Page:TheBirth of the War-God.djvu/91

Rh Then to fair spake the gracious Power Who sits enthroned upon the Lotus flower:— "O beautiful Lady, happy shalt thou he, And hero children shall be born of thee!" Then looked in silence,—vain the hope to bless The Bridegroom, Siva, with more happiness!

Then from the Altar, as prescribed of old, They turned, and rested upon seats of gold: And, as the Holy Books for men ordain, Were sprinkled duly with the moistened gTain. High o'er their heads sweet Beauty's Queen displayed Upon a stem of reed a cool green shade, While the young Lotus-leaves of which 'twas made Seemed as they glistened to the wondering view All richly pearled with drops of beady dew. In twofold language on each glorious head The Queen of Speech her richest blessings shed; In strong, pure, godlike utterance for his ear. To her in liquid tones, soft, beautifully clear.

Now for awhile they gaze where Maids divine In graceful play the expressive dance entwine. Whose eloquent motions, with an Actor's art, Show to the life the passions of the heart.

The rite was ended; then the Heavenly band Prayed Siva, raising high the suppliant hand:— "Now, for the dear sake of thy lovely Bride, Have pity on the gentle God"—they cried— "Whose tender body thy fierce wrath has slain: Give all his honour, all his might again!"