{"id":3302,"date":"2013-07-13T01:47:20","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:47:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=3302"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:47:20","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:47:20","slug":"14-book-7-canto-4-the-triple-soul-forces-vol-02-savitri-1951","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/01-works-of-sri-aurobindo\/02-other-editions\/01-savitri\/02-savitri-1951\/14-book-7-canto-4-the-triple-soul-forces-vol-02-savitri-1951","title":{"rendered":"-14_Book 7 Canto 4 The Triple Soul-Forces.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

\n

<\/p>\n

CANTO FOUR<\/b><\/font><\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
\nTHE TRIPLE SOUL-FORCES<\/b><\/font><\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\t\t\t <\/td>\n\n

\nHERE from a low and prone and
\nlistless ground<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThe passion of the first ascent began; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nA moon-bright face in a sombre
\ncloud of hair, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nA Woman sat in a pale lustrous
\nrobe. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nA rugged and ragged soil was her
\nbare seat, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nBeneath her feet a sharp and
\nwounding stone. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nA divine pity on the peaks of the
\nworld, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nA spirit touched by the grief of
\nall that lives, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nShe looked out far and saw from
\ninner mind <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThis questionable world of outward
\nthings, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nOf false appearances and plausible
\nshapes, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThis dubious cosmos stretched in
\nthe ignorant Void, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe pangs of earth, the toil and
\nspeed of the stars <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd the difficult birth and
\ndolorous end of life. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAccepting the universe as her body
\nof woe, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Mother of the seven sorrows
\nbore <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe seven stabs that pierced her
\nbleeding heart: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe beauty of sadness lingered on
\nher face, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHer eyes were dim with the ancient
\nstain of tears. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHer heart was riven with the
\nworld's agony <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd burdened with the sorrow and
\nstruggle in Time, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAn anguished music trailed in her
\nrapt voice. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAbsorbed in a deep compassion's
\necstasy, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nLifting the mild ray of her patient
\ngaze, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nIn soft sweet training words slowly
\nshe spoke: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n"O Savitri, I am thy secret soul.<\/P><\/p>\n

\nTo share the suffering of the world I came,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI draw my children's pangs into my breast.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI am the nurse of the dolour beneath the stars; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nI am the soul of all who wailing
\nwrithe <\/font>
\n <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

Page 144<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nUnder the ruthless harrow of the
\nGods.<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI am woman, nurse and slave and beaten beast; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nI tend the hands that gave me cruel
\nblows; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe hearts that spumed my love and
\nzeal I serve; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI am the courted queen, the
\npampered doll, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI am the giver of the bowl of rice, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI am the worshipped Angel of the
\nHouse. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI am in all that suffers and that
\ncries. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nMine is the prayer that climbs in
\nvain from earth, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI am traversed by my creatures'
\nagonies, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI am the spirit in a world of pain. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe scream of tortured flesh and
\ntortured hearts <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nFall'n back on heart and flesh
\nunheard by Heaven <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHas rent with helpless grief and
\nwrath my soul. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI have seen the peasant burning in
\nhis hut, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI have seen the slashed corpse of
\nthe slaughtered child, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHeard woman's cry ravished and
\nstripped and haled <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAmid the bayings of the hell-hound
\nmob, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI have looked on, I had no power to
\nsave. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI have brought no arm of strength
\nto aid or slay; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nGod gave me love, he gave me not
\nhis force. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI have shared the toil of the yoked
\nanimal drudge <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nPushed by the goad, encouraged by
\nthe whip; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI have shared the fear-filled life
\nof bird and beast, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nIts long hunt for the day's
\nprecarious food, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nIts covert slink and crouch and
\nhungry prowl, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nIts pain and terror seized by beak
\nand claw. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI have shared the daily life of
\ncommon men, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nIts petty pleasures and its petty
\ncares, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nIts press of troubles and haggard
\nhorde of ills, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nEarth's trail of sorrow hopeless of
\nrelief, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe unwanted tedious labour without
\njoy, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd the burden of misery and the
\nstrokes of fate. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI have been pity, leaning over pain <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd the tender smile that heals the
\nwounded heart <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd sympathy making life less hard
\nto bear. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nMan has felt near my unseen face
\nand hands; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI have become the sufferer and his
\nmoan, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI have lain down with the mangled
\nand the slain, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI have lived with the prisoner in
\nhis dungeon cell, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nPage 145<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nHeavy on my shoulders weighs the
\nyoke of Time: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nNothing refusing of creation's
\nload, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI have borne all and know I still
\nmust bear: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nPerhaps when the world sinks into a
\nlast sleep,<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI too may sleep in dumb eternal peace.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI have borne the calm indifference of Heaven,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nWatched Nature's cruelty to suffering things<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nWhile God passed silent by nor turned to help.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nYet have I cried not out against his will,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nYet have I not accused his cosmic Law.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nOnly to change this great hard world of pain<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nA patient prayer has risen from my breast; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nA pallid resignation lights my
\nbrow,<\/P><\/p>\n

