THE RAGHUVAMSA by Kavikula Guru Sri Kalidasa -3

THE

RAGHUVAMSA

by Kavikula Guru

Sri Kalidasa -4

translated by

P. DE LACY JOHNSTONE

THE

RAGHUVAMSA

THE STORY

OF RAGHU'S LINE

BY KALIDASA

TRANSLATED BY

P. DE LACY JOHNSTONE

28 RAGHUVANCA [canto

CANTO IV

Raghu succeeds his Father,—a?id conquers the World.

Then Raghu took the Kingdom which his Sire

Had given, and shone more glorious, as at eve

Fire gains fresh splendour from the setting Sun ;

But at the news, in kings who hated him

Blazed wrathful fire from smouldering envy bred.

His folk, in children rich, with hearts and eyes

Alike uplifted, rank on rank, rejoiced

To see him raised on high like Indra's flag.

For, mounted on his elephant, he seized

At once his Father's throne and foemen's realms. lo

Him, consecrate to undivided rule.

With lotus-parasol the Royal State,

Sun-circled, hailed as Lord ; while Eloquence

—

In bards embodied—loudly sang his praise

With verse sincere ; and treasure-yielding Earth,

Whom Kings from Manu onwards well had loved.

Wooed him as though she ne'er had loved before.

Like Southern breeze, which neither burns nor chills.

While sternly smiting wrong he won men's hearts

;

By virtues excellent with joy he chased • 20

IV.] RAGHU'S CONQUESTS 29

What grief the people felt his Sire to lose, —

As when the fruit appears the mango's flower

Is scarce remembered. Men of counsel spread

Both good and ill before him ; only good

He chose, but never ill ; peculiar grace

The Primal Virtues won,—that all the World

Beneath his sway seemed new. By her cool rays

The Moon refreshes, by his heat the Sun

Gives life ; and he, who shining charmed his folk.

True " King " appeared. His wide-expanded eyes 30

Lit up his face, but Sacred Lore it was.

Dividing subtle points of right and wrong,

That gave best insight. Firm he set his throne.

On virtue based :—the grateful Earth reposed.

Past Summer's heat, serene came Autumn on,

^

Like Royal State redoubled, lotus-decked :

Then in bright splendour cloudless Sun and he

Together ruled the world, invincible.

When after rain light clouds prepared their way.

The rainbow Indra drew, his mighty bow 40

Drew Raghu ; in his sphere each reigned supreme,

And blessed by ruling. Autumn with sunshade

And fan of waving grass his Royal state

Affected, but his glory could not reach.

The Moon, with clear cold rays, and his fair face,

Unruffled, drank the folk with equal zest

;

The radiance of their glory seemed dispersed,

In rows of swans, in stars, in lilied lakes

30 RAGHUVANCA [canto

Resplendent. Seated in the cane-brakes' shade,

While women watched the crops they sang his praise, 50

As good as far-renowned, from childhood up.

Clear shone the waters when Canopus rose,

Great jar-born Saint, while fearful of defeat

The foes of Raghu quaked ; for furious bulls,

Of mighty frame, huge-humped, that tore the banks

Of rivers, shadowed forth his sportive strength.

His elephants, in seeming rivalry,

Poured sevenfold ichor, struck by fragrant blooms

Of Sapta-parna. Autumn now dried up

The roads, made rivers fordable, and stirred 60

The King to war and conquest, though his host

Was not yet ready. Rose the altar-fire.

With solemn rites for sacrifice prepared.

To bless his conquering arms : with lambent flame

It gave auspicious sign. His capital

The King safeguarded, and his frontier-posts.

Nor left his rear exposed : then with his host

Complete, six-membered, conquering he went.

As Milky Ocean churned with Mandara

On Vishnu dashed its foam, so matrons staid 70

Showered rice on Raghu, when to the East his face

He turned, with wind-shook pennants threatening

His foes with chastisement,—while clouds of dust

His chariots raised and elephants, till earth

Seemed borne on high, and air a well-trod plain.

In front flashed armour, followed noise of war,

I

IV.] RAGHU'S CONQUESTS 31

Next dust, then chariots, horses, men,—the host

Fourfold-divided marched. Then in his might

He made the desert plains to laugh with streams.

Made rivers fordable, not hard to cross, 80

And cleared the forests, cutting roads. He led

His valiant host, that rolled like Northern Sea,

Or as when heavenly Ganga, by the Saint

Brought down to earth, strayed in the braided hair

Of Civa. Passed the King, whose passing kings

O'erthrown, deposed, or brought to vassalage.

Marked by their fall, as march of elephant

Trees show uprooted. Eastward swept the King

(And one by one subdued the Eastern realms)

To Ocean's shore, which sombre palm-trees shade. 90

Chiefs who opposed he spoiled :—the Suhma power

Submitting, won his grace, who bowed like reeds

Before a mountain-torrent ; but in wrath

He sm.ote the Bangal hosts, who proudly fought,

Vainglorious of their ships : triumphal stones

On Ganga's isles he reared ; his stubborn foe,

Subdued and then re-settled, tribute brought.

