight began:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In a single throw by Nala—was the perilous venture gained;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Pushkara, his gold, his jewels—at one hazard all was won!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Pushkara, in play thus conquered—with a smile the king rejoined:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Mine again is all this kingdom—undisturbed, its foes o'ercome.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Fallen king! Vidarbha's daughter—by thine eyes may ne'er be seen.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thou art now, with all thy household—unto abject slavery sunk.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Not thyself achieved the conquest—that subdued me heretofore!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Twas achieved by mightier Kali—that thou didst not, fool, perceive.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet my wrath, by him enkindled—will I not 'gainst thee direct;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Live thou henceforth at thy pleasure—freely I thy life bestow,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And of thine estate and substance—give I thee thy fitting share.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Such my pleasure, in thy welfare—hero, do I take delight,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And mine unabated friendship—never shall from thee depart.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Pushkara, thou art my brother—may'st thou live an hundred years!"<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Nala thus consoled his brother—in his conscious power and strength,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sent him home to his own city—once embracing, once again.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span><span class="i0">Pushkara, thus finding comfort—answered to Nishadha's lord,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Answered he to Punyasloka—bowing low with folded hands:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Everlasting be thy glory! may'st thou live ten thousand years!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That my life to me thou grantest—and a city for mine home!"<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Hospitably entertained—there a month when he had dwelt,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Joyful to his own proud city—Pushkara, with all his kin,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With a well-appointed army—of attendant slaves an host,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Shining like the sun departed,—in his full meridian orb.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Pushkara thus crowned with riches—thus unharmed, when he dismissed,<a name="FNanchor_138_138" id="FNanchor_138_138"></a><a href="#Footnote_138_138" class="fnanchor">[138]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Entered then his royal city—with surpassing pomp, the king:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As he entered, to his subjects—Nala spake the words of peace.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="hr1" /> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">From the city, from the country—all, with hair erect with joy,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Came, with folded hands addressed him—and the counsellors of state.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Happy are we now, O monarch—in the city, in the fields,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Setting forth to do thee homage—as to Indra all the gods."<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Then at peace the tranquil city—the first festal gladness o'er,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With a mighty host escorted—Damayanti brought he home.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Damayanti rich in treasures—in her father's blessings rich,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Glad dismissed the mighty-minded—Bhima, fearful in his strength.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With the daughter of Vidarbha—with his children in his joy,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nala lived, as lives the sovereign—of the gods in Nandana.<a name="FNanchor_139_139" id="FNanchor_139_139"></a><a href="#Footnote_139_139" class="fnanchor">[139]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Re-ascended thus to glory—he, among the kings of earth,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ruled his realm in Jambudwipa<a name="FNanchor_140_140" id="FNanchor_140_140"></a><a href="#Footnote_140_140" class="fnanchor">[140]</a>—thus re-won, with highest fame;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And all holy rites performed he—with devout munificence.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span></p> + + + +<h2><a name="THE_DEATH_OF_YAJNADATTA" id="THE_DEATH_OF_YAJNADATTA"></a>THE DEATH OF YAJNADATTA.</h2> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span></p> +<div class="blockquot"><p>This extract from the Ramayana has been edited by M. Chezy, +with a free translation into French prose by M. Bournouf, a +literal version into Latin, and a grammatical commentary and +notes by the editor.</p> + + +<p>Through the arts of one of his wives Kaikéyí, to whom he had +made an incautious vow to grant her demand, Dasaratha is +obliged to send his victorious son Rama into banishment at +the very moment of his marriage with the beautiful Sita. Rama +is accompanied in his exile by Lakshmana. The following +episode describes the misery and distress of the father, +deprived of his favourite son.</p></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span></p> +<h2>THE DEATH OF YAJNADATTA.</h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Scarce Rama to the wilderness—had with his younger brother gone,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Abandoned to his deep distress—king Dasaratha sate alone.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Upon his sons to exile driven—when thought that king, as Indra bright,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Darkness came o'er him, as in heaven—when pales th' eclipsed sun his light.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Six days he sate, and mourned and pined—for Rama all that weary time,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At midnight on his wandering mind—rose up his old forgotten crime.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His queen Kausalya, the divine—addressed he, as she rested near:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Kausalya, if thou wak'st, incline—to thy lord's speech thy ready ear.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Whatever deed, or good or ill—by man, oh blessed queen, is wrought,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Its proper fruit he gathers still—by time to slow perfection brought.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He who the opposing counsel's weight—compares not in his judgment cool,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Or misery or bliss his fate—among the sage is deemed a fool.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As one that quits the Amra bower—the bright Palasa's pride to gain,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Mocked by the promise of its flower—seeks its unripening fruit in vain.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So I the lovely Amra left<a name="FNanchor_141_141" id="FNanchor_141_141"></a><a href="#Footnote_141_141" class="fnanchor">[141]</a>—for the Palasa's barren bloom,<a name="FNanchor_142_142" id="FNanchor_142_142"></a><a href="#Footnote_142_142" class="fnanchor">[142]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Through mine own fatal error 'reft—of banished Rama, mourn in gloom.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Kausalya! in my early youth—by my keen arrow at its mark,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Aimed with too sure and deadly truth—was wrought a deed most fell and dark.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At length the evil that I did—hath fallen upon my fatal head,<a name="FNanchor_143_143" id="FNanchor_143_143"></a><a href="#Footnote_143_143" class="fnanchor">[143]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">As when on subtle poison hid—an unsuspecting child hath fed;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Even as that child unwittingly—hath made the poisonous fare his food,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Even so in ignorance by me—was wrought that deed of guilt and blood.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Unwed wert thou in virgin bloom—and I in youth's delicious prime,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The season of the rains had come—that soft and love-enkindling time.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span><span class="i0">Earth's moisture all absorbed, the sun—through all the world its warmth had spread,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Turned from the north, its course begun—where haunt the spirits of the dead!<a name="FNanchor_144_144" id="FNanchor_144_144"></a><a href="#Footnote_144_144" class="fnanchor">[144]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Gathering o'er all th' horizon's bound—on high the welcome clouds appeared,<a name="FNanchor_145_145" id="FNanchor_145_145"></a><a href="#Footnote_145_145" class="fnanchor">[145]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Exulting all the birds flew round—cranes, cuckoos, peacocks, flew and veered.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And all down each wide-water'd shore—the troubled, yet still limpid floods,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Over their banks began to pour—as o'er them hung the bursting clouds.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And, saturate with cloud-born dew—the glittering verdant-mantled earth,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The cuckoos and the peacocks flew—disputing as in drunken mirth.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In such a time, so soft, so bland—oh beautiful! I chanced to go,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With quiver, and with bow in hand—where clear Sarayu's waters flow.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If haply to the river's brink—at night the buffalo might stray,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Or elephant, the stream to drink,—intent my savage game to slay,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then of a water cruise, as slow—it filled, the gurgling sound I heard,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nought saw I, but the sullen low—of elephant that sound appeared.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The swift well-feathered arrow I—upon the bowstring fitting straight,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Toward the sound the shaft let fly—ah, cruelly deceived by fate!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The winged arrow scarce had flown—and scarce had reached its destined aim,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Ah me, I'm slain,' a feeble moan—in trembling human accents came.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Ah whence hath come this fatal shaft—against a poor recluse like me,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who shot that bolt with deadly craft—alas! what cruel man is he?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At the lone midnight had I come—to draw the river's limpid flood,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And here am struck to death, by whom?—ah whose this wrongful deed of blood.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Alas! and in my parent's heart—the old, the blind, and hardly fed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the wild wood, hath pierced the dart—that here hath struck their offspring dead.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span><span class="i0">Ah, deed most profitless as worst—a deed of wanton useless guilt;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As though a pupil's hand accurs'd<a name="FNanchor_146_146" id="FNanchor_146_146"></a><a href="#Footnote_146_146" class="fnanchor">[146]</a>—his holy master's blood had spilt.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But not mine own untimely fate—it is not that which I deplore,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My blind, my aged parents state—'tis their distress afflicts me more.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That sightless pair, for many a day—from me their scanty food have earned,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">What lot is theirs, when I'm away—to the five elements returned?<a name="FNanchor_147_147" id="FNanchor_147_147"></a><a href="#Footnote_147_147" class="fnanchor">[147]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Alike all wretched they, as I—ah, whose this triple deed of blood?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For who the herbs will now supply—the roots, the fruit, their blameless food?'<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My troubled soul, that plaintive moan—no sooner heard, so faint and low,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Trembled to look on what I'd done—fell from my shuddering hand my bow.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Swift I rushed up, I saw him there—heart-pierced, and fall'n the stream beside,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That hermit boy with knotted hair—his clothing was the black deer's hide.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On me most piteous turned his look—his wounded breast could scarce respire,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'What wrong, oh Kshatriya,<a name="FNanchor_148_148" id="FNanchor_148_148"></a><a href="#Footnote_148_148" class="fnanchor">[148]</a> have I done—to be thy deathful arrow's aim,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The forest's solitary son—to draw the limpid stream I came.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Both wretched and both blind they lie—in the wild wood all destitute,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My parents, listening anxiously—to hear my home-returning foot.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By this, thy fatal shaft, this one—three miserable victims fall,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The sire, the mother, and the son—ah why? and unoffending all.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">How vain my father's life austere—the Veda's studied page how vain,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He knew not with prophetic fear—his son would fall untimely slain.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But had he known, to one as he—so weak, so blind, 'twere bootless all,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">No tree can save another tree—by the sharp hatchet marked to fall.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But to my father's dwelling haste—oh Raghu's<a name="FNanchor_149_149" id="FNanchor_149_149"></a><a href="#Footnote_149_149" class="fnanchor">[149]</a> son, lest in his ire,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thy head with burning curse he blast—as the dry forest tree the fire.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thee to my father's lone retreat—will quickly lead yon onward path,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Oh haste, his pardon to entreat—or ere he curse thee in his wrath.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span><span class="i0">Yet first, that gently I may die—draw forth the barbed steel from hence,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Allay thy fears, no Brahmin I—not thine of Brahmin blood the offence.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My sire, a Brahmin hermit he—my mother was of Sudra race.'<a name="FNanchor_150_150" id="FNanchor_150_150"></a><a href="#Footnote_150_150" class="fnanchor">[150]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">So spake the wounded boy, on me—while turned his unreproaching face.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As from his palpitating breast—I gently drew the mortal dart,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He saw me trembling stand, and blest—that boy's pure spirit seemed to part.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As died that holy hermit's son—from me my glory seemed to go,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With troubled mind I stood, cast down—t' inevitable endless woe.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That shaft that seemed his life to burn—like serpent venom, thus drawn out,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I, taking up his fallen urn—t' his father's dwelling took my route.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There miserable, blind, and old—of their sole helpmate thus forlorn,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His parents did these eyes behold—like two sad birds with pinions shorn.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of him in fond discourse they sate—lone, thinking only of their son,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For his return so long, so late—impatient, oh by me undone.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My footsteps' sound he seemed to know—and thus the aged hermit said,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Oh, Yajnadatta, why so slow?—haste, let the cooling draught be shed.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Long, on the river's pleasant brink—hast thou been sporting in thy joy,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thy mother's fainting spirits sink—in fear for thee, but thou, my boy,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If aught to grieve thy gentle heart—thy mother or thy sire do wrong,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Bear with us, nor when next we part—on the slow way thus linger long.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The feet of those that cannot move—of those that cannot see the eye,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Our spirits live but in thy love—Oh wherefore, dearest, no reply?'<br /></span> +<span class="i2">My throat thick swollen with bursting tears—my power of speech that seemed to choke,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With hands above my head, my fears—breaking my quivering voice, I spoke;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'The Kshatriya Dasaratha I—Oh hermit sage, 'tis not thy son!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Most holy ones, unknowingly—a deed of awful guilt I've done.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With bow in hand I took my way—along Sarayu's pleasant brink,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span><span class="i0">The savage buffalo to slay—or elephant come down to drink.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A sound came murmuring to my ear—'twas of the urn that slowly filled,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I deemed some savage wild-beast near—my erring shaft thy son had killed.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A feeble groan I heard, his breast—was pierced by that dire arrow keen:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All trembling to the spot I pressed—lo there thy hermit boy was seen.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Flew to the sound my arrow, meant—the wandering elephant to slay,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Toward the river brink it went—and there thy son expiring lay.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The fatal shaft when forth I drew—to heaven his parting spirit soared,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Dying he only thought of you—long, long, your lonely lot deplored.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus ignorantly did I slay—your child beloved, Oh hermit sage!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Turn thou on me, whose fated day—is come, thy all-consuming rage.'<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He heard my dreadful tale at length—he stood all lifeless, motionless;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then deep he groaned, and gathering strength—me his meek suppliant did address.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Kshatriya, 'tis well that thou hast turned—thy deed of murder to rehearse,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Else over all thy land had burned—the fire of my wide-wasting curse.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If with premeditated crime—the unoffending blood thou'dst spilt,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The Thunderer on his throne sublime—had shaken at such tremendous guilt.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Against the anchorite's sacred head—hadst, knowing, aimed thy shaft accursed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In th' holy Vedas deeply read—thy skull in seven wide rents had burst.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But since, unwitting, thou hast wrought—that deed of death, thou livest still,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Oh son of Raghu, from thy thought—dismiss all dread of instant ill.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Oh lead me to that doleful spot—where my poor boy expiring lay,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Beneath the shaft thy fell hand shot—of my blind age, the staff, the stay.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On the cold earth 'twere yet a joy—to touch my perished child again,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span><span class="i0">(So long if I may live) my boy—in one last fond embrace to strain.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His body all bedewed with gore—his locks in loose disorder thrown,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Let me, let her but touch once more—to the dread realm of Yama gone.'<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then to that fatal place I brought—alone that miserable pair;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His sightless hands, and hers I taught—to touch their boy that slumbered there.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nor sooner did they feel him lie—on the moist herbage coldly thrown,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Both with a shrill and feeble cry—upon the body cast them down.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The mother as she lay and groaned—addressed her boy with quivering tongue,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And like a heifer sadly moaned—just plundered of her new-dropped young:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Was not thy mother once, my son—than life itself more dear to thee?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Why the long way hast thou begun—without one gentle word to me.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">One last embrace, and then, beloved—upon thy lonely journey go!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Alas! with anger art thou moved—that not a word thou wilt bestow?'<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The miserable father now<a name="FNanchor_151_151" id="FNanchor_151_151"></a><a href="#Footnote_151_151" class="fnanchor">[151]</a>—with gentle touch each cold limb pressed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And to the dead his words of woe—as to his living son, addressed:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'I too, my son, am I not here?—thy sire with thy sad mother stands;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Awake, arise, my child, draw near—and clasp each neck with loving hands.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who now, 'neath the dark wood by night—a pious reader shall be heard?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Whose honied voice my ear delight—with th' holy Veda's living word?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The evening prayer, th' ablution done—the fire adored with worship meet,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who now shall soothe like thee, my son—with fondling hand, my aged feet?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And who the herb, the wholesome root—or wild fruit from the wood shall bring?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To us the blind, the destitute—with helpless hunger perishing?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thy blind old mother, heaven-resigned—within our hermit-dwelling lone,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">How shall I tend, myself as blind—now all my strength of life is gone!<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span><span class="i0">Oh stay, my child, Oh part not yet—to Yama's dwelling go not now,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To-morrow forth we all will set—thy mother, and myself, and thou:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For both, in grief for thee, and both—so helpless, ere another day,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From this dark world, but little loath—shall we depart, death's easy prey!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And I myself, by Yama's seat—companion of thy darksome way,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The guerdon to thy virtues meet—from that great Judge of men will pray.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Because, my boy, in innocence—by wicked deed thou hast been slain,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Rise, where the heroes dwell, who thence—ne'er stoop to this dark world again.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Those that to earth return no more—the sense-subdued, the hermits wise,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Priests their sage masters that adore—to their eternal seats arise.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Those that have studied to the last—the Veda's, the Vedanga's page,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Where saintly kings of earth have passed—Nahusa and Yayáti sage;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The sires of holy families—the true to wedlock's sacred vow;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And those that cattle, gold, or rice—or lands with liberal hands bestow;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That ope th' asylum to th' oppressed—that ever love, and speak the truth,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Up to the dwellings of the blest—th' eternal, soar thou, best loved youth.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For none of such a holy race—within the lowest seat may dwell;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But that will be his fatal place—by whom my only offspring fell.'<br /></span> +<span class="i2">So groaning deep, that wretched pair—the hermit and his wife, essayed<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The meet ablution to prepare—their hands their last faint effort made.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Divine, with glorious body bright—in splendid car of heaven elate,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Before them stood their son in light—and thus consoled their helpless state:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Meed of my duteous filial care—I've reached the wished for realms of joy;<a name="FNanchor_152_152" id="FNanchor_152_152"></a><a href="#Footnote_152_152" class="fnanchor">[152]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">And ye, in those glad realms, prepare—to meet full soon your dear-loved boy.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My parents, weep no more for me—yon warrior monarch slew me not,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My death was thus ordained to be;—predestined was the shaft he shot."<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span><span class="i0">Thus, as he spoke, the anchorite's son—soared up the glowing heaven afar,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In air his heavenly body shone—while stood he in his gorgeous car.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But they, of that lost boy so dear—the last ablution meetly made,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus spoke to me that holy seer—with folded hands above his head.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Albeit by thy unknowing dart—my blameless boy untimely fell,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A curse I lay upon thy heart—whose fearful pain I know too well.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As sorrowing for my son I bow—and yield up my unwilling breath,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So, sorrowing for thy son shalt thou—at life's last close repose in death.'<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That curse, dread sounding in mine ear—to mine own city forth I set,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nor long survived that hermit seer—to mourn his child in lone regret.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">This day that Brahmin curse fulfilled—hath fallen on my devoted head,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In anguish for any parted child—have all my sinking spirits fled.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">No more my darkened eyes can see—my clouded memory is o'ercast,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Dark Yama's heralds summon me—to his deep, dreary, realm to haste.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Mine eye no more my Rama sees—and grief o'erburns, my spirits sink,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As the swollen stream sweeps down the trees—that grow upon the crumbling brink.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Oh, felt I Rama's touch, or spake—one word his home-returning voice,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Again to life should I awake—as quaffing nectar draughts rejoice,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But what so sad could e'er have been—celestial partner of my heart,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Than, Rama's beauteous face unseen,—from life untimely to depart.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His exile in the forest o'er—him home returned to Oudes high town,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Oh happy those, that see once more—like Indra from the sky come down.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">No mortal men, but gods I deem—moonlike, before whose wondering sight,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">My Rama's glorious face shall beam—from the dark forest bursting bright.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Happy that gaze on Rama's face—with beauteous teeth and smile of love,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Like the blue lotus in its grace—and like the starry king above.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Like to the full autumnal moon—and like the lotus in its bloom,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span><span class="i0">That youth who sees returning soon—how blest shall be that mortal's doom.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Dwelling on that sweet memory—on his last bed the monarch lay,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And slowly, softly, seemed to die—as fades the moon at dawn away.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Ah, Rama! ah, my son!" thus said—or scarcely said, the king of men,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">His gentle hapless spirit fled—in sorrow for his Rama then,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The shepherd of his people old—at midnight on his bed of death,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The tale of his son's exile told—and breathed away his dying breath.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="THE_BRAHMINS_LAMENT" id="THE_BRAHMINS_LAMENT"></a>EXTRACTS FROM THE MAHABHARATA.</h2> + +<h2>THE BRAHMIN'S LAMENT.</h2> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span></p><div class="blockquot"><p>The hostility of the kindred races of Pandu and Kuru forms +one of the great circles of Indian fable. It fills great part +of the immense poem, the Mahabharata. At this period the five +sons of Pandu and their mother Kunti have been driven into +the wilderness from the court of their uncle Dritarashtra at +Nâgapur. The brothers, during their residence in the forest, +have an encounter with a terrible giant, Hidimba, the +prototype of the Cyclops of Homer, and of the whole race of +giants of northern origin, who, after amusing our ancestors, +children of larger growth, descended to our nurseries, from +whence they are now well-nigh exploded. After this adventure +the brothers take up their residence in the city of Ekachara, +where they are hospitably received in the house of a Brahmin. +The neighbourhood of this city is haunted by another terrible +giant, Baka, whose cannibal appetite has been glutted by a +succession of meaner victims. It is now come to the Brahmin's +turn to furnish the fatal banquet; they overhear the +following complaint of their host, whose family, consisting +of himself, his wife, a grown up daughter, and a son a little +child, must surrender one to become the horrible repast of +the monster. In turn, the father, the mother, in what may be +fairly called three singularly pathetic Indian elegies, +enforce each their claim to the privilege of suffering for +the rest.</p></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span></p> +<h2>THE BRAHMIN'S LAMENT.</h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Alas for life, so vain, so weary—in this changing world below,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ever-teeming root of sorrow—still dependent, full of woe!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Still to life clings strong affliction—life that's one long suffering all,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Whoso lives must bear his sorrow—soon or late that must befall.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="hr1" /> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Oh to find a place of refuge—in this dire extremity,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For my wife, my son, my daughter—and myself what hope may be?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Oft I've said to thee, my dearest—Priestess, that thou knowest well,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But my word thou never heededst—let us go where peace may dwell.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Here I had my birth, my nurture—still my sire is living here;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Oh unwise!" 'twas thus thou answeredst—to my oft-repeated prayer.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thine old father went to heaven—slept thy mother by his side,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then thy near and dear relations—why delight'st thou here t' abide?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Fondly loving still thy kindred—thine old home thou would'st not leave,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of thy kindred death deprived thee—in thy griefs I could but grieve.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Now to me is death approaching—never victim will I give,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From mine house, like some base craven—and myself consent to live.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thee with righteous soul, the gentle—ever like a mother deemed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A sweet friend the gods have given me—aye my choicest wealth esteem'd.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From thy parents thee, consenting—mistress of my house I took,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thee I chose, and thee I honoured—as enjoins the holy book.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thou the high-born, thou the virtuous!—my dear children's mother thou,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Only to prolong my being—thee the good, the blameless, now,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span><span class="i0">Can to thy death surrender—mine own true, my faithful wife?<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Yet my son can I abandon—in his early bloom of life,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Offer him in his sweet childhood—with no down his cheek to shade?<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Her, whom Brahma, the all-bounteous—for a lovely bride hath made,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Mother of a race of heroes—a heaven-winning race may make;<a name="FNanchor_153_153" id="FNanchor_153_153"></a><a href="#Footnote_153_153" class="fnanchor">[153]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of myself begot, the virgin—could I ever her forsake?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Towards a son the hearts of fathers—some have thought, are deepest moved,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Others deem the daughter dearer—both alike I've ever loved:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">She that sons, that heaven hath in her—sons whose offerings heaven may win,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Can I render up my daughter—blameless, undefiled by sin?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If myself I offer, sorrow—in the next world my lot must be,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hardly then could live my children—and my wife bereft of me.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">One of these so dear to offer—to the wise, were sin, were shame,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet without me they must perish—how to 'scape the sin, the blame!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Woe! Oh woe! where find I refuge—for myself, for mine, oh where!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Better 'twere to die together—for to live I cannot bear.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p class="sig"><i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Brahmin's wife</span> <i>speaks</i>.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">As of lowly caste, my husband—yield not thus thy soul to woe,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">This is not a time for wailing—who the Vedas knows must know:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Fate inevitable orders—all must yield to death in turn,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hence the doom, th' irrevocable—it beseems not thee to mourn.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Man hath wife, and son, and daughter—for the joy of his own heart.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wherefore wisely check thy sorrow—it is I must hence depart.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Tis the wife's most holy duty—law on earth without repeal,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That her life she offer freely—when demands her husband's weal.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And e'en now, a deed so noble—hath its meed of pride and bliss,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the next world life eternal—and unending fame in this.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span><span class="i0">'Tis a high, yet certain duty—that my life I thus resign,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Tis thy right, as thy advantage—both the willing deed enjoin—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All for which a wife is wedded—long erenow through me thou'st won,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Blooming son and gentle daughter—that my debt is paid and done.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thou may'st well support our children—gently guard, when I am gone,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I shall have no power to guard them—nor support them, left alone.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Oh, despoiled of thy assistance—lord of me, and all I have,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">How these little ones from ruin—how my hapless self to save:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Widow'd, reft of thee, and helpless—with two children in their youth,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">How maintain my son, and daughter—in the path of right and truth.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From the lustful, from the haughty—how shall I our child protect,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When they seek thy blameless daughter—by a father's awe unchecked.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As the birds in numbers swarming—gather o'er the earth-strewn corn,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus the men round some sad widow—of her noble lord forlorn.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus by all the rude and reckless—with profane desires pursued,<a name="FNanchor_154_154" id="FNanchor_154_154"></a><a href="#Footnote_154_154" class="fnanchor">[154]</a><br /></span> +<span class="i0">How shall I the path still follow—loved and honoured by the good.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">This thy dear, thy only daughter—this pure maiden innocent,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">How to teach the way of goodness—where her sire, her fathers went.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">How can I instil the virtues—in the bosom of our child,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Helpless and beset on all sides—as thou would'st in duty skilled.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Round thy unprotected daughter—Sudras like<a name="FNanchor_155_155" id="FNanchor_155_155"></a><a href="#Footnote_155_155" class="fnanchor">[155]</a> to holy lore,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Scorning me in their wild passion—will unworthy suitors pour.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And if I refuse to give her—mindful of thy virtuous course,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As the storks the rice of offering<a name="FNanchor_156_156" id="FNanchor_156_156"></a><a href="#Footnote_156_156" class="fnanchor">[156]</a>—they will bear her off by force.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Should I see my son degenerate—like his noble sire no more,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the power of the unworthy—the sweet daughter that I bore;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And myself, the world's scorn, wandering—so as scarce myself to know,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of proud men the scoff, the outcast—I should die of shame and woe.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span><span class="i0">And bereft of me, my children—and without thy aid to cherish,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As the fish when water fails them—both would miserably perish.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus of all the three is ruin—the inevitable lot,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Desolate of thee, their guardian—wherefore, Oh, forsake us not!<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The dark way before her husband—'tis a wife's first bliss to go,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Tis a wife's that hath borne children—this the wise, the holy know.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For thee forsaken be my daughter—let my son forsaken be,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I for thee forsook my kindred—and forsake my life for thee.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">More than offering 'tis, than penance—liberal gift or sacrifice,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">When a wife, thus clearly summoned—for her husband's welfare dies.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That which now to do I hasten—all the highest duty feel,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For thy bliss, for thy well-doing—thine and all thy race's weal.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Men, they say, but pray for children—riches, or a generous friend,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To assist them in misfortune—and a wife for the same end.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The whole race (the wise declare it)—thou the increaser of thy race,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Than the single self less precious—ever holds a second place.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Let me then discharge the duty—and preserve thyself by me,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Give me thine assent, all-honoured—and my children's guardian be.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Women must be spared from slaughter—this the learn'd in duty say,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Even the giant knows that duty—me he will not dare to slay.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of the man the death is certain—of the woman yet in doubt,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wherefore, noblest, on the instant—as the victim send me out.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I have lived with many blessings—I have well fulfilled my part,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I have given thee beauteous offspring—death hath nought t' appal mine heart.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I've borne children, I am aged—in my soul I've all revolved,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And with spirit strong to serve thee—I am steadfast and resolved.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Offering me, all-honoured husband—thou another wife wilt find,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span><span class="i0">And to her wilt do thy duty—gentle as to me, and kind.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Many wives if he espouses—man incurs nor sin nor blame,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For a wife to wed another—'tis inexpiable shame.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">This well weighed within thy spirit—and the sin thyself to die,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Save thyself, thy race, thy children—be the single victim I.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="hr1" /> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Hearing thus his wife, the husband—fondly clasp'd her to his breast,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And their tears they poured together—by their mutual grief oppressed.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="THIRD_SONG" id="THIRD_SONG"></a>THIRD SONG.</h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Of these two the troubled language—in the chamber as she heard,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lost herself in grief the daughter—thus took up the doleful word.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p class="sig"><i>The</i> <span class="smcap">Daughter</span> <i>spake</i>.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Why to sorrow thus abandoned?—weep not thus, as all forlorn,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hear ye now my speech, my parents—and your sorrows may be borne.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Me with right ye may abandon—none that right in doubt will call,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yield up her that best is yielded—I alone may save you all.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wherefore wishes man for children?—they in need mine help will be:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lo, the time is come, my parents—in your need find help in me.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ever here the son by offering—or hereafter doth atone,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Either way is he th' atoner—hence the wise have named him son.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Daughters too, the great forefathers—of a noble race desire,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And I now shall prove their wisdom—saving thus from death my sire.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span><span class="i0">Lo, my brother but an infant!—to the other world goest thou,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In a little time we perish—who may dare to question how?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But if first depart to heaven—he that after me was born,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Cease our race's sacred offerings—our offended sires would mourn.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Without father, without mother—of my brother too bereft,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I shall die, unused to sorrow—yet to deepest sorrow left.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But thyself, my sire! my mother—and my gentle brother save,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And their meet, unfailing offerings—shall our fathers' spirits have.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A second self the son, a friend the wife—the daughter's but a grief,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From thy grief thy daughter offering—thou of right wilt find relief.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Desolate and unprotected—ever wandering here and there,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Shall I quickly be, my father!—reft of thy paternal care!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But wert thou through me, my father—and thy race from peril freed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Noble fruit should I have borne thee—having done this single deed.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But if thou from hence departing-leav'st me, noblest, to my fate,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Down I sink to bitterest misery—save, Oh save me from that state!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For mine own sake, and for virtue's—for our noble race's sake,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yield up her who best is yielded—me thine own life's ransom make.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Instantly this step, the only—the inevitable take.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Hath the world a fate more wretched—than when thou to heaven art fled,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Like a dog to wander begging—and subsist on others' bread.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But my father, thus preserving—thus preserving all that's thine,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I shall then become immortal—and partake of bliss divine,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And the gods, and our forefathers—all will hail the prudent choice,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Still will have the water offerings—that their holy spirits rejoice.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<hr class="hr1" /> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">As they heard her lamentation—in their troubled anguish deep,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wept the father, wept the mother—'gan the daughter too to weep.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span><span class="i0">Then the little son beheld them—and their doleful moan he heard;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And with both his eyes wide open—lisped he thus his broken word.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Weep not father, weep not mother—Oh my sister, weep not so!"<br /></span> +<span class="i0">First to one, and then to th' other—smiling went he to and fro.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then a blade of spear-grass lifting—thus in bolder glee he said,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"With this spear-grass will I kill him—this man-eating giant dead."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Though o'erpowered by bitterest sorrow—as they heard their prattling boy,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Stole into the parents' bosoms—mute and inexpressive joy.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="THE_DELUGE" id="THE_DELUGE"></a>THE DELUGE.