In Hindu Literature 239 



"The lily, by the wild bee scarcely stirred, 

 Bends, breaks and dies beneath the weary bird." 



Although Uma has undertaken the ]ife of a recluse in the 

 forest we learn that — 



" Her matted hair was full as lovely now. 

 As when 'twas braided o'er her polished brow. 

 Thus the sweet beauties of the lotus shine 

 When bees festoon it in a graceful line." 



Finally we find Uma triumphant and arranged for her 



bridal. 



" Less dazzling pure the lovely lotus shines 

 Flecked by the thronging bees in dusky lines." 



The maidens fly to the windows to see the passing of Siva 

 and his bride. 



" Oh ! what a sight I the crowded windows there 

 With eager faces excellently fair. 

 Like sweetest lilies, for their dark eyes fling 

 Quick glances quivering like the wild bee's wing.'' 



" The murmur of the bee " is a constant accompani- 

 ment to Hindu song and love-making, and the music of 

 the bee at times vies with the song of the bird, or even with 

 celestial music. 



In Kalidasa's " Hero and Nymph" the manager repeats 

 before the play begins, — 



" What sounds are these in the air, that like the plaintive 

 bleat of lambs, break in upon my speech? Was it the 

 murmur of the bee or koiPs distant song, or do the nymphs 

 of heaven as they pass above warble their celestial strains ? " 



Urvasi, a nymph of heaven, borne in the chariot of the 

 hero Puriiravas, of whom she has become enamoured, 

 hearing him speak, says, — nectar here evidently mean- 

 ing honey, — 



"Delightful words ! they fall like drops of nectar. 

 Nor wonder nectar from the moon should flow." 



