eBooks Base 2000

"
The hermit, smiling, made reply
To the two boys' request:--
"Hear, Rama, who in days gone by
This calm retreat possessed--
Kandarpa in apparent form,
(Called Kama by the wise,)
Dared Uma's new-wed lord to storm
And make the God his prize.
'Gainst Sthanu's self, on rites austere
And vows intent, they say,
His bold rash hand he dared to rear,
Though Sthanu cried, Away!
But the God's eye with scornful glare
Fell terrible on him,
Dissolved the shape that was so fair
And burnt up every limb.
Since the great God's terrific rage
Destroyed his form and frame,
Kama in each succeeding age
Has borne Ananga's name.
So, where his lovely form decayed,
This land is Anga styled:--
Sacred to him of old this shade,
And hermits undefiled.
Here Scripture-talking elders sway
Each sense with firm control,
And penance-rites have washed away
All sin from every soul.
One night, fair boy, we here will spend,
A pure stream on each hand,
And with to-morrow's light will bend
Our steps to yonder strand.


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