Page:Kopal-Kundala.djvu/178

148 and hurls forth a thunder-bolt. The cloud in which Kopal-Kundala's life was suddenly immersed,—up till now we have bit by bit been collecting its vapour and water.

Does the reader believe in destiny? I do not speak of absolute fatalism, which is mere nonsense made up to console the minds of idle men; but does he admit this, that sometimes some coming event in this way casts its shadow before, and that actions indicating its accomplish are brought with so irresistible force that human power cannot check them? Wise men in all countries and in all ages have admitted this. This destiny is the soul of the "Waverley Novels;" it is the essence of omniscient Shakespeare's "Macbeth." In another form, as "Fate" and "Necessity," it has been the cause of considerable diversity of opinion among European philosophers.

In our own country this "Destiny" is well known in society. The poet, who imagined the destruction of the race of Kurus, was exceedingly skilled in this fascinating spell.