Page:TheBirth of the War-God.djvu/63

Thus would my steadfast heart his love obtain,
For this I gladly bear the toil and pain;
Surely the strong desire, the earnest will,
May win some favour from his mercy still."

"Lady," cried he, "that mighty Lord I know,
Ever his presence bringeth care and woe,
And wouldst thou still a second time prepare
The sorrows of his fearful life to share?
Deluded Maid, how shall thy tender hand,
Decked with the nuptial bracelet's jewelled band,
Be clasped in his, when fearful serpents twine
In scaly horror round that arm divine?
How shall thy robe, with gay flamingoes gleaming,
Suit with his coat of hide with blood-drops streaming?
Of old thy pathway led where flowerets sweet
Made pleasant carpets for thy gentle feet.
And e'en thy foes would turn in grief away
To see those vermeil-tinted limbs essay.
Where scattered tresses strew the mournful place,
Their gloomy path amid the tombs to trace.
On Siva's heart the funeral ashes rest.
Say, gentle Lady, shall they stain thy breast.
Where the rich tribute of the Sandal trees
Sheds a pure odour on the amorous breeze?
A royal bride returning in thy state.
The King of Elephants should bear thy weight:
How wilt thou brook the mockery and the scorn
When thou on Siva's Bull art meanly borne?
Sad that the crescent Moon his crest should be,—
And shall that mournful fate be shared by thee?