Page:Monier Monier-Williams - Indian Wisdom.djvu/100

 From those we hold most dear, association

"With those we hate ; continually exposed

To hunger, thirst, disease, decrepitude,

Emaciation, growth, decline, and death,

What relish can there be for true enjoyment ?

The universe is tending to decay,

Grass, trees, and animals spring up and die.

But what are they ? Earth s mighty men are gone,

Leaving their joys and glories ; they have passed

Out of this world into the realm of spirits.

But what are they ? Beings greater still than these,

Gods, demigods, and demons, all have gone.

But what are they ? for others greater still

Have passed away, vast oceans have been dried,

Mountains thrown down, the polar star displaced,

The cords that bind the planets rent asunder,

The whole earth deluged with a flood of water,

E en highest angels driven from their stations.

In such a world what relish can there be

For true enjoyment? deign to rescue us;

Thou only art our refuge, holy lord.