THE RAGHUVAMSA by Kavikula Guru Sri Kalidasa -7

THE

RAGHUVAMSA

by Kavikula Guru

Sri Kalidasa

translated by

P. DE LACY JOHNSTONE

 

THE

RAGHUVAMSA

THE STORY

OF RAGHU'S LINE

BY KALIDASA

TRANSLATED BY

P. DE LACY JOHNSTONE

168 RAGHUVANCA [canto

Seemed like Love's bowstring, smashed by Civa's wrath,

Not satisfied with burning up the God.

Now all that lovers lacked the season gave,

—

Sweet-scented mango-blossoms, strong rice-wine,

And fresh PatCila flowers. The burning heat

Made two delights most precious, Soma's beams

That cooled men's throbbing limbs, and their mild Prince 190

Whose goodness soothed their hearts :—both now were high.

Then longed the King in pure Sarayli's stream,

More grateful for the heat,—whose dancing waves

Bore gladsome swans and dropping creeper-blooms

On their clear breasts,—to sport with his fair Queens.

So in fit pomp and splendour for the Bath

The King set forth, like Vishnu in his might,

To where by placid waters tents were pitched,

While skilful arms had swept the river clear

Of scaly monsters. Maidens tripped in haste 200

Down by the stairways to the bank, and scared

With clanging of their armlets gliding swans,

—

Their anklets tinkling as they moved. The King

Looked on approving while they bathed and splashed

In full delight ; then with a handmaid skilled

To ply the oar embarked in pleasure-skiff,

And thus addressed her, as with yak-tail fan

She gently cooled his brow :—" See, maiden, see !

Sarayu's stream, where bathe my happy Queens,

Tinged with the varied colours from their limbs, 210

Shows like a sunset-cloud with rainbow streaked.

XVI.] KU^A'S GLORY 169

" Now from fair ladies' eyes the wavelets, stirred

By passage of our boat, have washed away

The healing unguents, soon again laid on

As joyous blushes mantle in their cheeks.

The languorous beauties, whose luxuriant charms

Impede their motions, yet in pure delight

Forget their weakness, spread their jewelled hands,

And nimbly cleave the waves. Qirisha flowers,

Theii" brilliant ear-drops, as they swim fall off, 220

Float on the current, lure for silvery fish

In quest of water-weeds. Absorbed in play

They strike the stream, while on their bosoms

bright

The pearly necklets rest, and drops of foam

Between them falling mock their silvery sheen.

Here may we see whate'er the poet's mind

Compares with women's beauties : eddying waves

Like rounded navels, ripples for their brows,

And ruddy geese show like their shapely breasts.

" Now on the ear a gladsome murmur strikes 230

Of tuneful waters, blending with their songs.

Like note of drum, while peacocks on the banks

Spread wide their tails and answer with soft notes.

Tight cling their garments to their waists, the belts

Are limp and wet, nor tinkle now their gems

But sparkle silent, as through darksome night

The still stars shine. In joyous sport they splash

Each one her fellow, each in turn shakes out

170 RAGHUVANgA [canto

From her damp tresses drops with sandal red,

A ruby shower. Disordered are their locks, . 240

The skin washed clear of paint, the pearl-nets fall'n,—

As in the waves they sport ; yet round men's hearts

Those winsome tresses twine !

"

So spake the King

:

Then leaped among them sporting in the tide

;

His necklace shook around his mighty throat,

As when a noble elephant disports

Among the herd, and lotus-clusters cling

About his shoulders. When the stately King

Appeared among them, brighter shone his Queens,

—

As pearls that charm the eye show doubly fair 250

When matched with gleaming emeralds. Sportively

With coloured water shot from golden tubes

They splashed the King, whose beauty excellent

Shone more for this, as high Himalaya's slopes

With streamlets trickling down vermilion-stained.

Now while amid his lovely Queens the King

Plunged in that Queen of rivers, rivalling

Great Indra sporting with the Nymphs of Heaven

In godlike Ganga,—all unmarked there slipped

And sank beneath the waves that priceless gem 260

Which, sign of lordship, erst Agastya gave

To Rama, he to Ku^a, when he gave

The Kingdom also. When their sport was done.

And—sated with their merriment—the King

Had got him to his tent, ere yet he donned

XVI.] KUgA'S GLORY 171

His royal robes, he saw his arm was bare,

And knew the bracelet lost. Sore grieved was he :

For much he prized it, gift of his great Sire

And pledge of victory, not for sordid greed :

—

For light as worthless flowers he held mere gauds. 270

Then straight he ordered fishers, boatmen, all

Who haunt the stream, to seek the gem : they toiled.

And dived untiring, but in vain : then told,

—

Their faces marred and troubled,—how they sped :

—

" We spared no toil, great King ! but thy rich gem,

Sunk in the wave, we found not : much we fear

That mighty Kumuda, the Naga-Prince,

Who dwells beneath the waters, coveted

And stole the jewel." Flashed his eyes with rage,

He strung his war-bow, strode in fury down 280

Straight to the river-bank, and fixed the shaft

Unerring, named from Garuda, to slay

The Serpent-Prince. But scarce the shaft was laid.

When, panic-struck, the stream raised quivering waves

As suppliant hands, and smote the banks, and roared

—

As from a pit a captured elephant.

