Page:TheBirth of the War-God.djvu/43

But still, with downcast eyes, she sought the ground,
And durst not turn their burning glances round.
Then with strong effort, Siva lulled to rest,
The storm of passion in his troubled breast.
And seeks, with angry eyes that round him roll,
Whence came the tempest o'er his tranquil soul.
He looked, and saw the bold young Archer stand,
His bow bent ready in his skilful hand.
Drawn towards the eye—his shoulder well depressed,
And the left foot thrown forward as a rest.

Then was the Hermit-God to madness lashed,
Then from his eye red flames of fury flashed—
So changed the beauty of that glorious brow.
Scarce could the gaze support its terror now.
Hark! heavenly voices sighing through the air:
Be calm, great Siva, be calm and spare!—
Alas! that angry eye's resistless flashes
Have scorched the gentle King of Love to ashes!
But Reti saw not, for she swooned away,
Senseless and breathless on the earth she lay;
Sleep while thou mayst, unconscious Lady, sleep!
Soon wilt thou rise to sigh and wake to weep.
E'en as the red bolt rives the leafy bough
Did Siva blast the hinderer of his vow.
Then fled with all his train to some lone place
Far, far from Woman and her witching face.

{{gap}Sad was Himálaya's daughter,—grief and shame
O'er the young spirit of the Maiden came; —
Grief—for she loved, and all her love was vain,
Shame—she was spurned before her youthful train;