https://TheVirtualLibrary.org

TheCrescentMoonRabindranathTagore

TranslatedbyRabindranathTagore

Illustrator:VariousAuthors

TheMacmillanCompany,NewYork,1913

TheCrescentMoon

ByRabindranathTagore

TranslatedfromtheoriginalBengalibytheauthor

witheightillustrationsincolour

LondonandNewYork:MacmillanandCompany,1913

TOT.STURGEMOORE

[fromadrawingbyNandalallBose]

CONTENTS

THEHOMEONTHESEASHORETHESOURCEBABY’SWAYTHEUNHEEDEDPAGEANTSLEEP-STEALERTHEBEGINNINGBABY’SWORLDWHENANDWHYDEFAMATIONTHEJUDGEPLAYTHINGSTHEASTRONOMERCLOUDSANDWAVESTHECHAMPAFLOWERFAIRYLANDTHELANDOFTHEEXILETHERAINYDAYPAPERBOATSTHESAILORTHEFURTHERBANKTHEFLOWER-SCHOOLTHEMERCHANTSYMPATHYVOCATIONSUPERIORTHELITTLEBIGMANTWELVEO’CLOCKAUTHORSHIPTHEWICKEDPOSTMANTHEHEROTHEENDTHERECALLTHEFIRSTJASMINESTHEBANYANTREEBENEDICTIONTHEGIFTMYSONGTHECHILD-ANGELTHELASTBARGAIN

LISTOFCOLOUREDILLUSTRATIONS

FRONTISPIECETHEHOMETHEBEGINNINGFAIRYLANDPAPERBOATSTHEMERCHANTTHEHEROBENEDICTION

INDEXOFTHEFIRSTLINES

Ah,thesejasminesAh,whowasitcolouredthatlittlefrockBlessthislittleheartChild,howhappyyouaresittinginthedustComeandhiremeDaybydayIfloatmypaperboatsIamsmallbecauseIamalittlechildIfbabyonlywantedto,hecouldflyIfIwereonlyalittlepuppyIfpeoplecametoknowwheremyking’spalaceisIlongtogooverthereImagine,motherIonlysaid,“Whenintheevening”IpacedaloneItistimeformetogo,motherIwanttogiveyousomething,mychildIwishIcouldtakeaquietcornerMother,IdowanttoleaveoffmylessonsMother,letusimaginewearetravellingMother,thefolkwholiveupinthecloudsMother,thelighthasgrowngreyMother,yourbabyissillyOntheseashoreofendlessworldsOyoushaggy-headedbanyantreeSayofhimwhatyoupleaseSullencloudsaregatheringSupposingIbecameachampaflowerTheboatoftheboatmanMadhuThenightwasdarkwhenwewentawayThesleepthatflitsonbaby’seyesTheyclamourandfightThissongofmineWhenIbringyoucolouredtoysWhenstormcloudsWhenthegongsoundstenWherehaveIcomefromWhostolesleepfrombaby’seyesWhyarethosetearsinyoureyes,mychildWhydoyousitthereonthefloorYousaythatfatherwritesalotofbooks

[TheHome-fromadrawingbyNandalallBose]

THEHOME

IPACEDaloneontheroadacrossthefieldwhilethesunsetwashidingitslastgoldlikeamiser.

Thedaylightsankdeeperanddeeperintothedarkness,andthewidowedland,whoseharvesthadbeenreaped,laysilent.

Suddenlyaboy’sshrillvoiceroseintothesky.Hetraversedthedarkunseen,leavingthetrackofhissongacrossthehushoftheevening.

Hisvillagehomelaythereattheendofthewasteland,beyondthesugar-canefield,hiddenamongtheshadowsofthebananaandtheslenderarecapalm,thecocoa-nutandthedarkgreenjack-fruittrees.

Istoppedforamomentinmylonelywayunderthestarlight,andsawspreadbeforemethedarkenedearthsurroundingwithherarmscountlesshomesfurnishedwithcradlesandbeds,mothers’heartsandeveninglamps,andyounglivesgladwithagladnessthatknowsnothingofitsvaluefortheworld.

ONTHESEASHORE

ONtheseashoreofendlessworldschildrenmeet.

Theinfiniteskyismotionlessoverheadandtherestlesswaterisboisterous.Ontheseashoreofendlessworldsthechildrenmeetwithshoutsanddances.

Theybuildtheirhouseswithsand,andtheyplaywithemptyshells.Withwitheredleavestheyweavetheirboatsandsmilinglyfloatthemonthevastdeep.Childrenhavetheirplayontheseashoreofworlds.

Theyknownothowtoswim,theyknownothowtocastnets.Pearl-fishersdiveforpearls,merchantssailintheirships,whilechildrengatherpebblesandscatterthemagain.Theyseeknotforhiddentreasures,theyknownothowtocastnets.

Theseasurgesupwithlaughter,andpalegleamsthesmileofthesea-beach.Death-dealingwavessingmeaninglessballadstothechildren,evenlikeamotherwhilerockingherbaby’scradle.Theseaplayswithchildren,andpalegleamsthesmileofthesea-beach.

Ontheseashoreofendlessworldschildrenmeet.Tempestroamsinthepathlesssky,shipsarewreckedinthetracklesswater,deathisabroadandchildrenplay.Ontheseashoreofendlessworldsisthegreatmeetingofchildren.

THESOURCE

THEsleepthatflitsonbaby’seyes—doesanybodyknowfromwhereitcomes?Yes,thereisarumourthatithasitsdwellingwhere,inthefairyvillageamongshadowsoftheforestdimlylitwithglow-worms,therehangtwoshybudsofenchantment.Fromthereitcomestokissbaby’seyes.

Thesmilethatflickersonbaby’slipswhenhesleeps—doesanybodyknowwhereitwasborn?Yes,thereisarumourthatayoungpalebeamofacrescentmoontouchedtheedgeofavanishingautumncloud,andtherethesmilewasfirstborninthedreamofadew-washedmorning—thesmilethatflickersonbaby’slipswhenhesleeps.

Thesweet,softfreshnessthatbloomsonbaby’slimbs—doesanybodyknowwhereitwashiddensolong?Yes,whenthemotherwasayounggirlitlaypervadingherheartintenderandsilentmysteryoflove—thesweet,softfreshnessthathasbloomedonbaby’slimbs.