\nWithin me a blind faith and mercy dwell; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nI carry the fire that never can be
\nquenched<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd the compassion that supports the suns.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI am the hope that looks towards my God,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nMy God who never came to me till now; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nHis voice I hear that ever says 'I
\ncome': <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI know that one day he shall come
\nat last."<\/font><\/p>\n

\nShe ceased, and like an echo from
\nbelow <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnswering her pathos of divine
\ncomplaint <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nA voice of wrath took up the dire
\nrefrain, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nA growl of thunder or roar of angry
\nbeast, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe beast that crouching growls
\nwithin man's depths,- <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nVoice of a tortured Titan once a
\nGod. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n"I am the Man of Sorrows, I am he <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWho is nailed on the wide cross of
\nthe universe; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nTo enjoy my agony God built the
\nearth,<\/P><\/p>\n

\nMy passion he has made his drama's theme.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nHe has sent me naked into his bitter world<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd beaten me with his rods of grief and pain<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThat I might cry and grovel at his feet<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd offer him worship with my blood and tears.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI am Prometheus under the vulture's beak,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nMan, the discoverer of the undying Fire,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nIn the flame he kindled burning like a moth; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nI am the seeker who can never find,<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI am the fighter who can never win,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI am the runner who never touched his goal; <\/p>\n

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

\n

Page 146<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\nHell tortures me with the edges of
\nmy thought,<\/P><\/p>\n

\nHeaven tortures me with the splendour of my dreams.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nWhat profit have I of my human soul?<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI toil like the animal, like the animal die.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI am man the rebel, man the helpless serf; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nFate and my fellows cheat me of my
\nwage.<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI loosen with my blood my servitude's seal<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd shake from my aching neck the oppressor's knees<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nOnly to seat new tyrants on my back: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nMy teachers lesson me in slavery,<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI am shown God's stamp and my own true signature<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nUpon the sorry contract of my fate.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI have loved, but none has loved me since my birth,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nMy fruit of works is given to other hands: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nAll that is left me is my evil
\nthoughts,<\/P><\/p>\n

\nMy sordid quarrel against God and man,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nEnvy of the riches that I cannot share,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nHate of a happiness that is not mine.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI know my fate will ever be the same,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nIt is my Nature's work that cannot change: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nl have loved for mine, not for the
\nbeloved's sake,<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI have loved for myself and not for others' lives<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nEach in himself is sole by Nature's law,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nSo God has made his harsh and dreadful world,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/b><\/font><\/p>\n

\nSo has he built the petty heart of
\nman,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nOnly by force and ruse can man survive: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nFor pity is a weakness in his
\nbreast,<\/P><\/p>\n

\nHis goodness is a laxity in the nerves,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nHis kindness an investment for return,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nHis altruism is ego's other face: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nHe serves the world that him the
\nworld may serve.<\/P><\/p>\n

\nIf once the Titan's strength could wake in me,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nIf Enceladus from Etna could arise,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI then would reign the master of the world<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd like a God enjoy man's bliss and pain.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nBut God has taken from me the ancient force.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThere is a dull consent in my sluggish heart,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nA fierce satisfaction with my special pangs<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAs if they made me taller than my kind; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nOnly by suffering can I excel. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\nPage 147<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nI am the victim of titanic ills,<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI am the doer of demoniac deeds; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nI was made for evil, evil is my
\nlot; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nEvil I must be and by evil live; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nNought other can I do but be
\nmyself; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhat Nature made me, that I must
\nremain.<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI suffer and toil and weep; I moan and hate"<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd Savitri heard the Voice, the echo heard<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd turning to her being of pity spoke: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n

