524 Translation of the " Fichitra N&tak." [No. 7. 



He pardons those who worship him, but condemns the wicked. 

 His shining scimitar instils terror, 

 His anklets resounding are heard afar, 

 His locks are lovely, and he hath four arms ; 

 Even death crouches beneath his weapons ; 

 He hath a naming tongue, and dreadful teeth ; 

 His shankh,* so noisy, fills the world with dread ; 

 Dark is his visage, yet with all, at full, 

 Of beauty, as his attributes are chaste. 

 The canopy above Time is white and lustrous, and the sun is hum- 

 bled in comparison with his splendour. He hath large red eyes, whose 

 pupils are like the luminary of day, they gaze upon myriads. 



His countenance is so beautiful, that the proud daughters of the 

 gods cannot compare with it. Sometimes he seemeth a warrior, who 

 taketh his bow in his hand, or as a King, who soundeth his loud kettle- 

 drum. When armed, the bravest heroes fly from before him. He han- 

 dleth his sword like a powerful warrior. He is mighty in battle, and 

 to be feared, nevertheless he is an ocean of mercy, — always kind, always 

 consistent. Kings tremble when they hear thee, the world is thy gar- 

 ment, those who believe in thee will be forgiven. Thou resemblest a 

 black cloud, whose loveliness is perfect, nevertheless thou hast four 

 arms, and when thou holdest the club, the mace, the shankh and the 

 discus, thou art terrible. 



Countenance unequall'd 

 Excelling the God of Love, 

 Loveliness unrivalled, 

 Coveted by all mankind, 

 Forehead like the full moon 

 Which humbles even Sheo,f 

 With his snake-like necklace. 

 Time reproveth the sinful. 



Arm'd with a scimitar 

 He scourgeth evil doers. 

 He hath a massive club. 

 And bendeth the pliant bow. 



* Conch used by Hindu gods as a war-horn. — Ed. 



t Sheo (/Siva) is represented in Hindu mythology as wearing a snake round his 

 neck. 