BABY’SWAY

IFbabyonlywantedto,hecouldflyuptoheaventhismoment.

Itisnotfornothingthathedoesnotleaveus.

Helovestoresthisheadonmother’sbosom,andcannoteverbeartolosesightofher.

Babyknowsallmannerofwisewords,thoughfewonearthcanunderstandtheirmeaning.

Itisnotfornothingthatheneverwantstospeak.

Theonethinghewantsistolearnmother’swordsfrommother’slips.Thatiswhyhelookssoinnocent.

Babyhadaheapofgoldandpearls,yethecamelikeabeggarontothisearth.

Itisnotfornothinghecameinsuchadisguise.

Thisdearlittlenakedmendicantpretendstobeutterlyhelpless,sothathemaybegformother’swealthoflove.

Babywassofreefromeverytieinthelandofthetinycrescentmoon.

Itwasnotfornothinghegaveuphisfreedom.

Heknowsthatthereisroomforendlessjoyinmother’slittlecornerofaheart,anditissweeterfarthanlibertytobecaughtandpressedinherdeararms.

Babyneverknewhowtocry.Hedweltinthelandofperfectbliss.

Itisnotfornothinghehaschosentoshedtears.

Thoughwiththesmileofhisdearfacehedrawsmother’syearninghearttohim,yethislittlecriesovertinytroublesweavethedoublebondofpityandlove.

THEUNHEEDEDPAGEANT

AH,whowasitcolouredthatlittlefrock,mychild,andcoveredyoursweetlimbswiththatlittleredtunic?

Youhavecomeoutinthemorningtoplayinthecourtyard,totteringandtumblingasyourun.

Butwhowasitcolouredthatlittlefrock,mychild?

Whatisitmakesyoulaugh,mylittlelife-bud?

Mothersmilesatyoustandingonthethreshold.

Sheclapsherhandsandherbraceletsjingle,andyoudancewithyourbamboostickinyourhandlikeatinylittleshepherd.

Butwhatisitmakesyoulaugh,mylittlelife-bud?

Obeggar,whatdoyoubegfor,clingingtoyourmother’sneckwithbothyourhands?

Ogreedyheart,shallIplucktheworldlikeafruitfromtheskytoplaceitonyourlittlerosypalm?

Obeggar,whatareyoubeggingfor?

Thewindcarriesawayingleethetinklingofyourankletbells.

Thesunsmilesandwatchesyourtoilet.Theskywatchesoveryouwhenyousleepinyourmother’sarms,andthemorningcomestiptoetoyourbedandkissesyoureyes.

Thewindcarriesawayingleethetinklingofyourankletbells.

Thefairymistressofdreamsiscomingtowardsyou,flyingthroughthetwilightsky.

Theworld-motherkeepsherseatbyyouinyourmother’sheart.

Hewhoplayshismusictothestarsisstandingatyourwindowwithhisflute.

Andthefairymistressofdreamsiscomingtowardsyou,flyingthroughthetwilightsky.

SLEEP-STEALER

WHOstolesleepfrombaby’seyes?Imustknow.

Claspingherpitchertoherwaistmotherwenttofetchwaterfromthevillagenearby.

Itwasnoon.Thechildren’splaytimewasover;theducksinthepondweresilent.

Theshepherdboylayasleepundertheshadowofthebanyantree.

Thecranestoodgraveandstillintheswampnearthemangogrove.

InthemeanwhiletheSleep-stealercameand,snatchingsleepfrombaby’seyes,flewaway.

Whenmothercamebackshefoundbabytravellingtheroomoveronallfours.

Whostolesleepfromourbaby’seyes?Imustknow.Imustfindherandchainherup.

Imustlookintothatdarkcave,where,throughbouldersandscowlingstones,tricklesatinystream.

Imustsearchinthedrowsyshadeofthebakulagrove,wherepigeonscoointheircorner,andfairies’ankletstinkleinthestillnessofstarrynights.

IntheeveningIwillpeepintothewhisperingsilenceofthebambooforest,wherefirefliessquandertheirlight,andwillaskeverycreatureImeet,“CananybodytellmewheretheSleep-stealerlives?”

Whostolesleepfrombaby’seyes?Imustknow.

Shouldn’tIgiveheragoodlessonifIcouldonlycatchher!

Iwouldraidhernestandseewhereshehoardsallherstolensleep.

Iwouldplunderitall,andcarryithome.

Iwouldbindhertwowingssecurely,setheronthebankoftheriver,andthenletherplayatfishingwithareedamongtherushesandwater-lilies.

Whenthemarketingisoverintheevening,andthevillagechildrensitintheirmothers’laps,thenthenightbirdswillmockinglydinher

earswith:

“Whosesleepwillyoustealnow?”

[fromadrawingbyAsitKumarHaldar]

THEBEGINNING

“WHEREhaveIcomefrom,wheredidyoupickmeup?”thebabyaskeditsmother.

Sheansweredhalfcrying,halflaughing,andclaspingthebabytoherbreast,—“Youwerehiddeninmyheartasitsdesire,mydarling.

Youwereinthedollsofmychildhood’sgames;andwhenwithclayImadetheimageofmygodeverymorning,Imadeandunmadeyouthen.

Youwereenshrinedwithourhouseholddeity,inhisworshipIworshippedyou.

Inallmyhopesandmyloves,inmylife,inthelifeofmymotheryouhavelived.

InthelapofthedeathlessSpiritwhorulesourhomeyouhavebeennursedforages.

Wheningirlhoodmyheartwasopeningitspetals,youhoveredasafragranceaboutit.

Yourtendersoftnessbloomedinmyyouthfullimbs,likeaglowintheskybeforethesunrise.

Heaven’sfirstdarling,twin-bornwiththemorninglight,youhavefloateddownthestreamoftheworld’slife,andatlastyouhavestrandedonmyheart.

AsIgazeonyourface,mysteryoverwhelmsme;youwhobelongtoallhavebecomemine.

ForfearoflosingyouIholdyoutighttomybreast.Whatmagichassnaredtheworld’streasureintheseslenderarmsofmine?”

BABY’SWORLD

IWISHIcouldtakeaquietcornerintheheartofmybaby’sveryownworld.

Iknowithasstarsthattalktohim,andaskythatstoopsdowntohisfacetoamusehimwithitssillycloudsandrainbows.

