Page:Bengali Religious Lyrics, Śākta.pdf/41



'''I. THE CHILD'S COMPLAINT OF HIS MOTHER'S NEGLECT'''

Tell me where I may stand, Mother Tārā. I am alone, O Śaṅkarī. A mother's love brings the father's with it. But the father who dallies with a stepmother, vainly does his child look to him. If you forget all kindness, shall I go to my stepmother? If a stepmother take me in her lap, will my mind's disquiet cease?

Prasād says: In our scriptures this is written. He that names your name, Mother, wins for reward a garland of bones, and robes in tatters.

II. SHE IS UTTERLY INDIFFERENT Is motherhood then a mere word of the lips? Bringing forth does not make a mother, unless she can understand the griefs of her child.