"Madonna of suffering. Mother of grief divine,<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThou art a portion of my soul put forth<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nTo bear the unbearable sorrow of the world.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nBecause thou art, men yield not to their doom.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nBut ask for happiness and strive with fate; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nBecause thou art, the wretched
\nstill can hope.<\/P><\/font><\/p>\n

\nBut thine is the power to solace,
\nnot to save. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nOne day I will return, a bringer of
\nstrength<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd make thee drink from the Eternal's cup;<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nHis streams of force shall triumph in thy limbs<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd Wisdom's calm control thy passionate heart.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThy love shall be the bond of human kind,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nCompassion the bright king of Nature's acts: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n'Misery shall pass abolished from
\nthe earth; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe world shall be freed from the
\nanger of the Beast,<\/P><\/p>\n

\nFrom the cruelty of the Titan and his pain. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nThere shall be peace and joy for
\never more.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n     <\/b>On
\npassed she in her spirit's upward route.<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAn ardent grandeur climbed mid ferns and rocks,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nA quiet wind flattered the heart to warmth,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nA finer perfume breathed from slender trees.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAll beautiful grew, subtle and high and strange.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nHere on a boulder carved like a huge throne<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nA Woman sat in gold and purple sheen,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nArmed with the trident and the thunderbolt,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/font><\/p>\n

\nHer feet upon a couchant lion's
\nback.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nA formidable smile curved round her lips,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nHeaven-fire laughed in the corners of her eyes; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nHer body a mass of courage and
\nheavenly strength,<\/P><\/font><\/p>\n

\nShe menaced the triumph of the
\nnether gods.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n

Page 148<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nA halo of lightnings flamed around
\nher head <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd sovereignty a great cestus
\nzoned her robe <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd majesty and victory sat with
\nher <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nGuarding in the wide cosmic
\nbattle-field <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAgainst the flat equality of Death <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd the all-levelling insurgent
\nNight <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe hierarchy of the ordered
\nPowers, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe high changeless values, the
\npeaked eminences, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe privileged aristocracy of
\nTruth, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd in the governing Ideal's sun <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe triumvirate of wisdom, love and
\nbliss <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd the sole autocracy of the
\nabsolute Light. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAugust on her seat in the inner
\nworld of Mind, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Mother of Might looked down on
\npassing things,  <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nListened to the advancing tread of
\nTime, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nSaw the irresistible wheeling of
\nthe suns <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd heard the thunder of the march
\nof God. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAmid the swaying forces in their
\nstrife <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nSovereign was her word of luminous
\ncommand, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHer speech like a war-cry rang or a
\npilgrim chant. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nA charm restoring hope in failing
\nhearts, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAspired the harmony of her puissant
\nvoice: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n"0 Savitri, I am thy secret soul.<\/P><\/font><\/p>\n

\nI <\/b><\/i>have come down into
\nthe human world<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd the movement watched by an unsleeping Eye<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd the dark contrariety of earth's fate<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd the battle of the bright and sombre Powers.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI stand upon earth's paths of danger and grief<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd help the unfortunate and save the doomed.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nTo the strong I bring the guerdon of their strength,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nTo the weak I bring the armour of my force; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nTo men who long I carry their
\ncoveted joy: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI am fortune justifying the great
\nand wise<\/P><\/font><\/p>\n

\nBy the sanction of the plaudits of
\nthe crowd,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThen trampling them with the armed heel of Fate.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nMy ear is leaned to the cry of the oppressed,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI topple down the thrones of tyrant kings: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nA cry comes from proscribed and
\nhunted lives<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAppealing to me against a pitiless world,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nA voice of the forsaken and desolate <\/p>\n

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

\nPage 149<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nAnd the lone prisoner in his
\ndungeon cell.<\/P><\/p>\n

