1861.] 
Indian Idylls, No. I. 
119 
“ Rejoice,” the hermit cried, “ thy bliss is near : 
Her name scarce uttered, see ! the Cow is here ! 
Now feed on fruit, and what the wood supplies, 
And watch her every step with careful eyes : 
By constant toil is sacred lore attained, 
So shall her love by ceaseless care be gained, 
Watch all her movements, be her actions thine ; 
Walk when she walks, and, when she rests, recline ; 
And let thy lady, at the break of day, 
Far as the sacred grove protect her way. 
Then go, and prosper ! Blessed shalt thou be, 
And among fathers none shall equal thee.” 
The King and Queen before the hermit bent, 
And to his bidding gave a- glad consent. 
Then sought the leafy lodging, where they found 
Their bed of sweet grass heaped upon the ground. 
Far he the thought that hermit had not won 
Full power to grant that childless King a) son ; 
’Twas in obedience to the Law he bade 
The royal suppliant seek the forest shade. 
Ere yet with early dawn the sky was red, 
The anxious couple left their humble bed. 
She culled fresh garlands for the holy Cow, 
And poured sweet perfumes o’er her sacred brow. 
Then in her steps that royal matron trod, 
As the Law follows close the Word of God. 
Far as the forest’s darksome edge she went, 
Then left her husband on his charge intent. 
Not less his care than if that Cow had been 
Earth with her teeming oceans, Earth the queen. 
No servants followed ; for their own strong arm 
Guards Manu’s children from all scathe and harm. 
Close to the Cow, he kept the flies away, 
Fed her with grass and many a tender spray. 
To win her love he gently stroked her head, 
Cheeked not her steps, but followed where she led. 
With her he stood, with her he sought repose, 
Drank when she drank, and, when she moved, arose. 
