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THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
and said, "The world has no bride worthy of such a lover." Vishnu and Brahmâ and all the company of heaven followed in the procession, each on his own carriage; they formed a wondrous sight, but were nothing compared to the bridegroom.
Dolá 101.
Then Vishnu with a smile cried to all the heavenly warders and said, "March separately
each one with his own retinue, Chendi.
"Otherwise on going into a strange city it will be a joke against us that the procession is a failure after the bridegroom." The gods smiled to hear this speech, and marched separately, each at the head of his own followers. Mahadeva smiled too, not understanding Hari's joke, but taking it as a most friendly suggestion, and sent Bhringi to bring all his own company together. On receiving Siva's order they all came and bowed the head at his lotus-feet. Then Siva laughed to see the host in their motley attire, riding every kind of vehicle; some with monstrous heads, some with no head at all; some with many hands and feet, and some with none; some with great eyes, some with no eyes; some very stout, some very slim.
Chhand 7. All, stout or slim, or foul or trim, in gruesome panoply,
With skulls for wine-cups filled with blood, from
[JULY, 1876.
arranged them that after a glance at the beauty of the city the Creator of the world seemed a contemptible architect.
Soratha 9.
All the demons went singing and dancing with wonderful contortions, such as never were seen, and uttering all sorts of strange crics. Chaupai.
Like bridegroom, like procession-an extraordinary sight as it went along the road. There king Himachal erected a canopy more splendid than words can tell; and every hill in the world, small and great, more than man can count, and every wood and sea, river, stream and lake, all were invited to attend; and assuming forms of exquisite beauty, with all their retinue, male and female, they flocked to the palace, singing songs of gladness. First of all, the king had built a number of guest-houses, and so tastefully
Chhod 8. Little seemed the world's Creator, and his skill of nothing worth;
Lake and fountain, grove and garden, shone more fair than aught on earth.
Wreaths and arches, flags and banners, made cach house a goodly show; Gallant youths and lovely maidens set a saint's heart all aglow.
Doha 102
The city in which the Great Mother had taken birth surpassed description; joy, prosperity, and abundance were ever on the increase.
Chaupai.
When it was known that the marriage procession was close at hand, the stir in the city and the brilliancy of the decorations grew more and more. With numerous carriages and all due equipment the heralds started for the formal reception. When they saw the army of gods. they were glad of heart, and yet more so when they beheld Hari. But when they perceived Siva' familiars, every beast they rode started back in affright. Grown men summoned up courage to stand, but the children all ran for their lives straight back home, and when their parents questioned them could only reply, trembling all over, "What can we say? it is beyond telling; it is no marriage procession, but
which they quaffed with glee,
With head of dog, or ass, or hog, a host no the army of death: the bridegroom a maniac. tongue can tell, mounted on a bull, with snakes and skulls and Ghosts, goblins, witches, every kind of denizen ashes to adorn him."
of hell.
Chhand 9.
"Skulls and snakes and streaks of ashes, matted locks and body bare, Witches, imps, and frightful goblins, and appalling ghosts are there.
Happy man who sees such horrors nor dies at once of fright!"
So from house to house they babbled on Umâ's wedding night.
Doha 103.
The fathers and mothers smiled, for they recognized Siva's familiars, and reassured the children in every possible way, saying, "Do not be afraid, there is no cause for fear."
Chaupai.
The heralds brought in the procession, and assigned them all pleasant quarters. And Maina,