And bowed like rice before his lotus-feet.

Then with his hosts he crossed the Kapica

On living bridge (Utkalas showed the way), 100

Smote the Kalingas, on Mahendra's crest

A pillar fixed of conquest, as Mahauts

In head of restive elephants their goads.

For, strong in elephants, with pomp of war

32 RAGHUVANCA [canto

Kalingas met him, as with rocky rain

Mountains met Indra's onslaught, when he came

To clip their wings. Their shower of darts the King

Sustained undaunted, winning glorious fight,

While hurtling shafts seemed but the cleansing drops

Of due lustration ; then his warriors drank no

In shady betel-bowers at once the milk

Of cocoa-palms, and vict'ry o'er their foes.

The King—with lawful triumph—took his fame,

But not his country, from Mahendra's king.

And set him free ; then by the sea-coast way,

Where bowed with fruit Arecas, peaceful passed.

Since there Agastya ruled. In Kaveri

His soldiers plunged, all fragrant with the juice

Of elephants, and stirred the jealous rage

Of Ocean, spouse of rivers. Pepper-groves 120

On Mount Mahendra's skirts, lov'd home of birds,

His forces occupied, as on he marched

To conquest. Trampled by his steeds, the bloom

Upflying from the fruit of cardamums

Clung to the foreheads of his elephants,

And challenged their rich scent ; like hooded snakes

The strong neck-chains embraced the sandal-trunks.

And bound the elephants that mocked at ropes.

The Sun himself glows dim on Southern shores.

Yet could the Pandyas not endure e'en there 130

The beams of Sun-like Raghu,—who his fill

Sported on Malaya and Dardura,

IV.] RAGHU^S CONQUESTS 33

Which, sandal-clad, like twin breasts crown the shore.

Invincible in might, the Sahya range

He crossed, by Ocean left—as 'twere Earth's loins

Reft of their garment : Jamadagni's son

Of old disjoined them, but as Raghu's hosts

Marched further west, the sea and mountain met.

Low bowed the Sahyas, and their choicest pearl

—

From Ocean won where Saptaparni flows 140

Down to the Sea,—presented, symbol fair

Of spotless fame. Fine-powdered sandalwood.

Which women of Karela wore, with dust

Raised by his army soon the King replaced.

Unforced the yellow seed of Ketakas,

Which river-breezes waft from Murala,

Was scented powder for his mail-clad host.

Through forests sighed the wind : their harness clanked

On swiftly-moving steeds, that overpowered

Areca-trees deep-rustling, while black bees 130

Dropped from Funndgas on the streaming brows

Of elephants love-maddened, tied to trunks

Of smooth date-bearing palms. The Sea, men tell,

At Jamadagni's bidding ceased to flow,

—

But through the Western King its tribute gave

To Raghu. He Trikilta's mountain made,

—

Where furious elephants had graved his fame

For all to see,—the record of his deeds,

A mighty pillar. 'Gainst the Persians next

He through the desert marched, as holy men 160

c

34 RAGHUVANgA [canto

By Sacred Learning smite their inbred foes,

The senses. Scarcely could the King withstand

Soft wiles of Yavan women, lotus-faced.

That sought his love,—as Autumn-clouds must fade.

Untimely-risen, when the Sun new-born

Beams bright above the lotus. Fiercest war

He with the Westerns waged, in horses strong.

While twang of bows alone revealed their place.

The bearded heads his warriors had cut off

Now strewed the plain, as bees swarm thickly round 170

The honeycomb : the remnant bared their heads,

And claimed his mercy : rage in hero-souls

Submission will appease. Their toils of war

His host forgot, carousing in choice bowers

Which vines surrounded, spread with costly furs.

Thence Northward marched the King, resolved to quell

The Northern princes with his dreaded shafts.

As, when his beams have drained moist Southern lands.

The Sun too turns him North. His mighty acts.

Wrought on their husbands, Huna dames proclaimed,— 180

Recorded on their cheeks in angry scars.

His horses, resting after toils of war,

Refreshed on Sindhu's banks, their shoulders shook.

Where saffron-tendrils clung. Akshota trees,

Bruised by the chains that bound his elephants.

Bent low : bowed too Kambojas, fain to yield

Before his prowess : heaps of gold, fine steeds.

In tribute offering, which the mighty King

Accepted graciously, and spared their pride.

IV.] RAGHU^S CONQUESTS 35

Famed for his horses, next Himalaya 190

He mounted, where the clouds of dust they raised

From trampled rocks exalted more the peaks.

Couched in their caves, great lions—brave as he

—

Gazed on him undisturbed, nor feared the noise

His warriors made ; while murmuring winds that coursed

Through Bhurja trees, or rustled in the canes,

Moist from the waves of Ganga, cherished him

As on he swept to conquest. On the rocks

His soldiers rested, fragrant of musk-deer.

