Page:TheBirth of the War-God.djvu/89

Next Indra came, and all the Host of Heaven,
The noble Saints and those great Sages seven;
Then led they Siva to a royal seat,
Fair gifts they brought, for such a bridgegroom meet
With all due rites, the honey and the milk,
Rich gems were offered and two robes of silk.

At length by skilful Chamberlains arrayed
They led the lover to the royal Maid.
Thus doth the Moon disturb the tranquil rest
Of Ocean glittering with his foamy crest,
And leads him on, his proud waves swelling o'er,
To leap with kisses on the clasping shore.
He gazed on Uma;—from his lotus eyes
Flashed out the rapture of his proud surprise,
Then calm the current of his spirit lay
Like the world basking in an Autumn day.
They met; and true love's momentary shame
O'er the blest bridegroom and his darling came;
Eye looked to eye—but quivering as they met.
Scarce dared to trust the rapturous gazing yet.
In the God's hand the Priest has duly laid
The radiant fingers of the Mountain-Maid,
Bright, as if Love with his dear sprays of red
Had sought that refuge in his hour of dread;
From hand to hand the soft infection stole,
Till each confessed it in the inmost soul.
Fire filled his veins—with joy she trembled; such
The magic influence of that thrilling touch!

How grows their beauty, when two lovers stand
Eye fixt on eye—hand fondly linkt in hand!