\nMen hail in my coming the Almighty's force<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nOr praise with thankful tears his saviour Grace.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI smite the Titan who bestrides the world<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd slay the ogre in his blood-stained den.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI am Durga, goddess of the proud and strong, <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nAnd Laksmi, queen of the fair and
\nfortunate; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI wear the face of Kali when I
\nkill, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI trample the corpses of the demon
\nhordes. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI am charged by God to do his
\nmighty work, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nUncaring I serve his will who sent
\nme forth, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nReckless of peril and earthly
\nconsequence. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI reason not of virtue and of sin <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nBut do the deed he has put into my
\nheart. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI fear not for the angry frown of
\nHeaven, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI flinch not from the red assault
\nof Hell, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI crush the opposition of the gods, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nTread down a million goblin
\nobstacles. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI guide man to the path of the
\nDivine <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd guard him from the red Wolf and
\nthe Snake. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI set in his mortal hand my
\nheavenly sword <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd put on him the breastplate of
\nthe gods. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI break the ignorant pride of human
\nmind <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd lead the thought to the
\nwideness of the Truth; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI rend man's narrow and successful
\nlife<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd force his sorrowful eyes to gaze at the sun<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThat he may die to earth and live in his soul.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI know the goal, I know the secret route: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nI have studied the map of the
\ninvisible worlds; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI am the battle's head, the
\njourney's star. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nBut the great obstinate world
\nresists my word, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd the crookedness and evil in
\nman's heart <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nIs stronger than Reason, profounder
\nthan the Pit,<\/b> <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd the malignancy of hostile
\nPowers <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nPuts craftily back the clock of
\ndestiny <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd mightier seems than the eternal
\nWill. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe cosmic evil is too deep to
\nunroot: <\/P><\/p>\n

\nThe cosmic suffering is too vast to heal. –<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nA few I guide who pass me towards the Light; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nA few I save, the mass falls back
\nunsaved; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n

Page 150<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nA few I help, the many strive and
\nfail: <\/P><\/b><\/p>\n

\nBut my heart I have hardened, and I do my work: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nSlowly the Light grows greater in
\nthe East,<\/P><\/p>\n

\nSlowly the world progresses on God's road. <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nHis seal is on my task, it cannot
\nfail:<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI shall hear the silver swing of heaven's gates<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nWhen God comes out to meet the soul of the world. <\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nShe spoke and from the lower human world<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAn answer, a warped echo met her speech; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nThe voice came through the spaces
\nof the mind <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nOf the dwarf-Titan, the deformed
\nchained god <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWho strives to master his nature's
\nrebel stuff <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd make the universe his
\ninstrument. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe Ego of this great world of
\ndesire <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nClaimed earth and the wide heavens
\nfor the use <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nOf man, head of the life it shapes
\non earth, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nIts representative and conscious
\nsoul, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd symbol of evolving light and
\nforce <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd vessel of the godhead that must
\nbe. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nA thinking animal. Nature's
\nstruggling lord <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHas made of her his nurse and tool
\nand slave <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd pays to her as wage and
\nemolument <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nInescapably by a deep law in things <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHis heart's grief and his body's
\ndeath and pain; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHis pains are her means to grow, to
\nsee and feel; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHis death assists her immortality. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nA tool and slave of his own slave
\nand tool,<\/P><\/p>\n

\nHe praises his free will and his master mind<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd is pushed by her upon her chosen paths; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nPossessor he is possessed and,
\nruler, ruled,<\/P><\/p>\n

\nHer conscious automaton, her desire's dupe.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nHis soul is her guest, a sovereign mute, inert,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nHis body her robot, his life her way to live,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nHis conscious mind her strong revolted serf. <\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThe voice rose up and smote some inner sun:
\n<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n"I am the heir of the forces of the
\nearth,<\/P><\/p>\n

\nSlowly I make good my right to my estate; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nA growing godhead in her divinised
\nmud,<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI climb, a claimant to the throne of heaven.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThe last born of the earth I stand the first; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n