That couched in shade of great Nameru trees. 200

Tall phosphorescent plants that gleamed at night.

Their lustre doubled by the glancing chains

Which bound great elephants to Sardla trees.

Were lamps for Raghu,—lamps not fed with oil.

Where he encamped the towering Devadars

Told hillmen of his march, with bruised bark

By halters torn. A grim and bloody fight

With mountain tribes he fought, where darts, and stones,

And arrows mingled hurtHng, striking fire.

The Utsavasanketas from their feasts 210

He stopped, and taught the Kinnaras to sing

New anthems for his conquests. Tribute there

The tribes presented : Raghu owned the might

Of great Himalaya, and was by him

Acknowledged peerless : there the Monarch fixed

His glory's mound secure, and shamed the Hill

Paulastya raised of yore. He traversed next

Lauhitya, and Pragyotish quaked, as shook

36 RAGHUVANgA [canto

Black aloes where he bound his elephants.

Scarce could he bear with Raghu's chariots' dust, 220

Which veiled the sun and darkened all the sky,

Yet brought no rain ; how then should he withstarfd

The armed host ? Him Kamarupa's king

Served with his elephants, those mighty beasts,

Love-maddened, which he used to smite his foes

;

And gems for flowers he offered at those feet.

Which—laid on golden footstools—shone divine.

All realms subdued, home came the mighty Lord,

While humbly kings, with heads unshaded now,

Received the dust raised by his chariot-wheels. 230

Then Sacrifice he made for Rule Supreme

By conquest won, when all his wealth a King

Bestows in alms ;—as clouds store up the rain.

To feed their bounty generous kings take tax.

But when the solemn Sacrifice was o'er.

Great Raghu, whom his ministers loved well.

With signal honours healing first the wounds

Defeat had branded, sent away the kings

Who graced his triumph,—and who yearned to clasp

Their long-forsaken queens,—dismissed in peace. 240

Low bowed that royal band before his feet,

Not boastingly stretched out, with lines, and flags.

And thunderbolts adorned, and jasmine white,

Which from their diadems those kings let fall.

\

^] AJA S7

CANTO V

Raghus splendid Generosity : Aja is born, and, when grown to

Manhood, starts to woo Indumatt.

Now when the Imperial Sacrifice the King,

All-Conqueror, had performed, and all his wealth

Was lavished, came to seek his Teacher's fee

Kautsa, whom mighty Varatantu taught

Till he in Lore was perfect. Him the King

Met courteous, mighty, splendid,—gave his gift

In earthen vessel, for his gold was done.

Low bowed the King : then, rich in fame, and taught

To know the right, observant of his due,

He seated him, and thus addressed :—"How fares lo

Thy Master, keen of insight, chief of Saints

Who frame the Veda's hymns ? from whom thy Lore

Thou tookst as from the Sun this world gets life.

Oh, say not that the Sage's triple toils

Austere, of limb, speech, thought—which Indra fears

—

Are now disturbed ! Have storms laid waste the trees

That shade and guard your dwellings, which with care

Ye 've watered, fostered, nurtured from the seed !

38 RAGHUVANCA [canto

And are the deer unharmed, which Munis tend,

That couch on Kuca kept for sacred use, 20

And bear their young while clasped in Saintly arms ?

And are those streams unsullied, which erst pure

Libations yielded both for Gods and Shades,

Where stood the holy pillars ? Is the rice.

Self-springing food for you and for your guests.

Spoiled by the rabble, whom the husks should feed ?

Has the great Saint dismissed thee perfect, Saint,

That now thou shouldst take wife, and guide thy home,

That second life to pass, whence draws the world

Most earthly profit ? All my care, thou know'st, 30

Is still to serve : oh, tell me how I may

Best serve thee, or thy Teacher,—for that grace

I look for from thee !

"

Now, dismayed, the Saint

Looked on the earthen dish, and knew the cause

;

Then, hopeless to obtain it, spake his need :

—

" Know, famous King, that all is well with us !

Thou rulest, men must prosper : while the Sun

Is high in heav'n, no darkness can prevail

To dim men's sight. Still has thy glorious race

Revered the worthy ; yet my need is such 40

As scarce thou canst supply, though thou surpass

In that thy Sires : untimely I have come,

Unhelped must go ! For, clad in glorious fame.

Else thou art bare, thy riches well bestowed,

Stripped as the wild-rice stalk, when savage hands

v.] AJA 39

Have spoiled its fruit. Thou, Lord of all, show'st well,

Thus seeming poor, as still the cold-rayed Moon,

Which Gods drink up wins blessing as it wanes.

No further errand mine : my Teacher's fee

Elsewhere I '11 seek,—so fare thee well, O King ! 50

The rain-bird craves not rain from emptied clouds,

Nor missing grieves !