Thosewhomakebelievetobedumb,andlookasiftheynevercouldmove,comecreepingtohiswindowwiththeirstoriesandwithtrayscrowdedwithbrighttoys.

IwishIcouldtravelbytheroadthatcrossesbaby’smind,andoutbeyondallbounds;

Wheremessengersrunerrandsfornocausebetweenthekingdomsofkingsofnohistory;

WhereReasonmakeskitesofherlawsandfliesthem,andTruthsetsFactfreefromitsfetters.

WHENANDWHY

WHENIbringyoucolouredtoys,mychild,Iunderstandwhythereissuchaplayofcoloursonclouds,onwater,andwhyflowersarepaintedintints—whenIgivecolouredtoystoyou,mychild.

WhenIsingtomakeyoudance,Itrulyknowwhythereismusicinleaves,andwhywavessendtheirchorusofvoicestotheheartofthelisteningearth—whenIsingtomakeyoudance.

WhenIbringsweetthingstoyourgreedyhands,Iknowwhythereishoneyinthecupoftheflower,andwhyfruitsaresecretlyfilledwithsweetjuice—whenIbringsweetthingstoyourgreedyhands.

WhenIkissyourfacetomakeyousmile,mydarling,Isurelyunderstandwhatpleasurestreamsfromtheskyinmorninglight,andwhatdelightthesummerbreezebringstomybody—whenIkissyoutomakeyousmile.

DEFAMATION

WHYarethosetearsinyoureyes,mychild?

Howhorridofthemtobealwaysscoldingyoufornothing?

Youhavestainedyourfingersandfacewithinkwhilewriting—isthatwhytheycallyoudirty?

O,fie!Wouldtheydaretocallthefullmoondirtybecauseithassmudgeditsfacewithink?

Foreverylittletrifletheyblameyou,mychild.Theyarereadytofindfaultfornothing.

Youtoreyourclotheswhileplaying—isthatwhytheycallyouuntidy?

O,fie!Whatwouldtheycallanautumnmorningthatsmilesthroughitsraggedclouds?

Takenoheedofwhattheysaytoyou,mychild.

Takenoheedofwhattheysaytoyou,mychild.

Theymakealonglistofyourmisdeeds.Everybodyknowshowyoulovesweetthings—isthatwhytheycallyougreedy?

O,fie!Whatthenwouldtheycalluswholoveyou?

THEJUDGE

SAYofhimwhatyouplease,butIknowmychild’sfailings.

Idonotlovehimbecauseheisgood,butbecauseheismylittlechild.

Howshouldyouknowhowdearhecanbewhenyoutrytoweighhismeritsagainsthisfaults?

WhenImustpunishhimhebecomesallthemoreapartofmybeing.

WhenIcausehistearstocomemyheartweepswithhim.

Ialonehavearighttoblameandpunish,forheonlymaychastisewholoves.

PLAYTHINGS

CHILD,howhappyyouaresittinginthedust,playingwithabrokentwigallthemorning.

Ismileatyourplaywiththatlittlebitofabrokentwig.

Iambusywithmyaccounts,addingupfiguresbythehour.

Perhapsyouglanceatmeandthink,“Whatastupidgametospoilyourmorningwith!”

Child,Ihaveforgottentheartofbeingabsorbedinsticksandmud-pies.

Iseekoutcostlyplaythings,andgatherlumpsofgoldandsilver.

Withwhateveryoufindyoucreateyourgladgames,IspendbothmytimeandmystrengthoverthingsInevercanobtain.

InmyfrailcanoeIstruggletocrosstheseaofdesire,andforgetthatItooamplayingagame.

THEASTRONOMER

IONLYsaid,“WhenintheeveningtheroundfullmoongetsentangledamongthebranchesofthatKadamtree,couldn’tsomebodycatchit?”

Butdâdâ[elderbrother]laughedatmeandsaid,“Baby,youarethesilliestchildIhaveeverknown.Themooniseversofarfromus,howcouldanybodycatchit?”

Isaid,“Dâdâhowfoolishyouare!Whenmotherlooksoutofherwindowandsmilesdownatusplaying,wouldyoucallherfaraway?”

Stillsaid,“Youareastupidchild!But,baby,wherecouldyoufindanetbigenoughtocatchthemoonwith?”

Isaid,“Surelyyoucouldcatchitwithyourhands.”

Butdâdâlaughedandsaid,“YouarethesilliestchildIhaveknown.Ifitcamenearer,youwouldseehowbigthemoonis.”

Isaid,“Dâdâ,whatnonsensetheyteachatyourschool!Whenmotherbendsherfacedowntokissusdoesherfacelookverybig?”

Butstilldâdâsays,“Youareastupidchild.”

CLOUDSANDWAVES

MOTHER,thefolkwholiveupinthecloudscallouttome—

“Weplayfromthetimewewaketillthedayends.

Weplaywiththegoldendawn,weplaywiththesilvermoon.

Iask,“But,howamItogetuptoyou?”Theyanswer,“Cometotheedgeoftheearth,liftupyourhandstothesky,andyouwillbetakenupintotheclouds.”

“Mymotheriswaitingformeathome,”Isay.“HowcanIleaveherandcome?”

Thentheysmileandfloataway.

ButIknowanicergamethanthat,mother.

Ishallbethecloudandyouthemoon.

Ishallcoveryouwithbothmyhands,andourhouse-topwillbethebluesky.

Thefolkwholiveinthewavescallouttome—

“Wesingfrommorningtillnight;onandonwetravelandknownotwherewepass.”

Iask,“But,howamItojoinyou?”Theytellme,“Cometotheedgeoftheshoreandstandwithyoureyestightshut,andyouwillbecarriedoutuponthewaves.”

Isay,“Mymotheralwayswantsmeathomeintheevening—howcanIleaveherandgo?”

Thentheysmile,danceandpassby.

ButIknowabettergamethanthat.

Iwillbethewavesandyouwillbeastrangeshore.

Ishallrollonandonandon,andbreakuponyourlapwithlaughter.

Andnooneintheworldwillknowwherewebothare.

THECHAMPAFLOWER

SUPPOSINGIbecameachampaflower,justforfun,andgrewonabranchhighupthattree,andshookinthewindwithlaughteranddanceduponthenewlybuddedleaves,wouldyouknowme,mother?

