{"id":2969,"date":"2013-07-13T01:44:59","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:44:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=2969"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:44:59","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:44:59","slug":"08-complete-narrative-poems-contd-vol-02-collected-poems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/01-works-of-sri-aurobindo\/03-cwsa\/02-collected-poems\/08-complete-narrative-poems-contd-vol-02-collected-poems","title":{"rendered":"-08_Complete Narrative Poems – contd.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\n\n
\n

 <\/td>\n

\n<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tUrvasi<\/b><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t <\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t<\/font>CANTO III<\/a><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tSo was a goddess won to mortal arms;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd for twelve months he held her on the peaks,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tIn solitary vastnesses of hills<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd regions snow-besieged. There in dim gorge<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd tenebrous ravine and on wide snows<\/span><\/p>\n

\nClothed with deserted space, o’er precipices<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWith the far eagles wheeling under them,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr where large glaciers watch, or under cliffs<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tO’er-murmured by the streaming waterfalls,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd later in the pleasant lower hills,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tHe of her beauty world-desired took joy:<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd all earth’s silent sublime spaces passed<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tInto his blood and grew a part of thought.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTwelve months in the green forests populous,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tLife in sunlight and by delightful streams<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe increased rapture. The green tremulous groves,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd solitary rivers white with birds,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd watered hollow’s gleam, and sunny boughs<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tGorgeous with peacocks or illumining<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBright bosom of doves, in forests’ musing day<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOr the great night with roar of many beasts, 
\n\t\t\t\u2014
\n\t\t\t<\/span> <\/p>\n

\nAll these were Eden round the glorious pair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd in their third flower-haunted spring of love<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA child was born from golden Urvasie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBut when the goddess from maternal pangs<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWoke to the child’s sweet face and strange tumult<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOf new delight and felt the little hands<\/span><\/p>\n

\nErring about her breasts, passionate she cried:<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t"How long shall we in woods, Pururavus,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWaste the glad days of cheerful human life?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWhat pleasure is in soulless woods and waves?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut I would go into the homes of men,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tHear the great sound of cities, watch the eager<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFaces tending to hall and mart, and talk<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 87<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nWith the bright girls of earth, and kiss the eyes<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOf little children, feel smooth floors of stone<\/span><\/p>\n

