{"id":1433,"date":"2013-07-13T01:34:47","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:34:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=1433"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:34:47","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:34:47","slug":"65-urvasie-vol-05-collected-poems-volume-05","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/01-works-of-sri-aurobindo\/01-sabcl\/05-collected-poems-volume-05\/65-urvasie-vol-05-collected-poems-volume-05","title":{"rendered":"-65_Urvasie.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n

\n
\nUrvasie<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/font><\/h2>\n


\nC<\/font><\/span>ANTO<\/font><\/span>
\n<\/span> <\/span>I<\/p>\n

<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n
 <\/td>\n\n


\nP<\/font><\/b>ururavus
\nfrom Titan conflict ceased<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Turned
\nworldwards, through illimitable space<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Had
\ntravelled like a star \u2019twixt earth and heaven<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Slowly
\nand brightly. Late our mortal air<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

He
\nbreathed; for downward now the hooves divine<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Trampling
\nout fire with sound before them went,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nthe great earth rushed up towards him, green.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

With
\nthe first line of dawn he touched the peaks,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Nor
\npaused upon those savage heights, but reached<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Inferior
\nsummits subject to the rain,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nrested. Looking northwards thence he saw<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The
\ngiant snows upclimbing to the sky,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nfelt the mighty silence. In his ear<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The
\nnoise of a retreating battle was,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Wide
\ncrash of wheels and hard impetuous blare<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Of
\ntrumpets and the sullen march of hosts.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Therefore
\nwith joy he drank into his soul<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The
\nvirgin silence inaccessible<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Of
\nmountains and divined his mother\u2019s breasts.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

But
\nas he listened to the hush, a thought<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Came
\nto him from the spring and he turned round<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\ngazed into the quiet maiden East,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Watching
\nthat birth of day, as if a line<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Of
\nsome great poem out of dimness grew,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Slowly
\nunfolding into perfect speech.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The
\ngrey lucidity and pearliness<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Bloomed
\nmore and more, and over earth chaste again<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The
\nfreshness of the primal dawn returned,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Life
\ncoming with a virginal sharp strength,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Renewed
\nas from the streams of Paradise.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Nearer
\nIt drew now to him and he saw<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Out
\nof the widening glory move a face<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Of
\ndawn, a body fresh from mystery,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Enveloped
\nwith a prophecy of light<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

More
\nrich than perfect splendours. It was she,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The
\ngolden virgin, Usha mother of life,<\/span><\/p>\n


\nPage-189<\/font><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Yet
\nvirgin. In a silence sweet she came,
\nUnveiled, soft-smiling, like a bride, rose-cheeked, <\/p>\n

<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

Her
\nbosom full of flowers, the morning wind<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

Stirring
\nher hair and all about her gold.
\nNor sole she came. Behind her faces laughed <\/p>\n

<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

Delicious,
\ngirls of heaven whose beauties ease
\nThe labour of the battle-weary Gods;
\nThey in the golden dawn of things sprang gold,<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

From
\nyouth of the immortal Ocean born,
\nThey youthful and immortal, and the waves
\nWere in their feet and in their voices fresh
\nAs foam, and Ocean in their souls was love. <\/p>\n

<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

Laughing
\nthey ran among the clouds, their hair<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nraiment all a tempest in the breeze.
\nThe sky grew glorious with them and their feet
\nA restless loveliness and glad eyes full
\nOf morning and divine faces bent back
\nFor the imperious kisses of the wind.
\nSo danced they numberless, as dew-drops gleam,<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

Menaca,
\nMisracayshie, Mullica,
\nRumbha, Nelabha, Shela, Nolinie,<\/p>\n

<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

Lolita,
\nLavonya and Tilottama,<\/span> –
\n<\/span>Many delightful names; among them
\nshe.
\nAnd seeing her Pururavus the king
\nShuddered as of felicity afraid,
\nAnd all the wide heart of Pururavus
\nMoved like the sea<\/span> – <\/span>when
\nwith a coming wind <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

Great
\nOcean lifts in far expectancy
\nWaiting to feel the shock, so was he moved
\nBy expectation of her face. For this
\nWas secret in its own divinity
\nLike a high sun of splendour, or half seen
\nAll troubled with her hair. Yet Paradise
\nBreathed from her limbs and tresses wonderful, <\/p>\n

<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

With
\nodours and with dreams. Then for a space <\/p>\n

<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

Voiceless
\nthe great king stood and, troubled, watched <\/p>\n

<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

That
\nlovely advent, laughter and delight
\nGaining upon the world. At last he sighed
\nAnd the vague passion broke from him in speech <\/p>\n

<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

Heard
\nby the solitude. "0 thou strong god, <\/span><\/font>
\n <\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPage-190<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

Who
\nart thou graspest me with hands of fire,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Making
\nmy soul all colour? Surely I thought<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The
\nhills would move and the eternal stars<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Deviate
\nfrom their rounds immutable,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Never
\nPururavus yet lo! I fall.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

My
\nsoul whirls alien and I hear amazed<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The
\ngalloping of uncontrollable steeds.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Men
\nsaid of me: \u2018The King Pururavus<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Grows
\nmore than man; he lifts <\/i>to azure heaven<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

In
\nvast equality his spirit sublime\u2019,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Why
\nsink <\/i>I now towards attractive earth?<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nthou, who art thou, mystery! golden wonder!<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Moving
\nenchantress! Wast thou not a part<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Of
\nsoft auspicious evenings I have loved?<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Have
\nI not seen thy beauty on the clouds?<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

In
\nmoonlight and in starlight and in fire?<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Some
\nflower whose brightness was a trouble? a face.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Whose
\nmemory like a picture lived with me?<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

A
\nthought I had, but lost? O was thy voice<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

A<\/span>
\nvernal repetition in some grove,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Telling
\nof 1i1ies clustered o\u2019er with bees<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nquiet waters open to the moon?<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Surely
\nin some past life I loved thy name,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nsyllable by syllable now strive<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Its
\nsweetness to recall. It seems the grace<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Of
\nvisible things, of hushed and lonely snows<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nburning great inexorable noons,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\ntowns and valleys and the mountain winds.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

All
\nbeauty of earthliness is in thee, all<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Luxurious
\nexperience of the soul.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

O
\ncomest thou because I left thy charm<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Aiming
\nat purity, oh comest thou,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Goddess,
\nto avenge thyself with beauty? Come!<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Unveil
\nthyself from light! <\/i>limit thyself,
\nO infinite grace, that I may find, may clasp.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

For
\nsurely in my heart I know thou bearest<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

A
\nname that naturally weds with mine,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nI perceive our union magically<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

I<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/i>Inevitable as a
\nperfect verse<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Of
\nVeda. Set thy feet upon my heart,<\/span><\/p>\n


\nPage-191<\/font><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

O
\nGoddess! woman, to my bosom move!<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

I
\nam Pururavus, O Urvasie.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

As
\nwhen a man to the grey face of dawn<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Awaking
\nfrom an unremembered dream,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Repines
\nat life awhile and buffets back<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The
\nwave of old familiar thoughts, and hating<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

His
\nusual happiness and usual cares<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Strives
\nto recall a dream’s felicity; –<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Long
\nstrives in vain and rolls his painful thought<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Through
\nmany alien ways, when sudden comes<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

A
\nflash, another, and the vision burns<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Like
\nlightning in the brain, so leaped that name<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Into
\nthe musing of the troubled king.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Joyous
\nhe cried aloud and lashe4 his steeds:<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

They,
\nrearing, leaped from Himalaya high<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\ntrampled with their hooves the southern wind.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

But
\nnow a cry broke from the lovely crowd<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Of
\nfear and tremulous astonishment;<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nthey huddled together like doves dismayed<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Who
\nsee the inevitable talons near<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nrush of cruel wings. \u2019Twas not from him,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

For
\nhim they saw not yet, but from the north<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

A
\nfear was on them, and Pururavus<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Heard
\na low roar as of a distant cloud.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

He
\nturned half-wrathful. In the far north-west<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Heaven
\nstood thick, concentrated in gloom,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Darkness
\nin darkness hidden; for the cloud<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Rose
\nfirmament on sullen firmament,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

As
\nif all brightness to entomb. Across<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Great
\nthundrous whispers rolled, and lightning quivered<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

From
\nedge to edge, a savage pallor. Down<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The
\nsouth wind dropped appalled. Then for a while<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Stood
\npregnant with the thunderbolt and wearing<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Rain
\nlike a colour, the monumental cloud<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Sublime
\nand voiceless. Long the heart was stilled<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nthe ear waited listening. Suddenly<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

From
\nmotionless battalions as outride<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

A
\nspeed disperse of horsemen, from that mass<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Of
\nlivid menace went a frail light cloud<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Rushing
\nthrough heaven, and behind it streamed<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n


\n Page-192<\/font><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The
\ndownpour all in wet and greenish lines.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Swift
\nrushed the splendid anarchy admired,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nreached, and broke, and with a roar of rain<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\ntumult on the wings of wind and clasp<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Of
\nthe o\u2019erwhelmed horizons and with bursts<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Of
\nthunder breaking all the body with sound<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nlightning \u2019twixt the eyes intolerable,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Like
\nheaven\u2019s vast eagle all that blackness swept<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Down
\nover the inferior snowless heights<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

O
\n<\/span>And swallowed up the
\ndawn. Pururavus<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Lost
\nin the streaming tumult, stood amazed:<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

But
\nas he watched, he was aware of locks<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Flying
\nand a wild face and terrible<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nfierce familiar eyes. Again he looked<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nknew him in a hundred battles crossed,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The
\ngiant Cayshie. It seemed but yesterday<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