"

The King called back the Saint,

As he was turning, asked him :—" Say how great.

Or what the fee he asks." The perfect Sage

Thus answered him, the lowly Lord of all,

For whom was made the mighty Sacrifice :

—

" I asked the Sage, when I had won all lore,

What meed was his. He first pronounced his fee

My long-proved, loyal love : but, further urged,

In hasty wrath, nor thinking of my state, 60

How poor I am,—' The sciences,' he said,

' I taught thee scarce can fourteen millions pay

:

That bring me !

' Coming here, full plain I see

The name of King is left thee, not the wealth :

That earthen bowl proclaims it. How dare I

Ask from thee then the boundless meed he claims ?

"

So spake the Sage :—but quick the King supreme,

As Vishnu lovely, clean of heart and pure

From base affections, pleaded :—"Strange disfame

It were to Raghu, if a perfect Sage 70

Who sought his Teacher's fee,, should turn away.

To seek his guerdon from another Lord

!

40 RAGHUVANCA [canto

Be thou my guest, O Sage ! like Holy Fire

Keep pure my hearth for me two days or three,

That I may help thee." Gratefully the Saint

Consented, while the King, whose plighted word

None e'er knew fail, set forth to wrest the boon

From famed Kuvera, since Earth teemed with wealth.

So great his glory, which Va^ishtha's spells

At his Anointing gave, his car unchecked 80

Would course through air, o'er mountains and o'er seas,

Like wind-borne cloud. Then in his car at eve.

With store of arms, brave, pious Raghu slept,

—

To smite at dawn Kuvera, whom he deemed

A neighbour-king, no more. But lo ! at dawn

Amazed his treasure-keepers told the King,

What stayed his march, that while men slept there fell

From Heav'n a rain of gold and filled his store.

The whole bright heap Kuvera fearing sent,

The King to Kautsa gave, as 'twere a crag 90

By Hghtning split from Meru ; and the folk

Praised both the Saint, who asked his fee, no more,

—

And praised the generous King, who pressed on him

More than his asking. Now, the well-pleased Saint,

At last consenting, took the golden store.

Which camels bore and mares, and laid his hands

On Raghu bending low, and parting blessed :

" While such a King rules men, well may the Earth

Yield wealth with which she teems ; yet how conceive

Thy fame, for whom e'en Heav'n pours forth such store 100

I

v.] AJA 41

Beyond men's asking ? All things else thou hast,

Save what I now bestow : receive a son

Rich as thyself in virtue, as thy Sire

Got thee, praiseworthy ! " Him the Saint thus blessed,

Then sought his Master : and the King ere long

Received the promised son, as living souls

From sunlight power of seeing : for the Queen

At Brahma's hour, 'tis told, brought forth a prince,

As Uma's child resplendent,—whom his Sire

Named Aja, Unborn, from the Soul Supreme. no

His Father's joy was he : like him in might.

Tall as himself, as vigorous, grew the Prince,

As shines a fresh-lit lamp with equal light

To that it springs from. Teachers trained the boy

In lofty learning, radiant beamed his youth.

And Fortune loved him well, yet seemed to wait

(Like bashful virgin) till the King his Sire

Should mate her with him.

Now great Bhoja, King

Of Krathakaigakas, to Raghu sent

A noble envoy, bidding Aja come 120

To fair Indumati's Swayamvara,

His sister's Maiden Choice. The King, well-pleased.

Both deeming Aja come to manly prime.

And her a peerless bride, sent forth the Prince,

With lordly host well-guarded on the way

To high Vidarbha. Ever on the march

Pavilions fair received him, while the folk

42 RAGHUVANgA [canto

With blessings and with gifts his favour sought.

His journey o'er, on Narmada's green banks,

Where, gently stirred and moistened by the breeze, 130

Waved Karang trees, his weary host found rest,

And reared their standards, dusty from the road.

Sudden a mighty Tusker reared his front

Amid the waves, where hovering swarms of bees

Betrayed his presence, washing ichor sweet

From his broad temples,—while his blunted tusks

Showed by the dark-blue streak (the ore washed off)

How on Rikshavan's rocks he spent his rage.

Up rose he, faced the bank, and nimbly waved

His mighty trunk before him and behind, 140

Roared loudly, and with all-resistless strength

Burst through the torrent, breaking watery chains.

Broad-chested as a mountain, tangled nets

Of clinging weeds he drew, the while in front

A threatening mass of waters rose,—then climbed

The river-bank. His captive peers he marked,

And from his cloven brows the ichor-stream.

Checked only by the wave, returned in flood.

That much exciting savour when they knew,

As acrid as the Saptachadas sap, 150

The mighty beasts of Aja's host broke bounds,

Unheeding sharpest goads, and fled. The camp

At once confusion seized : in headlong flight

Yoke-oxen broke their bands, threw o'er the cars

(Their axles smashed),—and active warrior-hands

v.] A J A 43

Scarce saved the timid dames. The Prince alone

Availed to stay the rout : who slightly drew,

—

To lightly wound, not slay (so runs the Law),

—

His bowstring, loosed a shaft, and 'twixt the eyes

The mighty brute he smote. The bestial shape i6o

At once, being struck, the wondering army saw

Shed like a garment, while in radiant guise.