\nUnder my feet and the restraint of walls,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd eat earth’s food from vessels made and drink<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEarth’s water cool from jars, and know all joy<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd labour of that blithe and busy world."<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShe said, and he with a slight happy smile<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tConsented. So to sacred Ganges they<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCame and the virgin’s city llian.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBut when they neared the mighty destined walls,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis virgin-mother from her temple pure<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tSaw him, and a wild blare of conchs arose.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRejoicing to the lion-gates they streamed,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe people of Pururavus, a glad<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThrong indistinguishable, traders and priests,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMerchants of many gains and craftsmen fine<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOblivious of their daily toils; the carver<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tFlinging his tool away and hammerless<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe giant smith laughing through his vast beard.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd little children ran, all over flowers,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd girls like dawn with a delightful noise<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOf anklets, matrons and old men divine,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd half a godhead with great glances came<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe large-eyed poets of the Vedic chant;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBefore them, all that multitude divided<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tHonouring them. In gleaming armour came,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd bearing dreadful bows, with sound of swords,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tHigh lords of sacrifice and aged chiefs<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWar-weary and great heroes with mighty tread.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAll these to a high noise of trumpets came.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThey with a wide sound going up to heaven<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWelcomed their king, and a soft shower of blooms<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFell on him as from warlike fields returned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMuch all they marvelled at his heavenly bride<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd worshipped her, half-awed. And young girls came,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tDaughters of warriors, to great houses wed,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSweet faces of delightful laughter, came<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 88<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nAnd took into their glad embrace and kissed,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tEnamoured of her smiling mouth, and praised<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAloud her beauty. With flowers then they bound<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tHer soft immortal wrists, and through the gates,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLabouring in vain to bend great bows, waving<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tFar-glancing steel, and up the bridal streets<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCaptive the girlish phalanx, bright with swords,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAfter the old heroic fashion led.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThey amid trumpets and the vast acclaim<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOf a glad people brought the child of Gods<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo her terrestrial home; through the strong doors<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThey lifted, and upon an earthly floor,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLoosening, let from the gleaming limbs slide down<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tHer heavenly vesture; next they brought and flung<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAbout her sweet insufferable grace<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMortal habiliments, a clinging robe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOver her hair the wifely veil was drawn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThus was the love of all the world confined<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo one man’s home. And O too fortunate<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMortal, who could with those auguster joys<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMingle our little happy human pains,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tSubduing a fair goddess from her skies<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo gentle ordinary things, sweet service<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd household tasks making her beautiful,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd trivial daily words, and kisses kind,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd all the meaning dear of wife and home!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHuman with earth dwelt golden Urvasie,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd bore to King Pururavus a race<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf glorious children, each a shining god.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tShe loved that great and simple life of old,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIts marble outlines, strong joys and clear air<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAround the soul, loved and made roseate.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe sacred city felt a finer life<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWithin it; burning inspirations breathed<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFrom hallowed poets; and architects to grace<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd fancy their immense conceptions toned;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNumberless heroes emulously drove forth<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 89<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nAnd in strong joyous battle rolling back<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe dark barbarian borders, flashed through
\n\t\t\tfields,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBrilliant, and sages in their souls saw God.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd from the city of Pururavus<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHigh influences went; Indus and Ganges<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd all the golden intermediate lands<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGrew with them and a perfect impulse felt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tSeven years the earth rejoiced in Urvasie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nBut in their fortunate heavens the high Gods<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tDwelt infelicitous, losing the old<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRapture inexplicable and thrill beneath<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tTheir ancient calm. Therefore not long enduring,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThey in colossal council marble, said<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tTo that bright sister whom she had loved best,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t"M\u00e9naca!" crying "how long shall one man<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDivide from heaven its most perfect bliss?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tGo down and bring her back, our bright one back,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd we shall love again our luminous halls."<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tShe heard and went, with her ethereal robe<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMurmuring about her, to the gates divine,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd looked into the world, and saw the far<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTitanic Ilian city like a stone<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tSunlit upon the small and distant earth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDown from heaven’s peaks the daughter of the sea<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWent flashing and upon a breathless eve<\/span><\/p>\n

\nCame to the city of Pururavus,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAir blazing far behind her till she paused.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nShe over the palace of Pururavus<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tStood in shadow. Within the lights yet were;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nStill sat the princes and young poets sang<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOn harps heroical of Urvasie<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd strong Pururavus, of Urvasie<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe light and lovely spirit golden-limbed,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSon of a virgin strong Pururavus.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t"O earth made heaven to Pururavus!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO heaven left earth without sweet Urvasie!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

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\n

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

\n"Rejoice possessing, O Pururavus!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBe glad who art possessed, O Urvasie!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n"Behold the parents of the sacrifice!<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWhen they have met, then they together rush<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd in their arms the beautiful fire is born.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t"Behold the children of the earth and sky!<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWhen they met, then they loved, O then they clasped,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd from their clasp a lovely presence grew.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n"A holy virgin’s son we hear of thee<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWithout a father born, Pururavus,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWithout a mother lovely Urvasie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t"Hast thou not brought the sacrifice from heaven,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe unquenched, unkindled fire, Pururavus?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tHast thou not brought delightful Urvasie?<\/span><\/p>\n