In terror fled its scaly monsters too,

And from the waters swift the Serpent-Prince

Rose, with his virgin Sister :—so of yore

Sprang from the churned Ocean Indra's tree 290

With fairest Lakshmi. On they came, with hands

Outstretched the gem restoring : his keen bolt

The King held back,—for good men quickly quench

172 RAGHUVANCA [canto

Their fury when entreated. Kumuda,

Bold warrior, did obeisance to the King,

Son of the Mightiest, scourge of all his foes.

Anointed Monarch ; bowed his haughty head,

And thus addressed him :—"Well I know thee, Lord !

Great Vishnu's Son, His other self, thou art,

Begotten when He came to work for men 300

The great Deliv'rance ! How should I oppose

Thy mighty will, who rather seek thy grace ?

'Twas this my sister who, in eager play,

Her ball was seeking driven from her hand.

And saw and caught, as meteor-like it fell.

Thy precious bracelet, emblem of success.

Restore it to thy long and potent arm.

Scarred by the bowstrong's use, which like a shield

Protects the worlds ! Disdain not now, O King !

Kumudvati, my sister, who would serve 310

Before thy feet, and from thy mind erase

The memory of her crime !

"

The Naga-Prince

Then ceasing humbly offered back the gaud,

To whom the King made answer :—" Joyfully

I hail thee brother ! " Then with all his train

Kumuda joined by solemn marriage-rite

His sister, pride of all her kin, to him,

High Chief of Raghu's line ; who, when he took

The maiden's hand before the sacred Fire,

Bound with auspicious knot of purest wool, 3*0

XVI.] KUgA'S GLORY 173

Heard through the skiey realms Celestial songs

With Heavenly music joined, while wondrous clouds

Poured down soft, copious rain of sweetest fiowers.

When now alliance firm that King had made.

Whom Sita bore to Rama, mighty Lord

Of all Three Worlds, with royal Kumuda,

Fifth son of Takshaka, the Serpent-King

—

Two Worlds rejoiced :—since fear of Vishnu's Bird,

Who ever rages for his father's death.

The Nagas now dismissed ; and over Earth, 330

No more by Serpents vexed, loved Kuga reigned.

174 RAGHUVANCA [canto

CANTO XVII

The wise Rule of King Atithi.

In happy wedlock joined Kumudvati

Bore to her Lord a son, great Atithi,

Who soothed their hearts, as sleep most peaceful comes

Just at the dawn. He cheered his Father's soul,

Rich blessing to both parents and their kin.

Unmatched for splendour : so the radiant Sun

With bright beams purifies both North and South.

Him first his Sire, of Sages chief, that Lore

Essential taught which graced through each descent

The line of Raghu ; then sought fitting brides lo

From royal houses. Well he deemed, high King,

Heroic, self-controlled, that in his Son,

—

Not less high-born, heroic, self-controlled,

—

His single self was nobly multiplied.

For Kuga's virtues, and his high descent,

Great Indra called him friend,—with whom he joined

In war against the Daityas, and was slain

By Durjaya,—whom he too slew in fight.

So died he ; and the fair Kumudvati,

xvii] ATITHIS WISE RULE 175

His faithful Spouse, soon followed him in death, ao

As moonlight fails when fails the waning Moon,

Loved by the lily. Ku^a high in Heaven

Held half great Indra's throne, Kumudvati

Was bosom-friend of ^achi, and enjoyed

The fruit of Parijata, Tree of Boons.

Now, as their Lord had bidden when he went

To smite the Daityas, his grave Senators

Anointed to the Kingdom his wise son,

The famous Atithi. To crown him King

By skilful hands a Royal residence, 30

With lofty altar hallowed,—pillars four

Supporting it,—they ordered to be built.

There on a throne of state he took his place.

And nobles of the Kingdom served, and brought

In golden vessels from the holiest streams

Pure waters ; deep, entrancing notes the drums

Boomed forth, presaging prosperous, endless reign,

Then, as was taught by Elders of his house,

He sprinkled Z>//rj'a-grass and barley-stalks.

The fig-tree's bark and lotus-buds,—for rites 40

Of solemn cleansing. Next the Brahmans came,

The royal House-Priests first, with solemn pomps

And anthems high, to crown that noble King.

The sacring waters plashed upon his head.

Then riverlike flowed down, as Ganga's streams

Erst flowed through Civa's locks. At once the King,

Whom heralds loudly praised, showed like a cloud,

176 RAGHUVANgA [canto

Majestic, hailed by thirsting cuckoos' song.

Thus purified with water, which the Priests

With Holy Texts had blessed, the King flashed forth 50

In brighter glory,—as the lightning-flame

Spreads wide when dashed with water. When the rites

Of Coronation were complete, he gave

Rich gifts to tribal patriarchs, loading them

With largesse far beyond their off'ered gifts.

Amazed and joyful, blessings they called down,

Which yet his great achievements cast in shade,

So mighty waxed he. Mercy next he showed,

Whose high command loosed every prisoner's chain.

Gave life to those condemned to die, unyoked 60

The patient oxen, gave the kine relief

From cruel milking :—yea, all caged birds

That pined for freedom he released, to fly

Where'er they would. Anon the ivory Throne

He mounted, where in stately hall it stood.