Page 151<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nHer slow millenniums waited for my
\nbirth.<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAlthough I live in Time besieged by Death,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nPrecarious owner of my body and soul<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nHoused on a little speck amid the stars,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nFor me and my use the universe was made.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nImmortal spirit in the perishing day,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI am God still unevolved in human form; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nEven if he is not, he becomes in
\nme.<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThe sun and moon are lights upon my path; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nAir was invented for my lungs to
\nbreathe,<\/P><\/p>\n

\nConditioned as a wide and wallless space<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nFor my winged chariot's wheels to cleave a road,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThe sea was made for me to swim and sail<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd bear my golden commerce on its back: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nIt laughs cloven by my pleasure's
\ngliding keel,<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI laugh at its black stare of fate and death.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThe earth is my floor, the sky my living's roof,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAll was prepared through many a silent age.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nGod made experiments with animal shapes,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThen only when all was ready I was born.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI was born weak and small and ignorant,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nA helpless creature in a difficult world,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nTravelling through my brief years with death at my side: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nI have grown greater than Nature,
\nwiser than God.<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI have made real what she never dreamed,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI have seized her powers and harnessed for my work,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI have shaped her metals and new metals made; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nI will make glass and raiment out
\nof milk,<\/P><\/p>\n

\nMake iron velvet, water unbreakable stone,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nLike God in his astuce of artist skill,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nMould from one primal plasm protean forms,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/font><\/p>\n

\nIn single nature multitudinous
\nlives,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAll that imagination can conceive<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/font><\/p>\n

\nIn mind intangible, remould anew<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nIn Matter's plastic solid and concrete; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nNo magic can surpass my magic's
\nskill.<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThere is no miracle I shall not achieve.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nWhat God imperfect left, I will complete,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nOut of a tangled mind and half-made soul<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nHis sin and error I will eliminate; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nPage 152<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nWhat he invented not, I shall
\ninvent: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe was the first creator, I am the
\nlast.<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI have found the atoms from which he built the worlds: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nThe first tremendous cosmic energy <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nMissioned shall leap to slay my
\nenemy kin, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nExpunge a nation or abolish a race, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nDeath's silence leave where there
\nwas laughter and joy. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nOr the fissured invisible shall
\nspend God's force <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nTo extend my comforts and expand my
\nwealth, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nTo speed my car which now the
\nlightnings drive <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd turn the engines of my
\nmiracles. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI will take his means of sorcery
\nfrom his hands <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd do with them greater wonders
\nthan his best.
\n<\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nYet through it all I have kept my
\nbalanced thought, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI have studied my being, I have
\nexamined the world, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI have grown a master of the arts
\nof life. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI have tamed the wild beast trained
\nto be my friend, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe guards my house, looks up
\nwaiting my will. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI have taught my kind to serve and
\nto obey. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI have used the mystery of the
\ncosmic waves <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nTo see far distance and to hear far
\nwords: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI have conquered Space and knitted
\nclose all earth: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nSoon I shall know the secrets of
\nthe Mind: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI play with knowledge and with
\nignorance<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd sin and virtue my inventions are,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI can transcend or sovereignly use.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI shall know mystic truths, seize occult powers.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI shall slay my enemies with a look or thought,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI shall sense the unspoken feelings of all hearts<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd see and hear the hidden thoughts of men.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nWhen earth is mastered, I shall conquer heaven; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nThe gods shall be my aids or menial
\nfolk,<\/P><\/p>\n

\nNo wish I harbour unfulfilled shall die: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nOmnipotence and omniscience shall
\nbe mine."<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd Savitri heard the voice, the warped echo heard<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd turning to her being of power she spoke:<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\n"Madonna of might. Mother of works and force,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThou art a portion of my soul put forth<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nTo help mankind and help the travail of Time.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nBecause thou art in him, man hopes and dares; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nPage  153<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nBecause thou art, men's souls can
\nclimb the heavens<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd walk like Gods in the presence of the Supreme.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nBut without wisdom power is like a wind,<\/p>\n

\nIt can breathe upon the heights and
\nkiss the sky,<\/p>\n

<\/P>
\n<\/i><\/p>\n

\nIt cannot build the extreme eternal things.<\/p>\n

<\/P>
\n<\/i><\/p>\n

\nThou hast given men strength, wisdom thou couldst not give.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nOne day I will return, a bringer of light,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThen I will give to thee the mirror of God,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThou shalt see self and world as by him they are seen<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nReflected in the bright pool of thy soul.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThy wisdom shall be vast as vast thy power.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThen hate shall dwell no more in human hearts,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd fear and weakness shall desert men's lives,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThe cry of the ego shall be hushed within,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nlion roar that claims the world as food,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\n1 shall be might and bliss and happy force."<\/p>\n