That
\nover the waves of fight their angry eyes<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Had
\nmet. He in the dim disguise of rain,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

All
\nswift with storm, came passionate and huge,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Filling
\nthe regions with himself. Immense<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

He
\nstooped upon the brides of heaven. They<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Like
\nflowers in a gust scattered and blown<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Fled
\nevery way; but he upon that beauty<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Magical
\nsprang and seized and lifted up,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

As
\nthe storm lifts a lily, and arrow-like<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Up
\ntowards the snow-bound heights in rising cloud<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Rushed
\nwith the goddess to the trembling East.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

But
\nwith more formidable speed and fast<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Storming
\nthrough heaven King Pururavus<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Hurled
\nafter him. The giant turned and knew<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The
\nsound of those victorious wheels and light<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

In
\na man\u2019s face more dangerous to evil<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Than
\nall the shining Gods. He stood, he raised<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

One
\ndreadful arm that stretched across the heavens,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nshook his baffling lance on high. But vast,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

But
\nmagnified by speed came threatening on<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

With
\nechoing hooves and battle in its wheels<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The
\nchariot of the King Pururavus<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Bearing
\na formidable charioteer,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Pururavus.
\nThe fiend paused, he rolled his eyes<\/span><\/p>\n


\nPage-193<\/font><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Full
\nof defiance, passion and despair<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Upon
\nthe swooning goddess in his arms<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nthat avenger. Violence and fear<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Poised
\nhim a moment on a wave of fate<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

This
\nway to death cadent, that way to shame.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Then
\ngroaning in his great tumultuous breast<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

He
\ndropped upon the snow heaven\u2019s ravished flower<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nfled, a blackness in the East. New sky<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Replenished
\nfrom the sullen cloud dawned out;<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The
\ngreat pure azure rose in sunlight wide.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Nor
\nKing Pururavus pursued but checked<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

His
\nrushing chariot on the quiet snow<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nsprang towards her and knelt down and trembled.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Perfect
\nshe lay amid her tresses wide,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Like
\na mishandled lily luminous,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

As
\nshe had fallen. From the lucid robe<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

One
\nshoulder gleamed and golden breast left bare,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Divinely
\nlifting, one gold arm was flung.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

A
\nwarm rich splendour exquisitely outlined<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Against
\nthe dazzling whiteness, and her face<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Was
\nas a fallen moon among the snows.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nKing Pururavus, beholding glowed<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Through
\nall his limbs and maddened with a love<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

He
\nfeared and cherished. Overawed and hushed,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Hardly
\neven breathing, long he knelt, a greatness<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Made
\nstone with sudden dread and passion. Love<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

With
\nfiery attempt plucked him all down to her,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

But
\nfear forbade his lips the perfect curls.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

At
\nlength he raised her still unkissed and laid<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

In
\nhis bright chariot, next himself ascended<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nresting on one arm with fearful joy<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Her
\ndrooping head, with the other ruled the car; <\/span>–<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

With
\none arm ruled, but his eyes were for her<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Studying
\nher fallen lids and to heart-beats<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Guessing
\nthe sweetness of the soul concealed.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nsoon she moved. Those wonderful wide orbs<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Dawned
\ninto his, quietly, as if in muse.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

A
\nlovely slow surprise crept into them<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Afterwards;
\nlast, something far lovelier,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Which
\nwas herself, and was delight, and love.<\/span><\/p>\n


\nPage-194<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

As
\nwhen a child falls asleep unawares<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

At
\na closed window on a stormy day,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking
\ninto the weary rain, and long<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Sleeps,
\nand wakes quietly into a life<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Of
\nancient moonlight, first the thoughtfulness<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Of
\nthat felicitous world to which the soul<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Is
\nvisitor in sleep, keeps her sublime<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Discurtained
\neyes; human dismay comes next,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Slowly;
\nlast, sudden, they brighten and grow wide<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

With
\nrecognition of an altered world,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Delighted:
\nso woke Urvasie to love.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

But,
\nhardly now that luminous inner dawn<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Bridged
\njoy between their eyes, laughter broke in<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nthe returning world; for Menaca,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Standing
\na lily in the snows, laughed back<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Those
\nirresistible wheels and spoke like song; <\/span>–<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

She
\ntremulous and glad from bygone fear;<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

But
\nall those flower-like came, increasing light,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Their
\nbosoms quick and panting, bright, like waves<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

That
\nunder sunshine lift remembering storm.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nbefore all Menaca tremulously<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Smiling:
\n\u201cWhither, O King Pururavus<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Bear\u2019st
\nthou thy victory? Wilt thou set her<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

A
\ngolden triumph in thy balls? But she<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Is
\nother than thy marble caryatids<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\naustere doors, purity colourless.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Read
\nnot too much thy glory in her eyes.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Will
\nnot that hueless inner stream yet serve<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Where
\nthou wast wont to knew thy perfect deeds?<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

But
\ngive her back, give us our sister back,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nin return take all thyself with thee.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

So
\nwith flushed cheeks and smiling Menaca.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\ngreat Pururavus set down the nymph<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

In
\nher bright sister\u2019s arms and stood awhile<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Stormily
\ncalm in vast incertitude,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Quivering.
\nThen divine Tilottama:<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cO
\nKing, O mortal mightier than the Gods!<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

For
\nGods change not their strength, but are of old<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nas of old, and man, though less than these,<\/span><\/p>\n


\nPage-195<\/font><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

May yet proceed to
\ngreater, self-evolved.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Man,
\nby experience of passion purged,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

His
\nmyriad faculty perfecting, widens<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

His
\nnature as it rises till it grows<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

With
\nGod conterminous. For one who tames<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

His
\nhot tremulousness of soul Unblest<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nfeels around him like an atmosphere<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

A
\nquiet perfectness of joy and peace,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

He,
\nlike the sunflower sole of all the year,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Images
\nthe divine to which he tends:<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

So
\nthou, sole among men. And thou today<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

I<\/span>
\nHast a high deed perfected, saved from death<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The
\ngreat Gods of the solar world the first,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nsaved with them the stars; <\/i>but her today<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Without
\nwhom all that world would grow to shade<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Or
\ngrow to fire, but each way cease to live.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nthou shalt gather strange rewards, O King,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Hurting
\nthyself with good, and lose thy life<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

To
\nhave the life of all the solar world,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Draw
\ninfinite gain out .of more infinite loss,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And,
\nfor the lowest, endless fame. Today<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Retire
\nnor pluck the slowly-ripening fates;<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Since
\nwho anticipates the patient Gods,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Finds
\nhis crown ashes and his empire grief.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

So
\nchoose blind Titans in their violent souls<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Unseeing,
\nforfeiting the beautiful world<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

For
\nmomentary splendours.\u201d She was silent,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nhe replied no word, but gathering<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

His
\nreins swept from the golden group. His car<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Through
\nthose mute Himalayan doors, of earth<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nall that silent life before our life<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Solitary
\nand great and merciless,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Went
\ngroaning down the wind: He, the sole living,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Over
\nthe dead deep-plunging precipices<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Passed
\nbright and small in a wide dazzling world<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Illimitable,
\nwhere eye flags and ear<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Listening
\nfeels inhuman loneliness.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

He
\ntended towards Gungotri\u2019s solemn peaks<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nsavage glaciers and the caverns pure<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Whence
\nGanges leaps, our mother, virgin-cold.<\/span><\/p>\n


\nPage-196<\/font><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

But
\nere he plunged into the human vales<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nkindlier grandeurs, King Pururavus,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Looked
\nback upon a gust of his great heart,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nsaw her. On a separate peak, divine,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

In
\nblowing raiment and a glory of hair<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

She
\nstood and watched him go with serious eyes<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\na soft wonder in them and a light.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

One
\nhand was in her streaming folds, one shaded<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Her
\neyes as if the vision that she saw<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Were
\nbrighter even than deathless eyes endure.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Over
\nher shoulder pressed a laughing crowd<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Of
\nluminous faces. And Pururavus<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Staggered
\nas smitten, and shaking wide his reins<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Rushed
\nlike a star into the infinite air;<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

So
\ncurving downwards on precipitate wheels,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

His
\nspirit all a storm, came with the wind<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Far-sounding
\ninto Ila\u2019s peaceful town.
\n                                               <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n


\nPage-197<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n


\nB<\/b>ut
\nfrom the dawn and mountains Urvasie<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Went
\nmarvelling and glad, not as of old<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

A
\ncareless beam; for an august constraint,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Unfelt
\nbefore, ruled her extravagant grace<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nwayward beauty; and familiar things,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Grew
\nstrange to her, and to her eyes came mists<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Of
\nmortal vision. Love was with her there,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

But
\nnot of Paradise nor that great guest<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Perpetual
\nwho makes his golden couch?<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Between
\nthe Opsara\u2019s ever-heaving breasts.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

For
\nthis was rapturous, troubled, self-absorbed,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

A
\ngracious human presence which she loved,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nwondered at, and hid deep in her heart.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nwhether in the immortal\u2019s dance she moved,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

A
\nbillow, or her fingers like sunbeams<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Brightened
\nthe harps of heaven, or going out<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

With
\nthe white dawn to bathe in Swerga\u2019s streams,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Or
\nin the woods of Eden wandering;<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Or
\nhappy sitting under peaceful boughs<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

In
\na great golden evening, all she did,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Celestial
\noccupations, all she thought<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nall she was, though still the same, had changed.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

There
\nwas a happy trouble in her ways
\nAnd movements; her felicitous lashes drooped<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

With
\na burden; and all her daily acts<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Were
\nas a statue imitating life,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Not
\nsingle-hearted like the sovran Gods.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Now
\nas the days of heaven went by in quiet<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nthere was peaceful summer \u2019mid the Gods,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

