THE RAGHUVAMSA by Kavikula Guru Sri Kalidasa -2

THE

RAGHUVAMSA

by Kavikula Guru

Sri Kalidasa -3

translated by

P. DE LACY JOHNSTONE

 

THE RAGHUVAMSA

THE

RAGHUVAMSA

THE STORY

OF RAGHU'S LINE

BY KALIDASA

TRANSLATED BY

P. DE LACY JOHNSTONE

For four generations did Sagara and his descendants practise

severe austerities to bring the river down. Then at last the

Creator allowed the descent, and Civa broke the fall. The

mighty river, still—however—flowing also in heaven, descended

in seven streams upon the earth, and flows also through the

gloomy realms of Patala, home of the Nagas, or semi-divine

snakes. On earth it bears the name of Bhagirathi, daughter

of the saintly King, whose severe asceticism won the grace

of her descent ; but also by the name of " Jahnu's daughter,"

having been swallowed by Jahnu in his anger, and again

released. Her pure waters washed the ashes of Sagara's

sons, and they mounted to heaven. One legend makes the

river proceed from Vishnu's foot {cf. x. 38). Sagara was one

of the earliest Kings of the Solar line {cf. xiii.). Kakutstha

was grandson of Ikshwaku, and his name—"rider on the

MYTHOLOGICAL NOTES xalv

hump"—was derived from his riding in battle against the

Asuras on Indra himself in the form of a bull. It will be

found that the strife between the gods and their enemies,

Daityas, Asuras, Rakshasas, is never-ending, still-beginning.

Agastya, tutelary Saint of the southern region, and in

heaven the star Canopus, led in Rama's age a hermit's life.

He was born in a Jar. When Mount Vindhya aspired to

eclipse Himalaya in height, the Saint prevailed on him to

bow to let him pass southward and so remain till his return

—which never took place. Hence Vindhya's inferior height.

The Churning of Ocean was undertaken by the gods by

Vishnu's command, to recover various precious things that

had been lost, and to obtain the draught of immortality

(Amrita). The churning was done with Mount Mandara for

the churning-stick, the Serpent Va^uki for the rope, Vishnu

himself as the Tortoise for the pivot. Then were produced

—

Surabhi, the Holy Cow ; Varuni, goddess of Wine ; Parijata,

the Celestial wishing-tree, glory of Indra's heaven ; the

Apsarases, Nymphs of exquisite loveliness ; Lakshmi, goddess

of beauty ; Vishnu's precious jewel, Kaustubha ; Dhanvantari,

the Hindu ^sculapius ; the Moon ; the deadly

Halahala poison ; and last of all, the precious Amrita, by

drinking which the Gods became immortal, and with resistless

might smote the Demons. The Dragon Rahu managed to

steal some drops, and, becoming immortal, thenceforward

periodically swallowed the sun and moon, so causing eclipses.

(But the true theory is given in xiv. 159.)

The three mental qualities so often alluded to are Truth or

Virtue, Passion, Ignorance. The perfect sage must have his

senses completely subdued, and be dead to all disturbing

emotion. Asceticism is in itself meritorious, independently

xlvi RAGHUVAN^A

of any purpose to be served by it. So the great Gods are

described as engaging in it, and one of Vishnu's titles is the

Great Ascetic, ^iva's austerities have been already referred

to, and Brahma engaged in them before the work of Creation.

In connection with the supreme power and authority of

the Brahmans, in seeming contradiction of their passionless

character, it will be noted that, as their blessings are most

potent for good, so their curses—of which they are not sparing

—are the most awful engines of evil.

For a handy and accurate account of the mythology,

religion, and modes of thought and life in Ancient India,

no book is better than Sir Monier-Williams's Indian Wisdom.

His Indian Epic Poetry gives an excellent analysis of both

the^ Ramayana and Mahabharata. Dowson's Dictionary of

Hindu Mythology is also very useful. The great source,

however, for English readers is still Wilson's translation of

the Vishnu Purdi,ia. Professor Macdonnell, of Oxford, has

lately published a short but excellent History of Sanskrit

Literature^ which should be consulted.

NOTE ON PRONUNCIATION

Sanskrit names I have tried to transliterate, without losing

sight of scientific accuracy, so as to enable ordinary readers

to pronounce them correctly. Scholars are, however, unhappily

not yet agreed upon a uniform system : that which

I adopt is almost exactly what is known as the "Modified

Jonesian," the official system of the Government of India.

Vowels, speaking generally, are to be pronounced as in

Italian, consonants as in English ; the aspirate (/z), however,

preserves its own sound when combined with other consonants,

except ch and sh, which are sounded as in English.

The following table will sufficiently explain any peculiarities

:

—

a is

xlviii R A G H U V A N C A

Consonants

(^ represents a modified s, hardly distinguishable from s/i, and both are

pronounced as s/i in s/ie.