Pure, curtained round, to assume the Royal robes.

His locks were first with fragrant unguents dressed,

Next careful tiremen choicest jewels gave,

Last on his head, where rows of pearls reposed

Twined in the diadem, a ruby rare 70

(Bathed in its flashing rays) they set. His limbs

With sandalwood they rubbed, as sweet of scent

As purest musk ; they stained his velvet skin

With comely Rochana. Enthroned he sat,

In fullest Royal state, with crown on head.

XVII.] ATITHIS WISE RULE 177

Clad in soft silken robe, where swans were wrought,

—

And drew the eyes of all men, worthiest seen

To woo and win the Genius of the realm.

Resplendent was the form that met his gaze.

Reflected from the golden mirror's plane : 80

On Meru's slopes so shines the Wishing-tree

Beneath the Sun's first beams. He entered then

The audience-hall, which rivalled Indra's own,

'Mid loud acclaim of pursuivants, who bore

The Royal standards. Glorious then he sat

Upon his Father's throne, well-canopied,

Before whose footstool Kings were wont to lay

Their jewelled crowns. New lustre shed the King

Through all the festal palace when he came.

As when the famous jewel Kaustubha 90

Gleams on great Vishnu's breast, not unadorned

By rich ^rivatsa. Thus, his nonage past.

To Royal state advanced, more splendid still

He shone than e'en before : as shines the Moon

With brighter lustre when its crescent shape

Has grown to fulness. Cheerful looks he wore,

And spoke to all his servants smiling, so

That in their eyes he seemed Persuasion's self.

In glory matching Indra rode the King,

High on an elephant whose might could vie 100

E'en with Airavata's—and made his town

To rival Svarga, while his standards waved

Like Wishing-trees. Now o'er his head alone

M

178 RAGHUVANCA [canto

The parasol of Royal state was raised,

Which, white, unspotted, purged from all men's hearts

Their poignant sorrow for his Father's death.

In nature smoke comes first ere fire appears,

Mist veils the Sun's rays till he gather strength

;

But Atithi, by no such law restrained

To weakness, shone at once with all the might no

Of gathered virtues. City-matrons gazed

Where'er he passed, with eyes of loyal love.

As in clear Autumn night's unwinking eyes

Attend the Polar Star in steadfast groups.

Revered in stately shrines, Ayodhya's Gods

In chiselled shapes stood round about the King,

And richly blessed him. Ere the altar stones,

Wet with the Anointing waters, dried again,

His burning fame had reached far Ocean's shore.

Keen shafts he wielded, sage Vagishtha's spells 120

Lent aid resistless : what could e'er withstand

Their power united ? Daily in his court

Himself sat with his judges, patient heard

The cause of each contestant, straitly sought

Where truth might lurk, maturely weighed the proof,

—

Then gave his sentence, cleaving fast to right.

The people who, in his great Father's time,

Had grown as rivers do with vernal showers,

New-ruled by him—as these with Autumn rains

—

Reached Fortune's flood-mark. Not a word untrue 130

E'er passed his lips, no gift was e'er sought back,

—

xvii] ATITHTS WISE RULE 179

Nor e'er his word recalled,—save only when

He pardoned and restored a humbled foe.

Youth, power, and beauty,—each alone breeds pride

;

And all in him were met, yet his great heart

Swelled not with pride unduly. Day by day

Devotion in his subjects stronger grew,

Till, like a tree whose roots are firmly fixed.

In vigorous youth no force could shake his throne.

But foreign foes are distant, nor will give 140

Perpetual trouble ; with unwearied care

'Gainst banded foes within, the passions six.

He waged unceasing war. Fair Fortune too,

Inconstant else, for him unchanging wore

A smiling aspect : so a streak of gold

Cleaves to the touchstone. Harsh and mild by turns,

The Monarch sought his ends ; for grace unmixed

Soon warps to weakness, harshness unrestrained

Is in its issue savage cruelty.

Whate'er was done on Earth straightway he knew, 150

For spies he scattered round him, as the Sun

Unclouded darts his rays on every side.

All duties which by night or day the Law

Prescribes for Kings, unswerving and untired

The King fulfilled. For daily with the pure

He held his council,—yet his purposes

(Debated with closed doors) were ne'er betrayed.

For needful rest he slept, yet ever watched

Through spies spread all abroad 'mongst friends and foes,

180 RAGHUVANCA [canto

Yet each from other hid. When he made war, i6o

Though his own fortresses defied attack,

He ever sought the foe : the king of beasts,

Who tears down elephants, skulks not in caves.

His plan he thought out well, prepared his paths,

Success securing : rice-grains in the blade

Mature in secret. High his fortunes rose,

Yet turned he not aside to crooked ways.

Like Ocean which in highest floodtide shapes

Its course up river-mouths. Strong to repress.

If discontent had ever reared its head, 170

So wisely ruled he that among his folk

No stern reproof was needed. Only foes

Of equal might that valiant, powerful King

Made war upon : so forest-fires, though urged,

By rushing winds, attack not running streams.

'Mid Justice, Pleasure, Profit,—undismayed

He held the balance even, nor allowed

That any should prevail beyond its due,

Nor crush another. Knowing well that friends

Avail not in misfortune, but when swoln 180

With too great power resist the hand that raised,

He kept them in the mean. His foemen's strength

Or weakness well he pondered, and his own

For strength or wealth ;—if his the better part.