In
\nSwerga song increased and dances swayed<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

In
\nmultitudinous beauty, jasmine-crowned;<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\noften in high Indra\u2019s hall the spirits<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Immortal
\nmet to watch the shows divine<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Of
\naction and celestial theatre.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

For
\nnot of earth alone are delicate arts<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nnoble imitations, but in heaven<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Have
\ntheir rich prototypes. So on that day<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Before
\na divine audience there was staged<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n


\nPage-198<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The
\nChoice of Luxmie. Urvasie enacted,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The
\ngoddess, Ocean\u2019s child, and Menaca.<\/p>\n

<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n

Was
\nvarunie, and other girls of heaven<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Assembled
\nthe august desiring Gods.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Full
\nstrangely sweet those delicate mimics were;<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Moonbeam
\nfaces imitated the strength<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nsilence of great spirits battle-worn,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nlittle hands the awful muniments<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Of
\nempire grasped and powers that shake the world.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Then
\nwith a golden wave of arm sublime<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Menaca
\ntowards the warlike consistory,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Under
\nhalf-drooping lashes indicating<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Where
\ncalm eternal Vishnu like a cloud,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Sat
\ndiscus-armed, said to her sister bright:<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDaughter
\nof Ocean, sister, for whom heaven<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Is
\npassionate, thou hast reviewed the powers<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Eternal
\nand their dreadful beauty scanned,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nheard their blissful names. Say, unafraid<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Before
\nthese listening faces, whom thou lovest<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Above
\nall Gods and more than earth and more<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Than
\njoy of Swerga\u2019s streams?\u201d And Urvasie,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Musing
\nwith wide unseeing eyes replied<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

In
\na far voice: \u201cThe King Pururavus.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Then,
\nas a wind among the leaves, there swept<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

A
\ngust of laughter through the assembled Gods,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

A
\nhappy summer sound. But not in mirth<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Bharuth,
\nthe mighty dramatist of heaven,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Passionate
\nto see his smooth work marred and spell<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Broken
\nof scenic fancies finely-touched:<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSince
\nthou hast brought the breath of mortal air<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Into
\nthe pure solemnities of heaven,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nsince thou givest up to other ends<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Than
\nthe one need for which God made thee form,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Thy
\nbeing and hast here transferred from earth<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Human
\nfailure from the divided soul,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Marring
\nmy great creation, Urvasie,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

I
\ncurse thee to possess thy heart\u2019s desire.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Exiled
\nfrom Swerga\u2019s streams and golden groves<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Thou,
\nby terrestrial Ganges or on sad<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Majestic
\nmountains or in troubled towns,
\n 
\n<\/span><\/p>\n


\nPage-199<\/font><\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

Enjoy
\nthy love, but hope not here to breathe<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Felicity
\nin regions built for peace<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Of
\nwho, erect in their own nature, keep<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Living
\nby fated toils the glorious world.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

He
\nceased and there was silence of the Gods.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Then
\nIndra answered, smiling, though ill-pleased:<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBharuth,
\nnot well nor by the fates allowed<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

To
\nexile without limit from the skies<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Who
\nof the skies is part. Her wilt thou banish<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

From
\nthe felicity of grove and stream,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Making
\nour Eden empty of her smiles?<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

But
\nwhat felicity in stream or grove<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nshe not secret there? And hast thou taxed<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Her
\npassion, yet in passion would\u2019st deface<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The
\nbeautiful world because thy work is vain?\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Bharuth
\nreplied, the high poet severe:<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIrrevocable
\nis the doom pronounced<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Once
\nby my lips. Fates too are born of song.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

But
\nif of limit thou speakest and the term<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

By
\nnature fixed to the divorce of her<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

From
\nthe felicity in which she moves,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Nature
\nthat fixed the limit, still effects<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Inevitably
\nits fated ends. For Fate,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The
\ndim great presence, is but nature made<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Irrevocable
\nin its fruits. Let her<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

To
\nthe pure banks of sacred Ganges wend.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

There
\nshe may keep her: exile, from of old<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Intended
\nfor perfection of the earth<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Through
\nher sweet change. Heaven too shall flash and grow<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Fairer
\nwith her returning feet though changed, –<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Though
\nchanged, yet lovelier from beneficence.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

For
\nshe will come soft with maternal cheeks<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nflushed from nuptial arms and human-blest<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

With
\ntouches of the warm delightful earth.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

He
\nsaid and Urvasie from the dumb place<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nthoughtful presence of the Gods departed<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Into
\nthe breezy noon of Swerga. Under<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Green
\nwell-known boughs laden with nameless fruit<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nover blissful swards and perfect flowers<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nthrough the wandering alleys she arrived<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n


\nPage-200<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\nTo heavenly Ganges where it streams o\u2019er stones;<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

There
\nfrom the banks of summer downward stepped,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

One
\nlittle golden hand gathering her dress<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Above
\nher naked knees, and, lovely, passed<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Through
\nthe divine pellucid river on<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

To
\nSwerga\u2019s portals, pausing on the slope<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Which
\ngoes toward the world. There she looked down<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

With
\nyearning eyes far into endless space.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Behind
\nher stood the green felicitous peaks<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\ntrembling tops of woods and pulse of blue<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

With
\nthose calm cloudless summits quivering.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

All
\nheaven was behind her, but she sent<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

No
\nlook to those eternal seats of joy.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

She
\ndown the sunbeams gazed where mountains rose<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

In
\nsnow, the bleak and mighty hills of earth,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nvirgin forests vast, great infant streams<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\ncities young in the heroic dawn<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Of
\nhistory and insurgent human art<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Titanic
\non the old stupendous hills.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Towards
\nthese she gazed down under eyelids glad.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nto her gazing came Tilottama,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Bright
\nout of heaven, and clasped her quiet hand<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nmurmured softly, \u201cSister, let us go.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Then
\nthey went down into the waiting world,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The
\ngolden women, and through gorges mute<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Past
\nBudricayshwur in the silent snow<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Came
\nsilent to Pururavus Urvasie.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

For
\nnot in Ilian streets Pururavus<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Sojourned,
\nnor in the happy throng of men,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

But
\nwith the infinite and the lonely hills.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

For
\nhe grew weary of walls and luminous carved<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Imperial
\npillars bearing up huge weight<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Of
\narchitectural stone, and the long street,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nthoughtful temple wide, and sharp cymbals<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Protecting
\nthe august pure place with sound;<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The
\nbattled tramp of men, sessions of kings,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The
\nlightning from sharp weapons, jubilant crash<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Of
\nchariots, and the Veda\u2019s mighty chant;<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The
\nbright booths of the merchants, the loud looms
\n 
\n<\/span><\/p>\n


\nPage-201<\/font><\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

And
\nthe smith\u2019s hammer clanging music out,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nstalwart men driving the patient plow<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Indomitable
\nin fierce breath of noon.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Of
\nthese he now grew weary and the blaze<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Of
\nkingship, its immense and iron toils,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

With
\none hand shielding in the people\u2019s ease,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

With
\none hand smiting back the tireless foe,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\ndifficulty of equal justice cold,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nkind beneficent works harmonious kept<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

With
\nterrible control; the father\u2019s face,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The
\nman\u2019s heart, the steeled intellect of power<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Insolubly
\none; and after sleepless nights<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Labouring
\ngreatly for a great reward,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Frequent
\nfailure and vigorous success,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nsweet reward of voices filial grown.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

These
\nthat were once his life, he loved no more.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

They
\nheld not his desire nor were alive,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

But
\npale magnificent ghosts out of the past<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

With
\nsad obsession closing him from warm<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Life
\nand the future in far sunlight gold.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

For
\nin his heart and in his musing eyes<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

There
\nwas a light on the cold snows, a blush<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Upon
\nthe virgin quiet of the East.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nstorm and slowly-lifting lids.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Therefore
\nHe left the city Ilian and plains<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Whence
\nwith a mighty motion eastward flows<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Ganges,
\nheroical and young, a swift<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Mother
\nof strenuous nations, nor yet reaches<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Her
\nmusing age in ardent deep Bengal.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

He
\njourneyed to the cold north and the hills<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Austere,
\npast Budricayshwur ever north,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Till,
\nin the sixth month of his pilgrimage<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Uneasy,
\nto a silent place he came<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Within
\na heaped enormous region piled<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

With
\nprone far-drifting hills, huge peaks o\u2019erwhelmed<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Under
\nthe vast illimitable snows, –<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Snow
\non ravine, and snow on cliff, and snow<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Sweeping
\nin strenuous outlines to heaven,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

With
\ndistant gleaming vales and turbulent rocks,
\n 
\n<\/span><\/p>\n


\nPage-202<\/font><\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

Giant
\nprecipices black-hewn and bold<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Daring
\nthe universal whiteness; last,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

A
\nmystic gorge into some secret world.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

He
\nin that region waste and wonderful<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Sojourned,
\nand morning-star and evening-star<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Shone
\nover him and faded, and immense<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Darkness
\nwrapped the hushed mountain solitudes<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nmoonlight\u2019s brilliant muse and the cold stars<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nday upon the summits brightening.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

But
\nere day grew the hero nympholept<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Climbed
\nthe immortal summits towards the dawn<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\ncame with falling evening down and lay<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Watching
\nthe marvellous sky, but called not sleep<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

That
\nbeat her gentle wings over his eyes,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Nor
\nfood he needed who was grown a god.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nin the seventh month of his waiting long<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Summit
\nor cliff he climbed no more, but added<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

To
\nthe surrounding hush sat motionless,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Gazing
\ntowards the dim unfathomed gorge.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Six
\ndays he sat and on the seventh they came<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Through
\nthe dumb gorge, a breath of heaven, a stir,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Then
\nEden\u2019s girls stepping with moonbeam feet<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Over
\nthe barren rocks and dazzling snows,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

