Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1894 edition. Excerpt: ... BOOK VIII. THE ADVENT OF INDRA. Aiur/N, mighty in his strength, All impure passions overcame; And to his holy hermitage, Rejoiced at heart, great Indra came. He came disguised, .--as corns Ihe gods, -- Even like an ancient anchorite, Wearied by a tiresome journey, Weak in limbs and weak in sight. And his crimson plaited locks Upon his white hair mingled fell, As the evening's crimson radiance Mingles with the moonbeams pale. All wrinkled with the mark of age, His eyes by fleecy eyebrows shaded, Were like the lotus of the lake, Its petals by a snow-fall faded. But his limbs, though very slender, Seemed instinct with strength and life; Like an aged man and hoary, Nourished by a careful wife! In feeble form concealed, great Indra Shone with more than mortal power; The radiant sun. is hidcbn faintly By a light and passing shower! And a grace divine he wore, Albeit so ancient and so hoary, And o'er the hills and woodlands spread The lustre of his shaded glory! Fritha's son received the guest, And held him in a fond embrace; True friends an unknown joy inspire, Albeit unknown to us their face! And Indra, pleased at heart, received Obeisance which to guests is paid, And rested on a mat of grass, In gentle accents thus he said. (9) "Well hast thou in early age In these rites thy choice hast made; Aged mortals like myself Oft by worldly things are led. And thy penance, noble youth, Is endued with virtues fair, --Handsome forms we often meet, Handsome virtues, --they are rare! Transient as the autumn clouds, --Pride and pomp of humankind; Pleasures please us for a day, Bitter sorrows leave behind! Mortals' days are full of evils, Death cuts short our life's brief span; Therefore in this fleeting world Arjuna's mother was Kunti or Pritha. Virtue seeks...