Ch is pronounced as in choose.

G is always /larJ, as in game, get, etc.

Bh, Gh, Kb, Dh, Th, etc., are aspirated sounds as in cab-horse, loghut,

blockhouse, madhouse, hothouse, etc.

Y is always a consonant, as in yoke.

Dots below consonants are significant to the scholar, but the slight

difference in sound between dotted and plain consonants the

ordinary reader may neglect.

J

CANTO I

How King Dillpa went to Vafishtha^s Hermitage.

The Lord Supreme and Parvati I praise,

The parents of all worlds, close-joined in one

As word with sense, and pray for gift of speech

With mighty meaning fraught. How else could I,

Weak-witted, dare to hymn the Kingly race

Descended from the Sun,—daring not less

Than one who ventures on a raft to cross

Some pathless sea ? For, dullard though I am,

I seek a poet's fame, and risk men's jeers,

A dwarf who stretches tiny arms to grasp lo

Fruit hung well-nigh beyond a giant's reach.

Yet Bards of old have entered, haply I

May follow : where a diamond shows the way,

A thread may go,—yea, pass through hardest gem.

So Raghu's line I sing,—pure from their birth.

Who till they won success worked on, and ruled

Earth to the Sea : their car-track reached to Heav'n.

The altar-fire they tended, suppliants all

Most fully satisfied, ill-deeds with stripes

2 RAGHUVANCA [canto

They punished,—nor were slothful in their rule. 20

Wealth they amassed to scatter ; sparing words, •

Ne'er spake they falsely ; fame in war they sought,

Not gain,—and wedded love for noble seed.

Their children studied, gravely youth pursued

Its decent pleasures, and in ripe old age

Ascetic Uved they,—till through pious thought

At length they passed to win the Bliss Supreme.

Me, poor of words and foolish, has their fame

That sounded through the worlds late moved to write :

—

May wise men hear ! for in their judgment Hes 30

Or fame or shame, as fire parts gold from dross.

First King was Manu, whom the Sun begot,

Wise, reverend, as the Holiest Word begins

The sacred Hymns. In that unspotted line

Dilipa purer sprang,—'mong Kings a Moon,

As in the Milky Ocean Soma rose.

Broad-chested, tall as Cal-tree, as a bull

Wide-shouldered, long of arm, the Warrior-race

He seemed embodied, fit for famous deeds.

All-glorious, all-surpassing, he bestrode

—

ap

Like Meru's self—the Earth. His vigorous mind

Matched with his beauty, while his Holy Lore

Was equal with them : valour and success

Were twinned : and still his Kingly virtues made

Him to his foes a terror, but his folk

Loved him and honoured,—as the Sea yields pearls

I.] THE HERMITAGE 3

Yet nurtures monstrous births. He held the path

That Manu traced, no hair's-breadth strayed his folk

From that pure model. Save to guard the realm,

No tax was taken : so the Sun derives so

From earth that moisture which a thousandfold

He soon gives back in rain. His armed host

Was escort only for the King, who used

Two arms alone in war, his insight keen

In Holy Lore, and bow well-strung. Mankind

Knew his deep purpose when it came to fruit,

Not sooner : fathomless his mind and ways :

—

So here we reap the fruit of former lives !

Fearless himself he guarded, duty's path

He strictly followed, wealth he stored, nor grudged 60

To spend that wealth, and unenthralled enjoyed

His royal pleasures : wise, he spared his words,

—

Mighty yet patient, generous secretly.

Opposed virtues seemed in him twin-born.

By sense unshackled, straining Brahma-wards,

By duty curbed he pleasure,—that his age

Brought no decay. For nurture, maintenance,

And for protection looked his folk to him

;

Their parents gave life only. So the King

Repressed the sinful, held the world upright, 70

Loved virtue, wedded for the Fathers' sake,

Kept righteous ways. As Indra doth for corn,

He drew from Earth her wealth for Sacrifice,

—

And both alternate mildly ruled the Worlds.

4 RAGHUVANCA [canto

His glory other Kings despaired to reach,

For theft, ungrasping, lived in name alone.

A worthy foe he honoured, as one sick

Loves healing bitters ; friends unworthy proved

Like hand snake-bitten did the King cast off.

Him the Creator formed of choicest seed, 80

To rear for men rich crop of good ; alone

He reigned o'er Earth, sea-moated, girdled round

By Ocean-ramparts, like a single town.

Sudakshina his Queen, whose lucky name

Proclaimed her virtues, shared his pious home.

As Daksha pure ; in whom her royal spouse

Delighted chiefly, loving her and Earth

Before all other. Yet the noble pair

Were still unblessed with offspring, and the King

Longed, and was weary, and well-nigh lost hope. 90

So, bent on Sacrifice to win a son.