Assailing boldly,—else he abode attack.

Well knowing " power to help from riches comes,"

He stored up treasure ; so the cloud, well-stored

XVII.] ATITHrS WISE H F L F. 181

With watery wealth, is thanked by Chatakas.

His own designs promoting, still to nought

He brought his foemen's counsels ; each weak spot 190

He fortified, but smote where they were weak,

A warlike King, the army, which his Sire

Had wisely fostered, exercised in arms

And apt to fight, was ever at his call.

The triple Kingly power he firmly held,

Fixed like the jewelled crest a serpent wears

;

No foe could win it from him, while he drew

Their power from them, as magnet's hidden force

Attracts the iron. Through his peaceful realm

Merchants unhindered plied their trade in boats 200

On mighty streams as on calm lakes, through woods

Safe as in royal parks, on mountain roads

Secure as in their homes. Protecting well

Ascetic works from hindrance, wealth from thieves,

He took the royal sixth throughout his realm,

From every man as each with ease could pay.

In valour he was Kartikeya's peer,

Well-versed in policy, used force or craft

As either best might serve. The Kingly power

In phases four by just proportion used, 210

Of all he took the fruit ; no favourite

Absorbed the gains. All crafty ways of war.

All treacherous wiles he knew, but never used :

But fought uprightly, so that Victory

—

Fair Goddess—who on Hero-souls attends,

182 RAGHUVANgA [canto

Loved and clave to him. Wherefore all his foes

By his great might he quickly smote, as smites

An elephant in pride the rival bulls,

And seldom was provoked to take the field.

Now when the Moon is full it quickly wanes, 220

And Ocean after floodtide quickly falls,

—

Like both the Monarch waxed, but waned not so.

To him, the mighty, generous King, repaired,

—

As clouds to Ocean^—beggars destitute,

And got such guerdon that themselves grew rich,

And gave to others. Hating words of praise, '

His actions all yet won their glorious meed

;

No flattering tongue he favoured, yet his fame

Spread through the world. Now on the lily pale

Alone the moonbeams fall, the Sun's hot rays 230

The lotus only hails : his virtues' light

His foes not less illumined than his friends.

His very aspect scared away the wrong.

By truth's bright essence darkness he dispelled.

And all men held beneath his sovran sway,

—

As rules the Sun in strength this nether World.

To crush his foes he put forth all his might,

Yet was his purpose worthy,—since he sought

This only, to complete the great Horse-sacrifice.

Thus in his valour struggling on the road 240

Prescribed by Holy Writ,—as Indra rose

To Heaven's high throne, so he on Earth became

King o'er all Kings ; and, for his excellence,

XVII.] ATITHIS WISE RULE 183

Fifth Guardian of the World, Sixth Element,

Eighth mountain with the Seven,—he was named.

In reverence Kings received his high commands,

And placed the scrolls above their diadems,

As though to shade them, now their parasols

Were torn away :—so Indra rules the Gods.

Now with such wealth at his Horse-sacrifice 250

He guerdoned all the sacrificing priests.

That they his name extolled as equalling

Kuvera's own. From Indra plenteous rains

Were showered, and Yama kept back deadly plagues

;

The Lord of Ocean and its monsters gave

To merchants prosperous voyage, who crossed in ships

His mighty waters : mindful of the past,

And Raghu's threats, Kuvera still increased

The Monarch's treasure ; while the mighty Four

Who guard the Worlds so highly honoured him, 260

As though themselves were suppliants for his aid.

184 RAGHUVANgA [canto

CANTO XVIII

The later Kings of Raghu's Race.

King Atithi, triumphant o'er his foes,

On his fair Queen, Princess of Nishadha,

A son begat that matched the Serpent-King,

As Nishadha thence known to all mankind.

Great was his Sire's delight to see the youth

High-souled, and destined to his folk to bring

Rich blessing, as the eye delights to view

A waving cornfield, whence with fostering rains

Rich harvest shall be won. His mighty Sire,

Kumudvati's great son, who all Earth's joys lo

Had in their fulness drained, content resigned

The Royal State, and mounted up to Heaven,

Well won by stainless deeds on Earth below.

Then Kuga's grandson ruled, whose eyes were bright

And languished like the lotus, hiding deep

His purposes, unmatched in might, whose arm

Stretched wide, as stretch a city's girdling walls

;

And while he ruled the sea-girt Earth, save his

No Royal fans were waved o'er Kingly head.

xviiT.] RAGHUVANgA 185

He died ; and Nala came, and ruled mankind. 90

Fierce as red fire, like lotus shone his face,

Who crushed his foes as elephants crush reeds :

So great his glory that 'twas sung in Heaven !

To him a son was born, fair as the sky,

Renowned as Nabhas, pleasant to his folk

As clouds of Autumn. To that mighty son

North Kogala's fair realm he glad gave o'er,

And—as in age 'tis meet—with savage beasts

He made his home, escaping once for all

From earthly shackles. Nabhas King begat 30

Great Pundarika, famous in the worlds,

'Midst Kings most kingly, who received the realm

Devolving from his Sire, who passed to Heaven :

—

When Lakshnii, Lady of the lotus-face.