That
\ngrew less dazzling, their tresses half unbound<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\ndelicate raiment girdled enchantingly.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Silent
\nthe perfect presences of heaven<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Came
\ntowards him and stood a little away,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Like
\nflowers waiting for a sunbeam. He<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Stirred
\nnot, but without voice, in vision merged,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Sat,
\nas one sleeping momently expects<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The
\nend of a dear dream he sees, and knows<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

It
\nis a dream, and quietly resigned<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Waits
\nfor the fragile bliss to break or fade.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Then
\nnearer drew divine Tilottama<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

And
\nstood before his silence statuesque,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Holding
\nher sister\u2019s hand; for she hung back,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Not
\nas an earthly maiden, cheeks suffused,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Lids
\ndrooping, but as men from patience called<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Before
\nsupreme felicity hang back,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n


\nPage-203<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\nA
\nlittle awed, a little doubtful, fearing<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo enter radiant Paradise, so bright<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIt seems; thus she and quailed before her bliss. <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut
\nher sister, extending one bright arm:
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\n"Pururavus,
\nthou hast conquered and I bring
\nNo dream into thy life, but Urvasie."
\nAnd at that name the strong Pururavus
\nRose swaying to his feet like one struck blind;
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nOr
\nwhen a great thought flashes through his brain,
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nA
\npoet starts up and almost cries aloud
\nAs at a voice, – so he arose and heard.
\nAnd slowly said divine Tilottama:
\n"Yet, son of Ila, one is man and other
\nThe Opsaras of heaven, daughters of the sea,
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nUnlimited
\nin being, Ocean-like.
\nThey not to one lord yield nor in one face
\nLimit the universe, but like sweet air,
\nWater unowned and beautiful common light
\nIn unrestrained surrender remain pure.
\nIn patient paths of Nature upon earth
\nAnd over all the toiling stars we fill
\nWith sacred passion large high-venturing spirits
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nAnd
\nvisit them with bliss; so are they moved
\nTo immense creative anguish, glad if through
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nHeart-breaking
\ntoil once in bare seasons dawn
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nOur
\ngolden breasts between their hands or rush
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nOur
\npassionate presence on them like a wave.
\nIn heaven bright-limbed with bodily embrace
\nWe clasp the Gods, and clasp the souls of men,
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nAnd
\nknow with winds and flowers liberty.
\nBut what hast thou with us or winds or flowers?
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nO
\nthou who wast so white, wilt thou not keep
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nThy
\npure and lonely eminence and move
\nFor ever towards morning like a star?
\nOr as thy earthly Ganges rolling down
\nBetween the homes and passionate deeds of men,
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nAnd
\nbearing many boats and white with oars,
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nFrom
\nall that life quite separate, only lives
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nTowards
\nQcean, so thou doest human work,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nPage-204 <\/font>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nMaking
\na mighty nation, doing high
\nAnd necessary deeds, but, all untouched
\nBy action, livest in thy soul apart
\nAnd to the immortal zenith climbest pure."
\nBut he, blind as from dazzling dreams, said low:
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\n"One
\nI thought spoke far-off of purity
\nAnd whiteness and the human soul in God.
\nThese things were with me once, but now I see
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nThe
\nSpring a golden child and shaken fields.
\nAll beautiful things draw near and come to me.
\nI dream upon a woman’s glorious breasts,
\nAnd watch the dew-drop and am glad with birds,
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nAnd
\nlove the perfect coilings of the snake,
\nAnd cry with fire in the burning trees,
\nAnd am a wave towards desired shores.
\nI move to these and move towards her bosom
\nAnd mystic eyes where all these are one dream.
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nAnd
\nwhat shall God profit me or his glory,
\nWho love one small face more than all his worlds?"
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nHe
\nwoke with his own voice. His words that first
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nDreamed
\nlike a languid wave, sudden were foam;
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nAnd
\nhe beheld her standing and his look
\nGrew strong; he yearned towards her like a wave,
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nAnd
\nshe received him in her eyes as earth
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nReceives
\nthe rain. Then bright Tilottama
\nCried in a shining glory over them:
\n"O happy lover and O fortunate loved,
\nWho make love heavenlier by loss! Ah yet,
\nThe Gods give no irrecoverable gifts,
\nNor unconditioned, O Pururavus,
\nIs highest bliss even to most favoured men.
\nAnd thy deep joy must tremble o’er her with soul
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nOn
\nguard, all overshadowed by a fear.
\nFor one year thou shalt know her on the peaks,
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nIn
\nsolitary vastnesses of hills
\nAnd regions snow-besieged; and for one year
\nIn the green forests populous and free
\nLife in sunlight and by delightful streams
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nThou.shalt
\nenjoy her; and for one year where<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nPage
\n205<\/p>\n

<\/font>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\n


\nThe
\nbusy tramp of men goes ceaseless by,
\nSubduing her to lovely human cares:
\nAnd so long after as one law observed
\nSave her to thee, O King; for never man
\nWith Opsara may dwell and both be known:
\nEither a rapture she invisible
\nOr he a mystic body and mystic soul.
\nReveal not then thy being naked to hers,
\nO virgin Ila’s son, nor suffer ever
\nLight round thy body naked to her eyes,
\nLest day dawn not on thy felicity,
\nSole among men." She left them, shining up
\nInto the sunlight, and was lost in noon.
\nAnd King Pururavus stood for a space,
\nLike the entranced calm before great winds
\nAnd thunder. Then through all his limbs there flashed
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nYouth
\nand the beauty and the warmth of earth
\nAnd joy of her left lonely to his will.
\nHe moved, he came towards her. She, a leaf
\nBefore a gust among the nearing trees,
\nCowered. But, all a sea of mighty joy
\nRushing and swallowing up the golden sand,
\nWith a great cry and glad Pururavus
\nSeized her and caught her to his bosom thrilled,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nClinging
\nand shuddering. All her wonderful hair
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nLoosened
\nand the wind seized and bore it streaming
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nOver
\nthe shoulder of Pururavus
\nAnd on his cheek a softness. She, o’erborne,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nPanting,
\nwith inarticulate murmurs lay,
\nLike a slim tree half seen through driving hail,
\nHer naked arms clasping his neck, her cheek
\nAnd golden throat averted, and wide trouble
\nIn her large eyes bewildered with their bliss.
\nAmid her wind-blown hair their faces met.
\nWith her sweet limbs all his, feeling her breasts
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nTumultuous
\nup against his beating heart,
\nHe kissed the glorious mouth of heaven’s desire.
\nSo clung they as two shipwrecked in a surge.
\nThen strong Pururavus, with godlike eyes<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nPage-206<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n


\nMastering
\nhers, cried tremulous: "O beloved,
\n0 miser of thy rich and happy voice,
\nOne word, one word to tell me that thou lovest."
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAnd
\nUrvasie, all broken on his bosom,
\nHer godhead in his passion lost, moaned out
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

From
\nher imprisoned breasts, "My lord, my love!"<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/span>
\nPage-207<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n


\n
\nS<\/b>o
\nwas a goddess won to mortal arms;
\nAnd for twelve months he held her on the peaks,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nIn
\nsolitary vastnesses of hills
\nAnd regions snow-besieged. There in dim gorge
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAnd
\ntenebrous ravine and on wide snows
\nClothed with deserted space, o’er precipices
\nWith the far eagles wheeling under them,
\nOr where large glaciers watch, or under cliffs
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nO’er-murmured
\nby the streaming waterfalls,
\nAnd later in the pleasant lower hills,
\nHe of her beauty world-desired took joy:
\nAnd all earth’s silent sublime spaces passed
\nInto his blood and grew a part of thought.
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nTwelve
\nmonths in the green forests populous,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nLife
\nin sunlight and by delightful streams
\nHe increased rapture. The green tremulous groves,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAnd
\nsolitary rivers white with birds,
\nAnd watered hollow’s gleam, and sunny boughs
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nGorgeous
\nwith peacocks or illumining
\nBright bosom of doves, in forests, musing day
\nOr the great night with roar of many beasts, –
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAll
\nthese were Eden round the glorious pair.
\nAnd in their third flower-haunted spring of love
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nA
\nchild was born from golden Urvasie.
\nBut when the goddess from maternal pangs
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nWoke
\nto the child’s sweet face and strange tumult
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nOf
\nnew delight and felt the little hands
\nErring about her breasts, passionate she cried:
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\n"How
\nlong shall we in woods, Pururavus,
\nWaste the glad days of cheerful human life?
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nWhat
\npleasure is in soulless woods and waves?
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nBut
\nI would go into the homes of men,
\nHear the great sound of cities, watch the eager
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nFaces
\ntending to hall and mart, and talk
\nWith the bright girls of earth, and kiss the eyes
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nOf
\nlittle children, feel smooth floors of stone
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nUnder
\nmy feet and the restraint of walls,
\nAnd eat earth’s food from vessels made and drink<\/span><\/p>\n


