Page:TheBirth of the War-God.djvu/60

Why should the cloud of grief obscure thy brow,
Mid all thy kindred, who so loved as thou?
Foes hast thou none—for what rash hand would dare
From serpent's head the magic gem to tear?
Why dost thou seek the Hermit's garb to try,
Thy silken raiment and thy gems thrown by?
As though the Sun his glorious state should leave,
Rayless to harbour mid the shades of eve.
Wouldst thou win Heaven by thy holy spells?
Already with the Gods thy father dwells;—
A husband, Lady?—forbear the thought,
A priceless jewel seeks not, but is sought.
Maiden, thy deep sighs tell me it is so,
Yet, doubtful still, my spirit seeks to know
Couldst thou e'er love in vain?—What heart so cold
That hath not eagerly its worship told?
Ah! could the cruel loved one, thou fair Maid,
Look with indifference on that bright hair's braid?
Thy locks are hanging loosely o'er thy brow.
Thine ear is shaded by no Lotus now!
See, where the Sun hath scorched that tender neck
Which precious jewels once were proud to deck.
Still gleams the line where they were wont to cling,
As faintly shows the Moon's overshadowed ring.
Now sure thy loved one, vain in beauty's pride,
Dreamed of himself when wandering at thy side.
Or he would count him blest to be the mark
Of that dear eye, so soft, so lustrous dark!
But, gentle Uma, let thy labour cease,
Turn to thy home, fair Saint, and rest in peace!
By many a year of Penance hardly won
Rich is my store of merits, beauteous one!