\n <\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\n       Ascending still her spirit's upward route<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nShe came into a high and happy space,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nA wide tower of vision whence all could be seen<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd all was centred in a single view<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAs when by distance separate scenes grow one<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd a harmony is made of hues at war.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThe wind was still and fragrance packed the air.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThere was a carol of birds and murmur of bees,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd all that is common and natural and sweet,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nYet intimately divine to heart and soul.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nA nearness thrilled of the spirit to its source<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd deepest things seemed obvious, close and true.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nHere, living centre of that vision of peace,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nA Woman sat in clear and crystal light: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nHeaven had unveiled its lustre in
\nher eyes, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHer feet were moonbeams, her face
\nwas a bright sun, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHer smile could persuade a dead
\nlacerated heart <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nTo live again and feel the hands of
\ncalm. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nA low music heard became her
\nfloating voice: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n"0 Savitri, I am thy secret soul.<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI have come down to the wounded desolate earth<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nTo heal her pangs and lull her heart to rest<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd lay her head upon the Mother's lap <\/p>\n

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

\nPage 154<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nThat she may dream of God and know
\nhis peace <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd draw the harmony of higher
\nspheres <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nInto the rhythm of earth's rude
\ntroubled days. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI show to her the figures of bright
\nGods <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd bring strength and solace to
\nher struggling life; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHigh things that now are only words
\nand forms<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI reveal to her in the body of their power.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI am peace that steals into man's war-worn breast,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAmid the reign of Hell his acts create<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nA hostel where Heaven's messengers can lodge; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nI am charity with the kindly hands
\nthat bless; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI am silence mid the noisy tramp of
\nlife; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI am Knowledge poring on her cosmic
\nmap. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nIn the anomalies of the human heart <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhere Good and Evil are close
\nbed-fellows <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd Light is by Darkness dogged at
\nevery step, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhere his largest knowledge is an
\nignorance, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI am the Power that labours towards
\nthe best <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd works for God and looks up
\ntowards the heights. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI make even sin and error stepping
\nstones <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd all experience a long march
\ntowards Light. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nOut of the Inconscient I build
\nconsciousness <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd lead through death to reach
\nimmortal life. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nMany are God's forms by which he
\ngrows in man; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThey stamp his thoughts and deeds
\nwith divinity, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nUplift the stature of the human
\nclay <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nOr slowly transmute it into
\nheaven's gold. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe is the Good for which men fight
\nand die, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe is the War of Right with Titan
\nWrong, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe is Freedom rising deathless from
\nher pyre, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe is Valour guarding still the
\ndesperate pass <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nOr lone and erect on the shattered
\nbarricade <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nOr a sentinel in the dangerous
\nechoing Night. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe is the crown of the martyr
\nburned in flame <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd the glad resignation of the
\nsaint <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd courage indifferent to the
\nwounds of Time <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd the hero's might wrestling with
\ndeath and Fate. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe is Wisdom incarnate on a
\nglorious throne <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd the calm autocracy of the
\nsage's rule. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe is the high and solitary Thought <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nPage 155<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nAloof above the ignorant multitude: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe is the prophet's voice, the
\nsight of the seer.<\/P><\/p>\n

\nHe is Beauty nectar of the passionate soul,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nHe is the Truth by which the spirit lives.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nHe is the riches of the spiritual Vast<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nPoured out in healing streams on indigent Life; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nHe is Eternity lured from hour to
\nhour,<\/P><\/p>\n

