Page:TheBirth of the War-God.djvu/31

Rh Idly the chakra hangs on Vishnu's neck, And our last hope is vain, that it would check The haughty might, and flash afar Ruin and death—the thunderbolt of war; E'en elephant has felt the might Of his fierce monsters in the deadly fight; Which spurn the dust in fury, and defy The threatening clouds that sail along the sky.

Therefore, Lord, we seek a Chief, that he May lead the hosts of Heaven to victory,— Even as holy men who long to sever The immortal spirit from its shell for ever, Seek lovely Virtue's aid to free the soul From earthly ties and action's base control. Thus shall he save us—proudly will we go Under his escort 'gainst the furious foe; And, conqueror in turn, shall bring , dear captive, home with joy and triumphing."

Sweet as the rains—the fresh'ning rains—that pour On the parched earth when thunders cease to roar, Were words:—"Gods, I have heard your grief, Wait ye in patience—time will bring relief; 'Tis not for me, my children, to create A chief to save you from your mournful fate; Not by my hand the Fiend must be destroyed, For my kind favour has he once enjoyed, And well ye know that e'en a poisonous tree By him who planted it unharmed should be; He sought it eagerly, and long ago I gave my favour to your Demon-foe,