The Kingdom's weight now casting off, the King,

Pure, with his consort, after prayer and fast,

Sought sage Va^ishtha, lord of Saintly Lore,

As in the rains one cloud Airavata

And lightning mount, deep-rumbling, so that pair

One chariot mounted, whom a modest train

Attended,—"lest the Hermits be disturbed,"

—

Their glory like a host encircling them.

Scented with ^al-tree gums a pleasant breeze, 100

I.] THE HERMITAGE 5

That shook the forest, bearing fragrant dust

Of flowers, followed : and a deep, sweet cry

Was raised by peacocks, as the car swept past.

Amazed the deer looked up, and left the path

As on the chariot rolled ; their love-filled eyes

Were on them bent,—that pair so like themselves.

Anon they watched the cranes, that overhead

Flew tuneful, arching o'er the gate df Heav'n,

Unpillar'd, while the favouring breeze foretold

Success, and kept unsoiled both robes and hair. no

Pale lilies' perfume, fragrant as their breath,

They savoured, from 'the tanks which rippling waves

Cooled ever. Priests, from wayside villages

Themselves had founded, blessed the Royal pair,

Rich from their bounty, where the altars rose.

Butter of kine received they, herdsmen grey

With kindly greeting questioned, asking them

The names of shady trees that lined the roads.

Untold their glory, pure their hearts and robes.

As through the sky speed Chitra and the Moon 120

They sped delighted, while the smiling King

This pointed out and that,—nor knew the way

Was ending, ere they reached the Sage's grove.

He checked the horses, handed forth his Queen,

And nobly courteous led her to their Host.

Now from the neighbouring woods, with grass and fruit

And store of fuel, Saintly bands came home,

—

6 RAGHUVANQA [canto

Met by the Sacred Fire, unseen ; the deer

Thronged round the huts, and ate the allotted rice

;

S\Yeet maidens filled the trenches, where the birds 130

Unfearing drank ; then couched the timid roes

Where rice was heaped at eve, and chewed the cud.

Wind-shaken now the rising altar-smoke.

With butter fed, made pure the attentive guests

Around the Hermitage. That noble pair,

Alighting meekly, sought the Ascetic's home.

Then hailed the Saintly tribe their pious Lord

With worthy honour, grave in self-control.

Receiving him. When evening rites were o'er,

He saw the Sage supreme : close at his side 140

Arundhati was seated : and the Saint

Shone like the Sacred Fire, like Svaha she.

The Royal pair saluting clasped their feet,

And lovingly with blessings were received.

Then, after rest and food, the glorious Saint

Asked of the Ascetic King how fared his realm,

And how himself. The patient Conqueror

Returned grave answer, speaking all his mind

Before the Saint, high Lord of Sacred Spells :

—

"All ways my Kingdom prospers, holy Sage ! 150

Whom thou protectest neither Gods nor men

Can harm : thy Holy spells defeat far off

The foe malignant, while my feebler shafts

Smite those I see, superfluous ; and the rain

Abundant cheers the drought-consumed corn,

I.] THE HERMITAGE 7

Bred by thy Sacred rites ; my subjects live

To man's full age, nor fear nor pain disturbs

Their happy lives :—all this we owe to thee.

Deep-rooted, flawless, is my prosp'rous state,

For thou art ever watching, Brahma's child ! i6o

" Yet, O my Father, I myself, and this

My Queen, thy daughter, bowed with sorrow, long,

And vainly long, for offspring ; and the Earth,

Sea-girdled, rich in gems, delights me not.

The Fathers of my race, whom funeral cakes

Delight, foresee a failing of the rite.

And mourn my fate, the while with tears they foul

Drink-offerings poured by me, their sonless son.

Thus pure by sacrifice, my eyes are dim

For longing, childless,—as the mountain-peak 170

Half sunlit, half in shade, my glory dimmed !

" By gifts, and self-control, and holy life.

May Heav'n be won, but sons of noble line

Are blessings here and yonder, O my Guide

!

Does not my childless state distress thy heart.

As 'twere a tree thou plantedst fruitless, bare ?

Three debts men owe :—this last alone, unpaid.

Torments me, as a shackle binds and pains

The lordly elephant : Oh, help me then,

Father, Protector, Stay of Manu's line ! 180

And teach me how at length to pay this debt !

"

One moment only sank the Priest in thought.

8 RAGHUVANCA [canto

Like lake that slumbers, having heard the King.

To pious thought the hindrance stood revealed,

And thus the mighty Saint made grave reply :

—

" Of yore returning home from Indra's courts,

By Parijata passing, where the Cow

Surabhi rested in the grateful shade,

To her by thee due reverence was not paid.

As fearing to neglect thy loving Queen. 190

Then was the curse of childlessness pronounced.

Till by submission thou shouldst purge thy sin !

But Ganga roared, where heavenly monsters plunged.

And so her curse was all unheard by thee.

