Mount Meru

Swift through the sky the vessel of the Suras Sails up the fields of ether like an Angel. Rich is the freight, O Vessel, that thou bearest! Beauty and Virtue, Fatherly cares and filial veneration, Hearts which are prov'd and strengthen'd by affliction, Manly resentment, fortitude and action, Womanly goodness; All with which Nature halloweth her daughters, Tenderness, truth and purity and meekness, Piety, patience, faith and resignation,

Love and devotement. Ship of the Gods! how richly art thou laden! Proud of the charge, thou voyagest rejoicing. Clouds float around to honour thee, and Evening Lingers in heaven.

A Stream descends on Meru mountain; None hath seen its secret fountain; It had its birth, so sages say, Upon the memorable day When Parvati presumed to lay, In wanton play, Her hands, too venturous Goddess in her mirth, On Seeva's eyes, the light and life of Earth. Thereat the heart of the Universe stood still; The Elements ceas'd their influences; the Hours Stopt on the eternal round; Motion and Breath, Time, Change, and Life and Death, In sudden trance opprest, forgot their powers. A moment, and the dread eclipse was ended; But, at the thought of Nature thus suspended, The sweat on Seeva's forehead stood, And Ganges thence upon the World descended,