Page:A history of Sanskrit literature (1900), Macdonell, Arthur Anthony.djvu/133

 The first three stanzas of this lullaby end with the refrain, "Fall fast asleep" (ni shu shvapa).

The purpose of one incantation (x. 183) is to procure children, while another (x. 162) is directed against the demon that destroys offspring. There is also a spell (x. 166) aiming at the destruction of enemies. We further find the incantation (x. 145) of a woman desiring to oust her rival wives from the affections of her husband. A sequel to it is formed by the song of triumph (x. 159) of one who has succeeded in this object:—


 * Up has arisen there the sun,
 * So too my fortunes now arise:
 * With craft victorious I have gained
 * Over my lord this victory.


 * My sons now mighty warriors are,
 * My daughter is a princess now,
 * And I myself have gained the day:
 * My name stands highest with my lord.


 * Vanquished have I these rival wives,
 * Rising superior to them all,
 * That over this heroic man
 * And all this people I may rule.

With regard to a late hymn (vii. 103), which is entirely secular in style, there is some doubt as to its original purpose. The awakening of the frogs at the beginning of the rainy season is here described with a graphic power which will doubtless be appreciated best by those who have lived in India. The poet compares the din of their croaking with the chants of priests exhilarated by soma, and with the clamour of pupils at school repeating the words of their teacher:—


 * Resting in silence for a year,
 * As Brahmans practising a vow,