Embraced him, Vishnu's likeness :—strong his bow,

His shafts unerring :—He gave o'er the realm

To Kshemadhanvan, dear for patient love,

Well-skilled to rule the people, and himself

As Hermit gave his strength to rites austere.

Of Kshemadhanvan sprang a godlike son, 40

A skilful Lord of war, Devanika,

Extolled in highest Heaven. Their mutual love

So brightly beamed, the Father loved his son

As Sire ne'er loved before,—which love that son

In full requited. That most virtuous Sire

Gave to his son the yoke of Royal rule.

And by the merit of pure Sacrifice

186 RAGHUVANCA [canto

Passed to the Sacrificer's home on high.

Then Devanika reigning next begat

Ahinagas, Lord of himself and Lord 5°

Of sweet, persuasive words, by friends and foes

Beloved alike ; for tender words of love

Enthral e'en timorous deer. He ruled the Earth,

That strong-armed Hero, when his Sire went home :

Who turned in early youth from vile men's paths.

And shunned all wasteful vice ; men's secret thoughts

He surely knew,—and wisely ruled the Worlds,

Scarce less in might than Vishnu come to earth.

With fourfold Royal powers in equipoise.

He triumphed o'er his foes ; then took the road 60

That leads to Final Bliss, and in his stead

Fair Lakshmi Pariyatra, his great son.

Took to her arms,—who held his haughty head

Above the mountains, ^ila followed him,

A noble nature, strong and broad of chest,

Who with flint-headed arrows smote his foes,

Yet modest blushed to hear his actions praised.

That King of blameless soul devolved the realm,

While yet a youth, on Ku^a, prudent Prince,

And turned to pleasure ;—for a King's high place, 70

Beset with cares, keeps pleasure far away.

Yet him, with beauty dowered nor sated yet

With love, did envious Age,—that takes in love

No more delight,—first seize, and then cut off.

Unnabha followed Kuga, mighty-framed,

xviii] RAGHUVANCA 187

A very Vishnu, round whom pivoted

The circle of Earth's kings. Came after him

His son, high Vajranabha, Indra's peer,

Who thundered in the war,—and wedded Earth,

With diamond mines resplendent. Heaven he won 80

By mighty deeds, and Earth sea-girdled clave

To (^ankhana his son, who all his foes

Uprooted, offering gems from all her mines.

When he was gone, there mounted Raghu's throne

A King renowned, far-famed as is the Sun,

Lord of bay-steeds,—fair as the Agvins,—known

As Dhushitagva, sending far his steeds

To Ocean's margin. Civa's grace he won :

And of his loins sprang Vigvasaha, loved

By all men, son indeed, yet strong to shield 90

The whole broad Earth ;—who, holding fast the right,

Begat Hiranyanabha bearing part

Of Vishnu's essence, scorching thus his foes

More fiercely as a forest-fire gains strength

When winds attend it. Dhushitacva then,

The debt he owed his Ancestors discharged,

And longing for Eternal pleasures, crowned

His son, long-armed and mighty, and himself—

In virtue perfect—donned the dress of bark.

His heir, pride of the Sun-race, Priestly King 100

Of Northern Ko^ala, begat a son,

Kaucalya named, a second Moon for grace.

Delighting all men's eyes :—who reigned, when passed

188 R A G H U V A N g A [canto

His Sire to Glory. He, whose fame had spread

To Brahma's council, crowned as King his son, •

Brahmishtha, yearning for the Bliss Supreme

Of union with the Highest. In his son,

Crown of his race, who reigned in perfect peace,

His subjects long rejoiced,—nay, wept for joy.

Fair sons made glad his heart,—but Putra chief, no

In form like Vishnu, served by Garuda,

By duteous service of his Sire made great.

Whose eyes were like the lotus, made him head

Of happy fathers. To maintain the line

He left him firmly stablished, then forsook

All earthly objects, bathed in Ganga's streams.

And passed to Heaven. To Putra his fair Queen

Bore Paushya, at the full of Pusha's moon,

More splendid than the topaz : under him.

As 'neath new stars auspicious, men rejoiced 120

In boundless happiness. When age crept on.

The noble King gave to his son the realm,

Himself he gave to saintly Jaimini,

And, shrinking from re-birth, by works austere

Attained absorption in the Soul Supreme.

Then Dhruvasandhi, steadfast as the Pole,

Ruled all wide Earth, a loyal, upright Prince,

With whom consenting all his foes made peace.

Him lion-like, wide-eyed as is a fawn.

While yet his son Sudargana,—whose grace 130

Charmed all men's sight as doth the waxing Moon,—

XVIII.] RAGHUVANgA 189

Was but a child, too eager in the chase,

A mighty lion slew. When so to Heaven

That King had passed, the council with one voice

With solemn rites enthroned his only son

Lord of Ayodhya, to uphold the race ;—

For all the people mourned their Kingless state.

Thus Raghu's line, whose chief was now a child.

