Page:The Raghuvança of Kâlidâsa.djvu/61

I.] THE HERMITAGE 5

That shook the forest, bearing fragrant dust

Of flowers, followed : and a deep, sweet cry

Was raised by peacocks, as the car swept past.

Amazed the deer looked up, and left the path

As on the chariot rolled ; their love-filled eyes

Were on them bent, — that pair so like themselves.

Anon they watched the cranes, that overhead

Flew tuneful, arching o'er the gate df Heav'n,

Unpillar'd, while the favouring breeze foretold

Success, and kept unsoiled both robes and hair. no

Pale lilies' perfume, fragrant as their breath,

They savoured, from 'the tanks which rippling waves

Cooled ever. Priests, from wayside villages

Themselves had founded, blessed the Royal pair,

Rich from their bounty, where the altars rose.

Butter of kine received they, herdsmen grey

With kindly greeting questioned, asking them

The names of shady trees that lined the roads.

Untold their glory, pure their hearts and robes.

As through the sky speed Chitra and the Moon 120

They sped delighted, while the smiling King

This pointed out and that, — nor knew the way

Was ending, ere they reached the Sage's grove.

He checked the horses, handed forth his Queen,

And nobly courteous led her to their Host.

Now from the neighbouring woods, with grass and fruit And store of fuel, Saintly bands came home, —