Youwouldcall,“Baby,whereareyou?”andIshouldlaughtomyselfandkeepquitequiet.

Ishouldslylyopenmypetalsandwatchyouatyourwork.

Whenafteryourbath,withwethairspreadonyourshoulders,youwalkedthroughtheshadowofthechampatreetothelittlecourtwhereyousayyourprayers,youwouldnoticethescentoftheflower,butnotknowthatitcamefromme.

WhenafterthemiddaymealyousatatthewindowreadingRamayana,andthetree’sshadowfelloveryourhairandyourlap,Ishouldflingmyweelittleshadowontothepageofyourbook,justwhereyouwerereading.

Butwouldyouguessthatitwasthetinyshadowofyourlittlechild?

Whenintheeveningyouwenttothecow-shedwiththelightedlampinyourhand,Ishouldsuddenlydropontotheearthagainandbeyourownbabyoncemore,andbegyoutotellmeastory.

“Wherehaveyoubeen,younaughtychild?”

“Iwon’ttellyou,mother.”That’swhatyouandIwouldsaythen.

[fromadrawingbyAbanindranathTagore]

FAIRYLAND

IFpeoplecametoknowwheremyking’spalaceis,itwouldvanishintotheair.

Thewallsareofwhitesilverandtheroofofshininggold.

Thequeenlivesinapalacewithsevencourtyards,andshewearsajewelthatcostallthewealthofsevenkingdoms.

Butletmetellyou,mother,inawhisper,wheremyking’spalaceis.

Itisatthecornerofourterracewherethepotofthetulsiplantstands.

Theprincessliessleepingonthefar-awayshoreofthesevenimpassableseas.

Thereisnoneintheworldwhocanfindherbutmyself.

Shehasbraceletsonherarmsandpearldropsinherears;herhairsweepsdownuponthefloor.

ShewillwakewhenItouchherwithmymagicwand,andjewelswillfallfromherlipswhenshesmiles.

Butletmewhisperinyourear,mother;sheisthereinthecornerofourterracewherethepotofthetulsiplantstands.

Whenitistimeforyoutogototheriverforyourbath,stepuptothatterraceontheroof.

Isitinthecornerwheretheshadowsofthewallsmeettogether.

Onlypussisallowedtocomewithme,forsheknowswherethebarberinthestorylives.

Butletmewhisper,mother,inyourearwherethebarberinthestorylives.

Itisatthecorneroftheterracewherethepotofthetulsiplantstands.

THELANDOFTHEEXILE

MOTHER,thelighthasgrowngreyinthesky;Idonotknowwhatthetimeis.

Thereisnofuninmyplay,soIhavecometoyou.ItisSaturday,ourholiday.

Leaveoffyourwork,mother;sitherebythewindowandtellmewherethedesertofTepântarinthefairytaleis?

Theshadowoftherainshascoveredthedayfromendtoend.

Thefiercelightningisscratchingtheskywithitsnails.

Whenthecloudsrumbleanditthunders,Ilovetobeafraidinmyheartandclingtoyou.

Whentheheavyrainpattersforhoursonthebambooleaves,andourwindowsshakeandrattleatthegustsofwind,Iliketositaloneintheroom,mother,withyou,andhearyoutalkaboutthedesertofTepântarinthefairytale.

Whereisit,mother,ontheshoreofwhatsea,atthefootofwhathills,inthekingdomofwhatking?

Therearenohedgestheretomarkthefields,nofootpathacrossitbywhichthevillagersreachtheirvillageintheevening,orthewomanwhogathersdrysticksintheforestcanbringherloadtothemarket.Withpatchesofyellowgrassinthesandandonlyonetreewherethepairofwiseoldbirdshavetheirnest,liesthedesertofTepântar.

Icanimaginehow,onjustsuchacloudyday,theyoungsonofthekingisridingaloneonagreyhorsethroughthedesert,insearchoftheprincesswholiesimprisonedinthegiant’spalaceacrossthatunknownwater.

Whenthehazeoftheraincomesdowninthedistantsky,andlightningstartsuplikeasuddenfitofpain,doesherememberhisunhappymother,abandonedbytheking,sweepingthecow-stallandwipinghereyes,whileheridesthroughthedesertofTepântarinthefairytale?

See,mother,itisalmostdarkbeforethedayisover,andthereareno

travellersyonderonthevillageroad.

Theshepherdboyhasgonehomeearlyfromthepasture,andmenhavelefttheirfieldstositonmatsundertheeavesoftheirhuts,watchingthescowlingclouds.

Mother,Ihaveleftallmybooksontheshelf—donotaskmetodomylessonsnow.

WhenIgrowupandambiglikemyfather,Ishalllearnallthatmustbelearnt.

Butjustforto-day,tellme,mother,wherethedesertofTepântarinthefairytaleis?

THERAINYDAY

SULLENcloudsaregatheringfastovertheblackfringeoftheforest.

Ochild,donotgoout!

Thepalmtreesinarowbythelakearesmitingtheirheadsagainstthedismalsky;thecrowswiththeirdraggledwingsaresilentonthetamarindbranches,andtheeasternbankoftheriverishauntedbyadeepeninggloom.

Ourcowislowingloud,tiedatthefence.

Ochild,waitheretillIbringherintothestall.

Menhavecrowdedintothefloodedfieldtocatchthefishesastheyescapefromtheoverflowingponds;therainwaterisrunninginrillsthroughthenarrowlaneslikealaughingboywhohasrunawayfromhismothertoteaseher.

Listen,someoneisshoutingfortheboatmanattheford.

Ochild,thedaylightisdim,andthecrossingattheferryisclosed.

Theskyseemstoridefastuponthemadly-rushingrain;thewaterintheriverisloudandimpatient;womenhavehastenedhomeearlyfromtheGangeswiththeirfilledpitchers.

Theeveninglampsmustbemadeready.

Ochild,donotgoout!

Theroadtothemarketisdesolate,thelanetotheriverisslippery.Thewindisroaringandstrugglingamongthebamboobrancheslikeawildbeasttangledinanet.

[fromadrawingbySurendranathGanguli]

PAPERBOATS

DAYbydayIfloatmypaperboatsonebyonedowntherunningstream.

InbigblacklettersIwritemynameonthemandthenameofthevillagewhereIlive.