Showed like the night while still the Moon is young,

Or like a forest where one Lion-cub 140

Alone doth range, or as a silent lake

Before its lilies bloom. When on the Throne

He sat, the people deemed his riper age

Would prove him equal to his mighty Sire

:

Full oft they'd seen a cloud that seemed no more

Than handbreadth wide, by East wind driven, veil

The whole broad sky. So stately was his mien,

The people gazed on him with not less awe

Than on his Father, when—scarce six years old

—

In Royal robes he passed along the ways 150

On noble elephant, yet childlike clung

Fast to the driver. Though as yet too small

To fill his Father's throne, his glory shone

So wide about him that he seemed to swell

—

As clothed in lustrous gold—and filled the seat.

Kings laid their crowns in homage at his foot,

Which, tinged with red and hanging from the Throne

A httle way, scarce touched the golden stool.

190 RAGHUVANgA [canto

Well is the sapphire named the "great blue stone,"

Most precious though 'tis small : so, well beseemed i6o

That Royal child the title " Mighty King !"

Such potent words came from his infant Ups,

On either side fan-guarded, boyish curls

Still hanging down his cheeks,—their sound went forth

Far to great Ocean's shores, nor died e'en there.

Silk gold-embroidered twined around his brow,

Whereon impressed he bore the Royal Mark,

With which—though still he smiled—he turned to tears

The smiling faces of his foemen's wives.

Soft as (^irhha buds, too heavy gems 170

Had tired his limbs : yet in him dwelt such force

And dignity, he bore the unmeasured weight

Of all the careful World. Ere yet he learned

His letters all, traced on a writing-board.

By converse with the wise he fully grasped

All lessons of right rule and policy.

Not yet had Lakshmi in his heart won place,

But—longing for his manhood—bashfully

Embraced him only 'neath the umbrella's shade.

Though still unpractised in the archer's craft, 180

Nor marked as yet with scars from bowstring wound,

Nor yet he grasped the sword-hilt,—Earth dwelt safe,

Protected by his arm. As time rolled on,

His limbs gained strength and bulk ; the Virtues too

That win a people's love, blest heritage.

At first but seedlings, grew to stately trees.

xviii.] RAGHUVANQA 191

No toil it was to teach him ; for he learnt

The threefold Science, root of three-branched Lore,

And seemed in learning merely to recall

What in a former life he well had known,

—

190

And therewithal he won his people's hearts.

In arms at length made perfect, he shone forth

A glorious Archer; swelling out the chest,

Poised lightly on the foot, with crest erect,

He laid his arrow to the string, and drew

The notch right to his ear. Full soon he reached

The flower of youth, sweet season of delight,

—

A charm for women's love, the perfect bloom

That crowns Desire's fair tree, from passion's plant

Luxuriant shoot,—or charm of loveliness 200

Spread over all his limbs, boon nature's gift.

Then did the Kingly State and Earth herself,

At first his only brides, no more suffice

To fill his heart ; now paled their charms, compared

With royal maidens' portraits, which those maids

In beauty far excelled,—by envoys brought.

And shown by faithful councillors, who longed

To see pure offspring more confirm the throne.

192 . RAGHUVANgA [canto

CANTO XIX

Agnivarma^s voluptuous Reign and Death.

Now after years of wise and glorious rule,

The Son of Raghu placed upon his throne

His son, great Agnivarma, bright as Fire,

And, first 'mid pious students, self-restrained,

In life's last stage passed to Naimisha's grove.

There washed he from his soul all earthly thoughts :

—

Instead of pleasure-halls sought Holy ponds,

Strewed on the ground a couch of sacred grass

Instead of silken cushions, dwelt apart

In lowly hut instead of Palace-home, lo

And careless of reward stored merit up.

No toil he left his son to guard his realm,

—

To whom he gave Earth, where all foes were crushed

Beneath his mighty arm,—to eat the fruit,

Not labour to produce. This Prince's mind

Was turned to pleasure : wherefore for some years

Himself dealt justice to the subject World,

Then to his Elders turned the charge of rule.

And gave his own fresh youth to Love's delights.

1

XIX.] AGNIVARMA^S SHAME 193

Then through the Palace of the amorous King 20

Fair women thronged, the lute's soft music rolled,

And each day's splendid festival was chased

By feast more splendid. Day and night he spent

In love's soft raptures, careless of his folk ;

—

And when, much urged by faithful Councillors,

He yielded to his loyal people's wish

To show himself, 'twas but one foot he showed,

Hung from the palace-window ; to that foot,

Resplendent with the beauty of its nails,

A lotus touched with rays of morning-sun, 30

They did obeisance,—then went home content.

So, plunged in sensual pleasure, recking not

Of royal duty, goaded on by Love,

The King passed through the seasons of each year

Diversified, but still the same to him.

Yet was his valour dreaded ; rival Kings

Durst not attack him, maddened though he seemed

;

But, as the curse of Daksha wastes the Moon,

Disease, by passion bred, consumed his life.

Still he pursued all pleasure-seeking ways, 40

Nor hearkened to wise counsel, though he saw

The fatal consequence :—no easy task

Have they who would a man from Pleasure turn.

When once it has seduced him. Pale he grew,

And fell consumption ravaged all his limbs

;

He left his ornaments, and walking, leaned

His weight upon his servants,—while his speech,

N

194 RAGHUVANgA [caxto

Weak, hollow, marked the ruin wrought by Love,

And as he slowly wasted in disease.