\n"The fires of sacrifice mount ever up:<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tTo their lost heavens they naturally aspire.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTheir tops are weighted with a human prayer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t"The soul of love mounts also towards the sky;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThence came the spark but hardly shall return;<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tIts wings are weighted with too fierce a fire.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n"Rejoice in the warm earth, O lovely pair,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe green strong earth that gave Pururavus.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n"Rejoice in the blithe earth, O lovely pair,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe happy earth all flushed with Urvasie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n"As lightning takes the heart with pleasant dread,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tSo love is of the strong Pururavus.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n"As breathes sweet fragrance from the flower oppressed,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tSo love from thy bruised bosom, Urvasie."<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSo sang they and the heart rejoiced. Then rose<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe princes and went down the long white street,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEach to his home. Soon every sound had faded;<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tHeaven and a few bright stars possessed the
\n\t\t\tworld.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut in a silent place dim with the west<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOn that last night of the sweet passionate earth,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe goddess with the mortal hero lay.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tFor over them victorious Love still showered<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis arrows marble-dinting, not flower-tipped<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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\n
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\n

\nAs our brief fading fires,  \u2014  naked and large<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAs heaven the monumental loves of old.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOn their rich bed they lay, and the two rams<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThat once the subtle bright Gundhurvas gave<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo Urvasie, were near; they were ever<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWith her and cherished; hardly even she loved<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe tender faces of her children more<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThan these choice from flocks heavenly: only
\n\t\t\tthese<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRemained to her of unforgotten skies.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tSo lay they under those fierce shafts of Love,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd in the arms of strong Pururavus<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOnce more were those beloved limbs embraced,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOnce more, if never once again on earth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBefore he slept, the lord of Urvasie<\/span><\/p>\n

\nClasped her to him and wooed from her tired lips<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOne kiss, nor in its passion felt farewell.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut the night darkened over the vague town,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd clouds came gradual up, and through the
\n\t\t\tclouds<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn thunderless great flashes stealing came<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe subtle-souled Gundhurvas from the peaks<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf distant Paradise. Thunder rolled out,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd through the walls, in a fierce rush of light,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEntered the thieves of heaven and stole the rams,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd fled with the same lightning. Shuddering<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe exile of the skies awoke and knew<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tHer loss, and with a lamentable cry<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTurned to her lord. "Arise, Pururavus!"<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tShe wept, "they take from me my snow-white joys."<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd starting from his sleep Pururavus,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tIn that waking when memory is far<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd nature of a man unquestioned rules,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tHeard of oppression and a space forgot<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFate and his weak tenure of mighty bliss,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tRestored to the great nature of a king.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWrathful he leaped up and on one swift stride<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tReached to his bow. Before ’twas grasped he
\n\t\t\tshuddered,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis soul all smitten with a rushing fear.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n

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\n

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

\nAlarmed he turned towards her. Suddenly wide<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe whole room stood in splendour manifest,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAll lightning, and heroically vast,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tIn gesture kingly like a statue stayed,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRose glorious, all a grace of naked limbs,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe hero beautiful, Pururavus,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn that fierce light. Intenser than by day<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tHe for one brilliant moment clear beheld<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAll the familiar place, the fretted huge<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tImages on the columns, the high-reared<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWalls massively erect and silent floor,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd on the floor the gracious fallen dress<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat never should embrace her perfect form,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tLying a glimmer, and each noble curve<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOf the strong couch, and delicately distinct<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe golden body and the flower-like face:<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBeside her with a lovely smile that other,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOne small hand pressing back the shining curls<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBlown with her speed over her. Then all faded.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThunder crashed through the heavens jubilant.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFor a long while he stood with beating heart<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tHalf-conscious of its loss, and as if waiting<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnother flash, into the dimness gazed<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tFor those loved outlines that were far away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThen with a quiet smile he went and placed<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWhere she had lain such a short while ago<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBoth hands, expecting her sweet breasts, but found<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tHer place all empty to him. Silently<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHe lay down whispering to his own heart:<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t"She has arisen and her shining dress<\/span><\/p>\n

