The Birth of Kumāra 2.52

2.52

gotpāraṃ surasainyānāṃ yaṃ puraskṛtya gotrabhit |
pratyāneṣyati śatrubhyo vandīmiva jayaśriyam ||

Speed their bright chariots through the fields of air;
And when our worshippers in duty bring
The appointed victims for the offering.
He tears them from the flame with magic art,
While we all powerless watch with drooping heart.
He too has stolen from his master's side
The Steed of heavenly race, great Indra's pride:
No more our hosts, so glorious once, withstand
The fierce dominion of the Demon's hand.
As herbs of healing virtue fail to tame
The sickness raging; through the infected frame.
Idly the chakra hangs on Vishnu's neck,
And our last hope is vain, that it would check
The haughty Tarak's might, and flash afar
Ruin and death—the thunderbolt of war;
E'en Indra's elephant has felt the might
Of his fierce monsters in the deadly fight;
Which spurn the dust in fury, and defy
The threatening clouds that sail along the sky.
Therefore, Lord, we seek a Chief, that he
May lead the hosts of Heaven to victory,—
Even as holy men who long to sever
The immortal spirit from its shell for ever,
Seek lovely Virtue's aid to free the soul
From earthly ties and action's base control.
Thus shall he save us—proudly will we go
Under his escort 'gainst the furious foe;
And Indra, conqueror in turn, shall bring
Fortune, dear captive, home with joy and triumphing."