"We have listened, and are gratified," replied the sons of the King.

"Let me end then," said their Preceptor, "with this--

'If the clouds of Battle lower
When ye come into your power,
Durga grant the foes that dare you
Bring no elephants to scare you;
Nor the thunderous rush of horses,
Nor the footmen's steel-fringed forces:
But overblown by Policy's strong breath,
Hide they in caverns from the avenging death.'


[16] The peacock is wild in most Indian jungles. The swan is a species
of flamingo of a white color. The voice and gait of a beautiful woman
are likened by the Hindoo poets to those of the swan.

[17] By such a death as that alluded to, she earns the title of Sati,
the "excellent."

[18] The common Indian crane; a graceful white bird, seen everywhere in
the interior of Hindoostan.

[19] A man of military caste.

[20] Large branching horns which reach backward and rub upon his
shoulders.