O THE wonder! O the glory! Hunting deer by hill and glade, In the balm and flush of morning Down the woodland ways I strayed. Bright the lotus buds were blowing; Rose and jasmine wreathed the bowers; Every thicket rang with music; Dropped the dews in pearly showers. O the wonder! O the glory! Merit's ravishing reward! 'Neath a stately Bo-tree's shadow, Still as statue on the sward, Stood the pure, celestial lord, The White Elephant, a Buddha! To the earth I fell and murmured, 'Mighty one! how blest my fate In the forest thus to find thee — I so low and thou so great!' Breathless then I sought the temple, Calling high o'er hymn and prayer, 'Leave your chant, O priests, and offer Thanks and gifts beyond compare! What is Kandy's Tooth, or Footprint, To a living, present lord? — Tell the rulers! rouse the soldiers! Bid your fairest scribe record I have seen him on the sward, The White Elephant, a Buddha!' How we bore him to the palace Down Meinam's rejoicing tide! — I a noble now and honored, Standing proud my King beside. Trumpets blew and cannon thundered; Chimed the sweet pagoda bells; On his forehead holy water Princes poured from jewelled shells; Every temple heaped its altars; Every town was wild with glee; So with song and shout and splendor To the palace home came he, To his shrine that fronts the sea, — The White Elephant, a Buddha! |