IhopethatsomeoneinsomestrangelandwillfindthemandknowwhoIam.

Iloadmylittleboatswithshiuliflowersfromourgarden,andhopethatthesebloomsofthedawnwillbecarriedsafelytolandinthenight.

Ilaunchmypaperboatsandlookupintotheskyandseethelittlecloudssettingtheirwhitebulgingsails.

Iknownotwhatplaymateofmineintheskysendsthemdowntheairtoracewithmyboats!

WhennightcomesIburymyfaceinmyarmsanddreamthatmypaperboatsfloatonandonunderthemidnightstars.

Thefairiesofsleeparesailinginthem,andtheladingistheirbasketsfullofdreams.

THESAILOR

THEboatoftheboatmanMadhuismooredatthewharfofRajgunj.

Itisuselesslyladenwithjute,andhasbeenlyingthereidleforeversolong.

Ifhewouldonlylendmehisboat,Ishouldmanherwithahundredoars,andhoistsails,fiveorsixorseven.

Ishouldneversteerhertostupidmarkets.Ishouldsailthesevenseasandthethirteenriversoffairyland.

But,mother,youwon’tweepformeinacorner.

IamnotgoingintotheforestlikeRamachandratocomebackonlyafterfourteenyears.

Ishallbecometheprinceofthestory,andfillmyboatwithwhateverIlike.

IshalltakemyfriendAshuwithme.Weshallsailmerrilyacrossthesevenseasandthethirteenriversoffairyland.

Weshallsetsailintheearlymorninglight.

Whenatnoontideyouarebathingatthepond,weshallbeinthelandofastrangeking.

WeshallpassthefordofTirpurni,andleavebehindusthedesertofTepântar.

Whenwecomebackitwillbegettingdark,andIshalltellyouofallthatwehaveseen.

Ishallcrossthesevenseasandthethirteenriversoffairyland.

THEFURTHERBANK

ILONGtogoovertheretothefurtherbankoftheriver,

Wherethoseboatsaretiedtothebamboopolesinaline;

Wheremencrossoverintheirboatsinthemorningwithploughsontheirshoulderstotilltheirfar-awayfields;

Wherethecowherdsmaketheirlowingcattleswimacrosstotheriversidepasture;

Whencetheyallcomebackhomeintheevening,leavingthejackalstohowlintheislandovergrownwithweeds,

Mother,ifyoudon’tmind,IshouldliketobecometheboatmanoftheferrywhenIamgrownup.

Theysaytherearestrangepoolshiddenbehindthathighbank,

Whereflocksofwildduckscomewhentherainsareover,andthickreedsgrowroundthemarginswherewaterbirdslaytheireggs;

Wheresnipeswiththeirdancingtailsstamptheirtinyfootprintsuponthecleansoftmud;

Whereintheeveningthetallgrassescrestedwithwhiteflowersinvitethemoonbeamtofloatupontheirwaves.

Mother,ifyoudon’tmind,IshouldliketobecometheboatmanoftheferryboatwhenIamgrownup.

Ishallcrossandcrossbackfrombanktobank,andalltheboysandgirlsofthevillagewillwonderatmewhiletheyarebathing.

Whenthesunclimbsthemidskyandmorningwearsontonoon,Ishallcomerunningtoyou,saying,“Mother,Iamhungry!”

Whenthedayisdoneandtheshadowscowerunderthetrees,Ishallcomebackinthedusk.

Ishallnevergoawayfromyouintothetowntoworklikefather.

Mother,ifyoudon’tmind,IshouldliketobecometheboatmanoftheferryboatwhenIamgrownup.

THEFLOWER-SCHOOL

WHENstormcloudsrumbleintheskyandJuneshowerscomedown,

Themoisteastwindcomesmarchingovertheheathtoblowitsbagpipesamongthebamboos.

Thencrowdsofflowerscomeoutofasudden,fromnobodyknowswhere,anddanceuponthegrassinwildglee.

Mother,Ireallythinktheflowersgotoschoolunderground.

Theydotheirlessonswithdoorsshut,andiftheywanttocomeouttoplaybeforeitistime,theirmastermakesthemstandinacorner.

Whentherainscometheyhavetheirholidays.

Branchesclashtogetherintheforest,andtheleavesrustleinthewildwind,thethunder-cloudsclaptheirgianthandsandtheflowerchildrenrushoutindressesofpinkandyellowandwhite.

Doyouknow,mother,theirhomeisinthesky,wherethestarsare.

Haven’tyouseenhoweagertheyaretogetthere?Don’tyouknowwhytheyareinsuchahurry?

Ofcourse,Icanguesstowhomtheyraisetheirarms:theyhavetheirmotherasIhavemyown.

[fromadrawingbyAsitKumarHaldar]

THEMERCHANT

IMAGINE,mother,thatyouaretostayathomeandIamtotravelintostrangelands.

Imaginethatmyboatisreadyatthelandingfullyladen.

Nowthinkwell,mother,beforeyousaywhatIshallbringforyouwhenIcomeback.

Mother,doyouwantheapsandheapsofgold?

There,bythebanksofgoldenstreams,fieldsarefullofgoldenharvest.

Andintheshadeoftheforestpaththegoldenchampaflowersdropontheground.

Iwillgatherthemallforyouinmanyhundredbaskets.

Mother,doyouwantpearlsbigastheraindropsofautumn?

Ishallcrosstothepearlislandshore.Thereintheearlymorninglightpearlstrembleonthemeadowflowers,pearlsdroponthegrass,andpearlsarescatteredonthesandinspraybythewildsea-waves.

Mybrothershallhaveapairofhorseswithwingstoflyamongtheclouds.

ForfatherIshallbringamagicpenthat,withouthisknowing,willwriteofitself.

Foryou,mother,Imusthavethecasketandjewelthatcostsevenkingstheirkingdoms.

SYMPATHY

IFIwereonlyalittlepuppy,notyourbaby,motherdear,wouldyousay“No”tomeifItriedtoeatfromyourdish?

Wouldyoudrivemeoff,sayingtome,“Getaway,younaughtylittlepuppy?”

Thengo,mother,go!Iwillnevercometoyouwhenyoucallme,andneverletyoufeedmeanymore.

IfIwereonlyalittlegreenparrot,andnotyourbaby,motherdear,wouldyoukeepmechainedlestIshouldflyaway?

