Classic Poem

1

Nations laud his works of wonder
Earth and sky who parts asunder,
Heaven's blue vault who holds on high,
Lights the star-lamps in the sky,
And the ocean-girdled land
Shapeth with a cunning hand!

2

King Varuna, throned aloft!
In my heart I question oft: —
Can a humble man unite
With the Lord of righteous might; —
Can a mortal win thy grace
View thy mercy-beaming face?

3

Unto seer and sage I turn,
Question oft that I may learn: —
What dark sin pollutes my heart,
What sweet balm will heal the smart; —
Sages tell: — Varuna's wrath
Flings a shadow on my path!

4

Teach me, Lord, what crime unknown
Hath its shadows on me thrown;
Wherefore in thy anger slay
Worshipper who sings thy lay?
Nay, from sin and passion free,
Teach me, Lord, to turn to thee!

5

Bid me expiate and shun
Follies by my fathers done;
Make me fetterless and freed
From my own unholy deed;
Chained like beast or trembling thief,
From thee, Lord, I seek relief!

6

Pride and passion oft betray,
Dice and drinking lead astray;
Not our will but thoughlessness
Leads to danger and distress,
Elders oft the young will lead,
Even our dreams will passions breed!

7

Let me, then, from passions free,
As thy bond-slave come to thee;
Thou canst grant unto the lowly
Gift of grace and wisdom holy;
Thou canst lead the wise and great
To the blest and happy state!

8

May this humble worship done,
Lord Varuna, reach thy throne;
May this simple lay of love,
King of skies, thy spirit move;
In our rest, and in our labour,
Tend us still with constant favour!