The Antiquities of Orissa v1.c10.119

v1.c10.119

“ High-minded saint, not I thy child,
“ A warrior, Daśaratha styled.
“ I bear a grievous sorrow’s weight
“ Born of a deed which good men hate.
“ My lord, I came to Sarju’s shore,
“ And in my hand my bow I bore
“ For elephant or beast of chase
“ That seeks by night his drinking place.
“ There from the stream a sound I heard
“ As if a jar the water stirred.
“ An elephant, I thought, was nigh :
“ I aimed, and let an arrow fly.
“ Swift to the place I made my way,
“ And there a wounded hermit lay
“ Gasping for breath : the deadly dart
“ Stood quivering in his youthful heart.
“ I hastened near with pain oppressed :
“ He faltered out his last behest,
“ And quickly, as he bade me do,
“ From his pierced side the shaft I drew
“ I drew the arrow from the rent,
“ And up to heaven the hermit went
“ Lamenting, as from earth he passed,
“ His aged parents to the last.
“ Thus unaware, the deed was done :
“ My hand, unwitting, killed thy son.
“ For what remains, O, let me win
“ Thy pardon for my heedless sin ”.78