Indian Antiquary Vol 61

Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple, Charles E A W Oldham, S Krishnaswami Aiyangar, Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarka
Publisher: Swati Publications

Page 145

JULY, 1932 ]
LIFE OF ROPA BHAWANI
131
(15) A dog becomes faithful by giving him) a mouthful of food;
This dog commits oppression on being fed (lit., 'from eating '). (16) O friends, beware of this biting dog!
O intelligent people, beware! I have given you a warning. (17) Not a dog that, it was equal to a wolf or a tiger ;
Fear of it used to take life from a world. (18) When this dog of bad habits seized me by the skirt,
It hampered me from moving on (lit., became a chain on the foot of my going '). (19) From constant struggles with that dog
I walked one pace after [giving him) a hundred pats. (20) When I walked a few paces, I spied a fort.
It was a very lofty building in elevation. (21) I suddenly found running towards me
Ten warriors (i.e., 5 internal and 5 external senses) from [among) its guards. (22) I found every one of them crafty and a robber,
[Who had) become an evil spirit infesting the road towards God. (23) I, however, inquired the way to enter,
So that I could spy the secret abode. (24) Each one of them pointed to me a way to a well
Showing his power in craftiness. (25) Each one led me astray,
Becoming an obstacle on the road agreeable to me. (26) I could not find anyone to oppose them ;
I found myself feeble from my weakness. (27) When the attraction of thy] kindness became [my] helper
I then found an entrance to that fort. (28) I saw a lane very narrow and dark
Wind [even) could not enter into it. (29) Suddenly the attraction of thee, the Khiçr of the way
Beoame a shelter from all their obstructions. (30) The lane was leading to thine own apartment;
That guide was the attraction of love. (31) Thy grace was every time the guide
When I was passing through that lane. (32) In that lane, like a zephyr, . Sometimes I found the scent of faithfulness. (33) But where is the way to the special apartment ?
It would be meet if thou shouldst show me the way to that apartment. (34) As I am from [the depth of] my heart the servant of thy court,
Grant an attraction, O Khier of my way! (35) I am humbly standing in thy lane,
In order that I may see the footprint of Thine Excellenoy. (36) I have seen many a hermit of India,
But they are inferior to thy pupils. (37) Since I have observed the limit of respect
I have briefly stated my circumstances.