Wouldyoushakeyourfingeratmeandsay,“Whatanungratefulwretchofabird!Itisgnawingatitschaindayandnight?”

Then,go,mother,go!Iwillrunawayintothewoods;Iwillneverletyoutakemeinyourarmsagain.

VOCATION

WHENthegongsoundsteninthemorningandIwalktoschoolbyourlane,

EverydayImeetthehawkercrying,“Bangles,crystalbangles!”

Thereisnothingtohurryhimon,thereisnoroadhemusttake,noplacehemustgoto,notimewhenhemustcomehome.

IwishIwereahawker,spendingmydayintheroad,crying,“Bangles,crystalbangles!”

WhenatfourintheafternoonIcomebackfromtheschool,

Icanseethroughthegateofthathousethegardenerdiggingtheground.

Hedoeswhathelikeswithhisspade,hesoilshisclotheswithdust,nobodytakeshimtotaskifhegetsbakedinthesunorgetswet.

IwishIwereagardenerdiggingawayatthegardenwithnobodytostopmefromdigging.

Justasitgetsdarkintheeveningandmymothersendsmetobed,

Icanseethroughmyopenwindowthewatchmanwalkingupanddown.

Thelaneisdarkandlonely,andthestreet-lampstandslikeagiantwithoneredeyeinitshead.

Thewatchmanswingshislanternandwalkswithhisshadowathisside,andneveroncegoestobedinhislife.

IwishIwereawatchmanwalkingthestreetsallnight,chasingtheshadowswithmylantern.

SUPERIOR

MOTHER,yourbabyissilly!Sheissoabsurdlychildish!

Shedoesnotknowthedifferencebetweenthelightsinthestreetsandthestars.

Whenweplayateatingwithpebbles,shethinkstheyarerealfood,andtriestoputthemintohermouth.

WhenIopenabookbeforeherandaskhertolearnhera,b,c,shetearstheleaveswithherhandsandroarsforjoyatnothing;thisisyourbaby’swayofdoingherlesson.

WhenIshakemyheadatherinangerandscoldherandcallhernaughty,shelaughsandthinksitgreatfun.

Everybodyknowsthatfatherisaway,butifinplayIcallaloud“Father,”shelooksaboutherinexcitementandthinksthatfatherisnear.

WhenIholdmyclasswiththedonkeysthatourwashermanbringstocarryawaytheclothesandIwarnherthatIamtheschoolmaster,shewillscreamfornoreasonandcallmedâdâ.[elderbrother]

Yourbabywantstocatchthemoon.Sheissofunny;shecallsGaneshGânush.[Ganesh,acommonnameinIndia,alsothatofthegodwiththeelephant’shead.]

Mother,yourbabyissilly,sheissoabsurdlychildish!

THELITTLEBIGMAN

IAMsmallbecauseIamalittlechild.IshallbebigwhenIamasoldasmyfatheris.

Myteacherwillcomeandsay,“Itislate,bringyourslateandyourbooks.”

Ishalltellhim,“DoyounotknowIamasbigasfather?AndImustnothavelessonsanymore.”

Mymasterwillwonderandsay,“Hecanleavehisbooksifhelikes,forheisgrownup.”

Ishalldressmyselfandwalktothefairwherethecrowdisthick.

Myunclewillcomerushinguptomeandsay,“Youwillgetlost,myboy;letmecarryyou.”

Ishallanswer,“Can’tyousee,uncle,Iamasbigasfather.Imustgotothefairalone.”

Unclewillsay,“Yes,hecangowhereverhelikes,forheisgrownup.”

MotherwillcomefromherbathwhenIamgivingmoneytomynurse,forIshallknowhowtoopentheboxwithmykey.

Motherwillsay,“Whatareyouabout,naughtychild?”

Ishalltellher,“Mother,don’tyouknow,Iamasbigasfather,andImustgivesilvertomynurse.”

Motherwillsaytoherself,“Hecangivemoneytowhomhelikes,forheisgrownup.”

IntheholidaytimeinOctoberfatherwillcomehomeand,thinkingthatIamstillababy,willbringformefromthetownlittleshoesandsmallsilkenfrocks.

Ishallsay,“Father,givethemtomydâdâ[elderbrother],forIamasbigasyouare.”

Fatherwillthinkandsay,“Hecanbuyhisownclothesifhelikes,forheisgrownup.”

TWELVEO’CLOCK

MOTHER,Idowanttoleaveoffmylessonsnow.Ihavebeenatmybookallthemorning.

Yousayitisonlytwelveo’clock.Supposeitisn’tanylater;can’tyoueverthinkitisafternoonwhenitisonlytwelveo’clock?

Icaneasilyimaginenowthatthesunhasreachedtheedgeofthatrice-field,andtheoldfisher-womanisgatheringherbsforhersupperbythesideofthepond.

Icanjustshutmyeyesandthinkthattheshadowsaregrowingdarkerunderthemadartree,andthewaterinthepondlooksshinyblack.

Iftwelveo’clockcancomeinthenight,whycan’tthenightcomewhenitistwelveo’clock?

AUTHORSHIP

YOUsaythatfatherwritesalotofbooks,butwhathewritesIdon’tunderstand.

Hewasreadingtoyoualltheevening,butcouldyoureallymakeoutwhathemeant?

Whatnicestories,mother,youcantellus!Whycan’tfatherwritelikethat,Iwonder?

Didheneverhearfromhisownmotherstoriesofgiantsandfairiesandprincesses?

Hasheforgottenthemall?

Oftenwhenhegetslateforhisbathyouhavetogoandcallhimanhundredtimes.

Youwaitandkeephisdisheswarmforhim,buthegoesonwritingandforgets.

Fatheralwaysplaysatmakingbooks.

IfeverIgotoplayinfather’sroom,youcomeandcallme,“whatanaughtychild!”

IfImaketheslightestnoise,yousay,“Don’tyouseethatfather’sathiswork?”

What’sthefunofalwayswritingandwriting?

WhenItakeupfather’spenorpencilandwriteuponhisbookjustashedoes,—a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i,—whydoyougetcrosswithme,then,mother?

Youneversayawordwhenfatherwrites.

Whenmyfatherwastessuchheapsofpaper,mother,youdon’tseemtomindatall.

