Rudra; A Romance of Ancient India (1912) (Paperback)

Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: CHAPTER III RAJA AND PHILOSOPHER On the east bank of the Ganges, a full two hundred miles southeast of Hastinapur, Amorapama, Raja of Pan- chala l, held sway. His father's then impending death had kept away the young prince from Ojas' feast. He was bold, high-principled and much inclined to speculative thought. Earnestly had he reflected on the philosophy of the Vedas, often disputed with his friend and priest, the noble Kavi, and though their discursive journeys were tortuous, no definite agreement had as yet been reached. Each believed his faith was right, and neither could swerve the other from doctrine firmly fixed. And though they disagreed, their arguments were always kindly meant, and their friendship never suffered from religious difference. For both were honest in their thoughts, and each respected the other's views. Kavi took joy and pride in Amorapama's strength and skill, for which in early youth he had been far ahead of other boys of equal or of even greater age. His manhood proved fulfilment of youth's prophecy, for the prince was counted among the best in all manly sports and athletic exercise. Had Amorapama tried his mettle against Agra's skill, it is not likely he would have won so easily. Like Agra, Amorapama was young in years, scarce 'Maha Bharata, Map, Wheeler's Ind., I. twenty, strong, lithe, and possessed of great nimbleness. His eye was keen, his nerve steady, which qualities combined made him a foe worthy the best antagonist. None deadlier in aim, surer in stroke, or steadier in combat could be found in all the land of Panchala. His legs were corded with tough muscle, and his arms by constant practice in tension swelled to knotty mounds. Tall was he and finely formed, and vigor and agility gave him manly grace, and his fresh, strong...