Page:The Poetical Works of Ram Sharma.djvu/292

 250 SHIVA RATRI And quiver there, and lay him down to rest, Lull'd by the music of the warbling grove, And murmur of the brooks that babbled by. A gentle breeze was blowing then, and as It kissed the sleeping buds, they quickly woke, Quiv'ring with fragrant ecstasies of joy. But hark! a spirit voice invites his ear :- "See, Dharmji, see, how Maya Fair With busy throngs is gleaming there ! How iridescent human life Displays the tameless passions' strife! All opaline to outward view, It looks like sun-kiss'd morning dew. There demons fell and yaginis.* 1 Who take up any shape they please, And with foul arts their victims change To beasts and birds and creatures strange, Have open'd tempting shows to lure Unthinking souls to ruin sure. Few, few, alas! escape their snare, Save those who Virtue's armour wear!" Forewam'd thus, Dharmji hasten'd down the height, And swiftly gain'd the plain, when Maya Fair Burst on his dazzled sight, with its gay sheds, And gorgeous palaces, and massive gates. Thither he went, and passing thro' the portal, Beheld a hundred-gated marble pile, With a tall tow'r, surmounted by a figure
 * Ogressen