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MODERN LYRICS
299
whether it has not constituted a serious obstacle to the development of higher qualities in their literature.
In quite recent times a popular kind of lyrical poetry has come into fashion which somewhat resembles the ancient Naga-uta in form. The following may serve as a specimen:—
"Vain has been the dream
In which I thought that we met;
Awake, I find myself again
In the darkness
Of the wretched reality.
Whether I try to hope
Or give way to gloomy thought,
Truly for my heart
There is no relief.
If this is such a miserable world that I may not meet thee,
Oh! let me take up my abode
Deep in the far mountains,
And deeper still
In their furthest depths,
Where, careless of men's gaze,
I may think of my love."