His race was like the sky when wanes the Moon, 50

Or as a lake when only mud is left

—

Its waters dried, or as a dying lamp.

His Ministers long hid the fatal truth.

And told the people, struck with heavy fears :

—

" The King makes Sacrifice to win a son.

And therefore lives retired ! " Untrue their words

;

For He, though Lord of many wives, unblest.

Died miserably ere he paid the debt

Due to his mighty Sires ; and fell disease.

Defying treatment, snapped his thread of life, 60

Ere yet he saw his son : so dies a lamp

Before the chilling blast. In darkling grove

Hard by the palace met the Senators,

And with a Priest well-skilled in funeral-rites

In secret laid the body on a pyre :

Nor told the people what was done, but feigned

Some hope of healing. Next in haste they called

The Chiefs to council, seated on the Throne

The rightful Queen, in whose bright body shone

The hope of Royal seed. That unborn Child,

—

70

Whom with hot tears of sorrow for her Spouse,

Untimely dead, she scalded in her womb,

—

Was soon revived by healing waters poured

(Such was the tribal rite !) from golden jars.

To consecrate the Babe. The widowed Queen,

XIX.] AGNIVARMA^S SHAME 195

Who carried 'neath her breast the Royal seed,

Which ripened for the universal weal,

As Earth hides in her womb the late-sown grain,

—

Longed for her time to come :—meanwhile she sat

High on her golden throne, and sagely ruled 80

(Advised by loyal Senators) the State,

—

\\Tiere all the people honoured her commands !

INDEX

( Of Names and Words not already explained, which may want

explanation: the numerals refer to pages),

Afoka, 60, a flowering tree, bearing orange and scarlet blossoms.

Afvins, 187, Vedic sun-gods, "twin-sons of the dawn."

Agastya, 54, one of the great Rishis (see Introduction).

AkshastQdiS, 107, berries used as necklace-beads.

Akshota, 34, the walnut-tree.

Alakd, 79, the city of Kuvera, god of riches.

Aftas?1y(7, 115, the wife of Atri, mother of Durvasa, who gave Sita an

unfailing cosmetic.

Arjun-tree, 167, a stately forest tree.

Arimdhati, 6, the wife of Vagishtha, "the morning-star," a model of

wifely virtues.

Atharva, 66, the fourth Veda, chiefly regarded as a storehouse of magical

incantations.

Atri, 18, one of the Seven Rishis.

Ayodhyd, 79, " Impregnable," the capital of North Kogala, Raghu's city.

Bali, 61, the Demon tyrant, overthrown by Vishnu as the Dwarf.

Bandhtijiva, 102, a tree bearing beautiful red blossoms, which open at

noon and fall off the following morning {Pentapetes phcenicea).

Bathing is a daily religious duty of high importance.

Bay horses are special steeds of the Sun.

Bhrigu, 90, a great Rishi, son of Manu, to whom was committed the

sacred Law-book.

BhrigiCs son, 105, patronymic of Para9u-Rama, who was Bhrigu's

grandson.

BhitrJa-txeQ, 35, a birch.

Brinddban, 53, the scene of Krishna's early life.

196

' INDEX 197

(7(f/-tree, 2, a lofty and stately forest tree ( Vatica robusta).

qarabhanga,\

^^^ ^^j^^, ^^^^^^

Qltakarni, ) ^ •'

(^atrughna, 96, " queller of foes," a younger brother of Rama.

Qesha, 89, the mythical Serpent on which Vishnu sleeps.

ChakravAka, 128, the ruddy-goose, emblem of conjugal love: the birds

are fabled to be condemned to constant separation at night.

Chaitraratha, 44, Kuvera's pleasure-garden.

ChAtaka, a kind of cuckoo, fabled to live only on rain-drops.

Chitrd, 5, the star Spica Virginis.

Chitraktita, 114, the mountain, scene of Rama's exile.

(^irtsha, 169, a graceful variety of flowering Acacia.

Daksha, 193, a Saint, whose twenty-seven daughters were wedded to

Chandra, the Moon ; and whose curse, the punishment of partiality

to one of his wives, is the fabled cause of the Moon's periodic

waning.

Darbha grass, 129, sacrificial grass, of which Ktica is a variety.

Durjaya, 174, a Demon, "hard to conquer."

D{irva grass, 50, a kind of millet (Panicum dactylon).

Durviisa, 159, son of Atri, and a specially choleric Saint.

Dilshana, 117, a Demon, slain by Rama.

Elephants (Celestial), 161, are fabled to uphold the extremities of the

world.

Fig-tree, the Indian fig, Ficus religiosa : the Peepal.

Gandkarvas, Minstrels of heaven, inhabiting Indra's heaven : Southey's

"Glendoveer."

Ganeca, 14, the elephant-headed God of wisdom, son of (^^iva and

Parvatl.

Gauri, 13, the "white" Goddess, a name of Parvatt.

Gokarna, 70, a favourite shrine of ^iva.

Govardhan, 53, a mountain in Brindaban.

Hanttmdn, 121, son of the Wind, general of Rama's monkey-allies.

Indra's beetle, 104, the cochineal-insect.

198 RAGHUVANgA

hidrajit, 134, surname of Meghanada, son of Ravana, a valiant Rakshas

warrior, who once overcame and bound Indra himself.