Hence is thy sin thy scourge ; as Sages teach,

Scorn of the worthy works the scorner woe.

Now in Patala, where the gates are barred

By mighty snakes, she helps a royal rite

For bless'd Prachetas. Therefore, O my King,

With due observance tend her holy Calf, 200

Pure-living, with thy Queen, that so, well-pleased,

She may bestow the priceless boon ye seek !

"

Even as he spake, came Nandini, the Cow-

That gave the oblation, faultless, from the wood,

In tender, tawny lustre, like a leaf

All fresh, with arching eyebrow of white hair.

Like crescent on night's brows :—the streaming milk

Flowed now in holy flood to feed her calf.

Then said the Saint, who knew Fate's course, and knew

The King should prosper :—" See, this fruitful Cow 210

I.] THE HERMITAGE 9

Comes here unprompted : so shall thy success

Surprise thee ; hear my loving counsel then !

Attend her ever as she roams the woods,

—

As Study follows Knowledge : while she walks,

Walk thou ; she standing, stand ; she couching, sit

;

She drinking, drink :—at dawn of day, thy Spouse,

Fasting, with close observance must attend

Her to the forest's edge, and thence at eve

Receive her coming home. So shall her grace

By constancy be won, and thou shalt stand, 220

Proud Father, Sire of Princely sons, and chief

Of Royal fathers !

"

Then the grateful King

Bowed docile, with his Queen, and both retired.

Night fell : and Brahma's son, the eloquent

And true, dismissed to sleep the pious King,

For whom success was dawning ; well he could

Bestow the boon, but knew that grace divine

Is hard to win, nor won save after toil.

He gave him but a rustic hut, and there

The Queen reposed, where fragrant grass was spread,— 230

While saintly students passed all night in prayer.

10 RAGHUVANgA [canto

CANTO II

Nandini grants the King his Desire.

When morning broke, the King, in glory rich,

Rose, loosed the Cow, and—when her calf had drunk

—

Again secured it. Next the gracious Queen

With wreaths and perfumes honoured Nandini.

Then turned they to the forest, and the Cow

Their way made holy, while the Queen, renowned

For state and purity, pursued her steps,

As pious Learning follows Holy Texts.

The careful Monarch bade his spouse return.

And cheerful, glorious, herded Nandini, lo

As though 'twere Earth embodied, Oceans four

Her udders : next, his penance to fulfil,

That royal Herdsman sent his guards away,

And walked alone, well-guarded :—Manu's race

Their own right arm defends. With freshest grass

He fed his charge ; he fanned her, smoothed her hide.

Nor checked her wayward steps ; as shadow close

He followed. When she stood, he also stood

;

When she went, on went he ; when she lay down,

He sat by patient ; when she drank, drank he. ao

1

II.] THE BOON 11

A very King he strode, whose glory shone,

Unhelped by outward show,—like elephant.

Lord of the herd, whose passion undisplayed

Burns fierce within. His hair in woodland wreath

Was bound, his bow well-strung : so through the woods

He ranged, close guarding Nandini the Cow.

The wild beasts fled ; but birds in wayside trees

Hymned him with cheerful praises, Yama's peer,

Who strode along unguarded. Climbing vines,

Wind-shaken, showered their scented blooms on him, 30

Thus splendid, worshipful, as city-dames

Honour with parched rice a favourite Lord.

Unfearing watched the deer that Archer mild,

Whose face revealed a tender heart, and drank

His beauty with wide gaze. The Forest-gods

He heard, who sang his praise in shady bowers.

On rustling reeds, wind-shaken, for soft flutes.

Nigh fainting from the heat, no sunshade near.

Pure-hearted,—him the breeze refreshed, which bore

Sweet blossoms from the trees, and cooling spray 40

From foaming waterfalls. The woodland maze

Soon as he entered forest-fires were quenched,

More rich bloomed fruit and flower, and stronger brutes

No longer vexed the weak. At eventide

They took the homeward path : the copper Sun

And tawny Cow, each in its proper sphere,

Had cleansed both Earth and Sky : then to complete

The sacrifice to Gods, to Sires, and guests,

12 RAGHUVANCA [canto

She turned : as Works on Faith the Lord of men,

By righteous souls revered, attended her,

—

50

And gazed on darkening forests, whence the boars

Were trooping homeward from the pools ; tired deer

Now grassy glades received, and peacocks flew

To well-known roosts. Majestic paced the Cow,

Whose udders swept the ground ; the mighty King

Moved stately, following ; them his Queen received

At border of the wood, and longing gazed.

All open-eyed as thirsting. Thus the Cow

He followed, and she welcomed : Nandini

Like twilight glowed, midway 'twixt Day and Night. 60

Then with a plate of grain Sudakshina

Revered the Cow, and bent to that broad front

Whereof the horns seemed door-posts, through whose

valves

Success might issue. King and Queen were glad.

