Page:TheBirth of the War-God.djvu/77

He threw his arms around the blushing; Maid
In queenly garment and in gems arrayed,
A while was silent, then in rapture cried,
"Come, my daughter! Come, thou destined bride
Of Siva, Lord of All—this glorious band
Of Saints have sought thee at the God's command,
And I thy Sire this happy day obtain
The best reward a father's wish would gain! "
Then to the Saints he cried:—"Pure Hermits, see
The Spouse of Siva greets your company! "
They looked in rapture on the Maid, and poured
Their fullest blessing on her Heavenly Lord;
So low she bowed, the gems that decked her hair
And sparkled in her ear fell loosened there;
Then with sweet modesty and joy opprest
8he hid her blushes on the Lady's breast,
Who cheered the mother weeping for her child,
Her own dear Uma, till again she smiled—
Such bliss and glory should be hers above,
Yea, mighty Siva's undivided love.

They named the fourth for Uma's nuptial day;
Then sped the Sages on their homeward way:
And thanked by Siva with a gracious eye
Sought their bright rest amid the stars on high.
Through all those weary days the lover sighed
To wind his fond arms round his gentle bride—
Oh, if the Lord of Heaven could find no rest,
Think, think how Love—strong Love,—can tear a mortal's
breast!