1801.] 
Indian Idylls, _ZVo. I. 
125 
“ Nay, when that store has fed thy calf,” he cried, 
“ And all that’s needed for the rites supplied, 
Then, at the Saint’s command, I’ll drink the rest, 
And deem the draught among all draughts the best.” 
Pleased with his words, nor with her wanderings faint, 
She turned and reached the dwelling of the Saint ; 
To him Dii.ipa, with o’erflowing heart, 
The joyful tidings hastened to impart ; 
And, though the Queen had read his looks aright, 
He told her all again with new delight. 
Then, at the Lidding of the Saint, he quaffed 
Of NAiornrf’s pure milk a precious draught, 
As though, with thirst that rises from the soul, 
He drank eternal glory from the howl. 
With many a blessing, at the dawn of day 
The guests were sped upon their homeward way, 
After due honour to the holy llame 
To old Vas'isiitha and his gentle dame. 
Swift towards their home the eager horses hound ; 
The car makes music o’er the grassy ground ; 
They reach the city, where the people wait, 
Longing to meet their monarch, at the gate. 
Dim are his eyes, his cheek is pale, his brow 
Still bears deep traces of his weary vow. 
As on the pale new moon we bend our eyes, 
Again appearing in the evening skies, 
So gazed the crowds, and could not gaze their fill, 
On him so worn, so thin, so lovely still, 
With loud huzzas their honoured King they greet, 
While flags by thousands wave in every street. 
He comes, he comes ! Now will his arm again/ 
The mighty burden of the world sustain, 
Strong as the King of Serpents that upholds 
Earth resting firmly on his endless folds. 
Not mine to tell how hopeful months flew by, 
While day by day DiiIpa’s joy grew high. 
No tongue may say how lovely flowers of earth 
At nature’s bidding gently spring to birth. 
it 
o 