\nPage-208<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n


\nEarth’s
\nwater cool from jars, and know all joy
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAnd
\nlabour of that blithe and busy world."
\nShe said, and he with a slight happy smile
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nConsented.
\nSo to sacred Ganges they
\nCame and the virgin’s city Ilian.
\nBut when they neared the mighty destined walls,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nHis
\nvirgin-mother from her temple pure
\nSaw him, and a wild blare of conchs arose.<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\nRejoicing
\nto the lion-gates they streamed,<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\nThe
\npeople of Pururavus, a glad
\nThrong indistinguishable, traders and priests,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nMerchants
\nof many gains and craftsmen fine
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nOblivious
\nof their daily toils; the carver
\nFlinging his tool away and hammerless
\nThe giant smith laughing through his vast beard.
\nAnd little children ran, all over flowers,
\nAnd girls like dawn with a delightful noise
\nOf anklets, matrons and old men divine,
\nAnd half a godhead. with great glances came
\nThe large-eyed poets of the Vedic chant;
\nBefore them, all that multitude divided
\nHonouring them. In gleaming armour came,
\nAnd bearing dreadful bows, with sound of swords,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nHigh
\nlords of sacrifice and aged chiefs
\nWar-weary and great heroes with mighty tread.
\nAll these to a high noise of trumpets came.
\nThey with a wide sound going up to heaven
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nWelcomed
\ntheir king, and a soft shower of blooms
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nFell
\non him as from warlike fields returned.
\nMuch all they marvelled at his heavenly bride
\nAnd worshipped her, half-awed. And young girls came,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nDaughters
\nof warriors, to great houses wed,
\nSweet faces of delightful laughter, came
\nAnd took into their glad embrace and kissed,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\n
\nEnamoured
\nof her smiling mouth, and praised
\nAloud her beauty. With flowers then they bound
\nHer soft immortal wrists, and through the gates, <\/font>
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\n
\nLabouring
\nin vain to bend great bows, waving <\/font>
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nFar-glancing
\nsteel, and up the bridal streets
\nCaptive the girlish phalanx, bright with swords,
\n <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPage
\n209<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n


\nAfter
\nthe old heroic fashion led.
\nThey amid trumpets and the vast acclaim
\nOf a glad people brought the child of Gods
\nTo her terrestrial home; through the strong doors
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nThey
\nlifted, and upon an earthly floor,
\nLoosening, let from the gleaming limbs slide down
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nHer
\nheavenly vesture; next they brought and flung
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAbout
\nher sweet insufferable grace
\nMortal habiliments, a clinging robe.
\nOver her hair the wifely veil was drawn.
\nThus was the love of all the world confined
\nTo one man’s home. And 0 too fortunate
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nMortal,
\nwho could with those auguster joys
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nMingle
\nour little happy human pains,
\nSubduing a fair goddess from her skies
\nTo gentle ordinary things, sweet service
\nAnd household tasks making her beautiful,
\nAnd trivial daily words, and kisses kind,
\nAnd all the meaning dear of wife and home!
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nHuman
\nwith earth dwelt golden Urvasie,
\nAnd bore to King Pururavus a race
\nOf glorious children, each a shining god.
\nShe loved that great and simple life of old,
\nIts marble outlines, strong joys and clear air
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAround
\nthe soul, loved and made roseate.
\nThe sacred city felt a finer life
\nWithin it; burning inspirations breathed
\nFrom hallowed poets; and architects to grace
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAnd
\nfancy their immense conceptions toned;
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nNumberless
\nheroes emulously drove forth
\nAnd in strong joyous battle rolling back
\nThe dark barbarian borders, flashed through fields,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nBrilliant,
\nand sages in their souls saw God.
\nAnd from the city of Pururavus
\nHigh influences went; Indus and Ganges
\nAnd all the golden intermediate lands
\nGrew with them and a perfect impulse felt.
\nSeven years the earth rejoiced in Urvasie.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut
\nin their fortunate heavens the high Gods<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n


\n Page
\n210<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n

\n <\/span>Dwelt
\ninfelicitous, losing the old
\nRapture inexplicable and thrill beneath
\nTheir ancient calm. Therefore not long enduring, 
\nThey in colossal council marble, said
\nTo that bright sister whom she had loved best, 
\n"Menaca!" crying "how long shall one man
\nDivide from heaven its most perfect bliss?
\nGo down and bring her back, our bright one back, 
\nAnd we shall love again our luminous halls."
\nShe heard and went, with her ethereal robe 
\nMurmuring about her, to the gates divine,
\nAnd looked into the world, and saw the far
\nTitanic Ilian city like a stone
\nSunlit, upon the small and distant earth.
\nDown from heaven’s peaks the daughter of the sea 
\nWent flashing and upon a breathless eve
\nCame to the city of Pururavus,
\nAir blazing far behind her till she paused.
\nShe over the palace of Pururavus
\nStood in shadow. Within the lights yet were;
\nStill sat the princes and young poets sang
\nOn harps heroical of Urvasie
\nAnd strong Pururavus, of Urvasie
\nThe light and lovely spirit golden-limbed,
\nSon of a virgin strong Pururavus.
\n"O earth made heaven to Pururavus!
\nO heaven left earth without sweet Urvasie!
\n"Rejoice possessing, O Pururavus!
\nBe glad who art possessed, O Urvasie!
\n"Behold the parents of the sacrifice!
\nWhen they have met, then they together rush
\nAnd in their arms the beautiful fire is born.
\n"Behold the children of the earth and sky!
\nWhen they met, then they loved, O then they clasped, 
\nAnd from their clasp a lovely presence grew.
\n"A holy virgin’s son we hear of thee
\nWithout a father born, Pururavus,
\nWithout a mother lovely Urvasie.
\n"Hast thou not brought the sacrifice from heaven, 
\nThe unquenched, unkindled fire, Pururavus? <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n


\n Page-211<\/font>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/span>Hast
\nthou not brought delightful Urvasie?
\n"The fires of sacrifice mount ever up:
\nTo their lost heavens they naturally aspire.
\nTheir tops are weighted with a human prayer.
\n"The soul of love mounts also towards the sky; 
\nThence came the spark but hardly shall return;
\nIts wings are weighted with too fierce a fire.
\n"Rejoice in the warm earth, O lovely pair,
\nThe green strong earth that gave Pururavus.
\n"Rejoice in the blithe earth, O lovely pair,
\nThe happy earth all flushed with Urvasie.
\n"As lightning takes the heart with pleasant dread,
\nSo love is of the strong Pururavus.
\n"As breathes sweet fragrance from the flower oppressed, 
\nSo love from thy bruised bosom, Urvasie."
\nSo sang they and the heart rejoiced. Then rose
\nThe princes and went down the long white street,
\nEach to his home. Soon every sound had faded; 
\nHeaven and a few bright stars possessed the world. 
\nBut in a silent place dim with the west
\nOn that last night of the sweet passionate earth,
\nThe goddess with the mortal hero lay.
\nFor over them victorious love still showered
\nHis arrows marble-dinting, not flower-tipped
\nAs our brief fading fires, – naked and large
\nAs heaven the monumental loves of old.
\nOn their rich bed they lay, and the two rams
\nThat once the subtle bright Gundhurvas gave 
\nTo Urvasie, were near; they were ever
\nWith her and cherished; hardly even she loved
\nThe tender faces of her children more
\nThan these choice from flocks heavenly: only these 
\nRemained to her of unforgotten skies.
\nSo lay they under those fierce shafts of love,
\nAnd in the arms of strong Pururavus
\nOnce more were those beloved limbs embraced,
\nOnce more, if never once again on earth.
\nBefore he slept, the lord of Urvasie
\nClasped her to him and wooed from her tired lips
\nOne kiss, nor in its passion felt farewell.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n


\nPage
\n212<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n

\n But
\nthe night darkened over the vague town,
\nAnd clouds came gradual up, and through the clouds 
\nIn thunderless great flashes stealing came
\nThe subtle-souled Gundhurvas from the peaks
\nOf distant Paradise. Thunder rolled out,
\nAnd through the walls, in a fierce rush of light, 
\nEntered the thieves of heaven and stole the rams,
\nAnd fled with the same lightning. Shuddering
\nThe exile of the skies awoke and knew
\nHer loss, and with a lamentable cry
\nTurned to her lord. "Arise, Pururavus!"
\nShe wept, "they take from me my snow-white joys." 
\nAnd starting from his sleep Pururavus,
\nIn that waking when memory is far
\nAnd nature of a man unquestioned rules,
\nHeard of oppression and a space forgot
\nFate and his weak tenure of mighty bliss,
\nRestored to the great nature of a king.
\nWrathful he leaped up and on one swift stride
\nReached to his bow. Before ’twas grasped he shuddered, 
\nHis soul all smitten with a rushing fear,
\nAlarmed he turned towards her. Suddenly wide
\nThe whole room stood in splendour manifest,
\nAll lightning, and heroically vast,
\nIn gesture kingly like a statue stayed,
\nRose glorious, all a grace of naked limbs,
\nThe hero beautiful, Pururavus,
\nIn that fierce light. Intenser than by day
\nHe for one brilliant moment clear beheld
\nAll the familiar place, the fretted huge
\nImages on the columns, the high-reared
\nWalls massively erect and silent floor,
\nAnd on the floor the gracious fallen dress
\nThat never should embrace her perfect form,
\nLying a glimmer, and each noble curve
\nOf the strong couch, and delicately distinct
\nThe golden body and the flower-like face:
\nBeside her with a lovely smile that other,
\nOne small hand pressing back the shining curls
\nBlown with her speed over her. Then all faded.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n


\n Page
\n213<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n

\n Thunder
\ncrashed through the heavens jubilant.
\nFor a long while he stood with beating heart 
\nHalf-conscious of its loss, and as if waiting 
\nAnother flash, into the dimness gazed
\nFor those loved outlines that were far away. 
\nThen with a quiet smile he went and placed 
\nWhere she had lain such a short while ago
\nBoth hands, expecting her sweet breasts, but found 
\nHer place all empty to him. Silently
\nHe lay down whispering to his own heart:
\n"She has arisen and her shining dress
\nPut round her and gone into the cool alcove
\nTo fetch sweet water for the heavenly rams,
\nAnd she will stay awhile perhaps to look
\nAnd muse upon the night, and then come back, 
\nAnd give them drink, and silently lie down 
\nBeside me. I shall see her when it dawns."
\nAnd so he slept. But the grey dawn came in
\nAnd raised his lashes. He stretched out his arms 
\nTo find her. Then he knew he was alone.<\/p>\n