\nPut round her and gone into the cool alcove<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tTo fetch sweet water for the heavenly rams,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd she will stay awhile perhaps to look<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd muse upon the night, and then come back,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd give them drink, and silently lie down<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBeside me. I shall see her when it dawns."<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd so he slept. But the grey dawn came in<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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\n

\nAnd raised his lashes. He stretched out his arms<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tTo find her. Then he knew he was alone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\nEven so he would not dwell with his despair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t"She is but gone," he said, "for a little gone<\/span><\/p>\n

\nInto the infinite silences afar<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tTo see her golden sisters and revisit<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe streams she knew and those unearthly skies.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBut she will soon come back,  \u2014  even
\n\t\t\tif her heart<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWould let her linger, mine would draw her back;  \u2014
\n<\/span> <\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tCome soon and talk to me of all she left,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd clasp her children, and resume sweet goings<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd happy daily tasks and rooms she loved."<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSo, steadfast, he continued kingly toils<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAmong a people greatly-destined, giving<\/span><\/p>\n

\nIn sacred sessions and assemblies calm<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tCounsels far-seeing, magnanimous decrees<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBronze against Time, and from the judgment seat<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tUnblamed sentence or reconcilement large.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd perfect trinity of holy fires<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tHe kindled for desirable rain, and went<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTo concourse of strong men or pleasant crowds,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOr triumphed in great games armipotent.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYet behind all his moments there was void.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd as when one puts from him desperately<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe thought of an inevitable fate,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBlinding himself with present pleasures, often<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAt a slight sound, a knocking at the door,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tA chance word terrible, or even uncalled<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis heart grows sick with sudden fear, and ghastly<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe face of that dread future through the window<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLooks at him; mute he sits then shuddering:<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tSo to Pururavus in session holy,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOr warlike concourse, or alone, speaking,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOr sitting, often a swift dreadful fear<\/span><\/p>\n

\nMade his life naked like a lightning flash;<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThen his whole being shook and his strong frame,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n <\/p>\n

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\n

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\nAs with a fever, and his eyes gazed blind;<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tSoon with great breaths he repossessed his soul.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLong he endured thus, but when shocks of fear<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd brilliant passage of remorseless suns<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd wakeful nights wrestling with memory<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tInvisibly had worn his heart, he then<\/span><\/p>\n

\nGoing as one desperate, void of thought or aim,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tInto that silent place dim with the west,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSaw there her dress empty of her, and bed<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tForlorn, and the cold floor where she had lain<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAt noon and made life sweet to him with her voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tSometimes as in an upland reservoir<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBuilt by the hands of early Aryan kings,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tIts banks in secret fretted long go down,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSuddenly down with resonant collapse,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThen with a formidable sound the flood<\/span><\/p>\n

\nDescends, heard over all the echoing hills,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd marble cities are o’erwhelmed; so sank<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe courage of the strong Pururavus,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBy memory and anguish overcome<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd thoughts of bliss intolerable. Tears<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tCame from him; the unvanquished hero lay<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith outstretched arms and wept. Henceforth his life<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWas with that room. If he appeared in high<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSession, warlike concourse or pleasant crowd,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMen looked on him as on the silent dead.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNor did he linger, but from little stay<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWould silently return and in hushed rooms<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWatch with the little relics left of her,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThings he had hardly borne to see before,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nNow clasped them often, often kissed, sometimes<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tSpoke to them as to sweet and living friends,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd often over his sleeping children hung.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tNor did he count the days, nor weep again,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nBut looked into the dawn with tearless eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd all the people mourned for their great king,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSilently watching him, and many murmured:<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 95<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n"This is not he, the King Pururavus,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tHero august, who his impetuous soul<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRuled like a calm and skilful charioteer,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd was the virgin Ila’s son, our king.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWould that the enemy’s war-cry now might rush<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAgainst our gates and all the air be sound.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSurely he would arise and lift his bow,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd his swift chariot hurling through the gates<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAdvance upon them like a sea, and triumph,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd be himself among the rushing wheels."<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSo they would murmur grieving. But the king<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWhen the bright months brought round a lustier
\n\t\t\tearth,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFelt over his numbed soul some touch of flowers,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd rose a little from his grief, and lifted<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHis eyes against the stars. Then he said low:<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t"I was not wont so quickly to despair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO hast thou left me and art lost in light,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tCruel, between the shining hemispheres?<\/span><\/p>\n

