in terror of the thief,
And beat him from her with a lotus leaf.
The angry curl of RATI'S lip confessed
The shade of envy that stole o'er her breast.
Through KAMA'S soul fresh hope and courage flew,
As that sweet vision blessed his eager view.
So bright, so fair, so winning soft was she,
Who could not conquer in such company?

Now UMA came, fair maid, his destined bride,
With timid steps approaching ['S]IVA'S side.
In contemplation will he brood no more,
He sees the Godhead, and his task is o'er.
He breathes, he moves, the earth begins to rock,
The Snake, her bearer, trembling at the shock.
Due homage then his own dear servant paid,
And told him of the coming of the maid.
He learnt his Master's pleasure by the nod,
And led HIMALAYA'S daughter to the God.
Before his feet her young companions spread
Fresh leaves and blossoms as they bowed the head,
While UMA stooped so low, that from her hair
Dropped the bright flower that starred the midnight there.
To him whose ensign bears the bull she bent,
Till each spray fell, her ear's rich ornament.
"Sweet maid," cried ['S]IVA, "surely thou shalt be
Blessed with a husband who loves none but thee!"
Her fear was banished, and her hope was high:
A God had spoken, and Gods cannot lie.

Rash as some giddy moth that wooes the flame,
LOVE seized the moment, and prepared to aim.
Close by the daughter of the Mountain-King,
He looked on ['S]IVA, and he eyed his string.
While with her radiant hand fair UMA gave
A rosary, of the lotuses that lave
Their beauties in the heavenly GANGA'S wave,
And the great Three-Eyed God was fain to take
The offering for the well-loved suppliant's sake,
On his bright bow LOVE placed the unerring dart,
The soft beguiler of the stricken heart.
Like the Moon's influence on the sea at rest,
Came passion stealing o'er the Hermit's breast,
While on the maiden's lip that mocked the dye
Of ripe red fruit, he bent his melting eye.
And oh! how showed the lady's love for him,
The heaving bosom, and each quivering limb!
Like young Kadambas, when the leaf-buds swell,
At the warm touch of Spring they love so well.
But still, with downcast eyes, she sought the ground,
And durst not turn their burning glances round.
Then with strong effort, ['S]IVA lulled to rest,
The storm of passion in his troubled breast,
And seeks, with angry eyes that round h