In heavenly beauty clad, with light-rays crowned,

A princely form appeared. A rain of flowers.

Won by his power from Heav'n, he grateful poured

On Aja's head ; then spoke in winning tones.

The while his flashing teeth lit up the gems

That clung about his neck :—" Of old my pride

Drew down Matanga's curse, and doomed my stay

In hateful tusker's shape ; for I, fair Prince, 170

Priyamvada am named, great Indra's son.

" Moved by my humble prayers, the Saint appeased

More mild became, as water which the flame

May raise to boiling, yet by nature's law

Resumes its grateful cold,—and thus decreed :

—

' When Aja, sprung in high Ikshvaku's line.

With iron-pointed shaft shall cleave thy brow.

Thy proper glorious shape thou shalt regain !

'

To see thee long I 've yearned : now, mighty Prince,

Freed by thee from my curse, with worthy gift 180

I must requite thee,—else my power restored

Were useless. Take, O friend, this magic shaft

Named Sleep-compeller, launched and then recalled

44 R A G H U V A N C A [canto

By spells diverse, which to its master gives

Sure triumph o'er his foes, those foes unhurt.

Blush not for shame at only seeming harm !

Thy blow was kindness ! grieve me not, I pray,

By scorning this my gift."

The courteous Prince,

That Moon of men, gave thanks; then faced the

North,

Touched the pure waters of the Moon-born stream, 190

And, skilled in arms, received the magic dart

\Vhich his high friend now gave. Thus Fate decreed

How these, once seeming foes, wayfaring met.

Should join fast friendship :—Chaitraratha's groves

The one now sought, well-ruled Vidarbha's realm

The other welcomed soon, whom courteously

Before the city gates the joyful King

Received, as Ocean swells to greet the Moon

With heaving waves, and to the city brought,

His glory waiving, with observance sweet 200

And lowly bearing,—till the crowds might deem

Their King was guest, and Aja was the King.

Then as the God of Love, his boyhood past,

Takes on the pride of youth, so Raghu's heir

Possessed the lovely palace, newly-built.

Before whose gates an altar stood, and jars

Brimful of water, destined for his use.

Then Sleep, as loving wife who seeks her lord.

To Aja's eyes came late, who sighed and longed

v.] A J A 45

To win the peerless Maid, to woo whose Choice aio

The rival kings had come in pomp and state.

Him ere 'twas day, that all-accomplished Prince,

Whose shoulders bore the scars of ear-drops gemmed,

From whose dark limbs the ointment had been wiped

By silken bedding, with sweet songs his peers,

Well-skilled to sing, roused for the auspicious day.

"Awake, wise Prince ! for darksome night is past

!

And Brahma now has cleft the weight of rule.

Which half thy Sire bears up and half Thyself.

" The waning Moon now sinks, and yields the prize 220

Of beauty to thy face,—whom Lakshmi wooed.

Forsaken and despised by thee for Sleep.

" Unclose thine eyes, that so by mutual gift

Their beauty and the lily's may increase,

Where roll or pupils dark or black wild bees.

The morning breeze, that vainly seeks to win

From other source the scent of thy sweet breath.

Tears from their stalks the flowers that loosely hang

On blossoming trees, or woos the lotus bright

New opening to the Sun. Now on the leaves 230

Tinged ruddy rests the dew, a pearly band

With double lustre, as thy gladsome smile

Plays o'er the gleaming teeth. The dawn, fair Prince

!

Dispels night's clouds until the Sun arise,

Then ceases : shall thy Sire then crush the foe.

Now thou art come to lead his armed host ?

" Thy elephants have burst the bands of sleep,

46 RAGHUVANCA [( anto

They drag their clanking chains, and quit their couch

;

Their tusks hke fresh buds gleam when bathed in light

Shed by the morning sun, a glittering show, 240

As stained with ochre from the mountain-sides.

" These steeds Vanayu-bred, O mild-eyed Prince,

Bound with long tent-ropes, shaking slumber off.

Stain with hot breath the rock-salt left to lick.

" Thy flower- wreaths languish now, and now the lamps

Burn dim, and lose the halo of their rays,

And thy caged parrot, warbling cheerful notes,

Mocks this our morning hymn !

"

So sang the bards.

The Prince, fresh roused from sleep by tuneful praise,

Forsook his couch, as Heav'n's great elephant 250

By cranes' clear song aroused an islet leaves

Of holy Ganga. Due devotions paid.

Commanded in the Law for morning's prime,

The bright-browed Prince, by skilful hands arrayed

In fitting vesture, sought the lofty hall,

Where Kings were met to grace the Maiden's Choice.

