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JOUKNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [VOL. II., PAET II. 



some at least of the Sanskrit works, I shall venture to assert. 

 The Selaiihini-sandese of Sri Rahula Sthavira, mentioned 

 above, may indeed be cited as one which is by no means 

 inferior in point of imagery to the celebrated "Meghadiita" 

 of Kalidasa, translated into English by Mr. "Wilson in 

 1813.* But I must not omit to mention that, unlike 

 the Sanskrit, which can be procured from India,, the 



The above is from the " Meghaduta," p. 88, and the following, from 

 Mr. Wilson's beautiful translation, with his notes, will give the 

 English reader a faint idea of the writings referred to in the text : — 



— "a beauteous creature stands, 



The first best work of the Creator's hands ; 



Whose slender limbs inadequately bear 



A full-orbed bosom and a weight of care ; 



Whose teeth like pearls, whose lips like bimbas show, 



And fawn-like eyes, still tremble as they glow," &c. 



Note. — " The first best work of the Creator's hands" literally the 

 first creation of Brahma, and " first'''' may refer to time or to degree ; 

 it most probably here means "best." So Milton speaking of Eve — 



** Oh ! fairest of creation, last and best 

 Of all God's works." — Paradise Lost 



" We now enter upon perhaps the most pleasing part of this 

 elegant little poem — the description of the Yaksha's wife. I may 

 perhaps come under the denomination of those who, according to 

 the illiberal and arrogant criticism of such a writer as a Mr. Pinkerton, 

 prove ' that the climate of India, while it inflames the imagination 

 impairs the judgment,' when, standing in very little awe of such a 

 poetical censor, I advance an opinion, that we have few specimens 

 either in classical or modern poetry of more genuine tenderness or 

 delicate feeling." — Wilson. 



