THE LIGHT OF ASIA

By Sir Edwin Arnold



This volume is dutifully inscribed to the Sovereign,
Grand Master, and Companions of The Most Exalted Order
of the Star of India by The Author.





Book The First


The Scripture of the Saviour of the World,
Lord Buddha--Prince Siddartha styled on earth
In Earth and Heavens and Hells Incomparable,
All-honoured, Wisest, Best, most Pitiful;
The Teacher of Nirvana and the Law.

Then came he to be born again for men.

Below the highest sphere four Regents sit
Who rule our world, and under them are zones
Nearer, but high, where saintliest spirits dead
Wait thrice ten thousand years, then live again;
And on Lord Buddha, waiting in that sky,