VI

j TjHE MAIDENS CHOICE 47

CANTO VI

The Wooing of Indumati, and her Choice of AJa.

Then fair as Gods who mount celestial cars,

In royal robes arrayed, and seated high

On thrones, refulgent, raised on dais-steps,

The noble range of suitor-kings he saw.

These looked dismayed on Aja, for he seemed

A second Love, at Rati's prayer restored

To that bright form which ^iva's wrath burnt up,

—

Nor longer hoped to win Indumati.

By carven stair he mounted to the throne

The King assigned him, as a lion stalks lo

O'er rocks to gain a mighty mountain-peak.

Then sat he down on diamond-sparkling seat,

With costliest cushions spread, that glorious Prince,

As Kartikeya mounts his favourite bird.

His beauty much enhanced his stately mien,

A dazzling lustre which perplexed men's eyes.

Like lightning-flash o'er gloomy banks of cloud :

—

So by his flawless grace high Raghu's son.

Amid their gorgeous thrones and splendid robes.

In simple vesture shone as 'mongst Heaven's trees 20

48 RAGHUVANgA [canto

Famed Parijata shines. The eyes of men

Forsook all other Kings to gaze on him :

So, leaving woodland blossoms, wild bees swarm

To streaming brows of elephants. As they sat,

Their royal lineage, drawn from Sun and Moon,

Bards skilled in olden story fitly praised

;

Rose from the smouldering aloes fragrant smoke.

Which all-pervasive round the banners curled ;

Auspicious music floated from the conchs

In ambient air, and through the city-groves 30

Glad peacocks madly danced. The Princess came,

In wedding-vesture clad, on litter borne

With solemn pomp, to choose herself a Lord,

—

And down the eager rows of suitors passed.

That perfect woman, Brahma's last best work.

The goal of countless hearts, drew all their souls

Out through their eyes,—the lumpish clay alone

Remained behind. When Spring reviving comes,

It decks in varied charms the forest-trees :

—

So showed those Kings by various arts their love. 40

One toying twirled a lotus, sportive struck

The clustering bees with petals, balling so

The golden pollen. SmiHng playfully.

Another turned his beaming face askant

;

His flower-wove necklet fall'n, a moment caught

On jewelled bracelet, careless he replaced.

One, sidelong glancing, with his lotus-foot

Traced lines on golden footstool, where the nails

VI.] THE MAIDEN'S CHOICE 49

Like summer lightning gleamed. Another prince

In seeming earnest talk his neighbour held, so

His left arm resting on his chair, that so

His shoulder raised and back broke through his wreath.

Of Keiaka one fashioned with his hands,

—

Those hands that lately clasped his queen in love,

—

An earring blossom apt to win the heart

Of that fair Princess. One tossed dice in sport.

The while his jewelled bracelets gleamed on hands

Light-brown as lotus, seamed with banner-lines.

One fixed his coronet with nervous hand,

Ablaze with diamonds,—though it had not fall'n, 60

Then eloquent Sunanda, high-born dame

Who ruled the palace, led the royal Maid

To where the mighty Lord of Magadha

Sat gorgeous ; then with clear, deep voice proclaimed

His worth,—well-taught the name and fame of each :

—

" Deep are his thoughts, and strong his arm to save !

In Magadha he rules, his people's joy,

Whose blazing wrath burns up his stubborn foes.

Alone he 's Spouse of Earth, though thousand Kings

Usurp the style ; as Soma rules the night 70

'Mid stars and planets, pale beside his throne,

So rules he Earth. By constant rites devout,

Where Indra still appears, he pales the cheek

Of Cachi, while her curls hang limply down

Undecked with Svarga's flowers,—a mourning bride.

Her husband absent, Give, O give thy hand

D

50 RAGHUVANgA [canto

To him in wedlock : charm bright, loving eyes

By festal entry to his noble town,

Whose dames expectant wait ! " She spake, and paused :

The Princess slightly bowed, thus silently 80

Rejecting him, her wreath of fragrant flowers

With dnrva intertwined, a shade displaced.

Then to a second King she led the Maid,

As wind-stirred, rippling wave on Manasa

To second lotus brings a graceful swan,

—

And praised him thus :—" Behold great Anga's Lord,

Whom heavenly brides themselves have vainly wooed,

Such youth and beauty his : his elephants.

Trained by skilled masters, match Airavata

:

He rules like Indra. Pearl-like tears were shed 90

By his foes' brides,—a necklace all unstrung.

Fair speech and noble presence dwell apart.

Except in him ; with Fame and Eloquence

Thou mayst be third, if thou wilt choose this mate."

" Go forward ! " said the Maiden, turning so

Her eyes from Anga's Lord, though well she knew

Him worthy of all love, save only hers. /

Then, passing onward with her fair Princess,

The Lady praised another noble King,

Renowned for virtue, terrible to foes, 100

Fair as new-risen moon :—" Avanti's Lord

Behold, long-armed, broad-chested, thin of flank.