</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>The following extract from the Mahábhárata was published by +Bopp, with a German translation, (the promised Latin version +has not yet reached this country,) with four other extracts +from the same poem. It is inserted here not on account of its +poetical merit, but on account of the interest of the +subject. It is the genuine, and probably the earliest, +version of the Indian tradition of the Flood. The author has +made the following observations on this subject in the +Quarterly Review, which he ventures here to transcribe.</p> + +<p>Nothing has thrown so much discredit on oriental studies, +particularly on the valuable Asiatic Researches, as the fixed +determination to find the whole of the Mosaic history in the +remoter regions of the East. It was not to be expected that, +when the new world of oriental literature was suddenly +disclosed, the first attempts to explore would be always +guided by cool and dispassionate criticism. Even Sir W. Jones +was led away, at times, by the ardour of his imagination; and +the gorgeous palaces of the Mahabadian dynasty, which were +built on the authority of the Desatir and the Dabistan, and +thrown upward into an age anterior even to the earliest +Indian civilisation, have melted away, and 'left not a wreck +behind,' before the cooler and more profound investigations +of Mr. Erskine<a name="FNanchor_157_157" id="FNanchor_157_157"></a><a href="#Footnote_157_157" class="fnanchor">[157]</a>. Sir W. Jones was succeeded by Wilford, a +man of most excursive imagination, bred in the school of +Bryant, who, even if he had himself been more deeply versed +in the ancient language, would have been an unsafe guide. But +Wilford, it is well known, unfortunately betrayed to the +crafty and mercenary pundits whom he employed, the objects +which he hoped to find; and these unscrupulous interpreters, +unwilling to disappoint their employer, had little difficulty +in discovering, or forging, or interpolating, whatever might +suit his purpose. The honest candour with which Wilford, a +man of the strictest integrity, made the open and humiliating +confession of the deceptions which had been practised upon +him, ought for ever to preserve his memory from disrespect. +The fictions to which he had given currency, only retained, +and still we are ashamed to say retain, their ground in +histories of the Bible and works of a certain school of +theology, from which no criticism can exorcise an error once +established: still, however, with sensible men, a kind of +suspicion was thrown over the study itself; and the cool and +sagacious researches of men, probably <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span>better acquainted with +their own language than some of the Brahmins themselves, were +implicated in the fate of the fantastic and, though +profoundly learned, ever injudicious reveries of Wilford.</p> + +<p>Now, however, that we may depend on the genuineness of our +documents, it is curious to examine the Indian version or +versions of the universal tradition of the Deluge; for, +besides this extract from the Mahábhárata, Sir W. Jones had +extracted from the Bhagavata Purana another, and, in some +respects, very different legend. Both of these versions are +strongly impregnated with the mythological extravagance of +India; but the Purana, one of the Talmudic books of Indian +tradition, as M. Bopp observes, is evidently of a much later +date than the ruder and simpler fable of the old Epic. It +belongs to a less ancient school of poetry, and a less +ancient system of religion. While it is much more exuberant +in its fiction, it nevertheless betrays a sort of +apprehension lest it shall shock the less easy faith of a +more incredulous reader; it is manifestly from the religious +school of the follower of Vishnu, and, indeed, seems to have +some reference to one of the philosophic systems. Yet the +outline of the story is the same. In the Máhábharatic +version, Manu, like Noah, stands alone in an age of universal +depravity. His virtues, however, are of the Indian cast—the +most severe and excruciating penance by which he extorts, as +it were, the favour of the deity<a name="FNanchor_158_158" id="FNanchor_158_158"></a><a href="#Footnote_158_158" class="fnanchor">[158]</a>.</p></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span></p> +<h2>THE DELUGE.</h2> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Vivaswata's son, a raja—and a sage of mighty fame,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">King of men, the first great fathers—in his glory equalled he,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In his might and kingly power—Manu, and in earthly bliss,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And in wonder-working penance—sire and grandsire far surpassed.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With his arms on high outstretching—wrought the sovereign of men,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Steadily on one foot standing—penance rigorous and dread,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With his downward head low-drooping—with his fixed, unwavering eyes,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Dreed he thus his awful penance—many a long and weary year.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To the penitent with tresses—streaming loose, and wet, and long,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By the margin of Wirini—thus the fish began to speak:<br /></span> +<span class="i2">"Blessed! lo, the least of fishes—of the mighty fish in dread,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Wilt thou not from death preserve me—thou that all thy vows fulfill'st?<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Since the strongest of the fishes—persecute the weaker still,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Over us impends for ever—our inevitable fate.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ere I sink, if thou wilt free me—from th' extremity of dread,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Meet return can I compensate—when the holy deed is done."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Speaking thus the fish when heard he—full of pity all his heart,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In his hand that fish king Manu—son of Vivaswata took.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Brought the son of Vivaswata—to the river shore the fish,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Cast it in a crystal vessel—like the moonshine clear and bright.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Rapid grew that fish, O raja—tended with such duteous care,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Cleaved to him the heart of Manu—as to a beloved son.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Time rolled on, and larger, larger—ever waxed that wonderous fish,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nor within that crystal vessel—found he longer space to move."<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span><span class="i0">Spake again the fish to Manu—as he saw him, thus he spake:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"O all prosperous! O all gentle!—bring me to another place."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then the fish from out the vessel—blessed Manu took again;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And with gentle speed he bare him,—Manu, to a spacious lake.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There the conqueror of cities,—mighty Manu, cast him in.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Still he grew, that fish so wondrous—many a circling round of years.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Three miles long that lake expanded—and a single mile its breadth,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet that fish with eyes like lotus—there no longer might endure;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nor, O sovereign of the Vaisyas!—might that lake his bulk contain.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Spake again that fish to Manu—as he saw him, thus he spake:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Bring me now, O blest and holy!—to the Ganga, ocean's bride,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Let me dwell in her wide waters—yet, O loved one, as thou wilt,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Be it so; whate'er thy bidding,—murmur would beseem me ill,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Since through thee, O blest and blameless!—to this wondrous bulk I've grown."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus addressed, the happy Manu—took again the fish, and bore<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To the sacred stream of Ganga—and himself he cast him in.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Still it grew, as time rolled onward—tamer of thy foes! that fish.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Spake again that fish to Manu—as he saw him, thus he spake:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Mightiest! I can dwell no longer—here in Ganga's narrow stream;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Best of men! once more befriend me—bear me to the ocean swift."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Manu's self from Ganga's water—took again that wondrous fish,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And he brought him to the ocean,—with his own hand cast him in.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Brought by Manu to the ocean—very large that fish appeared,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But not yet of form unmeasured,—spread delicious odours round.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But that fish by kingly Manu—cast into the ocean wide,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In these words again bespake him—and he smiled as thus he spake:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"Blessed! thou hast still preserved me—still my every wish fulfilled,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span><span class="i0">When the awful time approaches—hear from me what thou must do.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In a little time, O blessed!—all this firm and seated earth,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All that moves upon its surface—shall a deluge sweep away.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Near it comes, of all creation—the ablution day is near;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Therefore what I now forewarn thee—may thy highest weal secure.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All the fixed and all the moving—all that stirs, or stirreth not,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Lo, of all the time approaches—the tremendous time of doom.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Build thyself a ship, O Manu—strong, with cables well prepared,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And thyself, with the seven Sages—mighty Manu enter in.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All the living seeds of all things—by the Brahmins named of yore,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Place thou first within thy vessel—well secured, divided well.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From thy ship keep watch, O hermit—watch for me, as I draw near;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Horned shall I swim before thee—by my horn thou'lt know me well.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">This the work thou must accomplish,—I depart; so fare thee well—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Over these tumultuous waters—none without mine aid can sail.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Doubt thou not, O lofty minded!—of my warning speech the truth."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To the fish thus answered Manu—"All that thou requir'st, I'll do."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus they parted, of each other—mutual leave when they had ta'en,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Manu, raja! to accomplish—all to him the fish had said.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Taking first the seeds of all things—launched he forth upon the sea;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On the billowy sea, the prudent—in a beauteous vessel rode.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Manu of the fish bethought him;—conscious of his thought the fish,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Conqueror of hostile cities!—with his horn came floating by.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">King of men, the born of Manu!—Manu saw the sea-borne fish,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In his form foreshewn, the horned—like a mountain huge and high.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To the fish's head his cable, Manu bound—O king of men!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Strong and firm his cable wound he—round and round on either horn:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And the fish, all conquering raja!—with that twisted cable bound,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span><span class="i0">With the utmost speed that vessel—dragged along the ocean tide.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In his bark along the ocean—boldly went the king of men:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Dancing with the tumbling billows—dashing through the roaring spray,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Tossed about by winds tumultuous—in the vast and heaving sea,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Like a trembling, drunken woman—reeled that ship, O king of men.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Earth was seen no more, no region—nor the intermediate space;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All around a waste of water—water all, and air and sky.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the whole world of creation—princely son of Bharata!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">None was seen but those seven Sages—Manu only, and the fish.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Years on years, and still unwearied—drew that fish the bark along,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Till at length it came, where lifted—Himavan its loftiest peak.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">There at length it came, and smiling—thus the fish addressed the sage:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"To the peak of Himalaya—bind thou now thy stately ship."<br /></span> +<span class="i0">At the fish's mandate quickly—to the peak of Himavan<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Bound the sage his bark, and ever—to this day that loftiest peak,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Bears the name of Manubandhan—from the binding of the bark.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">To the sage, the god of mercy—thus with fixed look bespake:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">"I am lord of all creation—Brahma, higher than all height;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">I in fishlike form have saved thee—Manu, in the perilous hour;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But from thee new tribes of creatures—gods, asuras, men must spring.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">All the worlds must be created—all that moves or moveth not,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By an all-surpassing penance—this great work must be achieved.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Through my mercy, thy creation—to confusion ne'er shall run,"<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Spake the fish, and on the instant—to the invisible he passed.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Vivaswata's son, all eager—the creation to begin,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Stood amid his work confounded:—mighty penance wrought he then.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So fulfilled that rigorous penance—instant Manu 'gan create—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Instant every living creature—Raja! he began to form.<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span><span class="i2">Such the old, the famous legend—named the story of the Fish,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Which to thee I have related—this for all our sins atones.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">He that hears it, Manu's legend,—in the full possession he,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of all things complete and perfect—to the heavenly world ascends.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="NOTES_ON_NALA" id="NOTES_ON_NALA"></a>NOTES ON NALA.</h2> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> p. 3. l. 4. <i>Over, over all exalted</i>. This repetition is +in the original.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> p. 3. l. 5. <i>Holy deep-read in the Vedas</i>. All the +perfections, which, according to the opinions and laws of the Hindus, +distinguish the sovereign from the rest of mankind, are here ascribed +to the hero of the poem. The study of the Vedas must be cultivated by +the three superior castes, and ensures both temporal and eternal +beatitude. In the laws of Menu it is said, "Greatness is not conferred +by years, not by grey hairs, not by wealth, not by powerful kindred." +The divine sages have established this rule—Whoever has read the +Vedas and their Angas, he is among us great. (<span class="smcap">Jones's Menu</span>, ii. 254). +Of all these duties, answered Bhrigu, the principal is to acquire from +the Upanishads a true knowledge of the one supreme God: that is the +most exalted of all sciences, because it ensures immortality, (xii. +85). For in the knowledge and adoration of one God, which the Veda +teaches, all the rules of good conduct before-mentioned in order, are +fully comprised, (ib. 87.) +</p><p> +The study of the Vedas is considered the peculiar duty of kings, (vii. +43). The Upanishads are doctrinal extracts of the Vedas. +</p><p> +The Indian law demands in the most rigorous manner from every one of +noble birth, the mastery over the <i>senses</i>. Menu says, c. ii. 93, "A +man by the attachment of his organs to sensual pleasure, incurs +certain guilt; but having wholly subdued them, he thence attains +heavenly bliss. v. 94. Desire is never satisfied with the enjoyment of +desired objects; as the fire is not appeased with clarified butter; it +only blazes more vehemently. v. 97. To a man contaminated by +sensuality, neither the Vedas, nor liberality, nor sacrifices, nor +strict observances, nor pious austerities, ever procure felicity." The +control over every kind of sensual indulgence is enjoined upon the +king. vii. 44. Day and night must he strenuously exert himself to gain +complete victory over his own organs; since that king alone whose +organs are completely subdued, can keep his people firm to their duty. +</p><p> +Skill in the management of horses and chariots, which in a subsequent +part of the poem is of great importance to Nala, is often mentioned as +a praiseworthy accomplishment of kings. In the Ramayana, for instance, +in the description of king Dasaratha, which likewise contains the +above-mentioned traits of character—"In this city Ayodhya was a king +named Dusharuthâ, descended from Ikshwaku, perfectly skilled in the +Veda and Vedangas, prescient, of great ability, beloved by all his +people, a great charioteer, constant in sacrifice, eminent in sacred +duties, a royal sage, nearly equalling a Muhurshi, famed throughout +the three worlds, mighty, triumphant over his enemies, observant of +justice, having a perfect command of his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span> appetites." <span class="smcap">Carey</span> and +<span class="smcap">Marshman's</span> translation, sect. vi. p. 64.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> p. 3. l. 5. <i>—in Nishadha lord of earth</i>. I have +accented this word not quite correctly Nĭshādhă, in order to +harmonise with the trochaic flow of my metre. It appears to be the +same as Nishadha-râshtra and Nishādha-dēsa. See Wilford's list +of mountains, rivers, countries; from the Purànas and other books. +Asiatic Researches, vol. viii. <span class="smcap">Bopp</span>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> p. 3. l. 6. <i>Loving dice, of truth unblemished</i>. The +Sanscrit word Akshapujah is differently interpreted. Kosegarten +renders it in a good sense as "fearing heaven." He argues that it is +the poet's object in this passage to describe the good qualities of +Nala, and that he does not become a gamester till possessed by the +demon Kali. Bopp gives the sense in the text, which seems to connect +it with the history of king Yudishthira, to whom it is addressed.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> p. 3. l. 7. <i>Sense subdued</i>. The highest notion of this +favourite perfection of Indian character, may be given in the words of +the author of the Bhagavat-Gita: "The highest perfection to which the +soul can attain, is action without passion. The mind is to be entirely +independent of external objects; to preserve its undisturbed serenity +it should have the conscious power of withdrawing all its senses +within itself, as the tortoise draws all its limbs beneath in shell." +Action is necessary, but action must produce no emotion—no sensation +on the calm spirit within; whatever may be their consequences, however +important, however awful, events are to be unfelt, and almost +unperceived by the impassive mind; and on this principle Arjuna is to +execute the fated slaughter upon his kindred without the least feeling +of sorrow or compunction being permitted to intrude on the divine +apathy of his soul. Some of the images in which this passionless +tranquillity of the spirit is described, appear singularly beautiful: +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">As to th' unrais'd unswelling ocean flow the multitudinous streams,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">So to the soul serene, unmov'd—flow in the undisturbing lusts.<br /></span> +</div></div> +<p> +And then again the soul, in this state of unbroken quietude, +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Floats like the lotus on the lake, unmov'd, unruffled by the tide.<br /></span> +</div></div> +</div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> p. 3. l. 8. <i>Best, a present Manu he</i>. Manu, or Menu, +the representative of the human race; the holy, mythological ancestor +of the Hindus. In the Diluvium, the Indian version of the Deluge, (see +the latter part of this volume), Manu is the survivor of the human +race—the second ancestor of mankind. The first Menu is named +"Swayambhuva, or sprung from the self-existing." From him "came six +descendants, other Menus, or perfectly understanding the Scri<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span>pture, +each giving birth to a race of his own, all exalted in dignity, +eminent in power." Laws of Menu, i. 61. The great code of law "the +Hindus firmly believe to have been promulged in the beginning of time +by Menu, son or grandson of Brahma, or in plain English the first of +created beings, and not the oldest only but the noblest of +legislators." Sir W. <span class="smcap">Jones's</span> preface to Laws of Menu; Works, vii. 76. +In the Ramayana, in like manner, king Dasaratha is compared to the +ancient king, Menu. The word Manu, as the name of the ancestor of men, +is derived from the Sanscrit root Man, to know (<span class="smcap">Wilson</span> in voce); in +the same manner as the Sanscrit Maníshá, knowledge, Manushya, Man—as +also the Latin Mens, and the German Mensch. According to this +etymology, Man, Mensch, properly means "the knowing," the Being +endowed with knowledge. The German word, Meinen, to mean, or be of +opinion, belongs to the same stock.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> p. 3. l. 9. <i>So there dwelt in high Vidarbha</i>. This city +is called by our poet Vidarbha Nagara, the city of Vidarbha, and +Cundina. According to Wilford it is Burra Nag-poor. <span class="smcap">Bopp</span>. Colebrooke, +Asiatic Researches, remarks, that some suppose it to be the modern +Berar, which borders on the mountain Vindhya or Gondwanah. The kingdom +of Vidarbha, and its capital Kundini, are mentioned in the very +remarkable drama Malati and Madhava. <span class="smcap">Wilson</span>'s Hindu Theatre, ii. 16; +and extract from Harivansa, in <span class="smcap">Langlois</span> Monumens de l'Inde, p. 54.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> p. 3. l. 9. <i>Bhima, terrible in strength</i>. +Bhima-parâkrama. There is a play upon the words, Bhima meaning +terrible.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_9_9" id="Footnote_9_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> p. 3. l. 11. <i>Many a holy act, on offspring</i>. He made +offerings and performed penance, by which blessings were forced from +the reluctant gods. In India not only temporal, but eternal happiness, +depends on having children. The son alone by the offering of the +Sraddha, or libation for the dead, can obtain rest for the departed +spirit of the father. Hence the begetting of a son is a religious +duty, particularly for a Brahmin, and is one of the three debts to +which he is bound during life. After he has read the Vedas in the form +prescribed by Law, has legally begotten a son, and has performed +sacrifices to the best of his power, he has paid his three debts, and +may then apply his heart to eternal bliss. <span class="smcap">Menu</span>, vi. 36. By a son a +man obtains victory over all people; by a son's son he enjoys +immortality; and afterwards, by the son of that grandson, he reaches +the solar abode. <span class="smcap">Menu</span>, ix. 137. +</p><p> +This last passage is immediately followed by the explanation of the +Sanscrit word Puttra, son, by "the deliverer from hell." Since the son +(trayatè) delivers his father from the hell, named put, he was +therefore called puttra by Brahma himself. This explanation, which it +given by the Indian etymologists, appears nevertheless, as is often +the case, rather forced; since the final syllable,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span> tra, which is +translated by deliver (or preserve, <span class="smcap">Wilson</span>, in voce) is a common +ending of many words, without the peculiar signification of +delivering: as with this final syllable on the word Pu, to be pure, is +formed the noun Puwitra, pure. <span class="smcap">Wilkins</span>, Grammar, p. 454; <span class="smcap">Kosegarten</span>. +The affix with which this last is formed however, is not tra, but +itra, and it affords therefore no ground of objection to the usual +etymology of Puttra. <span class="smcap">Wilson</span>. +</p><p> +The Indian poetry is full of instances of this strong desire for +offspring. In the Ramayana, king Dasaratha performs the Aswamedha, or +offering of a horse, to obtain a son. "To this magnanimous king, +acquainted in every duty, pre-eminent in virtue, and performing sacred +austerities for the sake of obtaining children, there was no son to +perpetuate his family. At length in the anxious mind of this noble one +the thought arose, 'Why do I not perform an Ushwamedha to obtain a +son.'" <span class="smcap">Carey</span> and <span class="smcap">Marshman</span>'s translation, sect. viii. p. 74. Compare +the Raghu Vansa, canto i., and all that is done by king Dilipa to +obtain a son: and the poem of the death of Hidimbha, published by +Bopp.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> p. 3. l. 14. <i>—in his hospitable hall</i>. Hospitality to +a Brahmin is of course one of the greatest virtues. "A Brahmin coming +as a guest, and not received with just honour, takes to himself all +the reward of the housekeeper's former virtue, even though he had been +so temperate as to live on the gleanings of harvests, and so pious as +to make oblations in five distinct fires." Sir <span class="smcap">W. Jones</span>, Menu, iii. +100.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_11_11" id="Footnote_11_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> p. 3. l. 22. <i>—as around great Indra's queen</i>. Sachi. +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Sachi, soft as morning light,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Blithe Sachi, from her lord Indrani hight.—Sir <span class="smcap">W. Jones</span>'s Hymn to Indra.<br /></span> +</div></div> +</div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_12_12" id="Footnote_12_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> p. 4. l. 2. <i>Mid her handmaids, like the lightning</i>. +There are two words of similar signification in the original; one of +them implies life-giving. Lightning in India being the forerunner of +the rainy season, is looked on as an object of delight as much as +terror. <span class="smcap">Bopp</span>, from the Scholiast.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_13_13" id="Footnote_13_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> p. 4. l. 2. <i>—shone she with her faultless form</i>. Sri, +or Lakshmi, the goddess of beauty and abundance, at once the Ceres and +the Alma Venus of India. +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Daughter of ocean and primeval night,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Who fed with moonbeams dropping silent dew,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And cradled in a wild wave dancing light.—Sir <span class="smcap">W. Jones</span>'s Ode to Lacshmi.<br /></span> +</div></div> +</div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_14_14" id="Footnote_14_14"></a><a href="#FNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> p. 4. l. 4. <i>—never mid the Yaksha race</i>. The Yakshas +are demigods attendant on Kuvera, the god of wealth, descendants of +Kasyapa by his wife Khasa. They inhabit mountains, and have +intercourse with the Apsa<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span>rasas, or heavenly nymphs. Sometimes they +appear not altogether as good beings, sometimes entirely harmless. +"The souls of men enslaved to their passions will rise no higher than +the Yakshas." <span class="smcap">Menu</span>, xii. 47. The subject of the Meghaduta, or +Cloud-Messenger of Kalidása, so elegantly translated by Mr. Wilson, is +the regret of a Yaksha for his beloved wife. Compare Mr. Wilson's note +on the Yakshas, Cloud Messenger, p. 69.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_15_15" id="Footnote_15_15"></a><a href="#FNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> p. 4. l. 7. <i>Nala too, 'mong kings the tiger</i>. Nara +Sardula, the Tiger warrior. I have retained the literal meaning, +though, according to Bopp, it means <i>in fine compositi, Optimus, +præstantissimus</i>. Mr. Southey's Young Tlalala, in Madoc, is the "tiger +of the war."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_16_16" id="Footnote_16_16"></a><a href="#FNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">[16]</span></a> p. 4. l. 8. <i>Like Kandarpa in his beauty</i>. Kandarpa is +the god of love. Kama, Love, or Kam Deo, God of Love. Dipaka, the +Inflamer. Manmatha, Heart-disturber. Ananga, the Incorporeal. +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">God of each lovely sight, each lovely sound.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Soul-kindling, world-inflaming, star y-crowned,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Eternal Cama! or doth Smara bright,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Or proud Ananga give thee more delight—<span class="smcap">Sir W. Jones</span>, <i>Ode to Camdeo</i>.<br /></span> +</div></div> +</div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_17_17" id="Footnote_17_17"></a><a href="#FNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">[17]</span></a> p. 4. l. 12. <i>Thus of each, O son of Kunti</i>. Kunti was +the mother of King Yudishthira, to whom the poem is related. I have +usually omitted this address, which is sometimes made to Yudishthira +under the title of Bhárata, i. e. descendant of Bharata, or other +appellations.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_18_18" id="Footnote_18_18"></a><a href="#FNanchor_18_18"><span class="label">[18]</span></a> p. 4. l. 15. <i>There the swans he saw disporting</i>. In +the original this is a far less poetic bird, and the author must crave +forgiveness for having turned his geese into swans. If, however, we +are to believe Bohlen, in his learned work, Das Alte Indien, the +translators are altogether mistaken; they have been misled by the +similarity of the word Hansa to Gans—a goose. The original, he +asserts, to mean a mythic bird, closely resembling the swan, or +perhaps the tall and brilliant flamingo, which Southey has introduced +with such effect in one of his rich descriptions in the Curse of +Kehama. The goose, however, according to the general opinion, is so +common in Indian mythology, that this must be received with much +caution. In the modern Tamulic version of the story, translated by Mr. +Kindersley, are substituted, "Milk white Aunnays, descending from the +skies, like an undulating garland of pearls." The Aunnays are supposed +to be a sort of birds of paradise. They are represented as milk white; +remarkable for the gracefulness of their walk; and endowed with +considerable gifts. Mr. Wilson, in his Meghaduta, has given me a +precedent for the change of geese into swans; see p. 27, v. 71, with +the note. And Mr. E<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span>llis, Asiatic Researches, vol. xiv. p. 29, has the +following note on the subject: "There are three distinctions of Hamsa; +the Raja-hamsa, with a milk-white body and deep red beak and legs, +this is the Phenicopteros, or flamingo; the Mallicácsha-hamsa, with +brownish beak and legs; and the Dhartarashtra-hamsa, with black beak +and legs: the latter is the European swan, the former a variety. The +gait of an elegant woman is compared by the Hindu poets to the proud +bearing of a swan in the water. Sonnerat, making a mistake similar to +that in the text, translates a passage in which this allusion occurs, +in words to the following purport, 'Her gait resembled that of a +goose.' Other writers have fallen into the same error." The swans, ou +Plutôt les Génies ailès, play the same part in an extract from the +Harivansa, translated by M. Langlois, in his Monumens Littéraires de +l'Inde, <i>Paris</i>, 1827, p. 158. The first part of the Harivansa has +just appeared, under the auspices of the Oriental Translation +Committee.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_19_19" id="Footnote_19_19"></a><a href="#FNanchor_19_19"><span class="label">[19]</span></a> p. 5. l. 4. <i>Like the Aswinas in beauty</i>. See Asiatic +Researches, i. 263; ix. 323. Ramayana, i. 226.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_20_20" id="Footnote_20_20"></a><a href="#FNanchor_20_20"><span class="label">[20]</span></a> p. 5. l. 7. <i>Gandharvas</i>. Celestial choristers, of +beautiful forms and complexion, usually seen in Hindu sculptures +attendant on the deities. +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Celestial genii tow'rd their king advance<br /></span> +<span class="i0">(So called by men) in heaven Gandharvas named,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">For matchless music famed.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Soon when the bands in lucid rows assemble,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Flutes breathe, and citherns tremble.<br /></span> +</div></div> +<p class="sig2"> +<span class="smcap">Sir W. Jones</span>, Ode to Indra.—See Ramayana, l. 125.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_21_21" id="Footnote_21_21"></a><a href="#FNanchor_21_21"><span class="label">[21]</span></a> p. 5. l. 7. <i>the Serpents</i>. The serpents are objects of +reverence and veneration in India. They are called Naga, not going; +Uragas—breast-going. Their residence is in Pátála, though they are +occasional visitants both of heaven and earth. See notes to book V. In +the Bhagavat Gita, Arjun sees Brahma "sitting on his lotus-throne; all +the Reshees and Ooragas (serpents)," Wilkins' translation, p. 91. +According to Wilson, (Sanscrit Dict. voce Naga), the race of these +beings is said to have sprung from Kadru, the wife of Kasyapa, in +order to people Pátála, or the regions below the earth.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_22_22" id="Footnote_22_22"></a><a href="#FNanchor_22_22"><span class="label">[22]</span></a> p. 5. l. 7. <i>The Rakshasas</i>. Demons who assume at will +the forms of lions, tigers, horses, and other animals, as well as the +human shape, with numerous heads and arms. They are represented as +cannibals who devour their enemies. See Ramayana.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_23_23" id="Footnote_23_23"></a><a href="#FNanchor_23_23"><span class="label">[23]</span></a> p. 6. l. 6. <i>—and with passion h<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span>eart-possessed</i>. It +is, literally, her mind (or thought), being possessed by the +<i>heart-sleeper</i>, (i. e. love, reposing or dwelling in the heart). +<span class="smcap">Wilson</span>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_24_24" id="Footnote_24_24"></a><a href="#FNanchor_24_24"><span class="label">[24]</span></a> p. 6. l. 8. <i>The Swayembara</i>. The self-election. The +princesses in India enjoyed this singular privilege. The festival was +proclaimed, and from the assembled suitors the lady selected her +future husband. The Swayembara is not among the eight kinds of +marriages mentioned in the third book of Menu, as customary among the +higher castes, in which the parents in general arrange such contracts. +The provision in the ninth book (v. 90), appears to belong to the +lower classes.—"Three years let a damsel wait, though she be +marriageable; but after that term let her choose for herself a +bridegroom of equal rank." In the Raghuvansa, a poem, parts of which +the author of this translation, if he could command leisure to make +himself better acquainted with Sanscrit, would consider well worthy of +being introduced to the English reader, there is a very remarkable and +beautiful book, describing a Swayembara. This is likewise held at +Vidarbha by the daughter of the king. The Mahabharata also describes +the Swayembara of the princess Draupadi.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_25_25" id="Footnote_25_25"></a><a href="#FNanchor_25_25"><span class="label">[25]</span></a> p. 6. l. 17. <i>The lord of many peasants</i>. Vaisya, the +third caste, husbandmen and traders.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_26_26" id="Footnote_26_26"></a><a href="#FNanchor_26_26"><span class="label">[26]</span></a> p. 6. l. 22. <i>All with rich and various garlands</i>. The +use of garlands in the decoration of the houses and temples of the +Hindus, and of flowers in their offerings and festivals, furnishes +employment to a particular tribe or caste, the málácáras, or wreath +makers. <span class="smcap">Wilson</span>, note 57, on Meghaduta or Cloud-messenger.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_27_27" id="Footnote_27_27"></a><a href="#FNanchor_27_27"><span class="label">[27]</span></a> p. 7. l. 2. <i>Indra's world</i>. Indra is the God of +heaven, of the thunder and lightning, storm and rain: his dwelling is +sometimes placed on mount Meru, as the heaven of the Greeks on +Olympus. His city is called Amaravati; his palace Vaijayanti; his +garden Nandana. (<span class="smcap">Kosegarten</span>.) +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i8">Hail, mountain of delight,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Palace of glory, bless'd by glory's king.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With prospering shade embower me, whilst I sing<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thy wonders yet unreached by mortal flight.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sky-piercing mountain! in thy bowers of love,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">No tears are seen, save where medicinal stalks<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Weep drops balsamic o'er the silvered walks.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">No plaints are heard, save where the restless dove<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of coy repulse, and mild reluctance talks.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Mantled in woven gold, with gems inchas'd,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With emerald hillocks graced,<br /></span> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span><span class="i0">From whose fresh laps, in young fantastic mazes,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Soft crystal bounds and blazes,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Bathing the lithe convolvulus that winds<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Obsequious, and each flaunting arbour binds.—<span class="smcap">Sir W. Jones</span>, Ode to Indra.<br /></span> +</div></div> +</div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_28_28" id="Footnote_28_28"></a><a href="#FNanchor_28_28"><span class="label">[28]</span></a> p. 7. l. 3. <i>Narada and Parvata</i>. Two of the divine +Munis or Rishis. Narada is the son of Brahma; a friend of Krishna, a +celebrated lawgiver, and inventor of the vinà, or lute. (<span class="smcap">Wilson</span>, Dict. +in voce.) Narada is mentioned as one of the "ten lords of created +beings, eminent in holiness." <span class="smcap">Menu</span>, i. 34, 35.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_29_29" id="Footnote_29_29"></a><a href="#FNanchor_29_29"><span class="label">[29]</span></a> p. 7. l. 5. <i>Them salutes the cloud-compeller</i>. +'Maghavan' is by some explained 'the cloudy.' I have adopted the word +used by the translators of Homer.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_30_30" id="Footnote_30_30"></a><a href="#FNanchor_30_30"><span class="label">[30]</span></a> p. 7. l. 12. <i>Theirs this everlasting kingdom</i>. +Kshetriyas, or warriors, slain in battle, are transported to Swerga, +the heaven of Indra, by the Apsarasas or nymphs of heaven: hence they +are his "ever-honoured guests." "Those rulers of the earth, who, +desirous of defeating each other, exert their utmost strength in +battle, without ever averting their faces, ascend after death directly +to heaven." <span class="smcap">Menu</span>, vii. 89. Indra means to say, "Why are none +new-killed in battle now-a-days, that I see none arriving in my +heaven, Swerga?"</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_31_31" id="Footnote_31_31"></a><a href="#FNanchor_31_31"><span class="label">[31]</span></a> p. 7. l. 12. <i>—even as Kamadhuk is mine</i>. Kamadhuk, +the cow of plenty. She was brought forth on churning the ocean to +produce the amrita, or drink of immortality. The interpretation is +doubtful; it may be that this realm is to them the cow of plenty, (as +bestowing upon them all their wishes), as the cow of plenty is mine. +See <span class="smcap">Bopp</span>'s and <span class="smcap">Kosegarten</span>'s notes.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_32_32" id="Footnote_32_32"></a><a href="#FNanchor_32_32"><span class="label">[32]</span></a> p. 7. l. 15. <i>Thus addressed by holy Sakra</i>. Sakra, a +name of Indra. +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Hail, Dyapeter, dismay to Bala's pride,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Or speaks Purander best thy martial fame,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Or Sacra, mystic name.—<span class="smcap">Sir W. Jones</span>, Hymn to Indra.<br /></span> +</div></div> +<p> +Bala and Vritra were the "giants" slain by Indra.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_33_33" id="Footnote_33_33"></a><a href="#FNanchor_33_33"><span class="label">[33]</span></a> p. 7. l. 23. <i>As they spake, the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span>world-protectors</i>. The +world-protectors are the eight gods next below the trine supreme, +Brahma, Siva, and Vishnu. They are Indra, the god of heaven; Surya, +the god of the sun; Soma or Chandra, the god of the moon; Agni, the +god of fire; Pavana, the god of the wind; Kuvera, the god of wealth; +Varuna, the god of water; Yama, the god of the infernal regions. At +present four only of these gods are introduced; Indra, Yama, Agni, and +Varuna. Compare, however, Mr. <span class="smcap">Wilson</span>'s note to Vikrama and Urvasi, +Hindu Theatre, i. 219.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_34_34" id="Footnote_34_34"></a><a href="#FNanchor_34_34"><span class="label">[34]</span></a> p. 8. l. 8. <i>—equal to the god of love</i>. Manmatha, a +name of Kandarpa, or Camdeo, the god of love.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_35_35" id="Footnote_35_35"></a><a href="#FNanchor_35_35"><span class="label">[35]</span></a> p. 11. l. 2. <i>Pledge me to thy faith, O raja</i>. Bopp has +rendered '<i>pranayaswa</i>,' <i>uxorem duc</i>, but this is questionable. The +root '<i>ni</i>,' with the preposition '<i>pari</i>,' has that sense, but with +'<i>pra</i>' its usual acceptation is 'to love, to bear affection.' I have +not met with it in the sense 'to marry.' Bopp is followed by Rosen in +assigning this sense to '<i>prani</i>.' <span class="smcap">Wilson</span>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_36_36" id="Footnote_36_36"></a><a href="#FNanchor_36_36"><span class="label">[36]</span></a> p. 7. l. 4. <i>In full trust is thine</i>. Bopp connects +'<i>visrabdha</i>' with '<i>pranaya</i>,' and renders them <i>speratas nuptias</i>. I +should rather join it adverbially with '<i>sarvam</i>, all;' that is, +'yours in full trust or confidence: grant me your affection.' There is +something indelicate, though inartificial, in Damayanti's urging +matrimony so earnestly. <span class="smcap">Wilson</span>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_37_37" id="Footnote_37_37"></a><a href="#FNanchor_37_37"><span class="label">[37]</span></a> p. 11. l. 8. <i>—the vile noose will I endure</i>. Hanging +was not considered by the Hindus an undignified mode of +self-destruction. See Hindu Theatre, ii. 237 and 299.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_38_38" id="Footnote_38_38"></a><a href="#FNanchor_38_38"><span class="label">[38]</span></a> p. 11. l. 17. <i>He, who all the world compressing</i>. Nala +here recites the separate pretensions and attributes of the great +deities, first, of Hutasa, a name of Agni, the god of fire. The sense +here is extremely obscure. Bopp renders it literally. 'Qui hanc terram +totam contraxit,' seems ambiguous. It may refer to the agency of fire +in compacting the world and again consuming it, or simply shrivelling +it up, while in the act of consuming.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_39_39" id="Footnote_39_39"></a><a href="#FNanchor_39_39"><span class="label">[39]</span></a> p. 11. l. 19. <i>He, in awe of whose dread sceptre</i>. +Yama: he is called the Dharma raja, king of justice. <span class="smcap">Wilford</span> in +Asiatic Researches. Compare <span class="smcap">Southey</span>'s description in the Curse of +Kehama, Canto xxii., with the note from Wilford on which it is +founded; and his interview with Sawitri in <span class="smcap">Bopp</span>'s collection of +Extracts from the Mahábhárata.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_40_40" id="Footnote_40_40"></a><a href="#FNanchor_40_40"><span class="label">[40]</span></a> p. 11. l. 21. <i>—slayer of the infernal host</i>. Indra. +He was the conqueror of the Danavas or dæmons: +</p> +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">When through the waves of war thy charger sprang,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Each rock rebellowed, and each forest rang,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The vanquish'd Asurs felt avenging pains.—<span class="smcap">Sir W. Jones</span>, Ode to Indra.<br /></span> +</div></div> +</div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_41_41" id="Footnote_41_41"></a><a href="#FNanchor_41_41"><span class="label">[41]</span></a> p. 11. l. 23. <i>—in thy mind if thou couldst choose</i>. +(At the close full stop misprinted for comma). Varuna, the god of +waters. Schlegel and Rosen consider that a sloka, describing the +attributes of Varuna, has been lost—that in this line 'varanam, +seligendum' should be written instead of 'Varunam.' The Calcutta +edition has the same reading, however, and the change is not +necessary: if any alteration be made it should probably be in the +first word, and 'Vriyatám' be read in place of 'Kriyatám.' <span class="smcap">Wilson</span>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_42_42" id="Footnote_42_42"></a><a href="#FNanchor_42_42"><span class="label">[42]</span></a> p. 14. l. 1. <i>Came the day of happy omen</i>. The Indians, +like all other Asiatic nations, have their fortunate and unfortunate +days. The month is divided into thirty lunar days (tithis), which are +personified as nymphs. See the Dissertation on the lunar year by Sir +<span class="smcap">W. Jones</span>, Asiatic Researches, iii. 257. In the Laws of Menu are +multifarious directions concerning the day of the moon fit or unfit +for particular actions. "The dark lunar day destroys the spiritual +teacher; the fourteenth destroys the learner; the eighth and the day +of the full moon destroy all remembrance of Scripture; for which +reason he must avoid reading on those lunar days."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_43_43" id="Footnote_43_43"></a><a href="#FNanchor_43_43"><span class="label">[43]</span></a> p. 14. l. 5. <i>They, the court with golden columns, +etc.</i> The literal rendering is, 'they entered the hall (the stage, or +place of exhibition, a spacious court or quadrangle) splendid with +columns of gold, and brilliant with a portal; a temporary or triumphal +arch (torana).' There is allusion to such a porch or portal in the +Mudrá Rakshasa (Hindu Theatre, ii. 181, 182), also in the Toy Cart, +(i. 82). For gold pillars see <span class="smcap">Crawfurd</span>'s description of the Hall of +Audience at Ava. +</p><p> +"The roof is supported by a great number of pillars: with the +exception of about fourteen or fifteen inches at the bottom of each +pillar, painted of a bright red, the whole interior of the palace is +one blaze of gilding—although little reconcilable to our notions of +good taste in architecture, the building is unquestionably most +splendid and brilliant, and I doubt whether so singular and imposing a +royal edifice exists in any other country." <i>Embassy to Ava</i>, 133. +<span class="smcap">Wilson</span>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_44_44" id="Footnote_44_44"></a><a href="#FNanchor_44_44"><span class="label">[44]</span></a> p. 14. l. 10. <i>—delicate in shape and hue</i>. Bopp's +text is 'ákáravantah suslakshnah, having forms and delicate.' The +Calcutta edition reads 'ákáraverna suslakshnah, elegant in figure and +colour (complexion). Delicacy of colour, i. e. a lighter shade, +scarcely amounting to blackness at all, is in general a mark of high +caste. <span class="smcap">Wilson</span>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_45_45" id="Footnote_45_45"></a><a href="#FNanchor_45_45"><span class="label">[45]</span></a> p. 14. l.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span> 13. <i>As with serpents Bhogavati.</i> Bhogavati, +the capital of the serpents in the infernal world. In the Ramayana, +Ayodhya is described as guarded by warriors, as Bhogavati by the +serpents.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_46_46" id="Footnote_46_46"></a><a href="#FNanchor_46_46"><span class="label">[46]</span></a> p. 15. l. 22. <i>Nala's form might not discern.</i> The form +of the gods, as it is here strikingly described by the poet, differs +from that of men by the absence of those defects which constitute the +inferiority of a mortal body to that of the inhabitants of the Indian +heaven. The immortal body does not perspire, it is unsoiled by dust, +the garlands which they wear stand erect, that is, the flowers are +still blooming and fresh. The gods are further distinguished by their +strong fixed gaze, and by floating on the earth without touching it. +They have no shadow. Nala's form is the opposite of all these. +<span class="smcap">Kosegarten</span>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_47_47" id="Footnote_47_47"></a><a href="#FNanchor_47_47"><span class="label">[47]</span></a> p. 15. l. 23. <i>—saw she, and with moveless eyes</i>. "The +gods are supposed to be exempt from the momentary elevation and +depression of the upper eyelid, to which mortals are subject. Hence a +deity is called 'Animisha' or 'Animesha,' one whose eyes do not +twinkle." Mr. Wilson, in his note to Vikrama and Urvasi, (Hindu +Theatre, i. 237. p. 60.), quotes this passage, and suggests that the +"marble eyes of Venus, by which Helen knew the goddess, and which the +commentators and translators seem to be much perplexed with, are +probably the 'stabdha lochana,' the fixed eyes of the Hindus, full and +unveiled for an instant, like the eyes of a marble statue." Mr. Wilson +has, I think, been misled by the words ὁμματα μαρμαἱροντα, +which rather expresses the contrary. Μαρμαἱρω is to glitter, +and is applied in many places in Homer to the gleaming of armour. The +μαρμαριγἀς θηεἴτο ποδὤν of the Odyssey is well translated by +Gray, "glance their many-twinkling feet." In Mr. Wilson's curious +reference to Heliodorus (the passage is in the Æthiopica, iii. 13.) +the author appears to write from Egyptian rather than Grecian notions. +He extorts, somewhat violently, a meaning from Homer's words, δεινὼ δἐ εἱ ἔσσε φἁανθην, which they by no means necessarily bear; +but the analogy is as curious if Egyptian as if Grecian.