Even so he would not dwell with his despair.
\n"She is but gone," he said, "for a little gone
\nInto the infinite silences afar
\nTo see her golden sisters and revisit
\nThe streams she knew and those unearthly skies. 
\nBut she will soon come back, – even if her heart 
\nWould let her linger, mine would draw her back;- 
\nCome soon and talk to me of all she left, 
\nAnd clasp her children, and resume sweet goings 
\nAnd happy daily tasks and rooms she loved."
\nSo, steadfast, he continued kingly toils
\nAmong a people greatly-destined, giving
\nIn sacred sessions and assemblies calm
\nCounsels far-seeing, magnanimous decrees
\nBronze against Time, and from the judgment seat 
\nUnblamed sentence or reconcilement large.
\nAnd perfect trinity of holy fires
\nHe kindled for desirable rain, and went
\nTo concourse of strong men or pleasant crowds,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n


\n Page
\n214<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n

\n Or
\ntriumphed in great games armipotent.
\nYet behind all his moments there was void.
\nAnd as when one puts from him desperately
\nThe thought of an inevitable fate,
\nBlinding himself with present pleasures, often
\nAt a slight sound, a knocking at the door,
\nA chance word terrible, or even uncalled
\nHis heart grows sick with sudden fear, and ghastly 
\nThe face of that dread future through the window 
\nLooks at him; mute he sits then shuddering:
\nSo to Pururavus in session holy,
\nOr warlike concourse, or alone, speaking,
\nOr sitting, often a swift dreadful fear
\nMade his life naked like a lightning flash;
\nThen his whole being shook and his strong frame, 
\nAs with a fever, and his eyes gazed blind;
\nSoon with great breaths he repossessed his soul. 
\nLong he endured thus, but when shocks of fear
\nAnd brilliant passage of remorseless suns
\nAnd wakeful nights wrestling with memory
\nInvisibly had worn his heart, he then
\nGoing as one desperate, void of thought or aim, 
\nInto that silent place dim with the west,
\nSaw there her dress empty of her, and bed
\nForlorn, and the cold floor where she had lain
\nAt noon and made life sweet to him with her voice. 
\nSometimes as in an upland reservoir
\nBuilt by the hands of early Aryan kings,
\nIts banks in secret fretted long go down,
\nSuddenly down with resonant collapse,
\nThen with a formidable sound the flood
\nDescends, heard over all the echoing hills,
\nAnd marble cities are o’erwhelmed; so sank
\nThe courage of the strong Pururavus,
\nBy memory and anguish overcome
\nAnd thoughts of bliss intolerable. Tears
\nCame from him; the unvanquished hero lay
\nWith outstretched arms and wept. Henceforth his life 
\nWas with that room. If he appeared in high 
\nSession, warlike concourse or pleasant crowd,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n


\n Page
\n215<\/font><\/span>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n

\n Men
\nlooked on him as on the silent dead.
\nNor did he linger, but from little stay
\nWould silently return and in hushed rooms
\nWatch with the little relics left of her,
\nThings he had hardly borne to see before,
\nNow clasped them often, often kissed, sometimes 
\nSpoke to them as to sweet and living friends,
\nAnd often over his sleeping children hung.
\nNor did he count the days, nor weep again,
\nBut looked into the dawn with tearless eyes.
\nAnd all the people mourned for their great king, 
\nSilently watching him, and many murmured:
\n"This is not he, the King Pururavus,
\nHero august, who his impetuous soul
\nRuled like a calm and skilful charioteer,
\nAnd was the virgin Ila’s son, our king.
\nWould that the enemy’s war-cry now might rush 
\nAgainst our gates and all the air be sound.
\nSurely he would arise and lift his bow,
\nAnd his swift chariot hurling through the gates 
\nAdvance upon them like a sea, and triumph,
\nAnd be himself among the rushing wheels."
\nSo they would murmur grieving. But the king
\nWhen the bright months brought round a lustier earth, 
\nFelt over his numbed soul some touch of flowers,
\nAnd rose a little from his grief, and lifted
\nHis eyes against the stars. Then he said low:
\n"I was not wont so quickly to despair.
\nO hast thou left me and art lost in light,
\nCruel, between the shining hemispheres?
\nYet even there I will pursue my joy.
\nThough all the great immortals jealously
\nEncompass round with shields thy golden limbs,
\nI may clash through them yet, or my strong patience 
\nWill pluck my love down from her distant stars.
\nStill am I Ila’s son, Pururavus,
\nThat passionless pure strength though lost, though fallen 
\nFrom the armed splendid soul which once I was."
\nSo saying he to the hall of session strode,
\nMightily like a king, a marble place<\/span><\/p>\n


\nPage
\n216<\/font><\/span>
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n


\n With
\nwide Titanic arches imminent,
\nAnd from the brooding pillars seized a shell
\nAnd blew upon it. Like a storm the sound
\nThrough Pratisthana’s streets was blown. Forth came 
\nFrom lintel proud and happy threshold low
\nThe people pouring out. Majestic chiefs
\nAnd strong war-leaders and old famous men
\nAnd mighty poets first; behind them streamed
\nThe Ilian people like driving rain, and filled
\nWith faces the immeasurable hall.
\nAnd over them the beautiful great king
\nRose bright; anticipations wonderful
\nOf immortality flashed through his eyes
\nAnd round his brow’s august circumference.
\n"My people whom I made, I go from you;
\nAnd what shall I say to you, Ilian people,
\nWho know my glory and know my grief? Now I 
\nEndure no more the desolate wide rooms
\nAnd gardens empty of her. I will depart
\nAnd find her under imperishable trees
\nOr secret beside streams. But since I go
\nAnd leave my work behind and a young nation
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nWith
\ndestiny like an uncertain dawn
\nOver it – Ayus her son, I give you. He
\nBy beauty and strength incomparable shall rule.
\nLo, I have planted earth with deeds and made
\nThe widest heavens my monument, have brought
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nFrom
\nParadise the sempiternal fire
\nAnd warred in heaven among the warring Gods.
\nO People, you have shared my famous actions
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nDone
\nin a few great years of earthly life,
\nThe battles I fought, edifications vast,
\nAnd perfect institutes that I have framed.
\nHigh things we have done together, O my people.
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nBut
\nnow I go to claim back from the Gods
\nHer they have taken from me, my dear reward."
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nHe
\nspoke and all the nation listened, dumb.
\nThen was brought forth the bud of Urvasie,
\nWith Vedic verse intoned and Ganges pure
\nWas crowned a king, and empire on his curls<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n


\n Page
\n217<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n


\nEstablished.
\nBut Pururavus went forth,
\nThrough ranks of silent people and gleaming arms,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nWith
\nthe last cloud of sunset up the fields
\nAnd darkening meadows. And from lla’s rock,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAnd
\nfrom the temple of Ila virginal,
\nA rushing splendour wonderfully arose
\nAnd shone all round the great departing king.
\nHe in that light turned and saw under him
\nThe mighty city, luminous and vast,
\nColossally up-piled towards the heavens,
\nTemple and street and palace, and the sea
\nOf sorrowing faces and sad grieving eyes;
\nA moment saw, and disappeared from light
\nInto forest. Then a loud wail arose
\nFrom Pratisthana, as if barbarous hordes
\nWere in the streets and all its temples huge
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nRising
\ntowards heaven in disastrous fire,
\nBut he unlistening into darkness went.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n


\n <\/font>Page 218<\/font><\/span>
\n<\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n

\nC<\/font>ANTO<\/font> IV<\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\nThrough
\ndarkness and immense dim night he went
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nMid
\nphantom outlines of approaching trees,
\nAnd all the day in green leaves, till he came
\nTo peopled forests and sweet clamorous streams
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAnd
\nmarvellous shining meadows where he lived
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nWith
\nUravasie his love in seasons old.
\nThese like domestic faces waiting were.
\nHe knew each wind-blown tree, each different field;
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAnd
\ncould distinguish all the sounding rivers
\nEach by its own voice and peculiar flow.
\nHere were the happy shades where they had lain
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\n
\nInarmed
\nand murmuring, here half-lustrous groves <\/font>
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n


\nStill
\nvoiceful with a sacred sound at noon,
\nAnd these the rivers from her beauty bright.
\nThere straying in field and forest he to each
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\n
\nFamiliar
\nspot so full of her would speak,
\nPausing by banks and memorable trees.
\n"O sacred fig-tree, under thee she paused
\nMusing amid her tresses, and her eyes<\/font> 
\n<\/font> <\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n


\nWere
\nsweet and grave. And, O delicious shade,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nThou
\nhast experienced brightness from her feet,
\nO cool and dark green shelterer, perfect place!
\nAnd lo! the boughs all ruinous towards earth
\nWith blossoms. Here she lay, her arms thrown back,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nSmiling
\nup to me, and the flowers rained
\nUpon her lips and eyes and bosom bare.
\nAnd here a secret opening where she stood
\nWaiting in narrow twilight; round her all
\nWas green and secret with a mystic, dewy
\nHalf invitation into emerald worlds.
\nO river, from thee she moved towards the glade
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nBreathing
\nand wet and fresh as if a flower
\nAll bare from rain. And thou, great holy glade,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\n
\nSawest
\nher face maternal o’er her child."
\nThen ceasing he would wait and listen, half <\/font>
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nExpecting
\nher. But all was silent; only
\nPerhaps a bird darted bright-winged away,
\nOr a grey snake slipped through the brilliant leaves.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n


