56 



Notices of some Roman Catholic Boohs^ 



[July 



dactic portion. The expressions Spirito Sanctn, Bapfismwn^ &c„, are re- 

 tained. The four books with the introduction contain nearly 4000 

 lines. 



The first book opens with a prayer for the divine blessing on the 

 poet's patron. Precisely following the braminical method, he now de- 

 scribes the family oi'his patron and that of Mallarusii, who is the pupil 

 or questioner : the replies given by the teacher constituting the poem. 

 This mode has been followed by Principal Mill, in his Sanscrit poem, 

 entitled " Chuista Sangita." 



The preface being concluded (in 260 lines) the author giv -s an intro- 

 duction, which seems superfluous ; describing the occurrence of an 

 eclipse : a conversation regarding which leads to the real theme of the 

 poem. Mallarusu applies to a hermit named Paroatru/a, or, Jiuina Bodha 

 Alunij who undertakes to describe the christian religion. As a prelimi- 

 nary, he attempts to describe Deity, and refutes the braminical ideas 

 on this subject ; he urges the adoration of God alone. He next, describes 

 creation : and the nature of angels. The fallen angels, and the devil 

 as a tempter. These subjects are treated partly in the style of the 

 Latin theologians and partly in a new method such as a native of India 

 might be expected to devise. The system of Hindu idolatry is next 

 combated, and several of the absurd braminical legends are very justly 

 weighed. At the close he says " Let us then desist from regarding 

 Siva, unless in the light of a foe : and let the emblems of such false 

 gods be laid aside." 



The second book opens with a benediction in the name of Christ 

 The poet now describes creation. His description of Eve's beauty is 

 quite in the Hindu style, though free from grossness An exuberant 

 description of Paradise. The forbidden fruit. The Temptation and 

 Fall. Then follows a discussion on the origin of evil. 



The poet avoids mentioning that Adam and Eve were naked— that the 

 devil was in the serpent's form ;— that the curse was inflicted that 

 Cain slew Abel: indeed he throughout the work passes over in silence 

 whatever he thinks might deter a Bramin from reading his poera. 



He now pas.ses to the history of Abraham, then to the birth of the 

 Holy Virgin " who lived with Joseph as with a brother." The birth of 

 Saint John. The Annunciation. The naming of John, and the birth 

 of Our Lord, are described in full detail, and in a very poetical style, 

 (but the circumcision is not mentioned), 'i he hyrnn sung by the Angels 

 is well executed. The birth is stated to have taken place " in the 