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_48_48" id="Footnote_48_48"></a><a href="#FNanchor_48_48"><span class="label">[48]</span></a> p. 15. l. 25. <i>On his shadow, garland drooping</i>. +According to the Zoroastrian religion, one of the distinctions of +human beings after the restoration of all things and the final triumph +of Ormuzd, shall be that they shall cast no shadow; μἡτε σκἱαν παιοὔνταϛ. <span class="smcap">Theopomp</span>. apud Plut. de Isid. et Osirid. Compare <span class="smcap">Anquetil +du Perron</span> and <span class="smcap">Kleuker</span>, Anhang zum Zendavesta, i. 140.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_49_49" id="Footnote_49_49"></a><a href="#FNanchor_49_49"><span class="label">[49]</span></a> p. 16. l. 14. <i>And the happy pair devoutly</i>. The +devotion of the silent spirit, the purely mental worship, is the +holiest and most acceptable service to the gods. Compare <span class="smcap">Wilkins</span>, +Bhagavat-Gita, p. 74; <span class="smcap">Menu</span>, ii. 85; vi. 235.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_50_50" id="Footnote_50_50"></a><a href="#FNanchor_50_50"><span class="label">[50]</span></a> p. 16. l. 19. <i>Agni gave his own brig<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span>ht presence</i>. Agni +gave him the command of fire whenever he willed. Hutása is a name of +Agni; hut-asa, 'qui sacrificium edit,' i. e. ignis. Bopp's +explanation, 'mundos per Deum Agnem splendentes,' has been adopted as +giving the clearest sense. Varuna gave the command of water.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_51_51" id="Footnote_51_51"></a><a href="#FNanchor_51_51"><span class="label">[51]</span></a> p. 16. l. 23. <i>—each his double blessing gave</i>. Bopp +translates this, 'par liberorum dederunt,' but the original says, 'all +(or each) gave a pair,' i. e. a couple of blessings; making eight, as +stated above; each of the four gods giving two. <span class="smcap">Wilson</span>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_52_52" id="Footnote_52_52"></a><a href="#FNanchor_52_52"><span class="label">[52]</span></a> p. 17. l. 4. <i>Lived in bliss, as with his Sachi</i>. +Indra, the giant-killer; Sachi, his spouse.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_53_53" id="Footnote_53_53"></a><a href="#FNanchor_53_53"><span class="label">[53]</span></a> p. 17. l. 7. <i>Of the horse the famous offering</i>. The +reader will be best acquainted with the Aswamedha, or sacrifice of the +horse, from the spirit and felicity with which it has been introduced +by Southey in the Curse of Kehama. See also the Ramayana.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_54_54" id="Footnote_54_54"></a><a href="#FNanchor_54_54"><span class="label">[54]</span></a> p. 18. l. 2. <i>As they parted thence, with Kali</i>. +Dwapara and Kali are the names of the third and fourth ages of the +world. The latter is here personified as a male deity.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_55_55" id="Footnote_55_55"></a><a href="#FNanchor_55_55"><span class="label">[55]</span></a> p. 18. l. 17. <i>—the Puranas too the fifth</i>. In the +original 'Akhyana, history, legend.' The four Vedas are the Rig-veda, +the Yajur Veda, the Sama Veda, and the Atharvana. Akhyana is, as it +were, tradition superadded to scripture.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_56_56" id="Footnote_56_56"></a><a href="#FNanchor_56_56"><span class="label">[56]</span></a> p. 20. l. 5. <i>Nala in the dusky twilight, etc.</i> This is +rather an unmanageable passage; but the Latin translation has not +rendered its purport correctly. 'Upaspris' can in no case mean +'calcare:' it implies touching, and especially touching or sipping +water, as part of the ceremony of purification. As Menu; "Let each man +sprinkle the cavities of his body, and taste water in due form, etc." +In the text of this passage, 'upaspris' is used for touching or +sprinkling. In others, it is used in the sense of ablution, bathing. +In the lexicons it is explained 'upasparsa sparsamátre, +snánáchamanay-orapi, touch in general, ablution, sipping water.' In +the Mitákshara, on the subject of personal purification, the direction +is, after evacuations, 'Dwijo nityam upaspriset, Let the man of two +births always perform the upaspersa,' i. e. says the commentator, +'áchámet, let him sip water.' The sense of the passage of the text is, +'that Nala sat down to evening prayer; (as Menu directs, he who +repeats it sitting at evening twilight, etc.,) after performing his +purifications, and sipping water, but without having washed his feet, +such ablution being necessary not because they had been soiled, but +because such an act is also part of the rite of purification. As the +Mitakshara, 'etasmát páda prakshálana prápti, after that +purification, comes the washing of the feet,' especially prior to any +religious act. So Colebro<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span>oke: "Having washed his hands and feet, and +having sipped water, the priest sits down to worship." A. R. v. 363. +<span class="smcap">Wilson</span>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_57_57" id="Footnote_57_57"></a><a href="#FNanchor_57_57"><span class="label">[57]</span></a> p. 20. l. 12. <i>In the dice of dice embodied</i>. 'Sicut +taurus boum:' the literal translation of the phrase is explained by +the commentator Nilakantha, as 'talus inter talos eximius.' I have +adopted Schlegel's reading, which substitutes Dwapara for Kali, as +possessing the dice.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_58_58" id="Footnote_58_58"></a><a href="#FNanchor_58_58"><span class="label">[58]</span></a> p. 20. l. 23. <i>Then the charioteer advancing</i>. The +charioteer appears as one of the great officers of state: the master +of the horse would convey as lofty a meaning to an English ear.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_59_59" id="Footnote_59_59"></a><a href="#FNanchor_59_59"><span class="label">[59]</span></a> p. 21. l. 1. <i>Ill they brook this dire misfortune</i>. +Vyasana is a misfortune in a king: neglect of his duty for the +pleasures of the chase, gambling, etc.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_60_60" id="Footnote_60_60"></a><a href="#FNanchor_60_60"><span class="label">[60]</span></a> p. 22. l. 1. <i>Punyasloka, king of men</i>. Punyasloka is a +title applied to other kings celebrated in Hindu poetry, to +Yudishthira, and also to Vishnu: it means, celebrated in sacred poems. +<span class="smcap">Wilson</span>, Dict. in voce.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_61_61" id="Footnote_61_61"></a><a href="#FNanchor_61_61"><span class="label">[61]</span></a> p. 23. l. 13. <i>—to Cundina's city go</i>. Cundina is the +capital of the kingdom of Vidarbha.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_62_62" id="Footnote_62_62"></a><a href="#FNanchor_62_62"><span class="label">[62]</span></a> p. 23. l. 23. <i>Thence departing, to Ayodhya</i>. Ayodhya, +or Oude, is famous in all the early poetry of India. "On the banks of +the Suruyoo is a large country called Koshula, gay and happy, and +abounding with cattle, corn, and wealth. In that country was a famous +city called Ayodhya, built formerly by Munoo, the lord of men. A great +city, twelve yojanas in extent, the houses of which stood in triple +and long-extended rows. It was rich, and perpetually adorned with new +improvements; the streets and valleys were admirably disposed, and the +principal streets well watered. It was filled with merchants of +various descriptions, and adorned with abundance of jewels; difficult +of access, filled with spacious houses, beautified with gardens, and +groves of mango trees, surrounded by a deep and impassable moat, and +completely furnished with arms; was ornamented with stately gates and +porticoes, and constantly guarded by archers, etc. etc." Ramayana, +translated by <span class="smcap">Carey</span> and <span class="smcap">Marshman</span>, vol. i. p. 60.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_63_63" id="Footnote_63_63"></a><a href="#FNanchor_63_63"><span class="label">[63]</span></a> p. 25. l. 16. <i>—to the region of the south</i>. +Dakshinaptha signifies properly the land on the right hand; as in the +Semitic language the south is that which is on the right hand. It +means here the land to the south of the Nerbudda. Dakshinapatha is +very probably meant in the word used by Arrian, Dachinab<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span>ades. +<span class="smcap">Kosegarten</span>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_64_64" id="Footnote_64_64"></a><a href="#FNanchor_64_64"><span class="label">[64]</span></a> p. 25. l. 17. <i>Passing by Avanti's city</i>. Avanti, which +Bopp makes a mountain, according to Kosegarten and Mr. Wilson is a +city, Oujein. Bopp draws a somewhat fanciful analogy between Avanti +and the Aventine at Rome. He refers also to Himavan, qu. Mavanten, +'montem.' The philological student will do well to consult this note +of Bopp. In the Meghadúta, Oujein is Aventi: +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Behold the city, whose immortal fame,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Glows in Avanti's or Visala's name. line 193.<br /></span> +</div></div> +<p> +The synonyms of Oujein are thus enumerated by Hemachandra: Ujjayini, +Visála, Avanti, and Pashparavandini. Rikshaván, i. e. bear-having, the +mount of bears, is part of the Vindhya chain, separating Malwa from +Kandesh and Berar. <span class="smcap">Wilson</span>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_65_65" id="Footnote_65_65"></a><a href="#FNanchor_65_65"><span class="label">[65]</span></a> p. 25. l. 18. <i>Vindhya here, the mighty mountain</i>. See +note to 'Cloud-Messenger,' page 92 to 94. Compare likewise Asiatic +Researches, i. p. 380, where, in one of the famous inscriptions on the +staff of Feroz Shah, it is named as one of the boundaries of +Aryaverta, the land of virtue, or India. It is named also in the +curious Indian grant of land found at Tanna. Asiatic Researches, i. +366.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_66_66" id="Footnote_66_66"></a><a href="#FNanchor_66_66"><span class="label">[66]</span></a> p. 25. l. 18. <i>—and Payoshni's seaward stream</i>. +Payoshni, a river that flows from the Vindhya, mentioned in the +Brahmanda Purana. Asiatic Researches, viii. 341.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_67_67" id="Footnote_67_67"></a><a href="#FNanchor_67_67"><span class="label">[67]</span></a> p. 25. l. 20. <i>—this to Cosala away</i>. Cosala, a city +of Ayodhya, or Oude. Cosala is mentioned in the Brahmanda Purana as +beyond the Vindhya mountains. Asiatic Researches, viii. 343.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_68_68" id="Footnote_68_68"></a><a href="#FNanchor_68_68"><span class="label">[68]</span></a> p. 27. l. 7. <i>Both together by one garment</i>. The poet +supposes that Damayanti had bestowed half her single garment upon +Nala. <span class="smcap">Bopp</span>. This, however, does not appear to be the case.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_69_69" id="Footnote_69_69"></a><a href="#FNanchor_69_69"><span class="label">[69]</span></a> p. 28. l. 4. <i>From her virtue none dare harm her</i>. +Spenser's Una, and still more the lady in Comus, will recur to the +remembrance of the English reader. See Quarterly Review, vol. xlv. p. +20.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_70_70" id="Footnote_70_70"></a><a href="#FNanchor_70_70"><span class="label">[70]</span></a> p. 28. l. 24. <i>—may the genii of the woods</i>. He calls +on the Adityas, Vasavas, and Rudras, the Aswinas, the Maruts. This is +the literal version. They are different orders of genii, each +consisting of a definite number. The Adityas are twelve, and preside +over the different months. They are cal<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span>led the children of Kasyapa and +of Aditi his wife. According to Mr. Wilkins (notes to the +Bhagavat-Gita, p. 144), they are no more than emblems of the sun for +each month in the year. Mr. Wilkins gives their names: +</p><p> +The Vasavas, or Vasus, are eight. Indra is the first. They are the +guardians of the world, and apparently the same with the eight gods +mentioned in the early part of the poem. +</p><p> +The Rudras are eleven; according to some the eleven personifications +of Siva, who bears the name of Rudra. Bhagavat-Gita, p. 85. note 144. +"The lord of creation meditated profoundly on the earth, and created +the gods, the Vasus, Rudras, and Adityas." <span class="smcap">Colebrooke</span>, in Asiatic +Researches, viii. 453. +</p><p> +For the Aswinas see former note. +</p><p> +The Maruts are forty-nine: they preside over the winds (<span class="smcap">Menu</span>, iii. +88.) The chief god of the wind, Pavana, is called Marut. Their origin +is described in the Ramayana, i. 420. See also the Hindu Pantheon, p. +92.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_71_71" id="Footnote_71_71"></a><a href="#FNanchor_71_71"><span class="label">[71]</span></a> p. 30. l. 14. <i>Hence one moment, thus deserted</i>. Conjugal duty is +carried to a great height in the laws of Menu: "Though unobservant of +approved usages, or enamoured of another woman, or devoid of good +qualities, yet a husband must constantly be revered as a god by a +virtuous wife." v. 154.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_72_72" id="Footnote_72_72"></a><a href="#FNanchor_72_72"><span class="label">[72]</span></a> p. 31. l. 11. <i>—in the satyr-haunted wood</i>. Swapada, dog-footed: +the dog is an unclean animal in India. As the goat-footed, the +'capripedes satyri' in Greece, I have thought the satyr not so +exclusively Greek but that it might be used for any "wild man of the +woods." The word is also derived from 'swan, a dog,' and 'ápad, to +resemble,' and is explained by Mr. Wilson, ferocious, savage.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_73_73" id="Footnote_73_73"></a><a href="#FNanchor_73_73"><span class="label">[73]</span></a> p. 32. l. 21. <i>—uttered loud her curse of wrath</i>. The power of a +curse, according to Indian belief, will be best illustrated to the +reader of English poetry by "the Curse of Kehama." In the "Death of +Yajnadatta," included in this volume, we find the effects of a +Brahmin's curse described.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_74_74" id="Footnote_74_74"></a><a href="#FNanchor_74_74"><span class="label">[74]</span></a> p. 33. l. 5. <i>Trees of every form and stature</i>. I have omitted a +long list of trees, the names of which, conveying no notion to an +English ear, and wanting the characteristic epithets of Ovid's or of +Spenser's well-known and picturesque forest description, would only +perplex the reader with several lines of unintelligible words. To the +Indian ear these names, pregnant with pleasing associations, and +descriptive in their etymological meaning, would no doubt convey the +same delight as those of the Latin or English poet.</p></div> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span></p> +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_75_75" id="Footnote_75_75"></a><a href="#FNanchor_75_75"><span class="label">[75]</span></a> p. 33. l. 9. <i>—serpents, elves, and giants saw</i>. Kosegarten has +translated this word 'elves:' they are a kind of evil spirit. In Menu, +ii. 96, they are named with the Yakshas and Rakshasas as partaking of +unclean food.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_76_76" id="Footnote_76_76"></a><a href="#FNanchor_76_76"><span class="label">[76]</span></a> p. 35. l. 22. <i>All the trees of richest foliage</i>. A general +description has again been substituted in these two lines for the +names of various trees.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_77_77" id="Footnote_77_77"></a><a href="#FNanchor_77_77"><span class="label">[77]</span></a> p. 36. l. 4. <i>—of the regal sacrifice</i>. The king's offering. See +<span class="smcap">Colebrooke</span>, in Asiatic Researches, viii. 430.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_78_78" id="Footnote_78_78"></a><a href="#FNanchor_78_78"><span class="label">[78]</span></a> p. 36. l. 15. <i>—soma quaffing, fire adoring</i>. Soma, the juice of +the Asclepias acida, the moon plant. Drinking the expressed juice of +this plant is a holy ceremony, used at the completion of a sacrifice, +and sanctifies the drinker. "He alone is worthy to drink the juice of +the moon plant who keep a provision of grain sufficient to supply +those whom the law commands him to nourish, for the term of three +years or more. But a twice-born man, who keeps a less provision of +grain, yet presumes to taste the juice of the moon plant, shall gather +no fruit from that sacrament, even though he taste it at the first or +solemn, or much less at any occasional ceremony." <span class="smcap">Menu</span>, iii. 197. All +the ancestors of the Brahmins are 'Soma-pas, moon-plant drinkers.'</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_79_79" id="Footnote_79_79"></a><a href="#FNanchor_79_79"><span class="label">[79]</span></a> p. 36. l. 15. <i>—fire adoring</i>. Watching or maintaining the +sacred fire is another duty: it peculiarly belongs to priests and +hermits. The latter may watch the fire mentally: "Then having +reposited his holy fires, as the law directs, in his mind, let him +live without external fire, without a mansion, wholly silent, feeding +on roots and fruit." <span class="smcap">Menu</span>, vi. 25.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_80_80" id="Footnote_80_80"></a><a href="#FNanchor_80_80"><span class="label">[80]</span></a> p. 37. l. 2. <i>—sweet as the amrita draught</i>. For the amrita, the +drink of immortality, see Curse of Kehama, the extract from the +Mahábhárata quoted by Mr. Wilkins in his notes to the Bhagavat-Gita, +and Ramayana, I. 410.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_81_81" id="Footnote_81_81"></a><a href="#FNanchor_81_81"><span class="label">[81]</span></a> p. 37. l. 10. <i>To the ancient famous hermits</i>. These famous +hermits, whose names I have omitted, were Bhrigu, Atri, and Vasishta.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_82_82" id="Footnote_82_82"></a><a href="#FNanchor_82_82"><span class="label">[82]</span></a> p. 37. l. 11. <i>Self-denying, strict in diet</i>. The sixth book of +Menu is filled with instructions to those who are engaged in 'tapasa:' +it is entitled, "On Devotion." "When the father of a family perceives +his muscles become flaccid, and his hair gray, and sees the child of +his child, let him then seek r<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span>efuge in a forest. Abandoning all food +eaten in towns, and all his household utensils, let him repair to the +lonely wood, committing the care of his wife to her sons, or +accompanied by her, if she choose to attend him. Let him take up his +consecrated fire, and all his domestic implements of making oblations +to it, and departing from the town to the forest, let him dwell in it +with complete power over his organs of sense and of action. With many +sorts of pure food, such as holy sages used to eat, with green herbs, +roots, and fruit, let him perform the five great sacraments before +mentioned, introducing them with due ceremonies. Let him wear a black +antelope's hide, or a vesture of bark; let him suffer the hairs of his +head, his beard, and his nails, to grow continually." <span class="smcap">Menu</span>, vi. 2. et +seqq.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_83_83" id="Footnote_83_83"></a><a href="#FNanchor_83_83"><span class="label">[83]</span></a> p. 37. l. 18. <i>pulchris femoribus</i>. Clausulam hanc prudens omisi.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_84_84" id="Footnote_84_84"></a><a href="#FNanchor_84_84"><span class="label">[84]</span></a> p. 37. l. 25. <i>Take thy seat, they said, oh lady</i>. The +hospitality of the hermits to Damayanti is strictly according to law. +"With presents of water, roots, and fruit, let him honour those who +visit his hermitage."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_85_85" id="Footnote_85_85"></a><a href="#FNanchor_85_85"><span class="label">[85]</span></a> p. 37. l. 27. <i>In your sacred fires, your worship.</i> "Let him, as +the law directs, make oblations on the hearth with three sacred +fires." <span class="smcap">Menu</span>, vi. 9. Compare iv. 25.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_86_86" id="Footnote_86_86"></a><a href="#FNanchor_86_86"><span class="label">[86]</span></a> p. 37. l. 27. <i>—blameless, with your beasts and birds.</i> Hermits +were to have "a tender affection for all animated bodies," <span class="smcap">Menu</span>, vi. +8.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_87_87" id="Footnote_87_87"></a><a href="#FNanchor_87_87"><span class="label">[87]</span></a> p. 38. l. 12. <i>—twice-born Sages, know ye me</i>. The three first +castes are "twice-born." The first birth is from the natural mother; +the second from the ligation of the zone; the third from the due +performance of the sacrifice: such are the births of him who is +usually called twice-born, according to the text of the Veda: among +them his divine birth is that which is distinguished by the ligation +of the zone and sacrificial cord, and in that birth the Gayatri is his +mother, and the Acharya his father. <span class="smcap">Menu</span>, ii. 169.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_88_88" id="Footnote_88_88"></a><a href="#FNanchor_88_88"><span class="label">[88]</span></a> p. 39. l. 15. <i>Through devotion now we see him</i>. The kind of +prophetic trance, in which holy men, abstracted from all earthly +thoughts, were enwrapt, enabled them to see things future.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_89_89" id="Footnote_89_89"></a><a href="#FNanchor_89_89"><span class="label">[89]</span></a> p. 40. l. 6. <i>Best of trees, the Asoca blooming</i>. The Asoca is a +shrub consecrated to Mahadeva; men and women of all classes ought to +bathe, on a particular day, in some holy stream, especially the +Brahma-putra, and drink water with the buds of the Asoca floating in +it. This shrub is planted near<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span> the temples of Siva, and grows +abundantly on Ceylon. Sita is said to have been confined in a grove of +it, while in captivity by Ravana; other relators say that she was +confined in a place or house called Asocavan. The Asoca is a plant of +the first order of the eighth class, of leguminous fructification, and +bears flowers of exquisite beauty. Van Rheede (Hortus Malab. vol. v. +tab. 59.) calls it Asjogam. See Asiatic Researches, iii. 254, 277. +<span class="smcap">Moor</span>, Hindu Pantheon, 55.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_90_90" id="Footnote_90_90"></a><a href="#FNanchor_90_90"><span class="label">[90]</span></a> p. 40. l. 17. <i>Truly be thou named Asoca</i>. Asoca, from <i>a</i>, +privative, and <i>soka</i>, grief: a play of words, as when Helen, in +Euripides, is called 'Ελενασ, the destroyer of ships.' Many +other instances will occur to the classical reader. In Malati and +Madhava, the forlorn lover in turn addresses different objects of +nature, the clouds, the birds, and the elephants, to inform him +whether they have seen his lost mistress. <span class="smcap">Act</span> ix. See, however, Mr. +<span class="smcap">Wilson</span>'s note, who seems to think that he addresses the sylvan +deities.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_91_91" id="Footnote_91_91"></a><a href="#FNanchor_91_91"><span class="label">[91]</span></a> p. 42. l. 8. <i>—Manibhadra, guard us well</i>. Manibhadra, the +tutelar deity of travellers and merchants: probably a name of Kuvera, +the god of wealth.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_92_92" id="Footnote_92_92"></a><a href="#FNanchor_92_92"><span class="label">[92]</span></a> p. 42. l. 11. <i>To the realm of Chedi's sovereign</i>. Chedi is the +name of the country now called Chandail. The country is perpetually +named in the marriage of Roukmini, extracted from the Harivansa by +Mons. <span class="smcap">Langlois</span>, Monumens de l'Inde, p. 96.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_93_93" id="Footnote_93_93"></a><a href="#FNanchor_93_93"><span class="label">[93]</span></a> p. 43. Compare the Raghuvansa, ch. v. 43 to 49.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><a name="Footnote_94_94" id="Footnote_94_94"></a><a href="#FNanchor_94_94"><span class="label">[94]</span></a> p. 43. l. 12. + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">—<i>lo, a herd of elephants,</i><br /></span> +<span class="i2"><i>Oozing moisture from their temples</i>—<br /></span> +</div></div> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><i>Where the wild elephant delights to shed</i><br /></span> +<span class="i0"><i>The juice exuding fragrant from his head</i><br /></span> +</div></div> +<p class="sig2"><span class="smcap">Wilson</span>'s Cloud-Messenger, p. 127, and note.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_95_95" id="Footnote_95_95"></a><a href="#FNanchor_95_95"><span class="label">[95]</span></a> p. 44. l. 7. <i>—the three worlds seemed all appalled</i>. Swerga, +heaven, Martya or Bhumi, the earth, and Patala, hell.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_96_96" id="Footnote_96_96"></a><a href="#FNanchor_96_96"><span class="label">[96]</span></a> p. 44. l. 21. <i>And Vaisravana the holy</i>. Vaisravana is another +name of Kuvera, the god of wealth.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_97_97" id="Footnote_97_97"></a><a href="#FNanchor_97_97"><span class="label">[97]</span></a> p. 45. l. 13. <i>In some former life committed</i>. The soul, in its +transmigration, expiates the sins committed in a former state of +being. This necessary corollary from the doctrine of the +metempsychosis appear to have prevailed among the pharisaic Jews in +the time of our Saviour: "Master, wh<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span>o did sin, this man or his +parents, that he was born blind." <span class="smcap">John</span>, ix. 2.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_98_98" id="Footnote_98_98"></a><a href="#FNanchor_98_98"><span class="label">[98]</span></a> p. 46. l. 15. <i>—in their curious gamesome play</i>. Kutuhalát, +rendered by Bopp 'cum voluptate,' means, 'from curiosity.' <span class="smcap">Wilson</span>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_99_99" id="Footnote_99_99"></a><a href="#FNanchor_99_99"><span class="label">[99]</span></a> p. 47. l. 13. <i>I with but one robe, him naked</i>. Bopp's text is +incorrect here. Instead of 'Tam. ekavasanam,' the accusative +masculine, it should be 'Tam. ekavasaná, I with one garment clad,' the +nominative feminine, referring to Damayanti, not to Nala: "I with one +garment following him naked and deprived of reason, like one crazed, +had not slept for many nights." <span class="smcap">Wilson</span>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_100_100" id="Footnote_100_100"></a><a href="#FNanchor_100_100"><span class="label">[100]</span></a> p. 47. l. 28. <i>That I eat not broken victuals</i>. Among the kinds +of food proscribed to a Brahmin are, "the food of a servile man and +the orts of another."</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_101_101" id="Footnote_101_101"></a><a href="#FNanchor_101_101"><span class="label">[101]</span></a> p. 47. l. 28. <i>—wash not feet with menial hand</i>. The Latin +translation, 'ne faciam pedibus cursum,' is faulty: the sense is, +"that I perform not washing of the feet." Damayanti means that she is +not to perform menial offices appropriated to persons of low caste. +Stipulating for a carriage would be rather extraordinary. <span class="smcap">Wilson</span>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_102_102" id="Footnote_102_102"></a><a href="#FNanchor_102_102"><span class="label">[102]</span></a> p. 49. l. 9. <i>Nárada, the famous hermit</i>. One of the Devarshis, +and a great prophet, who is supposed to be still wandering about the +world. 'Nara' signifies a thread or clew, a precept, and 'da,' giver. +Whenever he appears he is constantly employed in giving good counsel. +<span class="smcap">Wilkins</span>, note on Bhagavat-Gita.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_103_103" id="Footnote_103_103"></a><a href="#FNanchor_103_103"><span class="label">[103]</span></a> p. 49. l. 23. <i>Ere the tenth step he had counted—him the sudden +serpent bit</i>. 'Dasa' means both 'bite' and 'ten.'</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_104_104" id="Footnote_104_104"></a><a href="#FNanchor_104_104"><span class="label">[104]</span></a> p. 50. l. 12. <i>Neither Brahmin fear, nor Sages</i>. In Indian +poetry four classes of holy men, or Rishis, are distinguished, and +rise, one above the other, in the following rank: Rajarshis, royal +Rishis; Maharshis, great Rishis; Brahmarshis, Brahminical Rishis; and +Dewarshis, divine Rishis. <span class="smcap">Kosegarten</span>. Another enumeration specifies +seven grades. <span class="smcap">Wilson</span>, in voce.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_105_105" id="Footnote_105_105"></a><a href="#FNanchor_105_105"><span class="label">[105]</span></a> p. 50. l. 26. <i>Saying thus, of vests celestial—gave he to the +king a pair</i>. The dress of a Hindu consists of two pieces of cloth, +one, the lower garment fastened round his waist, and one the upper +garment thrown loosely and gracefully over the shoulders. <span class="smcap">Wilson</span>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_106_106" id="Footnote_106_106"></a><a href="#FNanchor_106_106"><span class="label">[106]</span></a> p. 51. l. 6. <i>In the art of dressing viands</i>. This, it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span> will be +remembered, was one of the gifts bestowed by the gods on Nala at his +marriage.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_107_107" id="Footnote_107_107"></a><a href="#FNanchor_107_107"><span class="label">[107]</span></a> p. 51. l. 12. <i>—hundred hundreds is thy pay</i>. Suvarnas, a +certain measure of gold. <span class="smcap">Wilson</span>, Dict. in voce.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_108_108" id="Footnote_108_108"></a><a href="#FNanchor_108_108"><span class="label">[108]</span></a> p. 52. l. 2. There is in the text a second line, repeating the +same sentiment. Bopp proposes to reject the first, I have omitted the +second.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_109_109" id="Footnote_109_109"></a><a href="#FNanchor_109_109"><span class="label">[109]</span></a> p. 53. l. 7. <i>And a royal grant for maintenance</i>. See Bopp's +note. I have adopted the second sense of the word Agrahārah. Such +grants were not uncommon in India, as throughout the east. See the +grants on copper-plates found near Bombay, Asiatic Researches, i. 362. +So the well-known gifts of the king of Persia to Themistocles.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_110_110" id="Footnote_110_110"></a><a href="#FNanchor_110_110"><span class="label">[110]</span></a> p. 53. l. 15. <i>—on a royal holiday</i>. A day proclaimed as +fortunate by the king.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_111_111" id="Footnote_111_111"></a><a href="#FNanchor_111_111"><span class="label">[111]</span></a> p. 54. l. 1. <i>—like Manmatha's queen divine</i>. The bride of +Kámadeva is Rati, pleasure.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_112_112" id="Footnote_112_112"></a><a href="#FNanchor_112_112"><span class="label">[112]</span></a> p. 54. ls. 4—10. This long train of similes, in which the images +of the lotus flower and the moon so perpetually occur, is too +characteristic to be omitted or compressed. I have here and there used +the license of a paraphrase.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_113_113" id="Footnote_113_113"></a><a href="#FNanchor_113_113"><span class="label">[113]</span></a> p. 54. l. 5. <i>Like the pallid night, when Rahu</i>. This is a +favourite simile of the Indian poets. +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">That snatched my love from the uplifted sword,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Like the pale moon from Rahu's ravenous jaws.<br /></span> +</div></div> +<p class="sig2"> +<span class="smcap">Wilson's</span> Malati and Madhava, p. 62.<br /> +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i4">————-and now thou fall'st, a prey<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To death, like the full moon to Rahu's jaws<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Consigned.<br /></span> +</div></div> +<p class="sig2"> +Ibid. p. 115. +</p><p> +In Indian mythology, eclipses are caused by the dragon Rahu attempting +to swallow up the moon. The origin of their hostility is given in a +passage quoted by Mr. Wilkins from the Mahabharata, in his notes to +the Bhagavat-Gita:—"And so it fell out that when the Soors were +quenching their thirst for immortality, Rahu, an Asoor, assumed the +form of a Soor, and begun to drink also; and the water had but reached +his throat, when the sun and moon, in friendship to the Soors, +discovered the deceit, and instantly Narayan cut off his head as he +was drinking, with his splendid weapon, chakra. And the gigantic head +of the Asoor, emblem of a monstrous summit, being thus separated from +his body by the chakra's edge, bounded into the heavens with a +dreadful cry, whilst the ponderous trunk fell, cleaving the ground +asunder, and shaking the whole earth unto its foundations, with all +its islands, rocks, and forest. And from this time the head of Rahu +resolved on eternal enmity, and continueth even unto this day at times +to seize upon the sun and moon." p. 149.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span></p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_114_114" id="Footnote_114_114"></a><a href="#FNanchor_114_114"><span class="label">[114]</span></a> p. 54. l. 15. <i>To the unadorned a husband.</i> "Married women must +be honoured and adorned by their fathers and brethren, by their +husbands, and by the brethren of their husbands, if they seek abundant +prosperity." <span class="smcap">Menu</span>, iii, 55.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_115_115" id="Footnote_115_115"></a><a href="#FNanchor_115_115"><span class="label">[115]</span></a> p. 54. l. 22.—<i>the moon's bride</i>. Rohinia. The moon, as in the +northern mythologies, is a male deity. See <span class="smcap">Wilford</span>, in Asiatic +Researches, iii, 384. Rohinia is explained by Mr. Wilson, the fourth +lunar asterism, figured by a wheeled carriage, and containing five +stars, probably α β γ δ ε, Tauri. In mythology the asterism +is personified as one of the daughters of Daksha, and wives of the +moon.—Sanscrit Dict. in voce. Comp. Vikrama and Urvasi, p. 57.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_116_116" id="Footnote_116_116"></a><a href="#FNanchor_116_116"><span class="label">[116]</span></a> p. 57. <i>Dasarna</i>. Dasarna is mentioned in the Cloud Messenger of +Kalidasa. +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Dasarna's fields await the coming shower.<br /></span> +</div></div> +<p> +See likewise Mr. Wilson's note, p. 37.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_117_117" id="Footnote_117_117"></a><a href="#FNanchor_117_117"><span class="label">[117]</span></a> p. 59. l. 2. <i>By the wind within the forest—fanned, intensely +burns the fire.</i> Kosegarten supposes this to mean, that as the +incessant wind kindles the fire in the grove of bamboos, so their +repeated words may fan the fire of pity in the heart of Nala.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_118_118" id="Footnote_118_118"></a><a href="#FNanchor_118_118"><span class="label">[118]</span></a> p. 63. l. 9. <i>To desire this deed unholy.</i> A second marriage in +a woman is considered in India an inexpiable breach of conjugal +fidelity. "A virtuous wife ascends to heaven, though she have no +child, if after the decease of her lord she devotes herself to pious +austerity. But a widow, who from a wish to bear children, slights her +deceased husband by marrying again, brings disgrace on herself here +below, and shall be excluded from the seat of her lord." <span class="smcap">Menu</span>, v, +160-161. "She who neglects her former (purva) lord, though of a lower +class, and takes another (para) of a higher, becomes despicable in +this world, and is called para purva, or one who had a different +husband before." Ibid. 163.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_119_119" id="Footnote_119_119"></a><a href="#FNanchor_119_119"><span class="label">[119]</span></a> p. 64. l. 4. <i>With the ten good marks distinguished.</i> Avarttas +are "locks," curls, or twists of the hair in certain forms on +different parts of the body—here they are apparently: forehead 1, +head 2, chest 2, ribs 2, flanks 2, crupper 1. In the Magha, v. 9, we +have the term Avarttina applied to horses; on<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span> which the commentator +observes, "Avarttina signifies horses having the ten Avarttas, marks +of excellence; they are, two on the breast, two on the head, two on +the hollows of the ribs, two on the hollows of the flanks, and one on +the crupper (Prapata); these are called the ten Avarttas. Avartta +means an eddy, or whirlpool, and the name is applied to dispositions +of the hair of a horse which resemble a whirlpool." <span class="smcap">Wilson</span>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_120_120" id="Footnote_120_120"></a><a href="#FNanchor_120_120"><span class="label">[120]</span></a> p. 64. l. 4. <i>—born in Sindhu</i>. The Sindhu is the Indian name +for the Indus; the neighbouring territory is called Sind. See Asiatic +Researches, viii. 336.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_121_121" id="Footnote_121_121"></a><a href="#FNanchor_121_121"><span class="label">[121]</span></a> p. 65. l. 7. <i>Matali</i>. The charioteer of Indra. See Rhaguvansa, +xii, 86, and Sacontala.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_122_122" id="Footnote_122_122"></a><a href="#FNanchor_122_122"><span class="label">[122]</span></a> p. 66. l. 10. <i>Ten miles, lo, it lies beyond us.</i> A Yojana; +according to some eleven, according to others five or six English +miles. I have given a round number.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_123_123" id="Footnote_123_123"></a><a href="#FNanchor_123_123"><span class="label">[123]</span></a> p. 66. l. 12. <i>Vibhitak</i>. 'Beleric Myrobalan.' <span class="smcap">Wilson</span>, Sanscrit +Dict. in voce.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_124_124" id="Footnote_124_124"></a><a href="#FNanchor_124_124"><span class="label">[124]</span></a> p. 66. l. 21. <i>Kotis</i>. A Koti is ten millions.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_125_125" id="Footnote_125_125"></a><a href="#FNanchor_125_125"><span class="label">[125]</span></a> p. 68. l. 11. <i>Kali</i>. It must be remembered that Kali, while +within the body of Nala, had been enchanted by the serpent Karkotaka.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_126_126" id="Footnote_126_126"></a><a href="#FNanchor_126_126"><span class="label">[126]</span></a> p. 68. l. 16. Damayanti; who had cursed in the forest all who had +caused the misery of Nala.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_127_127" id="Footnote_127_127"></a><a href="#FNanchor_127_127"><span class="label">[127]</span></a> p. 68. l. 25. Compare Prospero's power in the Tempest.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_128_128" id="Footnote_128_128"></a><a href="#FNanchor_128_128"><span class="label">[128]</span></a> p. 70. l. 4. <i>All the region round him echoing—with the thunders +of his car.</i> This scene rather reminds us of the watchman reporting +the rapid approach of Jehu, "The driving is like the driving of Jehu +the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously." II Kings ix, 20.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_129_129" id="Footnote_129_129"></a><a href="#FNanchor_129_129"><span class="label">[129]</span></a> p. 70. l. 6. <i>In their joy they pawed and trampled.</i> The horses +of Nala had been before conveyed to the city of king Bhima by +Varshneya.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_130_130" id="Footnote_130_130"></a><a href="#FNanchor_130_130"><span class="label">[130]</span></a> p. 70. l. 16. <i>—as at sound of coming rain.</i> The rejoicing of +the peacocks at the approach of rain is very sweetly described in the +play of Malati and Madhava, translated by Mr. Wilson. +<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span></p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Ah Malati, how can I bear to contemplate<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The young Tamala, bowed beneath the weight<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of the light rain; the quivering drops that dance<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Before the cooling gale; the joyful cry<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That echoes round, as pleased the pea-fowl hail<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The bow of heaven propitious to their loves.—p. 108.<br /></span> +</div></div> +<p> +In the Cloud Messenger, the Yaksha who addresses the cloud, fears lest +it should be delayed by the cry of the peacock— +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Or can the peacock's animated hail<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The bird with lucid eyes, to lure thee fail.—l. 147.<br /></span> +</div></div> +<p> +In another passage, +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Pleased on each terrace, dancing with delight,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The friendly peacock hails thy grateful flight.—l. 215.<br /></span> +</div></div> + +</div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_131_131" id="Footnote_131_131"></a><a href="#FNanchor_131_131"><span class="label">[131]</span></a> p. 76. l. 19. <i>—much and various viands came</i>. The reader must +remember the various gifts bestowed on king Nala by the gods upon his +marriage.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_132_132" id="Footnote_132_132"></a><a href="#FNanchor_132_132"><span class="label">[132]</span></a> p. 77. l. 22. <i>—of her mouth ablution made</i>. Washing the mouth +after food, which Damayanti in her height of emotion does not forget, +is a duty strictly enjoined in the Indian law, which so rigidly +enforces personal cleanliness. "With a remnant of food in the mouth, +or when the Sraddha has recently been eaten, let no man even meditate +in his heart on the holy texts." <span class="smcap">Menu</span>, iv, 109. "Having slumbered, +having sneezed, having eaten, having spitten, having told untruths, +having drunk water, and going to read sacred books, let him, though +pure, wash his mouth." v. 145.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_133_133" id="Footnote_133_133"></a><a href="#FNanchor_133_133"><span class="label">[133]</span></a> p. 79. l. 17. <i>—hair dishevelled, mire-defiled</i>. As a sign of +sorrow and mourning.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_134_134" id="Footnote_134_134"></a><a href="#FNanchor_134_134"><span class="label">[134]</span></a> p. 80. l. 4. <i>I will be.</i> "I will be," must be the commencement +of the prayer uttered by the bridegroom at the time of marriage. It +does not correspond with any of those cited by Mr. Colebrooke. It is +probably analogous to that given by him, Asiatic Researches, viii, p. +301. <span class="smcap">Wilson</span>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_135_135" id="Footnote_135_135"></a><a href="#FNanchor_135_135"><span class="label">[135]</span></a> p. 81. l. 11. <i>He through all the world that wanders—witness the +all-seeing lord.</i> See the curious Law of Ordeal, Asiatic Researches, +vol. i, p. 402, "On the trial by fire, let both hands of the accused +be rubbed with rice in the husk, and well examined: then let seven +leaves of the Aswatha (the religious fig-tree) be placed on them, and +bound with seven threads." Thou, O fire, pervadest all beings; O cause +of purity, who givest evidence of virtue and of sin, declare the trut<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span>h +in this my hand.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_136_136" id="Footnote_136_136"></a><a href="#FNanchor_136_136"><span class="label">[136]</span></a> p. 81. l. 27. <i>—flowers fell showering all around.</i> These +heavenly beings are ever ready, in the machinery of Hindu epics, to +perform their pleasing office (of showering flowers on the head of the +happy pair) on every important occasion: they are called +Pushpa-vrishti, or flower-rainers. <span class="smcap">Moor</span>, Hindu Pantheon, 194. See in +the Raghuvansa, ii, 60. No sooner has king Dílípa offered himself to +die for the sacred cow of his Brahminical preceptor, than "a shower of +flowers" falls upon him.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_137_137" id="Footnote_137_137"></a><a href="#FNanchor_137_137"><span class="label">[137]</span></a> p. 86. l. 3. <i>—stands the Apsara in heaven.</i> The birth of the +Apsarasas is thus related in the Ramayana. +</p> +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Then from the agitated deep upsprung<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The legion of Apsarasas, so named<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That to the watery element they owed<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Their being. Myriads were they born, and all<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In vesture heavenly clad, and heavenly gems;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yet more divine their native semblance, rich<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With all the gifts of grace and youth and beauty.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">A train innumerous followed, yet thus fair<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nor god nor demon sought their widowed love;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Thus Rághava they still remain, their charms<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The common treasure of the host of heaven.<br /></span> +</div></div> +<p class="sig"> +—<span class="smcap">Wilson</span>'s Translation, Preface to the Drama of Vikrama and Urvasi, p. 13.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_138_138" id="Footnote_138_138"></a><a href="#FNanchor_138_138"><span class="label">[138]</span></a> p. 87. l. 16. <i>Pushkara appeased.</i> The Calcutta edition has a +better reading than that of Bopp. Instead of Prasantè Pushkare +(Pushkara appeased), it is Prasantè tu pure, (the city being tranquil, +the rejoicings having ceased). <span class="smcap">Wilson</span>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_139_139" id="Footnote_139_139"></a><a href="#FNanchor_139_139"><span class="label">[139]</span></a> p. 87. l. 21. <i>Nala sate, as in Nandana</i>. Nandâna is the garden +of Indra.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_140_140" id="Footnote_140_140"></a><a href="#FNanchor_140_140"><span class="label">[140]</span></a> p. 87. l. 23. <i>Ruled his realm in Jambudwípa</i>. Sic in Puranis +India nominatur. <span class="smcap">Bopp</span>.</p></div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="NOTES_1" id="NOTES_1"></a>NOTES TO<br /> + + +THE DEATH OF YAJNADATTA.</h2> +<div class="footnotes"> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_141_141" id="Footnote_141_141"></a><a href="#FNanchor_141_141"><span class="label">[141]</span></a> p. 91. l. 15. <i>So I the lovely Amra left</i>. The Amra is the +Mangifern Indica. This tree is not only valuable in the estimation of +the Indians for the excellence of its fruits; the belief that the +burning juice of its flowers is used to steep the darts of love, +enhances their veneration for this beautiful tree. It is frequently +mentioned in their poetry. <span class="smcap">M. Chezy</span>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_142_142" id="Footnote_142_142"></a><a href="#FNanchor_142_142"><span class="label">[142]</span></a> p. 91. l. 15. <i>—for the Palasa's barren bloom</i>. The Palasa is +the Butea Frondosa of Koenig. Its flowers, of great beauty, are +papilionaceous; and its fruit, entirely without use in domestic +economy, compared particularly with the Amra, may well be called +barren. <span class="smcap">M. Chezy</span>. See Sir W. Jones's Essay on the Botany of India; and +the Asiatic Researches, vol. iii.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_143_143" id="Footnote_143_143"></a><a href="#FNanchor_143_143"><span class="label">[143]</span></a> p. 91. l. 19. <i>—hath fallen upon my fatal head</i>. "Yes, iniquity +once committed, fails not of producing fruit to him who wrought it; if +not in his own person, yet in his son's; or if not in his son's, yet +in his grandson's." <span class="smcap">Menu</span>, iv. 173.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_144_144" id="Footnote_144_144"></a><a href="#FNanchor_144_144"><span class="label">[144]</span></a> p. 92. l. 2. <i>—where haunt the spirits of the dead!</i> The south; +the realm of Yama, the judge of the dead.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_145_145" id="Footnote_145_145"></a><a href="#FNanchor_145_145"><span class="label">[145]</span></a> p. 92. l. 3. <i>—on high the welcome clouds appeared</i>. The beauty +of nature after the rainy season has refreshed the earth, is a +favourite topic in Indian poetry. The Cloud Messenger, so gracefully +translated by Mr. Wilson, is full of allusions to the grateful +progress of the cloud, welcomed as it passes along by the joy of +animate and inanimate beings. Quote 61-70, 131-142. Compare, in the +Hindu Drama, the Toy Cart, act v.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_146_146" id="Footnote_146_146"></a><a href="#FNanchor_146_146"><span class="label">[146]</span></a> p. 93. l. 2. <i>As though a pupil's hand accursed</i>. The offences +of a pupil against a tutor, almost the holiest relation of life, are +described in the Laws of Menu, ii. 191 to 218, 242, 8. "By censuring +his preceptor, though justly, he will be born an ass; by falsely +defaming him, a dog; by using his goods without leave, a small worm; +by envying his merit, a larger insect or reptile." As the Roman law +did not contemplate the possibility of parricide, that of Menu has no +provision against the crime in the text.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_147_147" id="Footnote_147_147"></a><a href="#FNanchor_147_147"><span class="label">[147]</span></a> p. 93. l. 6. <i>—to the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span>five elements returned</i>. A common Indian +phrase for death. The ether is the fifth element.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_148_148" id="Footnote_148_148"></a><a href="#FNanchor_148_148"><span class="label">[148]</span></a> p. 93. l. 15. <i>Kshatriya</i>. The second, or warrior-caste. The +kings in India were usually of this caste.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_149_149" id="Footnote_149_149"></a><a href="#FNanchor_149_149"><span class="label">[149]</span></a> p. 93. l. 25. <i>Raghu</i>. One of the famous ancestors of Dasaratha. +The poem of the Raghu Vansa has recently appeared, edited by M. +Stenzler.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_150_150" id="Footnote_150_150"></a><a href="#FNanchor_150_150"><span class="label">[150]</span></a> p. 94. l. 3. <i>My sire, a Brahmin hermit he—my mother was of +Sudra race</i>. This seems inconsistent with Menu: "A Brahmin, if he +take a Sudra to his bed as his first wife, sinks to the regions of +torment; if he begets a child by her, he loses even his priestly +rank." iii, 17; also 18, 19.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_151_151" id="Footnote_151_151"></a><a href="#FNanchor_151_151"><span class="label">[151]</span></a> p. 96. l. 14. <i>The miserable father now</i>. See in Menu, the +penalties and expiation for killing a Brahmin undesignedly, xi, 74, +82; compare 90. An assaulter of a Brahman with intent to kill, shall +remain in hell a hundred years; for actually striking him with like +intent, a thousand; as many small pellets of dust as the blood of a +Brahmin collects on the ground, for so many thousand years must the +shedder of that blood be tormented in hell. xi. 207, 8.