316 Translation of the Vichittra Ndtak. [No. 4. 



The flesh of others was hack'd to pieces, 



And warriors strewed the red ground in heaps. 



There was a clamour of shields, of loud drums, 



Mix'd with groans, as these heroes contended. 



Now they pause, but only to bend their bows 



And shoot their arrows. Then again with swords 



To wound, — wounds which are, nor felt, nor cared for,, 



Phrenzied with rage, lo ! neither party flies, 



The din of battle, mocks heaven's thunder. 



They dare each other to single combat, 



And gladly yield their souls to paradise. 



Their angry blades flash sparks like lightning. 



Shouts rend the air. Death, death, the only cry ! 



They roll on the ground in deadly struggle 



And hurl defiance, even as they die. 



Blood flowed in streams, and fairies hover' d near. 



Kali applauded, evil imps rejoiced, 



And manly shouts, shamed the loud thunder. 



The armies engaged with a violence, 



And roar, like as the sound when oceans meet. 



Fiery coursers plough the soil. Dripping 



With red blood, Devi, who knoweth all things, 



Gave encouragement, and fierce beasts who live 



On bodies, howled with joy ; elephants and 



Horses cumber'd the earth, their carcases 



Mix'd in sad confusion with their riders ! 



Both sides claimed victory. If either were forced 



Back, it rallied, and fought more fiercely still. 



Blow after blow was dealt, quick as lightning ; 



And the arm of hatred was as active 



As larvae in the water ! 

 The warriors were inflamed as warriors never were before, and the 

 inspiriting kettle-drums roused them to deeds of daring and boldness. 

 Cut to pieces and pierced with arrows, they still fought on. The 

 youthful and the veteran alike fell in this great battle. And many 

 reeled and staggered as if they were drunk with blood. Sounds of 

 warlike instruments, mingled with the shouts of war. And clouds of 



