Page:TheBirth of the War-God.djvu/91

Then to fair Uma spake the gracious Power
Who sits enthroned upon the Lotus flower:—
"O beautiful Lady, happy shalt thou he,
And hero children shall be born of thee!"
Then looked in silence,—vain the hope to bless
The Bridegroom, Siva, with more happiness!

Then from the Altar, as prescribed of old,
They turned, and rested upon seats of gold:
And, as the Holy Books for men ordain,
Were sprinkled duly with the moistened gTain.
High o'er their heads sweet Beauty's Queen displayed
Upon a stem of reed a cool green shade,
While the young Lotus-leaves of which 'twas made
Seemed as they glistened to the wondering view
All richly pearled with drops of beady dew.
In twofold language on each glorious head
The Queen of Speech her richest blessings shed;
In strong, pure, godlike utterance for his ear.
To her in liquid tones, soft, beautifully clear.

Now for awhile they gaze where Maids divine
In graceful play the expressive dance entwine.
Whose eloquent motions, with an Actor's art,
Show to the life the passions of the heart.

The rite was ended; then the Heavenly band
Prayed Siva, raising high the suppliant hand:—
"Now, for the dear sake of thy lovely Bride,
Have pity on the gentle God"—they cried—
"Whose tender body thy fierce wrath has slain:
Give all his honour, all his might again!"