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_152_152" id="Footnote_152_152"></a><a href="#FNanchor_152_152"><span class="label">[152]</span></a> p. 97. l. 23. <i>I've reached the wished for realms of joy</i>. Among +the acts which lead to eternal bliss are these: "Studying and +comprehending the Veda—showing reverence to a natural or spiritual +father." <span class="smcap">Menu</span>, xii, 83.</p></div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="NOTES_2" id="NOTES_2"></a>NOTES TO<br /> + + +THE BRAHMIN'S LAMENT.</h2> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_153_153" id="Footnote_153_153"></a><a href="#FNanchor_153_153"><span class="label">[153]</span></a> p. 104. l. 5.—<i>a heaven-winning race may make</i>. +Literally: Whom Brahma has placed with me in trust for a future +husband, and through whose offspring I may obtain with my progenitors +the regions secured by ablutions made by a daughter's sons. <span class="smcap">Wilson</span>.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_154_154" id="Footnote_154_154"></a><a href="#FNanchor_154_154"><span class="label">[154]</span></a> p. 104. l. 15. A line is omitted here, which seems to +want a parallel to make up the sloka. Bopp has omitted it in his +translation.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_155_155" id="Footnote_155_155"></a><a href="#FNanchor_155_155"><span class="label">[155]</span></a> p. 105. l. 21. <i>—Sudra like</i>. The lowest caste who +are not privileged, and indeed have no disposition in the native +barrenness of their minds to study the sacred Vedas.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_156_156" id="Footnote_156_156"></a><a href="#FNanchor_156_156"><span class="label">[156]</span></a> p. 105. l. 25. <i>As the storks the rice of offering</i>. +We follow Bopp in refining these birds from birds of coarser prey.</p></div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="NOTES_3" id="NOTES_3"></a>NOTES TO<br /> + + +THE DELUGE.</h2> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_157_157" id="Footnote_157_157"></a><a href="#FNanchor_157_157"><span class="label">[157]</span></a> See the very valuable papers of this gentleman in the +Bombay Transactions.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_158_158" id="Footnote_158_158"></a><a href="#FNanchor_158_158"><span class="label">[158]</span></a> The editor remarks, that the name Manuja, Man-born, as +the appellative of the human race, is derived from Manu, as likewise +Mánawas, <i>masc.</i> Man—Mánawi, <i>fem.</i> Woman: from thence the Gothic +<i>Mann</i>, which we have preserved. Manu is thus the representative of +Man.</p></div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="THE_DESCENT_OF_THE_GANGES" id="THE_DESCENT_OF_THE_GANGES"></a>THE DESCENT OF THE GANGES.</h2> + +<h3>FIRST PRINTED IN THE QUARTERLY REVIEW, VOL. XLV.</h3> +<p>The descent of the Ganges is the sequel of another fiction still more +monstrous, but perhaps one of the most singular of the cosmogonical +notions of the ancient Indians. Sagara, the king of Ayodhya (Oude), +was without offspring—in almost all eastern countries the most +grievous calamity incident to man, more especially to those of noble +or royal race. By the most surpassing penances he obtains an oracle +from the wise Brighu, predicting that one of his wives will bring +forth a single son, the other <i>sixty thousand</i>! Accordingly the fair +Cesina gives birth to Asamanja; his other wife to a gourd, which, like +the egg of Leda, is instinct with life. From the seeds of this gourd, +preserved with great care, and fed with ghee, come forth in due time +the sixty thousand boys. The son of Cesina was a youth of the most +malicious and cruel disposition; his pastime was to throw little +infants into the river, and solace himself with their cries. He is +sent into exile by his just and humane father, where he has a son, +Ansuman, as gentle and popular as Asamanja was malignant and odious. +King Sagara prepares to offer the Aswameda, the famous sacrifice of +the horse. The holy and untouched steed is led forth, as in the 'Curse +of Kehama,' among the admiring multitude, by the youthful Ansuman, +when on a sudden a monstrous serpent arises from the earth, and drags +it into the abyss. Sagara, in wrath, commands his sixty thousand sons +to undertake the recovery of the steed from the malignant demon who +has thus interrupted the sacrifice. Having searched long in vain, they +begin to dig into the bowels of the earth, until,—</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Cloven with shovel and with hoe, pierced by axes and by spades,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Shrieked the earth in frantic woe; rose from out the yawning shades<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Yells of anguish, hideous roars from the expiring brood of hell—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Serpents, giants, and Asoors, in the deep abyss that dwell.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Sixty thousand leagues in length, all unweary, full of wrath,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Through the centre, in their strength, clove they down their hellward path.'<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span></p><p>The gods, expecting the whole frame of the world, thus undermined, to +perish in total ruin, assemble around Brahma to implore his +interposition. He informs them that Vishnu, in the form of Kapila, has +been the robber of the horse, and that in due time the god will avenge +himself. From Patala, the hell of Indian mythology, the Sagaridæ +recommence their impious and destructive work.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'And downward dug they many a rood, and downward till they saw aghast,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Where the earth-bearing elephant stood, ev'n like a mountain tall and vast.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">'Tis he whose head aloft sustains the broad earth's forest-clothed round,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With all its vast and spreading plains, and many a stately city crown'd.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">If underneath the o'erbearing load bows down his weary head, 'tis then<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The mighty earthquakes are abroad, and shaking down the abodes of men.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Around earth's pillar moved they slowly, and thus in humble accents blest<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Him the lofty and the holy, that bears the region of the East.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And southward dug they many a rood, until before their shuddering sight,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The next earth-bearing elephant stood, huge Mahapadmas' mountain height.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Upon his head earth's southern bound, all full of wonder, saw they rest.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Slow and awe-struck paced they round, and him, earth's southern pillar, blest.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Westward then their work they urge, king Sagara's six myriad race,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Unto the vast earth's western verge, and there in his appointed place<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The next earth-bearing elephant stood, huge Saumanasa's mountain crest;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Around they paced in humble mood, and in like courteous phrase addrest,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And still their weary toil endure, and onward dig until they see<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Last earth-bearing Himapandure, glorying in his majesty.'<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>At length they reach the place where Vishnu appears in the form of +Kapila, with the horse feeding near him; a flame issues forth from the +indignant deity, and the six myriad sons of Sagara become a heap of +ashes.</p> + +<p>The adventure devolves on the youthful Ansuman, who achieves it with +perfect success; Vishnu permits him to lead away the steed, but the +ashes of his brethren cannot be purified by earthly water; the goddess +Ganga must first be brought to earth, and, having undergone lustration +from that holy flood, the race of Sagara are to ascend to heaven. Yet +a long period elapses; and it is not till the reign of the virtuous +Bhagiratha, that Brahma is moved by his surpassing penance to grant +the descent of Ganga from heaven. King Bhagiratha had taken his stand +on the top of Gokarna, the sacred peak of the Himavan, (the Himalaya,) +and here</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span></p><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Stands with arms outstretch'd on high, amid five blazing fires, the one<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Towards each quarter of the sky, the fifth the full meridian sun.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Mid fiercest frosts on snow he slept, the dry and withered leaves his food,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Mid rains his roofless vigil kept, the soul and sense alike subdued.'<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>His prayers are irresistible; but Brahma forewarns him, that the +unbroken descent of Ganga from heaven would be so overpowering, that +the earth would be unable to sustain it, and Siva must be propitiated, +in order that he may receive on his head the precipitous cataract. +Under this wild and unwieldy allegory appears to lurk an obscure +allusion to the course of the Ganges among the summits, and under the +forests of the Himalaya, which are the locks of Siva.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'High on the top of Himavān the mighty Mashawara stood;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And "Descend," he gave the word to the heaven-meandering water—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Full of wrath, the mandate heard Himavān's majestic daughter.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To a giant's stature soaring and intolerable speed,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From heaven's height down rush'd she pouring upon Siva's sacred head.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Him the goddess thought in scorn with her resistless might to sweep<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By her fierce waves o'erborne, down to hell's remotest deep.'<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>Siva, in his turn enraged, resists her fury.</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Down on Sankara's holy head, down the holy fell, and there<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Amid the entangling meshes spread, of his loose and flowing hair.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Vast and boundless as the woods upon the Himalaya's brow,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Nor ever may the struggling floods rush headlong to the earth below.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Opening, egress was not there, amid those winding, long meanders.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Within that labyrinthine hair, for many an age the goddess wanders.'<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>The king again has recourse to his penances, Siva is propitiated, and +the stream by seven<a name="FNanchor_159_159" id="FNanchor_159_159"></a><a href="#Footnote_159_159" class="fnanchor">[159]</a> channels finds its way to the plains of India. +The spirit and the luxuriance of the description which follows, of the +king leading the way, and the obedient waters rolling after his car, +appear to us of a high order of poetry.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span></p><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Up the raja at the sign upon his glittering chariot leaps,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Instant Ganga the divine follows his majestic steps,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From the high heaven burst she forth first on Siva's lofty crown,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Headlong then and prone to earth thundering rushed the cataract down.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Swarms of bright-hued fish came dashing; turtles, dolphins in their mirth,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Fallen or falling, glancing, flashing, to the many gleaming earth.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And all the host of heaven came down, spirits and genii, in amaze,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And each forsook his heavenly throne, upon that glorious scene to gaze.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">On cars, like high tower'd cities, seen, with elephants and coursers, rode,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Or on soft swinging palanquin, lay wondering each observant god.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">As met in bright divan each god, and flash'd their jewell'd vestures' rays,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The coruscating æther glow'd, as with a hundred suns ablaze.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And with the fish and dolphins gleaming, and scaly crocodiles and snakes,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Glanc'd the air, as when fast streaming the blue lightning shoots and breaks:<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And in ten thousand sparkles bright went flashing up the cloudy spray,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The snowy flocking swans less white, within its glittering mists at play.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And headlong now poured down the flood, and now in silver circlets wound,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then lakelike spread all bright and broad, then gently, gently flowed around,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then 'neath the cavern'd earth descending, then spouted up the boiling tide,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Then stream with stream harmonious blending, swell bubbling up or smooth subside.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">By that heaven-welling water's breast, the genii and the sages stood,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Its sanctifying dews they blest, and plung'd within the lustral flood.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Whoe'er beneath the curse of heaven from that immaculate world had fled,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To th' impure earth in exile driven, to that all-holy baptism sped;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And purified from every sin, to the bright spirit's bliss restor'd,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Th' etherial sphere they entered in, and through th' empyreal mansions soar'd.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The world in solemn jubilee behold these heavenly waves draw near,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">From sin and dark pollution free, bathed in the blameless waters clear.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Swift king Bhagiratha drave upon his lofty glittering car,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And swift with her obeisant wave bright Ganga followed him afar.'<br /></span> +</div></div> +<div class="footnotes"> +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_159_159" id="Footnote_159_159"></a><a href="#FNanchor_159_159"><span class="label">[159]</span></a> Schlegel supposes the three western streams to be the +Indus, which appears under its real name the Sind, the Iaxartes, and +the Oxus; are not the Sareswatie, or perhaps the Sutlej, under the +name of Sita, and the Jumna meant? Of the eastern branches, it is not +difficult to fix the Burhampooter. Schlegel suggests the Irawaddy, and +the Blue River of China. Why not the Alacananda and the Gogra? The +main stream bears the name of the Bhaghiratha, till it joins the +Alacananda and takes the name of the Ganges.</p></div></div> + + +<h3>THE END.</h3> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Nala and Damayanti and Other Poems, by +Henry Hart Milman + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NALA AND DAMAYANTI AND OTHER POEMS *** + +***** This file should be named 19529-h.htm or 19529-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/9/5/2/19529/ + +Produced by Sankar Viswanathan and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was +produced from scanned images of public domain material +from the Google Print project.) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Nala and Damayanti and Other Poems + +Author: Henry Hart Milman + +Release Date: October 12, 2006 [EBook #19529] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NALA AND DAMAYANTI AND OTHER POEMS *** + + + + +Produced by Sankar Viswanathan and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was +produced from scanned images of public domain material +from the Google Print project.) + + + + + + + + + + Transcriber's note: + + 1. The spelling, accents, and diacritical marks of Sanskrit words is + not consistent through the book. The original spelling, accents, and + diacritical marks are retained. + + 2. The in-line notes refer to lines in the poems. These have been + converted to footnotes for easy reference. The information regarding + the line referred to is however retained. + + + + NALA AND DAMAYANTI + + AND OTHER POEMS + + + TRANSLATED FROM THE SANSCRIT INTO ENGLISH VERSE, WITH MYTHOLOGICAL + AND CRITICAL NOTES. + + + + + BY THE + REV. HENRY HART MILMAN, M. A. + +PREBENDARY OF WESTMINSTER; MINISTER OF ST. MARGARET'S; AND LATE PROFESSOR + OF POETRY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD. + + + + + + OXFORD: D. A. TALBOYS. + M DCCC XXXV + + * * * * * + + + + +TO MY MOTHER, + +TO WHOM THESE TRANSLATIONS HAVE AFFORDED +MUCH PLEASURE, + +AND TO WHOM, AT HER ADVANCED AGE, +TO HAVE AFFORDED PLEASURE + +IS THE MOST GRATIFYING REWARD OF LITERARY +LABOUR, + +THIS VOLUME IS INSCRIBED, + +BY HER AFFECTIONATE SON. + + * * * * * + + + + +CONTENTS: + + +NALA AND DAMAYANTI + NOTES + +THE DEATH OF YAJNADATTA + NOTES + +THE BRAHMIN'S LAMENT + NOTES + +THE DELUGE + +THE DESCENT OF THE GANGES + + * * * * * + + + + +PREFACE. + + +Those friends who have taken an interest in my literary productions +may feel some surprise at my appearance in the character of a +translator of Sanscrit poetry. To those, and indeed to all who may +take up the present volume, I owe some explanation of my pretensions +as a faithful interpreter of my original text. Those pretensions are +very humble; and I can unfeignedly say, that if the field had been +likely to be occupied by others, who might unite poetical powers with +a profound knowledge of the sacred language of India, I should have +withdrawn at once from the competition. But, in fact, in this country +the students of oriental literature, endowed with a taste and feeling +for poetry, are so few in number, that any attempt to make known the +peculiar character of those remarkable works, the old mythological +epics of India, may be received with indulgence by all who are +interested in the history of poetry. Mr. Wilson alone, since Sir W. +Jones, has united a poetical genius with deep Sanscrit scholarship; +but he has in general preferred the later and more polished +period--that of Kalidasa and the dramatists--to the ruder, yet in my +opinion, not less curious and poetical strains of the older epic +bards. + +A brief account of the manner in which I became engaged in these +studies, will best explain the extent of my proficiency. During the +two last years in which I held the office of Professor of Poetry in +the University of Oxford, having exhausted the subject which I had +chosen for my terminal course, I was at a loss for some materials for +the few remaining lectures before my office should expire. I had been +led by the ardent curiosity, which I have ever felt to acquire some +knowledge of the poetry of all ages and nations--to examine some of +the publications of French and German, as well as English scholars, on +the subject of Indian poetry; chiefly those of the Schlegels, of Bopp, +and of De Chezy. I was struck with the singularity and captivated by +the extreme beauty, as it appeared to me, of some of the extracts, +especially those from the great epic poems, the Mahabharata and the +Ramayana, in their Homeric simplicity so totally opposite to the +ordinary notions entertained of all eastern poetry. I was induced to +attempt, without any instruction, and with the few elementary works +which could be procured, the Grammars of Wilkins and Bopp, the +Glossaries of Bopp and Rosen (Mr. Wilson's Dictionary was then out of +print and could not be purchased), to obtain some knowledge of this +wonderful and mysterious language. The study grew upon me, and would +have been pursued with more ardour, perhaps with more success, but for +the constant interruption of more imperative professional and literary +avocations. In itself the Sanscrit is an inexhaustible subject of +interest; in its grammatical structure more regular, artificial, and +copious than the most perfect of the western languages; in its origin, +the parent from which the older Greek, the Latin and the Teutonic +tongues seem to branch out and develop themselves upon distinct and +discernible principles. + +I ventured to communicate to the Members of the University who +attended my lectures, my discoveries, as it were, in the unknown +region of Indian poetry, and to introduce translations of such +passages as appeared to me of peculiar singularity or beauty. Though I +was still moving in the leading-strings of my learned guides, I had +obtained sufficient acquaintance with the language to compare their +interpretations with the original text. I afterwards embodied some +parts of my lectures in an article in the Quarterly Review, in order +to contribute as far as was in my power to open this new and almost +untrodden field of literature to the English reader. + +Still I should not have presumed to form these translations into a +separate work, nor acceded to the proposal of the publisher of the +present volume, who has himself deserved so well of the students of +oriental lore by his excellent translation, or rather recomposition of +Adelung's "Historical Sketch of Sanscrit Literature," but for the +encouragement and assistance of Mr. Wilson, now, the University may be +proud to say, the Boden Professor of Sanscrit at Oxford. To his most +friendly care in revising these sheets, I owe the correction of many +errors; and Sanscrit scholars will find in the notes some observations +on the text, which will contribute to elucidate the poem of Nala. +Under the sanction of Mr. Wilson's revision, I may venture to hope +that the translation is, at least, an accurate version of the +original; and I cannot too strongly express my gratitude for the +labour which Mr. Wilson has been so kind as to expend on my imperfect +and unpretending work. + +The versification, or rather the metrical system, which I have +adopted, is an experiment, how far a successful one must be judged by +others. The original verse in which the vast epics of Vyasa and +Valmiki are composed is called the Sloka, which is thus described by +Schlegel in his Indische Bibliothek, p. 36: "The oldest, most simple, +and most generally adopted measure is the Sloka; a distich of two +sixteen syllable-lines, divided at the eighth syllable." According to +our prosodial marks, the following is the scheme:-- + +u u u u | u - - - | u u u u | u - u - +- - - - | u | - - - - | u + +u u u u | u - - - | u u u u | u - u u +- - - - | - u | - - - - | - + +The first four syllables are bound by no rule; the second half, on the +contrary, is unalterably fixed, excepting that the last syllable has +the common licence of termination. In the second half verse, I do not +remember a single instance of deviation from this, though sometimes, +but very seldom, the first half verse ends with another quadrisyllable +foot. The reader who is curious on the subject, may compare Mr. +Colebrooke's elaborate essays on Sanscrit poetry, Kosegarten's preface +to his Translation of Nala, and Bopp's preface to his Translation of +Selections from the Mahabharata. + +In the first translations which I attempted, a few passages from the +Bhagavat-Gita, I adhered as nearly as possible to the measure of the +original; in the Nala, in order to give the narrative a more easy and +trochaic flow, I omitted one syllable, and in some degree changed the +structure of the verse. + +_July_ 1835. + + + + +NALA AND DAMAYANTI. + + +The episode of Nala is extracted from the Vanaparvam, the third part +of the Mahabharata, the great Indian poem, which contains 100,000 +slokas, or distichs. The sage, Vrihadasva, relates the story of Nala +to king Yudishthira, in order to console him under the miseries to +which he was exposed by bad success in play. By the terms of the +gaming transaction, in which he was worsted by Sakuni, who threw the +dice for Duryodhana, he was condemned to wander with his brothers for +twelve years in the forest. The adventures of Nala showed how that +king, having been in the same manner unfortunate with the dice, had +suffered still greater toil and misery, and had at length recovered +his kingdom and his wife. The popularity of this fable with the +natives, is sufficiently proved by the numerous poetic versions of the +story. The Nalodaya, a poem ascribed to Kalidas, should first be +mentioned. A new edition of this work has been recently published by +Ferdinand Benary; we have a notice of it in the Quarterly Review: it +seems to bear the same relation to the simple and national episode of +the Mahabharata, as the seicentesti of Italy to Dante or Ariosto, or +Gongora to the poem of the Cid. Another poem called Naishadha, in +twenty-two books, does not complete the story, but only carries it as +far as the fifteenth book. There is a Tamulic version of the same +story, translated by Kindersley, in his specimens of Hindu Literature. +The third book of the poem of Sriharsha, containing 135 slokas, is +entirely occupied with the conversation between Damayanti and the +swans (the geese), in which the birds to excite her love, dwell with +diffuse eloquence on the praises of Nala. + + + + +NALA AND DAMAYANTI. + +BOOK I. + + + Lived of yore, a raja, Nala,--Virasena's mighty son, + Gifted he with every virtue,--beauteous, skilled in taming steeds: + Head of all the kings of mortals--like the monarch of the gods, + Over, over all exalted[1]--in his splendour like the sun: + Holy, deep-read in the Vedas[2]--in Nishadha lord of earth;[3] + Loving dice, of truth unblemished[4]--chieftain of a mighty host. + The admired of noble women--generous, with each sense subdued.[5] + Guardian of the state; of archers--best, a present Manu[6] he. + So there dwelt in high Vidarbha[7]--Bhima, terrible in strength,[8] + With all virtues blest, but childless--long for children had he pined. + Many an holy act, on offspring[9]--still intent, had he performed. + To his court there came a Brahmin,--Damana the seer was named. + Him the child-desiring Bhima--in all duties skilled, received, + Feasted with his royal consort--in his hospitable hall.[10] + Pleased on him the grateful Daman,--and his queen a boon bestowed, + One sweet girl, the pearl of maidens--and three fair and noble sons. + Damayanti, Dama Danta--and illustrious Damana, + Richly gifted with all virtues--mighty, fearful in their might. + Damayanti with her beauty--with her brilliance, brightness, grace, + Through the worlds unrivalled glory--won the slender-waisted maid. + Her, arrived at bloom of beauty,--sate a hundred slaves around, + And a hundred virgin handmaids--as around great Indra's queen.[11] + In her court shone Bhima's daughter--decked with every ornament, + Mid her handmaids, like the lightning[12]--shone she with her faultless + form;[13] + Like the long-eyed queen of beauty--without rival, without peer. + Never mid the gods immortal--never mid the Yaksha race,[14] + Nor 'mong men was maid so lovely--ever heard of, ever seen, + As the soul-disturbing maiden--that disturbed the souls of gods. + Nala too, 'mong kings the tiger[15]--peerless among earthly men, + Like Kandarpa in his beauty[16]--like that bright-embodied God. + All around Vidarbha's princess--praised they Nala in their joy. + Ever praised they Damayanti--round Nishadha's noble king. + Hearing so each others virtues--all unseen they 'gan to love. + Thus of each, O son of Kunti,[17]--the deep silent passion grew. + Nala, in his heart impatient--longer that deep love to bear, + To the grove, in secret, wandered--by the palace' inmost court. + There the swans he saw disporting[18]--with their wings bedropped with gold: + Through the grove thus lightly moving--one of these bright birds he caught. + But the bird, in human language--thus the wondering king addressed: + "Slay me not, O gentle monarch!--I will do thee service true; + So in Damayanti's presence--will I praise Nishadha's king, + Never after shall the maiden--think of mortal man but thee." + Thus addressed, at once the monarch--let the bright-winged bird depart. + Flew away the swans rejoicing--to Vidarbha straight they flew; + To Vidharba's stately city:--there by Damayanti's feet, + Down with drooping plumes they settled--and she gazed upon the flock, + Wondering at their forms so graceful--where amid her maids she sate. + Sportively began the damsels--all around to chase the birds; + Scattering flew the swans before them--all about the lovely grove. + Lightly ran the nimble maidens,--every one her bird pursued; + But the swan that through the forest--gentle Damayanti chased, + Suddenly, in human language--spake to Damayanti thus.-- + "Damayanti, in Nishadha--Nala dwells, the noble king-- + Like the Aswinas in beauty,[19]--peerless among men is he. + O incomparable princess--to this hero wert thou wed, + Noble birth and perfect beauty--not unworthy fruit had borne. + Gods, Gandharvas,[20] men, the Serpents,[21]--and the Rakshasas[22] we've + seen, + All we've seen--of noble Nala--never have we seen the peer. + Pearl art thou among all women--Nala is the pride of men. + If the peerless wed the peerless--blessed must the union be." + When the bird thus strangely speaking--gentle Damayanti heard, + Answered thus the wondering maiden--"Thus to Nala, speak thou too." + "Be it so," replied the egg-born--to Vidarbha's beauteous maid. + Home then flew he to Nishadha--and to Nala told it all. + + + + +BOOK II. + + + Damayanti, ever after--she the swan's sweet speech had heard-- + With herself she dwelt no longer--all herself with Nala dwelt. + Lost in thought she sate dejected--pale her melancholy cheek, + Damayanti sate and yielded--all her soul to sighs of grief. + Upward gazing, meditative--with a wild distracted look, + Wan was all her soft complexion--and with passion heart-possessed,[23] + Nor in sleep nor gentle converse--nor in banquets found she joy; + Night nor day she could not slumber--Woe! oh woe! she wept and said. + Her no longer her own mistress--from her looks, her gesture, knew + Damayanti's virgin handmaids--to Vidarbha's monarch they + Told how pined his gentle daughter--for the sovereign of men. + This from Damayanti's maidens--when the royal Bhima heard, + In his mind he gravely pondered--for his child what best were done. + "Wherefore is my gentle daughter--from herself in mind estranged?" + When the lord of earth his daughter--saw in blooming youth mature, + Knew he for the Swayembara[24]--Damayanti's time was come. + Straight the lord of many peasants[25]--summoned all the chiefs of earth, + "Come ye to the Swayembara--all ye heroes of the world!" + Damayanti's Swayembara--soon as heard the kings of men, + All obeyed king Bhima's summons--all to Bhima's court drew near; + Elephants, and steeds, and chariots--swarmed along the sounding land; + All with rich and various garlands[26]--with his stately army each-- + All the lofty-minded rajas--Bhima with the arm of strength, + As beseemed, received with honour--on their thrones of state they sate. + At this very hour the wisest--of the sages, the divine, + Moving in their might ascended--up from earth to Indra's world.[27] + Great in holiness and wisdom--Narada and Parvata[28] + Honoured entered they the palace--of the monarch of the gods. + Them salutes the cloud-compeller[29]--of their everlasting weal, + Of their weal the worlds pervading--courteous asks the immortal lord. + + NARADA _spake_. + + Well it fares with us, Immortal--in our weal the world partakes-- + In the world, O cloud-compeller--well it fares with all her kings. + + VRIHADASVA _spake_. + + He that Bali slew and Vritra--asked of Narada again-- + All earth's just and righteous rulers--reckless of their lives in fight-- + Who the shafts' descending death-blow--meet with unaverted eye-- + Theirs this everlasting kingdom[30]--even as Kamadhuk is mine.[31] + Where are they, the Kshetriya heroes?--wherefore see I not approach + All the earth's majestic guardians--all mine ever-honoured guests. + Thus addressed by holy Sakra[32]--Narada replied and said: + "Hear me now, O cloud-compeller--why earth's kings appear not here. + Of Vidarbha's king the daughter--Damayanti, the renowned; + Through the earth the loveliest women--in her beauty she transcends-- + Soon she holds her Swayembara--soon her lord the maid will choose. + Thither all the kings are hastening--thither all the sons of kings. + Suitors for her hand the rajas--her of all the world the pearl, + O thou mighty giant slayer!--one and all approach to woo." + As they spake, the world-protectors[33]--with the god of fire drew near; + Of the immortals all, the highest--stood before the king of gods. + As they all stood silent hearing--Narada's majestic speech, + All exclaimed in sudden rapture--thither we likewise will go; + All the immortals on the instant,--with their chariots, with their hosts, + Hastened down towards Vidarbha--where the lords of earth were met. + Nala, too, no sooner heard he--of that concourse of the kings, + Set he forth, with soul all sanguine--full of Damayanti's love. + Saw the gods, king Nala standing--on the surface of the earth; + Standing in transcendent beauty--equal to the god of love.[34] + Him beheld the world's high guardians--in his radiance like the sun; + Each arrested stood and silent--at his peerless form amazed. + All their chariots the celestials--in the midway air have checked. + Through the blue air then descending--they Nishadha's king address. + Ho! what, ho! Nishadha's monarch--Nala, king, for truth renowned; + Do our bidding, bear our message--O, most excellent of men. + + + + +BOOK III. + + + Nala made his solemn promise,--"all your bidding will I do;" + Then with folded hands adoring--humbly of their will enquired. + "Who are ye? to whom must Nala--as your welcome herald go? + What is my commanded service?--tell me, mighty gods, the truth." + Spake the sovereign of Nishadha--Indra answered thus and said:-- + "Know us, the Immortals, hither--come for Damayanti's love. + Indra I, and yon is Agni,--and the king of waters there-- + Slayer he of mortal bodies,--Yama, too, is here, O king! + Thou, O Nala, of our coming,--must to Damayanti tell: + Thee to see, the world's dread guardians--Indra and the rest came down, + Indra, Agni, Varun, Yama,--each to seek thine hand are come. + One of these celestial beings,--choose, O maiden, for thy lord." + Nala, thus addressed by Indra--with his folded hands replied: + "Thus with one accord commanding--on this mission send not me. + How can man, himself enamoured--for another plead his cause? + Spare me then, ye gods, in mercy--this unwelcome service, spare." + + THE GODS _spake_. + + "I will do your bidding freely--thus thou'st said, Nishadha's king; + Wilt thou now belie thy promise?--Nala, go, nor more delay." + By the gods adjured so sternly--thus rejoined Nishadha's king-- + "Strictly guarded is yon palace--how may I find entrance there?" + "Thou shalt enter;" thus did Indra--to the unwilling king reply. + In the bower of Damayanti--as they spake, king Nala stood. + There he saw Vidarbha's maiden--girt with all her virgin bands; + In her glowing beauty shining--all excelling in her form; + Every limb in smooth proportion--slender waist and lovely eyes; + Even the moon's soft gleam disdaining--in her own o'erpowering light. + As he gazed, his love grew warmer--to the softly smiling maid, + Yet to keep his truth, his duty--all his passion he suppressed. + Then Nishadha's king beholding--all those maids with beauteous limbs + From their seats sprang up in wonder--at his matchless form amazed. + In their rapture to king Nala--all admiring, homage paid; + Yet, not venturing to accost him,--in their secret souls adored. + "Oh the beauty! oh the splendour!--oh the mighty hero's strength! + Who is he, or God, or Yaksha--or Gandharba may he be." + Not one single word to utter,--dared that fair-limbed maiden band; + All struck dumb before his beauty--in their bashful silence stood. + Smiling, first, upon the monarch--as on her he gently smiled, + Damayanti, in her wonder--to the hero Nala spake:-- + "Who art thou of form so beauteous--thou that wakenest all my love; + Cam'st thou here like an immortal--I would know thee, sinless chief. + How hast entered in our palace?--how hast entered all unseen? + Watchful are our chamber wardens--stern the mandate of the king." + By the maiden of Vidarbha--Nala thus addressed, replied:-- + "Know, O loveliest, I am Nala--here the messenger of gods, + Gods desirous to possess thee;--one of these, the lord of heaven + Indra, Agni, Varun, Yama,--choose thou, princess, for thy lord. + Through their power, their power almighty--I have entered here unseen; + As I entered in thy chamber--none hath seen, and none might stay. + This, the object of my mission,--fairest, from the highest gods, + Thou hast heard me, noble princess--even as thou wilt, decide." + + + + +BOOK IV. + + + To the gods performed her homage--smiled she, and to Nala spake:-- + "Pledge to me thy faith,[35] O raja--how that faith, may I requite? + I myself, and whatsoever--in the world I have, is thine + In full trust is thine[36]--O grant me--in thy turn thy love, O king! + Tis the swan's enamouring language--that hath kindled all my soul. + Only for thy sake, O hero--are the assembled rajas met. + But if thou mine homage scornest--scornest me, all honoured king, + Poison for thy sake, fire, water,--the vile noose will I endure."[37] + So, when spake Vidarbha's maiden--Nala answered thus, and said:-- + "With the world's dread guardians present--wilt thou mortal husband choose? + We with them, the world's creators--with these mighty lords compared, + Lowlier than the dust they tread on--raise to them thy loftier mind. + Man the gods displeasing, hastens--to inevitable death-- + Fair limbed! from that fate preserve me--choose the all excelling gods. + Robes by earthly dust unsullied--crowns of amaranthine flowers, + Every bright celestial glory--wedded to the gods, enjoy. + He, who all the world compressing[38]--with devouring might consumes, + Sovereign of the gods, Hutasa,--where is she who would not wed? + He, in awe of whose dread sceptre[39]--all the assembled hosts of men, + Cultivate eternal justice--where is she who would not wed? + Him the all-righteous, lofty minded,--slayer of the infernal host,[40] + Of all gods, the mighty monarch,--who is she that would not wed? + Nor let trembling doubt arrest thee--in thy mind if thou couldst choose.[41] + Varuna, amongst earth's guardians,--hear the language of a friend." + To the sovereign of Nishadha--Damayanti spake, and said, + And her eyes grew dim with moisture--flowing from her inward grief:-- + "To the gods, to all, my homage--king of earth, I humbly pay; + Yet thee only, thee, my husband--may I choose, Be this my vow!" + Answered he the trembling maiden--as with folded hands she stood, + "Bound upon this solemn mission--mine own cause how dare I urge. + Plighted by a sacred promise--to the everlasting gods; + Thus engaged to plead for others--for myself I may not plead. + This my duty; yet hereafter--come I on my own behalf, + Then I'll plead mine own cause boldly--weigh it, beauteous, in thy thought." + Damayanti smiled serenely,--and with tear-impeded speech, + Uttered brokenly and slowly--thus to royal Nala spake:-- + "Yet I see a way of refuge--'tis a blameless way, O king; + Whence no sin to thee, O raja,--may by any chance arise. + Thou, O noblest of all mortals--and the gods by Indra led, + Come and enter in together--where the Swayembara meets; + Then will I, before the presence--of the guardians of the world, + Name thee, lord of men! my husband--nor to thee may blame accrue." + By the maiden of Vidarbha--royal Nala thus addressed, + Back again returned, where waited--eager, the expecting gods. + Him, the guardians of the world, the mighty--ere he yet drew near, beheld, + Him they saw, and bade him instant--all his tidings to unfold-- + "Was she seen of thee, O monarch--Damayanti with soft smile? + Spake she of us all? what said she?--tell, O blameless lord of earth." + + NALA _spake_. + + To the bower of Damayanti--on your solemn mission sent, + Entered I the lofty portal--by the aged warders watched; + Mortal eye might not behold me--there as swift I entered in; + None save that fair raja's daughter--through your all prevailing power. + And her virgin handmaids, saw I--and by them in turn was seen; + And they all in mute amazement--gazed upon me as I stood. + I described your godlike presence--but the maid with beauteous face + Chooses me, bereft of reason--O most excellent of gods! + Thus she spake, that maiden princess,--"Let the gods together come, + Come with thee, Oh king of mortals,--where the Swayembara meets; + There will I, before their presence--choose thee, raja, for my lord. + So to thee, O strong armed warrior--may no blame, no fault ensue." + Thus it was, even as I tell you--word for word did it befall. + Plainly have I spoke, the judgment--rests with you, of gods the chief! + + + + +BOOK V. + + + Came the day of happy omen[42]--moonday meet, and moment apt; + Bhima to the Swayembara--summoned all the lords of earth. + One and all, upon the instant--rose th' enamoured lords of earth, + Suitors all to Damayanti--in their loving haste they came. + They, the court with golden columns[43]--rich, and glittering portal arch, + Like the lions on the mountains--entered they the hall of state. + There the lords of earth were seated--each upon his several throne; + All their fragrant garlands wearing--all with pendant ear-gems rich. + Arms were seen robust and vigorous--as the ponderous battle mace, + Some like the five-headed serpents--delicate in shape and hue:[44] + With bright locks profuse and flowing--fine formed nose, and eye and brow, + Shone the faces of the rajas--like the radiant stars in heaven. + As with serpents, Bhogavati[45]--the wide hall was full of kings; + As the mountain caves with tigers--with the tiger-warriors full. + Damayanti in her beauty--entered on that stately scene, + With her dazzling light entrancing--every eye and every soul. + O'er her lovely person gliding--all the eyes of those proud kings; + There were fixed, there moveless rested--as they gazed upon the maid. + Then as they proclaimed the rajas--(by his name was each proclaimed) + In dismay saw Bhima's daughter--five in garb, in form the same. + On those forms, all undistinguished--each from each, she stood and gazed. + In her doubt Vidarbha's princess--Nala's form might not discern,[46] + Whichsoe'er the form she gazed on--him her Nala, him she thought. + She within her secret spirit--deeply pondering, stood and thought: + "How shall I the gods distinguish?--royal Nala how discern?" + Pondering thus Vidarbha's maiden--in the anguish of her heart-- + Th' attributes of the immortals--sought, as heard of yore, to see. + "Th' attributes of each celestial--that our aged sires describe, + As on earth they stand before me--not of one may I discern." + Long she pondered in her silence--and again, again she thought. + To the gods, her only refuge--turned she at this trying hour. + With her voice and with her spirit--she her humble homage paid. + Folding both her hands and trembling--to the gods the maiden spake: + "As when heard the swan's sweet language--chose I then Nishadha's king, + By this truth I here adjure ye--oh, ye gods, reveal my lord; + As in word or thought I swerve not--from my faith, all-knowing powers, + By this truth I here adjure ye--oh, ye gods, reveal my lord. + As the gods themselves have destined--for my lord Nishadha's king; + By this truth I here adjure ye--oh, ye gods, my lord reveal. + As my vow, so pledged to Nala--holily must be maintained, + By this truth I here adjure ye--oh, ye gods, my lord reveal. + Each the form divine assume ye--earth's protectors, mighty lords; + So shall I discern my Nala--I shall know the king of men." + As they heard sad Damayanti--uttering thus her piteous prayer, + At her high resolve they wonder--steadfast truth and fervent love, + Holiness of soul, and wisdom--to her lord her constant faith. + As she prayed, the gods obedient--stood with attributes revealed: + With unmoistened skins the Immortals--saw she, and with moveless eyes;[47] + Fresh their dust-unsullied garlands--hovered they, nor touched the earth. + On his shadow garland-drooping[48]--soiled with dust and moist with sweat, + On the earth Nishadha's monarch--stood confessed, with twinkling eyes; + On the gods an instant gazed she--then upon the king of men; + And of right king Bhima's daughter--named Nishadha's king her lord. + Modestly the large-eyed maiden--lifted up his garment's hem, + Round his shoulders threw she lightly--the bright zone of radiant flowers; + So she chose him for her husband--Nala, that high-hearted maid. + Then alas! alas! burst wildly,--from that conclave of the kings, + And "well done, well done," as loudly--from the gods and sages broke; + All in their extatic wonder--glorified Nishadha's king. + Then to royal Damayanti--Virasena's kingly son, + To that slender waisted damsel--spake he comfort in his joy; + "Since thou'st own'd me for thine husband--in the presence of the gods, + For thy faithful consort know me--aye delighting in thy words. + While this spirit fills this body--maiden with the smile serene! + Thine am I, so long thine only--this the solemn truth I vow." + Thus he gladdened Damayanti--with the assurance of his faith; + And the happy pair devoutly[49]--worshipped then the present gods. + Chosen thus Nishadha's monarch--the bright guardians of the world, + In their gladness all on Nala--eight transcendant gifts bestowed; + To discern the visible godhead--in the sacrifice, a gait + Firm and noble, Sachi's husband--Indra to king Nala gave. + Agni gave his own bright presence[50]--whensoe'er the monarch called. + All the worlds instinct with splendour--through his power Hutasa gave. + Subtle taste in food gave Yama--and in virtue eminence; + Varun gave obedient water--to be present at his call; + Garlands too of matchless fragrance;--each his double blessing gave.[51] + Thus bestowed their gracious favours--to the heavens the gods returned; + And the rajas, who with wonder--Nala's marriage saw confirmed + With the gentle Damayanti--as they came, in joy returned. + Thus the kings of earth departed;--Bhima in his joy and pride, + Solemnized the stately bridals--of the maiden and the king. + Fitting time when there he'd sojourned,--best of men, Nishadha's king; + Courteous parting with king Bhima--to his native city went. + Having gained the pearl of women--the majestic lord of earth + Lived in bliss, as with his Sachi,[52]--he that those old giants slew. + In his joy the elated monarch--shining radiant as the sun, + Ruled the subjects of his kingdom--with a just and equal sway. + Of the horse the famous offering[53]--like Nahucha's mighty son, + Every sacrifice performed he--with rich gifts to holy men. + And full oft in flowering gardens--and delicious shady groves, + Like a god, the royal Nala--took with Damayanti joy. + So begat from Damayanti--Nala, of heroic soul, + Indrasena one fair daughter--Indrasen one beauteous son. + Thus in sacrifice and pleasance--took his joy the king of men, + So the earth with riches teeming--ruled the sovereign of the earth. + + + + +BOOK VI. + + + Nala, chosen by Bhima's daughter--the bright guardians of the world, + As they parted thence, with Kali[54]--Dwapara approaching saw. + Kali as he saw, did Indra--did the giant-killer say, + "Here, with Dwapara attended--whither, Kali, dost thou go?" + Kali spake, "the Swayembara--we of Damayanti seek; + Her I go to make my consort--into her mine heart hath passed." + "Closed and ended is that bridal,"--Indra answered with a smile, + "Nala she hath chosen for husband--in the presence of us all." + Thus addressed by Indra, Kali--in the transport of his wrath, + All the heavenly gods saluting,--thus his malediction spake, + "Since before the Immortals' presence--she a mortal spouse did choose, + Of her impious crime most justly--heavy be the penal doom." + Kali hardly thus had spoken--than the heaven-born gods replied: + "With our full and liberal sanction--Damayanti chose her lord. + Who to Nala, with all virtue--rich endowed, would not incline? + He that rightly knows each duty--he who ever rightly acts, + He who reads the whole four Vedas--the Puranas too the fifth,[55] + In his palace with pure offerings--ever are the gods adored, + Gentle to all living creatures--true in word and strict in vow; + Good and constant he, and generous--holy, temperate, patient, pure; + His are all these virtues ever--equal to the earth-guarding gods. + Thus endowed, the noble Nala--he, O Kali, that would curse, + On himself recoil his curses--only fatal to himself. + Nala, gifted with such virtues--he, O Kali, who would curse-- + Be he plunged in hell's dark torments--in the deep and vasty lake." + Thus the gods to Kali speaking--to their native heavens arose. + Soon as they had parted, Kali--thus to Dwapara began: + "I my wrath can curb no longer--I henceforth in Nala dwell; + From his kingdom will I cast him--from his bliss with his sweet bride. + Thou within the dice embodied--Dwapara my cause assist." + + + + +BOOK VII. + + + Bound by that malignant treaty--Kali with his dark ally, + Haunted they the stately palace--where Nishadha's monarch ruled; + Watching still the fatal instant--in Nishadha long they dwelt. + Twelve long years had passed ere Kali--saw that fatal instant come. + Nala after act uncleanly--the ablution half performed,[56] + Prayed at eve, with feet unwashen--Kali seized the fatal hour. + Into Nala straight he entered--and possessed his inmost soul. + Pushkara in haste he summoned--come with Nala play at dice, + Ever in the gainful hazard--by my subtle aid thou'lt win, + Even the kingdom of Nishadha--even from Nala all his realm. + Pushkara by Kali summoned--to his brother Nala came, + In the dice of dice embodied[57]--Dwapara stood silent by. + Pushkara the hero-slayer--to king Nala standing near: + "Play we with the dice, my brother,"--thus again, again he said. + Long the lofty-minded raja--that bold challenge might not brook, + In Vidarbha's princess' presence--deemed he now the time for play. + For his wealth, his golden treasures--for his chariots, for his robes, + Then possessed by Kali, Nala--in the game was worsted still. + He with love of gaming maddened,--of his faithful friends not one + Might arrest the desperate frenzy--of the conqueror of his foes. + Came the citizens assembling--with the counsellors of state, + To behold the king approached they--to restrain his dread disease. + Then the charioteer advancing[58]--thus to Damayanti spake: + "All the city, noble princess--stands assembled at the gate, + Say thou to Nishadha's monarch--'All his subjects here are met; + Ill they brook this dire misfortune[59]--in their justice-loving king'." + Then, her voice half choked with anguish--spake the sorrow-stricken queen, + Spirit-broken, Bhima's daughter--to Nishadha's sovereign spake, + "Raja, lo! the assembled city--at the gate their king to see: + With the counsellors of wisdom--by their loyal duty led. + Deign thou, monarch, to admit them,"--thus again, again she said. + To the queen with beauteous eyelids--uttering thus her sad lament, + Still possessed by wicked Kali--answered not the king a word. + Then those counsellors of wisdom--and those loyal citizens, + "'Tis not he," exclaimed in sorrow,--and in shame and grief went home. + Thus of Pushkara and Nala--still went on that fatal play; + Many a weary month it lasted--and still lost the king of men. + + + + +BOOK VIII. + + + Damayanti then beholding--Punyasloka, king of men,[60] + Undistracted, him distracted--with the maddening love of play. + In her dread and in her sorrow--thus did Bhima's daughter speak; + Pondering on the weighty business--that concerned the king of men. + Trembling at his guilty frenzy--yet to please him still intent. + Nala, 'reft of all his treasures--when the noble woman saw, + Thus addressed she Vrihatsena,--her old faithful slave and nurse, + Friendly in all business dextrous--most devoted, wise in speech: + "Vrihatsena, go, the council--as at Nala's call convene, + Say what he hath lost of treasure--and what treasure yet remains." + Then did all that reverend council--Nala's summons as they heard, + "Our own fate is now in peril"--speaking thus, approach the king. + And a second time his subjects--all assembling, crowded near, + And the queen announced their presence;--of her words he took no heed. + All her words thus disregarded--when king Bhima's daughter found, + To the palace, Damayanti--to conceal her shame returned. + When the dice she heard for ever--adverse to the king of men, + And of all bereft, her Nala--to the nurse again she spake: + "Go again, my Vrihatsena,--in the name of Nala, go, + To the charioteer, Varshneya,--great the deed must now be done." + Vrihatsena on the instant--Damayanti's words she heard, + Caused the charioteer be summoned--by her messengers of trust. + Bhima's daughter to Varshneya--winning with her gentle voice, + Spake, the time, the place well choosing--for the deed, nor spake in vain: + "Well thou know'st the full reliance--that in thee the king hath placed, + In his fatal hour of peril--wilt not thou stand forth to aid? + As by Pushkara is worsted--ever more and more the king, + More and more the fatal frenzy--maddens in his heart for play. + As to Pushkara obedient--ever fall the lucky dice, + Thus those dice to royal Nala--still with adverse fortune fall. + Nor the voice of friend or kindred--as beseems him, will he hear; + Even to me he will not listen--in the madness of his heart. + Of the lofty-minded Nala--well I know 'tis not the sin, + That my words this senseless monarch--in his frenzy will not hear. + Charioteer, to thee my refuge--come I, do thou my behest; + I am not o'er calm in spirit--haply he may perish thus. + Yoke the much-loved steeds of Nala--fleet of foot, as thought, are they, + In the chariot place our children--to Cundina's city go.