...
So, with farewells
Tenderly took of lieges and of lords,
Girt he for travel with his princely kin,
Great Yudhi-sthira, Dharma's royal son.
Crest-gem and belt and ornaments he stripped
From off his body, and for broidered robe
A rough dress donned, woven of jungle bark;
And what he did--O Lord of men!--so did
Arjuna, Bhima, and the twin-born pair,
Nakalu with Sahadev, and she,--in grace
The peerless,--Draupadi. Lastly those six,--
Thou son of Bharata!--in solemn form
Made the high sacrifice of Naishtiki,
Quenching their flames in water at the close;
And so set forth, midst wailing of all folk
And tears of women, weeping most to see
The Princess Draupadi--that lovely prize
Of the great gaming, Draupadi the Bright--
Journeying afoot; but she and all the five
Rejoiced because their way lay heavenward.
Seven were they, setting forth,--Princess and King,
The King's four brothers and a faithful dog.
Those left Hastinapur; but many a man,
And all the palace household, followed them
The first sad stage: and ofttimes prayed to part,
Put parting off for love and pity, still
Sighing, "A little farther!" till day waned;
Then one by one they turned.
* * * * *
Thus wended they,
Pandu's five sons and loveliest Draupadi,
Taking no meat and journeying due east,
On righteousness their high hearts fed, to heaven
Their souls assigned; and steadfast trod their feet--
By faith upborne--past nullah ran, and wood,
River and jheel and plain.
Pages:
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73