Page:The Poetical Works of Ram Sharma.djvu/300

258 SHIVA RATRI. Save by a single gate, the "Lion !" named. Here throngs of pilgrims entered in, devout And true, in hóly meditation rapt; While many, thief-like, scaled the circling wall, But ingress finding none, they wildly strove To capture shooting stars as down they fell! Dharmji now stepp'd into a gorgeous hall, To see a merry Masque of Justice played. Here an old warlock, aided by a band Of bearded witches, some on rams astride, But most on broomsticks, wielded rule supreme. 'Twas whisper'd that his judgments were inspired By spirits of the air, whom he obeyed As if in bondage past redemption bound. And beasts of prey from every land and clime, Attracted by the sav'ry scent of spoil, Composed the multi-colored model bar, Whom all-devouring jackals fed with briefs. How o'er their spoil they fiercely fought I how bled To death their hapless victims poor, whose blood The very lizards of the hall sucked dry ! Here many a noble mastiff fell, alas! Striving in vain to save their tim'rous flock, Fallen upon by wolves and tigers fell; While their good shepherd piped and dallied soft With sylvan nymphs, in merry greenwood shade! But hark! a wail of pity rends the air ! "Where, alas! is Justice fled ! Can it be hat Mercy's dead! Dear God help thy helpless poor, Smite the ruthless smiters sore!