Page:TheBirth of the War-God.djvu/42

30 He learnt his Master's pleasure by the nod, And led daughter to the God; Before his feet her young companions spread Fresh leaves and blossoms as they bow the head, While stooped so low, that from her hair Dropped the bright flower that starred the midnight there; To him whose ensign bears the Bull she bent, Till each spray fell, her ear's rich ornament. "Sweet Maid," cried, "surely thou shalt be Blessed with a husband who loves none but thee!" Her fear was banished, and her hope was high, — A God had spoken, and Gods cannot lie.

Rash as some giddy moth that wooes the flame, seized the moment, and prepared to aim, Close by the daughter of the Mountain-King, He looked on, and he eyed his string. While with her radiant hand fair gave A rosary, of the Lotuses that lave Their beauties in the heavenly wave,—— And the great Three-Eyed God was fain to take The offering for the well-loved suppliant's sake, On his bright bow Love placed the unerring dart, The soft beguiler of the stricken heart. Like the Moon's influence on the Sea at rest. Came Passion stealing o'er the Hermit's breast, While on the Maiden's lip that mocked the dye Of ripe red fruit, he bent his melting eye; And oh! how showed the Lady's love for him. The heaving bosom, and each quivering limb! Like young Kadambas, when the leaf-buds swell. At the warm touch of Spring they love so well;