Jaimini, 188, a famous Saint, founder of a school of philosophy (the

Purva-Mimdmsd).

Janaka, 103, -the reputed father of Sita, whom he found in a ploughfurrow.

Janasthdna, 54, RS.vana's capital.

Jatdyil, 118, the Vulture-ally of Rama, slain in defence of Sita.

Kadaviha, 160, a flowering tree, bearing orange-coloured blossoms.

Kdlanemi, 153, a Demon slain by Vishnu.

Kapila, 25, a Sage who, being falsely accused by Sagara's sons of stealing

their father's horse for the Sacrifice, burnt them up : by some

identified with (^iva.

Kdrtavtrya, 51, a famous warrior-king of the Haihayas, who once held

Ravana himself in chains.

Kdrtikeya, 47, the leader of Heaven's armies, son of Civa and Parvatt,

the "nursling of the Pleiades {Krittikds) " : also called Skanda, etc.

Ketaka, 13, a sweet-scented blossoming tree.

Kutfuka, 81, a flowering tree, bearing scentless red blossoms.

Kinnaras, 35, attendants on Kuvera.

Krishna, the " dark " God : in our poem a surname of (^iva.

Kos, 135, a measure of distance, about a mile and a half.

Kumbhakania, 121, Ravana's brother, doomed—lest he should devour

the world—to sleep six consecutive months in each year.

Lakshmi, 26, the wife of Vishnu ; also, Fortune, esp. the Glory of

Kingship.

Lauhitya, 35, the Brahmaputra river.

Lodhra-\.xtQ, 13, a forest tree bearing a yellow flower.

Mdnasa lake, 131, a fabled source of Ganga.

Mdrlcha, 102, a Demon emissary of Ravana : he tricked Rama, and was

by him slain.

Meru, Mt. , 60, the Hindu Olympus. The Sun, circling round Meru, so

causes alternate day and night.

Mithild, 103, the capital of Vidarbha.

Muni, 147, a saintly recluse, especially one vowed to silence.

INDEX 199

Nabhanga, 84, Indra's armour-bearer.

Ndgas, 171, semi-divine Snakes, dwelling in Patala, beneath the earth.

Nuhusha, 129, a Demon who had supplanted Indra, and was dashed down

to earth by Agastya, whom he had insulted.

Naimisha, 192, a sacred grove.

Nandana, Tj, the pleasure-garden of Indra.

Ndrada, 70, the Divine Minstrel, friend and counsellor of men.

Nimi, 105, founder of the dynasty of Milhila, a son of Ikshvaka.

[Om), 2, the "mystic word," beginning the Veda, etc., symbolical of the

Hindu Triad : it is equally sacred for Buddhists.

Omens, 55, 143, throbbing of the right side in men, of the left in women,

is auspicious ; and vice versd.

Pdtdla, 8, the abode of the Nagas.

Pdtdla, 168, a flower.

Faulastya, 35, patronymic of Ravana, descended from Pulastya.

Peepal, 134, the sacred fig-tree {Ficus religiosa), distinguished by its

twisted roots.

Prachetas, 8, one of the Prajapatis, q.v.

Prahldda, 61, the pious son of Hiranyakacipu, a Daitya tyrant of the

world.

Prajdpati, 95, a son of Brahma, progenitor of mankind : they were ten

in number.

Punarvdsjc, 104, the fifth and seventh lunar mansion.

Pushpaka, 94, Indra's Magic Car, wrested from him by Ravana, and won

back by Rama.

Rdku, 115, the Dragon who devours the Moon, so causing eclipses.

Rain-birds, 39, the Chatakas, q.v.

Rdkshasas, 115, the Demon-foes of the Gods.

Rati, 47, " Delight," the wife of Kama, Love.

Reed-born God, 22, Kartikeya.

" Regents of the World," 18, the eight secondary Gods, Indra, Agni, etc.

Sacred Cord, 22, the symbol of investiture for the three "twice-born"

classes, marking entrance into the "second life."

Sdma Veda, 161, the Veda specially of ritual, arranged for chanting.

Sampdti, 118, the Vulture-King, brother of Jataya.

200 RAGHUVANgA

(Sdvitri), 157, the Hymn to the Sun, which must be recited every morning.

Seven, 91, a sacred number.

Siddhas, a class of specially pure celestial beings.

Skanda, 38, the God of War, Kartikeya.

Soma, 49, the Moon.

'^ Sound-pervaded lesXxa" 125, the atmosphere.

Sugriva, 118, King of Rama's monkey-allies.

Svdhd, 6, the prayer of the oblation (?=faustum sit !).

Tila, 83, the sesamum.

Trinabindu, 75, a famous ascetic.

Vakula, 82, a fragrant flowering tree, fabled to be fertilised by wine

sprinkled by women.

Vedas, 37, the three Vedas are the foundation of all wisdom and knowledge,

and are held to be eternal.

Vifvakartna, 50, the Hindu Vulcan, fabled to have pared down on his

lathe the Sun, when his heat became intolerable.

Yakshas are attendants on Kuvera.

Om Tat Sat

(Continued ..)

(My humble salutations to Kavikula Guruh Kalidasa and  greatfulness to Sreeman C H Tawney

 for the collection)