22 
The Bengali Poem, Candi. 
Hard words are bandied first; then, as they close, 
They seize each other’s hair and rain their blows; 
They pelt with clods, and fiercer grows the fight, 
But still the bridegroom’s party keep their light. 
But Lakshapati, hearing of the fray, 
Hastens these angry passions to allay; 
He grasps the bridegroom’s hand with welcome loud, 
And bears him home in safety from the crowd. 
"With tears of joy he first embraced him there, 
Then put the wonted perfumes on his hair, 
On the red blanket made him take his seat, 
And had the water brought to wash his feet, 
And gave him bracelets, sandal, gems, and rings, 
To mark the honour which his presence brings. 
Next Bambha comes, and her glad welcome pays, 
With all the forms enjoined from ancient days; 
His feet are washed, the arghya dish brought in, 
And curds flung over him good luck to win. 
Next with a string she measures, as he stands, 
His under-lip and measures both his hands; 
Then with the selfsame string she ties him round 
And knits him fast to Khullana, captive-bound; 
Seven times she winds the thread in tangles fast, 
And loops the end to Khullana’s skirt at last— 
A certain charm, so ancient dames have told, 
He will be silent howsoe’er she scold. 
Next comes the giving of the bride: the Brahmans on their seats rehearse 
In solemn tones before the crowd the Yeda’s consecrated verse; 
The naeh-girls dance and play and sing, no voice in all the throng is mute, 
While loudly sound the kettledrum and tambourine and conch and lute. 
Then round the bridegroom on a throne they bear her to the canopy; 
With smiling looks the happy pair now face to face each other see. 
From her own neck she takes the wreath and puts it round him with 
her hand, 
Loud are the shouts of all the friends, the ulus of the matron band. 
The father then takes ku$a grass and Ganges water freshly poured, 
And, calling Durga to attest, makes o’er his daughter to her lord; 