[61] + Leave the children with my kindred--and the chariot and the steeds; + Then or dwell there at thy pleasure--or depart where'er thou wilt." + When the speech of Damayanti--heard king Nala's charioteer, + He, the chief of Nala's council--thus in full divan addressed, + Weighed within their solemn conclave--and their full assent obtained, + With the children in the chariot--to Vidarbha straight he drove. + There he rendered up the horses--with the chariot there he left. + That young maiden Indrasena--Indrasen, that noble boy. + To king Bhima paid his homage--sad, for Nala's fall distressed, + Thence departing, to Ayodhya[62]--took the charioteer his way. + In his grief to Rituparna--that illustrious king, he came, + As his charioteer, the service--entered of the lord of earth. + + + + +BOOK IX. + + + Scarce Varshneya had departed--still the king of men played on, + Till to Pushkara his kingdom--all that he possessed, was lost. + Nala then, despoiled of kingdom--smiling Pushkara bespake: + "Throw we yet another hazard--Nala, where is now thy stake? + There remains but Damayanti--all thou hast beside, is mine. + Throw we now for Damayanti--come, once more the hazard try." + Thus as Pushkara addressed him--Punyasloka's inmost heart + By his grief was rent asunder--not a single word he spake. + And on Pushkara, king Nala--in his silent anguish gazed. + All his ornaments of splendour--from his person stripped he off, + With a single vest, scarce covered,--'mid the sorrow of his friends. + Slowly wandered forth the monarch--fallen from such an height of bliss. + Damayanti with one garment--slowly followed him behind. + Three long nights Nishadha's monarch--there without the gates had dwelt. + Proclamation through the city--then did Pushkara bid make, + "Whosoe'er befriendeth Nala--shall to instant death be doomed." + Thus, as Pushkara gave order--in the terror of his power, + Might the citizens no longer--hospitably serve the king. + Near the walls, of kind reception--worthiest, but by none received; + Three nights longer staid the monarch--water was his only drink, + He in unfastidious hunger--plucked the fruits, the roots of earth. + Then went forth again the outcast:--Damayanti followed slow. + In the agony of famine--Nala, after many days, + Saw some birds around him settling--with their golden tinctured wings. + Then the monarch of Nishadha--thought within his secret heart, + These to-day my welcome banquet--and my treasure these will be. + Over them his single garment--spreading light he wrapped them round: + Up that single garment bearing--to the air they sprang away; + And the birds above him hovering--thus in human accents spake, + Naked as they saw him standing--on the earth, and sad, and lone:-- + "Lo, we are the dice, to spoil thee--thus descended, foolish king! + While thou hadst a single garment--all our joy was incomplete." + When the dice he saw departing--and himself without his robe, + Mournfully did Punyasloka--thus to Damayanti speak: + "They, O blameless, by whose anger--from my kingdom I am driven, + Life-sustaining food unable--in my misery to find-- + They, through whom Nishadha's people--may not house their outcast king-- + They, the forms of birds assuming--my one robe have borne away. + In the dark extreme of misery--sad and frantic as I am, + Hear me, princess, hear and profit--by thy husband's best advice. + Hence are many roads diverging--to the region of the south,[63] + Passing by Avanti's city[64]--and the height of Rishavan; + Vindhya here, the mighty mountain[65]--and Payoshni's seaward stream;[66] + And the lone retreats of hermits--on the fruits of earth that live; + This will lead thee to Vidarbha--this to Cosala away,[67] + Far beyond the region stretches--southward to the southward clime." + In these words to Damayanti--did the royal Nala speak, + More than once to Bhima's daughter--anxious pointing out the way. + She, with voice half choked with sorrow--with her weight of woe oppressed, + These sad words did Damayanti--to Nishadha's monarch speak:-- + "My afflicted heart is breaking--and my sinking members fail, + When, O king, thy desperate counsel--once I think of, once again. + Robbed of kingdom, robbed of riches--naked, thirst and hunger worn; + How shall I depart and leave thee--in the wood by man untrod. + When thou sad and famine-stricken--thinkest of thy former bliss, + In the wild wood, oh, my husband,--I thy weariness will soothe. + Like a wife, in every sorrow--this the wise physicians own, + Healing herb is none or balsam--Nala, 'tis the truth I speak." + + NALA _spake_. + + Slender-waisted Damayanti--true, indeed, is all thou'st said; + Like a wife no friendly medicine--to afflicted man is given. + Fear not that I thee abandon--Wherefore, timid, dread'st thou this? + Oh, myself might I abandon--and not thee, thou unreproached. + + DAMAYANTI _spake_. + + If indeed, oh mighty monarch--thou wilt ne'er abandon me, + Wherefore then towards Vidarbha--dost thou point me out the way. + Well, I know thee, noble Nala--to desert me far too true, + Only with a soul distracted--would'st thou leave me, lord of earth. + Yet, again, the way thou pointest--yet, again, thou best of men, + Thus my sorrow still enhancing--oh, thou like the immortal gods; + If this be thy better counsel--'to her kindred let her go,' + Be it so, and both together--to Vidarbha set we forth. + Thee Vidarbha's king will honour--honour'd in his turn by thee; + Held in high respect and happy--in our mansion thou shall dwell. + + + + +BOOK X. + + + NALA _spake_. + + "Mighty is thy father's kingdom--once was mine as mighty too; + Never will I there seek refuge--in my base extremity. + There I once appeared in glory--to the exalting of thy pride; + Shall I now appear in misery--to the increasing of thy shame?" + Nala thus to Damayanti--spake again, and yet again, + Comforting the noble lady--scant in half a garment clad. + Both together by one garment[68]--covered, roamed they here and there; + Wearied out by thirst and famine--to a cabin drew they near. + When they reached that lowly cabin--then did great Nishadha's king + With the princess of Vidarbha--on the hard earth seat them down; + Naked, with no mat to rest on--wet with mire and stained with dust. + Weary then with Damayanti--on the earth he fell asleep. + Sank the lovely Damayanti--by his side with sleep opprest, + She thus plunged in sudden misery--she the tender, the devout. + But while on the cold earth slumbered--Damayanti, all distraught + Nala in his mind by sorrow--might no longer calmly sleep; + For the losing of his kingdom--the desertion of his friends, + And his weary forest wanderings--painful on his thought arose; + "If I do it, what may follow?--what if I refuse to do? + Were my instant death the better--or to abandon her I love. + But to me too deep devoted--suffers she distress and shame; + Reft of me she home may wander--to her royal father's house; + Faithful wandering ever with me--certain sorrow will she bear, + But if separated from me--chance of solace may be hers." + Long within his heart he pondered--and again, again weighed o'er. + Best he thought it Damayanti--to desert, that wretched king. + From her virtue none dare harm her[69]--in the lonely forest way, + Her the fortunate, the noble--my devoted wedded wife. + Thus his mind on Damayanti--dwelt in its perverted thought, + Wrought by Kali's evil influence--to desert his lovely wife. + Of himself without a garment--and of her with only one. + As he thought, approached he near her--to divide that single robe. + "How shall I divide the garment--by my loved one unperceived?" + Pondering this within his spirit--round the cabin Nala went; + In that narrow cabin's circuit--Nala wandered here and there, + Till he found without a scabbard--shining, a well-tempered sword. + Then when half that only garment--he had severed, and put on, + In her sleep Vidarbha's princess--with bewildered mind he fled. + Yet, his cruel heart relenting--to the cabin turns he back; + On the slumbering Damayanti--gazing, sadly wept the king; + "Thou, that sun nor wind hath ever--roughly visited, my love! + On the hard earth in a cabin--sleepest with thy guardian gone. + Thus attired in half a garment--she that aye so sweetly smiled, + Like to one distracted, beauteous--how at length will she awake? + How will't fare with Bhima's daughter--lone, abandoned by her lord, + Wandering in the savage forest--where wild beasts and serpents dwell. + May the suns and winds of heaven--may the genii of the woods,[70] + Noblest, may they all protect thee--thine own virtue thy best guard." + To his wife of peerless beauty--on the earth, 'twas thus he spoke. + Then of sense bereft by Kali--Nala hastily set forth; + And departing, still departing--he returned again, again; + Dragged away by that bad demon--ever by his love drawn back. + Nala, thus his heart divided--into two conflicting parts, + Like a swing goes backward, forward--from the cabin, to and fro. + Torn away at length by Kali--flies afar the frantic king, + Leaving there his wife in slumber--making miserable moans. + Reft of sense, possessed by Kali--thinking still on her he left, + Passed he in the lonely forest--leaving his deserted wife. + + + + +BOOK XI. + + + Scarcely had king Nala parted--Damayanti now refreshed, + Wakened up, the slender-waisted--timorous in the desert wood. + When she did not see her husband--overpowered with grief and pain, + Loud she shriek'd in her first anguish--"Where art thou, Nishadha's king? + Mighty king! my soul-protector--O, my lord! desert'st thou me. + Oh, I'm lost! undone for ever--helpless in the wild wood left; + Faithful once to every duty--wert thou not, and true in word. + Art thou faithful to thy promise--to desert me thus in sleep. + Could'st thou then depart, forsaking--thy devoted, constant wife; + Her in sooth that never wronged thee--wronged indeed, but not by her. + Keep'st thou thus thy solemn promise--oh, unfaithful lord of men, + There, when all the gods were present--plighted to thy wedded wife? + Death is but decreed to mortals--at its own appointed time, + Hence one moment, thus deserted[71]--one brief moment do I live.-- + But thou'st had thy sport--enough then--now desist, O king of men, + Mock not thou a trembling woman--show thee to me, O my lord! + Yes, I see thee, there I see thee--hidden as thou think'st from sight, + In the rushes why conceal thee?--answer me, why speak'st thou not. + Wherefore now ungentle stay'st thou--like to one forsworn, aloof? + Wherefore wilt thou not approach me--to console me in my woe? + For myself I will not sorrow--nor for aught to me befalls. + Thou art all alone, my husband,--I will only mourn for thee. + How will't fare with thee, my Nala--thirsting, famished, faint with toil. + Nor beholding me await thee--underneath the trees at eve." + Then, in all her depth of anguish--with her trouble as on fire, + Hither, thither, went she weeping--all around she went and wailed. + Now springs up the desolate princess--now falls down in prostrate grief; + Now she pines in silent sorrow--now she shrieks and wails aloud. + So consumed with inward misery--ever sighing more and more, + Spake at length king Bhima's daughter--spake the still devoted wife: + "He, by whose dire imprecation--Nala this dread suffering bears, + May he far surpass in suffering--all that Nala suffers now, + May the evil one, to evil--who the blameless Nala drives, + Smitten by a curse as fatal--live a dark unblessed life." + Thus her absent lord lamenting--that high-minded raja's queen, + Every-where her lord went seeking--in the satyr-haunted wood.[72] + Like a maniac, Bhima's daughter--wandered wailing here and there; + And "alas! alas! my husband"--every-where her cry was heard. + Her beyond all measure wailing--like the osprey screaming shrill, + Miserably still deploring--still renewing her lament. + Suddenly king Bhima's daughter--as she wandered near his lair, + Seized a huge gigantic serpent--in his raging famine fierce. + In the grasp of that fierce serpent--round about with terror girt, + Not herself she pities only--pities she Nishadha's king. + "O my guardian, thus unguarded--in this savage forest seized, + Seized by this terrific serpent--wherefore art not thou at hand? + How will't be, when thou rememberest--once again thy faithful wife, + From this dreadful curse delivered--mind, and sense, and wealth returned? + When thou'rt weary, when thou'rt hungry--when thou'rt fainting with fatigue, + Who will soothe, O blameless Nala--all thy weariness, thy woe." + Then a huntsman as he wandered--in the forest jungle thick, + As he heard her thus bewailing--in his utmost haste drew near. + In the grasp when he beheld her--of that long-eyed serpent fell, + Instant did the nimble huntsman--rapidly as he came on, + Pierce that unresisting serpent--with a sharp and mortal shaft: + In her sight he slew that serpent--skill'd in slaughter of the chase. + Her released he from her peril--washed he then with water pure, + And with sylvan food refreshed her--and with soothing words address'd: + "Who art thou that roam'st the forest--with the eyes of the gazelle; + How to this extreme of misery--noble lady, hast thou fallen?" + Damayanti, by the huntsman--thus in soothing tone addressed, + All the story of her misery-told him, as it all befell; + Her, scant-clothed in half a garment--with soft swelling limbs and breast, + Form of youthful faultless beauty--and her fair and moonlike face, + And her eyes with brows dark arching--and her softly-melting speech, + Saw long time that wild beast hunter--kindled all his heart with love. + Then with winning voice that huntsman--bland beginning his discourse, + Fain with amorous speech would soothe her--she his dark intent perceived. + Damayanti, chaste and faithful,--soon as she his meaning knew, + In the transport of her anger--her indignant soul took fire. + In his wicked thought the dastard--her yet powerless to subdue, + On the unsubdued stood gazing--as like some bright flame she shone. + Damayanti, in her sorrow--of her realm, her lord bereft, + On the instant she found language--uttered loud her curse of wrath,[73]-- + "As my pure and constant spirit--swerves not from Nishadha's lord, + Instant so may this base hunter--lifeless fall upon the earth." + Scarce that single word was uttered--suddenly that hunter bold + Down upon the earth fell lifeless--like a lightning blasted tree. + + + + +BOOK XII. + + + Slain that savage wild-beast hunter--onward went the lotus-eyed, + Through the dread, and desert forest--ringing with the cricket's song; + Full of lions, pards, and tigers--stags, and buffalos, and bears, + Where all kinds of birds were flocking--and wild men and robbers dwelt. + Trees of every form and stature[74]--every foliage, every name; + Pregnant with rich mines of metal--many a mountain it enclosed, + Many a shady resonant arbour--many a deep and wondrous glen; + Many a lake, and pool, and river--birds and beasts of every shape. + She, in forms terrific round her--serpents, elves, and giants saw:[75] + Pools, and tanks of lucid water--and the shaggy tops of hills, + Flowing streams and headlong torrents--saw, and wondered at the sight. + And the princess of Vidarbha--gazed where in their countless herds, + Buffalos and bears were feeding--boars, and serpents of the wood. + Safe in virtue, bright in beauty--glorious and of high resolve, + Now alone, Vidarbha's daughter--wandering, her lost Nala sought. + Yet no fear king Bhima's daughter--for herself might deign to feel, + Travelling the dreary forest--only for her lord distressed; + Him she mourned, that noble princess--him in bitterest anguish wailed, + Every limb with sorrow trembling--stood she on a beetling rock; + "Monarch, with broad chest capacious--monarch with the sinewy arm, + Me in this dread forest leaving--whither hast thou fled away? + Thou the holy Aswamedha--thou each sacrificial rite, + Hast performed, to me, me only--in thy holy faith thou'st failed. + That which thou, O best of husbands--in mine hearing hast declared, + Thy most solemn vow remember--call to mind thy plighted faith. + Of the swift-winged swans the language--uttered, monarch, by thy side, + That thyself, before my presence--didst renew, bethink thee well. + Thou the Vedas, thou the Angas--with the Upangas oft hast read, + Of each heaven-descended volume--one and simple is the truth. + Therefore, of thy foes the slayer!--reverence thou the sacred truth + Of thy solemn plighted promise--in my presence sworn so oft. + Am not I the loved so dearly--purely, sinlessly beloved; + In this dark and awful forest--wherefore dost thou not reply? + Here with monstrous jaws wide yawning--with his fierce and horrid form, + Gapes the forest king to slay me--and thou art not here to save. + None but I, thou'st said, for ever--none but I to thee am dear! + Make this oft-repeated language--make this oft-sworn promise true. + To thy queen bereft of reason--to thy weeping wife beloved, + Why repliest thou not--her only thou desir'st--she only thee. + Meagre, miserable, pallid--tainted with the dust and mire, + Scantly clad in half a garment--lone, with no protector near; + Like a large-eyed hind that wanders--separate from the wonted herd, + Thou regard'st me not, thus weeping--oh thou tamer of thy foes. + Mighty king, a lonely wanderer--in this vast and trackless wood, + Damayanti, I address thee--wherefore answerest not my voice? + Nobly born, and nobly minded--beautiful in every limb, + Do I not e'en now behold thee--in this mountain, first of men, + In this lion-haunted forest--in this tiger-howling wood, + Lying down or seated, standing--or in majesty and might + Moving, do I not behold thee--the enhancer of my woe? + Who shall I address, afflicted--wasted by my grief away; + 'Hast thou haply seen my Nala--in the solitary wood?' + Who this day will show the monarch--wandering in the forest depth, + Beautiful and royal-minded--conqueror of an host of foes! + 'Him thou seek'st with eyes of lotus--Nala, sovereign of men-- + Lo, he's here!' whose voice of music--may I hear thus sweetly speak? + Lo, with fourfold tusks before me--and with wide and gaping jaws, + Stands the forest king, the tiger--I approach him without fear. + Of the beasts art thou the monarch--all this forest thy domain, + For the daughter of Vidarbha--Damayanti, know thou me, + Consort of Nishadha's sovereign--Nala, slayer of his foes-- + Seeking here my exile husband--lonely, wretched, sorrow-driven, + Thou, O king of beasts, console me--if my Nala thou hast seen; + Or, O lord of all the forest--Nala if thou canst not show, + Best of savage beasts, devour me--from my misery set me free. + Hearing thus my lamentation-now does that fell king of beasts + Go towards the crystal river--flowing downward to the sea.'-- + To this mountain then the holy--crowned with many a lofty peak, + In its soul-exalting splendour--rising, many-hued, to heaven; + Full within of precious metal--rich with many a glowing gem, + Rising o'er the spreading forest--like a banner broad and high, + Ranged by elephants and lions--tigers, bears, and boars, and stags; + And of many birds the voices--sweetly sound o'er all its cliffs; + All the trees of richest foliage[76]--all the trees of stateliest height, + All the flowers and golden fruitage--on its crested summits wave, + Down its peaks in many a streamlet--dip the water-birds their wings: + This, the monarch of all mountains--ask I of the king of men; + 'O, all-honoured Prince of Mountains, with thy heaven-ward soaring peaks, + Refuge of the lost, most noble--thee, O Mountain, I salute; + I salute thee, lowly bowing--I, the daughter of a king; + Of a king the royal consort--of a king's son I the bride. + Of Vidarbha the great sovereign--mighty hero is my sire. + Named the lord of earth, king Bhima--of each caste the guardian he; + Of the holy Aswamedha--of the regal sacrifice,[77] + He the offerer, best of monarchs--known by his commanding eye, + Pious, and of life unblemished--true in word, of generous speech, + Affable, courageous, prosperous--skilled in every duty, pure. + Of Vidarbha the protector--conqueror of a host of foes; + Know me of that king the daughter--lowly thus approaching thee. + In Nishadha, mighty Mountain! dwelt the father of my lord. + High the name he won, the illustrious--Virasena was he called. + Of this king the son, the hero--prosperous and truly brave, + He who rules his father's kingdom--by hereditary right, + Slayer of his foes, dark Nala--Punyasloka is he called; + Holy, Veda read, and eloquent--soma quaffing, fire adoring,[78][79] + Sacrificer, liberal giver--warrior, in all points a king,-- + Of this monarch, best of mountains--know, the wife before thee stands. + Fallen from bliss, bereft of husband--unprotected, sorrow-doomed, + Seeking every where her husband--him the best of noblest men. + Best of mountains, heaven-upsoaring--with thy hundred stately peaks, + Hast thou seen the kingly Nala--in this dark and awful wood: + Like the elephant in courage--wise, impetuous, with long arms, + Valiant, and of truth unquestioned--my heroic, glorious lord; + Hast thou seen Nishadha's sovereign--mighty Nala hast thou seen? + Why repliest thou not, oh Mountain--sorrowing, lonely, and distressed, + With thy voice why not console me--as thine own afflicted child? + Hero, mighty, strong in duty--true of promise, lord of earth, + If thou art within the forest--show thee in thy proper form. + When so eloquently deep-toned--like the sound of some dark cloud, + Shall I hear thy voice, oh Nala!--sweet as the amrita draught,[80] + Saying, 'daughter of Vidarbha!'--with distinct, with blessed sound, + Musical as holy Veda--rich, and soothing all my pain; + Thus console me, trembling, fainting--thou, oh virtue-loving king!" + To the holiest of mountains--spake the daughter of the king. + Damayanti then set forward--toward the region of the north. + Three days long, three nights she wandered--then that noble woman saw, + The unrivalled wood of hermits--like to a celestial grove. + To the ancient famous hermits[81]--equal was that sacred crew; + Self-denying, strict in diet[82]--temperate, and undefiled; + Water-drinking, air inhaling--and the leaves their simple food; + Mortified, for ever blessed--seeking the right way to heaven; + Bark for vests and skins for raiment--wore those hermits, sense-subdued. + She beheld the pleasant circle--of those hermits' lonely cells; + Round them flocks of beasts were grazing--wantoned there the monkey tribes. + When she saw those holy dwellings--all her courage was revived. + Lovely browed, and lovely tressed--lovely bosom'd, lovely lipp'd,[83] + In her brightness, in her glory--with her large dark beauteous eyes, + Entered she those hermit dwellings--wife of Virasena's son; + Pearl of women, ever blessed-Damayanti the devout, + She those holy men saluting--stood with modest form half bent. + "Hail, and welcome!" thus those hermits--instant with one voice exclaimed. + And those sacred men no sooner--had the fitting homage paid, + "Take thy seat," they said, "oh lady[84]--and command what we must do." + Thus replied the slender waisted--"Blessed are ye, holy men. + In your sacred fires, your worship[85]--blameless, with your beasts and + birds.[86] + Doth the grace of heaven attend you--in your duties, in your deeds?" + Answered they, "The grace of heaven--ever blesses all our deeds. + But say thou, of form so beauteous--who thou art, and what thou would'st? + As thy noble form we gaze on--on thy brightness as we gaze, + In amaze we stand and wonder--cheer thee up, and mourn no more. + Of the wood art thou the goddess--or the mountain goddess thou; + Or the goddess of the river?--Blessed Spirit, speak the truth. + Nor the sylvan goddess am I,"--to the Wise she thus replied; + "Neither of the mountain, Brahmins--nor the river nymph am I. + Know me but a mortal being--O, ye rich in holiness! + All my tale at length, I'll tell ye--if meet audience ye will give. + In Vidarbha, mighty guardian--Bhima, dwells the lord of earth; + Of that noble king the daughter--twice-born Sages, know ye me.[87] + And the monarch of Nishadha--Nala named, the great in fame; + Brave in battle, conqueror, prudent--is my lord, the peasants' king; + To the gods devout in worship--friendly to the Brahmin race, + Of Nishadha's race the guardian--great in glory, great in might, + True in word, and skilled in duty--and the slayer of his foes. + Pious, heaven-devoted, prosperous--conqueror of hostile towns; + Nala named, the best of sovereigns--splendid as the king of gods. + Know that large-eyed chief, my husband--like the full-orbed moon his face, + Giver he of costly offerings--deep in th' holy volumes read; + Slayer of his foes in battle--glorious as the sun and moon. + He to some most evil minded--unrespected, wicked men, + After many a challenge, studious--he of virtue and of truth, + To these skilful gamesters, fraudful--lost his kingdom and his wealth. + Know ye me the hapless consort--of that noble king of kings, + Damayanti, so they name me--yearning for my husband's sight. + I through forests, over mountains--stagnant marsh and river broad, + Lake with wide pellucid surface--through the long and trackless wood, + Ever seeking for my husband--Nala, skilful in the fight. + Mighty in the use of weapons--wander desolate and sad. + Tell me, to this pleasant sojourn--sacred to these holy men, + Hath he come, the royal Nala?--hath Nishadha's monarch come? + For whose sake through ways all trackless--terrible, have I set forth, + In this drear, appalling forest--where the lynx and tiger range, + If I see not noble Nala--ere few days, few nights are o'er, + I to happiness will join me--from this mortal frame set free. + Reft of him, my princely husband--what have I to do with life-- + How endure existence longer--for my husband thus distressed." + To the lady thus complaining--lonely in the savage wood, + Answered thus those holy hermits--spake the gifted seers the truth:-- + "There will be a time hereafter--beautiful, the time will come, + Through devotion now we see him[88]--and thou too wilt see him soon; + That good monarch of Nishadha--Nala, slayer of his foes; + That dispenser of strict justice--Bhima's daughter! free from grief, + From all sin released, thou'lt see him--glittering in his royal gems, + Governing that noble city--o'er his enemies supreme. + To his foemen causing terror--to his friends allaying grief, + Thou, oh noble, shalt thy husband--see, that king of noble race." + To the much-loved wife of Nala--to the princess speaking thus, + Vanished then those holy hermits--with their sacred fires, their cells. + As she gazed upon the wonder--wrapt in mute amaze she stood; + Damayanti, fair-limbed princess--wife of Virasena's son; + "Have I only seen a vision--what hath been this wondrous chance? + Where are all those holy hermits--where the circle of their cells? + Where that pure and pleasant river--haunted by the dipping birds? + Where those trees with grateful umbrage--with their pendant fruits and + flowers?" + Long within her heart she pondered--Damayanti with sweet smile, + For her lord, to grief abandoned--miserable, pale of hue; + To another region passed she--there with voice by weeping choked, + Mourns she, till with eyes o'erflowing--an Asoca tree she saw. + Best of trees, the Asoca blooming[89]--in the forest she approached, + Gemmed all o'er with glowing fruitage--vocal with the songs of birds. + "Ah, behold amid the forest--flourishes this happy tree, + With its leafy garlands radiant--as the joyous mountain king. + O thou tree with pleasant aspect--from my sorrow set me free. + Vitasoca, hast thou seen him--hast the fearless raja seen, + Nala, of his foes the slayer--Damayanti's lord beloved? + Hast thou seen Nishadha's monarch--hast thou seen mine only love, + Clad in half a single garment--with his soft and delicate skin; + Hast thou seen th' afflicted hero--wandering in the forest lone. + That I may depart ungrieving--fair Asoca, answer me. + Truly be thou named Asoca[90]--as the extinguisher of grief." + Thus in her o'erpowering anguish--moved she round the Asoca tree. + Then she went her way in sadness--to another region dread. + Many a tree she stood and gazed on--many a river passed she o'er; + Passed she many a pleasant mountain--many a wild deer, many a bird; + Many a hill and many a cavern--many a bright and wondrous stream, + Saw king Bhima's wandering daughter--as she sought her husband lost. + Long she roamed her weary journey--Damayanti with sweet smile, + Lo, a caravan of merchants--elephants, and steeds, and cars, + And beyond, a pleasant river--with its waters cool and clear. + 'Twas a quiet stream, and waveless--girt about with spreading canes; + There the cuckoo, there the osprey--there the red-geese clamouring stood; + Swarmed the turtles, fish and serpents--there rose many a stately isle. + When she saw that numerous concourse--Nala's once all-glorious wife, + Entered she, the slender-waisted--in the midst of all the host; + Maniac-like in form and feature--and in half a garment clad, + Thin and pallid, travel-tainted--matted all her locks with dust. + As they all beheld her standing--some in terror fled away; + Some stood still in speechless wonder--others raised their voice and cried; + Mocked her some with cruel tauntings--others spake reproachful words; + Others looked on her with pity--and enquired her state, her name. + "Who art thou? whose daughter. Lady--in the forest seek'st thou aught? + At thy sight we stand confounded--art thou of our mortal race? + Of this wood art thou the goddess?--of this mountain? of that plain? + Who art thou, O noble Lady--thee, our refuge, we adore. + Art thou sylvan nymph or genius--or celestial nymph divine? + Every-way regard our welfare--and protect us, undespised: + So our caravan in safety--may pursue its onward way, + So ordain it, O illustrious!--that good fortune wait on all." + Thus addressed by that assemblage--Damayanti, kingly-born, + Answered thus with gentle language--grieving for her husband lost. + Of that caravan the leader--and the whole assembled host, + Youths and boys, and grey-haired elders--and the guides, thus answered she: + "Know me, like yourselves, a mortal--daughter of a king of men, + Of another king the consort--seeking for my royal lord; + Know, Vidarbha's king, my father--and Nishadha's king, my lord, + Nala, is his name, the glorious--him, th' unconquered do I seek; + Know ye aught of that good monarch--tell me, quick, of my beloved, + Of the tiger hero, Nala--slayer of a host of foes." + Of the caravan the captain--thus the lovely-limbed addressed, + Suchi was his name, the merchant--"Hear, illustrious queen, my speech; + Of this caravan the captain--I, O Lady with sweet smile, + Him that bears the name of Nala--nowhere have these eyes beheld. + Elephants, and pards, and tigers--lynxes, buffaloes, and bears, + See I in this trackless forest--uninhabited by men; + Save thyself, of human feature--nought, or human form, I've seen. + So may he, the king of Yakshas--Manibhadra, guard us well."[91] + To the merchants then she answered--to the leader of the host, + "Tell me whither do ye travel!--whither bound your caravan?" + + _The_ CAPTAIN _of the caravan spake._ + + "To the realm of Chedi's sovereign[92]--truth-discerning Subahu, + Soon this caravan will enter--travelling in search of gain." + + + + +BOOK XIII. + + + [93]This, the lovely princess hearing--from the captain of the band, + With the caravan set forward--seeking still her royal lord. + Long their journey through the forest--through the dark and awful glens; + Then a lake of loveliest beauty--fragrant with the lotus flowers, + Saw those merchants, wide and pleasant--with fresh grass and shady trees; + Flowers and fruits bedecked its borders--where the birds melodious sang: + In its clear delicious waters--soul-enchanting, icy cool, + With their horses all o'erwearied--thought they then to plunge and bathe; + At the signal of the captain--entered all that pleasant grove. + At the close of day arriving--there encamped they for the night. + When the midnight came, all noiseless--came in silence deep and still, + Weary slept the band of merchants--lo, a herd of elephants,[94] + Oozing moisture from their temples--came to drink the troubled stream. + When that caravan they gazed on--with their slumbering beasts at rest, + The tame elephants they scented--those wild forest elephants; + Forward rush they fleet and furious--mad to slay, and wild with heat; + Irresistible the onset--of the rushing ponderous beasts, + As the peaks from some high mountain--down the valley thundering roll; + Strewn was all the way before them--with the boughs, the trunks of trees; + On they crash'd to where the travellers--slumbered by the lotus lake. + Trampled down without a struggle--helpless on the earth they lay, + "Woe, oh, woe!" shrieked out the merchants--wildly some began to fly, + In the forest thickets' plunging;--some stood gasping, blind with sleep; + And the elephants down beat them--with their tusks, their trunks, their + feet. + Many saw their camels dying--mingled with the men on foot, + And in frantic tumult rushing--wildly struck each other down; + Many miserably shrieking--cast them down upon the earth, + Many climbed the trees in terror--on the rough ground stumbled some. + Thus in various wise and fatal--by the elephants assailed, + Lay that caravan so wealthy--scattered all abroad or slain. + Such, so fearful was the tumult--the three worlds seemed all appalled,[95] + "'Tis a fire amid th' encampment--save ye, fly ye, for your lives. + Lo, your precious pearls ye trample--take them up, why fly so fast? + Save them, 'tis a common venture--fear ye not that I deceive." + Thus t' each other shrieked the merchants--as in fear they scattered round. + "Yet again I call upon you--cowards! think ye what ye do." + All around this frantic carnage--raging through the prostrate host, + Damayanti, soon awakened--with her heart all full of dread; + There she saw a hideous slaughter--the whole world might well appal. + To such sights all unfamiliar--gazed the queen with lotus eyes, + Pressing in her breath with terror--slowly rose she on her feet. + And the few that scaped the carnage--few that scaped without a wound, + All at once exclaimed together--"Of whose deeds is this the doom? + Hath not mighty Manibhadra--adoration meet received. + And Vaisravana the holy[96]--of the Yakshas lord and king, + Have not all that might impede us--ere we journied, been addressed? + Was it doomed, that all good omens--by this chance should be belied! + Were no planets haply adverse?--how hath fate, like this, befall'n!" + Others answered in their misery--reft of kindred and of wealth, + "Who is that ill-omened woman--that with maniac-staring eyes, + Joined our host, misshaped in aspect--and with scarcely human form? + Surely all this wicked witchcraft--by her evil power is wrought; + Witch or sorceress she, or daemon--fatal cause of all our fears, + Hers is all the guilt, the misery--who such damning proof may doubt? + Could we but behold that false one--murtheress, bane of all our host, + With the clods, the dust, the bamboos--with our staves, or with our hands, + We would slay her on the instant--of our caravan the fate." + But no sooner Damayanti--their appalling words had heard, + In her shame and in her terror--to the forest shade she fled. + And that guilt imputed dreading--thus her fate began to wail: + "Woe is me, still o'er me hovers--the terrific wrath of fate; + No good fortune e'er attends me--of what guilt is this the doom? + Not a sin can I remember--not the least to living man. + Or in deed, or thought, or language--of what guilt is this the doom? + In some former life committed[97]--expiate I now the sin. + To this infinite misfortune--hence by penal justice doomed? + Lost my husband, lost my kingdom--from my kindred separate; + Separate from noble Nala--from my children far away, + Widowed of my rightful guardian--in the serpent-haunted wood." + Of that caravan at morning--then the sad surviving few, + Setting forth from that dread region--o'er that hideous carnage grieve; + Each a brother mourns, or father--or a son, or dearest friend, + Still Vidarbha's princess uttered--"What the sin that I have done? + Scarcely in this desert forest--had I met this host of men, + By the elephants they perish--this is through my luckless fate; + A still lengthening life of sorrow--I henceforth must sadly lead. + Ere his destined day none dieth--this of aged seers the lore; + Therefore am not I too trampled--by this herd of furious beasts. + Every deed of living mortal--by over-ruling fate is done. + Yet no sin have I committed--in my blameless infancy, + To deserve this dire disaster--or in word, or deed, or thought. + For the choosing of my husband--are the guardians of the world, + Angry are the gods, rejected--for the noble Nala's sake? + From my lord this long divorcement--through their power do I endure." + Thus the noblest of all women--to bewail her fate began, + The deserted Damayanti--with these sad and bitter words; + With some Veda-reading Brahmins--that survived that scattered host, + Then she went her way in sadness--like the young moon's sickle pale, + And ere long a mighty city--that afflicted queen drew near: + 'Twas the king of Chedi's city--truth-discerning Subahu. + Scantly clad in half a garment--entered she that stately town; + Her disturbed, emaciate, wretched--with dishevelled hair, unwashed, + Like a maniac, onward-moving--saw that city's wondering throng; + Gazing on her as she entered--to the monarch's royal seat; + All the boys her footsteps followed--in their curious gamesome play;[98] + Circled round by these she wandered--near the royal palace gate. + From that palace lofty terrace--her the mother of the king + Saw, and thus her nurse addressed she--"Go, and lead that wanderer in! + Sad she roves, without a refuge--troubled by those gazing men; + Yet in form so bright, irradiate--is our palace where she moves. + Though so maniac-like, half-clothed--like Heaven's long-eyed queen she + seems." + She those crowding men dispersing--quickly to the palace top + Made her mount--and in amazement--her the mother-queen addressed: + "Thus though bowed and worn with sorrow--such a shining form thou wear'st, + As through murky clouds the lightning--tell me who thou art and whence: + For thy form is more than human--of all ornament despoiled: + Men thou fear'st not, unattended--in celestial beauty safe." + Hearing thus her gentle language--Bhima's daughter made reply, + "Know me like thyself a mortal--a distressed, devoted wife; + Of illustrious race an handmaid--making where I will mine home; + On the roots and wild-fruits feeding--lonely, at the fall of eve. + Gifted with unnumber'd virtues--is my true, my faithful lord, + And I still the hero followed--like his shadow on the way. + 'Twas his fate, with desp'rate fondness--to pursue the love of play, + And in play subdued and ruined--entered he yon lonely wood; + Him, arrayed in but one garment,--like a madman wandering wild, + To console my noble husband--I too entered the deep wood; + He within that dreary forest--for some cause, to me unknown, + Wild with hunger, reft of reason--that one single robe he lost. + I with but one robe, him naked[99]--frantic, and with mind diseased, + Following through the boundless forest--many a night I had not slept; + Then, when I had sunk to slumber--me the blameless leaving there, + Half my garment having severed--he his sinless consort fled; + Seeking him, my outcast husband--night and day am I consumed: + Him I see not, ever shining--like the lotus cup, beloved; + Find him not, most like th' immortals--lord of all, my life, my soul." + Even as thus, with eyes o'erflowing--uttered she her sad lament, + Sad herself, sad Bhima's daughter--did the mother queen address: + "Dwell with me, then, noble Lady--deep the joy in thee I feel, + And the servants of my household--shall thy royal husband seek; + Haply hither he may wander--as he roams about the world: + Dwelling here in peace and honour--thou thy husband wilt rejoin." + To the king of Chedi's mother--Damayanti made reply; + "On these terms, O nurse of heroes!--I with thee may make abode: + That I eat not broken victuals[100]--wash not feet with menial hand:[101] + Nor with stranger men have converse--in my chaste, secluded state; + If that any man demand me--be he punished; if again, + Be he put to death on th' instant--this the vow that I have sworn. + Only, if they seek my husband--holy Brahmins will I see. + Be my terms by thee accepted--gladly will I sojourn here, + But on other terms no sojourn--will this heart resolved admit." + Then to her with joyful spirit--spake the mother of the king: + "As thou wilt shall all be ordered--be thou blest, since such thy vow." + Speaking thus to Bhima's daughter--did the royal mother then, + In these words address her daughter--young Sunanda was her name: + "See this handmaid, my Sunanda--gifted with a form divine; + She in age thy lovely compeer--be she to thee as a friend; + Joined with her in sweet communion--take thy pleasure without fear." + Young Sunanda, all rejoicing--to her own abode went back, + Taking with her Damayanti--circled with her virgin peers. + + + + +BOOK XIV. + + + Damayanti when deserting--royal Nala fled, ere long + Blazing in the forest jungle--he a mighty fire beheld; + Thence as of a living being--from the midst a voice he heard: + "Hasten, Nala!" oft and loudly--"Punyasloka, haste," it cried. + "Fear thou not," king Nala answered--plunging in the ruddy flame; + There he saw the king of serpents--lying, coiled into a ring. + There with folded hands the serpent--trembling, thus to Nala spake: + "Me, Karkotaka, the Serpent--know, thou sovereign of men; + Narada, the famous hermit[102]--I deceived, the holy sage; + He in righteous indignation--smote me with this awful curse: + Stay thou there as one unmoving--till king Nala passing by, + Lead thee hence; save only Nala--none can free thee from this curse. + Through this potent execration--I no step have power to move; + I the way to bliss will show thee--if thou sav'st me from this fate. + I will show thee noble friendship--serpent none is like to me; + Lightly shall I weigh, uplift me--in thy hand, with speed, O king." + Thus when spake the king of serpents--to a finger's size he shrank; + Him when Nala lightly lifted--to the unburning space he passed. + To the air all cool and temperate--brought him, by the flame unreached. + As he fain on th' earth would place him--thus Karkotaka began. + "Move thou now, O king, and slowly--as thou movest, count thy steps. + Then the best of all good fortune--will I give thee, mighty armed!" + Ere the tenth step he had counted[103]--him the sudden serpent bit: + As he bit him, on the instant--all his kingly form was changed. + There he stood, and gazed in wonder--Nala, on his altered form. + In his proper shape the serpent--saw the sovereign of men. + Then Karkotaka the serpent--thus to Nala comfort spake: + "Through my power thy form is altered--lest thou should'st be known of men. + He through whom thou'rt thus afflicted--Nala, with intensest grief, + Through my poison, shall in anguish--ever dwell within thy soul. + All his body steeped in poison--till he free thee from thy woe, + Shall he dwell within thee prison'd--in the ecstacy of pain. + So from him, by whom, thou blameless!--sufferest such unworthy wrong, + By the curse I lay upon him--my deliverance shall be wrought. + Fear not thou the tusked wild boar--foeman fear not thou, O king, + Neither Brahmin fear, nor Sages[104]--safe through my prevailing power. + King, this salutary poison--gives to thee nor grief nor pain; + In the battle, chief of Rajas--victory is ever thine. + Go thou forth, thyself thus naming--Vahuca, the charioteer, + To the royal Rituparna--in the dice all-skilful he; + To Ayodhya's pleasant city--sovereign of Nishadha! go; + He his skill in dice will give thee--for thy skill in taming steeds: + Of Ikshwaku's noble lineage--he will be thy best of friends. + Thou the skill in dice possessing--soon wilt rise again to bliss; + With thy consort reunited--yield not up thy soul to grief. + Thou thy kingdom, thou thy children--wilt regain, the truth I speak. + When again thou would'st behold thee--in thy proper form, O king, + Summon me to thy remembrance--and this garment put thou on: + In this garment clad resum'st thou--instantly thy proper form." + Saying thus, of vests celestial--gave he to the king a pair.[105] + And king Nala, thus instructed--gifted with these magic robes, + Instantly the king of serpents--vanished from his sight away. + + + + +BOOK XV. + + + Vanished thus the King of Serpents--set Nishadha's raja forth, + Rituparna's royal city--on the tenth day entered he. + Straight before the royal presence--"Vahuca am I," he said, + "In the skill of taming horses--on the earth is not my peer; + Use me, where the difficult counsel--where thou want'st the dexterous hand; + In the art of dressing viands[106]--I am skilful above all. + Whatsoe'er the art, whatever--be most difficult to do, + I will strive to execute it--take me to thy service, king." + + RITUPARNA _spake_. + + "Vahuca, I bid thee welcome--all this service shalt thou do, + On my horses' rapid motion--deeply is my mind engaged. + Take thou then on thee the office--that my steeds be fleet of foot, + Of my horse be thou the master--hundred hundreds is thy pay:[107] + Ever shalt thou have for comrades--Varshneya and Jivala: + With these two pursue thy pleasure--Vahuca, abide with me." + Thus addressed, did Nala, honoured--by king Rituparna long, + With Varshneya in that city--and with Jivala abide: + There abode he, sadly thinking--of Vidarbha's daughter still. + In the evening, every evening--uttered he this single verse; + "Where is she, by thirst and hunger--worn, and weary, pious still, + Thinking of her unwise husband--in whose presence is she now!" + Thus the raja, ever speaking--Jivala one night addressed; + "Who is she, for whom thou grievest?--Vahuca, I fain would hear." + [108]Answered thus the royal Nala--"To a man of sense bereft, + Once belonged a peerless lady--most infirm of word was he; + From some cause from her dissevered--went that frantic man away, + In his foolish soul thus parted--wanders he, by sorrow racked; + Night and day, and still for ever--by his parching grief consumed: + Nightly brooding o'er his sorrows--sings he this sad single verse. + O'er the whole wide earth a wanderer--chance-alighting in some place, + Dwells that woful man, unworthy,--ever wakeful with his grief. + Him that noble lady following--in the forest lone and dread, + Lives, of that bad man forsaken--hard it is to say, she lives! + Lone, and young, the ways unknowing--undeserving of such fate, + Pines she there with thirst and hunger--hard it is to say, she lives. + In that vast and awful forest--haunted by fierce beasts of prey, + By her lord she roams forsaken--hapless, by that luckless lord." + Thus remembering Damayanti--did Nishadha's king unknown, + Long within that dwelling sojourn--in the palace of the king. + + + + +BOOK XVI. + + + Nala thus bereft of kingdom--with his wife to slavery sunk, + Forth king Bhima sent the Brahmins--Nala through the world to seek. + Thus the royal Bhima charged them--with abundant wealth supplied:-- + "Go ye now and seek king Nala--Damayanti seek, my child: + And, achieved this weighty business--found Nishadha's royal lord, + Whosoe'er shall hither bring them--shall a thousand kine receive; + And a royal grant for maintenance[109]--of a village like a town. + If nor hither Damayanti--nor king Nala may be brought, + Know we where they are, rich guerdon--still we give, ten hundred kine." + Thus addressed, the joyful Brahmins--went to every clime of earth, + Through the cities, through the kingdoms--seeking Nala and his queen: + Nala, or king Bhima's daughter--in no place might they behold. + Then a Brahmin, named Sudeva--came to pleasant Chedi-pur; + There within the kingly palace--he Vidarbha's daughter saw, + Standing with the fair Sunanda--on a royal holiday.[110] + With her beauty once so peerless--worthy now of little praise, + Like the sun-light feebly shining--through the dimness of a cloud. + Gazing on the large-eyed princess--dull in look, and wasted still, + Lo, he thought, king Bhima's daughter--pondering thus within his mind.-- + + SUDEVA _spake_. + + "Even as once I wont to see her--such is yonder woman's form, + I my work have done, beholding--like the goddess world-adored, + Like the full moon, darkly beauteous--with her fair and swelling breasts, + Her, the queen, that with her brightness--makes each clime devoid of gloom, + With her lotus eyes expanding--like Manmatha's queen divine;[111] + Like the moonlight in its fulness--the desire of all the world. + From Vidarbha's pleasant waters--her by cruel fate plucked up, + [112]Like a lotus flower uprooted--with the mire and dirt around: + Like the pallid night, when Rahu[113]--swallows up the darkened moon: + For her husband wan with sorrow--like a gentle stream dried up; + Like a pool, where droops the lotus--whence the affrighted birds have fled, + By the elephant's proboscis--in its quiet depths disturbed. + Tender, soft-limbed, in a palace--fit, of precious stones, to dwell. + Like the lotus stem, uprooted--parched and withered by the sun. + Fair in form, in soul as generous--worthy of all bliss, unbless'd, + Like the young moon's slender crescent--in the heavens by dark clouds + veiled. + Widowed now of all love's pleasures--of her noble kin despoiled, + Wretched, bearing life, her husband--in her hope again to see. + To the unadorned, a husband[114]--is the chiefest ornament; + Of her husband if forsaken--she in splendour is not bright. + Difficult must be the trial--does king Nala, reft of her, + Still retain his wretched body--nor with sorrow pine away? + Her with her dark flowing tresses--with her long and lotus eyes, + Worthy of all joy, thus joyless--as I see, my soul is wrung. + To the furthest shore of sorrow--when will pass this beauteous queen? + To her husband reunited--as the moon's bride[115] to the moon? + Her recovering shall king Nala--to his happiness return, + King, albeit despoiled of kingdom--he his realm shall reassume; + In their age and virtues equal--equal in their noble race, + He alone of her is worthy--worthy she alone of him. + Me beseems it of that peerless--of that brave and prudent king, + To console the loyal consort--pining for her husband's sight. + Her will I address with comfort--with her moonlike glowing face. + Her with woe once unacquainted--woful now and lost in thought." + Thus when he had gazed and noted--all her marks, her features well, + To the daughter of king Bhima--thus the sage Sudeva spake: + "I am named Sudeva, lady--I, thy brother's chosen friend, + By king Bhima's royal mandate--hither come in search of thee. + Well thy sire, thy royal mother--well thy noble brethren fare, + And well fare those little infants--well and happy are they both. + For thy sake thy countless kindred--sit as though of sense bereft: + Seeking thee a hundred Brahmins--now are wandering o'er the earth." + She no sooner knew Sudeva--Damayanti, of her kin, + Many a question asked in order--and of every friend beloved. + And the daughter of Vidarbha--freely wept, so sudden thus + On Sudeva, best of Brahmins--gazing, on her brother's friend. + Her beheld the young Sunanda--weeping, wasted with distress, + As she thus her secret converse--with the wise Sudeva held. + Thus she spake unto her mother--"Lo, how fast our handmaid weeps, + Since her meeting with the Brahmin--who she is, thou now may'st know." + Forth the king of Chedi's mother--from the inner chamber went, + And she passed where with the Brahmin--that mysterious woman stood. + Them the mother queen Sudeva--bade before her presence stand; + And she asked, "Whose wife, whose daughter--may this noble stranger be? + From her kindred how dissevered--from her husband, the soft-eyed? + Is she known to thee, O Brahmin--canst thou tell from whence she came? + This I fain would hear, and clearly--all her strange and wonderous tale. + Tell me all that hath befallen--to this heaven-formed, plainly tell." + Best of Brahmins, thus Sudeva--by the mother queen addressed, + All the truth of Damayanti--sitting at his ease, declared. + + + + +BOOK XVII. + + + "In Vidarbha the just monarch--Bhima, in his glory dwells. + Of that king is she the daughter--Damayanti is her name; + And the raja of Nishadha--Nala, Virasena's son, + Of that king is she the consort--Punyasloka named, the Wise. + Him in play his brother worsted--spoiled of realm the king of earth: + He set forth with Damayanti--whither is unknown of men. + For the sake of Damayanti--wander we about the earth; + Till I found yon noble woman--in the palace of your son. + Like to her of mortal women--is there none, her beauty's peer; + In the midst, between her eyebrows--from her birth a lovely mole, + Dark was seen, and like a lotus--that hath vanished from my sight, + Covered over with defilement--like the moon behind a cloud. + This soft mark of perfect beauty--fashioned thus by Brahma's self, + As at change the moon's thin crescent--only dim and faintly gleams. + Yet her beauty is not faded--clouded o'er with toil and mire + Though she be, it shines apparent, like the native unwrought gold. + With that beauteous form yon woman--gifted with that lovely mole, + Instant knew I for the Princess--as the heat betrays the fire." + + VRIHADASVA _spake_. + + To Sudeva as she listened--uttering thus his strange discourse: + All the dust that mole concealing--young Sunanda washed away. + By the obscuring dust unclouded--shining out that mole appeared; + On the brow of Damayanti--like the unclouded moon in heaven. + Gazing on that mole, Sunanda--and the mother of the king, + Wept as fondly they embraced her--and an instant silent stood. + Then her tears awhile suppressing--thus the royal mother spake: + "Thou art mine own sister's daughter--by that beauteous mole made known; + I, Oh beauteous, and thy mother--of that lofty-minded king, + Are the daughters, king Sudaman--he that in Dasarna[116] reigns; + She was wedded to king Bhima--and to Viravahu I. + In my fathers home, Dasarna--once I saw thee, newly born. + As to me thy father's lineage--is akin, so mine to thee; + Whatsoe'er my power commandeth--Damayanti, all is thine." + To the queen did Damayanti--in the gladness of her heart, + Having bowed in courteous homage--to her mother's sister, speak: + "While unknown I might continue--gladly dwelt I here with thee; + Every want supplied on th' instant--guarded by thy gentle care. + Yet than even this pleasant dwelling--a more pleasant may there be; + Long a banished woman, mother!