Who thought,—"Though longing for her calf, she yet

Stayed to receive our offering : such as She,

Once pleased, shows favour,—then success is sure !

"

Dilipa next, All-Conqueror, lowly paid

Due homage to the Saint ; the sacrifice

For closing day he offered, and the Cow

—

70

Now milked—he followed home to where she lay.

While Nandini was sleeping, King and Queen

Set lamps and flowers about her, then lay down,

Till with the dawn she rose,—-and they rose too.

So thrice seven days went by. The noble King,

II.] THE BOON 13

Who saved his realm from harms, still with his Queen

Pursued their hopeful task, to win a son.

Thereafter one fair day the Cow, to try

Her follower's valour, entered that famed grove

Of Gauri's lord, where Ganga falls in foam, 80

And grass is green and fresh. At once, 'tis told,

A lion sprang and roughly seized the Cow,

While mused the King on Gauri's Father's might,

And thought,—" No foe will dare to harm my charge !

"

Her long-drawn cries, re-echoing from the caves.

Aroused him, and recalled his gaze, to see

Where stood the lion with the tawny Cow

Pressed 'neath his paw, as 'twere a Lodhra-ixtQ

High on a red-chalk mountain table-land

Full-blossoming. The astounded King, himself 90

In gait a lion, bowman bold, would snatch

An arrow from his belt, to slay the foe,

Deathworthy, as he oft had slain his foes.

He seemed a statue ; for his fingers clave

Tight to the arrow, lighting with their gleam

The heron's wing,—while he stood powerless.

Thus stayed from action, furious raged the King,

To strike unable though the foe was nigh,

—

Like snake subdued by spells and drugs. But lo !

In human voice,—amazing that great King, 100

By noble souls beloved, a Lion bold.

The Pride of Manu's line,—still holding down

14 RAGHUVANCA [camo

The Cow, that Hon spake :—" Cease, mighty King,

From futile efiforts ! vain would be thy shaft,

Though it should strike me, as a wind that fells

A tree blows harmless round a mountain-peak.

Know me Nikumbha's friend, Kumbhodara,

Who serve the Eight-shaped God, who—when he deigns

To mount his snow-white bull,—rests on my back

His holy feet. That God has placed me here no

To guard this tree, which as a son he loves,

Where Skanda's mother's milk divine has flowed,

As poured from golden jars,—who wept when once

A forest-elephant had torn its bark

By furious rubbing : scarcely grieved she more

To see Ganega wounded by his foes.

The Trident-bearer placed me here, to scare

In lion-shape all roaming elephants,

And prey on beasts that venture near these haunts.

Now doomed to death by Civa comes this Cow,

—

120

'Twill stay my hunger : so the Moon's sweet sap

The Dragon drains,—a blood-stained feast I claim.

No shame is thine, a son's devotion thou

Hast shown. Return ! for know, when arms are vain

To fail can shame no warrior." Then the King

Took comfort from his words : by Civa's might

Restrained, he bowed to fate, nor scorned himself.

Again he spake :—(now first his hand had failed

To loose his shaft, as Indra's self stood numbed

At Civa's angry glance :)—" O King of beasts ! 130

it] the boon 16

My words will move thy laughter, since I stand

Restrained from action ; yet thou know'st my heart,

I therefore speak. That Lord I reverence

Whose power has made, sustains^ and will destroy

Whatever is or moves ; yet can I not

Look on the slaughter of my Master's Cow,

His treasure, that supplies the sacrifice.

Oh, take my body for thy food ! her calf

Longs for the mother, and the night draws on."

Then ^iva's servant smiled : his flashing teeth 140

Shone through the darksome caves, and thus he spake :

—

"O King, fair Lord of wealth ! bright life, and youth.

Thou wouldst in haste renounce, and sovereign sway

:

Tis madness, for the cause deserves it not.

Thy people all depend on thee ; thy death

Would only save one life, while living thou

Protectest all the World with constant care.

Fear not the fiery Saint ! though angry, he

Losing one Cow may quickly be appeased

By gift of millions. Save thy precious life, 150

Enjoy the goods of fate,—for Indra's state,

Save that thou dwell'st on Earth, scarce passes thine."

So spake the forest-King ; and mountain-caves,

Loud-echoing, urged that plea in flattering tones.

And wooed the King, who pitiful rejoined.

The while in mute appeal the Cow looked on.