\n Page
\n219<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n


\n Thus
\nwandering, thus in every mindful place
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nRenewing
\nold forgotten scenes that rose,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nGleam
\nafter gleam, upon his mind, as stars
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nReturn
\nat night; thus drawing from his heart
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nWhere
\nthey lay covered, old sweet incidents
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nTo
\nlive before his eyes; thus calling back
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nUncertain
\nmoods, brief moments of her face,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAnd
\ntransient postures strangely beautiful,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nPleasures,
\nand little happy mists of tears
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nHeart-freeing,
\nhe, materializing dreams,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nUpon
\nher very body almost seized.
\nAlways a sense of imperfection slipped
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nBetween
\nhim and that passionate success.
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nTherefore
\nhe murmured at last unsatisfied:
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\n"She
\nis not here; though every mystic glade
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAnd
\nsunbright pasture breathe alone of her
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAnd
\nquiver as with her presence, I find not
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nHer
\nvery limbs, her very face; yet dreamed
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nThat
\nhere infallibly I should restrain
\nHer fugitive feet or hold her by the robe.
\nO once she was the luminous soul of these,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAnd
\nin her body lived the summer and spring
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAnd
\nseed and blossoming, ripening and fall,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nHiding
\nof Beauty in the wood and glen,
\nAnd flashing out into the sunlit fields
\nAll flowers and laughter. All the happy moods
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAnd
\nall the beautiful amorous ways of earth
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nShe
\nwas; but they now seem only her dress
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nLeft
\nby her. Therefore, O ye seaward rivers,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nO
\nforests, since ye have deceived my hope,
\nI go from you to dazzling cruel ravines
\nAnd find her on inclement mountains pure."<\/p>\n

Then northward blown upon a storm of hope
\nThe hero self-discrowned, Pururavus,
\nWent swiftly up the burning plains and through
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nThe
\nportals of the old Saivaalic hills
\nTo the inferior heights, nor lingered long,
\nThough pulsing with fierce memories, though thrilled
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nWith
\nshocks of a great passion touching earth;<\/span><\/p>\n


\nPage-220<\/span><\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n

\n But
\nplunged <\/span>
\no’er
\ndifficult gorge and prone ravine
\n<\/span>
\nAnd
\nrivers thundering between dim walls<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDriven
\nby immense desire, until he came<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo
\ndreadful silence of the peaks and trod<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRegions
\nas vast and lonely as his love.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThen
\nwith a confident sublime appeal<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n


\nHe
\nto the listening summits stretched his hands:
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nO
\ndesolate strong Himalaya, <\/u>great<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThy
\npeaks alone with heaven and dreadful hush<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn
\nwhich the Soul of all the world is felt<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMeditating
\ncreation! Thou, O mountain,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMy
\nbridal chamber wast. On thee we lay<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n


\nWith
\nsummits towards the moon or with near stars
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nWatching
\nus in some wild inhuman vale,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThy
\nsilence over us like a coverlid<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr
\na far avalanche for bridal song.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLo,
\nshe is fled into your silences!<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nI
\ncome to you, O mountains, with a heart<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nD<\/span>esolate
\nlike you, like you snow-swept, and stretch <\/font>
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nowards
\nyour solemn summits kindred hands.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGive
\nback<\/span>
\n<\/span>to
\nme, O mountains, give her back."<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe
\nceased and<\/span>
\n<\/span>Himalaya
\nbent towards him, white.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe
\nmountains<\/span>
\n<\/span>seemed
\nto recognize a soul<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIm<\/span>mense<\/span>
\n<\/span>as
\nthey, reaching as they to heaven<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd
\ncapable of infinite solitude.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLong
\nhe, in meditation deep immersed,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nStrove
\nto dissolve his soul among the hills<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nInto
\nthe thought of Urvsiie. The snow<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n


\nStole
\ndown from heaven and touched his cheek and hair,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nThe
\nstorm-blast from the peaks leaped down and smote
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nBut
\nwoke him not, and the white drops in vain<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFroze<\/span>
\n<\/span>in
\nhis locks or crusted all his garb.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor
\nhe lived only with his passionate heart.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut
\nas the months with slow..unnoticed tread<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPassed
\no’er the hills nor brought sweet change of spring<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNor
\nautumn wet with dew, a voice at last<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMoved
\nfrom far heavens, other than our sky.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd
\nhe arose as one impelled and came<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPast<\/span>
\n<\/span>the
\nsupreme great ridges northward, came<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nInto
\nthe wonderful land far up the world<\/span><\/p>\n


\nPage-221<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\nDim-looming,
\nwhere the Northern Kurus <\/u>dwell,<\/font> 
\n<\/font> <\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe
\nancients of the world, invisible,
\nAmong forgotten mists. Through mists he moved<\/font> 
\n<\/font>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFeeling
\na sense of unseen cities, hearing
\nNo sound, nor seeing face, but conscious ever
\nOf an immense traditionary life
\nThrobbing round him and dreams historical.
\nFor as he went, old kingly memories surged,
\nAnd with vast forward faces driving came
\nOrigins and stabilities and empires,
\nHuge passionate creations, impulses
\nNational realizing themselves in stone.
\nLastly with rolling of the mists afar
\nHe saw beneath him the primeval rocks
\nPlunge down into the valley, and upsoar
\nTo light wide thoughtful domes and measureless<\/font> 
\n<\/font>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRamparts,
\nand mid them in a glory walk
\nThe ancients of the world with eyes august.
\nNext towards the sun he looked and saw enthroned                                                              
\n  <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUpon
\nthe summit one whose regal hair
\nCrowned her, and purple in waves down to her feet<\/font>                                                             
\n<\/font>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFlowed,
\nIndira, <\/u>the goddess, Ocean’s child,<\/font>   
\n<\/font>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGiver
\nof <\/i>empire who all beauty keeps
\nBetween her hands, all glory, all wealth, all power.<\/font> 
\n<\/font>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSevere
\nand beautiful she leaned her face.<\/span>
\n<\/span>"What
\npassion, Ilian Pururavus,<\/u>
\nHas led thee here to my great capital
\nAnd ancient men in the forgotten mists,
\nThe fathers of the Aryan race? Of glory<\/font>    
\n<\/font>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEnamoured
\nhast thou come, or for thy people<\/font> 
\n<\/font> <\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEmpire
\nsoliciting? But other beauty
\nIs on thy brow and light no longer mine.
\nYet not for self wast thou of virgin born,
\nPerfect, and the aerial paths of gods
\nPermitted to thy steps; nor for themselves,
\nBut to the voice of Vedic litanies,
\nSacredly placed are the dread crowns of Kings<\/font>                                                                             
\n<\/font>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor
\nbright felicities and cruel toils.
\n<\/span>
\nAnd
\nthou, O IIian Pururavus,<\/span>
\n<\/span>For
\npassion dost thou leave thy strenuous grandeurs,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span>Page-222<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n


\nA
\nnation’s destinies, and hast not feared
\nThe sad inferior Ganges lapsing. down
\nWith mournful rumour <\/u>through the shades of Hell ?"
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nThen
\nwith calm eyes the hero IIian:
\n\u201dO Goddess, patroness of Aryasthan,
\nLover of banyan and of lotus, I
\nNot from the fear of Hell or hope of Heaven
\nDo good or ill. Reigning I reigned o’er self,
\nAnd with a kingly soul did kingly deeds.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n


\nNow
\ndriven by a termless wide desire
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\n
\nI
\nwander over snow and countries vague."<\/font>  
\n<\/font>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nAnd
\nlike a viol Luxmie answered him:<\/font>    
\n<\/font>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n\u201cSprung
\nof the moon, thy grandsire’s fault in thee<\/font> 
\n<\/font>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYet
\nlives; but since thy love is singly great,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nDoubt1ess
\nthou shalt possess thy whole desire.
\nYet hast thou maimed the future and discrowned
\nThe Aryan people; for though Ila’s sons,
\nIn Hustina, the city of elephants,
\nAnd Indraprustha, future towns, shall rule<\/font>                                                                            
\n<\/font>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\nDrawing
\nmy peoples to one sceptre, at last<\/font>      
\n<\/font>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n


\nTheir
\npower by excess of beauty falls,-
\nThy sin, Pururavus – of beauty and love:
\nAnd this the land divine to impure grasp
\nYields of barbarians from the outer shores."
\nShe ceased and the oblivious mists .rolled down.
\nBut the strong hero uncrowned, Pururavus,
\nEastward, all dreaming with his great desire,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\n
\nWandered
\nas when a man in sleep arises<\/font>             
\n<\/font>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n


\nAnd
\ngoes into the night, and under stars
\nThrough the black spaces moves, nor knows his feet
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nNor
\nwhere they guide him, but dread unseen power
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nWalks<\/span>
\n<\/span>by
\nhim and leads his unerring steps
\n<\/span>
\nTo
\nsome weird forest or gaunt mountain-side;
\nThere he awakes, a horror in his soul,
\nAnd shudders alien amid places strange.
\nSo wandered, driven by an unknown power,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nPururavus.
\nOver hushed dreadful hills
\nAnd snows more breathless to the quiet banks
\nOf a wide lake mid rocks and bending woods
\nHe came, and saw calm mountains over it,<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n