\nHe is Infinity in a little space: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nHe is Immortality in the arms of
\nDeath.<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThese powers I am and at my call they come".<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThus slowly I lift man's soul nearer the Light.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nBut human mind clings to its ignorance,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd to its littleness the human heart,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd to its right to grief the earthly life.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nOnly when Eternity takes Time by the hand,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nOnly when infinity weds the finite's thought,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nCan man be free from himself and live with God.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI bring meanwhile the gods upon the earth; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nI bring back hope to the despairing
\nheart; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI give peace to the humble and the
\ngreat<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd shed my grace on the foolish and the wise.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI shall save earth, if earth consents to be saved.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThen Love shall at last unwounded tread earth's soil; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nMan's mind shall admit the
\nsovereignty of Truth<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd body bear the immense descent of God."<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nShe spoke and from the ignorant nether plane<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nA cry, a warped echo naked and shuddering came.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nA voice of the sense-shackled human mind<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nCarried its proud complaint of Godlike power<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nHedged by the limits of a mortal's thoughts,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nBound in the chains of earthly ignorance.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nImprisoned in his body and his brain<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThe mortal cannot see God's mighty whole<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/font><\/p>\n

\nOr share in his vast and deep
\nidentity<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nWho stands unguessed within our ignorant hearts<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd knows all things because he is one with all.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nMan only sees the cosmic surfaces.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThen wondering what may lie hid from the sense<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nA little way he delves to depths below: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nBut soon he stops, he cannot reach
\nlife's core <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nPage  156<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nOr commune with the throbbing heart
\nof things.<\/P><\/p>\n

\nHe sees the naked body of the Truth<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThough often baffled by her endless garbs,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nBut cannot look upon her soul within.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThen, furious for a knowledge absolute,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nHe tears all details out and stabs and digs: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nOnly the shape's contents he holds
\nfor use, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe spirit escapes or dies beneath
\nhis knife. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe sees as a blank stretch, a giant
\nwaste <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe crowding riches of infinity. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe finite he has made his central
\nfield, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nIts plan dissects, masters its
\nprocesses, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThat which moves all is hidden from
\nhis gaze, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHis poring eyes miss the unseen
\nbehind. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHe has the blind man's subtle
\nunerring touch <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nOr the slow traveller's sight of
\ndistant scenes; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe soul's revealing contacts are
\nnot his. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nYet is he visited by intuitive
\nlight <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAnd inspiration comes from the
\nUnknown; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nBut only reason and sense he feels
\nas sure, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThey only are his trusted
\nwitnesses. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThus is he baulked, his splendid
\neffort vain; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHis knowledge scans bright pebbles
\non the shore <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nOf the huge ocean of his ignorance. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nYet grandiose were the accents of
\nthat cry, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nA cosmic pathos trembled in its
\ntone. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\n"I am the mind of God's great
\nignorant world <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAscending to knowledge by the steps
\nhe made; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI am the all-discovering Thought of
\nman. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI am a god fettered by Matter and
\nsense, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nAn animal prisoned in a fence of
\nthorns, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nA beast of labour asking for his
\nfood, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nA smith tied to his anvil and his
\nforge. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nYet have I loosened the cord,
\nenlarged my room. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI have mapped the heavens and
\nanalysed the stars, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nDescribed the orbits through the
\ngrooves of Space, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nMeasured the miles that separate
\nthe suns, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nComputed their longevity in Time. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI have delved into earth's bowels
\nand torn out <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe riches guarded by her dull
\nbrown soil.<\/font><\/p>\n

\nPage  157<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nI have classed the changes of her
\nstony crust<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd of her biography discovered the dates,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nRescued the pages of all Nature's plan.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThe tree of evolution I have sketched,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nEach branch and twig and leaf in its own place,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nIn the embryo tracked the history of forms,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd the genealogy framed of all that lives.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI have detected plasm and cell and gene,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThe protozoa traced, man's ancestors,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThe humble originals from whom he rose; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nI know how he was born and how he
\ndies,<\/P><\/p>\n

\nOnly what end he serves I know not yet,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nOr if there is aim at all or any end<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nOr push of rich creative purposeful joy<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nIn the wide works of the terrestrial power.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI have caught her intricate processes, none is left: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nHer huge machinery is in my hands; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI have seized the cosmic energies
\nfor my use.<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI have pored on her infinitesimal elements<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd her invisible atoms have unmasked: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nAll Matter is a book I have
\nperused; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nOnly some pages now are left to
\nread. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI have seen the ways of life, the
\npaths of mind; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nI have studied the methods of the
\nant and ape<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd the behaviour learnt of man and worm.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nIf God is at work his secrets I have found.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nBut still the Cause of things is left in doubt,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nTheir truth flees from pursuit into a void; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nWhen all has been explained nothing
\nis known.<\/P><\/p>\n