Caught in the lion's paw :—"The Warrior's name

He only worthy bears who saves from harm :

16 RAGHUVANCA [canto

'Tis proverb-lore : whoe'er betrays that trust

Would forfeit Royal state and earn foul scorn. i6o

The Saint might well despise all other cows

If this were lost, Surabhi's child and peer,

Which only by the might of ^iva thou

Didst dare attack. My body freely now

I give as ransom ; scarcely wouldst thou find

In her one meal ; the Master's sacred rites

Will not be hindered ! Well thou know'st, who serve

Thyself a Master, and with anxious zeal

Protectest here this tree, that if one lose

His charge, himself unwounded, 'twere not well 170

To face his Lord. Spare then my Fame, nor think

My body only precious ; such as I

Scarce value fleeting life, but Fame we prize

Beyond all other. Friendship, so men say,

By intercourse is ripened : meeting thus

On forest-bounds, I claim thee friend,—and claim

To have my boon, O Qiva's follower !

"

Then was the charm reversed, the Monarch free

:

He threw his weapons down, and cast himself

A prey before the lion, who well-pleased 180

Had said,—" So be it !

" When the noble King

Looked up, expecting death from lion's paw,

A rain of flowers fell on him, and a voice

Sweet sounded in his ear :—" Rise, O my son !

"

That voice revived him ; straight he rose, and saw

No lion, but the Cow, whose udders streamed

ii] THE BOON 17

Like mother's breasts. Amazed he heard her say :

—

" O Hero-King, by magic art I raised

This scene to try thee ; for the Muni's power

Guards me so well that Yama, Lord of Death, 190

Must pass me by,—what other power could harm ?

Thy loyalty hath pleased me, and the care

Thou show'dst for me : choose now, my Son, thy boon !

My udders yield not milk alone, but gifts

Abundant where I love." Low knelt the King,

Himself a generous giver, clasping hands

Whose skill in fight had won him warlike fame,

And named his boon—a son of noble race,

Born of Sudakshina ! The prayer was heard.

And granted,—" Draw and drink, fair Son," she said, 200

" Milk from my udder in a leafy cup !

"

" Nay, Mother ! " answered he, " first let thy child

Be satisfied, nor stint the sacred rites.

Then, if my Master bid me, / will drink :

—

Thus to a King Earth yields the Royal sixth."

At this yet more did Nandini rejoice :

Then to the grove returned she, he behind.

Dilipa, chief of monarchs, first made known

(While like full moon his face beamed) to the Saint

How he had prospered : then he sought his Queen, 210

Repeating what a joy-lit face had told

To her who loved him. Then, what time the calf

Was satisfied, and evening-rites complete,

Va^ishtha bidding, drank the noble King,

B

18 RAGHUVANCA [canto

Blameless and virtuous, milk of Nandini,

—

Thirsting for it as ever for fair Fame.

And now his task was ended, and a feast

Was duly held ; the rites to speed his guests

The Saint performed ; then to the Royal home

Dismissed them, as they grateful took their leave, 220

With fullest honours paid to him, his wife,

To Fire and Sacrifice, to Cow and Calf,

—

More glorious still and purer for the rite.

Then with his Queen the much-enduring King

Went in swift chariot on their prosperous way.

With pleasant clangour, like a fruitful vow.

Him like the crescent moon, through penance waned

For noble offspring, whom his folk had mourned,

They greeted now returning, nor could sate

Their eyes with gazing. He, great Indra's peer, 230

Hailed by glad subjects, to his city came

All decked with flags,—whence with unwearied arm.

Strong as the Serpent-King, he ruled the World.

As from great Atri's eye the sky receives

Its light, or Ganga ^iva's potent seed.

The Queen conceived :—the Sun-race to prolong,

The World's great Regents blessed her fruitful womb.

ni.J THE SACRIFICE 19

CANTO III

Raghu is born : Dilipas Horse-sacrifice is stayed by Indra,

with whom Raghu fights.

Then in her handmaids' sight Sudakshina

Shone pregnant, whence Ikshvaku's stock should spring

More vigorous, hke an early crescent moon,

To crown her husband's life. Her, pale as night,

When dawn is near, when dimly shines the moon

And stars are few, or like a Lodhra-ixte,

The King embraced ; he knew earth's scent, and longed,

Nor could be sated, as an elephant

Scarce slakes his thirst at forest ponds, though filled

By plenteous rain. " As Indra Heaven," she said, lo

'* So shall my son rule Earth ; his car shall range

To Earth's remotest bound ! " So mused the Queen,

On earthly savours fixing her desires.

Her loving Lord, who feared that bashful mood

Might check her utterance, asked her serving-maids

Of all her fancies, bent to ease her mind.

So as her months went on, whate'er she craved

Was brought unasked,—since all in Earth or Heav'n

The mighty King could for her needs provide.

20 RAGHUVANCA [canto

And so conception's pain was soothed for her, 20

Whose frame shone stouter, as the cHmbing-vines

Their old leaves shedding don the bright array

Of new-born Spring. The months rolled swiftly past.

Her bosom swelled, and on her lovely breasts

The nipples rose, to shame fresh lotus-buds

Where black bees cluster :—and her Lord was glad.

As Earth which Ocean clothes, where treasure lurks,

Or as that tree which nurses secret fire.