ButifItakeonlyonesheettomakeaboatwith,yousay,“Child,howtroublesomeyouare!”

Whatdoyouthinkoffather’sspoilingsheetsandsheetsofpaperwithblackmarksalloveronbothsides?

THEWICKEDPOSTMAN

WHYdoyousitthereonthefloorsoquietandsilent,tellme,motherdear?

Therainiscominginthroughtheopenwindow,makingyouallwet,andyoudon’tmindit.

Doyouhearthegongstrikingfour?Itistimeformybrothertocomehomefromschool.

Whathashappenedtoyouthatyoulooksostrange?

Haven’tyougotaletterfromfatherto-day?

Isawthepostmanbringinglettersinhisbagforalmosteverybodyinthetown.

Only,father’slettershekeepstoreadhimself.Iamsurethepostmanisawickedman.

Butdon’tbeunhappyaboutthat,motherdear.

To-morrowismarketdayinthenextvillage.Youaskyourmaidtobuysomepensandpapers.

Imyselfwillwriteallfather’sletters;youwillnotfindasinglemistake.

IshallwritefromArightuptoK.

But,mother,whydoyousmile?

Youdon’tbelievethatIcanwriteasnicelyasfatherdoes!

ButIshallrulemypapercarefully,andwriteallthelettersbeautifullybig.

WhenIfinishmywriting,doyouthinkIshallbesofoolishasfatheranddropitintothehorridpostman’sbag?

Ishallbringittoyoumyselfwithoutwaiting,andletterbyletterhelpyoutoreadmywriting.

Iknowthepostmandoesnotliketogiveyouthereallyniceletters.

[fromadrawingbyNandalallBose]

THEHERO

MOTHER,letusimaginewearetravelling,andpassingthroughastrangeanddangerouscountry.

YouareridinginapalanquinandIamtrottingbyyouonaredhorse.

Itiseveningandthesungoesdown.ThewasteofJoradighilieswanandgreybeforeus.Thelandisdesolateandbarren.

Youarefrightenedandthinking—“Iknownotwherewehavecometo.”

Isaytoyou,“Mother,donotbeafraid.”

Themeadowispricklywithspikygrass,andthroughitrunsanarrowbrokenpath.

Therearenocattletobeseeninthewidefield;theyhavegonetotheirvillagestalls.

Itgrowsdarkanddimonthelandandsky,andwecannottellwherewearegoing.

Suddenlyyoucallmeandaskmeinawhisper,“Whatlightisthatnearthebank?”

Justthenthereburstsoutafearfulyell,andfigurescomerunningtowardsus.

Yousitcrouchedinyourpalanquinandrepeatthenamesofthegodsinprayer.

Thebearers,shakinginterror,hidethemselvesinthethornybush.

Ishouttoyou,“Don’tbeafraid,mother.Iamhere.”

Withlongsticksintheirhandsandhairallwildabouttheirheads,theycomenearerandnearer.

Ishout,“Haveacare!youvillains!Onestepmoreandyouaredeadmen.”

Theygiveanotherterribleyellandrushforward.

Youclutchmyhandandsay,“Dearboy,forheaven’ssake,keepawayfromthem.”

Isay,“Mother,justyouwatchme.”

ThenIspurmyhorseforawildgallop,andmyswordandbucklerclashagainsteachother.

Thefightbecomessofearful,mother,thatitwouldgiveyouacoldshuddercouldyouseeitfromyourpalanquin.

Manyofthemfly,andagreatnumberarecuttopieces.

Iknowyouarethinking,sittingallbyyourself,thatyourboymustbedeadbythistime.

ButIcometoyouallstainedwithblood,andsay,“Mother,thefightisovernow.”

Youcomeoutandkissme,pressingmetoyourheart,andyousaytoyourself,

“Idon’tknowwhatIshoulddoifIhadn’tmyboytoescortme.”

Athousanduselessthingshappendayafterday,andwhycouldn’tsuchathingcometruebychance?

Itwouldbelikeastoryinabook.

Mybrotherwouldsay,“Isitpossible?Ialwaysthoughthewassodelicate!”

Ourvillagepeoplewouldallsayinamazement,“Wasitnotluckythattheboywaswithhismother?”

THEEND

ITistimeformetogo,mother;Iamgoing.

Wheninthepalingdarknessofthelonelydawnyoustretchoutyourarmsforyourbabyinthebed,Ishallsay,“Babyisnotthere!”—mother,Iamgoing.

Ishallbecomeadelicatedraughtofairandcaressyou;andIshallberipplesinthewaterwhenyoubathe,andkissyouandkissyouagain.

Inthegustynightwhentherainpattersontheleavesyouwillhearmywhisperinyourbed,andmylaughterwillflashwiththelightningthroughtheopenwindowintoyourroom.

Ifyoulieawake,thinkingofyourbabytilllateintothenight,Ishallsingtoyoufromthestars,“Sleepmother,sleep.”

OnthestrayingmoonbeamsIshallstealoveryourbed,andlieuponyourbosomwhileyousleep.

Ishallbecomeadream,andthroughthelittleopeningofyoureyelidsIshallslipintothedepthsofyoursleep;andwhenyouwakeupandlookroundstartled,likeatwinklingfireflyIshallflitoutintothedarkness.

When,onthegreatfestivalofpuja,theneighbours’childrencomeandplayaboutthehouse,Ishallmeltintothemusicofthefluteandthrobinyourheartallday.

Dearauntiewillcomewithpuja-presentsandwillask,“Whereisourbaby,sister?Mother,youwilltellhersoftly,“Heisinthepupilsofmyeyes,heisinmybodyandinmysoul.”

THERECALL

THEnightwasdarkwhenshewentaway,andtheyslept.

Thenightisdarknow,andIcallforher,“Comeback,mydarling;theworldisasleep;andnoonewouldknow,ifyoucameforamomentwhilestarsaregazingatstars.”

Shewentawaywhenthetreeswereinbudandthespringwasyoung.

NowtheflowersareinhighbloomandIcall,“Comeback,mydarling.Thechildrengatherandscatterflowersinrecklesssport.Andifyoucomeandtakeonelittleblossomnoonewillmissit.”

Thosethatusedtoplayareplayingstill,sospendthriftislife.

Ilistentotheirchatterandcall,“Comeback,mydarling,formother’sheartisfulltothebrimwithlove,andifyoucometosnatchonlyonelittlekissfromhernoonewillgrudgeit.”

