The Dawn and the Day; Or, The Buddha and the Christ, Part I

Northward from Ganges' stream and India's plains An ancient city crowned a lofty hill, Whose high embattled walls had often rolled The surging, angry tide of battle back. Walled...

Northward the noble Purna took his way Till India's fields and plains were lost to view, Then through the rugged foot-hills upward climbed, And up a gorge by rocky ramparts wall...

And now his cup with every blessing filled Full to the brim, to overflowing full, What more has life to give or heart to wish? Stately in form, with every princely grace, A very...

Alone on his great mission going forth, Down Phalgu's valley he retraced his steps, Down past the seat where subtle Mara sat, And past the fountain where the siren sang, And pas...

But see the scornful curl of Culture's lip At such low sports! Dyspeptic preachers hear Harangue the sleepers on their sinfulness! Hear grave philosophers, so limp and frail The...

Now mighty Mara, spirit of the air, The prince of darkness, ruling worlds below, Had watched for Buddha all these weary years, Seeking to lead his steady steps astray By many wi...

Far from his kingdom, far from home and friends, The prince has gone, his flowing locks close shorn, His rings and soft apparel laid aside, All signs of rank and royalty cast of...

Seven days had passed since first he saw the light, Seven days of deep, ecstatic peace and joy, Of open vision of that blissful world, Of sweet communion with those dwelling the...