\nWhat chose the process, whence the Power sprung<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI know not and perhaps shall never know.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nA mystery is this mighty Nature's birth; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nA mystery is the elusive stream of
\nmind, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nA mystery the protean freak of
\nlife. <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhat I have learnt. Chance leaps to
\ncontradict; <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhat I have built is seized and
\ntorn by Fate.<\/P><\/p>\n

\nI can foresee the acts of Matter's force,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nBut not the march of the destiny of man: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nHe is driven upon paths he did not
\nchoose,<\/P><\/p>\n

\nHe falls trampled underneath the rolling wheels.<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nPage  158<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nMy great philosophies are a
\nreasoned guess,<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThe mystic heavens that claim the human soul<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAre a charlatanism of the imagining brain: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nAll is a speculation or a dream: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nIn the end the world itself becomes
\na doubt: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nThe infinitesimal's jest mocks mass
\nand shape,<\/P><\/p>\n

\nA laugh peals from the infinite's finite mask.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nPerhaps the world is an error of our sight,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nA trick repeated in each flash of sense,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAn unreal mind hallucinates the soul<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nWith a stress-vision of false reality,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nOr a dance of Maya veils the Void unborn.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nEven if a greater consciousness I could reach,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nWhat profit is it then for Thought to win<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nA Real which is for ever ineffable<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/font><\/p>\n

\nOr hunt to its lair the bodiless
\nSelf or make<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThe Unknowable the target of the soul?<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nNay, let me work within my mortal bounds,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nNot live beyond life nor think beyond the mind; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nOur smallness saves us from the
\nInfinite.<\/P><\/p>\n

\nIn a frozen grandeur lone and desolate<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nCall me not to die the great eternal Death,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nLeft naked of my own humanity<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nIn the chill vast of the spirit's boundlessness.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nEach creature by its nature's limits lives,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd how can one evade his native fate?<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nHuman I am, human let me remain<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nTill in the Inconscient I fall dumb and sleep.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nA high insanity, a chimera is this,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nTo think that God lives hidden in the clay<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd that eternal Truth can dwell in Time,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd call to her to save our self and world.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nHow can man grow immortal and divine<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nTransmuting the very stuff of which he is made?<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThis wizard Gods may dream, not thinking men." <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nAnd Savitri heard the voice, the
\nwarped answer heard<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd turning to her being of light she spoke: <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\n"Madonna of light. Mother of joy
\nand peace,<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThou art a portion of my self put forth<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/font><\/p>\n

\nTo raise the spirit to its
\nforgotten heights <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nPage   159<\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nAnd wake the soul by touches of the
\nheavens.<\/P><\/p>\n

\nBecause thou art, the soul draws near to God; <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nBecause thou art, love grows in
\nspite of hate<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd knowledge walks unslain in the pit of Night.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nBut not by showering heaven's golden rain<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nUpon the intellect's hard and rocky soil<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nCan the tree of Paradise flower on earthly ground<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd the Bird of Paradise sit upon life's boughs<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd the winds of Paradise visit mortal air.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nEven if thou rain down intuition's rays,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThe mind of man will think it earth's own gleam, <\/font><\/p>\n

\n

\nHis spirit by spiritual ego sink, <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nOr his soul dream shut in
\nsainthood's brilliant cell <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nWhere only a bright shadow of God
\ncan come: <\/font>\n<\/p>\n

\nHis hunger for the eternal thou
\nmust nurse<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd fill his yearning heart with heaven's fire<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd bring God down into his body and life.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nOne day I shall return. His hands in mine<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nAnd thou shalt see the face of the Absolute. <\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThen shall the holy marriage be achieved,<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThen shall the divine family be born.<\/p>\n

<\/P><\/p>\n

\nThere shall be light and peace in all the worlds.<\/p>\n

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

\nPage  160<\/font><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n\t\t\t <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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