THEFIRSTJASMINES

AH,thesejasmines,thesewhitejasmines!

IseemtorememberthefirstdaywhenIfilledmyhandswiththesejasmines,thesewhitejasmines.

Ihavelovedthesunlight,theskyandthegreenearth;

Ihaveheardtheliquidmurmuroftheriverthroughthedarknessofmidnight;

Autumnsunsetshavecometomeatthebendofaroadinthelonelywaste,likeabrideraisingherveiltoacceptherlover.

YetmymemoryisstillsweetwiththefirstwhitejasminesthatIheldinmyhandwhenIwasachild.

Manyagladdayhascomeinmylife,andIhavelaughedwithmerrymakersonfestivalnights.

OngreymorningsofrainIhavecroonedmanyanidlesong.

Ihavewornroundmynecktheeveningwreathofbakulaswovenbythehandoflove.

YetmyheartissweetwiththememoryofthefirstfreshjasminesthatfilledmyhandswhenIwasachild.

THEBANYANTREE

OYOUshaggy-headedbanyantreestandingonthebankofthepond,haveyouforgottenthelittlechild,likethebirdsthathavenestedinyourbranchesandleftyou?

Doyounotrememberhowhesatatthewindowandwonderedatthetangleofyourrootsthatplungedunderground?

Thewomenwouldcometofilltheirjarsinthepond,andyourhugeblackshadowwouldwriggleonthewaterlikesleepstrugglingtowakeup.

Sunlightdancedontherippleslikerestlesstinyshuttlesweavinggoldentapestry.

Twoducksswambytheweedymarginabovetheirshadows,andthechildwouldsitstillandthink.

Helongedtobethewindandblowthroughyourrustlingbranches,tobeyourshadowandlengthenwiththedayonthewater,tobeabirdandperchonyourtop-mosttwig,andtofloatlikethoseducksamongtheweedsandshadows.

[fromadrawingbySurendranathGanguli]

BENEDICTION

BLESSthislittleheart,thiswhitesoulthathaswonthekissofheavenforourearth.

Helovesthelightofthesun,helovesthesightofhismother’sface.

Hehasnotlearnedtodespisethedust,andtohankeraftergold.

Clasphimtoyourheartandblesshim.

Hehascomeintothislandofanhundredcross-roads.

Iknownothowhechoseyoufromthecrowd,cametoyourdoor,andgraspedyourhandtoaskhisway.

Hewillfollowyou,laughingandtalking,andnotadoubtinhisheart.

Keephistrust,leadhimstraightandblesshim.

Layyourhandonhishead,andpraythatthoughthewavesunderneathgrowthreatening,yetthebreathfromabovemaycomeandfillhissailsandwafthimtothehavenofpeace.

Forgethimnotinyourhurry,lethimcometoyourheartandblesshim.

THEGIFT

IWANTtogiveyousomething,mychild,forwearedriftinginthestreamoftheworld.

Ourliveswillbecarriedapart,andourloveforgotten.

ButIamnotsofoolishastohopethatIcouldbuyyourheartwithmygifts.

Youngisyourlife,yourpathlong,andyoudrinkthelovewebringyouatonedraughtandturnandrunawayfromus.

Youhaveyourplayandyourplaymates.Whatharmisthereifyouhavenotimeorthoughtforus.

We,indeed,haveleisureenoughinoldagetocountthedaysthatarepast,tocherishinourheartswhatourhandshavelostforever.

Theriverrunsswiftwithasong,breakingthroughallbarriers.Butthemountainstaysandremembers,andfollowsherwithhislove.

MYSONG

THISsongofminewillwinditsmusicaroundyou,mychild,likethefondarmsoflove.

Thissongofminewilltouchyourforeheadlikeakissofblessing.

Whenyouarealoneitwillsitbyyoursideandwhisperinyourear,whenyouareinthecrowditwillfenceyouaboutwithaloofness.

Mysongwillbelikeapairofwingstoyourdreams,itwilltransportyourhearttothevergeoftheunknown.

Itwillbelikethefaithfulstaroverheadwhendarknightisoveryourroad.

Mysongwillsitinthepupilsofyoureyes,andwillcarryyoursightintotheheartofthings.

Andwhenmyvoiceissilentindeath,mysongwillspeakinyourlivingheart.

THECHILD-ANGEL

THEYclamourandfight,theydoubtanddespair,theyknownoendtotheirwranglings.

Letyourlifecomeamongstthemlikeaflameoflight,mychild,unflickeringandpure,anddelightthemintosilence.

Theyarecruelintheirgreedandtheirenvy,theirwordsarelikehiddenknivesthirstingforblood.

Goandstandamidsttheirscowlinghearts,mychild,andletyourgentleeyesfalluponthemliketheforgivingpeaceoftheeveningoverthestrifeoftheday.

Letthemseeyourface,mychild,andthusknowthemeaningofallthings;letthemloveyouandthusloveeachother.

Comeandtakeyourseatinthebosomofthelimitless,mychild.Atsunriseopenandraiseyourheartlikeablossomingflower,andatsunsetbendyourheadandinsilencecompletetheworshipoftheday.

THELASTBARGAIN

“COMEandhireme,”Icried,whileinthemorningIwaswalkingonthestone-pavedroad.

Swordinhand,theKingcameinhischariot.

Heheldmyhandandsaid,“Iwillhireyouwithmypower.”

Buthispowercountedfornought,andhewentawayinhischariot.

Intheheatofthemiddaythehousesstoodwithshutdoors.

Iwanderedalongthecrookedlane.

Anoldmancameoutwithhisbagofgold.

Heponderedandsaid,“Iwillhireyouwithmymoney.”

Heweighedhiscoinsonebyone,butIturnedaway.

Itwasevening.Thegardenhedgewasallaflower.

Thefairmaidcameoutandsaid,“Iwillhireyouwithasmile.”

Hersmilepaledandmeltedintotears,andshewentbackaloneintothedark.

Thesunglistenedonthesand,andtheseawavesbrokewaywardly.

Achildsatplayingwithshells.

Heraisedhisheadandseemedtoknowme,andsaid,“Ihireyouwithnothing.”

Fromthenceforwardthatbargainstruckinchild’splaymademeafreeman.

THEEND