Or as Sarasvati in flood, she seemed

To him who constant-minded kept the feasts 30

Due for a Prince's birth, as love required

Owed to his Queen, with pomp that well might match

The wealth Earth yielded, and the joy he felt.

With eyes that swam with love the King at home

Watched as she slowly rose from cushioned seat.

Her womb weighed down with seed the Gods had

sown,

Weak hands that scarce could lift the offerings.

But skilled physicians watched the embryo birth

Until her time was near, when like the sky

At eventide she shrank from public gaze

;

40

Last, at due season she, fair (^achi's peer,

Brought forth a son, whose greatness stars foretold

That high in heaven shone, not quenched by dawn.

As threefold Virtue wins the Highest Bliss.

Calm was the vault of Heaven, soft winds blew

Clear rose the altar-flame, with butter fed

;

,11.] THE SACRIFICE 21

All augured happy days : such princes' birth

Brings good to all mankind. Now round the bed

Where lay the Queen at once the midnight-lamps,

Dimmed by the native glory of the child, so

Showed but as pictured lights. From the happy maid,

Who brought the joyful news his son was born,

Three things alone the King withheld, but three,

—

The moon-bright parasol and royal fans.

With steady eye, like lotus in still lake,

The King devoured his son's fair face, with joy

So great it burst all bounds, as Ocean's tide

At fulness of the moon. Then came a Priest

From Hermits' grove, and perfectly performed

All rites for birth, that so Dilipa's son 60

As gem new-polished shone with brightest gleam.

The joy-drums' cheerful sound, and twinkling feet

Of dancers echoed through the palace-halls.

Nor less in courts of Heav'n. The happy sire

Could set no prisoner free, for none lay bound

Where crime was not ; himself alone he freed

From coil of debt he owed the Blessed Shades.

Then praying,—" May this child through Sacred Lore

Pass quickly, warring swiftly smite his foes !

"

He named him Raghu, " swiftly-moving " Prince. 70

The child grew up beneath his Father's eye,

Lord of all wealth, and day by day his strength

Increased, as summer Sun's still-growing power

22 RAGHUVANCA [canto

Pervades the waxing moon. (.The Prince made glad

His parents, great as Civa and Uma,

Or Indra and his Queen :—since Hke themselves

He daily grew, as grew the Reed-born God,

Or famed Jayanta, while their mutual love

—

Like love of rain-birds—burned the more intense

That each one's love was centred on their son. 80

What word his nurse first taught he docile spake,

Held as he walked her hand, obedient bowed

When so she bade him : thus his Father's joy

He perfected,—who took him to his breast,

As though he bathed in nectar when he clfisped

The body of a son, with eyes askance

For perfect joy, delight he scarce had hoped !

Thus, following close the Law, he saw his line

In this fair son established, as the World

Great Brahma sees established, his own self 9°

In form derived, with primal Virtue clothed.

The Prince's childish locks had now been cut

As Law ordained, his childhood's comrades still

Preserving their long hair : the principles

Of learning he acquired, as streams suck up

Great Ocean's water. Next the sacred cord

That marked his second birth the noble child

Assumed, and sages taught him, fruitful soil

For learning's seed : on well-prepared fields

What work men spend will prosper. Oceans four 100

Of knowledge soon he crossed, his mental strength

III.] THE SACRIFICE 23

Concentring, as the Sun's untiring bays

(Than wind more swift) pass through the sky's four

zones.

The deerskin next he donned, and from his Sire

The spell-ruled weapon's use he learned : the King

Not only was sole Emperor, but in skill

Excelled all archers bold. As bull's estate

A steer attains, or elephant's the calf.

So Raghu passed from childhood up to youth,

And bore a form of gracious majesty. no

His tonsure o'er, forthwith the careful King

Procured him worthy brides, who lovely shone

As Daksha's daughters wedded to the Moon.

With arms like beams, broad shoulders, mighty neck,

A chest like portal wide, though Raghu seemed

In strength above his Father, modestly

He took rank lower. But the King, who long

Had borne the weight of rule, conferred on him

The state of Sociate-King, by nature meek

And training, to bear half the heavy charge. 120

So goddess Fortune, loving aye the best.

Had left the King, who long had been her choice.

And sought the Heir,—as leaving parent flower

For opening bloom. As Fire grows, fanned by Wind

His charioteer, or Sun when cloud-banks break,

Or elephant when love-streams bathe his brows,

—

So did the Son enhance his Father's state.

Till then unmatched.

24 RAGHUVANCA [canto

At length, in season due,

With princes for his comrades, that high Prince

Was set as guard to keep the sacred horse, 130

While King Dilipa, Indra's peer, performed

Save one a hundred sacrifices pure.

But Indra, all unseen, drove off the horse,

Set free to roam, to keep the rite unflawed.

