Canto Third
THE DEATH OF LOVE.
In eager gaze the Sovereign of the Skies
Looked full on Káma with his thousand eyes—
E'en such a gaze as trembling suppliants bend,
When danger threatens, on a mighty friend.
Close by his side, where Indra bade him rest,
The Love-God sate, and thus his Lord addressed:
"All-knowing Indra, deign, my prince, to tell
Thy heart's desire in Earth, or Heaven, or Hell:
Double the favour, mighty sovereign, thou
Hast thought on Káma, O, command him now!
Who angers thee by toiling for the prize,
By penance, prayer, or holy sacrifice?
What mortal being dost thou count thy foe?
Speak, I will tame him with my darts and bow.
Has some one feared the endless change of birth.
And sought the path that leads the soul from earth?
Slave to a glancing eye thy foe shall bow.
And own the witchery of a woman's brow;
E'en though the object of thine envious rage
Were taught high wisdom by the Immortal Sage,
