Parabels of Mahavir

Author(s): Harindranath Chattopadhyaya
Publisher: Shri Kiran Publishers

Page 30

PART TWO
Before the Lord the serpent's pride Began to cringe and crouch A cataract of nectar poured Into his poison-pouch.
Nay, he began to be convinced, Though men might deem it cdd ! - That he, whom he had bitten, was A veritable god !
A god no creature and no thing In all the world could hurt, And, least of all, and least of all, A serpent's poison-spurt.
The serpent slowly felt his blood Turning both sweet and strange, While yieiding venom he received Rare nectar in exchange.
Nahavir stood most image-like Before the serpent's eyes That gradually seemed to grow Compassionate and wise.
The serpent said : “You are a god With whom I tried, in vain, To try my strength; but now, I swear. I'll never try again !