Page:History of India Vol 1.djvu/94

64 "Yonder stars which are placed on high and are seen by night—where do they go by day? The acts of Varuna are irresistible; the moon shines brightly by his mandate."

Elsewhere, in more ethical strain, the poet prays forgiveness for his sins:—

"O Varuna! with an anxious heart I ask thee about my sins. I have gone to learned men to make inquiry; the sages have all said to me, 'Varuna is displeased with thee.'

"O Varuna! what have I done that thou wishest to destroy thy friend, thy worshipper? thou of irresistible power, declare it to me, so that I may quickly bend in adoration and come unto thee.

"O Varuna! deliver us from the sins of our fathers. Deliver us from the sins committed in our persons. royal Varuna! deliver Vasishtha, like a calf from its tether, like a thief who has feasted on a stolen animal.

"O Varuna! all this sin is not wilfully committed by us. Error or wine, anger or dice, or even thoughtlessness, has begotten sin. Even an elder brother leads his younger astray; sin is begotten even in our dreams.

"Freed from sin, I will faithfully serve, as a slave, the Varuna who fulfils our wishes and supports us. We are ignorant, may the Arya god bestow on us knowledge. May the wise deity accept our prayer and bestow on us wealth."

Still more poignant is the entreaty:—

"O King Varuna! may I never go to the earthen home! thou of great power! have mercy, have mercy!