With doubled radiance shining, like the Sun

By Vi^vakarma polished and refined.

VI.] THE MAIDEN'S CHOICE 51

When he in dauntless might goes forth to war,

The gems that flash from rivals' crowns are dimmed

By dust his steed casts up, as evening clouds

Obscure the Sun. Hard by that mighty God,

Whose brow the Moon adorns, this noble King

Dwells in great Kala, so through all the months no

He with his queens takes joy in lightsome nights.

O slender-waisted Maid, wilt thou not yield.

And find thy bliss in wandering through fair groves,

That wave 'neath Sipra's breeze, with this great King ?

"

But not on him the peerless Maiden fixed

Her tender love, though lily-like he charmed

Friends, scorching foes as Sun dries up a marsh :

—

So close at dawn those flowers which love the Moon.

Sunanda next before AnOpa's Lord

Led her fair Lady, Brahma's loveliest child, 120

For virtues eminent, whose teeth like pearls

Flashed white ; then spake once more her winning words :

—

" In days of old great Kartavirya, King

And Saint, whose thousand arms in battle swayed

His rivals crushed, till all alone he ruled.

And triumph-pillars planted through the worlds.

So holy he, that even thought of sin,—

Appearing with his Bow to tempted souls,

He smote through all his realm. He kept in bonds

Proud Lanka's Lord, to whom e'en Indra bowed, 130

Who languished, sighing through his many mouths,

Till he released him, humbled. In his line

52 RAGHUVANCA [canto

Pratapa rules, devout, firm friend of Saints,

Whom Fortune loves, not fickle—as the world

Defames her. Blazing fire he wields in fight,

Nor fears the mighty Axe which Rama bore.

To Warriors fatal, more than lotus-leaf.

Be thou this Hero's bride ! so shalt thou gaze

Enraptured from the palace on soft curves

Seductive of fair Reva, where she clasps 140

The mighty loins of strong Mahishmati."

Nor he, for all his beauty, favour found

In her pure fancy, as the silvery Moon,

Dispersing Autumn's clouds, can win no grace

From lotuses that woo the Sun. The Maid

Next heard Sunanda praise Sushena's worth,

Of Surasena Lord, whom heavenly choirs

Hymn ever, light of both his high descents :—

"This King devout is flower of Nipa's race,

To whom the Virtues sought, as timorous deer 150

Seek Hermits' peaceful grove, and waive the strife

That Nature sets between them. Calmly brave

He ever guards his palace, moon-like bright,

And blazing smites his foes,—o'er whose blank roofs

Grass grows. His lovely queens, who frequent sport

In waves of Yamuna, so tinge the stream

With fragrant sandal from their breasts, 'twould seem

That Ganga's yellow waters mingled there

Ere Mathura was reached. The gem he wears

Upon his chest, was lost by Kaliya 160

VI.] THE MAIDENS CHOICE 53

Who fled from Garuda, and almost shames

Kaustubha, Krishna's pride. Ah, Maiden, choose

That noble Prince for mate ! then pass thy youth

Rejoicing in Brindaban, not less fair

Than Chaitraratha, couched on soft flower-sprays,

Reclining on smooth rocks with foam-drops wet,

With salt too pungent : feast thine eyes, Fair Maid,

On peacocks of Govardhan, dancing free

In Autumn rains among the hollow rocks !

"

170

Him too the Maiden passed with stately mien,

Another's destined bride, as rivers pass

Great mountains on their way to Ocean's breast.

Then came the Princess to Kalinga's King,

Hemangada,—and then Sunanda spake,

—

While beamed like full fair moon the peerless Maid,

—

Designing him whose wrists were clasped with gems.

From foes fit tribute :—" See Mahendra's King,

Lord too of Ocean, mighty as the hill

That seems to lead his host, an elephant 180

In pride of youth ! Of archers chief is he,

With long strong arms all rough with bowstring-scars.

Like streams of brackish tears from pain-dimmed eyes

Of foemen's brides. Great Ocean's thunderous roar.

Whose boisterous waves he from his palace marks,

A fitting time-drum, wakes him at day-dawn

With voice o'erpowering all his martial strains.

Choose him thy Lord ! and walk by Ocean's shore,

Where palm-trees whisper, where moist breezes fan

54 RAGHUVANCA [canto

The wearied brow, and waft from distant isles 190

The clove's rich scent ! " Vidarbha's sister turned,

Nor heeded all her praise, unloving, loved.

