Page:The Raghuvança of Kâlidâsa.djvu/59

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I.] THE HERMITAGE 3


Yet nurtures monstrous births. He held the path That Manu traced; no hair's-breadth strayed his folk From that pure model. Save to guard the realm, No tax was taken: so the Sun derives so from earth that moisture which a thousandfold He soon gives back in rain. His armed host Was escort only for the King, who used Two arms alone in war, his insight keen In Holy Lore, and bow well-strung. Mankind Knew his deep purpose when it came to fruit, not sooner fathomless his mind and ways: — So here we reap the fruit of former lives!

Fearless himself he guarded, duty's path He strictly followed, wealth he stored, nor grudged 60

To spend that wealth, and unenthralled enjoyed His royal pleasures : wise, he spared his words, — Mighty yet patient, generous secretly. Opposed virtues seemed in him twin-born. By sense unshackled, straining Brahma-wards, By duty curbed he pleasure, — that his age Brought no decay. For nurture, maintenance, And for protection looked his folk to him ; Their parents gave life only. So the King Repressed the sinful, held the world upright, 70

Loved virtue, wedded for the Fathers' sake, Kept righteous ways. As Indra doth for corn, He drew from Earth her wealth for Sacrifice, — And both alternate mildly ruled the Worlds.

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