Page:Queen Moo's talisman; the fall of the Maya empire (IA queenmoostalisma00leplrich).djvu/66

 And when the hero's form was wrapped in fire,

Two mated doves, pure white, loosed near the pyre,

Up soared—of liberated soul the sign,

From prison freed, no fetter to confine;

Yet more, fair symbols of creative force,

Of life and death and all that is, the Source.

The grace divine was fervently implored

While hissed the leaping flame and loudly roared.

Transparent burned the wood with ruddy glare;

Melodious voices rose o'er trumpet blare:

Thro' earth-life our footsteps lead,

Guide us into peace eternal,

Till from all desire we're freed,

And perceive Thy Light Supernal.

Down sank the pile; priests chanting nearer drew

And on expiring flames sweet incense threw.

Speed thee now to realm of bliss,

Cast aside the thought of strife,

Tho' each eye thy face will miss

And we mourn thee all our life!

Intoned the priests and slow their bodies swayed,

The dying embers fanned, and singing stayed

While these by murm'ring winds were borne away—

List where they might, they would life's law obey.