Dutt, Romesh Chunder: The literature of Bengal: being an attempt to trace the progress of the national mind in its various aspects, as reflected in the nation’s literature from the earliest times to the present day ; with copious extracts from the best writers (Calcutta, 1877)

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heavens she is justly jealous of the,power of Meghanad
who had beaten her lord in battle. Lftna, her lord 6eing
absent answers them with a gracious smile, ihat her
lord Siva favors the family of Ravana, and she .is power-
less to aid Rama. Suddenly a sweet fragrance fills
Kailasa and the sound of distant bells is Wafted in the*
air. Rama in distant Lanka is worshipping the great
Uma for safety. TJma can resist no longer. She repairs
tb» her husband Siva, interrupts him in the midst of his
devotions with the help of Love, and extorts a promise
that LaksAmana with the help of goddess Maya would
kill Meghauad the next day. A message is sent to Maya
who sends down celestial arms to Rama. Rama is full of
gratitude to the gods and enquires how this debt can ever
be repaid. Gratitude to gods, truly replies the celestial
messenger, consists in supporting and cherishing the poor,
in restraining the passions, in living in the paths of virtue
and in adherence to truth. The gift of sandal and flower
and silken cloth is despised by gods if the giver is evil-
minded.

The third book is cee of the most striking and beautiful
in the whole work and shews in the poet a gorgeous crea-
tive imagination. Pramila, the wife of Meghanad, is dis- ,
consolate at the absence of her lord and longs to leave
her country seat and repair to Lanka where her lord had
, gone. But* the way lies through Rama's army ; how can
Pramila go to her lord, enquires a hand-maid. Pramila, no
lesslWored with valour than with beauty, answers with
pride and indignation—" When the mountain-stream
leaves her home for the ocean, who can obstruct her