Page:The Raghuvança of Kâlidâsa.djvu/60

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4 RAGHUVANCA [canto


His glory other Kings despaired to reach, For theft, ungrasping, lived in name alone. A worthy foe he honoured, as one sick Loves healing bitters; friends unworthy proved Like hand snake-bitten did the King cast off. Him the Creator formed of choicest seed, To rear for men rich crop of good; alone He reigned o'er Earth, sea-moated, girdled round By Ocean-ramparts, like a single town. 80

Sudakshina his Queen, whose lucky name Proclaimed her virtues, shared his pious home. As Daksha pure, in whom her royal spouse Delighted chiefly, loving her and Earth Before all other. Yet the noble pair Were still unblessed with offspring, and the King Longed, and was weary, and well-nigh lost hope. 90

So, bent on Sacrifice to win a son. The Kingdom's weight now casting off, the King, Pure, with his consort, after prayer and fast, Sought sage Vanishtha, lord of Saintly Lore,

As in the rains one cloud Airavata And lightning mount, deep-rumbling, so that pair One chariot mounted, whom a modest train Attended, — "lest the Hermits be disturbed," — Their glory like a host encircling them. Scented with C^al-tree gums a pleasant breeze, 100

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