--give me leave from hence to part, + Thither where my infant children--dwell my tender little ones, + Orphaned of their sire, in sorrow--orphaned, ah, how long of me! + If thou yet wilt grant a favour--o'er all other favours dear, + To Vidarbha would I journey--quick the palanquin command." + "Be it so," her mother's sister--joyful, instant made reply. + Guarded by a mighty army--with th' approval of her son, + Sent the queen, that happy lady--in a palanquin, by men + Borne aloft, and well provided--with all raiment, drink, and food. + Thus the princess to Vidarbha--after brief delay returned. + Her her whole assembled kindred--welcomed home with pride and joy, + All in health she found her kinsmen-and that lovely infant pair, + With her mother, with her father--and her sister troop of friends. + To the gods she paid her worship--to the Brahmins in her joy; + So the queenly Damayanti--all in noblest guise performed. + And her royal sire Sudeva--with the thousand kine made glad, + Joyous to behold his daughter,--with a village and much wealth. + There, when in her father's palace--she the quiet night had passed, + In these words the noble lady--to her mother gan to speak: + "If in life thou would'st preserve me--mother, hear the truth I speak; + Home to bring the hero Nala--be it now thy chiefest toil." + Thus addressed by Damayanti--very sorrowful the queen + Clouded all her face with weeping--not a word in answer spake. + But the princess, thus afflicted--when the female train beheld, + "Woe! oh woe!" they shrieked together--all in pitying sadness wept. + To the mighty raja Bhima--did the queen that speech relate. + "'Damayanti, Lo thy daughter--for her husband sits and mourns.' + Breaking through all bashful silence--thus, oh king, to me she spake: + 'Be it now thy servants' business--to find out the king of men.'" + Urged by her the king his Brahmins--to his will obedient all, + Sent around to every region--"Be your care the king to find." + Then those Brahmins at the mandate--of Vidarbha's royal lord, + First drew near to Damayanti--"Lo, now set we forth," they said. + Then to them spake Bhima's daughter--"In all realms be this your speech, + Wheresoever men assemble--this repeat again, again: + Whither went'st thou then, oh gamester!--half my garment severing off, + Leaving me within the forest--all forsaken, thy beloved. + Even as thou commandedst, sits she--sadly waiting thy return. + Parched with sorrow sits that woman--in her scant half garment glad. + Oh to her thus ever weeping--in the extreme of her distress, + Grant thy pity, noble hero--answer to her earnest prayer. + Be this also said, to move him--to compassionate my state, + (By the wind within the forest--fanned, intensely burns the fire).[117] + Ever by her consort cherished--and sustained the wife should be. + Why hast thou forgot that maxim--thou in every duty skilled. + Thou wert ever called the generous--thou the gentle and the wise. + Art thou now estranged from pity--through my sad injurious fate. + Prince of men, O grant thy pity--grant it, lord of men, to me; + 'Mercy is the chief of duties,'--oft from thine own lips I've heard. + Thus as ye are ever speaking--should there any one reply, + Mark him well, lest he be Nala--who he is, and where he dwells. + He who to this speech hath listened--and hath thus his answer made, + Be his words, O best of Brahmins--treasured and brought home to me, + Lest he haply should discover--that by my command ye speak, + That again ye may approach him--do ye this without delay. + Whether he be of the wealthy--whether of the poor he be; + Be he covetous of riches--learn ye all he would desire." + Thus addressed, went forth the Brahmins--to the realms on every side, + Seeking out the royal Nala--in his dark concealed distress. + They through royal cities, hamlets--pastoral dwellings, hermits' cells, + Nala every-where went seeking--yet those Brahmins found him not. + All in every part went speaking--in the language they were taught; + In the words of Damayanti--spake they in the ears of men. + + + + +BOOK XVIII. + + + Long the time that passed, a Brahmin--wise Parnada was his name, + Home returning to the city--thus to Bhima's daughter spake: + "Damayanti! royal Nala--as I sought Nishadha's king, + Came I to Ayodhya's city--the Bhangasuri's abode. + Stood before me, eager listening--to the words thou bad'st us speak, + He, the prosperous Rituparna--all excelling! such his name. + Thus as spake I, answered nothing--Rituparna, king of men; + Nor of all that full assemblage--more than once addressed by me. + By the king dismissed, when sate I--in a solitary place, + One of Rituparna's household--Vahuca, his name, drew near, + Charioteer of that great raja--with short arms and all deformed, + Skilled to drive the rapid chariot--skilled the viands to prepare. + He, when much he'd groaned in anguish--and had wept again, again, + First his courteous salutation--made, then spake in words like these: + Even in the extreme of misery--noble women still preserve, + Over their ownselves the mastery--by their virtues winning heaven; + Of their faithless lords abandoned--anger feel not even then. + In the breastplate of their virtue--noble women live unharmed. + By the wretched, by the senseless--by the lost to every joy, + She by such a lord forsaken--yet to anger will not yield. + Against him his sustenance seeking--of his robe by birds despoiled, + Him consumed with utmost misery--still no wrath the dark-hued feels; + Treated well, or ill entreated--when her husband she beholds, + Spoiled of bliss, bereft of kingdom--famine-wasted, worn with woe. + Having heard the stranger's language--hither hasted I to come. + Thou hast heard, be thine the judgment--to the king relate thou all." + To Parnada having listened--with her eyes o'erflowed with tears, + Secretly went Damayanti--and her mother thus addressed: + "Let not what I speak to Bhima--O my mother, be made known-- + In thy presence to Sudeva--best of Brahmins, I would speak. + Let not this my secret counsel--to king Bhima be disclosed; + This the object we must compass--if thy daughter thou wouldst please, + As myself was to my kindred--swiftly by Sudeva brought, + With the same good fortune swiftly--may Sudeva part from hence, + Home to bring the royal Nala--mother, to Ayodhya's town." + Resting from his toil, Parnada--of the Brahmin race the best, + Did the daughter of Vidarbha--honour, and with wealth reward. + "Brahmin! home if come my Nala--richer guerdon will I give; + Much hast thou achieved, and wisely--so as none but thou has done. + That again with my lost husband--noblest Brahmin, I may meet." + Thus addressed, his grateful homage--and his benedictions paid, + Having thus achieved his mission--home the wise Parnada went. + Then accosting good Sudeva--Damayanti thus began, + And before her mother's presence--in her pain and grief she spake: + "Go, Sudeva, to the city--where Ayodhya's raja dwells, + Speak thou thus to Rituparna--Come, as of thine own accord. + Once again her Swayembara--does king Bhima's daughter hold; + Damayanti, thither hasten--all the kings and sons of kings; + Closely now the time is reckoned--when to-morrow's dawn appears; + If that thou would'st win the Princess--speed thou, tamer of thy foes. + When the sun is in his rising--she a second lord will choose: + Whether lives or is not living--royal Nala, no one knows." + Thus, as he received his mission--hastening to the king, he spake, + To the royal Rituparna--spake Sudeva, in these words. + + + + +BOOK XIX. + + + Hearing thus Sudeva's language--Rituparna, king of men + With a gentle voice and blandly--thus to Vahuca began. + "Where the princess Damayanti--doth her Swayembara hold + In one day to far Vidarbha--Vahuca, I fain would go." + In these words the unknown Nala--by his royal lord addressed + All his heart was torn with anguish--thus the lofty-minded thought-- + "Can she speak thus, Damayanti--thus with sorrow frantic act? + Is't a stratagem thus subtly--for my sake devised and plann'd? + To desire this deed unholy[118]--is that holy princess driven + Wrong'd by me, her basest husband--miserable, mind-estranged! + Fickle is the heart of woman--grievous too is my offence! + Hence she thus might act ignobly--in her exile, reft of friends, + Soul-disturbed by her great sorrow--in the excess of her despair. + No! she could not thus have acted--she with noble offspring blest. + Where the truth, and where the falsehood--setting forth, I best shall judge, + I the will of Rituparna--for mine own sake, will obey." + Thus within his mind revolving--Vahuca, his wretched mind, + With his folded hands addressed he--Rituparna, king of men: + "I thy mandate will accomplish--I will go, O king of men, + In a single day, O raja--to Vidarbha's royal town." + Vahuca of all the coursers--did a close inspection make + Entering in the royal stable--by Bhangasuri's command. + Ever urged by Rituparna--Vahuca, in horses skilled, + Long within himself debating--which the fleetest steeds to choose, + He approached four slender coursers--fit, and powerful for the road, + Blending mighty strength with fleetness--high in courage and in blood; + Free from all the well-known vices--broad of nostril--large of jaw; + With the ten good marks distinguished[119]--born in Sindhu[120]--fleet as + wind. + As he gazed upon those coursers--spoke the king, almost in wrath: + "Is then thus fulfilled our mandate?--think not to deceive us so. + How will these my coursers bear us--slight in strength and slightly + breathed-- + How can such a way be travelled--and so long, by steeds like these?"-- + + VAHUCA _spake_. + + "Two on th' head, one on the forehead--two and two on either flank-- + Two, behold, the chest discloses--and upon the crupper one-- + These the horses to Vidharba--that will bear us, doubt not thou; + Yet, if others thou preferest--speak, and I will yoke them straight." + + RITUPARNA _spake_. + + "In the knowledge thou of horses--Vahuca, hast matchless skill; + Whichso'er thou think'st the fittest--harness thou without delay." + + * * * * * + + Then those four excelling horses--nobly bred--of courage high, + In their harness to the chariot--did the skilful Nala yoke.-- + To the chariot yoked, as mounted--in his eager haste the king + To the earth those best of horses--bowed their knees and stooped them down. + Then the noblest of all heroes--Nala, with a soothing voice, + Spake unto those horses, gifted--both with fleetness and with strength. + Up the reins when he had gathered--he the charioteer bade mount, + First, Varshneya, skilled in driving--at full speed then set he forth. + Urged by Vahuca, those coursers--to the utmost of their speed, + All at once in th' air sprung upward--as the driver to unseat. + Then, as he beheld those horses--bearing him as fleet as wind, + Did the monarch of Ayodhya--in his silent wonder sit. + When the rattling of the chariot--when the guiding of the reins, + When of Vahuca the science--saw he, thus Varshneya thought: + "Is it Matali,[121] the chariot--of the king of heaven that drives? + Lo, in Vahuca each virtue--of that godlike charioteer! + Is it Salihotra skilful--in the race, the strength of steeds, + That hath ta'en a human body--thus all-glorious to behold? + Is't, or can it be, king Nala--conqueror of his foemen's realms? + Is the lord of men before us?"--thus within himself he thought. + "If the skill possessed by Nala--Vahuca possesseth too, + Lo, of Vahuca the knowledge--and of Nala equal seems; + And of Vahuca and Nala--thus alike the age should be. + If 'tis not the noble Nala--it is one of equal skill. + Mighty ones, disguised, are wandering--in the precincts of this earth. + They, divine by inborn nature--but in earthly forms concealed. + His deformity of body--that my judgment still confounds; + Yet that proof alone is wanting--what shall then my judgment be? + In their age they still are equal--though unlike that form misshaped, + Nala gifted with all virtues--Vahuca I needs must deem." + Thus the charioteer Varshneya--sate debating in his mind; + Much, and much again he pondered--in the silence of his thought. + But the royal Rituparna--Vahuca's surpassing skill, + With the charioteer Varshneya--sate admiring, and rejoiced. + In the guiding of the coursers--his attentive hand he watched, + Wondered at his skill, consummate--in consummate joy himself. + + + + +BOOK XX. + + + Over rivers, over mountains--through the forests, over lakes, + Fleetly passed they, rapid gliding--like a bird along the air. + As the chariot swiftly travelled--lo, Bhangasuri the king + Saw his upper garment fallen--from the lofty chariot seat; + Though in urgent haste, no sooner--he his fallen mantle saw, + Than the king exclaimed to Nala--"Pause, and let us take it up: + Check, an instant, mighty-minded!--check thy fiery-footed steeds, + While Varshneya, swift dismounting--bears me back my fallen robe." + Nala answered, "Far behind us--doth thy fallen garment lie; + Ten miles,[122] lo, it lies behind us--turn we not, to gain it, back." + Answered thus by noble Nala--then Bhangasuri the king, + Bowed with fruit, within the forest--saw a tall Vibhitak[123] tree: + Gazing on that tree, the raja--spake to Vahuca in haste, + "Now, O charioteer, in numbers, thou shalt see my passing skill. + Each one knows not every science--none there is that all things knows: + Perfect skill in every knowledge--in one mind there may not be. + On yon tree are leaves how many?--Vahuca, how many fruit? + Say, how many are there fallen?--one above a hundred, there. + One leaf is there 'bove a hundred--and one fruit, O Vahuca! + And of leaves are five ten millions[124]--hanging on those branches two. + Those two branches if thou gather--and the twigs that on them grow, + On those two are fruits two thousand--and a hundred, less by five." + Then, when he had check'd the chariot--answered Vahuca the king, + "What thou speakest, to mine eyesight--all invisible appears; + Visible I'll make it, counting--on yon boughs the leaves and fruit: + Then, when we have strictly numbered--I mistrust mine eyes no more. + In thy presence, king, I'll number--yonder tall Vibhitak-tree. + Whether it may be, or may not--this not done, I cannot know. + I will number, thou beholding--all its fruits, O king of men, + But an instant let Varshneya--hold the bridles of the steeds." + To the charioteer the raja--answered, "Time is none to stay." + Vahuca replied, all eager--his own purpose to fulfil, + "Either stay thou here an instant--or go onward in thy speed, + With the charioteer Varshneya--go, for straight the road before." + Answered him king Rituparna--with a bland and soothing voice: + "Charioteer! on earth thine equal--Vahuca, there may not be; + By thy guidance, skilled in horses!--to Vidarbha I would go: + I in thee have placed reliance--interrupt not then our course: + Willingly will I obey thee--Vahuca, in what thou ask'st, + If this day we reach Vidarbha--ere the sun hath sunk in night." + Vahuca replied, "No sooner--have I numbered yonder fruit, + To Vidarbha will I hasten--grant me then my prayer, O king." + Then the raja, all reluctant--"Stay then, and begin to count; + Of one branch one part, O blameless--from the tall Vibhitak tree, + Man of truth, begin to number--and make glad thine inmost heart." + From the chariot quick alighting--Nala tore the branch away. + Then, his soul possess'd with wonder--to the raja thus he said; + "Having counted, an thou sawest--even so many fruits there are, + Marvellous thy power, O monarch--by mine eyes beheld and proved, + Of that wonder-working science--fain the secret would I hear." + Then the raja spake in answer--eager to pursue his way, + "I of dice possess the science--and in numbers thus am skilled." + Vahuca replied; "That science--if to me thou wilt impart, + In return, O king, receive thou--my surpassing skill in steeds." + Then the raja Rituparna--by his pressing need induced, + Eager for that skill in horses--"Be it so," thus 'gan to say; + "Well, O Vahuca, thou speakest--thou my skill in dice receive, + And of steeds thy wondrous knowledge--be to me a meet return." + Rituparna, all his science--saying this, to Nala gave. + Soon as he in dice grew skilful--Kali from his body passed: + He Karkotaka's foul poison--vomiting from out his mouth, + Went from forth his body Kali[125]--tortured by that fiery curse. + Nala, wasted by that conflict--came not instant to himself, + But, released from that dread venom--Kali his own form resumed: + And Nishadha's monarch, Nala--fain would curse him in his ire. + Him addressed the fearful Kali--trembling, and with folded hands; + "Lord of men, restrain thine anger--I will give thee matchless fame; + Indrasena's wrathful mother--laid on me her fatal curse,[126] + When by thee she was deserted--since that time, O king of men, + I have dwelt in thee in anguish--in the ecstacy of pain. + By the King of Serpents' poison--I have burned by night, by day; + To thy mercy now for refuge--flee I, hear my speech, O king: + Wheresoe'er men, unforgetful--through the world shall laud thy name, + Shall the awful dread of Kali[126]--never in their soul abide. + If thou wilt not curse me, trembling--and to thee for refuge fled." + Thus addressed, the royal Nala--all his rising wrath suppressed, + And the fearful Kali entered--in the cloven Vibhitak tree:[127] + To no eyes but those of Nala--visible, had Kali spoken. + Then the monarch of Nishadha--from his inward fever freed, + When away had vanished Kali--when the fruits he had numbered all, + Triumphing in joy unwonted--blazing in his splendour forth, + Proudly mounting on the chariot--onward urged the rapid steeds. + But that tree by Kali entered--since that time stands aye accursed. + Those fleet horses, forward flying--like to birds, again, again, + All his soul elate with transport--Nala swifter, swifter drove; + With his face towards Vidarbha--rode the raja in his pride: + And when forward Nala journeyed--Kali to his home returned. + So released from all his sufferings--Nala went, the king of men, + Dispossessed by Kali, wanting--only now his proper form. + + + + +BOOK XXI. + + + With the evening in Vidarbha--men at watch, as they drew near, + Mighty Rituparna's coming--to king Bhima did proclaim. + Then that king, by Bhima's mandate--entered in Kundina's walls, + All the region round him echoing[128]--with the thunders of his car. + But the echoing of that chariot--when king Nala's horses heard, + In their joy they pawed and trampled[129]--even as Nala's self were there. + Damayanti, too, the rushing--of king Nala's chariot heard. + As a cloud that hoarsely thunders--at the coming of the rains. + All her heart was thrilled with wonder--at that old familiar sound. + On they seemed to come, as Nala--drove of yore his trampling steeds: + Like it seemed to Bhima's daughter--and e'en so to Nala's steeds. + On the palace roofs the peacocks--th' elephants within their stalls, + And the horses heard the rolling--of the mighty monarch's car. + Elephants and peacocks hearing--the fleet chariot rattling on, + Up they raised their necks and clamoured--as at sound of coming rain.[130] + + DAMAYANTI _spake_. + + "How the rolling of yon chariot--filling, as it seems, th' earth, + Thrills my soul with unknown transport--it is Nala, king of men. + If this day I see not Nala--with his glowing moonlike face, + Him, the king with countless virtues--I shall perish without doubt. + If this day within th' embraces--of that hero's clasping arms, + I the gentle pressure feel not--without doubt I shall not live. + If 'tis not, like cloud of thunder--he that comes, Nishadha's king, + I this day the fire will enter--burning like the hue of gold. + In his might like the strong lion--like the raging elephant, + Comes he not, the prince of princes--I shall perish without doubt. + Not a falsehood I remember--I remember no offence; + Not an idle word remember--in his noble converse free. + Lofty, patient, like a hero--liberal beyond all kings, + Nought ignoble, as the eunuch--even in private, may he do. + As I think upon his virtues--as I think by day, by night, + All my heart is rent with anguish--widowed of in own beloved." + Thus lamenting, she ascended--as with frenzied mind possessed, + To the palace roof's high terrace--to behold the king of men. + In the middle court high seated--in the car, the lord of earth, + Rituparna with Varshneya--and with Vahuca she saw, + When Varshneya from that chariot--and when Vahuca came down, + He let loose those noble coursers--and he stopped the glowing car. + From that chariot-seat descended--Rituparna, king of men, + To the noble monarch Bhima--he drew near, for strength renowned. + Him received with highest honour--Bhima, for without due cause, + Deemed not he, the mighty raja--with such urgent speed had come. + "Wherefore com'st thou! hail and welcome"--thus that gracious king enquires; + For his daughter's sake he knew not--that the lord of men had come. + But the raja Rituparna--great in wisdom as in might, + When nor king within the palace--nor king's son he could behold, + Nor of Swayembara heard he--nor assembled Brahmins saw. + Thus within his mind deep pondering--spoke of Kosala the lord. + "Hither, O majestic Bhima--to salute thee am I come." + But king Bhima smiled in secret--as he thought within his mind, + "What the cause of this far journey--of a hundred Yojanas. + Passing through so many cities--for this cause he set not forth; + For this cause of little moment--to our court he hath not come: + What the real cause, hereafter--haply I may chance to know." + After royal entertainment--then the king his guest dismissed: + "Take then thy repose," thus said he--"weary of thy journey, rest." + He refreshed, with courteous homage--of that courteous king took leave, + Ushered by the royal servants--to th' appointed chamber went: + There retired king Rituparna--with Varshneya in his suite. + Vahuca, meantime, the chariot--to the chariot-house had led, + There the coursers he unharnessed--skilfully he dressed them there, + And with gentle words caressed them--on the chariot seat sate down. + But the woeful Damayanti--when Bhangasuri she'd seen, + And the charioteer Varshneya--and the seeming Vahuca, + Thought within Vidarbha's princess--"Whose was that fleet chariot's sound? + Such it seems as noble Nala's--yet no Nala do I see. + Hath the charioteer Varshneya--Nala's noble science learned? + Therefore did the thundering chariot--sound as driven by Nala's self? + Or may royal Rituparna--like the skilful Nala drive, + Therefore did the rolling chariot--seem as of Nishadha's king?" + Thus when Damayanti pondered--in the silence of her soul, + Sent she then her beauteous handmaid--to that king her messenger. + + + + +BOOK XXII. + + + DAMAYANTI _spake_. + + "Go, Kesinia, go, enquire thou--who is yonder charioteer, + On the chariot seat reposing--all deformed, with arms so short? + Blessed maid, approach, and courteous--open thou thy bland discourse: + Undespis'd, ask thou thy question--and the truth let him reply. + Much and sorely do I doubt me--whether Nala it may be, + As my bosom's rapture augurs--as the gladness of my heart. + Speak thou, ere thou close the converse--even as good Parnada spake + And his answer, slender-waisted--undespis'd, remember thou." + Then to Vahuca departing--went that zealous messenger, + On the palace' loftiest terrace--Damayanti sate and gazed. + + KESINIA _spake_. + + "Happy omen mark thy coming--I salute thee, king of men: + Of the princess Damayanti--hear, O lord of men, the speech: + 'From what region came ye hither--with what purpose are ye come?' + Answer thou, as may beseem you--so Vidarbha's princess wills." + + VAHUCA _spake_. + + "Soon a second Swayembara, heard the king of Kosala, + Damayanti holds: to-morrow--will it be, the Brahmin said: + Hearing this, with fleetest coursers--that a hundred yojanas' speed, + Set he forth, the wind less rapid,--and his charioteer am I." + + KESINIA _spake_. + + "Who the third that journeys with you--who is he, and what his race? + Of what race art thou? this office--wherefore dost thou undertake!" + + VAHUCA _spake_. + + "'Tis the far-renowned Varshneya--Punyasloka's charioteer: + He, when Nala fled an exile--to Bhangasuri retired. + Skilful I in taming horses--and a famous charioteer. + Rituparna's chosen driver--dresser of his food am I." + + KESINIA _spake_. + + "Knows the charioteer Varshneya--whither royal Nala went? + Of his fortune hath he told thee--Vahuca, what hath he said?" + + VAHUCA _spake_. + + "He of the unhappy Nala--safe the children borne away, + Wheresoe'er he would, departed--of king Nala knows he nought: + Nothing of Nishadha's raja--fair one! living man doth know. + Through the world, concealed, he wanders--having lost his proper form. + Only Nala's self of Nala--knows, and his own inward soul, + Of himself to living mortal--Nala will no sign betray." + + KESINIA _spake_. + + "He that to Ayodhya's city--went, the holy Brahmin first, + Of his faithful wife these sayings--uttered once and once again; + 'Whither went'st thou then, O gamester--half my garment severing off; + Leaving her within the forest--all forsaken, thy belov'd? + Even as thou commanded'st, sits she--sadly waiting thy return, + Day and night, consumed with sorrow--in her scant half garment clad. + O to her for ever weeping--in the extreme of her distress, + Grant thy pity, noble hero--answer to her earnest prayer.' + Speak again the words thou uttered'st--words of comfort to her soul, + The renowned Vidarbha's princess--fain that speech would hear again, + When the Brahmin thus had spoken--what thou answered'st back to him, + That again Vidarbha's princess--in the self-same words would hear." + + VRIHADASVA _spake_. + + Of king Nala, by the handmaid--fair Kesinia thus addressed, + All the heart was wrung with sorrow--and the eyes o'erflowed with tears. + But his anguish still suppressing--inly though consumed, the king, + With a voice half choked with weeping--thus repeated his reply. + "Even in the extreme of misery--noble women still preserve + Over their own selves the mastery--by their virtues winning heaven; + By their faithless lords abandoned--anger feel they not, e'en then; + In the breastplate of their virtue--noble women live unharmed. + By the wretched, by the senseless--by the lost to every joy, + She by such a lord forsaken--to resentment will not yield. + Against him, by hunger wasted--of his robe by birds despoiled, + Him consumed with utmost misery--still no wrath, the dark-hued feels; + Treated well, or ill-entreated--when her husband 'tis she sees, + Spoiled of bliss, bereft of kingdom--famine wasted, worn with woe." + In these words as spake king Nala--in the anguish of his heart, + Could he not refrain from weeping--his unwilling tears burst forth. + Then departing, fair Kesinia--told to Damayanti all, + All that Vahuca had spoken--all th' emotion he betrayed. + + + + +BOOK XXIII. + + + Hearing this, fair Damayanti--all abandoned to her grief. + Thinking still that he was Nala--to Kesinia spake again. + "Go, Kesinia, go, examine--Vahuca, and all his acts, + Silent take thy stand beside him--and observe whate'er he does; + Nor, Kesinia, be there given him--fire his labours to assist: + Neither be there given him water--in thy haste, at his demand: + All, when thou hast well observed him--every act to me repeat, + Every act that more than mortal--seems in Vahuca, relate." + Thus addressed by Damayanti--straight Kesinia went again, + Of the tamer of the horses--every act observed, came back; + Every act as she had seen it--she to Damayanti told: + Every more than mortal wonder--that in Vahuca appeared. + + KESINIA _spake_. + + "Very holy is he, never--mortal man, in all my life, + Have I seen, or have I heard of--Damayanti, like to him. + He drew near the lowly entrance--bowed not down his stately head; + On the instant, as it saw him--up th' expanding portal rose. + For the use of Rituparna--much and various viands came;[131] + Sent, as meet, by royal Bhima--and abundant animal food. + These to cleanse, with meet ablution--were capacious vessels brought; + As he looked on them, the vessels--stood, upon the instant, full. + Then, the meet ablutions over--Vahuca went forth, and took, + Of the withered grass a handful--held it upward to the sun: + On the instant, brightly blazing--shone the all-consuming fire. + Much I marvelled at the wonder--and in mute amazement stood; + Lo, a second greater marvel--sudden burst upon my sight! + He that blazing fire stood handling--yet unharmed, unburned, remained. + At his will flows forth the water--at his will it sinks again. + And another greater wonder--lady, did I there behold: + He the flowers which he had taken--gently moulded in his hands, + In his hands the flowers, so moulded--as with freshening life endued, + Blossomed out with richer fragrance--stood erect upon their stems: + All these marvels having noted--swiftly came I back to thee." + + DAMAYANTI _spake_. + + Damayanti when these wonders--of the king of men she heard, + Thought yet more king Nala present--thought her utmost wish achieved. + Deeming still her royal consort--in the form of Vahuca, + With a gentle voice and weeping--to Kesinia spake again: + "Go, again, Kesinia, secret--and by Vahuca unseen, + Of those viands bring a portion--by his skilful hand prepared:" + She to Vahuca approaching--unperceived stole soft away + Of the well-cooked meat a morsel--warm she bore it in her haste, + And to Damayanti gave it--fair Kesinia, undelayed. + Of the food prepared by Nala--well the flavour did she know; + Tasting it she shrieked in transport--"Nala is yon charioteer." + Trying then a new emotion--of her mouth ablution made:[132] + She her pair of infant children--with Kesinia sent to him. + Soon as he young Indrasena--and her little brother saw, + Up he sprang, his arms wound round them--to his bosom folding both; + When he gazed upon the children--like the children of the gods, + All his heart o'erflowed with pity--and unwilling tears broke forth. + Yet Nishadha's lord perceiving--she his strong emotion marked, + From his hold released the children--to Kesinia speaking thus: + "Oh! so like mine own twin children--was yon lovely infant pair, + Seeing them thus unexpected--have I broken out in tears: + If so oft thou comest hither--men some evil will suspect, + We within this land are strangers--beauteous maiden, part in peace." + + + + +BOOK XXIV. + + + Seeing the profound emotion--of that wisest king of men, + Passing back in haste, Kesinia--told to Damayanti all: + Then again did Damayanti--mission to Kesinia give, + To approach her royal mother--in her haste her lord to see. + "Vahuca we've watched most closely--Nala we suspect him still; + Only from his form we doubt him--this myself would fain behold. + Cause him enter here, my mother--to my wishes condescend; + Known or unknown to my father--let it be decided now." + By that handmaid thus accosted--then the queen to Bhima told + All his daughter's secret counsel--and the raja gave assent. + Instant from her sire the princess--from her mother leave obtained, + Bade them make king Nala enter--in the chamber where she dwelt. + Sudden as he gazed upon her--upon Damayanti gazed, + Nala, he was seized with anguish--and with tears his eyes o'erflowed. + And when Damayanti gazed on--Nala, thus approaching near, + With an agonizing sorrow--was the noble lady seized. + Clad, then, in a scarlet mantle--hair dishevelled, mire-defiled,[133] + Unto Vahuca this language--Damayanti thus addressed: + "Vahuca beheld'st thou ever--an upright and noble man, + Who departed and abandoned--in the wood, his sleeping wife? + The beloved wife, and blameless--in the wild wood, worn with grief? + Who was he who thus forsook her?--who but Nala, king of men? + To the lord of earth, from folly--what offence can I have given? + That he fled, within the forest--leaving me, by sleep oppressed? + Openly, the gods rejected--was he chosen by me, my lord: + Could he leave the true, the loving--her that hath his children borne! + By the nuptial fire, in presence--of the gods, he clasped my hand, + 'I will be,'[134] this truth he plighted--whither did he then depart?" + While all this in broken accents--sadly Damayanti spoke, + From her eyes the drops of sorrow--flowed in copious torrents down. + Those dark eyes, with vermeil corners--thus with trembling moisture dewed, + When king Nala saw, and gazed on--to the sorrowful he spake. + "Gaming that I lost my kingdom--'twas not mine own guilty deed, + It was Kali wrought within me--hence it was I fled from thee; + Therefore he, in th' hour of trial--smitten by thy scathing curse, + In the wild wood as thou wanderest--grieving night and day for me, + Kali dwelt within my body--burning with thy powerful curse, + Ever burning, fiercer, hotter--as when fire is heaped on fire. + He, by my religious patience--my devotion, now subdued, + Lo! the end of all our sorrows--beautiful! is now at hand. + I, the evil one departed, hither have made haste to come; + For thy sake, O round-limbed! only;--other business have I none. + Yet, O how may high-born woman--from her vowed, her plighted lord, + Swerving, choose another husband--even as thou, O trembler, would'st? + Over all the earth the heralds--travel by the kings command, + 'Now the daughter of king Bhima--will a second husband choose, + 'Free from every tie, as wills she--as her fancy may beseem,' + Hearing this, came hither speeding--king Bhangasuri in haste." + Damayanti, when from Nala--heard she this his grievous charge, + With her folded hands, and trembling--thus to Nala made reply: + "Do not me, O noble-minded--of such shameless guilt suspect, + Thou, when I the gods rejected--Nala, wert my chosen lord. + Only thee to find, the Brahmins--went to the ten regions forth, + Chaunting to their holy measures--but the words that I had taught. + Then that Brahmin wise, Parnada--such the name he bears, O king, + Thee in Kosala, the palace--of king Rituparna saw. + There to thee, my words addressed he--answer there from thee received. + I this subtle wile imagined--king of men, to bring thee here. + Since, beside thyself, no mortal--in the world, within the day, + Could drive on the fleetest coursers--for a hundred Yojanas. + To attest this truth, O monarch!--thus I touch thy sacred feet; + Even in heart have I committed--never evil thought 'gainst thee. + He through all the world that wanders--witness the all-seeing wind,[135] + Let him now of life bereave me--if in this 'gainst thee I've sinned: + And the sun that moveth ever--over all the world, on high, + Let him now of life bereave me--if in this 'gainst thee I've sinned. + Witness, too, the moon that permeates--every being's inmost thought; + Let her too of life bereave me--if in this 'gainst thee I've sinned. + These three gods are they that govern--these three worlds, so let them + speak; + This my sacred truth attest they--or this day abandon me." + Thus adjured, a solemn witness--spake the wind from out the air; + "She hath done or thought no evil--Nala, 'tis the truth we speak: + King, the treasure of her virtue--well hath Damayanti kept, + We ourselves have seen and watched her--closely for three livelong years. + This her subtle wile she plotted--only for thy absent sake, + For beside thyself no mortal--might a hundred Yojanas drive. + Thou hast met with Bhima's daughter--Bhima's daughter meets with thee, + Cast away all jealous scruple--to thy bosom take thy wife." + Even as thus the wind was speaking--flowers fell showering all + around:[136] + And the gods sweet music sounded--on the zephyr floating light. + As on this surpassing wonder--royal Nala stood and gazed, + Of the blameless Damayanti--melted all his jealous doubts. + Then by dust all undefiled--he the heavenly vest put on, + Thought upon the King of Serpents--and his proper form resumed. + In his own proud form her husband--Bhima's royal daughter saw, + Loud she shrieked, the undespised--and embraced the king of men. + Bhima's daughter, too, king Nala--shining glorious as of old, + Clasped unto his heart, and fondled--gently that sweet infant pair. + Then her face upon his bosom--as the lovely princess laid, + In her calm and gentle sorrow--softly sighed the long-eyed queen: + He, that form still mire-defiled--as he clasped with smile serene, + Long the king of men stood silent--in the ecstacy of woe. + All the tale of Damayanti--and of Nala all the tale, + To king Bhima in her transport--told Vidarbha's mother-queen. + Then replied that mighty monarch--"Nala, his ablutions done, + Thus rejoined to Damayanti--I to-morrow will behold." + + VRIHADASVA _spake_. + + They the livelong night together--slow related, each to each, + All their wanderings in the forest--and each wild adventure strange. + In king Bhima's royal palace--studying each the other's bliss, + With glad hearts, Vidarbha's princess--and the kingly Nala dwelt. + In their fourth year of divorcement--reunited to his wife, + Richly fraught with every blessing--at the height of joy he stood. + Damayanti too re-wedded--still increasing in her bliss, + Like as the glad earth to water--opens its half-budding fruits, + She of weariness unconscious,--soothed each grief, and full each joy, + Every wish fulfilled, shone brightly--as the night, when high the moon. + + + + +BOOK XXV. + + + When that night was passed and over--Nala, that high-gifted king, + Wedded to Vidarbha's daughter--in fit hour her sire beheld. + Humbly Nala paid his homage--to the father of his queen, + Reverently did Damayanti--pay her homage to her sire. + Him received the royal Bhima--as his son, with highest joy, + Honoured, as became him, nobly:--then consoled that monarch wise + Damayanti, to king Nala--reconciled, the faithful wife. + Royal Nala, all these honours--as his homage meet, received; + And in fitting terms, devotion--to his royal sire declared. + Mighty then, through all the city--ran the wakening sound of joy; + All in every street exulting--at king Nala's safe return. + All the city with their banners--and with garlands decked they forth. + All the royal streets, well watered--and with stainless flowers were strewn; + And from door to door the garlands--of festooning flowers were hung; + And of all the gods the altars--were with fitting rites adorned. + Rituparna heard of Nala--in the form of Vahuca, + Now re-wed, to Damayanti--and the king of men rejoiced. + To the king, before his presence--Nala courteous made excuse. + In his turn Ayodhya's monarch--in like courteous language spake. + He, received thus hospitably--wondering to Nishadha's king, + "Bliss be with thee, reunited--to thy queen:" 'twas thus he said. + "Have I aught offensive ever--done to thee, or said, O king + Whilst unknown, within my palace--thou wert dwelling, king of men? + If designed or undesigning--any single act I've done + I might wish undone, thy pardon--grant me, I beseech thee, king." + + NALA _spake_. + + "Not or deed or word discourteous--not the slightest hast thou done; + Hadst thou, I might not resent it--freely would I pardon all. + Thou of old, my friend, my kinsman--wert, O sovereign of men, + From this time henceforth thy friendship--be my glory and my joy. + Every wish anticipated--pleasantly I dwelt with thee, + As in mine own royal palace--dwelt I ever, king, in thine. + My surpassing skill in horses--all is thine that I possess; + That on thee bestow I gladly--if, O king, it seem thee good." + Nala thus to Rituparna--gave his subtle skill in steeds, + Gladly he received the present--with each regulation meet. + Gifted with that precious knowledge--then Bhangasuri the king, + Home returned to his own city--with another charioteer. + Rituparna thus departed--Nala, then the king of men, + In the city of Kundina--sojourned for no length of time. + + + + +BOOK XXVI. + + + There a month when he had sojourned--of king Bhima taking leave, + Guarded but by few attendants--to Nishadha took his way. + With a single splendid chariot--and with elephants sixteen, + And with fifty armed horsemen--and six hundred men on foot; + Making, as 'twere, earth to tremble--hastening onward, did the king, + Enter awful in his anger--and terrific in his speed. + Then the son of Virasena--to king Pushkara drew near; + "Play we once again," then said he--"much the wealth I have acquired: + All I have, even Damayanti--every treasure I possess, + Set I now upon the hazard--Pushkara, thy kingdom thou: + In the game once more contend we--'tis my settled purpose this, + Brother, at a single hazard--play we boldly for our lives. + From another he who treasures--he who mighty realm hath won, + 'Tis esteemed a bounden duty--to play back the counter game. + If thou shrinkest from the hazard--be our game the strife of swords, + Meet we in the single combat--all our difference to decide. + An hereditary kingdom--may by any means be sought, + Be re-won by any venture--this the maxim of the wise. + Of two courses set before thee--Pushkara, the option make, + Or in play to stand the hazard--or in battle stretch the bow." + By Nishadha's lord thus challenged--Pushkara, with smile suppressed, + As secure of easy victory--answered to the lord of earth; + "Oh what joy! abundant treasures--thou hast won, again to play; + Oh what joy! of Damayanti--now the hard-won prize is mine: + Oh what joy! again thou livest--with thy consort, mighty armed! + With the wealth I win bedecked--soon shall Bhima's daughter stand, + By my side, as by great Indra--stands the Apsara in heaven.[137] + Still on thee hath dwelt my memory--still I've waited, king, for thee; + In the play I find no rapture--but 'gainst kinsmen like thyself. + When this day the round-limbed princess--Damayanti, undespised, + I shall win, I rest contented--still within mine heart she dwells." + Hearing his contemptuous language--franticly thus pouring forth, + With his sword th' indignant Nala--fain had severed off his head. + But with haughty smile, with anger--glaring in his blood-red eyes, + "Play we now, nor talk we longer--conquered, thou'lt no longer talk." + Then of Pushkara the gaming--and of Nala straight began: + In a single throw by Nala--was the perilous venture gained; + Pushkara, his gold, his jewels--at one hazard all was won! + Pushkara, in play thus conquered--with a smile the king rejoined: + "Mine again is all this kingdom--undisturbed, its foes o'ercome. + Fallen king! Vidarbha's daughter--by thine eyes may ne'er be seen. + Thou art now, with all thy household--unto abject slavery sunk. + Not thyself achieved the conquest--that subdued me heretofore! + 'Twas achieved by mightier Kali--that thou didst not, fool, perceive. + Yet my wrath, by him enkindled--will I not 'gainst thee direct; + Live thou henceforth at thy pleasure--freely I thy life bestow, + And of thine estate and substance--give I thee thy fitting share. + Such my pleasure, in thy welfare--hero, do I take delight, + And mine unabated friendship--never shall from thee depart. + Pushkara, thou art my brother--may'st thou live an hundred years!" + Nala thus consoled his brother--in his conscious power and strength, + Sent him home to his own city--once embracing, once again. + Pushkara, thus finding comfort--answered to Nishadha's lord, + Answered he to Punyasloka--bowing low with folded hands: + "Everlasting be thy glory! may'st thou live ten thousand years! + That my life to me thou grantest--and a city for mine home!" + Hospitably entertained--there a month when he had dwelt, + Joyful to his own proud city--Pushkara, with all his kin, + With a well-appointed army--of attendant slaves an host, + Shining like the sun departed,--in his full meridian orb. + Pushkara thus crowned with riches--thus unharmed, when he dismissed,[138] + Entered then his royal city--with surpassing pomp, the king: + As he entered, to his subjects--Nala spake the words of peace. + + * * * * * + + From the city, from the country--all, with hair erect with joy, + Came, with folded hands addressed him--and the counsellors of state. + "Happy are we now, O monarch--in the city, in the fields, + Setting forth to do thee homage--as to Indra all the gods." + Then at peace the tranquil city--the first festal gladness o'er, + With a mighty host escorted--Damayanti brought he home. + Damayanti rich in treasures--in her father's blessings rich, + Glad dismissed the mighty-minded--Bhima, fearful in his strength. + With the daughter of Vidarbha--with his children in his joy, + Nala lived, as lives the sovereign--of the gods in Nandana.[139] + Re-ascended thus to glory--he, among the kings of earth, + Ruled his realm in Jambudwipa[140]--thus re-won, with highest fame; + And all holy rites performed he--with devout munificence. + + + + +THE DEATH OF YAJNADATTA. + + + This extract from the Ramayana has been edited by M. Chezy, + with a free translation into French prose by M. Bournouf, a + literal version into Latin, and a grammatical commentary and + notes by the editor. + + Through the arts of one of his wives Kaikeyi, to whom he had + made an incautious vow to grant her demand, Dasaratha is + obliged to send his victorious son Rama into banishment at + the very moment of his marriage with the beautiful Sita. Rama + is accompanied in his exile by Lakshmana. The following + episode describes the misery and distress of the father, + deprived of his favourite son. + + + + +THE DEATH OF YAJNADATTA. + + + Scarce Rama to the wilderness--had with his younger brother gone, + Abandoned to his deep distress--king Dasaratha sate alone. + Upon his sons to exile driven--when thought that king, as Indra bright, + Darkness came o'er him, as in heaven--when pales th' eclipsed sun his light. + Six days he sate, and mourned and pined--for Rama all that weary time, + At midnight on his wandering mind--rose up his old forgotten crime. + His queen Kausalya, the divine--addressed he, as she rested near: + "Kausalya, if thou wak'st, incline--to thy lord's speech thy ready ear. + Whatever deed, or good or ill--by man, oh blessed queen, is wrought, + Its proper fruit he gathers still--by time to slow perfection brought. + He who the opposing counsel's weight--compares not in his judgment cool, + Or misery or bliss his fate--among the sage is deemed a fool. + As one that quits the Amra bower--the bright Palasa's pride to gain, + Mocked by the promise of its flower--seeks its unripening fruit in vain. + So I the lovely Amra left[141]--for the Palasa's barren bloom,[142] + Through mine own fatal error 'reft--of banished Rama, mourn in gloom. + Kausalya! in my early youth--by my keen arrow at its mark, + Aimed with too sure and deadly truth--was wrought a deed most fell and dark. + At length the evil that I did--hath fallen upon my fatal head,[143] + As when on subtle poison hid--an unsuspecting child hath fed; + Even as that child unwittingly--hath made the poisonous fare his food, + Even so in ignorance by me--was wrought that deed of guilt and blood. + Unwed wert thou in virgin bloom--and I in youth's delicious prime, + The season of the rains had come--that soft and love-enkindling time. + Earth's moisture all absorbed, the sun--through all the world its warmth + had spread, + Turned from the north, its course begun--where haunt the spirits of the + dead![144] + Gathering o'er all th' horizon's bound--on high the welcome clouds + appeared,[145] + Exulting all the birds flew round--cranes, cuckoos, peacocks, flew and + veered. + And all down each wide-water'd shore--the troubled, yet still limpid floods, + Over their banks began to pour--as o'er them hung the bursting clouds. + And, saturate with cloud-born dew--the glittering verdant-mantled earth, + The cuckoos and the peacocks flew--disputing as in drunken mirth. + In such a time, so soft, so bland--oh beautiful! I chanced to go, + With quiver, and with bow in hand--where clear Sarayu's waters flow. + If haply to the river's brink--at night the buffalo might stray, + Or elephant, the stream to drink,--intent my savage game to slay, + Then of a water cruise, as slow--it filled, the gurgling sound I heard, + Nought saw I, but the sullen low--of elephant that sound appeared. + The swift well-feathered arrow I--upon the bowstring fitting straight, + Toward the sound the shaft let fly--ah, cruelly deceived by fate! + The winged arrow scarce had flown--and scarce had reached its destined aim, + 'Ah me, I'm slain,' a feeble moan--in trembling human accents came. + 'Ah whence hath come this fatal shaft--against a poor recluse like me, + Who shot that bolt with deadly craft--alas! what cruel man is he? + At the lone midnight had I come--to draw the river's limpid flood, + And here am struck to death, by whom?--ah whose this wrongful deed of blood. + Alas! and in my parent's heart--the old, the blind, and hardly fed, + In the wild wood, hath pierced the dart--that here hath struck their + offspring dead. + Ah, deed most profitless as worst--a deed of wanton useless guilt; + As though a pupil's hand accurs'd[146]--his holy master's blood had spilt. + But not mine own untimely fate--it is not that which I deplore, + My blind, my aged parents state--'tis their distress afflicts me more. + That sightless pair, for many a day--from me their scanty food have earned, + What lot is theirs, when I'm away--to the five elements returned?[147] + Alike all wretched they, as I--ah, whose this triple deed of blood? + For who the herbs will now supply--the roots, the fruit, their blameless + food?' + My troubled soul, that plaintive moan--no sooner heard, so faint and low, + Trembled to look on what I'd done--fell from my shuddering hand my bow. + Swift I rushed up, I saw him there--heart-pierced, and fall'n the stream + beside, + That hermit boy with knotted hair--his clothing was the black deer's hide. + On me most piteous turned his look--his wounded breast could scarce respire, + 'What wrong, oh Kshatriya,[148] have I done--to be thy deathful arrow's aim, + The forest's solitary son--to draw the limpid stream I came. + Both wretched and both blind they lie--in the wild wood all destitute, + My parents, listening anxiously--to hear my home-returning foot. + By this, thy fatal shaft, this one--three miserable victims fall, + The sire, the mother, and the son--ah why? and unoffending all. + How vain my father's life austere--the Veda's studied page how vain, + He knew not with prophetic fear--his son would fall untimely slain. + But had he known, to one as he--so weak, so blind, 'twere bootless all, + No tree can save another tree--by the sharp hatchet marked to fall. + But to my father's dwelling haste--oh Raghu's[149] son, lest in his ire, + Thy head with burning curse he blast--as the dry forest tree the fire. + Thee to my father's lone retreat--will quickly lead yon onward path, + Oh haste, his pardon to entreat--or ere he curse thee in his wrath. + Yet first, that gently I may die--draw forth the barbed steel from hence, + Allay thy fears, no Brahmin I--not thine of Brahmin blood the offence. + My sire, a Brahmin hermit he--my mother was of Sudra race.'