Prayer and Blessing - Anon

With wonder struck the hero views
The Lord of hosts in ashes smeared ;
He views the crescent in his locks,
And bows before the God revered !
His arrows and his mighty bow
Appear once more before his sight !
Himself he finds in armour clad,
And in its case the falchion bright I
Clouds pour forth a gentle rain,
Skies send heavenly blossoms fair,
And a gentle heavenly music
Floats upon the fragrant air !
And the gods by Indra bidden
Gather in their realm on his^h,
And their chariots gem-bespangled
Are like bright stars in the sky !
Heavenly swans with tinkling bells.
Attendants on the gods on hi«rh.
With their softly waving plumage
Gently sail across the sky !
His purpose done, his wish obtained,
Low, low, his forehead Arjun laid,
And unto the God of gods
Thus in humble accents prayed.

---

Anonymous, (c. 1200) India
Translated by Romesh Chunder Dutt