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A glorious offering I prepare
That precious fruit of sons may bear."
Their lily faces brightened fast
Those pleasant words to hear,
As lilies, when the winter's past,
In lovelier hues appear.


CANTO XII
THE SACRIFICE BEGUN
Again the spring with genial heat
Returning made the year complete.
To win him sons, without delay
His vow the King resolved to pay--
And to Vasishtha, saintly man,
In modest words this speech began:--
"Prepare the rite with all things fit
As is ordained in Holy Writ,
And keep with utmost care afar
Whate'er its sacred forms might mar.
Thou art, my lord, my trustiest guide,
Kind-hearted, and my friend beside;
So is it meet thou undertake
This heavy task for duty's sake."
Then he, of twice-born men the best,
His glad assent at once expressed:--
"Fain will I do whatever may be
Desired, O honored King, by thee."
To ancient priests he spoke, who, trained
In holy rites, deep skill had gained:--
"Here guards be stationed, good and sage,
Religious men of trusted age.


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