\n Page-223<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n


\nAnd
\nknew in his awed heart the hill of God,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nCoilas,
\n<\/span><\/u>and
\nMainaac <\/u>with its summits gold.
\nAwed he in heart, yet with a quicker stride
\nHe moved and eyes of silent joy, like one
\nWho coming from long travel, sees the old
\nVillage and children’s faces at the doors.
\nIn a wild faery place where mountain streams
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nGlimmer
\nfrom the dim rocks and meet the lake
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAmid
\na wrestle of tangled trees and heaped
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nMoss-grown
\ndisordered stones, and all the water
\nIs hidden with its lotuses and sways
\nShimmering between leaves or strains through bloom,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nShe
\nsat, the mother of the Aryans, white
\nWith a sublime pallor beneath her hair.
\nMusing, with wide creative brows, she sat
\nIn a slight lovely dress fastened with flowers,
\nAll heaped with her large tresses. Golden swans
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nPreened
\nin the waters by her dipping feet.
\nOne hand propped her fair marble cheek, the other
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

The
\nmystic lotus hardly held. Seeing her
\nPururavus bent to her and adored.
\nAnd she looked up and musing towards him
\nSaid low: "O son, I knew thy steps afar.
\nOf me thou wast; for as I suffered rapture, <\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n


\nInvaded
\nby the sea of images
\nBreaking upon me from all winds, and saw
\nIndus and Ganges with prophetic mind,
\nA virginal Impulse gleamed from my bosom
\nAnd on the earth took beauty and form. I saw
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nThee
\nfrom that glory issue and rejoiced.
\nBut now thou comest quite discrowned. From me,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nO
\nson, thou hadst the impulse beautiful
\nThat made thy soul all colour. For I strive
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nTowards
\nthe insufferable heights and flash
\nWith haloes of that sacred light intense.
\nBut lo! the spring and all its flowers, and lo!
\nHow bright the Soma juice. What golden joys,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nWhat
\nliving passions, what immortal tears!
\nI lift the veil that hides the Immortal – Ah!
\nMy lids faint. Ah! the veil was lovelier.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n


\n Page-224<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n

\nMy
\nflowers<\/span>
\n<\/span>wither
\nin that height, my swan
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nSpreads<\/span>
\n<\/span>not
\nhis wings felicitous so far.
\n<\/span>
\nO
\none day I shall turn from the great verse
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAnd
\nmarble aspiration to sing sweetly
\nOf lovers and the pomps of wealth and wine
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAnd
\nwarm delights and warm desires and earth.
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nO
\nmine own son, pururavus, I fall<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\nBy
\n<\/i>thy vast failure from my dazzling skies."
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAnd
\nIla’s son made answer, "O white-armed,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nO
\nmother of the Aryans, or my life
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nCreatress!
\nfates colossal overrule.
\nBut lo! I wander like a wave, nor find
\n<\/span>
\nLimit
\n<\/span>
\nto
\nthe desire that wastes my soul.
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nThen
\nwith a sweet immortal smile the mother
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nGave
\nto him in the hollow of her hand
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nWonderful
\nwater of the lake. He drank,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAnd
\nunderstood infinity, and saw
\nTime like a snake coiling among .the stars;
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAnd
\nearth he saw, and mortal nights and days
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nGrew
\nto him moments, and his.limbs became
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nUndying
\nand his thoughts as.marble endured.
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nThen
\nto the hero deified the goddess,
\n\u201dO strong immortal, now pursue thy joy:
\nYet first rise up the peaks of. Coilas;. <\/u>there
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nThe
\nMighty Mother sits, whose sovran voice
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nShall
\nratify to thee thy future fair,"
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nSaid
\nand caressed his brow with lips divine.
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nAnd
\nbright Pururavus rose up the hill
\nTowards the breathless summit. Thence, enshrined
\nIn deep concealing glories, came a voice,
\nAnd clearer he discerned as one whose eyes,
\nLong<\/span>
\n<\/span>cognizant
\nof darkness, coming forth,
\n<\/span>
\nGrow<\/span>
\n<\/span>gradually
\nhabituated to light,
\n<\/span>
\nThe
\ncalm compassionate face, the heaven-wide brow,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAnd
\nthe robust great limbs that bear the world.
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nProphetical
\nand deep her voice came down:
\n"Thou then hast failed, bright soul; but God blames not
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nNor
\npunishes. Impartially he deals
\nTo every strenuous spirit its chosen reward.
\nAnd since no work, however maimed, no smallest<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n


\n Page225<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n


\nEnergy
\nadded to the mighty sum
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nOf
\naction fails of its exact result,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nEmpire
\nshall in thy line and forceful brain
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nPersist,
\nthe boundless impulse towards rule
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nOf
\ngrandiose souls perpetually recur,
\nAnd minds immense and personalities
\nWith battle and with passion and with storm
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nShall
\nburn through Aryan history, the speech
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nOf
\nages. In thy line the Spirit Supreme
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nShall
\nbound existence with one human form;
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nIn
\nMathura and ocean Dwarca Man
\nEarthly perfectibility of soul
\nExample: son of thy line and eulogist,
\nThe vast clear poet of the golden verse,
\nWhose song shall be as wide as is the world.
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nBut
\nall by huge self-will or violence marred
\nOf passionate uncontrol; if pure, their work
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nBy
\ntouch of later turbulent hands unsphered
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nOr
\nfames by legend stained. Upon my heights
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nBreathing
\nGod’s air, strong as the sky and pure,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nDwell
\nonly Ixvaacou’s children; destined theirs<\/span>
\n<\/span>Heaven’s
\nperfect praise, earth’s sole unequalled song.
\nBut thou, O Ila’s son, take up thy joy.
\nFor thee in sweet Gundhurvas <\/u>world eternal
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nRapture
\nand clasp unloosed of Urvasie,<\/u>
\nTill the long night when God asleep shall fall."<\/p>\n

Ceased the great voice and strong pururavus
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nGlad
\nof his high reward, however dearly
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nPurchased,
\npurchased with infinite downfall,
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nWith
\nfooting now divine went up the world.
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nMid
\nregions sweet and peaks of milk-white snow
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nAnd
\nlovely corners and delicious lakes,
\nHe saw a road all sunlight and the gates
\nOf the Gundhurvas’ home. O never ship
\nFrom Ocean into Ocean erring knew
\nSuch joy through all its patient sails at sight
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nOf
\nfinal haven near as the tried heart
\nOf earth’s successful son at that fair goal.
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nTowards
\nthe gates he hastened, and one bright<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n


\n Page-226<\/font><\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\nWith
\na<\/span>ngel
\nface<\/span>
\n<\/span>who
\nat those portals stood
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nCried
\n<\/span>
\ndown,
\n"We<\/span>
\n<\/span>wait
\nfor thee, Pururavus."
\nThen <\/span>
\nto
\nhis hearing musical, the hinges
\nCalled<\/span>;
\nhe<\/span>
\n<\/span>beheld<\/span>
\n<\/span>the
\nsubtle faces look<\/span>
\nD<\/span>own
\non him and the crowd of luminous forms,
\nAnd entered to immortal sound of lyres.
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nUp
\nthrough the streets a silver cry went on
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nBefore
\nhim of high instruments. From all
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nThe
\nwinds<\/span>
\n<\/span>the
\nmarvellous musicians pressed
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nTo
\nwe1come that immortal lover. One
\nWhose pure limned brows aerial wore by right
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nFaery
\nauthority, stood from the crowd.
\n\u201dO Ila\u2019s<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\nson,
\nfar-famed Pururavus,
\nDestined to joys by mortals all unhoped!
\nMove to thy sacred glories as a star
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nInto
\nits destined place, shine over us
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nHere
\ngreatest as upon thy greener earth."
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nThey
\nthrough the thrilling regions musical
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nLed
\nhim and marveled at him and praised with song<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/i>
\n
\nHis
\nfair sublimity of form and brow
\nAnd warlike limbs and grace heroical.
\nHe heeded not, for all his soul was straining<\/font> 
\n<\/font>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n


\nWith
\nexpectation of a near delight.
\nHis eyes that sought her ever, beheld a wall
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nO
\nmighty trees and, where they arched to part,<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\nThose
\ntwo of all their sisters brightest rise,
\nOne blithe as is a happy brook, the other
\nWith her grave smile; and each took a strong hand
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nIn
\nher soft clasp, and led him to a place
\nDistinct mid faery-leaved ethereal trees
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nAnd<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\nmagic
\nbanks and sweet low curves of hills,
\nAnd over all the sunlight like a charm.
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nThere<\/span>
\n<\/span>by a
\nsounding river downward thrown
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nFrom
\nunder <\/i>low green-curtaining boughs was she.
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nMute
\nshe arose and with wide quiet eyes
\n<\/i>Came <\/i>towards him. In their immortal looks
\n<\/i>Was a deep feeling too august for joy,
\nThe sense that all eternity must follow
\nOne perfect moment. Then that comrade bright
\nWith<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\nslow
\ngrave smile, "O after absence wide<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n


\n Page-227<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/span>\n<\/div>\n

\n <\/span>Who
\nmeet and shall not sunder any more.
\nTill slumber of the Supreme, strong be your souls
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nTo
\nbear unchanging rapture; strong you were
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nBy
\npatience to compel unwilling Gods."
\nAnd they were left alone in that clear world.
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nThen
\nall his soul towards her leaning, took
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nPururavus
\ninto his clasp and felt,<\/span>
\n<\/span>Seriously
\nglad, the golden bosom on his
\nOf Urvasie, his love; so pressing back
\nThe longed-for sacred face, lingering he kissed.
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n


\nThen
\nLove in his sweet heavens was satisfied.
\n<\/span><\/font> <\/p>\n

\nBut
\nfar below through silent mighty space
\nThe green and strenuous earth abandoned rolled.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n


\n Page-228<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Urvasie CANTO  I     Pururavus from Titan conflict ceased Turned worldwards, through illimitable space Had travelled like a star \u2019twixt earth and heaven Slowly…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1433","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-05-collected-poems-volume-05","wpcat-32-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1433","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1433"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1433\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1433"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1433"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1433"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}