Amazed the guards looked on ; that princely host

Stood by perplexed, confounded, till at length

Vagishtha's Cow, unbidden, blessed their sight,

—

Well known to all : through her great power the Prince

Received as from a mother grace to see

Things veiled from sense. Then looking East he saw 140

The God who curbed the hills, great Indra's self,

Drive off the steed reluctant, while his starts

The driver checked : the God he forthwith knew

By eyes unwinking and his bright bay steeds,

And challenged with a voice that pierced the sky.

To win him from his purpose :—" King of Gods !

Thee Sages praise as chief of those who share

All sacred rites : why then impede my Sire,

Who seeks by sacrifice to win Heaven's bliss ?

Thine 'tis, O highest Lord, whose eyes are stars, 150

To smite our impious foes ; if then, my Lord,

Thyself shouldst spoil the offering, worship's dues

Would lie destroyed. Ah, let the horse go free,

Most needful for the Rite ! great guides in Law

Ne'er stoop to methods base." In stark amaze

III.] THE SACRIFICE 25

At those bold words the King of Gods restrained

His chariot, making answer :—" Noble Prince,

Thou speakest well. Yet know, that those who prize

Their fame must guard it ever 'gainst attack.

Thy father seeks to rob me of my name, i6o

That fair renown which through the Worlds is mine.

Alone does Vishnu reign Supreme, Great Lord

Is ^iva's title only, me the Saints

Call Lord of Hundred Sacrificial Rites :

Alone each keeps his Name. To save this now

I drive thy Father's horse, as Kapila

Drove off the sacred Victim. Vain thy toil

To win it back : seek not to tread the path

Which sons of Sagara trode !

"—The Prince replied,

Undaunted keeper of the victim horse :

—

170

" Take then thy weapon, King of Gods, since so

Thou choosest war ! Me thou must first lay low,

Or yield the horse," Then on his string the Prince

His arrow laid, and Civa's self he seemed

Prone o'er the bow, fair, looking to the sky

Expectant : then he sped a golden shaft

Which pierced the God ; that God, who clipped the wings

Of mountains, losing patience, to his Bow-

That weapon dread which gathered clouds compose,

—

Laid his unerring shaft : that awful dart, 180

With demon-gore familiar, drank the blood

Of men, before untasted, greedily,

Next, brave as Kartikeya, that stout Prince

26 RAGHUVANCA [canto

With name-marked arrow smote great Indra's hand,

All rough from hide of Heaven's elephants,

And marked with pictures from fair ^achi's arms.

Then with another, fledged with peacock's plume,

He rent the Lightning-flag : fierce raged the God,

As though he 'd torn the heavenly Lakshmi's hair.

Now joined they awful battle : quite apart 190

Stood Siddhas and the Prince's host : they twain

Strove for the mast'ry :—down they shot and up

Their arrows, hurtling, terrible as snakes

To look on, winged. Nor could Indra quench

The Prince's inborn courage, though he rained

His shafts in quick succession : so the cloud

In vain would quench the fire itself has bred.

With crescent-headed arrow Raghu cut

Resplendent Indra's bowstring, which the God

Grasped in a hand that gleamed with sandalwood, 200

Deep-sounding as the Ocean when 'twas churned.

The God laid down his Bow, and seized in wrath

—

To slay his gallant foe—that flaming Bolt,

Wherewith of old he clipped the mountains' wings,

And hurled it. Then the Hero fell to earth

Sore-wounded, when his comrades' tears fell fast

;

But soon revived, undaunted, whom their shouts

Acclaimed on rising. Vritra's mighty foe.

Admiring much the valour which so long.

Sustaining fierce assault, defied his power : 210

For virtue aye is precious : called aloud :

—

III.] THE SACRIFICE 27

"Thou only hast withstood my mighty Bolt,

Which mountains could not face ! well-pleased I grant

Whate'er thou wilt, except the Victim horse."

Then to the King of Gods the Prince replied,

Sweet-voiced, returning to his belt the shaft

Half-drawn, whose feathers shone above his head :

—

" If, mighty Lord, thou wilt nowise restore

The horse, oh ! let my pious father win

The full reward of those long, arduous rites 220

So near perfection, which he may not reach.

Grant this too. Lord of Heaven, that now the King

In council set, by Civa's glory kept,

May know this from thy envoy ! " Then the God

Gave Raghu all he craved, and soared to Heaven.

Warned by the God, the King received his Son

With joy, and stroked with love-numbed hand his limbs,

By lightning scarred. Then, fixed to win Heaven's bliss.

His honoured life now ending, ladder-like

His ninety-nine great Offerings he stretched out, 230

To ease the way. His soul from things of sense

He quite withdrew, then solemnly gave o'er

To his young son the Kingdom, and himself

Went with his Queen to Hermits' shady grove,

—

The use of aged Kings of Manu's race.

Om Tat Sat

(Continued ..)

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

 for the collection)