LECT. !.] EASTERN COSMOGONY. 21 







the second is Religious Thoughts and Life in India, 1 by Professor 

 Monier Williams, M.A., C.I.E. Part L, Yedism, Brahmanism, and 

 Hinduism. 



Some of the venerable hymns given in the latter work are sub- 

 lime, and certainly come very near the Hebrew writings. 



I have only space for a specimen or two, but trust that the reader 

 will be led to avail himself of Professor Williams's invaluable 

 labours : 



" In the beginning there was neither nought nor aught ; 

 Then there was neither sky nor atmosphere .above. 

 What then enshrouded all this teeming universe ? 

 In the receptacle of what was it contained ? 

 Was it enveloped in the gulf profound of water ? 

 Then was there neither death nor immortality ; 

 Then was there neither day, nor night, nor light, nor darkness. 

 Only the Existent One breathed calmly, self-contained. 

 Nought else but he there was nought else above, beyond. 

 Then first came darkness hid in darkness, gloom in gloom ; 

 Next all was water, all a chaos indiscrete, 

 In which the One lay void, shrouded in nothingness. 

 Then turning inwards, he by self -developed force 

 Of inner fervour and intense abstraction, grew. 

 First in his mind was formed Desire, the primal germ 

 Productive, which the wise, profoundly searching, say 

 Is the first subtle bond, connecting Entity 

 And Nullity." Page 13. 



" From glowing heat sprang all existing things, 

 Yea, all the order of this universe (Rita). 

 Thence also Night and heaving Ocean sprang ; 

 And next to heaving Ocean rose the Year, 

 Dividing day from night. All mortal men 

 Who close the eyelid are his subjects ; he 

 The great Disposer, made in due succession 

 Sun, moon, and sky, earth, middle air, and heaven." Page 404. 



1 London : John Murray. 1883. 