As royal Fortune turns, though wooed with skill,

If Fate be adverse. Next to Nagpur's King

The Lady passed, and thus proclaimed his worth :

—

"O bright-eyed Princess ! see this generous King,

The Pandus' Lord : wreaths from his shoulders hang,

His arms sweet sandal stains, a mountain-lord

He seems, amid whose crests the rising Sun

Glows, while the roaring torrents dash and foam. 200

Him great Agastya greeted,—he who bowed

The pride of Vindhya, who wide Ocean drained,

—

And of his v/elfare asked, when he had bathed

When the Great Rite was over. Lanka's King,

For Janasthana fearing when he led

His serried hosts to conquer Indra's world,

Was fain to make him friend,—for he had won

The Bow of ^iva. Give to him thy hand

In happy wedlock ! Steadfast as the world.

Be co-wife with the sunny Southern land, 210

Which Ocean rich in pearls clasps lovingly

;

And joyous ever sport where Malaya

Slopes terraced, where the dark-green betel-boughs

Are intertwined, where creepers clasp smooth trunks.

Dark is he, thou art fair : let each enhance

By union other's beauty, as do cloud

And lightning-flash ! " Unmoved the royal Maid

VI.] THE MAIDEN'S CHOICE 55

Passed on : the lotus waits the rising Sun,

Nor heeds the Moon's pale beams, but stays close shut.

Now as the Maid went by, each suitor-King, 220

Lit for a moment by her dazzling eyes,

Like wayside tower by passing lamp, sank back

In deepest gloom. Then Aja's heart was stirred,

Who questioned with himself, " Shall I find grace.

Or fail like them ? " His right arm throbbing checked

The rising doubt, and well-nigh snapped the cords

That bound his wrist ; but him the bright Princess

Found faultless, yielded him her love, and stopped

—

Nor further passed^as rests a swarm of bees

Contented on the mango in full flower, 230

Nor seeks beyond it. Then Sunanda skilled

To know the rank of men, perceiving soon

How all her heart the royal Maid had set,

—

That fair, full Moon,—on him, took up her tale :

—

" In high Ikshvaku's line Kakutstha sprang,

'Mong Kings a King, for virtue eminent,

Whose royal race still rules North Kocala,

And bears his famous name. That King renowned,

As Civa swift in fight, ascended high

On Mount Mahendra, made the Demons' wives 240

To spoil their cheeks of unguents, weeping loud ;

And, with his bracelet touching Indra's own.

Loosed by the rubbing of Airavata,

In dignity possessed an equal seat

With him, when even in most dazzling shape.

56 RAGHUVANCA [canto

More splendid shone the fame of that proud race,

When bright Dilipa rose, its radiant lamp,

Who—wanting one of his full tale of Rites,

—

One hundred,—calmed the fears of Svarga's Lord,

Nor further laboured. 'Neath his calm, strong rule 350

The very breeze disturbed not lovers' skirts

As through the groves they strayed, or sank to rest.

Far less dared rude men's hands. Dilipa's throne

His son, unconquered Raghu, fills, who late

Made sacrifice for Empire Won : bestowed

His treasure wholly, all he 'd gathered up

From Earth's four quarters and increased, nor kept

Aught save an earthen vessel. His renown

Cannot be measured, weighed, or told in words :

It scaled high mountains, crossed wide seas, and passed 260

The portals of Patala,—yea, has risen

To Heaven, immortal. From his kingly loins

Prince Aja sprang, as fair Jayanta sprang

From Indra. Now this Prince bears half the weight

Of that high charge his Sire erst bore alone.

Unwearied, as a mighty bull-calf bears

One half the yoke. Choose him, bright Maid ! thy peer

He only is in beauty, lineage, youth,

In virtues all, with modesty the chief :

—

Ah, let the pearl be set in finest gold !

"

270

When now Sunanda ceased, the royal Maid

Dropped veil of coyness, by her favouring glance.

Bright with pure love, proclaiming blameless choice,

VI.] THE MAIDEN'S CHOICE 57

As 'twere with fateful wreath : but modesty

Restrained her tongue, though o'er her slender form

The hair upstanding showed her ardent love.

Then smiling spake Sunanda, when she marked

The Maid's confusion :—" Gracious Lady, now

Pass we to others ! " She from angry eye

Flashed fire, indignant. Graceful as a swan, 280

Helped by her handmaid, laid she then the wreath,

With golden sandal scented, on the neck

Of mighty Raghu's son,—a present Love.

Clasped by that wreath, where all auspicious flowers

—

And they alone—were woven, Raghu's child,

The dauntless Prince, such rapture felt as though

Already he were clasped in love's embrace

By that bright Princess. " Here the cloudless Moon

Wins clear effulgence ! Ganga's self unites

With her fit mate, wide Ocean ! " Loud rejoiced 290

In shouts like these, harsh to the rival Kings,

The happy people, who delighted saw

Their virtues, else unmatched, now fitly joined

In perfect union. Then the Bridegroom's friends

Beamed bright for gladness : gloomy ranks of Kings,

Their hopes dashed down, opposed a hostile front.

So, when the Sun has risen, his glorious beams

Expand the flowers that love him, but seal up

Those other flowers that open to the Moon.

Om Tat Sat

(Continued ..)

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

 for the collection)