1840.J 



Existing in the Telugu Language. 



57 



month ?vfargasira" which answers to December. Here arises a question 

 why the Lord was born not in a palace, but in a stable. The coming of 

 the " Three kings." The alarm of Herod. The interview with Simeon. 

 The flight to Egypt. The disputing with the doctors in the temple. 



The thirl book (which the student should Tp^r^se first) contains about 

 1000 lines. It commences with a discussion regarding the Trinity. 

 Then follows the Baptism : with an elaborate picture of the river Jor- 

 dan. The Temptation; various miracles. The raising of Lazarus is 

 minutely described, in a very poetical manner. The last supper. (But 

 the bread and wine are not mentioned). The betrayal to the Jews. The 

 crucifixion. 



The fourth book (of similar length) gives further details, with a dis- 

 cussion regarding the possibility of such a death suffered by our Lord. 

 Several apocryphal circumstances are introduced : with a discourse to 

 prove the doctrine of purgatory. The Kesurrection. The journey of 

 two disciples to Emmaus is minutely and well described. The doubting 

 of Thomas. The Ascension. The descent of the Holy Spirit. Then 

 follow some apocryphal stories, such as the resurrection of the Lord's 

 mother, " on the third day." Peter appears as the head of the church. 

 A summary of doctrines. The Ten commandments (called Dasa 

 Calpana) : the second is as usual omitted. Instructions regarding 

 baptism and prayer : which is to be offered before the crucifix and the 

 Virgin Mary. The teacher concludes with very brief instructions re- 

 garding the Eucharist. Tl'e disciple returns thanks and is baptized. 



It is much to be regretted that any apocryphal doctrine should be 

 admitted into a poem written in so excellent a spirit of piety : but the 

 author has adhered strictly to the line laid down b}'^ the church of Rome. 

 In poetical merit this poem may probably stand as high as the TeiU' 

 havani^ written in Tamil, by the celebrated Beschi. That distinguished 

 genius has introduced into his compositions some of the elegancies of 

 Latin and Italian literature : but in the Vedanta Rasayanam^ we have a 

 work of grvat beauty, which in every page bears marks of the author 

 being a native of India. 



This poem has been well edited, and illustrated with a verbal com- 

 mentary or explanation, as the style in some parts is too much elevated 

 to be generally understood at the present day without such aid. For 

 education is at present in the. lowest state among the Telugu people ; 

 they being nearly as illiterate as were our ancestors at the period when 

 the invention of printing led to the restoraion of learning. A careful 

 study of the Vedanta Rasayan may ultimately produce a desire to emu- 