\nYet even there I will pursue my joy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThough all the great immortals jealously<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEncompass round with shields thy golden limbs,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tI may clash through them yet, or my strong
\n\t\t\tpatience<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWill pluck my love down from her distant stars.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tStill am I Ila’s son, Pururavus,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThat passionless pure strength though lost, though fallen<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tFrom the armed splendid soul which once I was."<\/span><\/p>\n

\nSo saying he to the hall of session strode,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMightily like a king, a marble place<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWith wide Titanic arches imminent,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd from the brooding pillars seized a shell<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd blew upon it. Like a storm the sound<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThrough Pratisthana’s streets was blown. Forth
\n\t\t\tcame<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFrom lintel proud and happy threshold low<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe people pouring out. Majestic chiefs<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd strong war-leaders and old famous men<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd mighty poets first; behind them streamed<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe Ilian people like driving rain, and filled<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 96<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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

\nWith faces the immeasurable hall.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd over them the beautiful great king<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRose bright; anticipations wonderful<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOf immortality flashed through his eyes<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd round his brow’s august circumference.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t"My people whom I made, I go from you;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd what shall I say to you, Ilian people,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWho know my glory and know my grief? Now I<\/span><\/p>\n

\nEndure no more the desolate wide rooms<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd gardens empty of her. I will depart<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd find her under imperishable trees<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOr secret beside streams. But since I go<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd leave my work behind and a young nation<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWith destiny like an uncertain dawn<\/span><\/p>\n

\nOver it  \u2014  Ayus her son, I give you. He<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBy beauty and strength incomparable shall rule.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nLo, I have planted earth with deeds and made<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tThe widest heavens my monument, have brought<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFrom Paradise the sempiternal fire<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd warred in heaven among the warring Gods.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nO people, you have shared my famous actions<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tDone in a few great years of earthly life,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe battles I fought, edifications vast,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd perfect institutes that I have framed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHigh things we have done together, O my people.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBut now I go to claim back from the Gods<\/span><\/p>\n

\nHer they have taken from me, my dear reward."<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tHe spoke and all the nation listened, dumb.<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThen was brought forth the bud of Urvasie,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWith Vedic verse intoned and Ganges pure<\/span><\/p>\n

\nWas crowned a king, and empire on his curls<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tEstablished. But Pururavus went forth,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThrough ranks of silent people and gleaming arms,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWith the last cloud of sunset up the fields<\/span><\/p>\n

\nAnd darkening meadows. And from Ila’s rock,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tAnd from the temple of Ila virginal,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA rushing splendour wonderfully arose<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 97<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\nAnd shone all round the great departing king.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tHe in that light turned and saw under him<\/span><\/p>\n

\nThe mighty city, luminous and vast,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tColossally up-piled towards the heavens,<\/span><\/p>\n

\nTemple and street and palace, and the sea<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOf sorrowing faces and sad grieving eyes;<\/span><\/p>\n

\nA moment saw, and disappeared from light<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tInto forest. Then a loud wail arose<\/span><\/p>\n

\nFrom Pratisthana, as if barbarous hordes<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tWere in the streets and all its temples huge<\/span><\/p>\n

\nRising towards heaven in disastrous fire,<\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBut he unlistening into darkness went.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

\n
\nPage \u2013 98<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  Urvasi   CANTO III   So was a goddess won to mortal arms; And for twelve months he held her on the peaks, In…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[57],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2969","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-02-collected-poems","wpcat-57-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2969","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=2969"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2969\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2969"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2969"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2969"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}