[150] + So spake the wounded boy, on me--while turned his unreproaching face. + As from his palpitating breast--I gently drew the mortal dart, + He saw me trembling stand, and blest--that boy's pure spirit seemed to part. + As died that holy hermit's son--from me my glory seemed to go, + With troubled mind I stood, cast down--t' inevitable endless woe. + That shaft that seemed his life to burn--like serpent venom, thus drawn out, + I, taking up his fallen urn--t' his father's dwelling took my route. + There miserable, blind, and old--of their sole helpmate thus forlorn, + His parents did these eyes behold--like two sad birds with pinions shorn. + Of him in fond discourse they sate--lone, thinking only of their son, + For his return so long, so late--impatient, oh by me undone. + My footsteps' sound he seemed to know--and thus the aged hermit said, + 'Oh, Yajnadatta, why so slow?--haste, let the cooling draught be shed. + Long, on the river's pleasant brink--hast thou been sporting in thy joy, + Thy mother's fainting spirits sink--in fear for thee, but thou, my boy, + If aught to grieve thy gentle heart--thy mother or thy sire do wrong, + Bear with us, nor when next we part--on the slow way thus linger long. + The feet of those that cannot move--of those that cannot see the eye, + Our spirits live but in thy love--Oh wherefore, dearest, no reply?' + My throat thick swollen with bursting tears--my power of speech that + seemed to choke, + With hands above my head, my fears--breaking my quivering voice, I spoke; + 'The Kshatriya Dasaratha I--Oh hermit sage, 'tis not thy son! + Most holy ones, unknowingly--a deed of awful guilt I've done. + With bow in hand I took my way--along Sarayu's pleasant brink, + The savage buffalo to slay--or elephant come down to drink. + A sound came murmuring to my ear--'twas of the urn that slowly filled, + I deemed some savage wild-beast near--my erring shaft thy son had killed. + A feeble groan I heard, his breast--was pierced by that dire arrow keen: + All trembling to the spot I pressed--lo there thy hermit boy was seen. + Flew to the sound my arrow, meant--the wandering elephant to slay, + Toward the river brink it went--and there thy son expiring lay. + The fatal shaft when forth I drew--to heaven his parting spirit soared, + Dying he only thought of you--long, long, your lonely lot deplored. + Thus ignorantly did I slay--your child beloved, Oh hermit sage! + Turn thou on me, whose fated day--is come, thy all-consuming rage.' + He heard my dreadful tale at length--he stood all lifeless, motionless; + Then deep he groaned, and gathering strength--me his meek suppliant did + address. + 'Kshatriya, 'tis well that thou hast turned--thy deed of murder to rehearse, + Else over all thy land had burned--the fire of my wide-wasting curse. + If with premeditated crime--the unoffending blood thou'dst spilt, + The Thunderer on his throne sublime--had shaken at such tremendous guilt. + Against the anchorite's sacred head--hadst, knowing, aimed thy shaft + accursed, + In th' holy Vedas deeply read--thy skull in seven wide rents had burst. + But since, unwitting, thou hast wrought--that deed of death, thou livest + still, + Oh son of Raghu, from thy thought--dismiss all dread of instant ill. + Oh lead me to that doleful spot--where my poor boy expiring lay, + Beneath the shaft thy fell hand shot--of my blind age, the staff, the stay. + On the cold earth 'twere yet a joy--to touch my perished child again, + (So long if I may live) my boy--in one last fond embrace to strain. + His body all bedewed with gore--his locks in loose disorder thrown, + Let me, let her but touch once more--to the dread realm of Yama gone.' + Then to that fatal place I brought--alone that miserable pair; + His sightless hands, and hers I taught--to touch their boy that slumbered + there. + Nor sooner did they feel him lie--on the moist herbage coldly thrown, + Both with a shrill and feeble cry--upon the body cast them down. + The mother as she lay and groaned--addressed her boy with quivering tongue, + And like a heifer sadly moaned--just plundered of her new-dropped young: + 'Was not thy mother once, my son--than life itself more dear to thee? + Why the long way hast thou begun--without one gentle word to me. + One last embrace, and then, beloved--upon thy lonely journey go! + Alas! with anger art thou moved--that not a word thou wilt bestow?' + The miserable father now[151]--with gentle touch each cold limb pressed, + And to the dead his words of woe--as to his living son, addressed: + 'I too, my son, am I not here?--thy sire with thy sad mother stands; + Awake, arise, my child, draw near--and clasp each neck with loving hands. + Who now, 'neath the dark wood by night--a pious reader shall be heard? + Whose honied voice my ear delight--with th' holy Veda's living word? + The evening prayer, th' ablution done--the fire adored with worship meet, + Who now shall soothe like thee, my son--with fondling hand, my aged feet? + And who the herb, the wholesome root--or wild fruit from the wood shall + bring? + To us the blind, the destitute--with helpless hunger perishing? + Thy blind old mother, heaven-resigned--within our hermit-dwelling lone, + How shall I tend, myself as blind--now all my strength of life is gone! + Oh stay, my child, Oh part not yet--to Yama's dwelling go not now, + To-morrow forth we all will set--thy mother, and myself, and thou: + For both, in grief for thee, and both--so helpless, ere another day, + From this dark world, but little loath--shall we depart, death's easy prey! + And I myself, by Yama's seat--companion of thy darksome way, + The guerdon to thy virtues meet--from that great Judge of men will pray. + Because, my boy, in innocence--by wicked deed thou hast been slain, + Rise, where the heroes dwell, who thence--ne'er stoop to this dark world + again. + Those that to earth return no more--the sense-subdued, the hermits wise, + Priests their sage masters that adore--to their eternal seats arise. + Those that have studied to the last--the Veda's, the Vedanga's page, + Where saintly kings of earth have passed--Nahusa and Yayati sage; + The sires of holy families--the true to wedlock's sacred vow; + And those that cattle, gold, or rice--or lands with liberal hands bestow; + That ope th' asylum to th' oppressed--that ever love, and speak the truth, + Up to the dwellings of the blest--th' eternal, soar thou, best loved youth. + For none of such a holy race--within the lowest seat may dwell; + But that will be his fatal place--by whom my only offspring fell.' + So groaning deep, that wretched pair--the hermit and his wife, essayed + The meet ablution to prepare--their hands their last faint effort made. + Divine, with glorious body bright--in splendid car of heaven elate, + Before them stood their son in light--and thus consoled their helpless + state: + 'Meed of my duteous filial care--I've reached the wished for realms of + joy;[152] + And ye, in those glad realms, prepare--to meet full soon your dear-loved + boy. + My parents, weep no more for me--yon warrior monarch slew me not, + My death was thus ordained to be;--predestined was the shaft he shot." + Thus, as he spoke, the anchorite's son--soared up the glowing heaven afar, + In air his heavenly body shone--while stood he in his gorgeous car. + But they, of that lost boy so dear--the last ablution meetly made, + Thus spoke to me that holy seer--with folded hands above his head. + 'Albeit by thy unknowing dart--my blameless boy untimely fell, + A curse I lay upon thy heart--whose fearful pain I know too well. + As sorrowing for my son I bow--and yield up my unwilling breath, + So, sorrowing for thy son shalt thou--at life's last close repose in death.' + That curse, dread sounding in mine ear--to mine own city forth I set, + Nor long survived that hermit seer--to mourn his child in lone regret. + This day that Brahmin curse fulfilled--hath fallen on my devoted head, + In anguish for any parted child--have all my sinking spirits fled. + No more my darkened eyes can see--my clouded memory is o'ercast, + Dark Yama's heralds summon me--to his deep, dreary, realm to haste. + Mine eye no more my Rama sees--and grief o'erburns, my spirits sink, + As the swollen stream sweeps down the trees--that grow upon the crumbling + brink. + Oh, felt I Rama's touch, or spake--one word his home-returning voice, + Again to life should I awake--as quaffing nectar draughts rejoice, + But what so sad could e'er have been--celestial partner of my heart, + Than, Rama's beauteous face unseen,--from life untimely to depart. + His exile in the forest o'er--him home returned to Oudes high town, + Oh happy those, that see once more--like Indra from the sky come down. + No mortal men, but gods I deem--moonlike, before whose wondering sight, + My Rama's glorious face shall beam--from the dark forest bursting bright. + Happy that gaze on Rama's face--with beauteous teeth and smile of love, + Like the blue lotus in its grace--and like the starry king above. + Like to the full autumnal moon--and like the lotus in its bloom, + That youth who sees returning soon--how blest shall be that mortal's doom. + Dwelling on that sweet memory--on his last bed the monarch lay, + And slowly, softly, seemed to die--as fades the moon at dawn away. + "Ah, Rama! ah, my son!" thus said--or scarcely said, the king of men, + His gentle hapless spirit fled--in sorrow for his Rama then, + The shepherd of his people old--at midnight on his bed of death, + The tale of his son's exile told--and breathed away his dying breath. + + + + +EXTRACTS FROM THE MAHABHARATA. + +THE BRAHMIN'S LAMENT. + + + The hostility of the kindred races of Pandu and Kuru forms + one of the great circles of Indian fable. It fills great part + of the immense poem, the Mahabharata. At this period the five + sons of Pandu and their mother Kunti have been driven into + the wilderness from the court of their uncle Dritarashtra at + Nagapur. The brothers, during their residence in the forest, + have an encounter with a terrible giant, Hidimba, the + prototype of the Cyclops of Homer, and of the whole race of + giants of northern origin, who, after amusing our ancestors, + children of larger growth, descended to our nurseries, from + whence they are now well-nigh exploded. After this adventure + the brothers take up their residence in the city of Ekachara, + where they are hospitably received in the house of a Brahmin. + The neighbourhood of this city is haunted by another terrible + giant, Baka, whose cannibal appetite has been glutted by a + succession of meaner victims. It is now come to the Brahmin's + turn to furnish the fatal banquet; they overhear the + following complaint of their host, whose family, consisting + of himself, his wife, a grown up daughter, and a son a little + child, must surrender one to become the horrible repast of + the monster. In turn, the father, the mother, in what may be + fairly called three singularly pathetic Indian elegies, + enforce each their claim to the privilege of suffering for + the rest. + + + + +THE BRAHMIN'S LAMENT. + + + Alas for life, so vain, so weary--in this changing world below, + Ever-teeming root of sorrow--still dependent, full of woe! + Still to life clings strong affliction--life that's one long suffering all, + Whoso lives must bear his sorrow--soon or late that must befall. + + * * * * * + + Oh to find a place of refuge--in this dire extremity, + For my wife, my son, my daughter--and myself what hope may be? + Oft I've said to thee, my dearest--Priestess, that thou knowest well, + But my word thou never heededst--let us go where peace may dwell. + "Here I had my birth, my nurture--still my sire is living here; + Oh unwise!" 'twas thus thou answeredst--to my oft-repeated prayer. + Thine old father went to heaven--slept thy mother by his side, + Then thy near and dear relations--why delight'st thou here t' abide? + Fondly loving still thy kindred--thine old home thou would'st not leave, + Of thy kindred death deprived thee--in thy griefs I could but grieve. + Now to me is death approaching--never victim will I give, + From mine house, like some base craven--and myself consent to live. + Thee with righteous soul, the gentle--ever like a mother deemed, + A sweet friend the gods have given me--aye my choicest wealth esteem'd. + From thy parents thee, consenting--mistress of my house I took, + Thee I chose, and thee I honoured--as enjoins the holy book. + Thou the high-born, thou the virtuous!--my dear children's mother thou, + Only to prolong my being--thee the good, the blameless, now, + Can to thy death surrender--mine own true, my faithful wife? + Yet my son can I abandon--in his early bloom of life, + Offer him in his sweet childhood--with no down his cheek to shade? + Her, whom Brahma, the all-bounteous--for a lovely bride hath made, + Mother of a race of heroes--a heaven-winning race may make;[153] + Of myself begot, the virgin--could I ever her forsake? + Towards a son the hearts of fathers--some have thought, are deepest moved, + Others deem the daughter dearer--both alike I've ever loved: + She that sons, that heaven hath in her--sons whose offerings heaven may win, + Can I render up my daughter--blameless, undefiled by sin? + If myself I offer, sorrow--in the next world my lot must be, + Hardly then could live my children--and my wife bereft of me. + One of these so dear to offer--to the wise, were sin, were shame, + Yet without me they must perish--how to 'scape the sin, the blame! + Woe! Oh woe! where find I refuge--for myself, for mine, oh where! + Better 'twere to die together--for to live I cannot bear. + + _The_ BRAHMIN'S WIFE _speaks_. + + As of lowly caste, my husband--yield not thus thy soul to woe, + This is not a time for wailing--who the Vedas knows must know: + Fate inevitable orders--all must yield to death in turn, + Hence the doom, th' irrevocable--it beseems not thee to mourn. + Man hath wife, and son, and daughter--for the joy of his own heart. + Wherefore wisely check thy sorrow--it is I must hence depart. + Tis the wife's most holy duty--law on earth without repeal, + That her life she offer freely--when demands her husband's weal. + And e'en now, a deed so noble--hath its meed of pride and bliss, + In the next world life eternal--and unending fame in this. + 'Tis a high, yet certain duty--that my life I thus resign, + 'Tis thy right, as thy advantage--both the willing deed enjoin-- + All for which a wife is wedded--long erenow through me thou'st won, + Blooming son and gentle daughter--that my debt is paid and done. + Thou may'st well support our children--gently guard, when I am gone, + I shall have no power to guard them--nor support them, left alone. + Oh, despoiled of thy assistance--lord of me, and all I have, + How these little ones from ruin--how my hapless self to save: + Widow'd, reft of thee, and helpless--with two children in their youth, + How maintain my son, and daughter--in the path of right and truth. + From the lustful, from the haughty--how shall I our child protect, + When they seek thy blameless daughter--by a father's awe unchecked. + As the birds in numbers swarming--gather o'er the earth-strewn corn, + Thus the men round some sad widow--of her noble lord forlorn. + Thus by all the rude and reckless--with profane desires pursued,[154] + How shall I the path still follow--loved and honoured by the good. + This thy dear, thy only daughter--this pure maiden innocent, + How to teach the way of goodness--where her sire, her fathers went. + How can I instil the virtues--in the bosom of our child, + Helpless and beset on all sides--as thou would'st in duty skilled. + Round thy unprotected daughter--Sudras like[155] to holy lore, + Scorning me in their wild passion--will unworthy suitors pour. + And if I refuse to give her--mindful of thy virtuous course, + As the storks the rice of offering[156]--they will bear her off by force. + Should I see my son degenerate--like his noble sire no more, + In the power of the unworthy--the sweet daughter that I bore; + And myself, the world's scorn, wandering--so as scarce myself to know, + Of proud men the scoff, the outcast--I should die of shame and woe. + And bereft of me, my children--and without thy aid to cherish, + As the fish when water fails them--both would miserably perish. + Thus of all the three is ruin--the inevitable lot, + Desolate of thee, their guardian--wherefore, Oh, forsake us not! + The dark way before her husband--'tis a wife's first bliss to go, + 'Tis a wife's that hath borne children--this the wise, the holy know. + For thee forsaken be my daughter--let my son forsaken be, + I for thee forsook my kindred--and forsake my life for thee. + More than offering 'tis, than penance--liberal gift or sacrifice, + When a wife, thus clearly summoned--for her husband's welfare dies. + That which now to do I hasten--all the highest duty feel, + For thy bliss, for thy well-doing--thine and all thy race's weal. + Men, they say, but pray for children--riches, or a generous friend, + To assist them in misfortune--and a wife for the same end. + The whole race (the wise declare it)--thou the increaser of thy race, + Than the single self less precious--ever holds a second place. + Let me then discharge the duty--and preserve thyself by me, + Give me thine assent, all-honoured--and my children's guardian be. + Women must be spared from slaughter--this the learn'd in duty say, + Even the giant knows that duty--me he will not dare to slay. + Of the man the death is certain--of the woman yet in doubt, + Wherefore, noblest, on the instant--as the victim send me out. + I have lived with many blessings--I have well fulfilled my part, + I have given thee beauteous offspring--death hath nought t' appal mine + heart. + I've borne children, I am aged--in my soul I've all revolved, + And with spirit strong to serve thee--I am steadfast and resolved. + Offering me, all-honoured husband--thou another wife wilt find, + And to her wilt do thy duty--gentle as to me, and kind. + Many wives if he espouses--man incurs nor sin nor blame, + For a wife to wed another--'tis inexpiable shame. + This well weighed within thy spirit--and the sin thyself to die, + Save thyself, thy race, thy children--be the single victim I. + + * * * * * + + Hearing thus his wife, the husband--fondly clasp'd her to his breast, + And their tears they poured together--by their mutual grief oppressed. + + + + +THIRD SONG. + + + Of these two the troubled language--in the chamber as she heard, + Lost herself in grief the daughter--thus took up the doleful word. + + _The_ DAUGHTER _spake_. + + Why to sorrow thus abandoned?--weep not thus, as all forlorn, + Hear ye now my speech, my parents--and your sorrows may be borne. + Me with right ye may abandon--none that right in doubt will call, + Yield up her that best is yielded--I alone may save you all. + Wherefore wishes man for children?--they in need mine help will be: + Lo, the time is come, my parents--in your need find help in me. + Ever here the son by offering--or hereafter doth atone, + Either way is he th' atoner--hence the wise have named him son. + Daughters too, the great forefathers--of a noble race desire, + And I now shall prove their wisdom--saving thus from death my sire. + Lo, my brother but an infant!--to the other world goest thou, + In a little time we perish--who may dare to question how? + But if first depart to heaven--he that after me was born, + Cease our race's sacred offerings--our offended sires would mourn. + Without father, without mother--of my brother too bereft, + I shall die, unused to sorrow--yet to deepest sorrow left. + But thyself, my sire! my mother--and my gentle brother save, + And their meet, unfailing offerings--shall our fathers' spirits have. + A second self the son, a friend the wife--the daughter's but a grief, + From thy grief thy daughter offering--thou of right wilt find relief. + Desolate and unprotected--ever wandering here and there, + Shall I quickly be, my father!--reft of thy paternal care! + But wert thou through me, my father--and thy race from peril freed, + Noble fruit should I have borne thee--having done this single deed. + But if thou from hence departing-leav'st me, noblest, to my fate, + Down I sink to bitterest misery--save, Oh save me from that state! + For mine own sake, and for virtue's--for our noble race's sake, + Yield up her who best is yielded--me thine own life's ransom make. + Instantly this step, the only--the inevitable take. + Hath the world a fate more wretched--than when thou to heaven art fled, + Like a dog to wander begging--and subsist on others' bread. + But my father, thus preserving--thus preserving all that's thine, + I shall then become immortal--and partake of bliss divine, + And the gods, and our forefathers--all will hail the prudent choice, + Still will have the water offerings--that their holy spirits rejoice. + + * * * * * + + As they heard her lamentation--in their troubled anguish deep, + Wept the father, wept the mother--'gan the daughter too to weep. + Then the little son beheld them--and their doleful moan he heard; + And with both his eyes wide open--lisped he thus his broken word. + "Weep not father, weep not mother--Oh my sister, weep not so!" + First to one, and then to th' other--smiling went he to and fro. + Then a blade of spear-grass lifting--thus in bolder glee he said, + "With this spear-grass will I kill him--this man-eating giant dead." + Though o'erpowered by bitterest sorrow--as they heard their prattling boy, + Stole into the parents' bosoms--mute and inexpressive joy. + + + + +THE DELUGE. + + + The following extract from the Mahabharata was published by + Bopp, with a German translation, (the promised Latin version + has not yet reached this country,) with four other extracts + from the same poem. It is inserted here not on account of its + poetical merit, but on account of the interest of the + subject. It is the genuine, and probably the earliest, + version of the Indian tradition of the Flood. The author has + made the following observations on this subject in the + Quarterly Review, which he ventures here to transcribe. + + Nothing has thrown so much discredit on oriental studies, + particularly on the valuable Asiatic Researches, as the fixed + determination to find the whole of the Mosaic history in the + remoter regions of the East. It was not to be expected that, + when the new world of oriental literature was suddenly + disclosed, the first attempts to explore would be always + guided by cool and dispassionate criticism. Even Sir W. Jones + was led away, at times, by the ardour of his imagination; and + the gorgeous palaces of the Mahabadian dynasty, which were + built on the authority of the Desatir and the Dabistan, and + thrown upward into an age anterior even to the earliest + Indian civilisation, have melted away, and 'left not a wreck + behind,' before the cooler and more profound investigations + of Mr. Erskine[157]. Sir W. Jones was succeeded by Wilford, a + man of most excursive imagination, bred in the school of + Bryant, who, even if he had himself been more deeply versed + in the ancient language, would have been an unsafe guide. But + Wilford, it is well known, unfortunately betrayed to the + crafty and mercenary pundits whom he employed, the objects + which he hoped to find; and these unscrupulous interpreters, + unwilling to disappoint their employer, had little difficulty + in discovering, or forging, or interpolating, whatever might + suit his purpose. The honest candour with which Wilford, a + man of the strictest integrity, made the open and humiliating + confession of the deceptions which had been practised upon + him, ought for ever to preserve his memory from disrespect. + The fictions to which he had given currency, only retained, + and still we are ashamed to say retain, their ground in + histories of the Bible and works of a certain school of + theology, from which no criticism can exorcise an error once + established: still, however, with sensible men, a kind of + suspicion was thrown over the study itself; and the cool and + sagacious researches of men, probably better acquainted with + their own language than some of the Brahmins themselves, were + implicated in the fate of the fantastic and, though + profoundly learned, ever injudicious reveries of Wilford. + + Now, however, that we may depend on the genuineness of our + documents, it is curious to examine the Indian version or + versions of the universal tradition of the Deluge; for, + besides this extract from the Mahabharata, Sir W. Jones had + extracted from the Bhagavata Purana another, and, in some + respects, very different legend. Both of these versions are + strongly impregnated with the mythological extravagance of + India; but the Purana, one of the Talmudic books of Indian + tradition, as M. Bopp observes, is evidently of a much later + date than the ruder and simpler fable of the old Epic. It + belongs to a less ancient school of poetry, and a less + ancient system of religion. While it is much more exuberant + in its fiction, it nevertheless betrays a sort of + apprehension lest it shall shock the less easy faith of a + more incredulous reader; it is manifestly from the religious + school of the follower of Vishnu, and, indeed, seems to have + some reference to one of the philosophic systems. Yet the + outline of the story is the same. In the Mahabharatic + version, Manu, like Noah, stands alone in an age of universal + depravity. His virtues, however, are of the Indian cast--the + most severe and excruciating penance by which he extorts, as + it were, the favour of the deity[158]. + + + + +THE DELUGE. + + + Vivaswata's son, a raja--and a sage of mighty fame, + King of men, the first great fathers--in his glory equalled he, + In his might and kingly power--Manu, and in earthly bliss, + And in wonder-working penance--sire and grandsire far surpassed. + With his arms on high outstretching--wrought the sovereign of men, + Steadily on one foot standing--penance rigorous and dread, + With his downward head low-drooping--with his fixed, unwavering eyes, + Dreed he thus his awful penance--many a long and weary year. + To the penitent with tresses--streaming loose, and wet, and long, + By the margin of Wirini--thus the fish began to speak: + "Blessed! lo, the least of fishes--of the mighty fish in dread, + Wilt thou not from death preserve me--thou that all thy vows fulfill'st? + Since the strongest of the fishes--persecute the weaker still, + Over us impends for ever--our inevitable fate. + Ere I sink, if thou wilt free me--from th' extremity of dread, + Meet return can I compensate--when the holy deed is done." + Speaking thus the fish when heard he--full of pity all his heart, + In his hand that fish king Manu--son of Vivaswata took. + Brought the son of Vivaswata--to the river shore the fish, + Cast it in a crystal vessel--like the moonshine clear and bright. + "Rapid grew that fish, O raja--tended with such duteous care, + Cleaved to him the heart of Manu--as to a beloved son. + Time rolled on, and larger, larger--ever waxed that wonderous fish, + Nor within that crystal vessel--found he longer space to move." + Spake again the fish to Manu--as he saw him, thus he spake: + "O all prosperous! O all gentle!--bring me to another place." + Then the fish from out the vessel--blessed Manu took again; + And with gentle speed he bare him,--Manu, to a spacious lake. + There the conqueror of cities,--mighty Manu, cast him in. + Still he grew, that fish so wondrous--many a circling round of years. + Three miles long that lake expanded--and a single mile its breadth, + Yet that fish with eyes like lotus--there no longer might endure; + Nor, O sovereign of the Vaisyas!--might that lake his bulk contain. + Spake again that fish to Manu--as he saw him, thus he spake: + "Bring me now, O blest and holy!--to the Ganga, ocean's bride, + Let me dwell in her wide waters--yet, O loved one, as thou wilt, + Be it so; whate'er thy bidding,--murmur would beseem me ill, + Since through thee, O blest and blameless!--to this wondrous bulk I've + grown." + Thus addressed, the happy Manu--took again the fish, and bore + To the sacred stream of Ganga--and himself he cast him in. + Still it grew, as time rolled onward--tamer of thy foes! that fish. + Spake again that fish to Manu--as he saw him, thus he spake: + "Mightiest! I can dwell no longer--here in Ganga's narrow stream; + Best of men! once more befriend me--bear me to the ocean swift." + Manu's self from Ganga's water--took again that wondrous fish, + And he brought him to the ocean,--with his own hand cast him in. + Brought by Manu to the ocean--very large that fish appeared, + But not yet of form unmeasured,--spread delicious odours round. + But that fish by kingly Manu--cast into the ocean wide, + In these words again bespake him--and he smiled as thus he spake: + "Blessed! thou hast still preserved me--still my every wish fulfilled, + When the awful time approaches--hear from me what thou must do. + In a little time, O blessed!--all this firm and seated earth, + All that moves upon its surface--shall a deluge sweep away. + Near it comes, of all creation--the ablution day is near; + Therefore what I now forewarn thee--may thy highest weal secure. + All the fixed and all the moving--all that stirs, or stirreth not, + Lo, of all the time approaches--the tremendous time of doom. + Build thyself a ship, O Manu--strong, with cables well prepared, + And thyself, with the seven Sages--mighty Manu enter in. + All the living seeds of all things--by the Brahmins named of yore, + Place thou first within thy vessel--well secured, divided well. + From thy ship keep watch, O hermit--watch for me, as I draw near; + Horned shall I swim before thee--by my horn thou'lt know me well. + This the work thou must accomplish,--I depart; so fare thee well-- + Over these tumultuous waters--none without mine aid can sail. + Doubt thou not, O lofty minded!--of my warning speech the truth." + To the fish thus answered Manu--"All that thou requir'st, I'll do." + Thus they parted, of each other--mutual leave when they had ta'en, + Manu, raja! to accomplish--all to him the fish had said. + Taking first the seeds of all things--launched he forth upon the sea; + On the billowy sea, the prudent--in a beauteous vessel rode. + Manu of the fish bethought him;--conscious of his thought the fish, + Conqueror of hostile cities!--with his horn came floating by. + King of men, the born of Manu!--Manu saw the sea-borne fish, + In his form foreshewn, the horned--like a mountain huge and high. + To the fish's head his cable, Manu bound--O king of men! + Strong and firm his cable wound he--round and round on either horn: + And the fish, all conquering raja!--with that twisted cable bound, + With the utmost speed that vessel--dragged along the ocean tide. + In his bark along the ocean--boldly went the king of men: + Dancing with the tumbling billows--dashing through the roaring spray, + Tossed about by winds tumultuous--in the vast and heaving sea, + Like a trembling, drunken woman--reeled that ship, O king of men. + Earth was seen no more, no region--nor the intermediate space; + All around a waste of water--water all, and air and sky. + In the whole world of creation--princely son of Bharata! + None was seen but those seven Sages--Manu only, and the fish. + Years on years, and still unwearied--drew that fish the bark along, + Till at length it came, where lifted--Himavan its loftiest peak. + There at length it came, and smiling--thus the fish addressed the sage: + "To the peak of Himalaya--bind thou now thy stately ship." + At the fish's mandate quickly--to the peak of Himavan + Bound the sage his bark, and ever--to this day that loftiest peak, + Bears the name of Manubandhan--from the binding of the bark. + To the sage, the god of mercy--thus with fixed look bespake: + "I am lord of all creation--Brahma, higher than all height; + I in fishlike form have saved thee--Manu, in the perilous hour; + But from thee new tribes of creatures--gods, asuras, men must spring. + All the worlds must be created--all that moves or moveth not, + By an all-surpassing penance--this great work must be achieved. + Through my mercy, thy creation--to confusion ne'er shall run," + Spake the fish, and on the instant--to the invisible he passed. + Vivaswata's son, all eager--the creation to begin, + Stood amid his work confounded:--mighty penance wrought he then. + So fulfilled that rigorous penance--instant Manu 'gan create-- + Instant every living creature--Raja! he began to form. + Such the old, the famous legend--named the story of the Fish, + Which to thee I have related--this for all our sins atones. + He that hears it, Manu's legend,--in the full possession he, + Of all things complete and perfect--to the heavenly world ascends. + + + + +NOTES ON NALA. + + +[Footnote 1: p. 3. l. 4. _Over, over all exalted_. This repetition is +in the original.] + +[Footnote 2: p. 3. l. 5. _Holy deep-read in the Vedas_. All the +perfections, which, according to the opinions and laws of the Hindus, +distinguish the sovereign from the rest of mankind, are here ascribed +to the hero of the poem. The study of the Vedas must be cultivated by +the three superior castes, and ensures both temporal and eternal +beatitude. In the laws of Menu it is said, "Greatness is not conferred +by years, not by grey hairs, not by wealth, not by powerful kindred." +The divine sages have established this rule--Whoever has read the +Vedas and their Angas, he is among us great. (JONES'S MENU, ii. 254). +Of all these duties, answered Bhrigu, the principal is to acquire from +the Upanishads a true knowledge of the one supreme God: that is the +most exalted of all sciences, because it ensures immortality, (xii. +85). For in the knowledge and adoration of one God, which the Veda +teaches, all the rules of good conduct before-mentioned in order, are +fully comprised, (ib. 87.) + +The study of the Vedas is considered the peculiar duty of kings, (vii. +43). The Upanishads are doctrinal extracts of the Vedas. + +The Indian law demands in the most rigorous manner from every one of +noble birth, the mastery over the _senses_. Menu says, c. ii. 93, "A +man by the attachment of his organs to sensual pleasure, incurs +certain guilt; but having wholly subdued them, he thence attains +heavenly bliss. v. 94. Desire is never satisfied with the enjoyment of +desired objects; as the fire is not appeased with clarified butter; it +only blazes more vehemently. v. 97. To a man contaminated by +sensuality, neither the Vedas, nor liberality, nor sacrifices, nor +strict observances, nor pious austerities, ever procure felicity." The +control over every kind of sensual indulgence is enjoined upon the +king. vii. 44. Day and night must he strenuously exert himself to gain +complete victory over his own organs; since that king alone whose +organs are completely subdued, can keep his people firm to their duty. + +Skill in the management of horses and chariots, which in a subsequent +part of the poem is of great importance to Nala, is often mentioned as +a praiseworthy accomplishment of kings. In the Ramayana, for instance, +in the description of king Dasaratha, which likewise contains the +above-mentioned traits of character--"In this city Ayodhya was a king +named Dusharutha, descended from Ikshwaku, perfectly skilled in the +Veda and Vedangas, prescient, of great ability, beloved by all his +people, a great charioteer, constant in sacrifice, eminent in sacred +duties, a royal sage, nearly equalling a Muhurshi, famed throughout +the three worlds, mighty, triumphant over his enemies, observant of +justice, having a perfect command of his appetites." CAREY and +MARSHMAN'S translation, sect. vi. p. 64.] + +[Footnote 3: p. 3. l. 5. _--in Nishadha lord of earth_. I have accented +this word not quite correctly Nishadha, in order to harmonise with the +trochaic flow of my metre. It appears to be the same as Nishadha-rashtra +and Nishadha-desa. See Wilford's list of mountains, rivers, countries; +from the Puranas and other books. Asiatic Researches, vol. viii. BOPP.] + +[Footnote 4: p. 3. l. 6. _Loving dice, of truth unblemished_. The +Sanscrit word Akshapujah is differently interpreted. Kosegarten +renders it in a good sense as "fearing heaven." He argues that it is +the poet's object in this passage to describe the good qualities of +Nala, and that he does not become a gamester till possessed by the +demon Kali. Bopp gives the sense in the text, which seems to connect +it with the history of king Yudishthira, to whom it is addressed.] + +[Footnote 5: p. 3. l. 7. _Sense subdued_. The highest notion of this +favourite perfection of Indian character, may be given in the words of +the author of the Bhagavat-Gita: "The highest perfection to which the +soul can attain, is action without passion. The mind is to be entirely +independent of external objects; to preserve its undisturbed serenity +it should have the conscious power of withdrawing all its senses +within itself, as the tortoise draws all its limbs beneath in shell." +Action is necessary, but action must produce no emotion--no sensation +on the calm spirit within; whatever may be their consequences, however +important, however awful, events are to be unfelt, and almost +unperceived by the impassive mind; and on this principle Arjuna is to +execute the fated slaughter upon his kindred without the least feeling +of sorrow or compunction being permitted to intrude on the divine +apathy of his soul. Some of the images in which this passionless +tranquillity of the spirit is described, appear singularly beautiful: + + As to th' unrais'd unswelling ocean flow the multitudinous streams, + So to the soul serene, unmov'd--flow in the undisturbing lusts. + +And then again the soul, in this state of unbroken quietude, + + Floats like the lotus on the lake, unmov'd, unruffled by the tide.] + +[Footnote 6: p. 3. l. 8. _Best, a present Manu he_. Manu, or Menu, +the representative of the human race; the holy, mythological ancestor +of the Hindus. In the Diluvium, the Indian version of the Deluge, (see +the latter part of this volume), Manu is the survivor of the human +race--the second ancestor of mankind. The first Menu is named +"Swayambhuva, or sprung from the self-existing." From him "came six +descendants, other Menus, or perfectly understanding the Scripture, +each giving birth to a race of his own, all exalted in dignity, +eminent in power." Laws of Menu, i. 61. The great code of law "the +Hindus firmly believe to have been promulged in the beginning of time +by Menu, son or grandson of Brahma, or in plain English the first of +created beings, and not the oldest only but the noblest of +legislators." Sir W. JONES'S preface to Laws of Menu; Works, vii. 76. +In the Ramayana, in like manner, king Dasaratha is compared to the +ancient king, Menu. The word Manu, as the name of the ancestor of men, +is derived from the Sanscrit root Man, to know (WILSONin voce); in +the same manner as the Sanscrit Manisha, knowledge, Manushya, Man--as +also the Latin Mens, and the German Mensch. According to this +etymology, Man, Mensch, properly means "the knowing," the Being +endowed with knowledge. The German word, Meinen, to mean, or be of +opinion, belongs to the same stock.] + +[Footnote 7: p. 3. l. 9. _So there dwelt in high Vidarbha_. This city +is called by our poet Vidarbha Nagara, the city of Vidarbha, and +Cundina. According to Wilford it is Burra Nag-poor. BOPP. Colebrooke, +Asiatic Researches, remarks, that some suppose it to be the modern +Berar, which borders on the mountain Vindhya or Gondwanah. The kingdom +of Vidarbha, and its capital Kundini, are mentioned in the very +remarkable drama Malati and Madhava. WILSON's Hindu Theatre, ii. 16; +and extract from Harivansa, in LANGLOIS Monumens de l'Inde, p. 54.] + +[Footnote 8: p. 3. l. 9. _Bhima, terrible in strength_. +Bhima-parakrama. There is a play upon the words, Bhima meaning +terrible.] + +[Footnote 9: p. 3. l. 11. _Many a holy act, on offspring_. He made +offerings and performed penance, by which blessings were forced from +the reluctant gods. In India not only temporal, but eternal happiness, +depends on having children. The son alone by the offering of the +Sraddha, or libation for the dead, can obtain rest for the departed +spirit of the father. Hence the begetting of a son is a religious +duty, particularly for a Brahmin, and is one of the three debts to +which he is bound during life. After he has read the Vedas in the form +prescribed by Law, has legally begotten a son, and has performed +sacrifices to the best of his power, he has paid his three debts, and +may then apply his heart to eternal bliss. MENU, vi. 36. By a son a +man obtains victory over all people; by a son's son he enjoys +immortality; and afterwards, by the son of that grandson, he reaches +the solar abode. MENU, ix. 137. + +This last passage is immediately followed by the explanation of the +Sanscrit word Puttra, son, by "the deliverer from hell." Since the son +(trayate) delivers his father from the hell, named put, he was +therefore called puttra by Brahma himself. This explanation, which it +given by the Indian etymologists, appears nevertheless, as is often +the case, rather forced; since the final syllable, tra, which is +translated by deliver (or preserve, WILSON, in voce) is a common +ending of many words, without the peculiar signification of +delivering: as with this final syllable on the word Pu, to be pure, is +formed the noun Puwitra, pure. WILKINS, Grammar, p. 454; KOSEGARTEN. +The affix with which this last is formed however, is not tra, but +itra, and it affords therefore no ground of objection to the usual +etymology of Puttra. WILSON. + +The Indian poetry is full of instances of this strong desire for +offspring. In the Ramayana, king Dasaratha performs the Aswamedha, or +offering of a horse, to obtain a son. "To this magnanimous king, +acquainted in every duty, pre-eminent in virtue, and performing sacred +austerities for the sake of obtaining children, there was no son to +perpetuate his family. At length in the anxious mind of this noble one +the thought arose, 'Why do I not perform an Ushwamedha to obtain a +son.'" CAREY and MARSHMAN's translation, sect. viii. p. 74. Compare +the Raghu Vansa, canto i., and all that is done by king Dilipa to +obtain a son: and the poem of the death of Hidimbha, published by +Bopp.] + +[Footnote 10: p. 3. l. 14. _--in his hospitable hall_. Hospitality to +a Brahmin is of course one of the greatest virtues. "A Brahmin coming +as a guest, and not received with just honour, takes to himself all +the reward of the housekeeper's former virtue, even though he had been +so temperate as to live on the gleanings of harvests, and so pious as +to make oblations in five distinct fires." Sir W. JONES, Menu, iii. +100.] + +[Footnote 11: p. 3. l. 22. _--as around great Indra's queen_. Sachi. + + Sachi, soft as morning light, + Blithe Sachi, from her lord Indrani hight.--Sir W. JONES's Hymn to Indra.] + +[Footnote 12: p. 4. l. 2. _Mid her handmaids, like the lightning_. +There are two words of similar signification in the original; one of +them implies life-giving. Lightning in India being the forerunner of +the rainy season, is looked on as an object of delight as much as +terror. BOPP, from the Scholiast.] + +[Footnote 13: p. 4. l. 2. _--shone she with her faultless form_. Sri, +or Lakshmi, the goddess of beauty and abundance, at once the Ceres and +the Alma Venus of India. + + Daughter of ocean and primeval night, + Who fed with moonbeams dropping silent dew, + And cradled in a wild wave dancing light.--Sir W. JONES's Ode to Lacshmi.] + +[Footnote 14: p. 4. l. 4. _--never mid the Yaksha race_. The Yakshas +are demigods attendant on Kuvera, the god of wealth, descendants of +Kasyapa by his wife Khasa. They inhabit mountains, and have +intercourse with the Apsarasas, or heavenly nymphs. Sometimes they +appear not altogether as good beings, sometimes entirely harmless. +"The souls of men enslaved to their passions will rise no higher than +the Yakshas." MENU, xii. 47. The subject of the Meghaduta, or +Cloud-Messenger of Kalidasa, so elegantly translated by Mr. Wilson, is +the regret of a Yaksha for his beloved wife. Compare Mr. Wilson's note +on the Yakshas, Cloud Messenger, p. 69.] + +[Footnote 15: p. 4. l. 7. _Nala too, 'mong kings the tiger_. Nara +Sardula, the Tiger warrior. I have retained the literal meaning, +though, according to Bopp, it means _in fine compositi, Optimus, +praestantissimus_. Mr. Southey's Young Tlalala, in Madoc, is the "tiger +of the war."] + +[Footnote 16: p. 4. l. 8. _Like Kandarpa in his beauty_. Kandarpa is +the god of love. Kama, Love, or Kam Deo, God of Love. Dipaka, the +Inflamer. Manmatha, Heart-disturber. Ananga, the Incorporeal. + + God of each lovely sight, each lovely sound. + Soul-kindling, world-inflaming, star y-crowned, + Eternal Cama! or doth Smara bright, + Or proud Ananga give thee more delight--SIR W. JONES, _Ode to Camdeo_.] + +[Footnote 17: p. 4. l. 12. _Thus of each, O son of Kunti_. Kunti was +the mother of King Yudishthira, to whom the poem is related. I have +usually omitted this address, which is sometimes made to Yudishthira +under the title of Bharata, i. e. descendant of Bharata, or other +appellations.] + +[Footnote 18: p. 4. l. 15. _There the swans he saw disporting_. In +the original this is a far less poetic bird, and the author must crave +forgiveness for having turned his geese into swans. If, however, we +are to believe Bohlen, in his learned work, Das Alte Indien, the +translators are altogether mistaken; they have been misled by the +similarity of the word Hansa to Gans--a goose. The original, he +asserts, to mean a mythic bird, closely resembling the swan, or +perhaps the tall and brilliant flamingo, which Southey has introduced +with such effect in one of his rich descriptions in the Curse of +Kehama. The goose, however, according to the general opinion, is so +common in Indian mythology, that this must be received with much +caution. In the modern Tamulic version of the story, translated by Mr. +Kindersley, are substituted, "Milk white Aunnays, descending from the +skies, like an undulating garland of pearls." The Aunnays are supposed +to be a sort of birds of paradise. They are represented as milk white; +remarkable for the gracefulness of their walk; and endowed with +considerable gifts. Mr. Wilson, in his Meghaduta, has given me a +precedent for the change of geese into swans; see p. 27, v. 71, with +the note. And Mr. Ellis, Asiatic Researches, vol. xiv. p. 29, has the +following note on the subject: "There are three distinctions of Hamsa; +the Raja-hamsa, with a milk-white body and deep red beak and legs, +this is the Phenicopteros, or flamingo; the Mallicacsha-hamsa, with +brownish beak and legs; and the Dhartarashtra-hamsa, with black beak +and legs: the latter is the European swan, the former a variety. The +gait of an elegant woman is compared by the Hindu poets to the proud +bearing of a swan in the water. Sonnerat, making a mistake similar to +that in the text, translates a passage in which this allusion occurs, +in words to the following purport, 'Her gait resembled that of a +goose.' Other writers have fallen into the same error." The swans, ou +Plutot les Genies ailes, play the same part in an extract from the +Harivansa, translated by M. Langlois, in his Monumens Litteraires de +l'Inde, _Paris_, 1827, p. 158. The first part of the Harivansa has +just appeared, under the auspices of the Oriental Translation +Committee.] + +[Footnote 19: p. 5. l. 4. _Like the Aswinas in beauty_. See Asiatic +Researches, i. 263; ix. 323. Ramayana, i. 226.] + +[Footnote 20: p. 5. l. 7. _Gandharvas_. Celestial choristers, of +beautiful forms and complexion, usually seen in Hindu sculptures +attendant on the deities. + + Celestial genii tow'rd their king advance + (So called by men) in heaven Gandharvas named, + For matchless music famed. + Soon when the bands in lucid rows assemble, + Flutes breathe, and citherns tremble. + +SIR W. JONES, Ode to Indra.--See Ramayana, l. 125.] + +[Footnote 21: p. 5. l. 7. _the Serpents_. The serpents are objects of +reverence and veneration in India. They are called Naga, not going; +Uragas--breast-going. Their residence is in Patala, though they are +occasional visitants both of heaven and earth. See notes to book V. In +the Bhagavat Gita, Arjun sees Brahma "sitting on his lotus-throne; all +the Reshees and Ooragas (serpents)," Wilkins' translation, p. 91. +According to Wilson, (Sanscrit Dict. voce Naga), the race of these +beings is said to have sprung from Kadru, the wife of Kasyapa, in +order to people Patala, or the regions below the earth.] + +[Footnote 22: p. 5. l. 7. _The Rakshasas_. Demons who assume at will +the forms of lions, tigers, horses, and other animals, as well as the +human shape, with numerous heads and arms. They are represented as +cannibals who devour their enemies. See Ramayana.] + +[Footnote 23: p. 6. l. 6. _--and with passion heart-possessed_. It +is, literally, her mind (or thought), being possessed by the +_heart-sleeper_, (i. e. love, reposing or dwelling in the heart). +WILSON.] + +[Footnote 24: p. 6. l. 8. _The Swayembara_. The self-election. The +princesses in India enjoyed this singular privilege. The festival was +proclaimed, and from the assembled suitors the lady selected her +future husband. The Swayembara is not among the eight kinds of +marriages mentioned in the third book of Menu, as customary among the +higher castes, in which the parents in general arrange such contracts. +The provision in the ninth book (v. 90), appears to belong to the +lower classes.--"Three years let a damsel wait, though she be +marriageable; but after that term let her choose for herself a +bridegroom of equal rank." In the Raghuvansa, a poem, parts of which +the author of this translation, if he could command leisure to make +himself better acquainted with Sanscrit, would consider well worthy of +being introduced to the English reader, there is a very remarkable and +beautiful book, describing a Swayembara. This is likewise held at +Vidarbha by the daughter of the king. The Mahabharata also describes +the Swayembara of the princess Draupadi.] + +[Footnote 25: p. 6. l. 17. _The lord of many peasants_. Vaisya, the +third caste, husbandmen and traders.] + +[Footnote 26: p. 6. l. 22. _All with rich and various garlands_. The +use of garlands in the decoration of the houses and temples of the +Hindus, and of flowers in their offerings and festivals, furnishes +employment to a particular tribe or caste, the malacaras, or wreath +makers. WILSON, note 57, on Meghaduta or Cloud-messenger.] + +[Footnote 27: p. 7. l. 2. _Indra's world_. Indra is the God of +heaven, of the thunder and lightning, storm and rain: his dwelling is +sometimes placed on mount Meru, as the heaven of the Greeks on +Olympus. His city is called Amaravati; his palace Vaijayanti; his +garden Nandana. (KOSEGARTEN.) + + Hail, mountain of delight, + Palace of glory, bless'd by glory's king. + With prospering shade embower me, whilst I sing + Thy wonders yet unreached by mortal flight. + Sky-piercing mountain! in thy bowers of love, + No tears are seen, save where medicinal stalks + Weep drops balsamic o'er the silvered walks. + No plaints are heard, save where the restless dove + Of coy repulse, and mild reluctance talks. + Mantled in woven gold, with gems inchas'd, + With emerald hillocks graced, + From whose fresh laps, in young fantastic mazes, + Soft crystal bounds and blazes, + Bathing the lithe convolvulus that winds + Obsequious, and each flaunting arbour binds.--SIR W. JONES, Ode to Indra.] + +[Footnote 28: p. 7. l. 3. _Narada and Parvata_. Two of the divine +Munis or Rishis. Narada is the son of Brahma; a friend of Krishna, a +celebrated lawgiver, and inventor of the vina, or lute. (WILSON, Dict. +in voce.) Narada is mentioned as one of the "ten lords of created +beings, eminent in holiness." MENU, i. 34, 35.] + +[Footnote 29: p. 7. l. 5. _Them salutes the cloud-compeller_. +'Maghavan' is by some explained 'the cloudy.' I have adopted the word +used by the translators of Homer.] + +[Footnote 30: p. 7. l. 12. _Theirs this everlasting kingdom_. +Kshetriyas, or warriors, slain in battle, are transported to Swerga, +the heaven of Indra, by the Apsarasas or nymphs of heaven: hence they +are his "ever-honoured guests." "Those rulers of the earth, who, +desirous of defeating each other, exert their utmost strength in +battle, without ever averting their faces, ascend after death directly +to heaven." MENU, vii. 89. Indra means to say, "Why are none +new-killed in battle now-a-days, that I see none arriving in my +heaven, Swerga?"] + +[Footnote 31: p. 7. l. 12. _--even as Kamadhuk is mine_. Kamadhuk, +the cow of plenty. She was brought forth on churning the ocean to +produce the amrita, or drink of immortality. The interpretation is +doubtful; it may be that this realm is to them the cow of plenty, (as +bestowing upon them all their wishes), as the cow of plenty is mine. +See BOPP's and KOSEGARTEN's notes.] + +[Footnote 32: p. 7. l. 15. _Thus addressed by holy Sakra_. Sakra, a +name of Indra. + + Hail, Dyapeter, dismay to Bala's pride, + Or speaks Purander best thy martial fame, + Or Sacra, mystic name.