10
action are concrete embodiments of metaphysical ideas. [All mythology includes this; but in Greek myths interests of art (story and plastic) predominate, in Hindoo myths thought is supreme.]
This may be seen in individual conceptions:
- Kehama: Prayer and Sacrifice as spiritual forces (compare Matthew xi. 12)—but in Hindoo thought independent of the worshipper's motive: 'drafts on Heaven' to be honoured at sight.
- The Amreeta-Cup (xviii and xxiv, especially xxiv. 1 7-21)—compare Genesis iii. 22.
- Witchcraft as Anti-Nature: Lorrinite (xi).
- Casyapa (vi): Wisdom divorced from Power.
- Yamen (especially xxiii. 13): compare Conscience.
- The Curse (ii. 14) a speculation on the limitations of humanity.
but more particularly, the action of the poem is continually found to embody meditations on
Destiny
Distinguish :
- Destiny proper: the stream of events apprehended as mere Force.
- Providence: the stream of events apprehended as complete Design.
- Intermediate between these: a Destiny which is Force variegated with flashes of Design.
The last is the picturesque conception of Destiny most suitable for Epic poetry.
- To note some of the thought-flashes on Destiny embodied in the action of the poem—mostly of the nature of Nemesis (the rebound of events) or Irony (mockery as a measure of irresistibility).—Such is the motto of the poem: "Curses are like young chickens, they always come home to roost." [Rescue of Kailyal from the river (iii)—Sacrifice of the Horse (viii)—Rescue in the Shrine of Jaga-Naut (xiv. 8-15)—Contest (xvi) with the Monster of the Deep.]
- Forcing the secrets of Fate secures only Half-Truths: compare Macbeth 1. 3. 122. [The main crisis: xxiv.]
- The Sinner winning his way only to find it destruction. [Incident of Mariataly's Image: ii. 9-10.]
- The Sinner punished in that wherein he offends. [Arvalan's body in the flames: xiv. 12-14.]
- Destiny assisting up to the point of guilt, stopping short of the prize. [Lorrinite and Arvalan: xi. 14.]
- The single grain of Good in the mass of Evil availing to avert Destruction. Compare Genesis xviii. 23-33. [Baly: xv. 4-6.]
Footnote.—The References are to the cantos and stanzas in each canto. The latter are not numbered in all editions, but the cantos are so short that no great difficulty will be found in referring.