--SIR W. JONES, Hymn to Indra. + +Bala and Vritra were the "giants" slain by Indra.] + +[Footnote 33: p. 7. l. 23. _As they spake, the world-protectors_. The +world-protectors are the eight gods next below the trine supreme, +Brahma, Siva, and Vishnu. They are Indra, the god of heaven; Surya, +the god of the sun; Soma or Chandra, the god of the moon; Agni, the +god of fire; Pavana, the god of the wind; Kuvera, the god of wealth; +Varuna, the god of water; Yama, the god of the infernal regions. At +present four only of these gods are introduced; Indra, Yama, Agni, and +Varuna. Compare, however, Mr. WILSON's note to Vikrama and Urvasi, +Hindu Theatre, i. 219.] + +[Footnote 34: p. 8. l. 8. _--equal to the god of love_. Manmatha, a +name of Kandarpa, or Camdeo, the god of love.] + +[Footnote 35: p. 11. l. 2. _Pledge me to thy faith, O raja_. Bopp has +rendered '_pranayaswa_,' _uxorem duc_, but this is questionable. The +root '_ni_,' with the preposition '_pari_,' has that sense, but with +'_pra_' its usual acceptation is 'to love, to bear affection.' I have +not met with it in the sense 'to marry.' Bopp is followed by Rosen in +assigning this sense to '_prani_.' WILSON.] + +[Footnote 36: p. 7. l. 4. _In full trust is thine_. Bopp connects +'_visrabdha_' with '_pranaya_,' and renders them _speratas nuptias_. I +should rather join it adverbially with '_sarvam_, all;' that is, +'yours in full trust or confidence: grant me your affection.' There is +something indelicate, though inartificial, in Damayanti's urging +matrimony so earnestly. WILSON.] + +[Footnote 37: p. 11. l. 8. _--the vile noose will I endure_. Hanging +was not considered by the Hindus an undignified mode of +self-destruction. See Hindu Theatre, ii. 237 and 299.] + +[Footnote 38: p. 11. l. 17. _He, who all the world compressing_. Nala +here recites the separate pretensions and attributes of the great +deities, first, of Hutasa, a name of Agni, the god of fire. The sense +here is extremely obscure. Bopp renders it literally. 'Qui hanc terram +totam contraxit,' seems ambiguous. It may refer to the agency of fire +in compacting the world and again consuming it, or simply shrivelling +it up, while in the act of consuming.] + +[Footnote 39: p. 11. l. 19. _He, in awe of whose dread sceptre_. +Yama: he is called the Dharma raja, king of justice. WILFORD in +Asiatic Researches. Compare SOUTHEY's description in the Curse of +Kehama, Canto xxii., with the note from Wilford on which it is +founded; and his interview with Sawitri in BOPP's collection of +Extracts from the Mahabharata.] + +[Footnote 40: p. 11. l. 21. _--slayer of the infernal host_. Indra. +He was the conqueror of the Danavas or daemons: + + When through the waves of war thy charger sprang, + Each rock rebellowed, and each forest rang, + The vanquish'd Asurs felt avenging pains.--SIR W. JONES, Ode to Indra.] + +[Footnote 41: p. 11. l. 23. _--in thy mind if thou couldst choose_. +(At the close full stop misprinted for comma). Varuna, the god of +waters. Schlegel and Rosen consider that a sloka, describing the +attributes of Varuna, has been lost--that in this line 'varanam, +seligendum' should be written instead of 'Varunam.' The Calcutta +edition has the same reading, however, and the change is not +necessary: if any alteration be made it should probably be in the +first word, and 'Vriyatam' be read in place of 'Kriyatam.' WILSON.] + +[Footnote 42: p. 14. l. 1. _Came the day of happy omen_. The Indians, +like all other Asiatic nations, have their fortunate and unfortunate +days. The month is divided into thirty lunar days (tithis), which are +personified as nymphs. See the Dissertation on the lunar year by Sir +W. JONES, Asiatic Researches, iii. 257. In the Laws of Menu are +multifarious directions concerning the day of the moon fit or unfit +for particular actions. "The dark lunar day destroys the spiritual +teacher; the fourteenth destroys the learner; the eighth and the day +of the full moon destroy all remembrance of Scripture; for which +reason he must avoid reading on those lunar days."] + +[Footnote 43: p. 14. l. 5. _They, the court with golden columns, +etc._ The literal rendering is, 'they entered the hall (the stage, or +place of exhibition, a spacious court or quadrangle) splendid with +columns of gold, and brilliant with a portal; a temporary or triumphal +arch (torana).' There is allusion to such a porch or portal in the +Mudra Rakshasa (Hindu Theatre, ii. 181, 182), also in the Toy Cart, +(i. 82). For gold pillars see CRAWFURD's description of the Hall of +Audience at Ava. + +"The roof is supported by a great number of pillars: with the +exception of about fourteen or fifteen inches at the bottom of each +pillar, painted of a bright red, the whole interior of the palace is +one blaze of gilding--although little reconcilable to our notions of +good taste in architecture, the building is unquestionably most +splendid and brilliant, and I doubt whether so singular and imposing a +royal edifice exists in any other country." _Embassy to Ava_, 133. +WILSON.] + +[Footnote 44: p. 14. l. 10. _--delicate in shape and hue_. Bopp's +text is 'akaravantah suslakshnah, having forms and delicate.' The +Calcutta edition reads 'akaraverna suslakshnah, elegant in figure and +colour (complexion). Delicacy of colour, i. e. a lighter shade, +scarcely amounting to blackness at all, is in general a mark of high +caste. WILSON.] + +[Footnote 45: p. 14. l. 13. _As with serpents Bhogavati._ Bhogavati, +the capital of the serpents in the infernal world. In the Ramayana, +Ayodhya is described as guarded by warriors, as Bhogavati by the +serpents.] + +[Footnote 46: p. 15. l. 22. _Nala's form might not discern._ The form +of the gods, as it is here strikingly described by the poet, differs +from that of men by the absence of those defects which constitute the +inferiority of a mortal body to that of the inhabitants of the Indian +heaven. The immortal body does not perspire, it is unsoiled by dust, +the garlands which they wear stand erect, that is, the flowers are +still blooming and fresh. The gods are further distinguished by their +strong fixed gaze, and by floating on the earth without touching it. +They have no shadow. Nala's form is the opposite of all these. +KOSEGARTEN.] + +[Footnote 47: p. 15. l. 23. _--saw she, and with moveless eyes_. "The +gods are supposed to be exempt from the momentary elevation and +depression of the upper eyelid, to which mortals are subject. Hence a +deity is called 'Animisha' or 'Animesha,' one whose eyes do not +twinkle." Mr. Wilson, in his note to Vikrama and Urvasi, (Hindu Theatre, +i. 237. p. 60.), quotes this passage, and suggests that the "marble eyes +of Venus, by which Helen knew the goddess, and which the commentators +and translators seem to be much perplexed with, are probably the +'stabdha lochana,' the fixed eyes of the Hindus, full and unveiled for +an instant, like the eyes of a marble statue." Mr. Wilson has, I think, +been misled by the words [Greek: hommata marmaironta], which rather +expresses the contrary. [Greek: Marmairo] is to glitter, and is applied +in many places in Homer to the gleaming of armour. The [Greek: +marmarigas theeito podon] of the Odyssey is well translated by Gray, +"glance their many-twinkling feet." In Mr. Wilson's curious reference to +Heliodorus (the passage is in the AEthiopica, iii. 13.) the author +appears to write from Egyptian rather than Grecian notions. He extorts, +somewhat violently, a meaning from Homer's words, [Greek: deino de ei +esse phaanthen], which they by no means necessarily bear; but the +analogy is as curious if Egyptian as if Grecian.] + +[Footnote 48: p. 15. l. 25. _On his shadow, garland drooping_. According +to the Zoroastrian religion, one of the distinctions of human beings +after the restoration of all things and the final triumph of Ormuzd, +shall be that they shall cast no shadow; [Greek: mete skian paiountas]. +THEOPOMP. apud Plut. de Isid. et Osirid. Compare ANQUETIL DU PERRON and +KLEUKER, Anhang zum Zendavesta, i. 140.] + +[Footnote 49: p. 16. l. 14. _And the happy pair devoutly_. The +devotion of the silent spirit, the purely mental worship, is the +holiest and most acceptable service to the gods. Compare WILKINS, +Bhagavat-Gita, p. 74; MENU, ii. 85; vi. 235.] + +[Footnote 50: p. 16. l. 19. _Agni gave his own bright presence_. Agni +gave him the command of fire whenever he willed. Hutasa is a name of +Agni; hut-asa, 'qui sacrificium edit,' i. e. ignis. Bopp's +explanation, 'mundos per Deum Agnem splendentes,' has been adopted as +giving the clearest sense. Varuna gave the command of water.] + +[Footnote 51: p. 16. l. 23. _--each his double blessing gave_. Bopp +translates this, 'par liberorum dederunt,' but the original says, 'all +(or each) gave a pair,' i. e. a couple of blessings; making eight, as +stated above; each of the four gods giving two. WILSON.] + +[Footnote 52: p. 17. l. 4. _Lived in bliss, as with his Sachi_. +Indra, the giant-killer; Sachi, his spouse.] + +[Footnote 53: p. 17. l. 7. _Of the horse the famous offering_. The +reader will be best acquainted with the Aswamedha, or sacrifice of the +horse, from the spirit and felicity with which it has been introduced +by Southey in the Curse of Kehama. See also the Ramayana.] + +[Footnote 54: p. 18. l. 2. _As they parted thence, with Kali_. +Dwapara and Kali are the names of the third and fourth ages of the +world. The latter is here personified as a male deity.] + +[Footnote 55: p. 18. l. 17. _--the Puranas too the fifth_. In the +original 'Akhyana, history, legend.' The four Vedas are the Rig-veda, +the Yajur Veda, the Sama Veda, and the Atharvana. Akhyana is, as it +were, tradition superadded to scripture.] + +[Footnote 56: p. 20. l. 5. _Nala in the dusky twilight, etc._ This is +rather an unmanageable passage; but the Latin translation has not +rendered its purport correctly. 'Upaspris' can in no case mean +'calcare:' it implies touching, and especially touching or sipping +water, as part of the ceremony of purification. As Menu; "Let each man +sprinkle the cavities of his body, and taste water in due form, etc." +In the text of this passage, 'upaspris' is used for touching or +sprinkling. In others, it is used in the sense of ablution, bathing. +In the lexicons it is explained 'upasparsa sparsamatre, +snanachamanay-orapi, touch in general, ablution, sipping water.' In +the Mitakshara, on the subject of personal purification, the direction +is, after evacuations, 'Dwijo nityam upaspriset, Let the man of two +births always perform the upaspersa,' i. e. says the commentator, +'achamet, let him sip water.' The sense of the passage of the text is, +'that Nala sat down to evening prayer; (as Menu directs, he who +repeats it sitting at evening twilight, etc.,) after performing his +purifications, and sipping water, but without having washed his feet, +such ablution being necessary not because they had been soiled, but +because such an act is also part of the rite of purification. As the +Mitakshara, 'etasmat pada prakshalana prapti, after that +purification, comes the washing of the feet,' especially prior to any +religious act. So Colebrooke: "Having washed his hands and feet, and +having sipped water, the priest sits down to worship." A. R. v. 363. +WILSON.] + +[Footnote 57: p. 20. l. 12. _In the dice of dice embodied_. 'Sicut +taurus boum:' the literal translation of the phrase is explained by +the commentator Nilakantha, as 'talus inter talos eximius.' I have +adopted Schlegel's reading, which substitutes Dwapara for Kali, as +possessing the dice.] + +[Footnote 58: p. 20. l. 23. _Then the charioteer advancing_. The +charioteer appears as one of the great officers of state: the master +of the horse would convey as lofty a meaning to an English ear.] + +[Footnote 59: p. 21. l. 1. _Ill they brook this dire misfortune_. +Vyasana is a misfortune in a king: neglect of his duty for the +pleasures of the chase, gambling, etc.] + +[Footnote 60: p. 22. l. 1. _Punyasloka, king of men_. Punyasloka is a +title applied to other kings celebrated in Hindu poetry, to +Yudishthira, and also to Vishnu: it means, celebrated in sacred poems. +WILSON, Dict. in voce.] + +[Footnote 61: p. 23. l. 13. _--to Cundina's city go_. Cundina is the +capital of the kingdom of Vidarbha.] + +[Footnote 62: p. 23. l. 23. _Thence departing, to Ayodhya_. Ayodhya, +or Oude, is famous in all the early poetry of India. "On the banks of +the Suruyoo is a large country called Koshula, gay and happy, and +abounding with cattle, corn, and wealth. In that country was a famous +city called Ayodhya, built formerly by Munoo, the lord of men. A great +city, twelve yojanas in extent, the houses of which stood in triple +and long-extended rows. It was rich, and perpetually adorned with new +improvements; the streets and valleys were admirably disposed, and the +principal streets well watered. It was filled with merchants of +various descriptions, and adorned with abundance of jewels; difficult +of access, filled with spacious houses, beautified with gardens, and +groves of mango trees, surrounded by a deep and impassable moat, and +completely furnished with arms; was ornamented with stately gates and +porticoes, and constantly guarded by archers, etc. etc." Ramayana, +translated by CAREY and MARSHMAN, vol. i. p. 60.] + +[Footnote 63: p. 25. l. 16. _--to the region of the south_. +Dakshinaptha signifies properly the land on the right hand; as in the +Semitic language the south is that which is on the right hand. It +means here the land to the south of the Nerbudda. Dakshinapatha is +very probably meant in the word used by Arrian, Dachinabades. +KOSEGARTEN.] + +[Footnote 64: p. 25. l. 17. _Passing by Avanti's city_. Avanti, which +Bopp makes a mountain, according to Kosegarten and Mr. Wilson is a +city, Oujein. Bopp draws a somewhat fanciful analogy between Avanti +and the Aventine at Rome. He refers also to Himavan, qu. Mavanten, +'montem.' The philological student will do well to consult this note +of Bopp. In the Meghaduta, Oujein is Aventi: + + Behold the city, whose immortal fame, + Glows in Avanti's or Visala's name. line 193. + +The synonyms of Oujein are thus enumerated by Hemachandra: Ujjayini, +Visala, Avanti, and Pashparavandini. Rikshavan, i. e. bear-having, the +mount of bears, is part of the Vindhya chain, separating Malwa from +Kandesh and Berar. WILSON.] + +[Footnote 65: p. 25. l. 18. _Vindhya here, the mighty mountain_. See +note to 'Cloud-Messenger,' page 92 to 94. Compare likewise Asiatic +Researches, i. p. 380, where, in one of the famous inscriptions on the +staff of Feroz Shah, it is named as one of the boundaries of +Aryaverta, the land of virtue, or India. It is named also in the +curious Indian grant of land found at Tanna. Asiatic Researches, i. +366.] + +[Footnote 66: p. 25. l. 18. _--and Payoshni's seaward stream_. +Payoshni, a river that flows from the Vindhya, mentioned in the +Brahmanda Purana. Asiatic Researches, viii. 341.] + +[Footnote 67: p. 25. l. 20. _--this to Cosala away_. Cosala, a city +of Ayodhya, or Oude. Cosala is mentioned in the Brahmanda Purana as +beyond the Vindhya mountains. Asiatic Researches, viii. 343.] + +[Footnote 68: p. 27. l. 7. _Both together by one garment_. The poet +supposes that Damayanti had bestowed half her single garment upon +Nala. BOPP. This, however, does not appear to be the case.] + +[Footnote 69: p. 28. l. 4. _From her virtue none dare harm her_. +Spenser's Una, and still more the lady in Comus, will recur to the +remembrance of the English reader. See Quarterly Review, vol. xlv. p. +20.] + +[Footnote 70: p. 28. l. 24. _--may the genii of the woods_. He calls +on the Adityas, Vasavas, and Rudras, the Aswinas, the Maruts. This is +the literal version. They are different orders of genii, each +consisting of a definite number. The Adityas are twelve, and preside +over the different months. They are called the children of Kasyapa and +of Aditi his wife. According to Mr. Wilkins (notes to the +Bhagavat-Gita, p. 144), they are no more than emblems of the sun for +each month in the year. Mr. Wilkins gives their names: + +The Vasavas, or Vasus, are eight. Indra is the first. They are the +guardians of the world, and apparently the same with the eight gods +mentioned in the early part of the poem. + +The Rudras are eleven; according to some the eleven personifications +of Siva, who bears the name of Rudra. Bhagavat-Gita, p. 85. note 144. +"The lord of creation meditated profoundly on the earth, and created +the gods, the Vasus, Rudras, and Adityas." COLEBROOKE, in Asiatic +Researches, viii. 453. + +For the Aswinas see former note. + +The Maruts are forty-nine: they preside over the winds (MENU, iii. +88.) The chief god of the wind, Pavana, is called Marut. Their origin +is described in the Ramayana, i. 420. See also the Hindu Pantheon, p. +92.] + +[Footnote 71: p. 30. l. 14. _Hence one moment, thus deserted_. Conjugal duty is +carried to a great height in the laws of Menu: "Though unobservant of +approved usages, or enamoured of another woman, or devoid of good +qualities, yet a husband must constantly be revered as a god by a +virtuous wife." v. 154.] + +[Footnote 72: p. 31. l. 11. _--in the satyr-haunted wood_. Swapada, dog-footed: +the dog is an unclean animal in India. As the goat-footed, the +'capripedes satyri' in Greece, I have thought the satyr not so +exclusively Greek but that it might be used for any "wild man of the +woods." The word is also derived from 'swan, a dog,' and 'apad, to +resemble,' and is explained by Mr. Wilson, ferocious, savage.] + +[Footnote 73: p. 32. l. 21. _--uttered loud her curse of wrath_. The power of a +curse, according to Indian belief, will be best illustrated to the +reader of English poetry by "the Curse of Kehama." In the "Death of +Yajnadatta," included in this volume, we find the effects of a +Brahmin's curse described.] + +[Footnote 74: p. 33. l. 5. _Trees of every form and stature_. I have omitted a +long list of trees, the names of which, conveying no notion to an +English ear, and wanting the characteristic epithets of Ovid's or of +Spenser's well-known and picturesque forest description, would only +perplex the reader with several lines of unintelligible words. To the +Indian ear these names, pregnant with pleasing associations, and +descriptive in their etymological meaning, would no doubt convey the +same delight as those of the Latin or English poet.] + +[Footnote 75: p. 33. l. 9. _--serpents, elves, and giants saw_. Kosegarten has +translated this word 'elves:' they are a kind of evil spirit. In Menu, +ii. 96, they are named with the Yakshas and Rakshasas as partaking of +unclean food.] + +[Footnote 76: p. 35. l. 22. _All the trees of richest foliage_. A general +description has again been substituted in these two lines for the +names of various trees.] + +[Footnote 77: p. 36. l. 4. _--of the regal sacrifice_. The king's offering. See +COLEBROOKE, in Asiatic Researches, viii. 430.] + +[Footnote 78: p. 36. l. 15. _--soma quaffing, fire adoring_. Soma, the juice of +the Asclepias acida, the moon plant. Drinking the expressed juice of +this plant is a holy ceremony, used at the completion of a sacrifice, +and sanctifies the drinker. "He alone is worthy to drink the juice of +the moon plant who keep a provision of grain sufficient to supply +those whom the law commands him to nourish, for the term of three +years or more. But a twice-born man, who keeps a less provision of +grain, yet presumes to taste the juice of the moon plant, shall gather +no fruit from that sacrament, even though he taste it at the first or +solemn, or much less at any occasional ceremony." MENU, iii. 197. All +the ancestors of the Brahmins are 'Soma-pas, moon-plant drinkers.'] + +[Footnote 79: p. 36. l. 15. _--fire adoring_. Watching or maintaining the +sacred fire is another duty: it peculiarly belongs to priests and +hermits. The latter may watch the fire mentally: "Then having +reposited his holy fires, as the law directs, in his mind, let him +live without external fire, without a mansion, wholly silent, feeding +on roots and fruit." MENU, vi. 25.] + +[Footnote 80: p. 37. l. 2. _--sweet as the amrita draught_. For the amrita, the +drink of immortality, see Curse of Kehama, the extract from the +Mahabharata quoted by Mr. Wilkins in his notes to the Bhagavat-Gita, +and Ramayana, I. 410.] + +[Footnote 81: p. 37. l. 10. _To the ancient famous hermits_. These famous +hermits, whose names I have omitted, were Bhrigu, Atri, and Vasishta.] + +[Footnote 82: p. 37. l. 11. _Self-denying, strict in diet_. The sixth book of +Menu is filled with instructions to those who are engaged in 'tapasa:' +it is entitled, "On Devotion." "When the father of a family perceives +his muscles become flaccid, and his hair gray, and sees the child of +his child, let him then seek refuge in a forest. Abandoning all food +eaten in towns, and all his household utensils, let him repair to the +lonely wood, committing the care of his wife to her sons, or +accompanied by her, if she choose to attend him. Let him take up his +consecrated fire, and all his domestic implements of making oblations +to it, and departing from the town to the forest, let him dwell in it +with complete power over his organs of sense and of action. With many +sorts of pure food, such as holy sages used to eat, with green herbs, +roots, and fruit, let him perform the five great sacraments before +mentioned, introducing them with due ceremonies. Let him wear a black +antelope's hide, or a vesture of bark; let him suffer the hairs of his +head, his beard, and his nails, to grow continually." MENU, vi. 2. et +seqq.] + +[Footnote 83: p. 37. l. 18. _pulchris femoribus_. Clausulam hanc prudens omisi.] + +[Footnote 84: p. 37. l. 25. _Take thy seat, they said, oh lady_. The +hospitality of the hermits to Damayanti is strictly according to law. +"With presents of water, roots, and fruit, let him honour those who +visit his hermitage."] + +[Footnote 85: p. 37. l. 27. _In your sacred fires, your worship._ "Let him, as +the law directs, make oblations on the hearth with three sacred +fires." MENU, vi. 9. Compare iv. 25.] + +[Footnote 86: p. 37. l. 27. _--blameless, with your beasts and birds._ Hermits +were to have "a tender affection for all animated bodies," MENU, vi. +8.] + +[Footnote 87: p. 38. l. 12. _--twice-born Sages, know ye me_. The three first +castes are "twice-born." The first birth is from the natural mother; +the second from the ligation of the zone; the third from the due +performance of the sacrifice: such are the births of him who is +usually called twice-born, according to the text of the Veda: among +them his divine birth is that which is distinguished by the ligation +of the zone and sacrificial cord, and in that birth the Gayatri is his +mother, and the Acharya his father. MENU, ii. 169.] + +[Footnote 88: p. 39. l. 15. _Through devotion now we see him_. The kind of +prophetic trance, in which holy men, abstracted from all earthly +thoughts, were enwrapt, enabled them to see things future.] + +[Footnote 89: p. 40. l. 6. _Best of trees, the Asoca blooming_. The Asoca is a +shrub consecrated to Mahadeva; men and women of all classes ought to +bathe, on a particular day, in some holy stream, especially the +Brahma-putra, and drink water with the buds of the Asoca floating in +it. This shrub is planted near the temples of Siva, and grows +abundantly on Ceylon. Sita is said to have been confined in a grove of +it, while in captivity by Ravana; other relators say that she was +confined in a place or house called Asocavan. The Asoca is a plant of +the first order of the eighth class, of leguminous fructification, and +bears flowers of exquisite beauty. Van Rheede (Hortus Malab. vol. v. +tab. 59.) calls it Asjogam. See Asiatic Researches, iii. 254, 277. +MOOR, Hindu Pantheon, 55.] + +[Footnote 90: p. 40. l. 17. _Truly be thou named Asoca_. Asoca, from +_a_, privative, and _soka_, grief: a play of words, as when Helen, in +Euripides, is called '[Greek: 'Elenas], the destroyer of ships.' Many +other instances will occur to the classical reader. In Malati and +Madhava, the forlorn lover in turn addresses different objects of +nature, the clouds, the birds, and the elephants, to inform him whether +they have seen his lost mistress. ACT ix. See, however, Mr. WILSON's +note, who seems to think that he addresses the sylvan deities.] + +[Footnote 91: p. 42. l. 8. _--Manibhadra, guard us well_. Manibhadra, the +tutelar deity of travellers and merchants: probably a name of Kuvera, +the god of wealth.] + +[Footnote 92: p. 42. l. 11. _To the realm of Chedi's sovereign_. Chedi is the +name of the country now called Chandail. The country is perpetually +named in the marriage of Roukmini, extracted from the Harivansa by +Mons. LANGLOIS, Monumens de l'Inde, p. 96.] + +[Footnote 93: p. 43. Compare the Raghuvansa, ch. v. 43 to 49.] + +[Footnote 94: p. 43. l. 12. + + --_lo, a herd of elephants, + Oozing moisture from their temples_-- + + Where the wild elephant delights to shed + The juice exuding fragrant from his head + + WILSON's Cloud-Messenger, p. 127, and note.] + +[Footnote 95: p. 44. l. 7. _--the three worlds seemed all appalled_. Swerga, +heaven, Martya or Bhumi, the earth, and Patala, hell.] + +[Footnote 96: p. 44. l. 21. _And Vaisravana the holy_. Vaisravana is another +name of Kuvera, the god of wealth.] + +[Footnote 97: p. 45. l. 13. _In some former life committed_. The soul, in its +transmigration, expiates the sins committed in a former state of +being. This necessary corollary from the doctrine of the +metempsychosis appear to have prevailed among the pharisaic Jews in +the time of our Saviour: "Master, who did sin, this man or his +parents, that he was born blind." JOHN, ix. 2.] + +[Footnote 98: p. 46. l. 15. _--in their curious gamesome play_. Kutuhalat, +rendered by Bopp 'cum voluptate,' means, 'from curiosity.' WILSON.] + +[Footnote 99: p. 47. l. 13. _I with but one robe, him naked_. Bopp's text is +incorrect here. Instead of 'Tam. ekavasanam,' the accusative +masculine, it should be 'Tam. ekavasana, I with one garment clad,' the +nominative feminine, referring to Damayanti, not to Nala: "I with one +garment following him naked and deprived of reason, like one crazed, +had not slept for many nights." WILSON.] + +[Footnote 100: p. 47. l. 28. _That I eat not broken victuals_. Among the kinds +of food proscribed to a Brahmin are, "the food of a servile man and +the orts of another."] + +[Footnote 101: p. 47. l. 28. _--wash not feet with menial hand_. The Latin +translation, 'ne faciam pedibus cursum,' is faulty: the sense is, +"that I perform not washing of the feet." Damayanti means that she is +not to perform menial offices appropriated to persons of low caste. +Stipulating for a carriage would be rather extraordinary. WILSON.] + +[Footnote 102: p. 49. l. 9. _Narada, the famous hermit_. One of the Devarshis, +and a great prophet, who is supposed to be still wandering about the +world. 'Nara' signifies a thread or clew, a precept, and 'da,' giver. +Whenever he appears he is constantly employed in giving good counsel. +WILKINS, note on Bhagavat-Gita.] + +[Footnote 103: p. 49. l. 23. _Ere the tenth step he had counted--him the sudden +serpent bit_. 'Dasa' means both 'bite' and 'ten.'] + +[Footnote 104: p. 50. l. 12. _Neither Brahmin fear, nor Sages_. In Indian +poetry four classes of holy men, or Rishis, are distinguished, and +rise, one above the other, in the following rank: Rajarshis, royal +Rishis; Maharshis, great Rishis; Brahmarshis, Brahminical Rishis; and +Dewarshis, divine Rishis. KOSEGARTEN. Another enumeration specifies +seven grades. WILSON, in voce.] + +[Footnote 105: p. 50. l. 26. _Saying thus, of vests celestial--gave he to the +king a pair_. The dress of a Hindu consists of two pieces of cloth, +one, the lower garment fastened round his waist, and one the upper +garment thrown loosely and gracefully over the shoulders. WILSON.] + +[Footnote 106: p. 51. l. 6. _In the art of dressing viands_. This, it will be +remembered, was one of the gifts bestowed by the gods on Nala at his +marriage.] + +[Footnote 107: p. 51. l. 12. _--hundred hundreds is thy pay_. Suvarnas, a +certain measure of gold. WILSON, Dict. in voce.] + +[Footnote 108: p. 52. l. 2. There is in the text a second line, repeating the +same sentiment. Bopp proposes to reject the first, I have omitted the +second.] + +[Footnote 109: p. 53. l. 7. _And a royal grant for maintenance_. See Bopp's +note. I have adopted the second sense of the word Agraharah. Such +grants were not uncommon in India, as throughout the east. See the +grants on copper-plates found near Bombay, Asiatic Researches, i. 362. +So the well-known gifts of the king of Persia to Themistocles.] + +[Footnote 110: p. 53. l. 15. _--on a royal holiday_. A day proclaimed as +fortunate by the king.] + +[Footnote 111: p. 54. l. 1. _--like Manmatha's queen divine_. The bride of +Kamadeva is Rati, pleasure.] + +[Footnote 112: p. 54. ls. 4--10. This long train of similes, in which the images +of the lotus flower and the moon so perpetually occur, is too +characteristic to be omitted or compressed. I have here and there used +the license of a paraphrase.] + +[Footnote 113: p. 54. l. 5. _Like the pallid night, when Rahu_. This is a +favourite simile of the Indian poets. + + That snatched my love from the uplifted sword, + Like the pale moon from Rahu's ravenous jaws. + + WILSON'S Malati and Madhava, p. 62. + + -------------and now thou fall'st, a prey + To death, like the full moon to Rahu's jaws + Consigned. + + Ibid. p. 115. + +In Indian mythology, eclipses are caused by the dragon Rahu attempting +to swallow up the moon. The origin of their hostility is given in a +passage quoted by Mr. Wilkins from the Mahabharata, in his notes to +the Bhagavat-Gita:--"And so it fell out that when the Soors were +quenching their thirst for immortality, Rahu, an Asoor, assumed the +form of a Soor, and begun to drink also; and the water had but reached +his throat, when the sun and moon, in friendship to the Soors, +discovered the deceit, and instantly Narayan cut off his head as he +was drinking, with his splendid weapon, chakra. And the gigantic head +of the Asoor, emblem of a monstrous summit, being thus separated from +his body by the chakra's edge, bounded into the heavens with a +dreadful cry, whilst the ponderous trunk fell, cleaving the ground +asunder, and shaking the whole earth unto its foundations, with all +its islands, rocks, and forest. And from this time the head of Rahu +resolved on eternal enmity, and continueth even unto this day at times +to seize upon the sun and moon." p. 149.] + +[Footnote 114: p. 54. l. 15. _To the unadorned a husband._ "Married women must +be honoured and adorned by their fathers and brethren, by their +husbands, and by the brethren of their husbands, if they seek abundant +prosperity." MENU, iii, 55.] + +[Footnote 115: p. 54. l. 22.--_the moon's bride_. Rohinia. The moon, as +in the northern mythologies, is a male deity. See WILFORD, in Asiatic +Researches, iii, 384. Rohinia is explained by Mr. Wilson, the fourth +lunar asterism, figured by a wheeled carriage, and containing five +stars, probably [Greek: a b g d e], Tauri. In mythology the asterism is +personified as one of the daughters of Daksha, and wives of the +moon.--Sanscrit Dict. in voce. Comp. Vikrama and Urvasi, p. 57.] + +[Footnote 116: p. 57. _Dasarna_. Dasarna is mentioned in the Cloud Messenger of +Kalidasa. + + Dasarna's fields await the coming shower. + +See likewise Mr. Wilson's note, p. 37.] + +[Footnote 117: p. 59. l. 2. _By the wind within the forest--fanned, intensely +burns the fire._ Kosegarten supposes this to mean, that as the +incessant wind kindles the fire in the grove of bamboos, so their +repeated words may fan the fire of pity in the heart of Nala.] + +[Footnote 118: p. 63. l. 9. _To desire this deed unholy._ A second marriage in +a woman is considered in India an inexpiable breach of conjugal +fidelity. "A virtuous wife ascends to heaven, though she have no +child, if after the decease of her lord she devotes herself to pious +austerity. But a widow, who from a wish to bear children, slights her +deceased husband by marrying again, brings disgrace on herself here +below, and shall be excluded from the seat of her lord." MENU, v, +160-161. "She who neglects her former (purva) lord, though of a lower +class, and takes another (para) of a higher, becomes despicable in +this world, and is called para purva, or one who had a different +husband before." Ibid. 163.] + +[Footnote 119: p. 64. l. 4. _With the ten good marks distinguished._ Avarttas +are "locks," curls, or twists of the hair in certain forms on +different parts of the body--here they are apparently: forehead 1, +head 2, chest 2, ribs 2, flanks 2, crupper 1. In the Magha, v. 9, we +have the term Avarttina applied to horses; on which the commentator +observes, "Avarttina signifies horses having the ten Avarttas, marks +of excellence; they are, two on the breast, two on the head, two on +the hollows of the ribs, two on the hollows of the flanks, and one on +the crupper (Prapata); these are called the ten Avarttas. Avartta +means an eddy, or whirlpool, and the name is applied to dispositions +of the hair of a horse which resemble a whirlpool." WILSON.] + +[Footnote 120: p. 64. l. 4. _--born in Sindhu_. The Sindhu is the Indian name +for the Indus; the neighbouring territory is called Sind. See Asiatic +Researches, viii. 336.] + +[Footnote 121: p. 65. l. 7. _Matali_. The charioteer of Indra. See Rhaguvansa, +xii, 86, and Sacontala.] + +[Footnote 122: p. 66. l. 10. _Ten miles, lo, it lies beyond us._ A Yojana; +according to some eleven, according to others five or six English +miles. I have given a round number.] + +[Footnote 123: p. 66. l. 12. _Vibhitak_. 'Beleric Myrobalan.' WILSON, Sanscrit +Dict. in voce.] + +[Footnote 124: p. 66. l. 21. _Kotis_. A Koti is ten millions.] + +[Footnote 125: p. 68. l. 11. _Kali_. It must be remembered that Kali, while +within the body of Nala, had been enchanted by the serpent Karkotaka.] + +[Footnote 126: p. 68. l. 16. Damayanti; who had cursed in the forest all who had +caused the misery of Nala.] + +[Footnote 127: p. 68. l. 25. Compare Prospero's power in the Tempest.] + +[Footnote 128: p. 70. l. 4. _All the region round him echoing--with the thunders +of his car._ This scene rather reminds us of the watchman reporting +the rapid approach of Jehu, "The driving is like the driving of Jehu +the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously." II Kings ix, 20.] + +[Footnote 129: p. 70. l. 6. _In their joy they pawed and trampled._ The horses +of Nala had been before conveyed to the city of king Bhima by +Varshneya.] + +[Footnote 130: p. 70. l. 16. _--as at sound of coming rain._ The rejoicing of +the peacocks at the approach of rain is very sweetly described in the +play of Malati and Madhava, translated by Mr. Wilson. + + Ah Malati, how can I bear to contemplate + The young Tamala, bowed beneath the weight + Of the light rain; the quivering drops that dance + Before the cooling gale; the joyful cry + That echoes round, as pleased the pea-fowl hail + The bow of heaven propitious to their loves.--p. 108. + +In the Cloud Messenger, the Yaksha who addresses the cloud, fears lest +it should be delayed by the cry of the peacock-- + + Or can the peacock's animated hail + The bird with lucid eyes, to lure thee fail.--l. 147. + +In another passage, + + Pleased on each terrace, dancing with delight, + The friendly peacock hails thy grateful flight.--l. 215.] + +[Footnote 131: p. 76. l. 19. _--much and various viands came_. The reader must +remember the various gifts bestowed on king Nala by the gods upon his +marriage.] + +[Footnote 132: p. 77. l. 22. _--of her mouth ablution made_. Washing the mouth +after food, which Damayanti in her height of emotion does not forget, +is a duty strictly enjoined in the Indian law, which so rigidly +enforces personal cleanliness. "With a remnant of food in the mouth, +or when the Sraddha has recently been eaten, let no man even meditate +in his heart on the holy texts." MENU, iv, 109. "Having slumbered, +having sneezed, having eaten, having spitten, having told untruths, +having drunk water, and going to read sacred books, let him, though +pure, wash his mouth." v. 145.] + +[Footnote 133: p. 79. l. 17. _--hair dishevelled, mire-defiled_. As a sign of +sorrow and mourning.] + +[Footnote 134: p. 80. l. 4. _I will be._ "I will be," must be the commencement +of the prayer uttered by the bridegroom at the time of marriage. It +does not correspond with any of those cited by Mr. Colebrooke. It is +probably analogous to that given by him, Asiatic Researches, viii, p. +301. WILSON.] + +[Footnote 135: p. 81. l. 11. _He through all the world that wanders--witness the +all-seeing lord._ See the curious Law of Ordeal, Asiatic Researches, +vol. i, p. 402, "On the trial by fire, let both hands of the accused +be rubbed with rice in the husk, and well examined: then let seven +leaves of the Aswatha (the religious fig-tree) be placed on them, and +bound with seven threads." Thou, O fire, pervadest all beings; O cause +of purity, who givest evidence of virtue and of sin, declare the truth +in this my hand.] + +[Footnote 136: p. 81. l. 27. _--flowers fell showering all around._ These +heavenly beings are ever ready, in the machinery of Hindu epics, to +perform their pleasing office (of showering flowers on the head of the +happy pair) on every important occasion: they are called +Pushpa-vrishti, or flower-rainers. MOOR, Hindu Pantheon, 194. See in +the Raghuvansa, ii, 60. No sooner has king Dilipa offered himself to +die for the sacred cow of his Brahminical preceptor, than "a shower of +flowers" falls upon him.] + +[Footnote 137: p. 86. l. 3. _--stands the Apsara in heaven._ The birth of the +Apsarasas is thus related in the Ramayana. + + Then from the agitated deep upsprung + The legion of Apsarasas, so named + That to the watery element they owed + Their being. Myriads were they born, and all + In vesture heavenly clad, and heavenly gems; + Yet more divine their native semblance, rich + With all the gifts of grace and youth and beauty. + A train innumerous followed, yet thus fair + Nor god nor demon sought their widowed love; + Thus Raghava they still remain, their charms + The common treasure of the host of heaven. + + --WILSON's Translation, Preface to the Drama of Vikrama and + Urvasi, p. 13.] + +[Footnote 138: p. 87. l. 16. _Pushkara appeased._ The Calcutta edition has a +better reading than that of Bopp. Instead of Prasante Pushkare +(Pushkara appeased), it is Prasante tu pure, (the city being tranquil, +the rejoicings having ceased). WILSON.] + +[Footnote 139: p. 87. l. 21. _Nala sate, as in Nandana_. Nandana is the garden +of Indra.] + +[Footnote 140: p. 87. l. 23. _Ruled his realm in Jambudwipa_. Sic in Puranis +India nominatur. BOPP.] + + + + +NOTES TO + +THE DEATH OF YAJNADATTA. + + +[Footnote 141: p. 91. l. 15. _So I the lovely Amra left_. The Amra is the +Mangifern Indica. This tree is not only valuable in the estimation of +the Indians for the excellence of its fruits; the belief that the +burning juice of its flowers is used to steep the darts of love, +enhances their veneration for this beautiful tree. It is frequently +mentioned in their poetry. M. CHEZY.] + +[Footnote 142: p. 91. l. 15. _--for the Palasa's barren bloom_. The Palasa is +the Butea Frondosa of Koenig. Its flowers, of great beauty, are +papilionaceous; and its fruit, entirely without use in domestic +economy, compared particularly with the Amra, may well be called +barren. M. CHEZY. See Sir W. Jones's Essay on the Botany of India; and +the Asiatic Researches, vol. iii.] + +[Footnote 143: p. 91. l. 19. _--hath fallen upon my fatal head_. "Yes, iniquity +once committed, fails not of producing fruit to him who wrought it; if +not in his own person, yet in his son's; or if not in his son's, yet +in his grandson's." MENU, iv. 173.] + +[Footnote 144: p. 92. l. 2. _--where haunt the spirits of the dead!_ The south; +the realm of Yama, the judge of the dead.] + +[Footnote 145: p. 92. l. 3. _--on high the welcome clouds appeared_. The beauty +of nature after the rainy season has refreshed the earth, is a +favourite topic in Indian poetry. The Cloud Messenger, so gracefully +translated by Mr. Wilson, is full of allusions to the grateful +progress of the cloud, welcomed as it passes along by the joy of +animate and inanimate beings. Quote 61-70, 131-142. Compare, in the +Hindu Drama, the Toy Cart, act v.] + +[Footnote 146: p. 93. l. 2. _As though a pupil's hand accursed_. The offences +of a pupil against a tutor, almost the holiest relation of life, are +described in the Laws of Menu, ii. 191 to 218, 242, 8. "By censuring +his preceptor, though justly, he will be born an ass; by falsely +defaming him, a dog; by using his goods without leave, a small worm; +by envying his merit, a larger insect or reptile." As the Roman law +did not contemplate the possibility of parricide, that of Menu has no +provision against the crime in the text.] + +[Footnote 147: p. 93. l. 6. _--to the five elements returned_. A common Indian +phrase for death. The ether is the fifth element.] + +[Footnote 148: p. 93. l. 15. _Kshatriya_. The second, or warrior-caste. The +kings in India were usually of this caste.] + +[Footnote 149: p. 93. l. 25. _Raghu_. One of the famous ancestors of Dasaratha. +The poem of the Raghu Vansa has recently appeared, edited by M. +Stenzler.] + +[Footnote 150: p. 94. l. 3. _My sire, a Brahmin hermit he--my mother was of +Sudra race_. This seems inconsistent with Menu: "A Brahmin, if he +take a Sudra to his bed as his first wife, sinks to the regions of +torment; if he begets a child by her, he loses even his priestly +rank." iii, 17; also 18, 19.] + +[Footnote 151: p. 96. l. 14. _The miserable father now_. See in Menu, the +penalties and expiation for killing a Brahmin undesignedly, xi, 74, +82; compare 90. An assaulter of a Brahman with intent to kill, shall +remain in hell a hundred years; for actually striking him with like +intent, a thousand; as many small pellets of dust as the blood of a +Brahmin collects on the ground, for so many thousand years must the +shedder of that blood be tormented in hell. xi. 207, 8.] + +[Footnote 152: p. 97. l. 23. _I've reached the wished for realms of joy_. Among +the acts which lead to eternal bliss are these: "Studying and +comprehending the Veda--showing reverence to a natural or spiritual +father." MENU, xii, 83.] + + + + +NOTES TO + +THE BRAHMIN'S LAMENT. + + +[Footnote 153: p. 104. l. 5.--_a heaven-winning race may make_. +Literally: Whom Brahma has placed with me in trust for a future +husband, and through whose offspring I may obtain with my progenitors +the regions secured by ablutions made by a daughter's sons. WILSON.] + +[Footnote 154: p. 104. l. 15. A line is omitted here, which seems to +want a parallel to make up the sloka. Bopp has omitted it in his +translation.] + +[Footnote 155: p. 105. l. 21. _--Sudra like_. The lowest caste who +are not privileged, and indeed have no disposition in the native +barrenness of their minds to study the sacred Vedas.] + +[Footnote 156: p. 105. l. 25. _As the storks the rice of offering_. +We follow Bopp in refining these birds from birds of coarser prey.] + + + + +NOTES TO + +THE DELUGE. + + +[Footnote 157: See the very valuable papers of this gentleman in the +Bombay Transactions.] + +[Footnote 158: The editor remarks, that the name Manuja, Man-born, as +the appellative of the human race, is derived from Manu, as likewise +Manawas, _masc._ Man--Manawi, _fem._ Woman: from thence the Gothic +_Mann_, which we have preserved. Manu is thus the representative of +Man.] + + + + +THE DESCENT OF THE GANGES. + +FIRST PRINTED IN THE QUARTERLY REVIEW, VOL. XLV. + + +The descent of the Ganges is the sequel of another fiction still more +monstrous, but perhaps one of the most singular of the cosmogonical +notions of the ancient Indians. Sagara, the king of Ayodhya (Oude), +was without offspring--in almost all eastern countries the most +grievous calamity incident to man, more especially to those of noble +or royal race. By the most surpassing penances he obtains an oracle +from the wise Brighu, predicting that one of his wives will bring +forth a single son, the other _sixty thousand_! Accordingly the fair +Cesina gives birth to Asamanja; his other wife to a gourd, which, like +the egg of Leda, is instinct with life. From the seeds of this gourd, +preserved with great care, and fed with ghee, come forth in due time +the sixty thousand boys. The son of Cesina was a youth of the most +malicious and cruel disposition; his pastime was to throw little +infants into the river, and solace himself with their cries. He is +sent into exile by his just and humane father, where he has a son, +Ansuman, as gentle and popular as Asamanja was malignant and odious. +King Sagara prepares to offer the Aswameda, the famous sacrifice of +the horse. The holy and untouched steed is led forth, as in the 'Curse +of Kehama,' among the admiring multitude, by the youthful Ansuman, +when on a sudden a monstrous serpent arises from the earth, and drags +it into the abyss. Sagara, in wrath, commands his sixty thousand sons +to undertake the recovery of the steed from the malignant demon who +has thus interrupted the sacrifice. Having searched long in vain, they +begin to dig into the bowels of the earth, until,-- + + 'Cloven with shovel and with hoe, pierced by axes and by spades, + Shrieked the earth in frantic woe; rose from out the yawning shades + Yells of anguish, hideous roars from the expiring brood of hell-- + Serpents, giants, and Asoors, in the deep abyss that dwell. + Sixty thousand leagues in length, all unweary, full of wrath, + Through the centre, in their strength, clove they down their hellward path.' + +The gods, expecting the whole frame of the world, thus undermined, to +perish in total ruin, assemble around Brahma to implore his +interposition. He informs them that Vishnu, in the form of Kapila, has +been the robber of the horse, and that in due time the god will avenge +himself. From Patala, the hell of Indian mythology, the Sagaridae +recommence their impious and destructive work. + + 'And downward dug they many a rood, and downward till they + saw aghast, Where the earth-bearing elephant stood, ev'n like + a mountain tall and vast. 'Tis he whose head aloft sustains + the broad earth's forest-clothed round, With all its vast and + spreading plains, and many a stately city crown'd. If + underneath the o'erbearing load bows down his weary head, + 'tis then The mighty earthquakes are abroad, and shaking down + the abodes of men. Around earth's pillar moved they slowly, + and thus in humble accents blest Him the lofty and the holy, + that bears the region of the East. And southward dug they + many a rood, until before their shuddering sight, The next + earth-bearing elephant stood, huge Mahapadmas' mountain + height. Upon his head earth's southern bound, all full of + wonder, saw they rest. Slow and awe-struck paced they round, + and him, earth's southern pillar, blest. Westward then their + work they urge, king Sagara's six myriad race, Unto the vast + earth's western verge, and there in his appointed place The + next earth-bearing elephant stood, huge Saumanasa's mountain + crest; Around they paced in humble mood, and in like + courteous phrase addrest, And still their weary toil endure, + and onward dig until they see Last earth-bearing Himapandure, + glorying in his majesty.' + +At length they reach the place where Vishnu appears in the form of +Kapila, with the horse feeding near him; a flame issues forth from the +indignant deity, and the six myriad sons of Sagara become a heap of +ashes. + +The adventure devolves on the youthful Ansuman, who achieves it with +perfect success; Vishnu permits him to lead away the steed, but the +ashes of his brethren cannot be purified by earthly water; the goddess +Ganga must first be brought to earth, and, having undergone lustration +from that holy flood, the race of Sagara are to ascend to heaven. Yet +a long period elapses; and it is not till the reign of the virtuous +Bhagiratha, that Brahma is moved by his surpassing penance to grant +the descent of Ganga from heaven. King Bhagiratha had taken his stand +on the top of Gokarna, the sacred peak of the Himavan, (the Himalaya,) +and here + + 'Stands with arms outstretch'd on high, amid five blazing fires, the one + Towards each quarter of the sky, the fifth the full meridian sun. + Mid fiercest frosts on snow he slept, the dry and withered leaves his food, + Mid rains his roofless vigil kept, the soul and sense alike subdued.' + +His prayers are irresistible; but Brahma forewarns him, that the +unbroken descent of Ganga from heaven would be so overpowering, that +the earth would be unable to sustain it, and Siva must be propitiated, +in order that he may receive on his head the precipitous cataract. +Under this wild and unwieldy allegory appears to lurk an obscure +allusion to the course of the Ganges among the summits, and under the +forests of the Himalaya, which are the locks of Siva. + + 'High on the top of Himavan the mighty Mashawara stood; + And "Descend," he gave the word to the heaven-meandering water-- + Full of wrath, the mandate heard Himavan's majestic daughter. + To a giant's stature soaring and intolerable speed, + From heaven's height down rush'd she pouring upon Siva's sacred head. + Him the goddess thought in scorn with her resistless might to sweep + By her fierce waves o'erborne, down to hell's remotest deep.' + +Siva, in his turn enraged, resists her fury. + + 'Down on Sankara's holy head, down the holy fell, and there + Amid the entangling meshes spread, of his loose and flowing hair. + Vast and boundless as the woods upon the Himalaya's brow, + Nor ever may the struggling floods rush headlong to the earth below. + Opening, egress was not there, amid those winding, long meanders. + Within that labyrinthine hair, for many an age the goddess wanders.' + +The king again has recourse to his penances, Siva is propitiated, and +the stream by seven[159] channels finds its way to the plains of India. +The spirit and the luxuriance of the description which follows, of the +king leading the way, and the obedient waters rolling after his car, +appear to us of a high order of poetry. + + 'Up the raja at the sign upon his glittering chariot leaps, + Instant Ganga the divine follows his majestic steps, From the + high heaven burst she forth first on Siva's lofty crown, + Headlong then and prone to earth thundering rushed the + cataract down. Swarms of bright-hued fish came dashing; + turtles, dolphins in their mirth, Fallen or falling, + glancing, flashing, to the many gleaming earth. And all the + host of heaven came down, spirits and genii, in amaze, And + each forsook his heavenly throne, upon that glorious scene to + gaze. On cars, like high tower'd cities, seen, with elephants + and coursers, rode, Or on soft swinging palanquin, lay + wondering each observant god. As met in bright divan each + god, and flash'd their jewell'd vestures' rays, The + coruscating aether glow'd, as with a hundred suns ablaze. And + with the fish and dolphins gleaming, and scaly crocodiles and + snakes, Glanc'd the air, as when fast streaming the blue + lightning shoots and breaks: And in ten thousand sparkles + bright went flashing up the cloudy spray, The snowy flocking + swans less white, within its glittering mists at play. And + headlong now poured down the flood, and now in silver + circlets wound, Then lakelike spread all bright and broad, + then gently, gently flowed around, Then 'neath the cavern'd + earth descending, then spouted up the boiling tide, Then + stream with stream harmonious blending, swell bubbling up or + smooth subside. By that heaven-welling water's breast, the + genii and the sages stood, Its sanctifying dews they blest, + and plung'd within the lustral flood. Whoe'er beneath the + curse of heaven from that immaculate world had fled, To th' + impure earth in exile driven, to that all-holy baptism sped; + And purified from every sin, to the bright spirit's bliss + restor'd, Th' etherial sphere they entered in, and through + th' empyreal mansions soar'd. The world in solemn jubilee + behold these heavenly waves draw near, From sin and dark + pollution free, bathed in the blameless waters clear. Swift + king Bhagiratha drave upon his lofty glittering car, And + swift with her obeisant wave bright Ganga followed him afar.' + +[Footnote 159: Schlegel supposes the three western streams to be the +Indus, which appears under its real name the Sind, the Iaxartes, and +the Oxus; are not the Sareswatie, or perhaps the Sutlej, under the +name of Sita, and the Jumna meant? Of the eastern branches, it is not +difficult to fix the Burhampooter. Schlegel suggests the Irawaddy, and +the Blue River of China. Why not the Alacananda and the Gogra? The +main stream bears the name of the Bhaghiratha, till it joins the +Alacananda and takes the name of the Ganges.] + + +THE END. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Nala and Damayanti and Other Poems, by +Henry Hart Milman + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK NALA AND DAMAYANTI AND OTHER POEMS *** + +***** This file should be named 19529.txt or 19529.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/9/5/2/19529/ + +Produced by Sankar Viswanathan and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was +produced from scanned images of public domain material +from the Google Print project.) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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